cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peregrine: Workload Optimization for Cloud Query Engines

Database administrators (DBAs) were traditionally responsible for optimizing the on-premise database workloads. However, with the rise of cloud data services, where cloud providers offer fully managed data processing capabilities, the role of a DBA is completely missing. At the same time, optimizing query workloads is becoming increasingly important for reducing the total costs of operation and making data processing economically viable in the cloud. This paper revisits workload optimization in the context of these emerging cloud-based data services. We observe that the missing DBA in these newer data services has affected both the end users and the system developers: users have workload optimization as a major pain point while the system developers are now tasked with supporting a large base of cloud users. We present Peregrine, a workload optimization platform for cloud query engines that we have been developing for the big data analytics infrastructure at Microsoft. Peregrine makes three major contributions: (i) a novel way of representing query workloads that is agnostic to the query engine and is general enough to describe a large variety of workloads, (ii) a categorization of the typical workload patterns, derived from production workloads at Microsoft, and the corresponding workload optimizations possible in each category, and (iii) a prescription for adding workload-awareness to a query engine, via the notion of query annotations that are served to the query engine at compile time. We discuss a case study of Peregrine using two optimizations over two query engines, namely Scope and Spark. Peregrine has helped cut the time to develop new workload optimization features from years to months, benefiting the research teams, the product teams, and the customers at Microsoft.
Sequence and characterization of two HSP70 genes in the colonial protochordate Botryllus schlosseri

Two genes belonging to the heat shock protein 70 gene family have been cloned from the colonial protochordateBotryllus schlosseri. The two intronless genes(HSP70.1 andHSP70.2) exhibit 93.6% sequence identity within the predicted coding region, and 83.3% and 81.7% sequence identity in the 5′ and 3′ flanking regions, respectively. The predicted amino acid sequences are 95% identical and contain several signatures characteristic of cytoplasmic eukaryoticHSP70 genes (Gupta et al. 1994; Rensing and Maier 1994). Northern blotting and sequence analysis suggest that both genes are heat-inducible merebees of theHSP70 gene family. Given these characteristics,HSP70.1 andHSP70.2 appear to be good candidates for protochordate homologues of the major histocompatibility complex-linkedHSP70 genes of human, mouse, and rat (Milner and Campbell 1990; Walter et al. 1994). Further experiments to determine whether there is functional evidence for such similarity are in progress.
Slide tracheoplasty: Predictors of outcomes and literature review

Abstract Objective Determine preoperative comorbidities and intraoperative parameters associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. Methods Retrospective case series at a single tertiary care children's hospital from 2010 through 2017. Results Twenty-six patients with median age of 6 months and median weight of 7.1 kg underwent slide tracheoplasty. Median time to extubation, length of intensive care unit admission, and length of hospitalization were 7, 27, and 30 days, respectively. Twenty-two (85%) required no additional intervention. Overall success was 87%. One (4%) patient required open revision, and 3 (11%) required tracheostomy. Concomitant cardiac surgery was associated with postoperative tracheostomy (p = 0.04). Age and weight at surgery were inversely correlated with length of intubation (p = 0.03) and length of hospital stay (p = 0.001, p = 0.002) respectively. Hospital stay was 2.2 times longer if preoperative mechanical ventilation was required (p = 0.01) and 39% longer for every 1 mm decrease in airway diameter at the narrowest portion of the stenosis (p = 0.005). There were no deaths related to persistent tracheal stenosis with a median follow-up of 24 months. Conclusion Slide tracheoplasty is safe and effective. Concomitant cardiac surgery was associated with postoperative tracheostomy. Lower age and weight at surgery were correlated with longer length of intubation and hospital stay. Preoperative mechanical ventilation and smaller airway diameter were associated with longer hospital stay. This information may be helpful in counseling families and planning future prospective studies.
Ultra-sensitive SWIR FPA with enhanced quantum efficiency based on electron multi-injector

By leveraging a three-dimensional device structure to decouple the optical and electronic areas of the detectors, Electron Injector (EI) technology has proven capable of surpassing the current performance of commercial short-wave infrared (SWIR) cameras. The improvement in sensitivity enabled by a nanoscale electronic area, however, comes at the cost of a decrease in quantum efficiency: the diffusion length of the minority carriers limits the area over which a photo-generated carrier can be collected at the small electron injector junction before recombining. This intrinsic limitation hinders the prospect of further improvements of the EI detector performance. We here present a novel device architecture consisting of multiple nanoscale electron injectors connected to the same contact and constituting one individual pixel: by appropriate spacing of the injectors within the diffusion length of the photogenerated excess carriers, the fill factor of such multi-injector pixel can be considerably improved. The presented design was successfully implemented into an integrated FPA for SWIR imaging, showing excellent pixel yield, and a sensitivity of ~10 photons. While the high sensitivity is enabled by the small size of the 1μm injectors, the multi-injector design allows to achieve an area fill factor or ~20% of the 30x30μm pixel area, which is considerably higher than that of a single-injector design. In summary, we demonstrate a highly sensitive SWIR FPA based on 1μm electron multi-injector design, which allows for a substantial improvement of the imager’s quantum efficiency and sensitivity.
GENETICS | GABRB3 and Childhood Absence Epilepsy

Mutations and dysfunctions of GABAA receptor (GABAR)-mediated inhibitory transmission cause absence seizures. Knockout of the beta3 subunit gene (GABRB3) in mouse produces atypical absence seizures and myoclonic jerks. Pathogenic missense mutations in GABRB3 in four families with remitting childhood absence epilepsy produce protein hyperglycosylation with reduced functional cell surface expression, decreased GABA currents, and absence seizures. Variants in GABRB3 may also cause epilepsy associated with Angelman syndrome and autism spectrum disorder.
Early determination of Optimal Test Flows with Requirements Analytics

Optimal test flows in software testing involves a nuanced approach of combining knowledge of multiple test scenarios that traverse common paths or test scenarios that are segments of one or several paths based on the optimizing cost function. Identification of these flows and obtaining related information – optimum number of test cases, dependencies, complexity of requirements early in the development lifecycle is a key to realistic planning, dependency management and optimum test strategy in project delivery. An early stage view - from a working set of requirements - into the optimized flows and their complexity enables determination of resource needs, and dependencies. The paper proposes a method to obtain optimal test flows from requirements. Natural language processing of requirements enables determination of attributes, rules and relationship amongst the requirements that provides information on the number of flows, minimum necessary yet adequate test flows to ensure coverage and expose severe defects. It also provides information of the likely dependencies. Project results from application of the method support the proposed computation model. Applying this method enables early determination of optimal test flows, dependencies to identify an apt test window and key flows to uncover high severity defects that minimizes risks to project’s planned schedule and product quality.
Consequences of Islamophobia

If Islamophobia has been surging worldwide to even higher rates than were seen in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, then what are the consequences for the U.S.’s war of narratives? This chapter seeks to illuminate this question. Most troublingly, extremists seize on instances of Islamophobia in the U.S. and elsewhere in order to support their own narrative that the U.S. is only out to advance its own interests and destroy the Islamic way of life. The extremist propaganda has found success on social media and other forms of digital communication, which provides a global audience of potential recruits to violent extremism. To illustrate the radicalizing effects of Islamophobic harassment, the chapter presents the case of Major Nidal Hasan, who after years of harassment in his role as a U.S. Army psychiatrist, committed a mass shooting at his workplace, Fort Hood, that killed 13 and injured 32. Hasan credited several radical Islamist teachers with motivating his attack, which he regarded as a justified defense of Islam. This chapter concludes the book by recommending the path forward in the War on Terror. Specifically, based on the preceding account of the real sources of violent extremism, the chapter lays out a vision for the U.S. to advance a more inclusive, reconciliatory narrative—the only way to resolve a war of narratives. Only cooperation and cultural understanding will allow for a resolution of U.S.–Muslim animosity and the War on Terror itself. The work of countering Islamophobia and winning hearts and minds go hand in hand. This chapter proposes practical strategies for the U.S. government, NGOs, the mass media, and educators to follow in reconciling Muslim and Western interests.
Plasma Levels and the Management of Chronic, Refractory Schizophrenia

Thiothixene has a rather long clinical use as an antipsychotic drug.1 It ranks with haloperidol and fluphenazine as being a highly potent, somewhat specific neuroleptic. Drugs of this type can be used in much higher antipsychotic doses than low-potency, less specific drugs. Many patients are regularly treated with doses of thiothixene in excess of 100 mg/day. Few data have been accumulated in any systematic way about the effects of doses in the 100 to 400 mg/day range in patients refractory to lower doses of this or equivalent drugs. Therefore, we elected to use thiothixene to treat refractory patients, using such doses if needed.
Patterns of pediatric cervical spine fractures in association with mandibular and facial fractures.

Abstract Objectives To determine the incidence, demographics, and outcomes of concurrent cervical spine (C-spine) fractures in pediatric facial trauma. Methods The Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) from the 2016 Healthcare Cost Utilization Project (HCUP) was queried for various facial fractures using International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (ICD-10) diagnosis codes. Mandible fractures were further subdivided into fracture site. Patients aged 0–18 were included, and rates of C-spine fracture were analyzed with regards to demographic factors, length of stay, total charges, mortality rate, hospital characteristics, and concurrent facial fractures. Results Of 5568 patients included, 4.18% presented with C-spine fracture. Children with C-spine fractures were significantly older (15.02 vs 12.76 years, p Conclusions A significant association exists between subcondylar mandible and C-spine fractures. Awareness of this information is vital for clinicians who manage pediatric facial trauma and alerts them to the need to rule out C-spine fractures in this group as these patients have significantly higher lengths of stay, total mean hospital costs, mortality and tracheostomy rates.
Abstract 13646: Clinical Profile and Ablation Outcomes in Patients With Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy and Biventricular Involvement

Background: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a progressive disease which can involve both ventricles. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical profile and ablation effica...
The Relationship Between Religiousness/Spirituality and Psychometric Intelligence in the United States.

An inverse relationship between religiousness/spirituality (R/S) and psychometric intelligence (IQ) is well-documented in previous literature. However, the studies that have examined group differences on IQ regarding R/S have limited generalizability. The present study contributed to the literature by evaluating IQ among participants identifying as differentially religious/spiritual (i.e., religious only, spiritual only, both religious and spiritual, or neither religious nor spiritual) and among those classified as either Christian/Catholic, Atheist, or Agnostic. Four hundred and thirty-two participants (M age = 37.9; 36% men) participated online via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk as part of a larger study and completed a brief measure of IQ, a scale of religiousness and spirituality, and a demographics questionnaire. Correlations between IQ and self-reported religiousness/spirituality were small and negative (Mean r = −0.17), consistent with previous literature. Multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVAs) controlling for age, gender, education, and socioeconomic status (operationalized by estimated annual household income) indicated that IQ scores tended to be lowest (p < 0.001) for “religious only” participants (estimated marginal mean [EMM] = 93.0) and highest for “neither religious nor spiritual” participants (EMM = 103.7). Furthermore, IQ scores were significantly lower (ps < 0.001) for Christian/Catholic participants (EMM = 96.7) compared to both Atheist (EMM = 104.9) and Agnostic participants (EMM = 107.5). Discussion of these findings, relationships to previous theoretical and empirical work, limitations of the present study, and directions for future inquiry are provided.
Local Control With Cemiplimab Monotherapy for Unresectable Locally Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Purpose/Objective(s) Unresectable locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (ULACSCC) of the head and neck (H&N) has historically been treated with radiation therapy (RT), particularly for clinical perineural spread (PNS). Cemiplimab monotherapy has emerged as an alternative treatment for these patients. We sought to evaluate local control with cemiplimab monotherapy in this population. Materials/Methods This single-institution retrospective study was IRB approved (HUM00186167). We reviewed all 45 patients treated with cemiplimab between 2018 – 2020. To limit the analysis to intact H&N ULACSCC receiving cemimplimab monotherapy (n = 31), we excluded 14 patients for adjuvant cemiplimab after RT (n = 3) or surgery (n = 2), concurrent cemiplimab with RT (n = 3), distant disease only (n = 2), or non-H&N primary (n = 4). ULACSCC was categorized as unresectable clinical and/or radiographic PNS, orbital disease (OD), or unresectable disease involving lymph nodes, skin, or calvarium of the H&N (non-PNS). Clinical variables including disease categorization, immunocompetence defined as no autoimmune disease or prior immune modulation within 4 weeks of cemiplimab initiation (immunosuppression, steroids, or immunotherapy targeting PD-1 or CTLA-4), duration of cemiplimab, reasons for stopping cemiplimab, and patterns of recurrence were assessed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient-, treatment-, and disease-related characteristics, and chi-square test was used to compare immunocompetency. With death as a competing risk, locoregional control (LRC) was defined clinically or radiographically. Results Of the 31 patients, 11 had PNS, 4 had OD, and 16 had only non-PNS disease, with synchronous metastases present in 26% overall. Median age was 72.5 (IQR: 65.7 – 84.6) years. Median follow-up was 18.6 (IQR: 10.3 – 20.9) months. 45% had H&N RT followed by disease progression prior to cemiplimab. 55% were immunocompetent, with similar immunocompetency among PNS, OD, non-PNS patients (P = 0.6). The 1 year LRC approached 70% or more for all groups (Table 1). 1 year OS was 70% (PNS), no events (OD), and 60.8% (non-PNS). PNS patients completed more cycles over a longer duration than OD or non-PNS patients (Table 1). Reasons for stopping cemiplimab were completion of treatment with complete response (38%), disease progression (23%), treatment-related toxicity (3%), declining KPS (16%), and co-morbidity-related death (6%). 3 patients continue on therapy. Conclusion Cemiplimab monotherapy is efficacious in H&N ULACSCC, with comparable LRC among PNS, orbital, and non-PNS disease in our study. Anti-PD1 monotherapy may represent a reasonable alternative to RT in this population. Prospective comparison may be warranted.
Histologic and biomechanical evaluation of the thoracolumbar fascia graft for massive rotator cuff tears in a rat model.

Abstract Background Fascial autografts, which are easily available grafts, have provided a promising option in patients with massive rotator cuff tears. However, no fascial autografts other than the fascia lata have been reported, and the exact healing process of the fascia-to-bone interface is not well understood. The objective of this study is to histologically and biomechanically evaluate the effect of the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) on fascia-to-bone healing. Methods A total of 88 rats were used in this study. Eight rats were sacrificed at the beginning to form an intact control group, and the other rats were divided randomly into 2 groups (40 rats per group): the thoracolumbar fascia augmentation group (TLF group) and the repair group (R group). The right supraspinatus was detached, and a 3*5 mm defect of the supraspinatus was created. The thoracolumbar fascia was used to augment the torn supraspinatus in the TLF group, whereas in the R group, the torn supraspinatus was repaired in only a transosseous manner. Histology and biomechanics were assessed at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 weeks postoperatively. Results The modified tendon maturation score of the TLF group was higher than that of the R group at 8 weeks (23.00 ± 0.71 vs. 24.40 ± 0.89, P=.025) and 16 weeks (24.60 ± 0.55 vs. 26.40 ± 0.55, P≤.001). The TLF group showed a rapid vascular reaction, and the peak value appeared at 1 week. Later, the capillary density decreased, and almost no angiogenesis was observed at 8 weeks postoperatively. Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of collagen I in the TLF group at 4, 8 and 16 weeks (24.78% ± 2.76% vs. 20.67% ± 2.11% at 4 weeks, p=.046; 25.46% ± 1.77% vs. 21.49% ± 2.33% at 8 weeks, p=.026; 34.77% ± 2.25% vs. 30.01% ± 3.17% at 16 weeks, p=.040) postoperatively. Biomechanical tests revealed that the ultimate failure force in the TLF group was significantly higher than that in the R group at the final evaluation (29.13 ± 2.49 N vs. 23.10 ± 3.47 N, p=.022). Conclusions The TLF autograft can promote a faster biological healing process and a better fixation strength. It could be used as an alternative reinforcement or bridging patch when the fascia lata is not appropriate or available for SCR. Level of evidence Basic Science Study; Histology and Biomechanics
Wind-Tunnel Model Position for Transonic Testing

Aasc = (0.25) ( 1 . 0 7 8 C L ) = 0.269 CL (3) A similar example using the unit vortex approach (page 22 of reference 4) yields a value of 0 . 2 5 4 C L . The difference of 0.015° (at CL — 1.0) is not surprising in view of the uncertainties of the extrapolation and the fact that reference 4 uses an average value rather than that at the centerline. Better agreement would reasonably be expected for a floor mounted model, since the tunnel shape would then be more reasonable. (4) At M = 0.85, lt/B(l M ) / 2 = 0.0307/[1 (0.85)] = 0.0583 and r = 0.475. Aasc then equals (0.475) (1.078CL) = 0MSCL.
Molecular diagnostics in the diagnosis of parasitic infection

Abstract Molecular testing is increasingly used to supplement or replace conventional microscopy-based methods of parasite identification. Potential benefits of molecular methods such as nucleic acid amplification tests include increased sensitivity, ability to differentiate morphologically similar organisms and lack of reliance on subjective microscopic features. However, several challenges exist for widespread implementation of molecular diagnostics, including the expense of reagents and equipment, need for sophisticated facilities and lack of commercial testing options. Most molecular parasitology tests are based on non-standardised laboratory-developed methods, although new commercial options including multiplex methods for gastrointestinal pathogens have recently become available. This review will focus on the use of molecular assays for common and important parasites including Plasmodium and Babesia species, trypanosomes, filaria, Leishmania species, free-living amoebae, Trichomonas vaginalis , Toxoplasma gondii and intestinal protozoa and helminths and how testing can be integrated into patient care algorithms.
Nucleosides—XCV: Total synthesis of pentopyranamine D, the nucleoside moiety of blasticidin H

Abstract 1-(4-Amino-3,4-dideoxy-β- d - ribo hexopyranosyluronic acid)cytosine was synthesized and its identity with the natural product pentopyranamine D was established.
Standards by consensus /spl lsqb/telecommunications/spl rsqb/

The global process of voluntary standards development is necessary for the convergence of voice, data, image, and broadcast media. The author discusses the view from the computer industry. B-ISDN standards are considered in particular. >
The Natural Numbers

The object of this chapter is to define a set to represent the numbers 0, 1, 2, .... To be complete, we must also show how to add and multiply these numbers and prove all the usual laws: commutative, associative, etc. The most important idea contained in our construction is that of mathematical induction.
HLA Class I Depleted hESC as a Source of Hypoimmunogenic Cells for Tissue Engineering Applications

Background: Rapidly improving protocols for the derivation of autologous cells from stem cell sources is a welcome development. However, there are many circumstances when off-the-shelf universally immunocompatible cells may be needed. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) provide a unique opportunity to modify the original source of differentiated cells to minimize their rejection by nonautologous hosts. Hypothesis: Immune rejection of nonautologous human embryonic stem cell (hESC) derivatives can be reduced by downregulating human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules, without affecting the ability of these cells to differentiate into specific lineages. Methods and Results: Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) expression was decreased by lentiviral transduction using human anti-HLA class I light-chain B2M short hairpin RNA. mRNA levels of B2M were decreased by 90% in a RUES2-modified hESC line, as determined by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction analysis. The transduced cells were selected under puromycin ...
Theory of Instability and Transition

The theory of instability and transition has seen remarkable progress over the past decade. For certain classes of flows such as the Benard and Taylor problem, the progress is largely due to the application of new analytical techniques and the ability to describe the dynamics by relatively simple amplitude equations. This analytical work is supported by current experimental and computational studies.
Surface reaction controlled oxygen absorption in a Ta-8 W-2 Hf alloy: kinetics and concentration gradients

It is known that the rate of oxygen absorption in several bcc metals and alloys under conditions of low oxygen pressure and high temperature is controlled by the absorption rate of oxygen at the gas-metal interface, but the relationships between absorption rate, oxygen concentration gradient, and average oxygen concentration have not been studied in detail. In this paper these relationships are examined using several different solutions of the diffusion equation to represent the absorption process, and the relations derived are compared to oxygen absorption measurements for a Ta-8 W-2 Hf alloy under the appropriate experimental conditions. It was found that the absorption rate and oxygen gradient were accurately described by a solution of the diffusion equation using a constant oxygen flux into the specimen as the external boundary condition. The rate limiting step in the process is the oxygen absorption rate at the gas-metal interface. This phenomenological model should also properly describe the oxygen absorption behavior of pure metals under the same conditions when the process is controlled by the absorption rate at the gas-metal interface, provided the sticking coefficient does not change during absorption.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Shipping Marketing and Safety Orientation: The Case of Greek Tanker Shipping Companies

If you are not sure where you are, how will you find out where to go? The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between the KPIs and the shipping marketing as well as the usefulness of KPIs in shipping companies performance evaluation. The paper brings the importance of KPIs closer to the reader and examines their definition, purpose and role in the shipping company. The first part is devoted to literature review on KPIs. The second part examines the relationship among the KPIs, the shipping marketing and the safety orientation of tanker shipping companies. The third part includes the research methodology; since the tanker market is a safety oriented market, a questionnaire is taken across the tanker shipping companies in Greece. The third part is the analysis of the questionnaire which showed that KPIs improve the marketing planning, the customer relationships and the company’s competitiveness. The most important KPIs are safety, operational, technical, environmental, navigational, security and financial indicators. The final part is the conclusion. JEL Classification: M310; M100; M140; R410. Keywords: Key Performance Indicators; Shipping Companies Performance Evaluation; Shipping Marketing; Safety Orientation; Tanker Companies.
Modeling the optical dielectric function of the alloy system AlxGa1-xAs.

In a previous paper, the authors proposed a model for the optical dielectric function of zinc-blende semiconductors. It was found to be more generally valid than previous models. In this paper, it is used to obtain an analytic expression for the dielectric function of the alloy series ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$As as a function of \ensuremath{\omega} and x, which is compared with spectroscopic ellipsometry data between 1.5 and 6.0 eV. The model enables us to determine accurately the critical point energies and linewidths of ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$As as a function of x. Also, it leads us to model the optical dielectric function of these alloys better than any previous model in that (1) it covers the entire photon energy range between 1.5 and 6.0 eV as well as the entire alloy composition range between 0.0 and 1.0, (2) it calculates the optical properties of ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$As as a function of \ensuremath{\omega} and x with the highest accuracy, and (3) it allows one to accurately calculate the values of the refractive indices below 1.5 eV as a function of \ensuremath{\omega} and x.
In vitro degradation and fracture toughness of multilayered porous poly(propylene fumarate)/β-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds

This study investigated the in vitro degradation of poly(propylene fumarate)/β-tricalcium phosphate (PPF/β-TCP) scaffolds in pH 7.4 phosphate-buffered saline at 37°C. Scaffold design consisted of three layers: two solid layers about a central layer of porous PPF foam. Solid PPF with molecular weights of 810 and 1450 Da was crosslinked under UV light. PPF foam was prepared by a photocrosslinking, porogen-leaching method with an initial porogen content of 80 wt % and two sizes, 150–300 and 300–500 μm. Comparison of initial and residual weights demonstrated a 14.3 ± 2.0% loss of mass at 3 weeks and a 16.6 ± 1.8% loss of mass at 6 weeks. Observed pH values for all constructs remained stable (7.15–7.40) throughout the 3 to 6 weeks. Scanning electron micrographs of these scaffolds revealed some loss of foam material between 3 and 6 weeks; however, foam microarchitecture was intact. Solid PPF fracture toughness was tested for high and low molecular weight PPF, 0.376 ± 0.004 and 0.134 ± 0.015 MPa(m)1/2, respectively. These values are roughly one magnitude less than human cortical bone. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 61: 159–164, 2002
Food-anticipatory activity persists after olfactory bulb ablation in the rat.

Abstract Restricted daily food access acts as an entraining stimulus (zeitgeber) for a circadian clock, the feeding-entrainable oscillator (FEO). There are many properties of a daily meal that could potentially convey timing information to the FEO. Olfactory cues associated with feeding are one such property. In order to rule out olfaction as a necessary entraining stimulus, olfactory bulbectomized and sham-operated male Sprague–Dawley rats had access to food for 2 h each day. Food bin approach behavior was monitored as an index of food-anticipatory activity (FAA). Both groups entrained to the daily meal with an increase in feeder approach time several hours before meal onset. There were no significant differences in the timing or the amount of FAA between groups. Furthermore, FAA was maintained during 3 days of food deprivation in both groups. In accordance with previous studies, the results show that olfactory cues are not necessary for the entrainment of FAA.
Pack Sizing and Reconfiguration for Management of Large-Scale Batteries

Battery systems for electric vehicles (EVs) or uninterruptible micro-gridsâ"prototypical cyber-physical systems (CPSs)â"are usually built with several hundreds/thousands of battery cells. How to deal with the inevitable failure of cells quickly and cost-effectively for vehicle warranty or uninterruptible service, for instance, is key to the development of large-scale battery systems. Use of extra (redundant/backup) cells to cope with cell failures must be minimized so as to make the target systems cheaper and lighter, while meeting the reliability requirement that is directly related to, for example, the vehicle warranty. Existing reconfigurable battery systems do not scale well because they incur a long delay in properly setting a large number of switches to bypass faulty cells or adapting to dynamically changing power demands in large battery systems for such applications as EVs. In this paper, we propose a scalable solution, not only to reduce the required number of backup cells and the total cost of a battery system, but also to facilitate recovery from cell failures and adapt to changing power demands while increasing battery utilization. Specifically, we optimize the pack-size by striking a balance between various types of cost in order to reduce the overall cost. We also configure battery packs and optimize their connection topology, reducing delays in failure recovery and power reallocation. Our in-depth evaluation has shown that the time to recover from cell failures remains constant irrespective of the number of cells involved, which is important to scalability. The proposed pack-sizing also reduces the cost and the size of battery systems. Moreover, fast power reallocation is achieved by utilizing prior knowledge of power usage patterns.
Monocyclic and dicyclic hydrocarbons: structural requirements for proximal giant axonopathy.

The chromogenic and neurotoxic γ-diketone 1,2–diacetylbenzene (1,2-DAB), but not its isomer 1,3-DAB, induces blue discoloration of tissues and urine, clustering of axonal microtubules and proximal neurofilament-filled axonal swellings in rodents. The remarkable chromogenic property of 1,2-DAB, a monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, arises from reaction with lysine residues of proteins and formation of dimeric and polymeric derivatives. Tetralin, a dicyclic solvent structurally related to acetyl ethyl tetramethyl tetralin, a chromogenic and neurotoxic agent, reportedly induces excretion of green urine, and causes neurological disturbances in humans. Monocyclic aromatic 1,2,4-triethylbenzene (1,2,4-TEB), but not its isomer 1,3,5-TEB, is also reportedly chromogenic and induces neurophysiological deficits in rodents consistent with axonal neuropathy, but without neuropathological confirmation. We treated 12-week-old C57Bl/6 mice by gavage with 300, 600, or 900 mg/kg/day 1,2,4-TEB, or equivalent doses of 1,3,5-TEB, 3 days/week, for up to 12 weeks, or intraperitoneally with 400 mg/kg/day tetralin, or 50 or 100 mg/kg/day of its α-tetralol analogue, 5 days/week, for up to 5 weeks. Animals treated with 1,2,4-TEB, but not 1,3,5-TEB, tetralin or α-tetralol, developed hind limb weakness, excreted greenish urine, and showed 1,2-DAB-like neuropathology. These findings support the hypothesis that 1,2-spaced ethyl (or acetyl) moieties on a benzene ring of hydrocarbons are required for hydrocarbons to induce chromogenic changes and proximal giant neurofilamentous axonopathy. Key molecular targets of these compounds likely reside in the axon where they serve to maintain normal cytoskeletal organization.
Panel tests of stochastic convergence: TFP transmission within manufacturing industries

Abstract This paper examines the international transmission of industry-specific productivity shocks. We demonstrate the limitations of panel unit root tests of stochastic convergence, and propose an alternative method. The data reject stochastic convergence, displaying considerable heterogeneity in TFP movements within industries.
Mixer-settler counter-current chromatography with multiple spiral disk assembly

A novel system for performing high-speed counter-current chromatography has been developed for separation of biopolymers using polymer phase systems. The spiral disk assembly consisting of eight units, each equipped with over 300 mixer-settler sets, was constructed and performance evaluated in terms of retention of the stationary phase and separation efficiency. A series of experiments was performed with a polymer phase system composed of polyethylene glycol 1000 (12.5%, w/w) and dibasic potassium phosphate (12.5%, w/w) using two stable protein samples of myoglobin and lysozyme at various experimental conditions of flow rates and revolution speeds. The best results were obtained with revolution speeds of 800-1000rpm at flow rates of 0.25-0.5ml/min where the partition efficiency of several 100 theoretical plates was achieved with over 50% stationary phase retention.
SeaWiFS transfer-to-orbit experiment

We present the results of an experiment designed to measure the changes in the radiometric calibration of the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) from the time of its manufacture to the time of the start of on-orbit operations. The experiment uses measurements of the Sun at the manufacturer’s facility to predict the instrument outputs during solar measurements immediately after launch. Because an onboard diffuser plate is required for these measurements, the experiment measures changes in the instrument–diffuser system. There is no mechanism in this experiment to separate changes in the diffuser from changes in the instrument. For the eight SeaWiFS bands, the initial instrument outputs on orbit averaged 0.8% higher than predicted with a standard deviation of 0.9%. The greatest difference was 2.1% (actual output higher than predicted) for band 3. The estimated uncertainty for the experiment is 3%. Thus the transfer-to-orbit experiment shows no changes in the radiometric sensitivities of the SeaWiFS bands—at the 3% level—from the completion of the instrument’s manufacture to its insertion into orbit.
Role of the adrenal cortex in maturation of the lymphoid system and immunological competence; the effects of aminoglutethimide in suckling mice

Newborn rats and mice have rudimentary peripheral lymphoid tissues and are immunologically incompetent. The lymphoid system matures late in the third week after birth, shortly before weaning. The adrenal cortex also is relatively inactive neonatally and begins to secrete glucocorticoids in a mature fashion two weeks after birth. These experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that adrenal glucocorticoids induce maturation of the lymphoid system and immunological competence during the third postnatal week. Mice 10–12 days old were injected daily for 4–11 days with aminoglutethimide, an inhibitor of steroid biosynthesis. The adrenal glands and lymphoid tissues were prepared for histological examination 24 hours after the last injection and evaluated without knowledge of the treatment received. Aminoglutethimide caused adrenal dysplasia with a frequency proportional to dose. Effective doses also inhibited growth, and slightly larger doses were fatal. Therefore it was concluded that large doses of aminoglutethimide caused adrenal insufficiency, but the completeness of this insufficiency in surviving animals was not ascertained. Three phases in postnatal maturation of the lymphoid system were identified by examination of untreated littermate controls and reference to previous work. During the first week after birth, the thymus-dependent lymphoid tissues grow by immigration of thymus-derived cells that soon have the capacity for cell-mediated immunity. During the second postnatal week, a new population of wandering lymphoid cells, presumptively derived from bone marrow, settles in lymphoid organs in response to antigenic stimulation, to form primary lymphoid nodules and a few plasma cells. Late in the third week after birth the machinery for humoral antibody synthesis matures with the appearance of germinal centers and numerous plasma cells, coincident with a great increase in production of immunoglobulin. This third phase of maturation was retarded in mice injected with near-fatal doses of aminoglutethimide. Because these mice suffered neither involution of lymphoid tissue nor suppression of proliferation in thymus or thymus-dependent lymphoid-tissue, it was concluded that the effects of aminoglutethimide upon the development of germinal centers and plasma cells were selective and specific. Therefore these experiments support the hypothesis that glucocorticoid secretion plays a decisive role in maturation of immunological competence during the third week after birth in mice. This role appears to be the potentiation of cellular proliferation and differentiation of B cells in response to antigens, culminating in antibody synthesis. Maturation of adrenal glucocorticoid synthesis has also been implicated in the initiation of physiological involution of the thymus and cessation of intestinal absorption of antibodies during the third postnatal week in rats and mice.
The Micropolitics of Victim–Offender Mediation

Victim–offender mediation is one of the most widely used practices of restorative justice encounter in the United States. We report findings from research on a victim–offender mediation program sponsored by an American juvenile court. Our specific concern is with power relations at the micro level of the mediation session. Restorative justice has been alternately criticized for controlling its participants too much and for controlling them too little. Some critics point to the silencing of participants, especially those of low social status like youth. Others point to the failure of restorative justice participants to effectively challenge attitudes conducive to crime. We consider the extent to which lay participants were silenced and/or challenged during mediation sessions. Our data suggest that power is diffuse in restorative justice encounters with juvenile offenders and that it is creatively deployed to achieve a variety of purposes. Consistent with restorative justice theories, which consider crime causation broadly, attitudes conducive to crime were not systematically addressed. The analysis underscores the complexity of both restorative justice and its evaluation.
Contact Mechanics of Rough Surfaces in Tribology: Single Asperity Contact

Contact modeling of two rough surfaces under normal approach and with relative motion is carried out to predict the real area of contact which affects friction and wear of an interface. The contact of two macroscopically flat bodies with microroughness is reduced to the contact at multiple asperities of arbitrary shapes. Most of deformation at the asperity contact can be either elastic or elastic-plastic. In this paper, a comprehensive review of modeling of a single asperity contact or an indentation problem is presented. Contact analyses for a spherical asperity/indenter on homogeneous and layered, elastic and elastic-plastic solids with and without tangential loading are presented. The analyses reviewed in this paper fall into two groups: (a) analytical solutions, primarily for elastic solids and (b) finite element solutions, primarily for elastic-plastic problems and layered solids. Implications of these analyses in friction and wear are discussed.
The role of nutrient availability in bioerosion: Consequences to carbonate buildups

Abstract Zooxanthellate organisms, which are among the major carbonate producers on coral reefs, are highly adapted to nutrient-deficient conditions and tend to be outcompeted by filamentous or fleshy algae if nutrients are abundant. Reef-dwelling bioeroding organisms, on the other hand, seem to increase in abundance with increasing availability of nutrient and food resources. Maximum rates of calcium carbonate production in a reef system are comparable in magnitude to maximum rates of bioerosion. The dynamic interplay between accretion destruction of coral reefs is therefore likely to be strongly influenced by nutrient availability. Nutrient availability may also influence development of carbonate facies. In reef systems that develop in oligotrophic waters, skeletal sands and framework should dominate carbonate buildups. In systems that develop in mesotrophic waters, enhanced bioerosion should reduce much of the skeletal material to carbonate muds, increasing the prevalence of mud-rich facies. Eutrophic conditions should result in bioeroded hardgrounds and carbonate depositional hiatuses. When carbonate accumulation rates fail to equal or exceed rates of local relative sea-level rise, reefs drown. Bored and lithified pavements with crusts of ferromanganese oxides, phosphates, or glauconite often separate shallow-reef from overlying deeper-water deposits. Nondeposition, bioerosion, and evidence for low redox potentials at the sediment-water interface all implicate excess nutrient availability as a factor in reef drowning. Some carbonate depositional hiatuses and bioerosional surfaces are local phenomena, evidence of responses to local increases in nutrient availability resulting from submergence of soils, runoff, or topographic upwelling. Others appear to reflect regional or worldwide events. Because many carbonate-producing organisms have life history strategies specialized to nutrient-deficient conditions, they are unable to compete when nutrients become plentiful. Events that triggered ocean turnover or sharp increases in the rate of deep ocean circulation would have increased sea-surface nutrient availability worldwide. Such eutrophication could have caused widespread extinctions in reef communities. Because eutrophication promotes bioerosion, details of the fossil records of those events are probably lost in bioerosional hiatuses.
Acute regulation of NHE3 by protein kinase A requires a multiprotein signal complex.

Acute regulation of NHE3 by protein kinase A requires a multiprotein signal complex. Biochemical and cellular experiments in fibroblasts have established the requirement for a member of the PDZ motif Na + /H + exchanger regulatory factor family of proteins (NHERF and NHERF2) in cAMP-mediated phosphorylation and inhibition of NHE3 activity. NHERF interacts with the actin cytoskeleton through the scaffolding protein ezrin to target a multiprotein signal complex to the plasma membrane. Recent experiments have focused on elements of this model. First, using specific antibodies, NHERF was identified in the renal proximal tubule, where it colocalized with ezrin and NHE3. NHERF2 was seen in glomeruli, the renal vasculature, and collecting duct cells, where it colocalized with ROMK. This distinct nephron localization suggests different physiologic roles for NHERF and NHERF2. Second, the signal-complex model of protein kinase A regulation of NHE3 developed in fibroblasts has been extended to epithelial cells by the development of a dominant-negative opossum kidney cell line expressing an ezrin binding domain-deficient truncation of NHERF. Preliminary studies indicate that these cells have normal basal Na + /H + exchanger activity but a blunted inhibitory response to cAMP. Third, biochemical, biophysical, and cell experiments have indicated that NHERF binds to itself in a head-to-head configuration, raising the possibility that dimerization may alter the availability of active NHERF. The potential role of the NHERF proteins in the kidney has been expanded by recent studies indicating their involvement in the membrane targeting, trafficking, sorting, and regulation of a range of other transporters, receptors, and signaling proteins. NHERF and related PDZ-containing proteins may serve as adapters for regulation of renal transporters.
Field assessment of control techniques and long-term dust variability for surface coal mine rock drills and bulldozers

ABSTRACT Airborne respirable dust surveys were conducted at six surface coal mines to investigate the effectiveness of dust control methods used on rotary rock drills and bulldozers. Dust controls commonly used on drills include a dry dust collection system, exhausting from a shrouded area around the collared hole, and an enclosed drill operator cab, filtering airborne dust from the cab. Bulldozers are also typically equipped with an enclosed operator cab as a dust control measure. Airborne respirable dust sampling was conducted near each equipment's source of generation and inside its enclosed cab. Silica analysis was performed on the dust samples to determine the percent silica content in the dust generated at the six mining operations. An additional eight-month follow-up of dust sampling was also conducted in the enclosed operator cabs of several rock drills and bulldozers. Data were analyzed for long-term variability of accepted control methods to abate dust and silica levels. The highwall rock drill ...
Behaviour of comet Kohoutek /1973f/

The spectral identification of CH3CN and HCN provides the first support for the hypothesis first proposed by Wurm (1943), of chemically stable 'parent molecules' for the less stable radicals and ions seen in the coma and the tail. These two molecules were among the earliest discovered in dense interstellar clouds. Circumstantial evidence for the presence of water as the dominant volatile component in the nucleus has been growing for some time. However, a much more volatile species is required to explain the observed behavior of the comet. CO, formaldehyde, or methane would quickly evaporate as the comet approached the sun.
A proposed staging system for chronic myeloid leukemia

A staging system was proposed for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) that groups patients into three stages (I, II, and III), each with two subclasses (A and B). The system uses pathologic parameters, of which the percentage of blasts in the blood and bone marrow is the most important. CML is defined as a myeloproliferative disorder with molecular or cytogenetic evidence of the translocation of the abl oncogene on chromosome 9 to the break-point cluster region gene on chromosome 22. The proposed staging system is similar to format to the standard TNM system used for many solid tumors.