cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrated Vehicle Health Management as a system engineering discipline

Understanding Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) requires arriving at a common definition, one that captures all facets of the system. IVHM should not be treated as a standalone subsystem, added on to the vehicle. Nor should a group of sensors and related instrumentation system be considered IVHM. From a software perspective, IVHM is more than just fault models, algorithms and sensor processing software. While IVHM utilizes these components to perform its intended function, a true IVHM system incorporates a philosophy, methodology and process that focuses on design and development for safety, operability, maintainability, reliability and testability. To be most effective, IVHM must be "designed in" to the target system (i.e., the vehicle and its supporting infrastructure) from the beginning of the program, and not "added on" along the way. IVHM principles must permeate the culture and mindset of the organization, being held in similar regard to safety. IVHM must be elevated to the status of a system engineering discipline. To do so requires a conscious effort be made by all those involved in the program.
Analysis of Public Policies for Sexuality Education in Germany and The Netherlands

The purpose of this article is to present an analysis of the philosophical, historical, sociological, political, and economic perspectives reflected in the public policies about lifespan sexuality education of Germany and The Netherlands. A new conceptual framework for analysis and evaluation of sexuality education policies that integrates the Conceptual Model of Nursing and Health Policy and the Neuman Systems Model guided the analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 informants from the two countries during the summers of 2012 and 2013. A short discussion of sexuality education in the United States is presented with implications focused on how the results of the analyses of sexuality education policies in Germany and The Netherlands could influence development of sexuality education policies in the United States.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives/Part I: Economic Perspectives (Editorial Introduction)

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been rapidly diffusing around the world in the past thirty years. However, many observers in international government and non-government organizations, including the various agencies of the United Nations, the World Bank, the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, and the International Telecommunications, among other organizations, have recognized through their research studies that the global distribution of ICT capital has not been even. They also have argued that technology has not been uniformly effective in boosting countries’ economic growth, social welfare, and technological well-being. In two special issues (December 2005 and January 2006), the Journal of the Association for Information Systems explores the issues of the digital divide. This term is most often used to characterize the differences in access between social systems at different levels of aggregation, such as regions of the world, countries, individuals and organizations to the advanced capabilities of computers and the Internet, telecommunications and wireless phone services, and the wealth of knowledge that can be found in sites and pages on the World Wide Web.
Effects of Systemic [Pyr] Apelin-13 Administration on Coronary and Peripheral Hemodynamics (LB643)

This study was designed to assess effects of acute apelin administration on cardiac and coronary performance in anesthetized, open-chest swine. Systemic intravenous administration of pyr-apelin 13 ...
. . . in die festivitatis: gift-giving, power and the calendar in the Carolingian kingdoms

The reckoning of time and the composing of calendars became an important part of cultural practice in the early Middle Ages. This paper asks how important were works on the reckoning of time for those who used the calendar in everyday life. It considers whether monks and scholars may have influenced royal officials in the reckoning of time. The social symbolism of calendric knowledge is also examined in the context of gift-giving and exchange that permeated Frankish society. Representations and uses of time reckoning are actually seen to be similar in the royal court and local contexts, but were rather different from what some scholars have imagined.
Carbamylation of pepsinogen and pepsin.

Abstract 1. Potassium cyanate, a reagent that carbamylates proteins, reacts both with pepsinogen and pepsin. 2. When allowed to react with pepsinogen, nine of the 10 e-NH2 groups of the lysine residues are carbamylated and homocitrulline is formed. In addition, reaction occurs with 4 tyrosine residues but not with the α-NH2-terminal leucine. 3. Carbamylation of pepsinogen is accompanied by a decreased susceptibility to activation. The enzymically active product that can be obtained is, in its amino acid composition and NH2-terminal amino acid, indistinguishable from pepsin prepared from the untreated zymogen. 4. Carbamylation results in a change of the molecular conformation of the protein as reflected by a decrease of λc from 236 to 220 mµ, an increase of the levorotation, [α]366, from -212 to -297, and a change of [m'] from -4086 to -3802. 5. Pepsinogen in which 3 lysines are carbamylated retains its native conformation and full potential pepsin activity. On further reaction with potassium cyanate, the loss of potential pepsin activity parallels the percentage change of the specific optical rotation, [α]366. 6. When pepsin is carbamylated, the proteolytic activity of the enzyme toward hemoglobin decreases, whereas the hydrolysis of the synthetic substrate, N-acetyl-dl-phenylalanyldiiodotyrosine, increases 2.8-fold. These changes can be reversed by decarbamylation with hydroxylamine. 7. With the aid of differences in the absorbance and in the incorporation of K14CNO it was established that 6 tyrosine residues were carbamylated in pepsin. Although the NH2-terminal isoleucine had reacted, the 1 lysine residue of the protein was not carbamylated.
Information display-an overview and trends

The author concentrates on display transducers as used mainly in computer systems, computer terminals, and personal computers. The review covers cathode-ray tubes (including flat-tension-mask and unconventional designs), liquid-crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, gas-plasma displays, and large-area and projection displays. Tables listing the numbers of patents filed in these technologies by year and company are provided. >
Trends in the Statistical Assessment of Reliability

Changes in technology have had and will continue to have a strong effect on changes in the area of statistical assessment of reliability data. These changes include higher levels of integration in electronics, improvements in measurement technology and the deployment of sensors and smart chips into more products, dramatically improved computing power and storage technology, and the development of new, powerful statistical methods for graphics, inference, and experimental design and reliability test planning. This chapter traces some of the history of the development of statistical methods for reliability assessment and makes some predictions about the future.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Innovative Applications of Artificial Intelligence 2014

This issue features expanded versions of articles selected from the 2014 AAAI Conference on Innovative Applications of Artificial Intelligence held in Quebec City, Canada. We present a selection of four articles describing deployed applications plus two more articles that discuss work on emerging applications.
Actively Pursuing Knowledge In The College Classroom

The purpose of this study was to compare course evaluation responses of students enrolled in several sections of a graduate level human growth and development course taught with a traditional lecture/textbook approach to the course evaluation responses of students enrolled subsequent sessions of the same graduate human growth and development course taught with an active learning approach. Quantitative and qualitative data indicated that students in the sections taught with an active learning approach rated those sections significantly higher than students in sections taught with a traditional lecture/textbook approach.
Transforming Growth Factor Beta: Role in Cell Growth and Differentiation

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is the prototype for a family of multifunctional secreted peptides that control many aspects of growth and development in a cell-type-specific manner. TGFβs are well conserved among species indicating their importance in these basic biological processes. TGFβ is secreted in a latent form that is activated outside of the cell. It acts by binding to heteromeric serine/threonine kinase receptors on the cell surface that transmit a signal to nucleus via Smad proteins to ultimately regulate changes in gene expression. Although TGFβ is required for normal development and physiology, alterations in TGFβ signalling are involved in many disease processes including cancer, fibrosis and disorders of the connective tissue like Marfan's syndrome. Understanding the basic mechanisms through which TGFβ mediates cell growth, shape, migration and differentiation should lead to therapeutic interventions for a number of common diseases. Key Concepts: Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is the prototype for a conserved family of multifunctional secreted peptides. TGFβs regulate many basic biological processes including cell proliferation, shape, adhesion, migration and differentiation. TGFβ is secreted from cells in a latent, inactive form that is activated through proteolytic and nonproteolytic mechanisms. TGFβ acts through heteromeric serine/threonine kinase receptors. TGFβ regulates changes in gene expression via Smad proteins. Smad-independent, noncanonical signalling pathways exist. TGFβ inhibits the cell cycle by regulating the activity of cyclin dependent kinases. TGFβ regulates the expression of key transcription factors, Snail and Slug, which mediate changes in cell shape. TGFβ promotes deposition and accumulation of ECM. TGFβ regulates differentiation through Smads by mediating changes in chromatin structure and binding to master transcriptional regulators. Keywords: Smad; cancer; cell cycle; extracellular matrix; differentiation
Cerumen Genetics and Human Breast Cancer

International mortality and frequency rates for breast cancer seem to be associated with the frequency of the allele for wet-type cerumen. A preliminary retrospective case-control study in California indicates that phenotypically wet-type cerumen is found in Japanese women with breast cancer more often than in healthy Japanese women. Findings support the hypothesis that the apocrine system's genetically determined variation may influence susceptibility to breast cancer.
Translation of homologous and heterologous messenger RNAs in a yeast cell-free system.

Abstract A stable mRNA-dependent cell-free translation system from Saccharomyces cerevisiae , prepared by a modification of the method of Hofbauer et al. [Eur. J. Biochem. 122 (1982) 199–203] was active in translation of exogenous homologous and heterologous mRNAs. Optimal translational activity required the addition of polyamines and yeast tRNA. The m transcript of the M segment of double-stranded RNA, synthesized in vitro using the killer virus-associated RNA polymerase, directed the synthesis of preprotoxin polypeptide (M-p32), which was immunologically identified using antitoxin antibody. Sindbis virus capsid protein and rabbit globin were also translated from their mRNAs. Translation was inhibited by puromycin, sparsomycin and anisomycin. Analogues of the 5'-terminal caps present on most eukaryotic mRNA molecules inhibited translation of added mRNAs, including capped mRNAs and the uncapped killer virus mRNA.
An adaptive discretization of incompressible flow using a multitude of moving Cartesian grids

We present a novel method for discretizing the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations on a multitude of moving and overlapping Cartesian grids each with an independently chosen cell size to address adaptivity. Advection is handled with first and second order accurate semi-Lagrangian schemes in order to alleviate any time step restriction associated with small grid cell sizes. Likewise, an implicit temporal discretization is used for the parabolic terms including Navier-Stokes viscosity which we address separately through the development of a method for solving the heat diffusion equations. The most intricate aspect of any such discretization is the method used in order to solve the elliptic equation for the Navier-Stokes pressure or that resulting from the temporal discretization of parabolic terms. We address this by first removing any degrees of freedom which duplicately cover spatial regions due to overlapping grids, and then providing a discretization for the remaining degrees of freedom adjacent to these regions. We observe that a robust second order accurate symmetric positive definite readily preconditioned discretization can be obtained by constructing a local Voronoi region on the fly for each degree of freedom in question in order to obtain both its stencil (logically connected neighbors) and stencil weights. Internal curved boundaries such as at solid interfaces are handled using a simple immersed boundary approach which is directly applied to the Voronoi mesh in both the viscosity and pressure solves. We independently demonstrate each aspect of our approach on test problems in order to show efficacy and convergence before finally addressing a number of common test cases for incompressible flow with stationary and moving solid bodies.
Genomic messaging system language including command extensions for clinical data categories.

This paper, in the area of clinical bioinformatics, highlights relatively efficient means of storing, exchanging, protecting, and searching human and other genomic data, so as to make the data securely accessible to researchers while respecting patient privacy. One important idea is that the GMSL language can be considered as an extension of the way DNA and protein sequences are written so as to carry with them the wishes of the patient in regard to fine-grained consent (as well as retaining the medical experts' cautions, instructions for use, and annotation), and this is carried, whatever environment (e.g., XML) that the data is from or whatever it is going to. At the deepest level, a stream of data expressed in GMSL resembles highly compressed stream of self-checking machine code. For the reader less familiar with the computational aspects, some simple examples illustrate how the raw language looks and works as a raw stream of (interpreted) bytes. The bioinformatics applications are not confined to the ...
Bone-like polyethelyne burr-hole cover.

Abstract Objective: Several materials are available for covering burr holes but none of them are ideal with respect to biocompatibility, strength and morbidity. With these properties in mind, our objective was to design a porous polyethylene device, which looked like bone and provides protection and cosmesis while being quick and easy to apply. Methods and Materials/Results: A burr–hole cover was created to cover small cranial defects and craniostomies. Using high–density polyethylene, this cover was designed to resemble the bony structure of the skull. Its porous architecture allows for tissue ingrowth and bony integration. It consists of a cylinder which fits into the burr hole and a cap which can be sutured or anchored with titanium screws. Conclusions: The 'bone–like' burr–hole cover provides adequate protection, biocompatibility and cosmesis and is simple to use. Alternative implants can be toxic to surrounding tissues, costly and time consuming to apply. This high–density polyethylene cover is compa...
Frequency specificity of the auditory evoked response to simultaneously and successively presented stimuli

Abstract Two experiments were designed to ascertain whether the auditory evoked response in man reflects a tonotopic organization of the auditory cortex. In Experiment I, the evoked response (N 1 P 2 component) registered between vertex and earlobe, was measured when either 375,1000 or 8000 c/sec were presented simultaneously with 250 c/sec and when each tonal frequency was presented alone. In Experiment II, an 8000 c/sec tone intervened between successive presentations of a 250 c/sec tone. The question asked was whether the intervening 8000 c/sec tone would reduce the size of the response to the 250 c/sec tone. The results of Experiment I showed that for simultaneously presented tones the size of the evoked response increased progressively as the two tones became further removed from one another in frequency, and the size of the response amplitude evoked by the two tones which differed most in frequency (250–8000 c/sec) approached the sum of the response amplitudes evoked by each tone when delivered singly. In Experiment II, where tones were delivered sequentially, 8000 c/sec reduced the response to 250 c/sec when both tones were presented to the same ear. If, however, 8000 c/sec were given to the right ear and 250 c/sec to the left ear, no evidence for interaction between the two stimuli was apparent. Assuming that the N 1 P 2 component of the auditory evoked response can serve validly as an index of auditory cortex activity, the data support the notion that the auditory cortex is organized tonotopically but that each tonal frequency has widespread neural representation.
Recent theories of gas sorption in polymers

Theories and models are presented for gas sorption in polymers above and below the glass transition temperature. With the exception of predictive theories that do not represent the data well, the models are fit to data for the carbon dioxide/silicone rubber and carbon dioxide/polycarbonate systems for the purposes of comparison. During the past decade, a number of new models and theories have been proposed specifically for gas sorption in glassy polymers. Each new model attempts to incorporate aspects of the gas sorption process that are unique to polymers below the glass transition temperature. This review discusses these recent advances, the assumptions used in their development and their advantages and disadvantages.
Initiation of the San Jacinto Fault and its Interaction with the San Andreas Fault: Insights from Geodynamic Modeling

The San Andreas Fault (SAF) is the Pacific-North American plate boundary, yet in southern California a significant portion of the relative plate motion is accommodated by the San Jacinto Fault (SJF). Here we investigate the initiation of the SJF and its interaction with the SAF in a three-dimensional visco-elasto-plastic finite-element model. The model results show that the restraining bend of the southern SAF causes strain localization along the SJF, thus may have contributed to its initiation. Slip on the SJF tends to reduce slip rate on the SAF and enhance deformation in the Eastern California Shear Zone. The initiation of the SJF and its interaction with the SAF reflect the evolving plate boundary zone as it continuously seeks the most efficient way to accommodate the relative plate motion.
The region of the pontine parabrachial nucleus is a major target of dehydration-sensitive CRH neurons in the rat lateral hypothalamic area

Neurons in a restricted part of the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) show increased expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA as a consequence of cellular dehydration. In the present study, we have investigated the organization of their efferent projections by using anterograde and retrograde tracing techniques. Additionally, we have compared the distribution of CRH mRNA-containing neurons after cellular dehydration and intraventricular (i.c.v.) colchicine injections. Our results show that cellular dehydration activates a more restricted neuronal population than does i.c.v. colchicine. Iontophoretic injections of Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHAL) were placed in the LHA of animals drinking hypertonic saline and their proximity to activated CRH neurons determined by in situ hybridization for CRH mRNA. Although labelled fibers from these injections were seen throughout the brain, the region of the parabrachial nucleus and nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) were most conspicuous in also having CRH immunoreactive fibers. Injections of Fluoro-Gold placed in these two structures were used to confirm these findings in dehydrated animals. Significant numbers of neurons containing both Fluoro-Gold and CRH mRNA were seen in the lateral hypothalamus after injections in the lateral and medial parts of the parabrachial nucleus; far fewer were seen after injections in the NTS. These results strongly suggest that the CRH neurons in the LHA activated by cellular dehydration provide an input to the region of the parabrachial nucleus. The altered biochemical composition of this pathway may well be able to modify sensory and motor patterns both during and after dehydration. J. Comp. Neurol. 394:48–63, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
High rate pulse generation from InGaAsP laser in selfoc lens external resonator

High rate modulation of an InGaAsP diode laser at rates of 5-10 GHz was demonstrated using a selfoc microlens external resonator. At a rate of 5.3 GHz modelocked pulses of 30 ps duration were obtained, whereas deeply modulated output was observed at 8.1 and 9.4 GHz rates.
Transcriptional analysis of mutacin I (mutA) gene expression in planktonic and biofilm cells of Streptococcus mutans using fluorescent protein and glucuronidase reporters

Streptococcus mutans is implicated as the primary pathogen involved in the development of dental caries. The production of specific bacteriocins (called mutacins) by S. mutans is one of the major virulence factors which facilitate the dominance of the bacterium within dental plaque. While much has been revealed about the biochemical structures of mutacins, little is known about the expression and regulation of mutacin genes, largely due to the lack of proper methods to monitor mutacin gene expression, especially under biofilm conditions. In this study, a set of reporter systems with the green fluorescent protein (gfp), the monomeric red fluorescent protein (mrfp1), and the glucuronidase (gusA) are introduced to S. mutans to study the transcriptional activities of the mutacin I gene (mutA). Although the mutA-reporter fusions are in single copy on the chromosome, these reporter systems display strong signals that allow us to effectively monitor mutA gene expression in S. mutans. Using these reporter systems, we show that mutA is expressed in both planktonic and biofilm cells, even though mutacin activities are normally detected only in biofilm cells. Furthermore, we confirm that mutR, the gene upstream of the mutacin operon, is required for mutacin I gene expression. The success of this study validates the feasibility of using these reporter systems to study gene expression and regulation in S. mutans.
YY1 is indispensable for Lgr5+ intestinal stem cell renewal.

The intestinal stem cell fuels the highest rate of tissue turnover in the body and has been implicated in intestinal disease and cancer; understanding the regulatory mechanisms controlling intestinal stem cell physiology is of great importance. Here, we provide evidence that the transcription factor YY1 is essential for intestinal stem cell renewal. We observe that YY1 loss skews normal homeostatic cell turnover, with an increase in proliferating crypt cells and a decrease in their differentiated villous progeny. Increased crypt cell numbers come at the expense of Lgr5+ stem cells. On YY1 deletion, Lgr5+ cells accelerate their commitment to the differentiated population, exhibit increased levels of apoptosis, and fail to maintain stem cell renewal. Loss of Yy1 in the intestine is ultimately fatal. Mechanistically, YY1 seems to play a role in stem cell energy metabolism, with mitochondrial complex I genes bound directly by YY1 and their transcript levels decreasing on YY1 loss. These unappreciated YY1 functions broaden our understanding of metabolic regulation in intestinal stem cell homeostasis.
Theoretical prediction of Am(iii)/Eu(iii) selectivity to aid the design of actinide-lanthanide separation agents.

Selective extraction of minor actinides from lanthanides is a critical step in the reduction of radiotoxicity of spent nuclear fuels. However, the design of suitable ligands for separating chemically similar 4f- and 5f-block trivalent metal ions poses a significant challenge. First-principles calculations should play an important role in the design of new separation agents, but their ability to predict metal ion selectivity has not been systematically evaluated. In this work, we examine the ability of several density functional theory methods to predict selectivity of Am(III) and Eu(III) with oxygen, mixed oxygen–nitrogen, and sulfur donor ligands. The results establish a computational method capable of predicting the correct order of selectivities obtained from liquid–liquid extraction and aqueous phase complexation studies. To allow reasonably accurate predictions, it was critical to employ sufficiently flexible basis sets and provide proper account of solvation effects. The approach is utilized to estimate the selectivity of novel amide-functionalized diazine and 1,2,3-triazole ligands.
Air toxics and epigenetic effects: ozone altered microRNAs in the sputum of human subjects

Ozone (O3) is a criteria air pollutant that is associated with numerous adverse health effects, including altered respiratory immune responses. Despite its deleterious health effects, possible epigenetic mechanisms underlying O3-induced health effects remain understudied. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are epigenetic regulators of genomic response to environmental insults and unstudied in relationship to O3 inhalation exposure. Our objective was to test whether O3 inhalation exposure significantly alters miRNA expression profiles within the human bronchial airways. Twenty healthy adult human volunteers were exposed to 0.4 ppm O3 for 2 h. Induced sputum samples were collected from each subject 48 h preexposure and 6 h postexposure for evaluation of miRNA expression and markers of inflammation in the airways. Genomewide miRNA expression profiles were evaluated by microarray analysis, and in silico predicted mRNA targets of the O3-responsive miRNAs were identified and validated against previously measured O3-induced changes in mRNA targets. Biological network analysis was performed on the O3-associated miRNAs and mRNA targets to reveal potential associated response signaling and functional enrichment. Expression analysis of the sputum samples revealed that O3 exposure significantly increased the expression levels of 10 miRNAs, namely miR-132, miR-143, miR-145, miR-199a*, miR-199b-5p, miR-222, miR-223, miR-25, miR-424, and miR-582-5p. The miRNAs and their predicted targets were associated with a diverse range of biological functions and disease signatures, noted among them inflammation and immune-related disease. The present study shows that O3 inhalation exposure disrupts select miRNA expression profiles that are associated with inflammatory and immune response signaling. These findings provide novel insight into epigenetic regulation of responses to O3 exposure.
A prospective observational trial of pelvic floor muscle training for female stress urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on bladder neck mobility in a prospective observational study, and to correlate any observed changes with objective, standardized outcome measures of the severity of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). PATIENTS AND METHODS Women with the symptom of SUI were recruited prospectively over a 3-year period from a tertiary referral urogynaecology clinic in a teaching hospital. A group of 97 treatment-naive women complaining of SUI and confirmed as having urodynamic SUI on video-urodynamic assessment agreed to participate. Bladder neck mobility on perineal ultrasonography was assessed immediately before and on completing a 14-week programme of ‘PFM rehabilitation’. Treatment outcome was assessed using a standardized pad-test and a condition-specific, validated quality-of-life questionnaire (King’s Health Questionnaire). Changes in functional anatomy were quantified using transperineal ultrasonography to measure the bladder neck position at rest, maximum PFM contraction and maximum Valsalva manoeuvre. Bladder neck rotational mobility from rest to maximum incursion and maximum excursion was calculated. RESULTS Treatment with an intensive package of PFMT and behavioural modification resulted in significant elevation of the bladder neck position at all three measured positions. Displacement of the bladder neck on Valsalva (rotational excursion) was reduced after treatment, suggesting increased levator ‘stiffness’. These changes in functional anatomy were associated with a statistically and clinically significant reduction in urine loss and improvement in condition-specific quality of life. CONCLUSION The present results show that PFMT is an effective treatment for SUI and provide an important new insight into how dynamic pelvic floor anatomy can be modified by this widely used intervention.
Testing for Early Photoperiod Insensitivity in Soybean

To accurately model the flowering process in soybean, it is essential to identify photoperiod-sensitive and photoperiod-insensitive phases of development. Despite extensive studies, there remains some disagreement about when soybean plants first become sensitive to photoperiod. The length of the juvenile phase from emergence has been found to differ for the same cultivar, This experiment tested the hypothesis that the early phase in soybean development is truly photoperiod-independent. Soybean plants [Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Hutcheson ; Maturity Group V] grown in controlled environments at a constant air temperature of 26°C were transferred from a noninductive 22-h photoperiod to an inductive 8-, 10-, 12-, or 14-h photoperiod at 2- to 5-d intervals after seedling emergence (defined as the day when the cotyledons appeared above the soil surface). The duration of the so-called juvenile phase was shown to be photoperiod-dependent, the photoperiod effect being nonlinear. Soybean plants became sensitive to an 8-, 10-, 12-, and 14-h photoperiod at -1, 0, 1, and 9 d after seedling emergence, respectively. Based on these and other results, we conclude that there is no juvenile phase in Hutcheson soybean, and that photoperiod sensitivity begins when seedlings are exposed to light, but the rate of progress towards flowering depends on the photoperiod experienced.
Detection and characterization of non-transiting extra-solar planets in Kepler Data using reflected light variations

Orbiting planets reflect light, and from the perspective of a distant observer an illuminated planet undergoes phases resulting in a periodically-varying reflected light flux. While such reflected light is generally expected to be weak with the magnitude of the flux being well below noise level, in some cases reflected light variations are detectable with today's technology in the Kepler dataset. For example, a sinusoidal variation is visibly apparent along with a secondary eclipse in the HAT-P-7 light curve recorded by Kepler. In this paper we consider the problem of detecting extra-solar planets in Kepler data by modeling reflected light variations within a Bayesian estimation paradigm. We demonstrate that such detections are possible for a class of non-transiting planets using data from the Kepler Data Archive. The development of this computational technology could significantly increase the number of detectable planets within the Kepler dataset. Furthermore, understanding the potential capabilities of this technology could influence the design of future missions.
Syntheses of sugar poly(orthoesters) through reverse anomeric effect

High molecular weight sugar poly(orthoesters) were synthesized through reverse anomeric effect (RAE). We demonstrated that when RAE-enabled promoters, such as 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP), triphenylphosphine (TPP) or imidazole, were employed, efficient polymerizations were achieved, giving sugar poly(orthoesters) with molecular weights up to 18 kDa.
Cardiovascular risk factors in chronic kidney disease

Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of morbid-ity and premature mortality in chronic kidney disease.While it is well established that patients with kidney fail-ure (chronic kidney disease stage 5) are at high risk ofcardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality [1], pa-tients with earlier stages of chronic kidney disease alsoexperience a high rate of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascu-lar events [2]. Recent guidelines and position statementshave therefore deﬁned chronic kidney disease as a car-diovascular risk equivalent, and patients in all stages ofchronickidneydiseaseareconsideredinthe“highestriskgroup” for development of cardiovascular disease [3].We propose that patients with chronic kidney dis-ease are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease forseveralreasons(Fig.1):(
Evolving issues in surrogate motherhood

Surrogate mothering is an arrangement whereby a woman who gives birth to an infant intends—through a contractual agreement— to give that baby to another couple. The recent Baby M case in the United States has raised numerous legal concerns causing many legislative bodies to consider possible statutes to regulate or prohibit surrogacy. The competing interests among and between the individuals involved in this relationship (i.e., the surrogate mother, the couple, the baby, and society) suggest various ethical issues related to benefits, risks, and autonomy. Legal and ethical concerns surrounding the technologically possible procedure of surrogate motherhood are discussed.
Efficient orthogonal spline collocation methods for solving linear second order hyperbolic problems on rectangles

Piecewise Hermite bicubic orthogonal spline collocation Laplace-modified and alternating-direction schemes for the approximate solution of linear second order hyperbolic problems on rectangles are analyzed. The schemes are shown to be unconditionally stable and of optimal order accuracy in the \(H^1\) and discrete maximum norms for space and time, respectively. Implementations of the schemes are discussed and numerical results presented which demonstrate the accuracy and rate of convergence using various norms.
Human aneuploidy: Incidence, origin, and etiology

Chromosome abnormalities occur with astonishing frequency in humans, being present in an estimated 1030% of all fertilized eggs. Of the different classes of chromosome abnormality, aneuploidy (trisomy and monosomy) is by far the most common and, clinically, the most important. For example, over 25% of all miscarriages are monosomic or trisomic, making aneuploidy the leading known cause of pregnancy loss. Furthermore, among those conceptions that survive to term, aneuploidy is the leading genetic cause of mental retardation. Over the past 25 years, a considerable body of information has accrued on the incidence of aneuploidy in human gametes, fetuses, and newborns. More recently, the application of molecular biological techniques to the study of aneuploidy has begun to uncover some of the underlying causes of human aneuploidy. In this review, we first summarize the cytogenetic data on the incidence of aneuploidy in humans, and then discuss recent molecular data on the mechanism of origin of different aneuploid conditions, the basis of the maternal age effect on aneuploidy, and the importance of aberrant genetic recombination to the genesis of aneuploidy.
A further description of the control role in pigtail macaques,Macaca nemestrina

The control role of a dominant male in a captive group of pigtail macaques is described in this paper, with a particular emphasis on broadening this concept. A number of behavioral categories are shown to be highly correlated with the control role, making the concept of control role more useful in the study of non-human primate sociality.
The effect of hippocampal lesions on the development and extinction of a learned taste aversion for a novel food

The effect of hippocampal lesions on the inhibition of eating was examined within a learned taste aversion paradigm. Rats with hippocampal lesions were tested on their ability to refrain from eating a novel tasting food that had been paired with the internal malaise produced by a.15-M IP injection of lithium chloride. The results showed that the rats with hippocampal lesions did not differ from normal rats on either the development or extinction of the aversion. These results extend previous findings which show that bilateral hippocampal lesions do not interfere with the normal modulation of consummatory behaviors.
Design Optimization of Composite Steel Box Girder in Flexure

Composite girders consisting of concrete deck on built-up girders are frequently used in bridge construction for their economic advantages. The use of composite girders results in a very economical design. Additional savings can be obtained in design and material costs for some members by automating design approaches based on optimization techniques. This paper describes the use of EXCEL Solver to find the minimum weight for a composite trapezoidal box cross section for a two lane bridge. Design aid tables were generated for structural steel Grades 250, 345, 485, and 690 MPa , and different spans varying from 3.0–100 m . The search for the minimum cross section used in this research satisfies the 17th Edition of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Specifications—Load Factor Design method.
Reduced knowledge of results frequency enhances error detection.

(2003). Reduced Knowledge of Results Frequency Enhances Error Detection. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 74, No. 4, pp. 467-472.
Can bad models suggest good policies? Sexual mixing and the AIDS epidemic

The epidemiology of HIV transmission, and hence AIDS, depends upon phenomena such as sexual mixing patterns, about which very little is known. Mathematical models of sexually transmitted HIV assume random mixing among susceptible and infected individuals, across differing levels of sexual activity. Given that this representation of sexual mixing is probably wrong (in the sense of descriptive accuracy), should such models be used to formulate and/or evaluate AIDS intervention strategies? This paper presents an example where random mixing, though wrong descriptively, identifies a useful policy. In the process, the concept of worst case sexual mixing is introduced. Arguments for involving simple models of the AIDS epidemic in policy analysis conclude the paper.
Numerical realization of the fermion dynamical symmetry model.

A new and simple algorithm is presented to solve the fermion dynamical symmetry model numerically in the heritage-zero subspace for neutron-proton systems. The algorithm is based on a shell-model approach using the fermion pair operators as building blocks for the many-body wave functions. The same algorithm applies to all possible neutron and proton Hamiltonians. The results of all known dynamical symmetries are reproduced. Typical approximate vibrational and rotational spectra are presented for cases where dynamical symmetries cannot be found from group chain decompositions.
The Expression of Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) and Receptors in Human Endometrium*

Zhao Y, Chegini N. The expression of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and receptors in human endometrium. AJRI 1999; 42:303–311 © Munksgaard, Copenhagen PROBLEM: To determine the temporal and spatial expression of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and GM-CSF α and β receptor mRNA and protein in human endometrium. METHOD OF STUDY: The endometrial expression of GM-CSF and GM-CSF receptor mRNA and protein was determined using competitive quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Q-RT-PCR), in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Endometrium expresses GM-CSF and GM-CSF α receptor mRNA with maximal expression occurring during the mid-secretory phase (21.1 ±4.2 and 32.2 ± 7.7 × 106 mRNA copies/μg total RNA) compared to the proliferative phase (1.46 ± 0.4 and 7.5 ± 0.5 × 106 copies) of the menstrual cycle, with a significant reduction (0.67 ± 0.1 and 1.7 ± 0.2 × 106 mRNA copies) during the post-menopausal period (P < 0.05). The endometrium expresses a significantly lower level of GM-CSF β receptor mRNA (≈ 0.01 × 105 mRNA copies). Endometrial luminal and glandular epithelial cells are the primary site of GM-CSF mRNA and protein expression, while arteriole endothelial, stromal, and inflammatory cells are the primary site of GM-CSF α receptor protein. GM-CSF β receptor protein has a similar cellular distribution as GM-CSF. CONCLUSION: Temporal and spatial expression of GM-CSF and GM-CSF receptors in human endometrium during the menstrual cycle suggests that epithelial-derived GM-CSF in an autocrine/paracrine manner may influence various endometrial biological activities, local inflammatory response, and macrophage survival.
YbCu2Si2–LaCu2Si2 Solid Solutions with Enhanced Thermoelectric Power Factors

Cryogenic Peltier coolers are ideal for cooling infrared sensors on satellites. To make these thermoelectric devices a realistic option for this application, the efficiency of thermoelectric materials at cryogenic temperatures must be substantially enhanced. Intermediate valence Yb-based compounds have large peaks in the Seebeck coefficient at low temperatures; to optimize these materials this must be understood. We created solid solutions between the intermediate valence compound YbCu2Si2 and an isostructural compound LaCu2Si2 to manipulate the temperature at which the Seebeck coefficient peaks and to maximize zT by reduction of lattice thermal conductivity. An enormous power factor of 110 μW/cm K2 at 100 K and a maximum zT of 0.14 at 125 K were achieved for one of these solid solutions.
Power flow and consumption in piezoelectrically actuated structures

In a piezoelectric (PZT) actuator-driven adaptive structure, the electromechanical power consumption and power flow of the system are dominated by the complex electromechanical impedance of the system. The entire actuator/substrate system can essentially be represented by a coupled electromechanical system model. This paper presents such a system model to quantitatively determine where the energy goes and how the power is consumed in an active structure. The formulation of a coupled electromechanical admittance for a generic PZT actuator-driven two-dimensional structure was developed. The model was then used to predict the power factor, the power dissipation, and the power requirement of the system. As a numerical example, the modeling approach was applied to a simply supported thin plate excited by a pair of PZT path actuators in pure bending mode. A parametric study was performed to examine the nature and components of electromechanical power flow and consumption in the active structure. An experiment was conducted to directly measure the complex electromechanical admittance of an integrated PZT/plate system to verify the theoretical model.
Volcanic hazard assessment incorporating expert knowledge : Application to the Yucca Mountain region, Nevada, USA

Multiple-expert hazard/risk assessments have considerable precedent, particularly in the Yucca Mountain site characterization studies. A certain amount of expert knowledge is needed to interpret the geological data used in a probabilistic data analysis. As may be the situation in science, experts disagree on crucial points. Consequently, lack of consensus in some studies is a sure outcome. In this paper, we present a Bayesian approach to statistical modeling in volcanic hazard assessment for the Yucca Mountain site. Specifically, we show that the expert opinion on the site disruption parameterp is incorporated into the prior distribution, π(p), based on geological information that is available. Moreover, π(p) can combine all available geological information motivated by conflicting but realistic arguments (e.g., simulation, cluster analysis, structural control, ..., etc.). The incorporated uncertainties about the probability of repository disruptionp eventually will be averaged out by taking the expectation over π(p). We use the following priors in the analysis: (1) priors selected for mathematical convenience: Beta (r,s) for (r,s) = (2, 2), (3, 3), (5, 5), (2, 1),(2, 8), (8, 2), and (1, 1);and (2) three priors motivated by expert knowledge. Sensitivity analysis is performed for each prior distribution. Our study concludes that estimated values of hazard based on the priors selected for mathematical simplicity are uniformly higher than those obtained based on the priors motivated by expert knowledge. And, the model using the prior, Beta (8, 2), yields the highest hazard (=2.97 × 10-2 . The minimum hazard is produced by the “three-expert prior” (i.e., values of p are equally likely for p = 10-3, 10-2,and 10-1 . The estimate of the hazard is 1.39 × 10-3, which is only about one order of magnitude smaller than the maximum value. The term, “hazard, ” is defined as the probability of at least one disruption of a repository at the Yucca Mountain site by basaltic volcanism for the next 10,000 years.
Transport of the flavonoid chrysin and its conjugated metabolites by the human intestinal cell line Caco-2

Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone), a natural product present in our daily diet, is a potent inhibitor of drug-metabolizing enzymes. However, its oral bioavailability is not known. This study examined the intestinal epithelial transport of chrysin (20 microM), using the human colonic cell line Caco-2 as a model of human intestinal absorption. The apical to basolateral flux of chrysin, with an apparent permeability coefficient (P(app)) during the first hour of 6.9 +/- 1.6 x 10(-6) cm x sec(-1) (mean +/- SEM), was more than 10-fold higher than for the paracellular transport marker mannitol, 0.42 +/- 0.12 x 10(-6) cm x sec(-1). Interestingly, the reverse, basolateral to apical flux of chrysin, P(app) = 14.1 +/- 1.6 x 10(-6) cm x sec(-1), was about 2-fold higher than the apical to basolateral flux (P < 0.01). In transport studies beyond 1 hr, there was a rapid decline in P(app). This correlated with the appearance of two metabolites, M1 (chrysin glucuronide) and M2 (chrysin sulfate), identified by enzymatic hydrolysis procedures and HPLC. Following apical loading of chrysin, as much as 90% of M1 + M2 appeared on the apical side, thus indicating clear efflux of the chrysin metabolites. The addition of the anion transport inhibitor MK-571 (50 microM) on the apical side produced a 71% (P < 0.0001) and 20% (P < 0.05) inhibition of the efflux of M1 and M2, respectively, suggesting the involvement of the multidrug resistance protein MRP2 pump. Indeed, using specific antibodies, MRP2 was in fact detected by western blotting in Caco-2 plasma membranes, whereas MRP1 was not. These observations suggest that chrysin has favorable membrane transport properties but that its intestinal absorption may be seriously limited by surprisingly efficient glucuronidation and sulfation by the enterocytes and almost quantitative efflux by MRP2 of the metabolites formed.