cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TAS2R38 PAV Haplotype Predicts Vegetable Consumption in Community-Dwelling Caucasian Adults at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease.

Introduction:A heart-healthy diet might reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Genetic variants that affect taste are associated with food choices. This study aims to investigate the association...
Parenting as an inhibitor of gender disparities in alcohol use: the case of early adolescents in China

Gender differences in alcohol use are more substantial among early adolescents in China than in the United States, presumably because of more permissive drinking norms for boys than girls in Chinese culture. This study tested a theory that gender differences in early experimentation with alcohol can be reduced through general parenting practices. Whereas traditional research has identified mediators of gender differences in alcohol use, the current research isolated moderators of gender differences and developed their implications for prevention programs. The study analyzed the data from the China Global School-Based Student Health Survey (n = 8805 middle school students in four cities). Youth completed anonymous surveys in classroom settings. The study examined interaction effects between gender and parenting variables using multiple regression with robust standard errors. Early adolescent boys exhibited higher levels of drinking than girls for all drinking outcomes. The gender differences in drinking were negatively associated with the level of perceived parental monitoring, parental involvement in adolescent school performance, and parental empathy in a nonlinear way. Results suggested that early adolescents’ perceptions of general parenting practice nonlinearly moderated gender disparities in alcohol use.
Thromboresistance of Polyurethanes Modified with PEO-Silane Amphiphiles.

Surface-induced thrombosis is problematic in blood-contacting devices composed of silicones or polyurethanes (PUs). Poly(ethylene oxide)-silane amphiphiles (PEO-SA) are previously shown effective as surface modifying additives (SMAs) in silicones for enhanced thromboresistance. This study investigates PEO-SAs as SMAs in a PU at various concentrations: 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 µmol g-1 PU. PEO-SA modified PUs are evaluated for their mechanical properties, water-driven surface restructuring, and adhesion resistance against a human fibrinogen (HF) solution as well as whole human blood. Stability is assessed by monitoring hydrophilicity, water uptake, and mass loss following air- or aqueous-conditioning. PEO-SA modified PUs do not demonstrate plasticization, as evidenced by minimal changes in glass transition temperature, modulus, tensile strength, and percent strain at break. These also show a concentration-dependent increase in hydrophilicity that is sustained following air- and aqueous-conditioning for concentrations ≥25 µmol g-1 . Additionally, water uptake and mass loss are minimal at all concentrations. Although protein resistance is not enhanced versus an HF solution, PEO-SA modified PUs have significantly reduced protein adsorption and platelet adhesion from human blood at concentrations ≥10 µmol g-1 . Overall, this study demonstrates the versatility of PEO-SAs as SMAs in PU, which leads to enhanced and sustained hydrophilicity as well as thromboresistance.
An electromyography-assisted biomechanical cervical spine model: Model development and validation.

Abstract Background In spite of the prevalence of occupational neck disorders as a result of work force fluctuating from industry to sedentary office work, most cervical spine computational models are not capable of simulating occupational and daily living activities whereas majority of cervical spine models specialized to simulate crash and impact scenarios. Therefore, estimating spine tissue loads accurately to quantify the risk of neck disorders in occupational environments within those models is not possible due to the lack of muscle models, dynamic simulation and passive spine structures. Methods In this effort the structure, logic, and validation process of an electromyography-assisted cervical biomechanical model that is capable of estimating neck loading under three-dimensional complex motions is described. The developed model was designed to simulate complex dynamic motions similar to work place exposure. Curved muscle geometry, personalized muscle force parameters, and separate passive and (electromyography-driven) active muscle force components are implemented in this model. Findings Calibration algorithms were able to reverse-engineer personalized muscle properties to calculate active and passive muscle forces of each individual. Interpretation This electromyography-assisted cervical spine model with curved muscle model is capable to accurately predict spinal tissue loads during isometric and dynamic head and neck activities. Personalized active and passive muscle force algorithms will help to more robustly investigate person-specific muscle forces and spinal tissue loads.
Charged Current Quasi-Elastic Interactions at MiniBooNE Confront Cross Section Monte Carlos

Neutrino oscillations have been established in solar and atmospheric neutrinos, but a third signal from the LSND experiment is incompatible with three Standard Model neutrinos. The MiniBooNE experiment can confirm or refute the LSND oscillation signal with 1×10 21 protons on target. While working towards the oscillation result, MiniBooNE will accumulate more than 1×10 6 neutrino interactions in the 0 to 2 GeV range which will greatly increase the world's knowledge of neutrino cross sections in this energy regime. Preliminary results on the MiniBooNE ν μ charged current quasi-elastic analysis are presented and compared to the NUANCE, NEUT, and NEUGEN cross section Monte Carlos.
Multi-institutional Comparison of Intensity Modulated Photon Versus Proton Radiation Therapy in the Management of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus

Abstract Purpose Concurrent chemoradiation therapy is a curative treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus, but patients can suffer from significant treatment-related toxicities. This study was undertaken to determine whether intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) is associated with less acute toxicity than intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) using photons. Materials and Methods We performed a multi-institutional retrospective study comparing toxicity and oncologic outcomes of IMRT versus IMPT. Patients with stage I-IV (for positive infrarenal para-aortic or common iliac nodes only) squamous cell carcinoma of the anus, as defined by the American Joint Committee on Cancer's AJCC Staging Manual, eighth edition, were included. Patients with nonsquamous histology or mixed IMPT and IMRT treatment courses were excluded. Acute nonhematologic toxicities, per the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 4, were recorded prospectively at all sites. Acute and late toxicities, dose metrics, and oncologic outcomes were compared between IMRT and IMPT using univariable and multivariable statistical methods. To improve the robustness of our analysis, we also analyzed the data using propensity score weighting methods. Results A total of 208 patients were treated with either IMPT (58 patients) or IMRT (150 patients). Of the 208 total patients, 13% had stage I disease, 36% stage II, 50% stage III, and 1% stage IV. IMPT reduced the volume of normal tissue receiving low-dose radiation but not high-dose radiation to bladder and bowel. There was no significant difference between treatment groups in overall grade 3 or greater acute toxicity (IMRT, 68%; IMPT, 67%; P = .96) or 2-year overall grade 3 or greater late toxicity (IMRT, 3.5%; IMPT, 1.8%; P = .88). There was no significant difference in 2-year progression-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.3-2.0). Conclusions Despite reducing the volume of normal tissue receiving low-dose radiation, IMPT was not associated with decreased grade 3 or greater acute toxicity as measured by CTCAE. Additional follow-up is needed to assess whether important differences arise in late toxicities and if further prospective evaluation is warranted.
Pathway-Specific Depression of Lateral Inhibition by Dopamine Requires Serotonin Receptors in the Nucleus Accumbens

Dopamine modulation of nucleus accumbens (NAc) circuitry is central to theories of reward seeking and reinforcement learning. Despite decades of effort, the acute dopamine actions on the NAc microcircuitry remain puzzling. Here, we dissect out the direct actions of dopamine on lateral inhibition between medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in mouse brain slices and find that dopamine’s acute actions on NAc lateral inhibition are pathway-specific. Dopamine potently and selectively depresses GABAergic transmission from presynaptic dopamine D2 receptor-expressing MSNs (D2-MSNs), while it potentiates transmission from presynaptic dopamine D1 receptor-expressing MSNs. To our surprise, presynaptic D2 receptors mediate only half of the depression induced by either dopamine neuron stimulation or dopamine application. Presynaptic serotonin 5-HT1b receptors are responsible for a significant component of dopamine-induced synaptic depression. Thus, this study clarifies the mechanistic understanding of dopamine actions in the NAc by showing pathway-specific modulation of lateral inhibition and the involvement of both D2 and 5-HT1b receptors in dopamine depression of D2-MSN synapses.
Mode-II interlaminar fracture of composite materials in the presence of randomly distributed defects

The focus of the present paper is on the mode-II (shear mode) interlaminar fracture of laminated composite materials with randomly distributed defects such as those generated due to the manufacturing process. The study is conducted using cohesive-zone Finite Element (FE) models of the Interlaminar Shear (ILS) and the End Notch Flexure (ENF) geometries with explicit inclusion of defects on a representative interlaminar plane. The effective interlaminar shear strength and the effective mode-II fracture energy are obtained by comparing the FE analysis with explicit defects against corresponding homogeneous models. Based on the parametric FE results it was found that the effective ILS strength and the mode-II fracture energy are significantly affected by the defects present on the critical interlaminar fracture plane, and when the defects are small, they follow a linear scaling with the defect area fraction. Simulations with various defect sizes reveal that for defects larger than the size of the delamination process-zone, the concept of the effective ILS strength and effective mode-II fracture energy is not valid, and defects must be represented explicitly in the models.
Cardiotoxicity Mechanisms from the Point of View of Preclinical or Premarketing Safety Evaluation

The most commonly occurring cardiotoxic reactions in humans are due to over-exposure to chemicals that affect physiological function of the heart. These effects, which are usually receptor-mediated, are dose related and can generally be predicted from safety studies in animals. Direct chemical toxicity is initiated by an interaction of a reactive metabolite of the xenobiotic with cellular macromolecules. The incidence of such cardiotoxicity is low because few of these chemicals are metabolized in the heart. The concentration of cellular protective substances influences the development of such toxicity, and therefore species variation should be considered in safety studies. Chemically induced immune system-mediated reactions can develop in the heart, and may occur in anaphylaxis. Antibody mediated cytotoxic or immune complex reactions are rare events, and the predictability is poor. In some instances sensitivity is immunogenetically controlled. Cardiotoxic effects can also develop after prenatal exposure to chemicals, and thus consideration should be given to examining the offspring for those effects in teratology studies.
Solubility and related physicochemical properties of narcotic analgesics.

The physicochemical properties of select opioid and anilinopiperidine narcotic analgesics were investigated. The solubilities of the narcotics in hexane and water and, for morphine, in other organic solvents were determined. Regular solution theory seems to be applicable to the solubility behavior of morphine in solvents that lack strong dipoles and hydrogen bonds. A best-fit solubility parameter of 13.2 (cal/cm3)\({\frac{1}{2}}\) for morphine was determined from its solubilities in London solvents and its ideal solubility. Calculation of morphine's solubility parameter from its hexane solubility alone and its melting properties gave a corresponding δ2 value. These measured solubility parameters were appreciably larger than the solubility parameter estimated from molar attraction constants. Solubility parameters of hydromorphone, codeine, fentanyl, and sufentanil were also calculated from respective hexane solubilities, melting points, and heats effusion and were 11.7, 10.9, 9.8, and 9.7 (cal/cm3)\({\frac{1}{2}}\). For these compounds, experimental solubility parameters agreed with solubility parameters estimated from molar attraction constants. Because meperidine, fentanyl, and sufentanil exhibit low levels of intracrystalline cohesion, as reflected in low melting points and relatively modest heats of fusion, theoretically projected ideal solubilities and actual solubilities in organic solvents measured for them were considerably higher than determined for morphine and its analogues. Consistent with the solubilities, the octanol–water partition coefficients of the two 4-anilinopiperidine analogues and of meperidine were several orders of magnitude larger than those of the opioids, evidencing the fact that meperidine, fentanyl, and sufentanil are substantially more lipophilic than the opioids.
A new source-side erase algorithm to reduce disturb problem in flash EPROM

A two-step erase algorithm for a Flash EPROM, consisting of a source-side erase and a subsequent source-side soft channel hot-electron injection, will be described. The second step is designed to neutralize the GIDL-induced trapped holes during the first step. Experimental results show that the two-step algorithm greatly reduces the word-line disturb problem and achieves threshold voltage convergence.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Cytidine Diphosphate 3,6-Dideoxyhexoses IV. PARTIAL RESOLUTION OF THE ENZYMES REQUIRED FOR REDUCTION OF CYTIDINE DIPHOSPHATE 4-KETO-6-DEOXY-d-GLUCOSE AND ISOLATION OF A NEW INTERMEDIATE

Abstract The enzymatic system for the formation of cytidine diphosphate 3,6-dideoxyhexose from CDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-d-glucose has been separated into three protein fractions. Two of these fractions, E1 and E3, participate in a TPNH-requiring reaction in which a new cytidine nucleotide intermediate is formed. Since this intermediate can be reduced chemically to yield 3,6-dideoxy-d-galactose (abequose) and 3,6-dideoxy-d-glucose (paratose), it is suggested that the intermediate is CDP-4-keto-3,6-dideoxy-d-glucose. This intermediate is common to the various serotypes of Pasteurella pseudotuberculosis and is reduced in the presence of TPNH and E2 to form a CDP-3,6-dideoxyhexose. E2 from P. pseudotuberculosis Type II leads to the formation of CDP-abequose, that from Type III leads to formation of CDP-paratose, and that from Type V leads to formation of CDP-ascarylose (3,6-dideoxy-l-mannose). The possible relation of this reaction mechanism to the mechanism of synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides is discussed.
National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID). URL: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/

The National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID) is one of the divisions of the CDC. The mission of the NCID is to work in partnership with other national and international health agencies to promote prevention and control strategies for infectious diseases. The NCID also publishes the peer-reviewed journal Emerging Infectious Diseases , which can be viewed from the Web site. Additional components include an alphabetical listing of disease information, NCID electronic publications, reference information for international travel, links to other health agencies, and a keyword search section. The major visual component of the NCID home page is a section called the “Hotzone”, which is a listing of new and hot topics. At the …
Compensation through Functional Hyperconnectivity: A Longitudinal Connectome Assessment of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a major public health concern. Functional MRI has reported alterations in several brain networks following mTBI. However, the connectome-scale brain network changes are still unknown. In this study, sixteen mTBI patients were prospectively recruited from an emergency department and followed up at 4–6 weeks after injury. Twenty-four healthy controls were also scanned twice with the same time interval. Three hundred fifty-eight brain landmarks that preserve structural and functional correspondence of brain networks across individuals were used to investigate longitudinal brain connectivity. Network-based statistic (NBS) analysis did not find significant difference in the group-by-time interaction and time effects. However, 258 functional pairs show group differences in which mTBI patients have higher functional connectivity. Meta-analysis showed that “Action” and “Cognition” are the most affected functional domains. Categorization of connectomic signatures using multiview group-wise cluster analysis identified two patterns of functional hyperconnectivity among mTBI patients: (I) between the posterior cingulate cortex and the association areas of the brain and (II) between the occipital and the frontal lobes of the brain. Our results demonstrate that brain concussion renders connectome-scale brain network connectivity changes, and the brain tends to be hyperactivated to compensate the pathophysiological disturbances.
Purification and amino acid analysis of cytochrome c fromUstilago violacea

Cytochrome c fromUstilago violacea was further analyzed in order to characterize the pink phenotype. NaOH-extracted cytochrome c was purified in three steps, which included ammonium sulfate precipitation, CM-Sephadex ion-exchange chromatography with 0.5 N NaCl elution, and CM-Sephadex ion-exchange chromatography with a 0.0–0.6 N NaCl gradient elution. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified protein yielded a single red band, which was the only band detected upon Coumassie brilliant blue staining. HCl-hydrolysates of the protein were examined for their amino acid composition, which indicated that the cytochrome c fromU. violacea contains approximately 104 residues, with high levels of alanine, histidine, serine, and low levels of phenylalanine and arginine.
Evaluation of an Innovative, Cordless Ultrasonic Dissector

Ultrasonic thermal energy is commonly used for dissection and vessel ligation. This study compared HARMONIC ACE and Sonicision Cordless Ultrasonic Dissector (SCUD). The devices were used in an in vivo porcine model to coagulate 189 arteries up to 5 mm. Seal times were similar: SCUD, 5.2 ± 1.7 s; ACE, 4.9 ± 1.5 s (P = .20). Burst pressures for SCUD and AVE were 578 ± 284 and 605 ± 288 mm Hg, respectively (P = .48). Stratification by vessel diameter yielded similar results. In all, 17 applications resulted in seal failure on either the proximal or distal side, with no difference between SCUD (4.4%) and ACE (6.6%; P = .37). Histological examination of 48 specimens showed similar thermal spreads: 1.06 ± 0.05 versus 1.08 ± 0.05 mm for SCUD and ACE, respectively (P = .82). In 41 timed mesenteric transections, SCUD required 24.8 ± 4.9 s, which was significantly less than the 33.8 ± 5.4 s for ACE (P < .0001), with no bleeding in either group. SCUD and ACE showed similar vessel seal times, burst pressures, thermal spreads, and seal failure rates. SCUD was more efficient than ACE in mesenteric transection.
Creation and annihilation of intrinsic localized excitations

Creation and annihilation of intrinsic localized excitations in a nonintegrable discrete one-dimensional nonlinear Schr{umlt o}dinger system is studied numerically. We demonstrate that the distribution p(x) of the amplitudes x of the created excitations has the form p(x)=x{sup {alpha}}exp({beta}x{sup {gamma}}). The log-normal form {gamma}=2 has previously been found in non-Hamiltonian continuous systems. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Absence of acute stimulant effects after intravenous thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in man: Comparison to d-amphetamine

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) has been reported to have behavioural effects in man. The current study compared TRH to d-amphetamine and placebo in normal humans. While a number of d-Amp effects were noted, TRH was not significantly different from placebo.
Numb Antagonizes Notch Signaling to Specify Sibling Neuron Cell Fates

Abstract Asymmetric cell divisions play a key role in establishing neuronal diversity in the mammalian and Drosophila CNS, but the mechanisms involved are mostly unknown. The Drosophila MP2 precursor divides asymmetrically to generate the dMP2/vMP2 interneurons. Delta–Notch signaling is required to specify vMP2 fate, whereas the localized determinant Numb is segregated into dMP2 and is required to specify dMP2 fate. Notch ; numb double mutants have two dMP2 neurons; hence, Numb is not required for dMP2 fate, but antagonizes the Delta–Notch "vMP2" signal. In vivo Delta expression and in vitro culture experiments show that vMP2 fate is specified by an "inductive" signal from outside the MP2 lineage. Thus, intrinsic and extrinsic cues converge to specify binary cell fates in the MP2 cell lineage.
Abrasion resistance of hard anodised aluminium

Abstract The abrasion resistance of five commercially produced samples of hard anodised aluminium has been measured. A crossed-cylinders wear apparatus was used in which a cylindrical diamond-lap abraded 1 4 in. diameter rod specimens of the anodised aluminium alloy. The wear of the anodised layers obeyed the generally accepted laws of abrasion; wear was proportional to load and sliding distance, and was independent of speed and of the apparent contact area. Apart from a slight increase just below the surface, the wear resistance was essentially constant through the depth of the anodising and did not depend on the initial thickness of the layer. Four of the anodised coatings wore at about the same rate. Their wear resistance was greater than that of the underlying aluminium alloy in the same ratio as has previously been found for solid alumina. The fifth anodised coating had a lower wear resistance; its surface hardness was also the lowest of the five.
From Bombs to Ballots: When Militant Organizations Transition to Political Parties

When do militant organizations transition to political parties? Once reaching the productive limits of political violence, militant organizations sometimes seek to adopt party politics in order to continue pursuing their political ends or “outcome” goals. However, most militant organizations remain incapable of transitioning due to two common constraints: the base constituency’s preference for violence and credibility deficiencies vis-a-vis the adversary. Analyzing an original dataset of 406 organizations, I find evidence that partial outcome-goal achievement and state supporters help militant organizations overcome the obstacles preventing transition. Crucially, whereas the complete achievement of militant outcome goals absorbs the chief organizational incentive to transition, partial achievement of outcome goals fosters transition to the party format more than any other factor
Feedback control of many magnetized: Tetrahymena pyriformis cells by exploiting phase inhomogeneity

Biological robots can be produced in large numbers, but are often controlled by uniform inputs. This makes position control of multiple robots inherently challenging. This paper uses magnetically-steered ciliate eukaryon {Tetrahymena pyriformis) as a case study. These cells swim at a constant speed, and can be turned by changing the orientation of an external magnetic field. We show that it is possible to steer multiple T. pyriformis to independent goals if their turning - modeled as a first-order system - has unique time constants. We provide system identification tools to parameterize multiple cells in parallel. We construct feedback control-Lyapunov methods that exploit differing phase-lags under a rotating magnetic field to steer multiple cells to independent target positions. We prove that these techniques scale to any number of cells with unique first-order responses to the global magnetic field. We provide simulations steering hundreds of cells and validate our procedure in hardware experiments with multiple cells.
Antigenic variation in Giardia lamblia and the host's immune response

Giardia lamblia, a protozoan parasite of the small intestine of humans and other animals, undergoes surface antigenic variation. The antigens involved belong to a family of variant-specific surface proteins (VSPs), which are unique, cysteine-rich zinc finger proteins. The patterns of infection in humans and animals fail to show the expected cyclical waves of increasing and decreasing numbers of parasites expressing unique VSPs. Nevertheless, changes in VSP expression occur within the population in vivo owing to selection of VSPs by both immune and non-immune mechanisms. After inoculation of a single G. lamblia clone (able to persist in the absence of immune pressure) expressing one VSP (> or = 90%) into mice or humans, the original VSP continues to be expressed until 2 weeks post inoculation (p.i.), when many other VSPs gradually replace it. Selection by immune-mediated processes is suggested because switching occurs at the same time that humoral responses are first detected. In most mouse strains, switching also occurs at about two weeks. Almost all trophozoites are eliminated at three weeks (p.i.), but a barely detectable infection persists over months. In neonatal mice, apparent self-cure is delayed until the sixth or seventh week. Antigenic switching does not occur in adult or neonatal severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) mice, but does occur in neonatal nude mice, thus implicating B-cell-mediated mechanisms in immune switching. Not all VSPs are expressed to the same degree in vivo. Some VSPs appear to be preferentially selected whereas others are eliminated on a non-immune basis. In infections in which immunity does not play a role, such as in SCID mice, and during the first week of infection in immunocompetent mice or gerbils, persisting VSPs are preferentially expressed and maintained whereas non-persisting VSPs are replaced within the first week of infection. The purpose of antigenic variation may be presentation of a wide assortment of VSPs to hosts, increasing the chance of a successful initial infection or reinfection. Immune selection of variants comes into play following biological selection.
Biological Water and Its Role in the Effects of Alcohol1

Alcohol and water compete with each other on target membrane molecules, specifically, lipids and proteins near the membrane surface. The basis for this competition is the hydrogen bonding capability of both compounds. But alcohol's amphiphilic properties give it the capability to be attracted simultaneously to both hydrophobic and hydrophilic targets. Thus, alcohol could bind certain targets preferentially and displace water, leading to conformational consequences. This article reviews the clustering and organized character of biological water, which modulates the conformation of membrane surface molecules, particularly receptor protein. Any alcohol-induced displacement of biological water on or inside of membrane proteins creates the opportunity for allosteric change in membrane receptors. This interaction may also prevail in organelles, such as the Golgi apparatus, which have relatively low concentrations of bulk water. Target molecules of particular interest in neuronal membrane are zwitteronic phospholipids, gangliosides, and membrane proteins, including glycoproteins. FTIR and NMR spectroscopic evidence from model membrane systems shows that alcohol has a nonstereospecific binding capability for membrane surface molecules and that such binding occurs at sites that are otherwise occupied by hydrogen-bonded water. The significance of these effects seems to lie in the need to learn more about biological water as an active participant in biochemical actions. Proposed herein is a new working hypothesis that the molecular targets of ethanol action most deserving of study are those where water is trapped and there is little bulk water. Proteins (enzymes and receptors) certainly differ in this regard, as do organelles.
Life Cycle Assessment of a Model Parabolic Trough Concentrating Solar Power Plant With Thermal Energy Storage

This study evaluates the environmental impacts of a hypothetical 103 megawatt, parabolic trough, wet-cooled concentrating solar power (CSP) plant in the U.S. Southwest with 6.3 hours of thermal energy storage by means of a hybrid life cycle assessment. Life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, cumulative energy demand, and water consumption associated with the manufacture, construction, operation, dismantling, and disposal of the power plant are evaluated and disaggregated by major systems and components. The reference CSP plant emits 26 g CO2eq per kWh of electrical output across its life cycle, cumulatively demands 0.43 MJeq /kWh of energy, and consumes 4.7 L/kWh of water. The majority of water is consumed by the power block for evaporative cooling. Sensitivity analyses are performed on several key assumptions and design elements: the configuration of the thermal energy storage system (i.e., thermocline), the heat transfer fluid, the nitrate salts, the cooling system type (i.e., dry-cooled) and the energy required for construction and end-of-life dismantling. Our base case results are robust to alternative assumptions regarding the heat transfer fluid and energy required for construction and dismantling; however, the total life cycle impacts are strongly influenced by the type of cooling system and nitrate salts employed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Generalized Discrete Fourier Transform with optimum correlations

In this paper, we present design methods to optimize nonlinear phase functions of Generalized DFT (GDFT) for minimized auto and cross correlations. It is shown that GDFT offers sizable correlation improvements over DFT, Walsh, and Gold codes. We conclude the paper with a multiuser communications scenario where correlation optimized GDFT outperforms DFT and other known constant modulus codes in BER metric.
Using vertex-centric programming platforms to implement SPARQL queries on large graphs

In this paper we explore the fusion of two largely disparate but related communities, that of Big Data and the Semantic Web. Due to the rise of large real-world graph datasets, a number of graph-centric parallel platforms have been proposed and developed. Many of these platforms, notable among them Pregel, Giraph, GraphLab, GraphChi, the Graph Processing System, and GraphX, present a programming interface that is vertex-centric, a variant of Valiant's Bulk Synchronous Parallel model. These platforms seek to address growing analytical needs for very large graph datasets arising from a variety of sources, such as social, biological, and computer networks. With this growing interest in large graphs, there has also been a concomitant rise in the Semantic Web, which describes data in terms of subject-predicate-object triples, or in other words edges of a graph where the predicate is a directed labeled edge between the two vertices, the subject and object. Despite the graph-oriented nature of Semantic Web data, and the advent of an increasingly large web of data, no one has explored the usage of these maturing graph platforms to analyze Semantic Web data. In this paper we outline a method of implementing SPARQL queries within the GraphLab framework, obtaining good scaling to the size of our system, 51 nodes.
Numerical study of a singular differential equation relevant for the finite b tearing mode in a toroidal plasma

Abstract The generalized Green's function method proposed by Miller and Dewar ( J. Comput. Phys. 66 , 356 (1986)) and Pletzer and Dewar in Computational Techniques & Applications: CTAC-89, Proceedings, Int. Conf. Brisbane, 1989 , edited by W. L. Hogarth and B. J. Noye, in press, for solving the singular differential equation occurring in the finite β tearing mode problem has been tested numerically on a model differential equation. This method is compatible with a variational formulation of the problem and gives accurate numerical answers with high powers of convergence with respect to the number of grid points used. When the method is extended to the more physically relevant two-sided problem at moderate pressure gradients, a less stringent condition on the Frobenius expansion is required because the principal value of the otherwise divergent integrals associated with the method is shown to exist.
Comparative effectiveness research: Promising area of study for pharmacists

Comparative effectiveness research (CER)—the comparison of existing health care interventions to give patients and providers unbiased, evidence-based information about relative benefits and harms—has generated a great deal of interest in the health care policy community lately. This is at least partly a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,1 which features an unprecedented federal investment in CER. Because it provides generous funding for CER, the recovery act also has served to introduce the research, conceptually, to a public previously unfamiliar with it. This introduction prompted many questions about CER. Will CER affect clinicians’ autonomy and, if so, how? How should research findings affect clinical and payment decisions? Should costs be analyzed? Who benefits and how do they benefit from CER? The pharmacy community has a unique stake in the resolution of these questions because CER confronts issues that are central to the creation and modification of the formulary and because the results of CER often can affect pharmacists’ direct and indirect interactions with patients. As a health researcher, I welcome these questions, as I embrace the opportunity to clear up misconceptions about this important type of research. We can start by defining CER precisely. In a recent report, the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research defined CER as “the conduct and synthesis of research comparing the benefits and harms of various interventions and strategies for preventing, diagnosing, treating, and monitoring health conditions in realworld settings. The purpose of this research is to improve health outcomes by developing and disseminating evidencebased information to consumers, clinicians, and other decision makers about which interventions are most effective for which patients under specific circumstances.”2 Patients are at the center of this definition. This is appropriate because it satisfies one of the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM’s) six aims for a quality health care system as one that is patient centered.3 CER serves its highest calling when it meets the real-world needs of patients. Patients confront health care decisions every day, often without adequate information. For example, when an elderly woman with heart disease seeks the best way to treat the pain from arthritis, an elderly man seeks treatment for depression, or an active middle-aged woman tries to lower her cholesterol, the only question that matters is, “What is the best choice for me?” CER examines different therapeutic, diagnostic, and screening interventions for common conditions by either rigorously evaluating existing scientific literature or generating new findings through scientific studies of different interventions. Its core purpose—determining which treatment works best and for whom—is a fundamental concern for both patients and clinicians when presented with a health problem.
Radar and Synoptic Analysis of the Miami Tornado of 17 June 1959

Abstract PPI and RHI photographs were taken on the University of Miami radars during the passage of a destructive tornado across Miami. The PPI photographs show the familiar hooked echo with cyclonic motion plus what is believed to be divergence aloft in the main echo. A synoptic analysis and evaluation of the tornado conditions and a summary of visual observations by the author and others are also included.
Volatile carboxylic acid profiling in physiological fluids.

Many inborn errors of metabolism are characterized by an increase in the concentrations of various carboxylic acids in blood and urine. For example, the metabolic disorders propionic acidemia [ 11, methylmalonic aciduria [ 2,3], maple syrup urine disease [4], isovaleric acidemia [ 41 and glutaric aciduria type II [ 5,6] show increased amounts of volatile carboxylic acids in blood or urine. Procedures for the profiling and/or quantitation of these carboxylic acids require their isolation from blood or urine by vacuum distillation [6], extraction [ 7,8] , silicic acid absorption [ 91 or ion-exchange chromatography [lo] prior to gas chromatographic (GC) or gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis. These procedures are time-consuming and may result in losses of the more volatile acids. We have developed a rapid procedure for the profiling of volatile carboxylic acids in blood and urine that involves neither extraction or derivatization of the carboxylic acids prior to GC analysis.
Adrenergic desensitization in left ventricle from streptozotocin diabetic swine.

Patients with diabetes mellitus that exhibit cardiac pump failure display compromised stroke volume, ejection fraction, and slower rates of rise and fall of left ventricular (LV) dP/dt in the absence of ischemic injury. We hypothesized that diabetic cardiomyopathy may involve decrements in adrenergic sensitivity, with specific molecular alterations in the beta-adrenergic receptor (beta AR)- G protein- adenylyl cyclase (AC) signal transduction system. We assessed the effects of 3 months of streptozotocin-induced diabetes (125 mg/kg i.v.; DIAB, n = 10) on myocardial signal transduction in mini-pigs. DIAB were hyperglycemic compared to controls (CON, n = 10; 20.92 +/- 2.64 v 5.24 +/- 0.35 mM glucose), and had lower fasting insulin levels (6.46 +/- 0.97 v 13.68 +/- 3.91 microU/ml). Transmural LV free wall homogenates from DIAB exhibited similar beta AR density as CON, but decreased cAMP production (pmol cAMP/mg prot.min) using these pharmacological stimulators: 10 microM Isoproterenol plus 100 microM GTP (74 +/- 5 v 97 +/- 11); 100 microM Gpp(NH)p (116 +/- 7 v 161 +/- 17); 10 mM fluoride ion (266 +/- 16 v 324 +/- 25). No differences between DIAB and CON were observed when stimulated by 100 microM forskolin (440 +/- 20 v 429 +/- 33), suggesting no alterations in the catalytic subunit of AC. In DIAB, quantitative immunoblotting indicated slightly depressed levels of Gs (552 +/- 44 v 630 +/- 59 pmol/g ww; NS), but a significant redistribution of alpha s from the sarcolemma to the cytosol (32.7 +/- 0.82% v 25.9 +/- 1.7%). Significantly elevated levels of cardiac Gi were seen in DIAB homogenates compared to CON ventricles (2326 +/- 145 v 1522 +/- 181 pmol/g ww), with no alpha i subunit redistribution. We conclude that despite maintained beta AR density, receptor-dependent and G protein-dependent stimulation of AC is depressed so that streptozotocin-induced diabetic LV is affected by increased cardiac Gi, redistribution of Gs alpha to the cytosol, and an increase in the Gi/Gs ratio. These results help explain depressed catecholamine responsiveness and cardiac performance exhibited by diabetic patients.
Cloning and DNA sequence of plasmid determinant iss , coding for increased serum survival and surface exclusion, which has homology with lambda DNA

Escherichia coli K12 cells carrying a cloned 1.4 kb HindIII fragment from plasmid ColV2-K94, showed increased survival in guinea pig serum. The recombinant plasmid also conferred group II surface exclusion, i.e. the cells were reduced in recipient ability towards the incoming plasmid R538drd in conjugation experiments. Southern blotting suggested homology with bacteriophage lambda DNA and to the insertion element IS2. Determination of the DNA sequence of the fragment demonstrated the presence of a truncated IS2 (165 bp), separated by 250 bp from a 900 bp stretch of homology with lambda DNA, beginning within the Rz gene and continuing in the rightward direction on the lambda map. A 97 amino acid open reading frame (ORF) adjacent to Rz and on the opposite strand, remained intact in iss, with several amino acid changes. The ORF in iss is preceded by sequences resembling prokaryotic ribosome binding sites and promoters.
Free-Market Energy

There should be no governmental energy policy, nor any department of energy, for that matter. All decisions concerning fuel, up to and including nuclear power, should be based on private property rights and the tenets of laissez faire capitalism. This would assure the proper assumption of risk and ideal resource allocation.
Modeling of aggregated hydrologic time series

Abstract The concept of aggregation of the most commonly used models of seasonal hydrologic time series is the main subject discussed herein. The PAR(1) and PARMA(1, 1) models are assumed for representing the seasonal series and their equivalent stationarity and invertibility conditions are given. Likewise explicit expressions are given for determining the periodic covariance structure of such models and the concept of aggregation is illustrated by deriving the model of the corresponding annual series. Since the models of the seasonal series dictate the type of model of the annual series, then a unique structural linkage in the usual linear disaggregation model may be obtained in closed form. Seasonal and annual flows of the Niger River are used to illustrate some of the estimation procedures based on the foregoing aggregation approach.
Efficient non-viral reprogramming of myoblasts to stemness with a single small molecule to generate cardiac progenitor cells.

The current protocols for generation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells involve genome integrating viral vectors which may induce tumorgenesis. The aim of this study was to develop and optimize a non-viral method without genetic manipulation for reprogramming of skeletal myoblasts (SMs) using small molecules. Methods and Results SMs from young male Oct3/4-GFP+ transgenic mouse were treated with DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor, RG108. Two weeks later, GFP+ colonies of SM derived iPS cells (SiPS) expressing GFP and with morphological similarity of mouse embryonic stem (ESCs) were formed and propagated in vitro. SiPS were positive for alkaline phosphatase activity, expressed SSEA1, displayed ES cell specific pluripotency markers and formed teratoma in nude mice. Optimization of culture conditions for embryoid body (EBs) formation yielded spontaneously contracting EBs having morphological, molecular, and ultra-structural similarities with cardiomyocytes and expressed early and late cardiac markers. miR profiling showed abrogation of let-7 family and upregulation of ESCs specific miR-290-295 cluster thus indicating that SiPS were similar to ESCs in miR profile. Four weeks after transplantation into the immunocompetent mice model of acute myocardial infarction (n = 12 per group), extensive myogenesis was observed in SiPS transplanted hearts as compared to DMEM controls (n = 6 per group). A significant reduction in fibrosis and improvement in global heart function in the hearts transplanted with SiPS derived cardiac progenitor cells were observed.
Raman and Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering of 3-Hydroxyflavone

Normal Raman (NR) and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of 3-hydroxyflavone (3-HF) have been measured. The SERS spectra are obtained both on an electrode surface and on Ag colloid. Spectral bands are assigned using DFT calculations for the NR, SERS, and FTIR spectra. The IR, normal Raman, and SERS results are compared and in conjunction with a DFT calculation are used to interpret the low-frequency carbonyl stretching vibration in 3-HF. The experimental results support the DFT geometry calculations, which show that an adatom site at the vertex of Ag20 cluster binding with the 3-HF molecular plane tilted at an angle of about 53° to the surface is a low-energy structure. This is consistent with the enhancement of in-plane vibrational modes.
An Isoperimetric Inequality and the First Steklov Eigenvalue

Let (Mn, g) be a compact Riemannian manifold with boundary. In this paper we give upper and lower estimates for the first nonzero Steklov eigenvalueΔϕ=0inM,∂ϕ∂η=ν1ϕon∂M,where ν1 is a positive real number. The estimate from below is for a star-shaped domain on a manifold whose Ricci curvature is bounded from below. The upper estimate is for a convex manifold with nonnegative Ricci curvature and is given in terms of the first nonzero eigenvalue for the Laplacian on the boundary. We prove a comparison theorem for simply connected domains in a simply connected manifold. We exhibit annuli domains for which the comparison theorem fails to be true. In (J. F. Escobar, J. Funct. Anal.60 (1997), 544–556) we introduced the isoperimetric constant I(M) defined asI(M)=infΩ⊂MVol(Σ)min{Vol(Ω1), Vol(Ω2)}, where Ω1=Ω∩∂M is a nonempty domain with boundary in the manifold ∂M, Ω2=∂M−Ω1, and Σ=∂Ω∩int(M), where int(M) is the interior of M. We proved a Cheeger's type inequality for ν1 using the constant I(M). In this paper we give upper and lower estimates for the constant I in terms of isoperimetric constants of the boundary of M.
Materials Selection for Semisolid Processing

Abstract The mechanical behavior of alloys in the semisolid state is very sensitive to the volume fraction of solid. In this paper, a simple criterion for processability in the semisolid range is introduced, based on the sensitivity of the volume fraction of solid with respect to minor temperature variations. In addition it is proposed that the processability in the semisolid state can be enhanced using microsegregated material.
Isolation and characterization of a new, methylotrophic, acidogenic anaerobe, the marburg strain

The cellular characteristics of a new methylotrophic, acidogenic, anaerobic bacterium that was first isolated from a sewage digestor in Marburg, Federal Republic of Germany, is described. The Marburg strain is a mesophilic, Gram-positive, nonmotile, pleomorphic rod that performs homoacetic, homobutyric, or heteroacidic fermentations. Cell morphology varies from single or paired straight rods to rudimentary branched rods, club-shaped cells, or oval refractile cells. Cell heat resistance correlated with the presence of a few refractile cells. Electron micrographs of thin sections revealed a thick monolayered cell wall and an atypical spore structure. The DNA base composition was 48.8±0.2 mol% guanosine plus cytosine. Growth required factors in yeast extract; methanol, H2/CO2, glucose, fructose, lactate, and pyruvate were fermented as energy sources. Corrinoid levels varied from 0.35±0.16 to 7.9±1.6 μg/mg cell dry weight when cells 0.1% yeast extract, N2/CO2, 100 mM methanol, and 50 mM Na acetate displayed a 20h doubling time, finalA540 of 0.9, butyric acid yield of 25 mM, and ≈stoichiometry of 3 mol butyrate formed per 10 mol methanol fermented. The nameButyribacterium (emend.)methylotrophicum sp. nov. is proposed for the Marburg strain.
Covering a poset by interval orders

Abstract The number of interval orders needed to cover the elements of an n-element poset is at most ⌈√n⌉. More precisely, any poset with at most k2 elements can be covered by k interval orders, with k interval orders needed if and only if the poset is the disjoint union of k chains of size k.