cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 252: Effects of black raspberry extract (BRB) and related compounds on mutagenesis induced by the tobacco carcinogen, dibenzo(a,l)pyrene and its metabolites in cultured rat oral fibroblasts

BRB powder and extracts have been shown to inhibit tumorigenesis in oral and other alimentary-tract sites in animal models; and have promising effects on markers of carcinogenesis in several human trials. The purpose of this study was to compare the inhibitory effects of BRB and two related compounds (protocatechuic acid and kaempferol) on mutagenesis and DNA adduct formation induced by the tobacco carcinogen dibenzo[a,l]pyrene (DBP) and its metabolites, DBP-diol and DBP-diol epoxide (DBPDE), in a rat oral epithelial cell line. Mutagenesis and DNA adduct formation induced by DBP, DBP-diol and DBPDE were monitored in rat oral epithelial and fibroblast cells, containing a lacI mutagenesis reporter gene; and the order of potency in both adduct formation and mutagenesis was DBPDE>>DBP-diol>>DBP in both cell types. In the fibroblasts for mutagenesis, the potencies (in units of mutants/10E5 pfu /uM) were: DBPDE, 16,320; DBP-diol, 25; DBP1.7, (above background); background was 2.9., Similar results were obtained for epithelial cells. Analysis of DNA adducts levels is still in progress and results thus far (in units of cis + trans isomers of anti-DBPDE-dA/10E6 A, are: DBPDE, 2096, DBP-diol ≈1.8, DBP Citation Format: Joseph B. Guttenplan, Wieslawa Kosinska, Tianzhen Han, Kun-Ming Chen, Shangmin Zhang, Krishnegowda Gowdahalli, Amin Shantu, Gary Stoner, Karam El-Bayoumy. Effects of black raspberry extract (BRB) and related compounds on mutagenesis induced by the tobacco carcinogen, dibenzo(a,l)pyrene and its metabolites in cultured rat oral fibroblasts. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 252. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-252
Validation of Event Data Recorders in Side-Impact Crash Tests

This study evaluated the accuracy of 75 Event Data Recorders (EDRs) extracted from model year 2010-2012 Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, and Toyota vehicles subjected to side-impact moving deformable barrier crash tests. The test report and vehicle-mounted accelerometers provided reference values to assess the EDR reported change in lateral velocity (delta-v), seatbelt buckle status, and airbag deployment status. Our results show that EDRs underreported the reference lateral delta-v in the vast majority of cases, mimicking the errors and conclusions found in some longitudinal EDR accuracy studies. For maximum lateral delta-v, the average arithmetic error was −3.59 kph (−13.8%) and the average absolute error was 4.05 kph (15.9%). All EDR reports that recorded a seatbelt buckle status data element correctly recorded the buckle status at both the driver and right front passenger locations. For equipped vehicles that reported side torso, side curtain, and frontal airbag deployment information, all vehicles recorded the correct status. Although only model year 2013 and later EDRs must meet Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 Part 563, seatbelt buckle status and frontal airbag deployment time are required data elements. Language: en
Dual-polarization, single quantum-well AlGaInP laser diode structure

A single quantum-well Ga/sub 0.5+/spl delta//In/sub 0.5-/spl delta//P/(AlGa)/sub 0.5/In/sub 0.5/P laser structure is demonstrated, which can provide similar gain in both polarizations. The slightly tensile-strained quantum-well has a light-hole ground state, which gives the lowest transparency current for TM-mode gain. However, the TE-mode gain is dominant at high drive currents. The gain-current relationships have been characterized for each polarization, and found to cross at a modal gain value of 25 cm/sup -1/. Lasers whose threshold gain is near this crossover value were found to emit in either one or both polarizations, with a very wide range of polarization asymmetry possible. A simple QW gain model can be used to qualitatively describe this behavior, along with the tendency toward TE-mode emission at higher temperature. >
Efficient parallel algorithms for testing connectivity and finding disjoint s-t paths in graphs

An efficient parallel algorithm for testing whether a graph G is K-vertex connected, for any fixed k, is presented. The algorithm runs in O(log n) time and uses nC(n,m) processors on a concurrent-read, concurrent-write parallel random-access machine (CRCW PRAM), where n and m are the number of vertices and edges of G and C(n,m) is the number of processors required to compute the connected components of G in logarithmic time. An optimal speedup algorithm for computing connected components would induce an optimal speedup algorithm for testing k-vertex connectivity, for any k>4. To develop the algorithm, an efficient parallel algorithm is designed for the following disjoint s-t paths problem: Given a graph G and two specified vertices s and t, find k-vertex disjoint paths between s and t, if they exist. If no such paths exist, find a set of at most k-1 vertices whose removal disconnects s and t. The parallel algorithm for this problem runs in O(log n) time using C(n,m) processors. It is shown how to modify the algorithm to find k-edge disjoint paths, if they exist. This yields an efficient parallel algorithm for testing whether a graph G is k-edge connected, for any fixed k. The algorithm runs in O(log n) time and uses nC (n,n) processors on a CRCW PRAM. Again, an optimal speedup algorithm for computing connected components would induce an optimal speedup algorithm for testing k-edge connectivity. >
Breakdown data generation and in-die deconvolution methodology to address BEOL and MOL dielectric breakdown challenges

Abstract Both middle-of-line (MOL) gate to contact spacer dielectric and back-end-of-line (BEOL) low- k dielectric breakdown data are commonly convoluted with multiple variables induced by process steps such as lithography, etch, chemical–mechanical polish (CMP), cleaning, and thin film deposition. The traditional method of stressing one device under test (DUT) per die or multiple DUTs per die, without careful data deconvolution, is incapable of addressing current complex MOL PC-CA and BEOL low- k dielectric breakdown modeling challenges. Generally, compound Weibull distributions in various unpredictable shapes induced by various die-to-die variations would be generated and such compound distributions could lead to a wrong low-percentile failure rate projection and a non-Poisson area scaling outcome. In this paper, a generation method plus an analytics procedure to analyze die-to-die variation is proposed to soundly evaluate both MOL and BEOL dielectric time-dependent-dielectric breakdown data. Relying on such die-to-die data generation and analytics, a diagnostic reliability concept is further proposed for comprehensive process diagnostics and more accurate reliability failure rate determination.
A Proxy View of Quality of Domain Name Service

The domain name system (DNS) provides a critical service for the Internet -mapping of user-friendly domain names to their respective IP addresses. Yet, there is no standard set of metrics quantifying the quality of domain name service or QoDNS, let alone a thorough evaluation of it. This paper attempts to fill this gap from the perspective of a DNS proxy/cache, which is the bridge between clients and authoritative servers. We present an analytical model of DNS proxy operations that offers insights into the design tradeoffs of DNS infrastructure and the selection of critical DNS parameters. After validating our model against simulation results, we extend it to study the impact of DNS cache poisoning attacks and evaluate various DNS proposals with respect to the QoDNS metrics. In particular, we compare the performance of two newly proposed DNS security solutions: one based on cryptography and one using collaborative overlays.
Low-frequency behavior in a frictionally excited beam

Abstract A cantilevered beam excited by a periodically reciprocating friction contact surface exhibited extremely low-frequency responses (with frequencies as low as 100 times lower than the driver). Example responses near 1:1 and 1:2 resonances, between the excitation and the degree of freedom normal to the direction of sliding, show two-frequency quasiperiodicity, and in one case three-frequency quasiperiodicity. Underlying circle maps were extracted, and winding numbers were matched to response frequencies quantified in the fast Fourier transforms of the responses. A torus doubling bifurcation was documented.
The enrichment of a ruminal bacterium (Megasphaera elsdenii YJ-4) that produces the trans-10, cis-12 isomer of conjugated linoleic acid.

Aims: To isolate predominant ruminal bacteria that produce trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from linoleic acid (LA). Methods and Results: Mixed bacteria from ruminal contents of a cow fed grain were enriched with DL-lactate and trypticase. They produced more trans-10, cis-12 CLA than those that were not enriched (7 vs 2 μg mg protein−1, P < 0·05). Enrichments had an abundance of large cocci that produced trans-10, cis-12 CLA from LA. Strain YJ-4 produced the most trans-10, cis-12 CLA (approx. 7 μg mg protein−1) and 16S rDNA sequencing indicated that YJ-4 was a strain of Megasphaera elsdenii. Megasphaera elsdenii T81 produced approx. 4 μg trans-10, cis-12 CLA mg protein−1 while strains B159, AW106 and JL1 produced < 0·5 μg mg protein−1. The trans-10, cis-12 CLA production of YJ-4 was first order with respect to cell concentration (0–800 μg protein ml−1), but kinetics were not first order with respect to substrate concentration. Conclusions: Some M. elsdenii strains produce significant amounts of trans-10, cis-12 CLA. Significance and Impact of the Study: Trans-10, cis-12 CLA appears to cause milk fat depression in cattle fed diets supplemented with grain and polyunsaturated fatty acids, but predominant ruminal bacteria that produced trans-10, cis-12 CLA from LA had not previously been isolated.
THE FACE, BEAUTY, AND SYMMETRY: PERCEIVING ASYMMETRY IN BEAUTIFUL FACES

The relationship between bilateral facial symmetry and beauty remains to be clarified. Here, straight head-on photographs of “beautiful” faces from the collections of professional modeling agencies were selected. First, beauty ratings were obtained for these faces. Then, the authors created symmetrical left-left and right-right composites of the beautiful faces and asked a new group of subjects to choose the most attractive pair member. “Same” responses were allowed. No difference between the left-left and right-right composites was revealed but significant differences were obtained between “same” and the left-left or right-right. These results show that subjects detected asymmetry in beauty and suggest that very beautiful faces can be functionally asymmetrical.
Self-orienting wireless multimedia sensor networks for occlusion-free viewpoints

Wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSN) are formations of a large number of compact form-factor computing devices that can capture multimedia content, such as video and audio, and communicate them over wireless channels. The efficiency of a WMSN heavily depends on the correct orientation (i.e., view) of its individual sensory units in the field. In this paper, we study the problem of self-orientation in WMSN, that is finding the most beneficial orientation for all multimedia sensors to maximize multimedia coverage. We propose a new algorithm to determine a node's multimedia coverage and find the sensor orientation that minimizes the negative effect of occlusions and overlapping regions in the sensing field. Our approach enables multimedia sensor nodes to compute their directional coverage leading to an efficient and self-configurable sensor orientation calculation. By using simulations, we show that the occlusion-free viewpoint approach increases the multimedia coverage significantly. The self-orientation methodology is designed in the form of a distributed algorithm, making it a suitable candidate for deployment in practical systems.
Specific absorption rate in electrically coupled biological samples between metal plates

The specific absorption rate (SAR) in a biological sample irradiated by electromagnetic fields between the metal plates of a transmission line can be altered significantly by the spacing of the metal plates and the distance between neighboring samples. The SAR in spherical biological samples is calculated for a number of neighboring sample arrangements and metal-plate spacings by using the method of images and induced dipole coupling. For a decrease in metal-plate spacing, the derived equations predict an increase in SAR within a sample and a decrease in SAR with a decrease in neighboring-sample spacing. The calculations are compared with measurements made with the aid of an array of 1-in radius metal hemispheres on the lower plate of two parallel plates (thus forming an image system). The hemisphere on which measurements are taken is insulated from the metal plate and is connected via a coaxial center conductor to an HP 3582A spectrum analyzer that measures the voltage and hence the electric field intensity at the hemisphere. Measurements made at a frequency where wavelength is large compared with sample size (48 Hz) are in good agreement with calculations.
Longitudinal physical activity and sedentary behavior trends: Adolescence to adulthood

Background There is little national research on longitudinal patterns of physical activity and sedentary behavior in ethnically diverse teens as they transition to adulthood. Methods Longitudinal questionnaire data from U.S. adolescents enrolled in Wave I (1994–1995) and Wave III (2001) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health ( n =13,030) were analyzed in January 2004. Incidence, reversal, and maintenance of achieving five or more weekly bouts of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and ≤14 hours of weekly TV and video viewing, computer/video game use (screen time) were assessed. Multinomial logistic regression models examined the likelihood of achieving five or more weekly sessions of MVPA week and ≤14 hours screen time per week as an adolescent and/or young adult, controlling for household income, parental education, age of adolescent, and seasonality. Results Of those achieving five or more weekly sessions of MVPA and ≤14 hours of weekly screen time as adolescents, few continued to achieve these favorable amounts of activity (4.4%) and screen time (37.0%) as adults. More failed to maintain these favorable amounts of activity (31.1%) and screen time (17.3%) into adulthood. Black versus white females were more likely to maintain favorable amounts of activity from adolescence to adulthood (odds ratio [OR]=3.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.49–6.42), while black males (OR=1.50; CI=1.05–2.14) and females (OR=2.00; CI=1.40–2.87) were more likely than whites to maintain less (versus more) favorable screen time hours. Conclusions The vast majority of adolescents do not achieve five or more bouts of moderate physical activity per week, and continue to fail to achieve this amount of activity into adulthood.
The homotopy of MString and MU⟨6⟩ at large primes

Recall that a String manifold is a Spin manifold M together with a trivialization of the class usually denoted p1(M)/2; this is a characteristic class, defined only for Spin manifolds, so that twice it is the usual first Pontrjagin class. The bordism spectrum of String manifolds is called MString or MO〈8〉; it is the Thom spectrum of the map BO〈8〉 −→ BO of the 7-connected cover of BO to BO. Similarly, MU〈6〉 is the bordism spectrum associated with the 5-connected cover BU〈6〉 −→ BU of BU .
The cross-bicepstrum: properties and applications for signal reconstruction and system identification

Complex cepstrum techniques are applied to cross-bispectra in order to simultaneously reconstruct three independent finite-time signals, given the cross-bispectrum of the three signals only. The method is applied to simultaneously identify three systems via the cross-bispectrum of their outputs, knowing only the statistics of the input. A least-squares method is presented to estimate the cross-bicepstral parameters of the three signals simultaneously. The method is nonparametric and noniterative, assuming only that the signals (or impulse responses) are exponential, stable, and have no zeros on the unit circle. It takes full advantage of the two-dimensional nature of the bispectrum to reconstruct the three signals (or identify the three systems) simultaneously. >
On the performance of lazy matching in production systems

Production systems are an established method for encoding knowledge in an expert system. The semantics of production system languages and the concomitant algorithms for their evaluation, RETE and TREAT, enumerate the set of rule instantiations and then apply a strategy that selects a single instantiation for firing. Often rule instantiations are calculated and never fired. In a sense, the time and space required to eagerly compute these unfired instantiations is wasted. This paper presents preliminary results about a new match technique, lazy matching. The lazy match algorithm folds the selection strategy into the search for instantiations, such that only one instantiation is computed per cycle. The algorithm improves the worst-case asymptotic space complexity of incremental matching. Moreover, empirical and analytic results demonstrate that lazy matching can substantially improve the execution time of production system programs.
ARCNET: A System-of-Systems Architecture Resource-Based Collaborative Network Evaluation Tool

Rapid advances in information technology and the increased emphasis on joint operations results in highly networked, interoperable Systems-of-Systems (SoS). The units comprising the SoS must act in collaboration with each other to establish and maintain information superiority and battlespace dominance. The problem that arises, however, is that there are few Modeling & Simulation tools that exist for quantifying the benefits of collaboration during a military mission. To address this need, this paper details the application of an Architecture Resource-Based Collaborative Network Evaluation Tool (ARCNET). ARCNET provides an estimation of the impact on mission effectiveness resulting from changes in collaboration between military units. These changes may be due to differences in interoperability, resource exchanges, and force structure. Ultimately, this will lead to more robust decision making during military SoS architecture selection.
Lipid Inclusions in L Cells Associated with Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus Infection

Abstract Hardy, Frank M. (Fort Detrick, Frederick, Md.), and David Arbiter. Lipid inclusions in L cells associated with Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus infection. J. Bacteriol. 89:1101–1103. 1965.—Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus has been shown to induce changes of lipid components within the L cell. Lipid inclusions in the form of dark granular bodies were observed in the L cell after aqueous osmium tetroxide fixation and Sudan black staining. Microscopic examination of cells as early as 8 hr after infection with VEE virus showed an increase in the concentration of these inclusions within the cytoplasm. According to various lipid solubility criteria, the inclusions were considered a combination of heterogeneous phospholipids.
A practical scheduling approach to network coding for wireless local repair

We propose a new XOR based scheduling algorithm for network coding in cooperative local repair. The proposed algorithm proceeds in three phases. First, the nodes exchange their packets availability vectors. This is followed by a short period of distributed scheduling, wherein the nodes execute the processing algorithm, developed to minimize the total transmission time. In the third phase, nodes transmit the encoded packets as per the decision of the scheduling algorithm. In addition, we study the effects and trade-offs of file sizes, processing delays, number of users and packets' availability. In the sequel, we display the favorable effects of file segmentation. Simulation results show improvement in the system throughput and in the processing delay.
Management of cleft lip and palate in primary care

Abstract ABSTRACT Cleft lip and palate malformations are the most common congenital craniofacial abnormalities. Patients with these deformities require coordinated care involving multiple disciplines from birth throughout adolescence. The primary care provider plays a vital role in facilitating the provision of care for these patients, who often have numerous health care needs, including feeding difficulties, speech disorders, chronic ear infections, and dental and orthodontic problems. The emotional issues of patients with these deformities and their families are significant and include disrupted parent and child bonding, body image disturbances, and impaired socialization. The role of the primary care provider is to be a stable source of support for these patients and to assist in coordinating care for the many physical and emotional problems they may have. J Pediatr Health Care. (2000). 14 , 13–19.
Oxidation of the zinc-thiolate complex and uncoupling of endothelial nitric oxide synthase by peroxynitrite

Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by NO synthase (NOS) in many cells and plays important roles in the neuronal, muscular, cardiovascular, and immune systems. In various disease conditions, all three types of NOS (neuronal, inducible, and endothelial) are reported to generate oxidants through unknown mechanisms. We present here the first evidence that peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) releases zinc from the zinc-thiolate cluster of endothelial NOS (eNOS) and presumably forms disulfide bonds between the monomers. As a result, disruption of the otherwise SDS-resistant eNOS dimers occurs under reducing conditions. eNOS catalytic activity is exquisitely sensitive to ONOO(-), which decreases NO synthesis and increases superoxide anion (O(2)(.-)) production by the enzyme. The reducing cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin is not oxidized, nor does it prevent oxidation of eNOS by the same low concentrations of OONO(-). Furthermore, eNOS derived from endothelial cells exposed to elevated glucose produces more O(2)(.-), and, like eNOS purified from diabetic LDL receptor-deficient mice, contains less zinc and fewer SDS-resistant dimers. Hence, eNOS exposure to oxidants including ONOO(-) causes increased enzymatic uncoupling and generation of O(2)(.-) in diabetes, contributing further to endothelial cell oxidant stress. Regulation of the zinc-thiolate center of NOS by ONOO(-) provides a novel mechanism for modulation of the enzyme function in disease.
Fibronectin associated with Clq in a Clq isolation procedure.

The complement component Clq, prepared by euglobulin precipitation of serum to which EDTA or EGTA had been added, contained fibronectin (FN) as detected by radioimmunoassay and immunodiffusion methods. The FN contents of the Clq preparations varied betwen 3 and 29Z by weight of the Clq contents. Adsorptions of sera with polymerized IgG (an adsorbent for Clq) in the presence or absence of EDTA removed all detectable Clq and between 12 and 952 of the FN. In a similar manner, adsorptions of sera and Clq preparations with insolubilized gelatin (to which FN will bind) reduced greatly or removed completely the FN component but also strikingly reduced the Clq contents. High salt concentration or the addition of EDTA did not alter the gelatin adsorption results indicating that the association was not sensitive to high ionic condition and that Clq was equally bound as Clq or as the CI complex. The results suggest that FN and Clq bind individually to both gelatin and IgG or that FN and Clq co-associate, accounting ...
Sensing ambient oxygen using a W/CuxO/Cu memristor.

Three memristive devices were fabricated and investigated for sensing oxygen in ambient air. The device design was as follows: Deposition of copper (Cu) bottom electrodes, copper oxide (Cu x O) switching layers, and W top electrodes in a crossbar array structure. The Cu x O layer was deposited via reactive sputtering of a Cu target with Ar/O 2 mixture. A portion of this layer was left exposed for sensing. Atomic composition was confirmed via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and current-voltage characteristics were measured using a picoammeter. Results demonstrate an increase in resistance states (24-31% for low resistance states) upon prolonged exposure to ambient air.
Anti-Censorship Framework using Mobile IPv6 based Moving Target Defense

Anti-censorship techniques are important as the ability to freely access information is key to a democratic society. This issue has become even more critical in the information age. In this paper, we present an anti-censorship scheme based on the use of moving target defense implemented with Mobile IPv6. Our approach leverages the participation of content providers (the servers) and relies on unmodified standard Mobile IPv6 protocol. We utilize multiple care-of-addresses to assign each user to access groups and rotate them in a random shuffling that occur at some parametized time interval. We present the various aspects of this approach (such as blocking probability) and reason about its efficacy using an analytical (probabilistic) model. We also present the results of our initial prototype implementation, which was used to look at practical parameters and to understand the implementation overhead. Our analysis shows that it would require a tremendous amount of effort and resources for the adversary to overcome our scheme and censor the end-users.
Whom do they serve? Community responsiveness among hospitals affiliated with health systems and networks.

Background. As the US hospital sector becomes more consolidated, concerns have been raised about whether participation in health systems and health networks may reduce community hospitals’ response to community health needs. Objectives. The following were examined: (1) whether freestanding hospitals and system- and network-affiliated hospitals differed in their level of community responsiveness; and (2) how systems and networks affect the level of community responsiveness in community hospitals. Methods. A cross-sectional design was used. The dependent variables included community orientation, provision of community health services, and Medicaid inpatient load. Independent variables were system/network membership and policy and organizational attributes of the health system/network. Results. With few exceptions, a significantly greater involvement of system and network hospitals was found in providing community health services and inpatient services to Medicaid patients, relative to freestanding hospitals. Community health mission of the system/network and the involvement of the system/network in community partnerships or coalitions were positively related to community orientation in member hospitals. Hospitals affiliated with health systems and hospitals affiliated with more diversified systems or networks tended to provide more community health services. Community health mission of the health system or network was related to greater Medicaid inpatient load in member hospitals. Conclusions. In general, affiliation with health systems and health networks appears to be positively related to community responsiveness in community hospitals. Research future can examine whether such greater community responsiveness is because of the development and improvement of communication channels among elements of health systems and health networks and the ability of health systems and health networks to build a platform of general, administrative services to link various constituencies.
Aspergillus Infecting Malacosoma at High Temperatures

(1912). Aspergillus Infecting Malacosoma at High Temperatures. Mycologia: Vol. 4, No. 5, pp. 279-281.
Discussion on Testing Method of Electrical Endurance for High Voltage Alternating-current Circuit Breakers

The definition of electrical endurance of HV alternating-current circuit breakers is explained, and the testing methods specified in IEC62271-100, GB1984-2003 and DL402-1999 are introduced in this paper. By comparing the testing methods of some countries and analyzing the influences of electrical endurance tests on circuit breaker manufacturing and utilization, the revision of testing methods for Class E2 circuit breakers is suggested for national standard and electric power industry standard of China.
Theoretical and Empirical Study on the Relationship between Financial Development and Economic Growth——Cointegration Analysis on Provincial Panel Data of China

This paper deduces the growth path of steady state when considering the financial intermedium and theoretically sets forth the positive promotion of financial development to economic growth.According to the provincial panel data,the paper uses panel unit root,panel co-integration and vector error correction model to analyze the influence of financial factor on economic growth.The financial development is the Granger Causality of economic growth.The relationship between financial development and economic growth is generally positive.
Booker T. Washington and the Secret of Hypertension in African Americans

Booker T. Washington rose from slavery to become one of the most admired Americans of his time. He died of long-standing malignant hypertension on November 14, 1915. At that time the medical profession was just beginning to recognize the importance of hypertension as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In spite of intensive research fueled by ongoing speculation, why Washington might have been predisposed to the ravages of hypertension, and African Americans continue to be so predisposed, is a secret yet to be told.
Energy disaggregation via learning 'Powerlets' and sparse coding

In this paper, we consider the problem of energy disaggregation, i.e., decomposing a whole home electricity signal into its component appliances. We propose a new supervised algorithm, which in the learning stage, automatically extracts signature consumption patterns of each device by modeling the device as a mixture of dynamical systems. In order to extract signature consumption patterns of a device corresponding to its different modes of operation, we define appropriate dissimilarities between energy snippets of the device and use them in a subset selection scheme, which we generalize to deal with time-series data. We then form a dictionary that consists of extracted power signatures across all devices. We cast the disaggregation problem as an optimization over a representation in the learned dictionary and incorporate several novel priors such as device-sparsity, knowledge about devices that do or do not work together as well as temporal consistency of the disaggregated solution. Real experiments on a publicly available energy dataset demonstrate that our proposed algorithm achieves promising results for energy disaggregation.
Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2B and Miyoshi Presentations of Dysferlinopathy

We report the following 2 subtypes of progressive limb-girdle dystrophy type 2B: limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD2B) and Miyoshi. The first patient described had weakness in the anterior thigh muscles (LGMD2B) and the second patient had calf muscle weakness and atrophy (Miyoshi). Literature review was performed and LGMD2B was compared and distinguished from other myopathies of similar nature. Genetic testing with polymerase chain reaction analysis of the DYSF gene confirmed the diagnosis in both patients. Additional findings of histopathology, specific stain for sarcolemmal membrane protein, Western blot analysis and clinical presentation clinched the diagnosis further of dysferlinopathy (LGMD2B) in both our patients. Currently, there is no definitive treatment on the horizon and immunosuppressive therapy is not recommended for this condition. Gene therapy may have a future role, but at present, muscle-strengthening exercises and patient awareness are the mainstays.
Compressive Mechanics of Collagen-Fibrin Composites and Their Structural Alterations

Collagen, fibrin and fibrin-collagen composite biomaterials play an important role in tissue regeneration and are widely used in surgery as sealants or fleeces and in bioengineering as scaffolds. Previous studies demonstrated that collagen-fibrin composite scaffolds possess improved tensile mechanical properties compared to matrices of either component alone. In this work, we showed that compressed collagen-fibrin composites have synergistic shear viscoelastic properties relative to either protein scaffold alone. Combined measurements of viscoelastic and structural properties of the composite and individual protein scaffolds using rotational rheometry, confocal and scanning electron microscopy indicated that these mechanical enhancements originated from structural alterations of the network. Measurements of elastic and loss moduli of collagen-fibrin constructs along with their individual components displayed a dual softening-stiffening transition occurring along the course of matrix compression from low to high compression degrees. Fibrin-collagen composite produced a biopolymer that was initially stiffer than its individual components and was more responsive to compression than fibrin or collagen alone. Improved stiffness of the collagen-fibrin biocomposite was attributed to the increase of fibrin network node density in the presence of collagen and formation of criss-crossing nodes between intersecting fibrin and collagen fibers as well as bundling of fibers of two interpenetrating networks. Composite collagen-fibrin materials revealed more complex network structure of higher apparent branching degree than collagen or fibrin alone. We demonstrated that changing protein density in collagen and fibrin constructs could drastically alter the stress-strain relationship by shifting the onset of stiffening to low compressive strains as the protein density increased. Correlations of the mechanical alterations and changes of the scaffold topology indicated the structural origin of the mechanical response of pure and composite materials. The results obtained can be useful for designing biomaterials of modulated mechanical characteristics.
Irving Kristol and a New Vision of Capitalism

As the neocons in and outside the Reagan administration began to strengthen the nation's resolve in confronting the Soviet Union, Irving Kristol and other neocons were searching for a new social/economic vision. In liberal circles, free markets had few friends. Some critics characterized capitalism as rapacious and dehumanizing. Statism was so strong that even President Nixon had sought to interfere with the national economy by imposing wage and price controls. “We're all Keynesians now,” Nixon said in 1971, referring to the British economic theorist whose admirers argued that government was responsible not only for regulating modern capitalism but also for playing a leading role in guiding and stimulating the economy. Kristol's thinking was more nuanced. He recognized the pitfalls of run-away capitalism but saw great strengths in a system that, in his college days, he had denounced. His World War II stint in the army had convinced him that socialism was plain stupidity. As early as 1957, he wrote in Commentary , partly tongue-in-check, that it was time to say a good word for the Horatio Alger novels. “The moral of these stories,” he said “is that even if one is born very poor, one can still end up rich and successful if one is good-looking, intelligent, healthy, diligent, ambitious and extremely lucky. I can think of no truer sociological observation.”
Single and multi-subject clustering of flow cytometry data for cell-type identification and anomaly detection

Measurement of various markers of single cells using flow cytometry has several biological applications. These applications include improving our understanding of behavior of cellular systems, identifying rare cell populations and personalized medication. A common critical issue in the existing methods is identification of the number of cellular populations which heavily affects the accuracy of results. Furthermore, anomaly detection is crucial in flow cytometry experiments. In this work, we propose a two-stage clustering technique for cell type identification in single subject flow cytometry data and extend it for anomaly detection among multiple subjects. Our experimentation on 42 flow cytometry datasets indicates high performance and accurate clustering (F-measure > 91 %) in identifying main cellular populations. Furthermore, our anomaly detection technique evaluated on Acute Myeloid Leukemia dataset results in only <2 % false positives.
Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase-Inhibiting Herbicides

Publisher Summary Protoporphyrinogen oxidase-inhibiting herbicides, also referred to as Protox- or PPO-inhibiting herbicides, were commercialized in the 1960s. Nitrofen was the first Protox-inhibiting herbicide to be introduced for commercial use in 1964. This diphenyl ether (DPE) herbicide was eventually recognized as a relatively weak inhibitor of Protox, but it was a lead compound of an entire class of structurally related herbicides that were much more active. Several DPE herbicides have been successfully commercialized. Numerous nonoxygen-bridged compounds with this same site of action have also been discovered. Before glyphosate-resistant crops, there were several reasons for the high level of interest among agrochemical companies in the discovery and development of new Protox inhibitors. Protox is a particularly good target that can be inhibited by structurally diverse classes of herbicides, allowing for the development of a new chemistry not yet patented by other companies. These compounds are effective at very low application rates and have generally good ecotoxicology and human toxicology profiles at recommended application rates. Many are highly compatible with the trend toward no-tillage agriculture. Furthermore, unlike with some of the other herbicide classes, weeds do not readily evolve resistance at this particular site of action, although the discovery of a Protox inhibitor-resistant Amaranthus rudis biotype suggests that resistance can and will occur if the selection pressure is sufficient. The relatively low dose rates required for herbicidal activity may be far below the dose needed to adversely affect porphyrin metabolism in animals in field situations or in humans as a result of exposures in food, water, air, or during application.
Genetics of Fukuyama Muscular Dystrophy

The Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD) chromosome analysis has been further defined at the University of Tokyo; Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Women’s Medical College; Kobe General Hospital; Aichi Welfare Center, Kasugai; and Nagoya City University Medical School, Japan.
The Hafnium-chromium system☆

Abstract A phase diagram is proposed for the hafnium-chromium system based on the results of microscopic, X-ray and thermal analyses. The main features of the diagram are: a Laves phase, HfCr2, which melts congruently at 1825 °C and undergoes a crystallographic transformation between 1320 ° and 1360 °C; eutectic reactions at 1480 °C and 29 at.% Cr and 1660 °C and 86 at.% Cr; and a eutectoid reaction at 1390 °C and 12 at.% Cr. It was confirmed that the stable form of HfCr2 at low temperatures has the face-centered cubic, MgCu2-type structure, while at high temperatures it has the hexagonal MgZn2 structure.
Survival after dementia diagnosis in five racial/ethnic groups

Abstract Introduction Information on anticipated survival time after dementia diagnosis among racially/ethnically diverse patients is needed to plan for care and evaluate disparities. Methods Dementia-free health care members aged ≥64 years were followed (1/1/2000–12/31/2013) for dementia diagnosis and subsequent survival (n = 23,032 Asian American; n = 18,778 African American; n = 21,000 Latino; n = 4543 American Indian/Alaska Native; n = 206,490 white). Kaplan–Meier curves were estimated for survival after dementia diagnosis by race/ethnicity. We contrasted mortality patterns among people with versus without dementia using Cox proportional hazards models. Results After dementia diagnosis (n = 59,494), whites had shortest median survival (3.1 years), followed by American Indian/Alaska Natives (3.4 years), African Americans (3.7 years), Latinos (4.1 years), and Asian Americans (4.4 years). Longer postdiagnosis survival among racial/ethnic minorities compared with whites persisted after adjustment for comorbidities. Racial/ethnic mortality inequalities among dementia patients mostly paralleled mortality inequalities among people without dementia. Discussion Survival after dementia diagnosis differs by race/ethnicity, with shortest survival among whites and longest among Asian Americans.
Changes in experiences with nature through the lives of environmentally committed university faculty

Previous work has identified time spent in nature as a child as a precursor to active care for the natural world (i.e. environmental commitment), but a paucity of data exists on what happens to env...
Human Mobility and the Longue Durée: The Prehistory of Global Migration Law

The long history of human migration sets the stage for a probing engagement with current migration law and the challenges of bringing it into alignment with contemporary needs and rights. If very large scale movements of people are a constant element of life on earth, should we reconsider the migration panic that has gripped political leaders and their publics, and should we reassess the responses that are being advanced? Instead of crisis should we be talking of continuum, instead of restrictions on foreigner entry should we be considering support for human ingenuity and opportunity? Despite its scale, should we consider ways to extend to distress-migration the facilitatory infrastructure we routinely apply to business or service related human mobility?
Initial Public Offering Database: Presentation

This data set is comprised of all initial public offerings filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from June 1996 through 2006, excluding spin-offs, mutual funds, REITs, and so-called small business IPOs.
Exchange Rate Pass-Through and the Role of Market Shares

This paper examines the effects of changing market shares on exchange rate pass-through to US import prices. Based on a static model of imperfect competition, I predict that a country with a larger share of a host’s import market will have lower pass-through than its competitors. Using highly disaggregated data on US imports, I implement rolling regressions to calculate unique quarterly values of pass-through for specific goods from each exporting country. These values are compared across market shares, indicating a general trend of decreasing pass-through for larger shares. Most specifically, as predicted by the model, the country holding the largest share of the market has significantly lower pass-through than its competitors. The negative relationship between pass-through and market share holds across most categories of goods, most notably the larger categories of imports. Lastly, I show the market share effect is stronger following larger fluctuations in the exchange rate, particularly after large dollar appreciations.
Simulated permeability of flocculated kaolinite sediments from X-ray tomographic images

Nano clay mineral particles such as kaolinite — with primary particles typically smaller than 2 µm in size — can cause significant problems in flotation processes and tailings disposal, including the processing of Florida phosphate rock and Canadian oil sands. In this study, the consolidated state of flocculated kaolinite sediment was examined, and high-resolution X-ray microtomography (HRXMT) was applied to describe the structure of the consolidated sediment. Using this tomographic information, the complex geometry of the channel network structure for the consolidated flocs was established for the first time. With the establishment of the experimental channel network structure, permeabilities were estimated by flow simulation using the Lattice Boltzmann method. Results for kaolinite sediment with and without polymer are compared and discussed. Results for flocculated kaolinite sediment in a gravitational field are also presented and discussed. The results show that as polymer dosage increases, the permeability of flocculated kaolinite sediment increases, and as suspension pH increases, the permeability of flocculated kaolinite sediment decreases.
Sodium azide enhancement of interleukin-2 production

The production of large quantities of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) from normal human lymphocytes has been limited by the short production and release period, as well as its absorption by the responsive cell population. We report the utilization of sodium azide (NaN3, 0.01% final concentration) to allow continued production of IL-2 as long as 72-96 hr and thereby increase the yield significantly. Cell cycle analysis performed by flow cytometry indicates that NaN3 blocks cells at the G0-G1 transition and the G1-S transition, depending on the time of addition of NaN3 to the cultures.
Polar rings in disk galaxies.

A number of disk galaxies, usually S0s, show an outer ring of gas, dust and stars at a large angle to the major axis of the central galaxy. In some cases the inner galaxy is known to rotate rapidly about its short axis, consistent with the interpretation that it is a disk seen nearly edge-on; the ring, of course, rotates about its own, nearly orthogonal, minor axis. It has been estimated (Schweizer et al. 1983; AJ 88, 909) that ‘a few percent’ of S0 galaxies show polar rings; they are neither common nor extremely rare. The rings are gas-rich (e.g. van Gorkom et al. 1987; Ap J 314, 457), some containing several billion solar masses of neutral hydrogen; one, in NGC 3998, is seen only in HI (Knapp et al. 1985; A Ap 142, 1), with no stellar ring visible. Polar rings around S0 galaxies seem to differ from gas disks in ellipticals in that the stars and ionized gas (as well as the HI) can extend far beyond the body of the galaxy.
Reliability of service-proven structural systems

The reliability of a structure in service is analysed as a function of successful past performance, including the effects of proof testing on correlated failure modes, and resistance of past service loads. For many failure modes not involving wearout, successful past service of a structure can be likened to a proof load test with uncertainty, and results in smaller probabilities of low strength and increased reliability estimates for older structures. After-service strength is found to be relatively insensitive to assumptions on the distribution of initial strength, and service-proven structural systems are found to have decreased likelihood of gross errors. Compared to single components, these beneficial effects of survival age are found to be more pronounced in non-redundant systems and less pronounced in redundant systems. Examples include chain and parallel ductile structural sytems.
Activation by protons in range-thick lead and tungsten spallation targets

The activation of spallation targets of Pb and W has been studied for range-thick targets at proton energies of 0.84, 1.00, and 1.42 GeV. The production of radioactive nuclei per incident proton per cubic centimeter has been determined at six depths in the target material. Comparisons have been made with high-energy transport code calculations at 0.84 and 1.00 GeV and with calculations for 800-MeV experiments using similar targets at Los Alamos National Laboratory.