cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Business intelligence: Self adapting and prioritizing database algorithm for providing big data insight in domain knowledge and processing of volume based instructions based on scheduled and contextual shifting of data

Modern world is not only about software and technology as the world advances it is becoming more data oriented and mathematical in nature. The current size of information that is brought in and processed is large and complex in size. Data size does not only involve using every single point of data that is reported. This information needs to be sized down and understood according to the application at hand. Data size is one issue and the other issue is the knowledge or information that needs to be extracted from it in order to obtain and achieve the purposeful meaning from the data. In memory and column oriented databases have presented viable and efficient solutions to optimize query time and column compressions. In addition to storing and retrieving data the information world has stepped up into big data with millions and terabytes of data as influx every single second. With the increase in the influx of data and out flux of responses generated and required. The world is now in need of both systems and software's that are efficient in storing huge data as well as application layer algorithms that are efficient enough to extract meaning from the layers or topologically dependent data. This paper is focused on analyzing in column store technique for managing mathematical and scientific big data involved in multiple markets; by using topological data meaning for analyzing and understanding the information from adaptive database systems. And for efficient storing in database the column oriented approach to big data analytics and query layers will be analyzed and optimized.
A high power medium voltage resonant dual active bridge for DC distribution networks

This paper presents a megawatt scale, medium voltage, medium frequency resonant dual active bridge dc-dc converter operating as a bus-tie converter in a dc distribution network. The high voltage side of the converter is designed using series connected low voltage devices in order to efficiently operate at higher switching frequencies. A combined variable frequency and phase shift control method is proposed to achieve input/output power flow and voltage control, while maintaining soft switching operation for both high voltage and low voltage bridges. A 1MW converter prototype is presented to validate the proposed topology and control.
Presentation and Management of Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis.

Background Inferior vena cava thrombosis (IVCT), although rare, has a potential for significant morbidity and mortality. IVCT is often a result of IVC filter thrombosis, but it can also occur de novo. Although anticoagulation remains the standard of care, endovascular techniques to restore IVC patency have become key adjunctive therapies in recent years. This study examines a single-center experience with diagnosis and management of IVCT. Methods A retrospective Institutional Review Board-approved review of a single-center institutional database was screened to identify IVCT thrombosis using International Classification of Diseases code 453.2 over a 3-year period. Etiology of IVCT was separated into 2 groups: those with IVC thrombosis in the setting of prior IVC filter place and those in whom IVCT occurred de novo. Patient demographics, presenting characteristics, and management of IVCT were examined. Treatment options included expectant management with anticoagulation versus catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), mechanical thrombectomy, stenting, or a combination. For those who underwent intervention, technical success, defined as restoration of IVC patency, was assessed. Results Forty-one unique patients were identified with radiographically confirmed diagnosis of ICVT (mean age 61, range 25-91; 21 female, 51.2%). Eighteen (43.9%) patients presented with thrombosed IVC filter. Risk factors for venous thromboembolism included tobacco usage, current or prior smoking (n = 17, 41.5%), history of prior deep vein thrombosis (n = 25, 61.0%), malignancy (n = 17, 41.5%), use of hormonal supplements (n = 3, 7.3%), known thrombophilia (n = 4, 9.8%), and obesity (body mass index: mean 29, range 18.8-58.53). Eleven patients (26.8%) presented with pulmonary embolism (PE), and of those 63.6% had IVC filter thrombosis (n = 7). Risk of PE was not significantly different between those patients presenting with a thrombosed IVC filter compared to those with de novo IVCT (38.9% vs. 17.4%, P = 0.12) Management of IVCT included anticoagulation alone (n = 27, 65.9%), CDT (n = 5, 12.2%), mechanical thrombolysis (n = 10, 24.4%), and adjunctive IVC stent (n = 3, 7.3%). Among the 14 (34.1%) patients who had intervention for IVCT, patency was restored in 12 patients (85.7%). Conclusions IVCT is a rare event and is associated with known risk factors for venous thromboembolism. PE can occur in roughly 25% of patients presenting with IVCT. Presence of a filter does not appear to confer an advantage in preventing PE when IVCT occurs. Although majority of IVCT is managed with anticoagulation alone, endovascular interventions, including lysis and stenting, can safely restore patency in most properly selected patients.
How Is the Freezing Point of a Binary Mixture of Liquids Related to the Composition? A Guided Inquiry Experiment

The principles of process oriented guided inquiry learning (POGIL) are applied to a binary solid–liquid mixtures experiment. Over the course of two learning cycles, students predict, measure, and model the phase diagram of a mixture of fatty acids. The enthalpy of fusion of each fatty acid is determined from the results. This guided inquiry experiment, which was developed as part of the POGIL-PCL (Physical Chemistry Laboratory) Project and tested at multiple institutions, relies on “green” materials and can be carried out by students using simple or sophisticated apparatus.
Whole Genome Sequencing and Multiplex qPCR Methods to Identify Campylobacter jejuni Encoding cst-II or cst-III Sialyltransferase

Campylobacter jejuni causes more than 2 million cases of gastroenteritis annually in the United States, and is also linked to the autoimmune sequelae Guillan-Barre syndrome (GBS). GBS often results in flaccid paralysis, as the myelin sheaths of nerve cells are degraded by the adaptive immune response. Certain strains of C. jejuni modify their lipooligosaccharide (LOS) with the addition of neuraminic acid, resulting in LOS moieties that are structurally similar to gangliosides present on nerve cells. This can trigger GBS in a susceptible host, as antibodies generated against C. jejuni can cross-react with gangliosides, leading to demyelination of nerves and a loss of signal transduction. The goal of this study was to develop a quantitative PCR (qPCR) method and use whole genome sequencing data to detect the Campylobacter sialyltransferase (cst) genes responsible for the addition of neuraminic acid to LOS. The qPCR method was used to screen a library of 89 C. jejuni field samples collected by the Food and Drug Administration Pacific Northwest Lab (PNL) as well as clinical isolates transferred to PNL. In silico analysis was used to screen 827 C. jejuni genomes in the FDA GenomeTrakr SRA database. The results indicate that a majority of C. jejuni strains could produce LOS with ganglioside mimicry, as 43.8% of PNL isolates and 46.9% of the GenomeTrakr isolates lacked the cst genes. The methods described in this study can be used by public health laboratories to rapidly determine whether a C. jejuni isolate has the potential to induce GBS. Based on these results, a majority of C. jejuni in the PNL collection and submitted to GenomeTrakr have the potential to produce LOS that mimics human gangliosides.
Integrating ethics into science education and research: report of the presidential commission for the study of bioethical issues.

The 2013 BRAIN Research Initiative calls for the integration of ethics into medical education and all levels of research, from hypothesis generation to evaluation, which promises to provide an ethical foundation for all future biomedical research.
Carbohydrate-binding sites of plant lectins.

Lectins are a diverse group of proteins and glycoproteins that exhibit specific binding for certain carbohydrates. Proteins with this property have been described in a wide variety of taxa, ranging from bacteria (e.g. Neter 1956) to slime molds (Barondes and Haywood 1979) and lower vertebrates (Simpson et al. 1978), but the best characterized examples are from plants. These proteins were originally characterized as cell agglutinins, until the term lectin was introduced by Boyd (1954, 1963) to encompass a larger range of activities involving selectivity for specific saccharides. There is no universally accepted definition that specifies exactly the functional classes of proteins included in the lectins, but it is generally agreed that such well-known groups as antibodies, enzymes, and transport proteins are not included. These groups are covered separately in later chapters of this book.
Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) Studies of Molluscan Hemocyanins

In the past four years we have studied some 20 molluscan Hcs of the Polyplacaphoran, Gastropodan and Bivalvian classes by STEM and other physical methods (1-6). With STEM we have been able to measure the masses of individual particles in unstained, freeze-dried specimens, and to examine the arrangement of the cylindrical decameric units within various aggregates. Although the most intensively studied Hcs (e.g.,Helix pomatia) are didecameric, many of the gastropodan Hcs that we have studied are multi-decameric assemblies. The appearance of the di-decameric Hc may be represented schematically as a closed box composed of two decameric units facing one another, [x], where x is used to identify such units in the longer assemblies. In the bracket notation of Van Holde and Miller (7) for the decamer, ], the closed end represents the collar end formed by the folding over of two of the eight functional units of each of the ten monomeric chains (8). The model for a di decameric Hc is based primarily on Mellema and King’s image analyses (9) of negatively-stained transmission electron microscopic (TEM) images of the isoionic (pi) polymers of Kelletia kelletia Hc that look like stacks of closed boxes: [x][x][x]. We have found that the isoionic type of regular stacking is not seen in multi-decameric Hcs. Rather, as others have also noted (10,11), there is a polarity in the arrangement of the decameric units: usually only one “Mellema- Klug” di-decamer is present with decamers added in both directions, and with collar ends never facing one another.
Lung Cancer Metastatic to Other Body Sites

Lung cancers spread widely to local and distant organs. The tumors disseminate (1) by contiguous growth to the adjacent tissues and organs (e.g., hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes, pleura, esophagus, thyroid, chest wall); (2) within the lung parenchyma by extension into the contiguous air spaces, along interstitial and submucosal planes, and intraluminally along the airways; (3) to distant organs via lymphatics and blood vessels; and (4) by pleural seeding.
Precision prevention: A focused response to shifting paradigms in healthcare.

IMPACT STATEMENT The study of LINE-1 retroelements and their role in the pathogenesis of diseases of the lung such as COPD and lung cancer may provide valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tools to identify pre-emptively individuals at risk of pulmonary disease progression. Limited information is presently available on the role of LINE-1 in the regulation of disease phenotypes and the development of novel therapeutics designed to curtail LINE-1-mediated pathogenesis. Successful implementation of precision prevention strategies may help to spare those impacted by obstructive pulmonary disease from continued deterioration, while realizing significant cost savings and improved quality of healthcare.
Germline large deletion of BAP1 and decreased expression in non-tumor choroid in uveal melanoma patients with high risk for inherited cancer

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common phenotype in patients with germline BAP1 mutation. This study aimed to identify selection criteria for BAP1 germline testing and assessed the role of large deletion/duplication and epigenetic inactivation. One hundred seventy-two UM patients with high risk of hereditary cancer were included. Germline variants in BAP1 were assessed by direct sequencing and large deletion/duplication by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. BAP1 expression in unaffected choroid tissue from a patient with UM was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR and methylation by pyrosequencing. Twenty-eight patients had one or more germline sequence variants in BAP1; seven of these were pathogenic. One hundred forty patients were assessed for large deletion/duplication and in one BAP1 whole gene deletion was detected. In total, eight patients (4.7%) had pathogenic alterations in BAP1 with the highest frequencies of in patients with a personal/family history of ≥2 BAP1-related cancers 6/16 (38%), age of onset <35 years 4/21 (19%) and familial UM 6/34 (18%). One of 19 non-tumor choroid tissues tested showed uncharacteristically low expression as compared to the controls decrease in BAP1 RNA expression but no evidence of constitutional promotor hypermethylation was detected. UM patients with a strong personal or family history of cancers associated with BAP1, early age of onset and familial UM should be assessed for germline variants in BAP1, including large deletions.
Characterization of common variable immunodeficiency : identification of a subset of patients with distinctive immunophenotypic and clinical features

The peripheral blood lymphocyte surface markers and clinical features of 38 patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) were assessed. These studies identified a subset of CVID consisting of 14 of the 38 patients with a distinctive T-cell immunophenotype and clinical findings. The phenotypic changes were characterized by an abnormally low CD4/CD8 ratio (less than or equal to 0.9) due primarily to a significant increase in CD8 T cells. In addition, there was an expansion in CD8 T cells coexpressing CD57 and increased expression of the activation markers HLA-DR and interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) by these cells. This group of immunophenotypically abnormal CVID patients also had characteristic clinical features, including splenomegaly (P less than .02) and in vivo T-cell dysfunction based on the evaluation of delayed-type hypersensitivity (P less than .05). Approximately 71% of these patients had splenomegaly and 42% were anergic in contrast to the remaining group of CVID patients, in which 29% had splenomegaly and 7% were anergic. These findings define a subgroup of CVID patients that have specific immunophenotypic features and functional T-cell abnormalities.
Axisymmetric bluff-body drag reduction through geometrical modification

The effect of shoulder radiusing and grooving (longitudinally and circumferentially) the afterbodies of bluff bodies to reduce the base drag at low speeds is investigated experimentally. Shoulder radii as large as 2.75 body diameters are examined. Reynolds number (ReD) based on body diameter varied from 20,000 to 200,000. Results indicate that increasing the shoulder radius to 2.00 body diameters can reduce the drag levels to those of a streamline body having 67 percent greater fineness ratio. For the relatively sharp shoulder case, body drag reductions as large as 50 and 33 percent are obtained using circumferential or longitudinal grooves, respectively.
DNP or PhD as a Credential for Nurse Faculty: Choices and Consequences:

With the inception of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as the designated practice doctorate in nursing and ultimate acceptance of the DNP as a terminal degree in nursing by professional nursing organizations, questions have arisen about the implications for faculty appointment in the teaching-learning in nursing. Following a brief discussion of the background of the DNP and recent trends in academic nursing programs, a challenge is presented to nurse faculty and administrators to consider carefully the illuminated critical issues and concerns in planning for the future of teaching-learning in nursing.
Histone acetyltransferase inhibition rescues differentiation of emerin-null myogenic progenitors

Introduction: Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy (EDMD) is a disease characterized by skeletal muscle wasting, major tendon contractures, and cardiac conduction defects. Mutations in the gene encoding emerin cause EDMD1. Our previous studies suggested emerin activation of Histone Deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) to reduce Histone 4-Lysine 5 (H4K5) acetylation (ac) is important for myogenic differentiation. Methods: Pharmacological inhibitors (Nu9056, L002) of histone acetyltransferases targeting acetylated H4K5 were used to test if increased acetylated H4K5 was responsible for the impaired differentiation seen in emerin deficient myogenic progenitors. Results: Nu9056 and L002 rescued impaired differentiation in emerin deficiency. SRT1720, which inhibits the NAD+-dependent deacetylase Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), failed to rescue myotube formation. Discussion: We conclude emerin regulation of HDAC3 activity to affect H4K5 acetylation dynamics is important for myogenic differentiation. Targeting H4K5ac dynamics represents a new strategy for ameliorating the skeletal muscle wasting seen in EDMD1.
Contemporary Outpatient Arthroplasty Is Safe Compared with Inpatient Surgery: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of 574,375 Procedures.

BACKGROUND Outpatient joint arthroplasty is a potential modality for increased case throughput and is rising in demand. However, we are aware of no study that has compared outcomes between risk-matched outpatient and inpatient procedures within the last 7 years. The aims of this study were to compare matched patient cohorts who underwent outpatient or inpatient joint arthroplasty in terms of 30-day adverse events and readmission rates. METHODS From the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we identified patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and primary unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) from 2009 to 2018. Using 10 perioperative variables, patients who underwent an outpatient procedure were 1:4 propensity score-matched with patients who underwent an inpatient procedure. The rates of 30-day adverse events and readmission were compared using the McNemar test. The risk factors for adverse events and readmissions were identified using multivariate regression. RESULTS Of 574,375 patients identified, 21,506 (3.74%) underwent an outpatient procedure. After propensity score matching, an outpatient joint arthroplasty was associated with a lower rate of adverse events (3.18% compared with 7.45%; p < 0.001). When assessed individually, outpatient TKA (3.15% compared with 8.11%; p < 0.001), THA (4.94% compared with 10.05%; p < 0.001), and UKA (1.78% compared with 3.39%; p < 0.001) were all associated with fewer adverse events overall and there was no difference in the rate of 30-day readmission, when compared with inpatient analogs. Outpatient joint arthroplasty was an independent factor for lower adverse events (odds ratio [OR], 0.407 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.369 to 0.449]; p < 0.001), with no increase in the risk of readmission (OR, 1.004 [95% CI, 0.878 to 1.148]; p = 0.951). CONCLUSIONS Contemporary outpatient joint arthroplasty demonstrated lower rates of adverse events with no increased rate of 30-day readmission when compared with risk-matched inpatient counterparts. Although multiple factors should guide the decision for the site of care, outpatient arthroplasty may be a safe alternative to inpatient arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A Platform to Study High-Field FRC Formation on the Maize Linear Transformer Driver *

Field-reversed configurations (FRCs) have become attractive targets for magneto-inertial fusion, a.k.a. magnetized target fusion (MTF), which may offer a more economical path to fusion gain greater than unity. Slutz et al 1 has simulated FRC formation and compression via a solid imploding liner on the Z-machine (20+ MA, 100 ns), located at Sandia National Labs. These FRC targets would be unique for an MTF campaign in that they would be formed with very strong fields (10-100 T), be centimeter-scale in size, and be formed in-situ (requiring no translation stage). With a 30 T bias axial field, LASNEX simulations suggest fusion yield from the compressed FRC could approach liner kinetic energies typically obtained in MagLIF 2 .
Corrole conjugates: a unique approach to tumor targeting

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 2328 The purpose of the studies described here is to test the hypothesis that a novel corrole compound can induce tumor-specific toxicity by forming a noncovalent assembly with a novel recombinant cell penetrating viral protein targeted to HER2+ breast cancer cells. Corroles are macrocyclic compounds that can bind and transport metal ions, and thus may be toxic to cells. While anionic corroles poorly enter cells, likely due to the negatively charged cell membrane, delivery via a targeted, membrane penetrating agent facilitates cell entry. Accordingly, we have demonstrated that a recombinant cell penetrating Ad capsid protein forms a noncovalent assembly with corroles that is stable in serum and facilitates target-specific delivery and cell death in vitro, while the equivalent concentration of either free corrole or free capsid protein has no effect on cell survival. Here we now demonstrate that heregulin-targeted corrole conjugates specifically impact HER2+ but not HER2- human breast cancer cells in a mixed cell culture at an efficacy that exceeds the equivalent concentration of adriamycin, and have begun in vivo testing. We have observed that delivery of corroles or corrole conjugates into established tumors yields shrinkage and prevention of tumor growth. The high fluorescence intensity of sulfonated corrole bound to gallium metal ion lends itself to live animal in vivo imaging, and has enabled us to examine the biodistribution of free and targeted corroles in mice. Furthermore, we have observed in vitro that the fluorescence of even nanomolar concentrations of corrole is measurable in 100% human serum, suggesting that this compound may be easily detected in blood samples. Finally, our ongoing studies investigating the mechanism of corrole-mediated cell death indicate that corroles remain excluded from the nucleus after cell entry and induce the appearance of apoptosis markers. Altogether, these findings indicate that corroles may serve dual purpose as both imaging and therapeutic agents, and, as we have observed from our studies, form unique conjugates with specialized carrier molecules that may enable a new and improved form of tumor targeted therapy.
Degree of bioresorbable vascular scaffold expansion modulates loss of essential function.

Abstract Drug-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVSs) have the potential to restore lumen patency, enable recovery of the native vascular environment, and circumvent late complications associated with permanent endovascular devices. To ensure therapeutic effects persist for sufficient times prior to scaffold resorption and resultant functional loss, many factors dictating BVS performance must be identified, characterized and optimized. While some factors relate to BVS design and manufacturing, others depend on device deployment and intrinsic vascular properties. Importantly, these factors interact and cannot be considered in isolation. The objective of this study is to quantify the extent to which degree of radial expansion modulates BVS performance, specifically in the context of modifying device erosion kinetics and evolution of structural mechanics and local drug elution. We systematically varied degree of radial expansion in model BVS constructs composed of poly dl -lactide-glycolide and generated in vitro metrics of device microstructure, degradation, erosion, mechanics and drug release. Experimental data permitted development of computational models that predicted transient concentrations of scaffold-derived soluble species and drug in the arterial wall, thus enabling speculation on the short- and long-term effects of differential expansion. We demonstrate that degree of expansion significantly affects scaffold properties critical to functionality, underscoring its relevance in BVS design and optimization. Statement of Significance Bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) therapy is beginning to transform the treatment of obstructive artery disease, owing to effective treatment of short term vessel closure while avoiding long term consequences such as in situ, late stent thrombosis – a fatal event associated with permanent implants such as drug-eluting stents. As device scaffolding and drug elution are temporary for BVS, the notion of using this therapy in lieu of existing, clinically approved devices seems attractive. However, there is still a limited understanding regarding the optimal lifetime and performance characteristics of erodible endovascular implants. Several engineering criteria must be met and clinical endpoints confirmed to ensure these devices are both safe and effective. In this manuscript, we sought to establish general principles for the design and deployment of erodible, drug-eluting endovascular scaffolds, with focus on how differential expansion can modulate device performance.
Robust lumen segmentation in 3D contrast enhanced ultrasound images

The detection and quantification of carotid artery stenosis guides the decision of the need for surgical intervention such as endarterectomy or stenting of a patient. Contrast enhanced ultrasound highlights detailed information on hemodynam-ics and even on pathophysiology, and 3D scans yield full in-situ information of the complete anatomy. We introduce 3D image analysis algorithms that enable quantification and visualization of the carotid lumen in these scans. Our method enhances the lumen intensity contrast, extracts lumen centerlines using a gradient concentration calculation, and then uses a graph search method to obtain a coarse lumen segmentation, which is refined through a level set method applied on an intensity-corrected image. We processed 35 images acquired from 7 patients, and demonstrated quantitative comparisons with MR/CT lumen segmentations. We obtained a segmentation correlation score of R2 = 0.94 and a coefficient of 0.99 for US versus MR/CT through a linear regression on effective diameters extracted from slices in the XY-plane.
Symmetric hash functions for fingerprint minutiae

The possibility that a biometric database is compromised is one of the main concerns in implementing biometric identification systems. The compromise of a biometric renders it permanently useless. In this paper we present a method of hashing fingerprint minutia information and performing fingerprint identification in a new space. Only hashed data is transmitted and stored in the server database, and it is not possible to restore fingerprint minutia locations using hashed data. We also present a performance analysis of the proposed algorithm.
Time Reversal Communication in Multi-Path Fading Channels with Pinholes

The paper presents an analysis of the time reversal in multi-path Rayleigh-fading channels with $N$ inputs (transmitters) and $M$ outputs (receivers). The main issues addressed are the condition of statistical stability, the rate of information transfer and the effect of pinholes. The stability condition is proved to be $MC\ll N_{\rm eff}B$ for broadband channels and $M\ll N_{\rm eff}$ for narrowband channels where $C$ is the symbol rate, $B$ is the bandwidth and $N_{\rm eff}$ is the {\em effective} number of transmitters. It is shown that when the number of layers, $n-1$, is relatively low compared to the logarithm of numbers of pinholes $N_{\rm eff}$ is given by $n^{-1}$ times the harmonic mean of the number of transmitters and the numbers of pinholes at all layers. On the other hand, when the number of layers is relatively large the effective number of pinholes diminishes exponentially. The energy efficiency is shown to be optimal when the power supply is set to the noise level times $BN_{\rm eff}$ and that the maximal information rate is roughly $BN_{\rm eff}$ when the stability condition is violated.
Latino Cigarette Smoking Patterns by Gender in a US-National Sample

Latino smokers are a rising public health concern who experience elevated tobacco-related health disparities. Additional information on Latino smoking is needed to inform screening and treatment. Latent class analysis using smoking frequency, cigarette preferences, onset, smoking duration, cigarettes per day, and minutes to first cigarette was used to create multivariate latent smoking profiles for Latino men and women. Final models found seven classes for Latinas and nine classes for Latinos. Despite a common finding in the literature that Latino smokers are more likely to be low-risk intermittent smokers, the majority of classes for both males and females described patterns of high-risk daily smoking. Gender variations in smoking classes were noted. Several markers of smoking risk were identified among both male and female Latino smokers, including long durations of smoking, daily smoking, and preference for specialty cigarettes, all factors associated with long-term health consequences.
Gamow-Teller strength in the O-14---> N-14 (3.948 MeV) beta decay

The Gamow-Teller ..beta.. decay from the /sup 14/O 0/sup +/ ground state to the 3.948 MeV 1/sup +/ level in /sup 14/N has been studied by observing ..gamma.. rays from the deexcitation of the 3.948 and 2.313 MeV levels in /sup 14/N. We measured a branching ratio of (5.28 +- 0.23) x 10/sup -4/ relative to the superallowed Fermi decay to the 2.313 MeV level, and deduce ft = 1446 +- 63. The corresponding Gamow-Teller transition strength is B(GT) = 2.73 +- 0.12. This value is about 40% lower than that predicted by several widely used shell model calculations, and may suggest appreciable quenching by mesonic currents.
Effect of Nutritional State and Insulin on Hind-Limb Amino Acid Metabolism in Steers

The effects of dietary protein level, exogenous insulin and starvation on amino acid (AA) uptake or release from the hindquarters of steers were studied. Irrespective of diet fed, physiologic state or time after feeding there was a net release of alanine and glutamine from hind limbs of steers. Steers from control 1 exhibited a net release of leucine, valine and isoleucine (branched-chain amino acids, BCAA) in the postabsorptive (prefeeding) state, but steers from control group 2 exhibited some BCAA uptake by the hind limb. At 2 and 4 hours postfeeding, there was marked net uptake by hind limbs of BCAA and total AA in steers fed the control (12.8% protein) diets. At 2 and 4 hours after feeding there was slight hind-limb uptake of BCAA and total AA in steers fed the low protein diet, while there was a massive uptake of BCAA and total AA by hind limbs of steers fed the high protein diet. Upon insulin injection to postabsorptive steers, BCAA and total AA uptake by hind limbs was markedly stimulated at 1 and 2 hours, but by 4 hours the AA flux pattern had reverted to that in the postabsorptive state. After 24 and 48 hours of starvation, steer hindquarters released significant quantities of BCAA, essential amino acids and total amino acids.
Risk-neutral Valuation: A Gentle Introduction (1)

Risk-neutral valuation is simple, elegant and central in option pricing theory. However, in teaching risk-neutral valuation, it is not easy to explain the concept of 'risk-neutral' probabilities. Beginners who are new to risk-neutral valuation always have lingering doubts about the validity of the probabilities. What do the probabilities really mean? Are they real or fictional? Where do they come from? What is the relationship between the risk-neutral probabilities and the actual probabilities? Does it mean that all investors are risk-neutral? When is it appropriate to use the risk-free rate as the discount rate? From a pedagogical point of view, in the beginning it is best to avoid the use of probabilities because probabilities can be a barrier to understanding. Instead, it is far preferable to introduce the idea of state prices and then show that the approach with risk-neutral probabilities is equivalent to the use of state prices. In this teaching note, we use simple one-period examples to explain the intuitive ideas behind risk-neutral valuation. It is a gentle introduction to risk-neutral valuation, with a minimum requirement of mathematics and prior knowledge. We will provide the motivation and the rationale for calculating state prices and we will show that the risk-neutral approach is simply another way of looking at the issue of state prices.
Factories in Danish Fields: How High-Wage, Flexible Production has Succeeded in Peripheral Jutland

This article examines the nature and significance of industrial development in peripheral Jutland, largely on the basis of survey data obtained from small and medium-sized establishments in the reg...
The determinants of living wage rates

Abstract Several cities have recently adopted living wage ordinances which mandate that firms contracting with the city pay their workers an hourly wage at or above the legislated “living wage rate” set by the city. Following the literature on minimum wage rate determination, I explore factors influencing living wage rates. Using a sample of 39 cities, the results show that living wage rates are particularly sensitive to per capita income, fair-market rent, the minimum wage rate, the proximity of the city to other living wage cities, and the year that the city adopted the living wage ordinance.
Identification of a Novel High Affinity Copper Transport Complex in the Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Copper is an essential nutrient that serves as a co-factor for enzymes involved in critical cellular processes including energy generation, peptide hormone maturation, oxidative stress protection, and iron homeostasis. Although genes have been identified from yeast and mammals encoding a homologous subunit of a plasma membrane high affinity copper transporter, the presence of additional subunits that function as part of a copper transport complex has not been reported. We observed thatctr4 +, a previously identified copper transport protein from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, fails to complement bakers' yeast cells defective in high affinity copper transport and fails to be targeted to the plasma membrane. However, selection for S. pombe genes, which, when co-expressed with Ctr4, confer high affinity copper transport toS. cerevisiae cells resulted in the identification ofctr5 +. Both Ctr4 and Ctr5 are integral membrane proteins, are co-regulated by copper levels and the copper-sensing transcription factor Cuf1, physically associate in vivo, are interdependent for secretion to the plasma membrane, and are each essential for high affinity copper transport. These studies in S. pombe identify Ctr4 and Ctr5 as components of a novel eukaryotic heteromeric plasma membrane complex that is essential for high affinity copper transport.
Conversion of vinyl sulfones to regiospecifically functionalized trisubstituted olefins

Abstract Conjugate-addition of phenyldimethylsilyllilthium (or cuprate) to vinyl sulfones followed by in situ alkylation of the α-sulfonyl anion provides α-alkylated β-silyl sulfones. Treatment of these materials with fluoride provides trisubstituted olefins via the Kocienski olefin synthesis.
Predicting the development of the metabolically healthy obese phenotype.

The metabolically healthy (MHO) and unhealthy obese (MUHO) differ in terms of cardiovascular risk. However, little is known about predicting the development of these phenotypes and the future stability of the MHO phenotype. Therefore, we examined these two issues in the San Antonio Heart Study. Longitudinal, population-based study of cardiometabolic risk factors among Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites in San Antonio. The study sample included 2368 participants with neither MUHO nor diabetes at baseline. Median follow-up was 7.8 years. MHO was defined as obesity with ⩽1 metabolic abnormality; MUHO, as obesity with ⩾2 abnormalities. At baseline, 1595 and 498 individuals were non-obese with ⩽1 and ⩾2 metabolic abnormalities, respectively, and 275 were MHO. Among non-obese individuals, independent predictors of incident MHO (odds ratio (OR) for 1 s.d. change (95% confidence interval)) included body mass index (8.12 (5.66–11.7)), triglycerides (0.52 (0.39–0.68)) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (1.41 (1.11–1.81)), whereas independent predictors of incident MUHO included body mass index (5.97 (4.58–7.77)) and triglycerides (1.26 (1.05–1.51)). Among participants with ⩽1 metabolic abnormality, obesity was associated with greater odds of developing multiple metabolic abnormalities (OR 2.26 (1.74–2.95)). Triglycerides and HDL-C may be useful for predicting progression to MHO. MHO may not be a stable condition, because it confers an increased risk of developing multiple metabolic abnormalities.
Properties of chromosomal nucleohistone.

The deoxyribonucleohistone component may be physically separated from the other components of pea embryo chromatin. Such nucleohistone differs from deproteinized pea embryo DNA in its higher melting temperature, in its histone/DNA mass ratio (1·3: I) and in its inactivity in the support of DNA-dependent RNA synthesis. Pea embryo chromatin contains DNA not only as nucleohistone but also as DNA not so complexed. This is indicated by the two-step melting profile of chromatin as well as by the ability of chromatin to support DNA-dependent RNA synthesis. Approximately 80% of the DNA of pea embryo chromatin is bound in the form of nucleohistone; the remaining 20% appears to be present as DNA not complexed with histone.
Electron-impact excitation of the resonance transition in Be+

The cross section for electron-impact excitation of the resonance transition (2s-2p) of ${\mathrm{Be}}^{+}$ has been calculated in a variety of models at low incident-electron energies. Both five-state (2s,2p,3s,3p,3d) and nine-state (2s--3d,4s\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{},4p\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{},4d\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{},4f\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}) close-coupling (with and without polarization potentials) calculations have been completed. The results, while in good agreement with previous calculations, do not resolve all the long-standing discrepancies between theory and experiment. There are still significant discrepancies with the experimental cross section for the 2s-2p transition. However, previous calculations of the polarization of the resonance fluorescence used an expression for the scattering amplitude that was inappropriate for ions. The present results for the polarization use the correct expression, and are in good agreement with experiment. Calculations using the same approach for other quantities, specifically binding energies and resonance parameters, show small but significant improvements when compared with experiment.
Role of endothelium in the control of mouse yolk sac stem cell differentiation.

Abstract Studies in our laboratory have shown that as early as day 8.5 of development, mouse yolk sac cells can generate T cells when placed in a thymic microenvironment. At this stage, yolk sac cells can also differentiate into myeloid cells in vitro. B cell differentiation in vitro was achieved with day 9 yolk sac by providing a bone marrow stromal feeder layer. We have now established endothelial cell lines and clones from yolk sacs of day 8–12 mouse embryos. These vary in their ability to support stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Our principal work has been carried out with day 12 cloned endothelial cell lines. One clone supported the >100 fold expansion of yolk sac hematopoietic stem cells that subsequently could generate B cells, T cells and myeloid cells both in vitro and in vivo. Preliminary experiments with endothelial cells from younger embryos are also described.
Structure and dynamics of Cu(I) binding in copper chaperones Atox1 and CopZ: a computer simulation study.

Copper chaperones deliver reduced copper (i.e., Cu(I)) to metal-binding domains of P-type ATPases in the cytoplasm of a range of organisms. Both chaperones and target domains have a ferredoxin-like fold and metal-binding motifs involving two Cys residues. Here, we investigated the Cu-binding geometry and structural dynamics of two homologous Cu(I) chaperones, Homo sapiens Atox1 and Bacillus subtilis CopZ, using a combination of quantum mechanical-molecular mechanics (QM-MM) and classical molecular dynamics (MD) methods. Our QM-MM optimized geometries for the holo- proteins suggested that Cu(I) in Atox1 favors a linear Cys(S)−Cu−Cys(S) arrangement but that this angle is close to 150° in CopZ. Classical MD simulations suggest that both Atox1 and CopZ apo- forms have an increased conformational flexibility as compared to the respective holo- forms. This difference is most pronounced in CopZ and correlates with a lower in vitro thermal stability. Both average fluctuation (i.e., rmsd) and radius of gyration da...
Computation of Multiply Connected Schwarz-Christoffel Maps for Exterior Domains

We have recently derived a Schwarz-Christoffel formula for the conformal mapping of the exterior of a finite number of disks to the exterior of a set of polygonal curves [5]. In this work we show how to formulate a set of equations for determining the parameters of such a map. A number of examples are computed, including exteriors of multiple slits. We also recall the derivation of the mapping formulae and give a new formula for the doubly connected case.
The Pharmaceutical Person

This article is based on an illustrated talk I presented at the British Museum as part of the lecture series ‘Making things better’. The central exhibit in the newly opened Wellcome wing of the museum was ‘Cradle to grave’, a 40-foot table displaying in black net fabric the 14,000 pills taken by a British man and woman over their lifetimes. I trace the historical development of personhood in relation to psychotropic drugs over the last few decades in the US. ‘Pills’ or, more accurately, ‘tablets’ and ‘capsules’, are described as products of manufacturing, as means of enhancing personal capacities and as objects in exhibits. In particular, I analyze the underside of pills—their ‘side’ effects—in relation to fears and desires characteristic of contemporary US culture.
Implementation Research and Wraparound Literature: Building a Research Agenda

We used the framework identified by the National Implementation Research Network’s (NIRN) analysis of 35 years of implementation outcomes literature from diverse fields of endeavor to review the current state of wraparound implementation research. Model definition, model fidelity and intervention outcomes were areas of relatively greater development, while target population, theory base and theory of change, organizational context and readiness, staff selection, training, supervision or coaching, purveyor selection, and program installation were less examined or even overlooked. We conclude with suggestions for building a research agenda on wraparound implementation.
The nature of protein folding pathways.

How do proteins fold, and why do they fold in that way? This Perspective integrates earlier and more recent advances over the 50-y history of the protein folding problem, emphasizing unambiguously clear structural information. Experimental results show that, contrary to prior belief, proteins are multistate rather than two-state objects. They are composed of separately cooperative foldon building blocks that can be seen to repeatedly unfold and refold as units even under native conditions. Similarly, foldons are lost as units when proteins are destabilized to produce partially unfolded equilibrium molten globules. In kinetic folding, the inherently cooperative nature of foldons predisposes the thermally driven amino acid-level search to form an initial foldon and subsequent foldons in later assisted searches. The small size of foldon units, ∼20 residues, resolves the Levinthal time-scale search problem. These microscopic-level search processes can be identified with the disordered multitrack search envisioned in the “new view” model for protein folding. Emergent macroscopic foldon–foldon interactions then collectively provide the structural guidance and free energy bias for the ordered addition of foldons in a stepwise pathway that sequentially builds the native protein. These conclusions reconcile the seemingly opposed new view and defined pathway models; the two models account for different stages of the protein folding process. Additionally, these observations answer the “how” and the “why” questions. The protein folding pathway depends on the same foldon units and foldon–foldon interactions that construct the native structure.
Multiscale adjoint waveform-difference tomography using wavelets

ABSTRACTFull-waveform seismic inversions based on minimizing the distance between observed and predicted seismograms are, in principle, able to yield better-resolved earth models than those minimizing misfits derived from traveltimes alone. Adjoint-based methods provide an efficient way of calculating the gradient of the misfit function via a sequence of forward-modeling steps, which, using spectral-element codes, can be carried out in realistically complex media. Convergence and stability of full-waveform-difference adjoint schemes are greatly improved when data and synthetics are progressively presented to the algorithms in a constructive multiscale approximation using a (bi)orthogonal wavelet transform. Wavelets provide the nonredundant spectral decomposition that paves the way for the inversion to proceed successively from long-wavelength fitting to detailed exploration of the phases in the seismogram. The choice of wavelet class and type, the initial depth of the multiscale decomposition, and the min...
Absorption enhancement in thin film photovoltaic devices based on surface plasmon-polariton

We designed an organic photovoltaic (PV) device with a gold (Au) grating top and a silver (Ag) bottom electrode. The Au grating will induce laterally propagating surface plasmon-polaritons (SPPs) along the interface between the PV active layer and the bottom Ag electrode. The SPPs enhance the light absorption length without increasing the PV active layer thickness.
A dichotomy in the complexity of consistent query answering for queries with two atoms

We establish a dichotomy in the complexity of computing the consistent answers of a Boolean conjunctive query with exactly two atoms and without self-joins. Specifically, we show that the problem of computing the consistent answers of such a query either is in P or it is coNP-complete. Moreover, we give an efficiently checkable criterion for determining which of these two possibilities holds for a given query.
Generation of shear flow in conical wire arrays with a center wire.

At the Nevada Terawatt Facility we investigated the generation of a sheared plasma flow using conical wire arrays with an additional wire located on the axis of the pinch. The additional center wire generates axial current carrying plasma that serves as a target for the plasma accelerated from the outer wires, generating a sheared plasma flow which leads to the growth of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability. These experiments were conducted on Zebra, a 2 TW pulse power device capable of delivering a 1 MA current in 100 ns. This paper will focus on the implosion dynamics that lead to shear flow and the development of the Kelvin Helmholtz instability.