cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring cloud-based Web Processing Service: A case study on the implementation of CMAQ as a Service

Abstract As an important tool for air quality simulation, the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model is widely used in the environmental modeling community. However, setting up and running the CMAQ model could be challenging for many scientists, especially when they have limited computing resources and little experience in handling large-scale input data. In this study, we explore the cloud-based Web Processing Service (WPS) and present the Cloud WPS framework to support implementing Earth science model as WPS. Specifically, to make CMAQ easier to use for scientists through the latest standard-based Web service technology, CMAQ-WS, a prototype of CMAQ as a Service, is developed and tested. The result of the experiment shows the framework significantly improves not only the performance of but also ease of use of the CMAQ model thus providing great benefits to the environmental modeling community. Meanwhile, the proposed framework provides a general solution to integrate Earth science model, WPS, and cloud infrastructure, which can greatly reduce the workload of Earth scientists.
Sexual minority men and the experience of undergoing treatment for prostate cancer: An integrative review

INTRODUCTION Gay, bisexual and queer (GBQ) men with prostate cancer have unique experiences of the prostate cancer journey. The current integrative review aimed to synthesise existing scientific literature for the purpose of identifying GBQ men's psychosocial experience of undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. METHODS We utilised the Whittemore and Knafl (Journal of Advanced Nursing, 52, 546-553) integrative review methodology and the Garrard (Health sciences literature review made easy. Jones & Bartlett Publishers) matrix method. RESULTS After a systematic search, 18 quantitative and non-empirical studies were included for thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: (a) Prostate cancer, and its treatment affect sexual wellbeing, including negatively affecting their relationships and sense of self. (b) Health care is heteronormative, exemplified by clinicians dismissing GBQ men's concerns, leading GBQ men to fare worse on psychosocial outcomes, including treatment satisfaction, in comparison with heterosexual counterparts. (c) Prostate cancer affects social support. GBQ men rely on an expansive support network, but often isolate themselves during prostate cancer treatment as to not be burden others. CONCLUSION Psychosocial supportive care needs to address GBQ men's sexual, emotional and social needs. Future psycho-oncologic trials are needed, especially on GBQ-specific peer-support interventions.
Fast cycling NOx storage and reduction: Modeling and analysis of reaction pathways, transport and reductant effects

Abstract NOx Storage and Reduction (NSR) conducted at higher cycling frequency enables enhanced conversion of NOx emitted by lean burn gasoline and diesel vehicles. Ting et al. (2018) reported data using a Pt/Rh/BaO/CeO2/Al2O3 showing that stored NOx utilization is primarily responsible for enhanced NOx conversion during fast cycling. In this study a low-dimensional, two-phase monolith reactor model comprising a network of reactions with global kinetics using C3H6 as the reductant is developed. Kinetic parameters not available from the literature are estimated through a fit of NSR with conventional cycling and anaerobic rich feed devoid of CO2 and H2O, while the model is validated for NSR spanning a range of cycle times for a rich feed containing CO2 H2O, and O2. The model predicts most of the data features, including transient and cycle-averaged species concentrations and temperature. The model elucidates differences between C3H6 and H2 during both conventional and fast cycling. For example, the higher NOx conversion obtained with C3H6 during conventional cycling is a result of a higher temperature rise with H2 which adversely impacts NOx storage, while the higher conversion obtained during fast cycling is attributed to the faster diffusional flux of H2, which results in a larger fraction of NOx released during the rich feed (“NOx puff”). The reaction network includes a two-step HC-intermediate pathway involving vinyl isocyanate (C2H3NCO) as the proposed surface intermediate. This pathway predicts the observed double peaks of N2, while requiring substantially more C3H6 to reduce stored NOx to N2. As a result, the vinyl isocyanate pathway is shown to be less efficient than the conventional NSR pathway.
Outage Probability Analysis in D2D-Enabled mmWave Cellular Networks with Clustered Users

In this paper, an analytical framework is provided to analyze the uplink performance of device-to-device (D2D)-enabled millimeter wave (mmWave) cellular networks with clustered D2D user equipments (UEs). Locations of cellular UEs are modeled as a Poison Point Process (PPP), while locations of potential D2D UEs are modeled as a Poisson Cluster Process (PCP). Signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) outage probabilities are derived for both cellular and D2D links using tools from stochastic geometry. The distinguishing features of mmWave communications such as directional beamforming and having different path loss laws for line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) links are incorporated into the outage analysis by employing a flexible mode selection scheme.
The Future of Biomechanical Spine Research: Conception and Design of a Dynamic 3D Printed Cervical Myelography Phantom.

Background Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a growing practice in the medical community for patient care and trainee education as well as production of equipment and devices. The development of functional models to replicate physiologic systems of human tissue has also been explored, although to a lesser degree. Specifically, the design of 3D printed phantoms that possess comparable biomechanical properties to human cervical vertebrae is an underdeveloped area of spine research. In order to investigate the functional uses of cervical 3D printed models for replicating the complex physiologic and biomechanical properties of the human subaxial cervical spine, our institution has created a prototype that accurately reflects these properties and provides a novel method of assessing spinal canal dimensions using simulated myelography. To our knowledge, this is the first 3D printed phantom created to study these parameters. Materials and methods A de-identified cervical spine computed tomography imaging file was segmented using threshold modulation in 3D Slicer software. The subaxial vertebrae (C3-C7) of the scan were individualized by separating the facet joint spaces and uncovertebral joints within the software in order to create individual stereolithography (STL) files. Each individual vertebra was printed on an Ultimaker S5 dual-extrusion printer using white "tough" polylactic acid filament. A human cadaveric subaxial cervical spine was harvested to provide a control for our experiment. Both models were assessed and compared in flexion and extension dynamic motion grossly and fluoroscopically. The maximum angles of deformation on X-ray imaging were recorded using DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) viewing software. In order to compare the ability to assess canal dimensions of the models using fluoroscopic imaging, a myelography simulation was designed. Results The cervical phantom demonstrated excellent ability to resist deformation in flexion and extension positions, attributed to the high quality of initial segmentation. The gross and fluoroscopic dynamic movement of the phantom was analogous to the cadaver model. The myelography simulator adequately demonstrated the canal dimensions in static and dynamic positions for both models. Pertinent anatomic landmarks were able to be effectively visualized for assessment of canal measurements for sagittal and transverse dimensions. Conclusions By utilizing the latest technologies in DICOM segmentation and 3D printing, our institution has created the first cervical myelography phantom for biomechanical evaluation and trainee instruction. By combining new technologies with anatomical knowledge, quality 3D printing shows great promise in becoming a standard player in the future of spinal biomechanical research.
Universal modesty in signal-burying games

Why would individuals hide positive information about themselves? Evolutionary game theorists have recently developed the signal-burying game as a simple model to shed light on this puzzle. They have shown that the game has an equilibrium where some agents are better off deliberately reducing the visibility of the signal by which they broadcast their positive traits. However, this equilibrium also features individuals who fully broadcast their positive traits. Here, we show that the signal-burying framework can also explain modesty norms that everyone adheres to: the game contains an equilibrium where all agents who send a signal voluntarily reduce its conspicuousness. Surprisingly, the stability of the two kinds of equilibria rely on very different principles. The equilibrium where some agents brag is stable because of costly signalling dynamics. By contrast, the universal modesty equilibrium exists because buried signals contain probabilistic information about a sender’s type, and receivers make optimal...
One Trump and Il Duce Wild

Regardless of who won the presidential election—whether Clinton or Trump—American national government would be at a stalemate now. Indeed, I believe a good case can be made that if Clinton had won, things would be far worse than they are now. Yes, the US government is in utter chaos. Long-standing policies and institutions have been or soon will be gutted. People and nations that have been admiring friends and allies for 65 years have been insulted. The day after Trump’s inauguration, millions of women all over the world marched defiantly but peacefully in pink pussy hats of protest. All in all, the nation seems to be in the midst of a transformation at least unparalleled since the US Civil war in the 1860s.
Birds of a different feather sing together.

A new study sheds light on how sensitivity to communication sounds is established in the brain. Juvenile finches raised with tutors of either the same or different species always learned the tutors’ songs. Cortical neurons developed selectivity for the learned song by tuning for its secondary acoustic features.
Access to Care for Children under five in Oklahoma: a Geographic Imputation Application.

Objective Geographic access to primary care can be a barrier to receiving appropriate preventative services. Oklahoma has been identified as having relatively few primary care providers per capita to care for its population compared to the US. The goal of this analysis was to identify the areas in Oklahoma with significant concentrations of children under five, no pediatrician within reasonable driving distance, and whether other primary care providers are present. Methods The 2016 American Community Survey was used to estimate the total population of children under five years of age for each Census Block Group in Oklahoma. Access was defined as a thirty-minute drive time radius computed around each child's imputed location. The National Provider Identifier database was used to identify and locate pediatricians, family medicine physicians, and mid-level providers in Oklahoma. Areas of high concentrations of children with no pediatrician access were identified and non-pediatrician provider locations were superimposed. Results Of the estimated 265,818 children under five in Oklahoma, approximately 7% were outside of a thirty-minute drive from a pediatrician. These children are concentrated in northwestern and southeastern Oklahoma, with several smaller additional groupings. There are multiple non-pediatrician primary care providers operating in many of these areas. Conclusion There are areas in the state where a paucity of pediatricians and high concentrations of young children lend themselves to collaborations using technology and education to improve the care of children.
Sensitivity and specificity of SOAPP-SF questionnaire for predicting aberrant urine drug screen

Risk stratification for aberrant use of opioids is recommended to help weigh benefits and harms of prescribing. Questionnaires are one tool that may help predict aberrant drug-related behavior (ADRB). The Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain (SOAPP) was found to be the most
Protocol for a systematic review of health promotion interventions for African Americans delivered in US barbershops and hair salons.

Introduction African American adults are disproportionately burdened by chronic diseases, particularly at younger ages. Developing culturally appropriate interventions is paramount to closing the gap in these health inequities. The purpose of this systematic review is to critically evaluate health promotion interventions for African Americans delivered in two environments that are frequented by this population: barbershops and hair salons. Characteristics of effective interventions will be identified and evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions will be provided. Results of this review will inform future health promotion efforts for African Americans particularly focused on the leading health inequities in obesity-related chronic diseases: cardiovascular disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. Methods and analysis Subject headings and keywords will be used to search for synonyms of ‘barbershops,’ ‘hair salons’ and ‘African Americans’ to identify all relevant articles (from inception onwards) in the following databases: Academic Search Ultimate, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science (Science Citation Index and Social Sciences Citation Index) and ProQuest Dissertations. Experimental and quasi-experimental studies for adult (>18 years) African Americans delivered in barbershops and hair salons will be included. Eligible interventions will include risk reduction/management of obesity-related chronic disease: cardiovascular disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. Two reviewers will independently screen, select and extract data and a third will mediate disagreements. The methodological quality (or risk of bias) of individual studies will be appraised using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool. Quality and content of the evidence will be narratively synthesised. Ethics and dissemination Since this is a protocol for a systematic review, ethical approval is not required. Findings from the review will be widely disseminated through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications and traditional and social media outlets.
Cheek and Neck Reconstruction Following Cutaneous Neoplasm Resection

Surgical reconstruction of soft tissue defects following resection of cutaneous neoplasms in the cheek and neck area can be technically challenging. Reconstruction of resultant composite tissue defects must start by identifying missing layers and the characteristics of the surrounding tissue. In deep defects, it is important to consider the middle lamella or facial musculature. Functional deficits following cutaneous tumor resection must be carefully considered. In the case of full-thickness defects, it may also be necessary to reconstruct mucosal lining and possible bony defects. The surrounding skin should be assessed for color, texture, thickness, and hair-bearing status. Following a thorough assessment of the wound, an appropriate reconstructive plan can be formulated.
Long-wave infrared scattering spectra and modeling of trace particles on surfaces for standoff detection

We experimentally measure the scattered reflectance of particles deposited on smooth substrates with a mid-wave to long-wave supercontinuum source and a FTIR based sensor at 3.6 m. We measure the scattering return from sparse particles of 1,3,5-Trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine, caffeine, and acetaminophen deposited on smooth aluminum, silicon, and glass substrates. We also measure mono-disperse 5.4, 10.8, and 19.4 μm diameter polystyrene spheres deposited on aluminum. We demonstrate that spectra obtained using our supercontinuum FTIR sensor can be accurately simulated using a Bobbert–Vlieger model, and non-spherical particle spectra can be approximated by spherical results. The Bobbert–Vlieger model can then be used to create a library that can account for the trace chemical and underlying substrate for standoff chemical identification.
Observational Constraints on the Response of High-Latitude Northern Forests to Warming

Since the 1960s, carbon cycling in the high‐latitude northern forest (HLNF) has experienced dramatic changes: Most of the forest is greening and net carbon uptake from the atmosphere has increased. During the same time period, the CO₂ seasonal cycle amplitude (SCA) has increased by ~50% or more. Disentangling complex processes that drive these changes has been challenging. In this study, we substitute spatial sensitivity to temperature for time to quantify the impact of temperature increase on gross primary production (GPP), total ecosystem respiration (TER), the fraction of Photosynthetic Active Radiation (fPAR), and the resulted contribution of these changes in amplifying the CO₂ SCA over the HLNF since 1960s. We use the spatial heterogeneity of GPP inferred from solar‐induced chlorophyll Fluorescence in combination with net ecosystem exchange (NEE) inferred from column CO₂ observations made between 2015 and 2017 from NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory‐2. We find that three quarters of the spatial variations in GPP can be explained by the spatial variation in the growing season mean temperature (GSMT). The long term hindcast captures both the magnitude and spatial variability of the trends in observed fPAR. We estimate that between 1960 and 2010, the increase in GSMT enhanced both GPP and the SCA of NEE by ~20%. The calculated enhancement of NEE due to increase in GSMT contributes 56–72% of the trend in the CO₂ SCA at high latitudes, much larger than simulations by most biogeochemical models.
Alternative Mortgage Instruments, Qualifications Constraints, and the Demand for Housing: An Empirical Analysis

Government-guaranteed mortgage loans (GFRMs) and adjustable- rate mortgages (ARMs) were introduced to make payment to income (PTI) and loan to value (LTV) qualification conven- tions less restrictive. This paper analyzes the effect of GFRMs and ARMs on the demand for housing. Using a large national data set for the 1988 to 1989 period, we employ a two-stage procedure to estimate housing demand. In the first stage, a multinominal logit model estimates the probability of choosing an FRM, ARM, or GFRM. Predicted values from the logit are used to construct user costs and estimate housing demand. Using the model estimates, we simulate demand under four different mortgage availability regimes: FRM, FRM and GFRM, FRM and ARM, and all three. These simulations indicate that GFRMs, by relaxing LTV constraints, increase housing demand by approximately 6.2% relative to the FRM regime; the addition of ARMs, by relaxing both PTI and LTV constraints, raises demand by an additional 6%, for a total of 12.2% with inclusion of all alternatives.
Molecular origins of reduced activity and binding commitment of processive cellulases and associated carbohydrate-binding proteins to cellulose III

Efficient enzymatic saccharification of cellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars can enable production of bioproducts like ethanol. Native crystalline cellulose, or cellulose I, is inefficiently processed via enzymatic hydrolysis but can be converted into the structurally distinct cellulose III allomorph that is processed via cellulase cocktails derived from Trichoderma reesei up to 20-fold faster. However, characterization of individual cellulases from T. reesei, like the processive exocellulase Cel7A, shows reduced binding and activity at low enzyme loadings toward cellulose III. To clarify this discrepancy, we monitored the single-molecule initial binding commitment and subsequent processive motility of Cel7A enzymes and associated carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) on cellulose using optical tweezers force spectroscopy. We confirmed a 48% lower initial binding commitment and 32% slower processive motility of Cel7A on cellulose III, which we hypothesized derives from reduced binding affinity of the Cel7A binding domain CBM1. Classical CBM–cellulose pull-down assays, depending on the adsorption model fitted, predicted between 1.2- and 7-fold reduction in CBM1 binding affinity for cellulose III. Force spectroscopy measurements of CBM1–cellulose interactions, along with molecular dynamics simulations, indicated that previous interpretations of classical binding assay results using multisite adsorption models may have complicated analysis, and instead suggest simpler single-site models should be used. These findings were corroborated by binding analysis of other type-A CBMs (CBM2a, CBM3a, CBM5, CBM10, and CBM64) on both cellulose allomorphs. Finally, we discuss how complementary analytical tools are critical to gain insight into the complex mechanisms of insoluble polysaccharides hydrolysis by cellulolytic enzymes and associated carbohydrate-binding proteins.
Understanding Gender and Racial Disparities in Image Recognition Models.

Large scale image classification models trained on top of popular datasets such as Imagenet have shown to have a distributional skew which leads to disparities in prediction accuracies across different subsections of population demographics. A lot of approaches have been made to solve for this distributional skew using methods that alter the model pre, post and during training. We investigate one such approach - which uses a multi-label softmax loss with cross-entropy as the loss function instead of a binary cross-entropy on a multi-label classification problem on the Inclusive Images dataset which is a subset of the OpenImages V6 dataset. We use the MR2 dataset, which contains images of people with self-identified gender and race attributes to evaluate the fairness in the model outcomes and try to interpret the mistakes by looking at model activations and suggest possible fixes.
Gender inequality in relational position-taking: An analysis of intra-organizational job mobility networks

Abstract We conceptualize within-organization job mobility as a position-taking process, arguing that the structure and outcome of claims over positions are characteristics of organizational inequality regimes. Drawing on data from 10 distribution centers from a large U.S. firm, we examine gendered job mobility as the observed network of workers moving among jobs. Results from network analysis and meta-regression reveal that in the firm examined, workers tend to move between jobs with similar gender compositions, that mobility lattices tend to be more ladder-like for male-concentrated jobs but more circuitous for female-concentrated jobs, and that there is less upward mobility overall in organizations with higher levels of wage inequality. Both organization level inequalities and the relationship between positions within organizations condition mobility. While we do not observe discursive claims on positions, we argue that these are the underlying mechanisms driving gendered job mobility.
A unified analysis of a class of proximal bundle methods for solving hybrid convex composite optimization problems

This paper presents a proximal bundle (PB) framework based on a generic bundle update scheme for solving the hybrid convex composite optimization (HCCO) problem and establishes a common iteration-complexity bound for any variant belonging to it. As a consequence, iteration-complexity bounds for three PB variants based on different bundle update schemes are obtained in the HCCO context for the first time and in a unified manner. While two of the PB variants are universal (i.e., their implementations do not require parameters associated with the HCCO instance), the other newly (as far as the authors are aware of) proposed one is not but has the advantage that it generates simple, namely one-cut, bundle models. The paper also presents a universal adaptive PB variant (which is not necessarily an instance of the framework) based on one-cut models and shows that its iteration-complexity is the same as the two aforementioned universal PB variants.
A Newly Developed Kolsky Tension Bar

Mechanical characterization of materials requires highly precise and reliable experimental facilities. At 2009 SEM conference, we presented a newly developed Kolsky compression bar at Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA. Comparing the compression bar, development of Kolsky tension bar is much more challenging. In this study, besides remedies for the Kolsky compression bar design were used for the new tension bar, the loading device facilitating tension wave was newly designed. The newly developed Kolsky tension bar was demonstrated reliable and precise for investigation of stress-strain behavior as well as damage and failure response of materials under impact loading conditions.
Power controlled wireless links for video streaming applications

We propose a novel modelling framework to investigate video streaming over wireless links. The video server (transmitter) encodes and transmits video frames to a client (receiver) over a fluctuating wireless channel. The objective is to find the optimal transmission power, rate and video encoding option (intra-mode or inter-mode) for each video frame in order to minimize the total transmission power (energy) consumption, while achieving a certain level of received video quality. The latter is measured by the distortions due to frames missing their playtimes (i.e. deadlines) and error propagations due to inter-coded frames. Using dynamic programming methodology, we formulate the optimality equations and obtain the optimal transmission/encoding scheme. Through extensive simulations, we observe that the proposed cross-layer scheme reduces power consumption by 50% to 75% over the benchmarks while achieving the same video quality. Using a H.26L codec, we further show the proposed scheme increases the media quality by more than 10 dB in PSNR over the benchmarks with the same power constraints.
TETANY AND PARATHYROID HYPERPLASIA IN THE NEWBORN INFANT: INFLUENCE OF DIETARY PHOSPHATE LOAD

Three cases of newborn tetany are described, pointing out the relationship between dietary phosphate load and the manifestations of this disease. An additional three newborn infants are described who showed other symptomatology than tetany in association with dietary phosphate load. [See Table 1 in Source Pdf]. Data concerning diet, cause of death and degree of parathyroid hyperplasia are tabulated in eight newborns who were found to have parathyroid hyperplasia at autopsy. Similar data are tabulated on eight newborns and five older children who were found to have normal parathyroid glands at autopsy. Several other factors possibly involved in newborn tetany and newborn parathyroid hyperplasia are discussed. The importance of measuring serum inorganic P in the differential diagnosis of neonatal distress is pointed out.
Hydrolysis of the Quinone Methide of Butylated Hydroxytoluene in Aqueous Solutions

Butylated hydroxytoluene or BHT is an antioxidant commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations. BHT upon oxidation forms a quinone methide (QM). QM is a highly reactive electrophilic species that can undergo nucleophilic addition. Here, the kinetic reactivity of QM with water at various apparent pH values in a 50% (v/v) water–acetonitrile solution at constant ionic strength of I = 0.5 (NaCl) 4 , was studied. The hydrolysis of QM in the presence of added acid, base, sodium chloride, and phosphate buffer resulted in the formation of only one product–-the corresponding 3,5-di- tert -butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (BA). The rate of BA formation was catalyzed by the addition of acid and base, but not chloride and phosphate species. Nucleophilic excipients, used in the pharmaceutical formulation, or nucleophilic groups on active pharmaceutical ingredient molecule may form adducts with QM, the immediate oxidative product of BHT degradation, thus having implications for drug product impurity profiles. Because of these considerations, BHT should be used with caution in formulations containing drugs or excipients capable of acting as nucleophiles.
Iliofemoral Deep Venous Thrombosis During Pregnancy

A 24-year-old female who was 32 weeks pregnant presented to the emergency department at 7 pm with a swollen, painful left lower extremity. Her left leg had become progressively more symptomatic during the past 48 h. During the past 24 h, she began feeling lethargic, had slight shortness of breath, and began to experience right chest discomfort with deep breathing.
Distributed 2-D Molecular Dynamics Simulation on Networked Workstations and Multiprocessors

In the paper we present a parallel program for molecular dynamics simulation of 2-D Lennard-Jones systems with large number of particles (106+). The parallel algorithm is based on geometric decomposition and it was implemented on networked workstations and on the CONVEX Exemplar SPP 1000 and SPP 1200 under PVM. The program was written in C language and optimised for the execution time and memory requirements. The computational complexity is reduced by use of distributed neighbor (Verlet) and link (Hockney) lists. On heterogeneous or loaded networks load balance is obtained by an adaptive repartitioning of the computational box during a simulation run. The load balancing procedure is based on the assumption that time of computation scales linearly with the number of particles. Sample results of a simulation of a flow around a cylinder are reported.
Community Participation Reconsidered: Feminist Participatory Action Research with Hmong Women

ABSTRACT This paper describes the process of planning, developing, and implementing a community-based project with Hmong women in a large Midwestern city. Combining action and research to forge relationships, identify common goals and garner resources, the Hmong Women's Project applied principles of both feminist and participatory action research (PAR). In light of the successes and challenges of this ongoing project, we critically evaluate the oft-encouraged goal of “maximum community participation” in PAR projects by questioning common definitions of “community” and “participation.” We argue that the parameters of what constitutes a “community” and what counts for “participation” are inherently unstable, requiring constant negotiation of ideas, values, identities and interests among all who participate in a PAR project.
A Raman study of the binding of Fe(III) to ATP and AMP.

ATP-Fe and AMP-Fe complexes in water (H2O and 2H2O) at pH 7.5 were studied using Raman spectroscopy. Parallel and perpendicular polarization spectra were recorded in the spectral range 200-1650 cm-1, and the depolarization ratios for most of the bands were calculated. The changes in the frequencies, intensities and depolarization ratios of the ATP and AMP bands after the addition of FeCl3 showed that the adenine moiety, in addition to the phosphate(s), was involved in the binding of Fe to both ATP and AMP. Direct interactions of Fe(III) with the phosphate chain and the N-7 nitrogen and indirect interaction (via water molecules) with the amide group were proposed for the ATP-Fe complex. In contrast, direct interaction with the phosphate group and indirect interaction with the amide group were observed for the AMP-Fe complex. The different interactions of the two complexes suggest an ‘anti’ conformation for the ATP-Fe complex and a ‘syn’ conformation for the AMP-Fe complex. The strong binding of Fe to ATP compared with AMP and the difference in the conformation of the ATP-Fe and the AMP-Fe complexes may be significant in the pathway of Fe release in mitochondria.
Combined Effects of Reservoir Operations and Climate Warming on the Flow Regime of Hydropower Bypass Reaches of California's Sierra Nevada

Alterations to flow regimes from regulation and climatic change both affect the biophysical functioning of rivers over long time periods and large spatial areas. Historically, however, the effects of these flow alteration drivers have been studied separately. In this study, results from unregulated and regulated river management models were assessed to understand how flow regime alterations from river regulation differ under future climate conditions in the Sierra Nevada of California, USA. Four representative flow alteration metrics—mean annual flow, low flow duration, centroid timing and mean weekly rate of decrease—were calculated and statistically characterized under historical and future unregulated and regulated conditions over a 20-year period at each of the eight regulated river locations below dams across the Sierra Nevada. Future climatic conditions were represented by assuming an increase in air temperature of 6 °C above historical (1981–2000) air temperatures, with no change in other meteorological conditions. Results indicate that climate warming will measurably alter some aspects of the flow regime. By comparison, however, river regulation with business-as-usual operations will alter flow regimes much more than climate warming. Existing reservoirs can possibly be used to dampen the anticipated effects of climate warming through improved operations, though additional research is needed to identify the full suite of such possibilities. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testing of the STM4-120 kinematic Stirling engine for solar thermal electric systems

The STM4 120 is being bench-tested at Sandia's engine test facility and will be combined later with a solar receiver for on-sun evaluation. The test system layout, instrumentation, controls, testing parameters, and preliminary performance results for the STM4-120 are presented. Ten hours of operation have been carried out and used to check out the facility. These preliminary results indicate that the engine is performing to specifications. >
Time-varying vital rates in ecotoxicology: Selective pesticides and aphid population dynamics

Population dynamics models are useful predictive tools in applied ecology, and especially toxicological risk assessment. Many models that are useful for capturing deterministic constant-parameter dynamics are inadequate for dealing with temporally variable life history parameter values typical of many anthropogenic disturbances, including those associated with toxicological insults. Using aphid-insecticide population data as an example, here we show that constant-parameter versions of commonly used population dynamics models (a matrix model and a simple differential equation model) do not adequately capture the population dynamics of aphids subjected to a selective pesticide. However, a simple modification of the differential equation model with time-varying mortality rates provides a highly accurate fit to aphid population data. Our results suggest that variable coefficient differential equation models with time-dependent parameters provide an accurate and simple means of assessing the effects of disturbances on populations in cases where the effects of disturbance vary significantly through time. We suggest that this approach has potential for a wide range of ecological applications.
Influence of lattice self-heating and hot-carrier transport on device performance

As device technologies improve, the traditional drift-diffusion transport model becomes inadequate to predict the performance of state-of-the-art semiconductor devices. The reasons are believed to be the larger field and field gradient inside advanced devices which cause lattice heating and hot carrier nonlocal transport phenomena. For more accurate prediction on device performance, a new device simulator capable of full thermodynamic simulation was developed. The carrier and carrier energy transport equations are directly derived from the Boltzmann transport equation, and the energy transfer among electrons, holes and crystal lattice takes into account most of the possible mechanisms. This simulator was used to simulate the DC behavior of a BJT and a half-micron NMOS. The simulation results show that for advanced devices, not only the drift-diffusion model becomes inadequate, but including only one of the two thermal effects results in error in simulated device characteristics. >
An efficient algorithm for solving traffic grooming problems in optical networks

We consider the virtual topology and traffic routing (VTTR) problem, a subproblem of traffic grooming that arises as a fundamental network design problem in optical networks. The objective of VTTR is to determine the minimum number of light-paths so as to satisfy a set of traffic demands, and does not take into account physical layer constraints; a routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) algorithm must reconcile the virtual topology obtained by VTTR with the physical topology. We propose an efficient algorithms that uses a partial LP relaxation technique with lazy constraints to improve substantially the scalability of VTTR, and, hence, of traffic grooming. Our approach delivers a desirable tradeoff between running time and quality of solution.
Polycomb group complexes – many combinations, many functions

Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins are transcription regulatory proteins that control the expression of a variety of genes from early embryogenesis through birth to adulthood. PcG proteins form several complexes that are thought to collaborate to repress gene transcription. Individual PcG proteins have unique characteristics, and mutations in genes encoding different PcG proteins cause distinct phenotypes. Histone modifications have important roles in some PcG protein functions, but they are not universally required. The mechanisms of gene-specific recruitment, transcription repression, and selective derepression of genes by vertebrate PcG proteins are incompletely understood. Future studies of this enigmatic group of developmental regulators are certain to produce unanticipated discoveries.
Biopsy with Thermally‐Responsive Untethered Microtools

Thermally activated, untethered microgrippers can reach narrow conduits in the body and be used to excise tissue for diagnostic analyses. As depicted in the figure, the feasibility of an in vivo biopsy of the porcine bile duct using untethered microgrippers is demonstrated.
Effect of thermal and photochemical degradation strategies on the deterioration of cellulose diacetate

In this study, the effect of thermal and photochemical accelerated degradation on the deterioration pathways of cellulose diacetate was evaluated. The degradation induced under controlled experimental conditions was carefully monitored in order to investigate the correlation between specific degradation mechanisms and the visible signs of deterioration that are often encountered on cellulose acetate museum objects. In the time interval studied, thermally degraded samples did not show visible discoloration or noticeable vinegar smell, but appeared severely distorted. Samples degraded under UVA radiation did not show any significant sign of deterioration, while samples degraded under UVB and UVC radiations appeared discolored and released the typical vinegar odor. Samples degraded under UVB radiation were also brittle and prone to crazing. By monitoring the samples as they deteriorated over time, new insights into the degradation mechanisms were obtained. During thermal degradation, the experimental results showed that plasticizer diffusion through the polymer matrix is affected by the progressive loss of plasticizer that occurred during the degradation experiment. During photo-degradation experiments, yellowness induced by UVC and UVB radiations was found to be reversible by subsequent exposure to UVA radiation, while the depth of the degradation appeared to be one of the key factors that led to brittleness and the appearance of crazing.
The bridge drawing: A projective technique for assessment in art therapy

Bridges have become such an everyday, integral part of our life that we seem to take them for granted. We only give them thought when they inconvenience us, i.e., being closed for repairs, raised to let boats pass, or paying a toll for the privilege of crossing one. All of our frustrations with bridges seem to stem from our thwarted attempts to overcome obstacles or communicate with others. Most of the individuals we, as art therapists, treat are also dealing with problems of communicating with others. Through art we attempt to “bridge” the verbal communication gap with the nonverbal qualities inherent in artistic expression. Eric de Mare (1954) in his text, The Bridges of Britain, speaks of bridges being built to cross natural barriers to communication. He feels that they exist because of a need to communicate present in mankind. Perhaps this need is a reflection of a child’s attempts to master language-the building of a language bridge to cross an obvious communication barrier between adult and child. We begin, as children, to communicate nonverbally, and then add more and more verbal language to clarify our nonverbal statements. The bridge drawing in our research has been used as a symbol in a nonverbal form to help facilitate verbal expression; as such, we are repeating the “normal” developmental process of nonverbal to verbal communication. This paper will address the bridge as a symbol, its history and presence in the arts, and its use as a projective drawing and therapeutic aid. Architects and engineers write about the significant historical association between mankind and bridges. The history of bridges and how they aided interaction links them closely to man’s primary need to communicate with others. Gies (1963) states that the bridge is the oldest engineering work devised by man. He feels the bridge is the only engineering work universally employed by man in his pre-civilized state. The word “bridge” derives from the Anglo-Saxon “rige,” meaning a ridge. To bridge means to be-rige, to erect an elevated structure over a depression. De Mare (1954) also feels that the bridge was probably the first structure erected by man, even if it was merely the felling of a tree to cross a stream or river. Man initially was nomadic, and in his constant travel for food he had to devise ways to traverse natural obstacles. The idea for building a bridge was probably first inspired by a fallen tree, or vines hanging across a river or gorge. Any obstacle, whether natural or man-made, is usually seen as problematic, negative, or “bad.” This type of thinking. which began with our ancestors, undoubtedly resulted in much of the symbolism associated with bridges. Even today, in dreams and artwork, a bridge is seen as crossing over something “bad,” perhaps an obstacle of some type, or going from some place to a better setting. Jung (1964) speaks of the crossing of a river as a symbolic image for a fundamental change of attitude. The symbolic aspect of good over evil as seen in the bridge
Pregnancy outcome after laparoscopic fimbrioplasty in nonocclusive distal tubal disease

Objective: To determine pregnancy rates (PR) after fimbrioplasty and salpingostomy in nonocclusive distal tubal disease. To evaluate the relative impact of various factors using contemporary statistical analysis. Design: Prospective cohort. Setting: Tertiary institutional infertility clinic. Patient(s): Infertility patients. Intervention(s): Fimbrioplasty and salpingostomy. Main Outcome Measure(s): Cumulative PR, monthly fecundity rates, monthly probability of pregnancy, crude PR, and cure rates. Result(s): Thirty-five percent of patients conceived with a cure rate of 72.2%, monthly probability of pregnancy of 3.9%, and monthly fecundity rate of 3.9%. Cumulative PRs were 22%, 35%, and 58% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Pairwise comparisons (unilateral, bilateral, or either) failed to detect any statistical difference between the salpingostomy and fimbrioplasty groups. Salpingostomy patients initially may have a higher tendency to become pregnant but appear to lose that advantage after the first few months. When patients with tubo-ovarian adhesions are excluded from the analysis, patients who underwent a bilateral salpingostomy as their sole procedure had better outcome compared with those who only underwent bilateral fimbrioplasty. There was no significant association between pregnancy outcome and the presence of endometriosis, other infertility factors, or tubo-ovarian adhesions. The staging of adnexal adhesions and endometriosis did not predict pregnancy outcome. Conclusion(s): Laparoscopic fimbrioplasty and salpingostomy are clinically efficacious for the treatment of nonocclusive distal tubal disease. After accounting for statistical interactions of various factors among them, no particular association with pregnancy outcome could be identified. This illustrates the need for a revision of the classification of patients with distal tubal disease.
Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms: Factors affecting mortality rates

Outcome of 113 operations for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms were reviewed to determine the contribution of perioperative events to mortality rates. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were examined with regard to their influence on early and late deaths. A mortality rate of 64% (72/113) was unrelated to age, gender, and preexistent medical conditions. Death within 48 hours occurred in 42 of 72 patients (58%). Preoperative status, including cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, and acidosis influenced early deaths (less than 48 hours) but not late deaths. Early deaths were also influenced by severe operative hypotension and excessive transfusion requirements. Late deaths (greater than 48 hours) occurred in 30/72 cases (42%) at a mean of 24.6 +/- 22.9 days. Late death was related to postoperative organ system failure, specifically renal and respiratory failure, and the need for reoperation. The overall mortality rate was influenced by preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors. Postoperative renal failure was the strongest predictor of overall deaths. Survival after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm depends on intraoperative and postoperative complications as well as preoperative conditions. Late death, the greatest strain on resources, is independent of preoperative status. The thesis that some patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm should be denied operation to conserve resources is not supported by these data. Efforts to improve survival should focus on reducing intraoperative complications and improving management of postoperative organ failure.
Mixture models for system-level communication analysis at higher levels of abstraction

System-level design (SLD) provides a solution to the challenge of increasing design complexity and time-to-market pressure in modern embedded system designs. In this paper, we propose a novel system-level approach to communication architecture modeling, which was not yet well addressed in existing SLD methodologies. In particular, we show how to develop statistical models for communication architectures. These new models are capable of capturing communication details at higher abstraction levels than previously possible. We demonstrate how to use the mean-square-error as a tool for developing these models, and show where to integrate these models in the design process.
WD2: an improved wifi-direct group formation protocol

WiFi-Direct is a recently proposed standard for mobile devices to create ad hoc networks. Its inclusion into the An- droid operating system provides a large user base, making WiFi-Direct a popular protocol in which to build applica- tions. In this paper, we performed an in-depth study of the WiFi-Direct protocol on Android and discovered several limitations, especially when it is used for form groups with more than two devices. We propose WD2, a new group for- mation protocol based on WiFi-Direct that is suitable for larger groups of devices. Our prototype experiments indi- cate WD2 increases the average throughput by 45% over conventional WiFi-Direct, and reduces the group formation time by 250%.