cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of neglecting polarization on the MODIS aerosol retrieval over land

Reflectance measurements in the visible and infrared wavelengths, from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), are used to derive aerosol optical thicknesses (AOTs) and aerosol properties over ocean and land surfaces, separately. Both algorithms employ radiative transfer (RT) code to create lookup tables, simulating the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflectance measured by the satellite. Whereas the algorithm over ocean uses a vector RT code that includes the effects of atmospheric polarization, the algorithm over land assumes scalar RT, thus neglecting polarization effects. In the red (0.66 /spl mu/m) and infrared (2.12 /spl mu/m) MODIS channels, scattering by molecules (Rayleigh scattering) is minimal. In these bands, the use of a scalar RT code is of sufficient accuracy to model TOA reflectance. However, in the blue (0.47 /spl mu/m), the presence of larger Rayleigh scattering (optical thickness approaching 0.2) results in nonnegligible polarization. The absolute difference between vector- and scalar-calculated TOA reflectance, even in the presence of depolarizing aerosols, is large enough to lead to substantial errors in retrieved AOT. Using RT code that allows for both vector and scalar calculations, we examine the reflectance differences at the TOA, assuming discrete loadings of continental-type aerosol. We find that the differences in blue channel TOA reflectance (vector-scalar) may be greater than 0.01 such that errors in derived AOT may be greater than 0.1. Errors may be positive or negative, depending on the specific geometry, and tend to cancel out when averages over a large enough sample of satellite geometry. Thus, the neglect of polarization introduces little error into global and long-term averages, yet can produce very large errors on smaller scales and individual retrievals. As a result of this study, a future version of aerosol retrieval from MODIS over land will include polarization within the atmosphere.
Laser fabricated waveguides in various materials

Waveguiding devices are fabricated in various optical materials, including oxide glasses, chalcogenide glasses and polymers. Their optical properties are characterized, and the photo-induced structural modifications are inferred from Raman spectroscopy data.
The multifunctional peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase gene: exon/intron organization of catalytic, processing, and routing domains.

Peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM; EC 1.14.17.3) is a multifunctional protein containing two enzymes that act sequentially to catalyze the alpha-amidation of neuroendocrine peptides. Peptidylglycine alpha-hydroxylating monooxygenase (PHM) catalyzes the first step of the reaction and is dependent on copper, ascorbate, and molecular oxygen. Peptidyl-alpha-hydroxyglycine alpha-amidating lyase (PAL) catalyzes the second step of the reaction. Previous studies demonstrated that alternative splicing results in the production of bifunctional PAM proteins that are integral membrane or soluble proteins as well as soluble monofunctional PHM proteins. Rat PAM is encoded by a complex single copy gene that consists of 27 exons and encompasses more than 160 kilobases (kb) of genomic DNA. The 12 exons comprising PHM are distributed over at least 76 kb genomic DNA and range in size from 49-185 base pairs; four of the introns within the PHM domain are over 10 kb in length. Alternative splicing in the PHM r...
The blue light-specific response of Vicia faba stomata acclimates to growth environment.

;Stomata in epidermal strips from growth chambergrown Vicia faba leaves opened less in response to white light than did stomata from greenhouse-grown leaves. Chlorophyll-mediated, red light-stimulated opening was similar in stomata from the two growth conditions, but stomata from the growth chamber environment had a severely reduced response to blue light. Transfer of plants between the two growth conditions resulted in an acclimation of the stomatal blue light response. Stomata lost blue light sensitivity within 1 d of transfer to growth chamber conditions and gained sensitivity to blue light over an 8 d period after transfer to a greenhouse. Short-term transfer experiments confirmed that the rapid loss of blue light sensitivity was an acclimation response, requiring between 12 and 20 h exposure to growth chamber conditions. The acclimation of the stomatal response to blue light was inversely related to a previously reported acclimation response in which stomata change between high CO2 sensitivity under growth chamber conditions and low CO2 sensitivity under greenhouse conditions. The time courses of the blue light and CO2 acclimation responses were virtually identical, suggesting the possibility of a common acclimation mechanism.
Weak H-bonds. Comparisons of CH⋯O to NH⋯O in proteins and PH⋯N to direct P⋯N interactions

Whereas CH⋯O H-bonds are usually weaker than interpeptide NH⋯O H-bonds, this is not necessarily the case within proteins. The nominally weaker CH⋯O are surprisingly strong, comparable to, and in some cases stronger than, the NH⋯O H-bonds in the context of the forces that hold together the adjacent strands in protein β-sheets. The peptide NH is greatly weakened as proton donor in certain conformations of the protein backbone, particularly extended structures, and forms correspondingly weaker H-bonds. The PH group is a weak proton donor, but will form PH⋯N H-bonds. However, there is a stronger interaction in which P can engage, in which the P atom, not the H, directly approaches the N electron donor to establish a direct P⋯N interaction. This approach is stabilized by the same sort of electron transfer from the N lone pair to the P–H σ* antibond that characterizes the PH⋯N H-bond.
Beyond training: New ideas for military forces operating beyond war

This chapter explores the imperative for change in the military training and education paradigm. Contemporary opponents that leverage capability gaps force this change as do realizations of formerly unquestioned assumptions about preparing military personnel for success in the 21st century.
Carbon Isotopic Composition of Amazon Shelf Sediments: ABSTRACT

The distribution of carbon isotopes in Amazon shelf sediment is controlled by the same processes that are forming the modern subaqueous delta. The terrestrial ( - 27 to - 25^pmil) isotopic carbon signal observed in surficial sediments near the river mouth extends over 400 km northwest along the shelf. Terrestrial carbon is associated with areas of rapid sediment accumulation (topset and foreset regions). A sharp boundary between terrestrial ( -27 to -25^pmil) and marine (-23 to -22^pmil) isotopic carbon values in surficial sediments is associated with a change in depositional conditions (foreset to bottomset regions) and a decrease in sediment accumulation rate. POC water-column isotopic values (-27^pmil) near the river mouth are similar to the underlying surficial-sedime t TOC isotopic values, but POC water-column samples collected 20 km off the river mouth have marine carbon isotopic values (-22 to -19^pmil) and differ from the underlying surficial-sediment TOC isotopic values. These water column observations are related to variations in turbidity and productivity. Down-core isotopic variation is only observed in cores taken in areas of lower sediment accumulation rates. These observations indicate that the organic carbon in Amazon shelf sediment is dominantly terrestrial in composition, and the location of deposition of this carbon is controlled by modern processes of sediment accumulation. The modern Amazon shelf is similar to large clinoform shale deposits of the Cretaceous in North America. Thus, the stratigraphic setting may help predict the isotop c variations of carbon in ancient deposits. End_of_Article - Last_Page 307------------
Radio Noise, Audible Noise, and Corona Loss of EHV and UHV Transmission Lines Under Rain: Predetermination Based on Cage Tests

Radio noise, audible noise, and corona loss quantities dependent only on the corona phenomena at the conductor surface were determined by means of tests on conductors in cages. These quantities were then utilized to predetermine radio noise, audible noise, and corona loss for typical lines under rain. The dependence on diameter and number of subconductors was investigated. Using these data, the noise and loss characteristics of representative UHV transmission lines were plotted.
A Signal-to-Noise Investigation of Nonlinear Electromyographic Processors

A general class of nonlinear electromyographic (EMG) processors has been evaluated for their signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) properties. These filters incorporate as the detector element either a power-law (x n ) or root-law (x 1/n ) transformation (detector) followed by a linear low-pass smoothing filter. ``Linearized'' versions of these processors in which the smoothing filter is followed by an element with the inverse detector characteristics were also evaluated.
The Monthly Barometer Of The Indian Stock Market

The January Barometer or the Other January effect suggests that January returns can predict future performance of the stock market. In this study, it is examined if any particular calendar month return can effectively be used as a monthly barometer to accurately predict future direction of the Indian stock market. The results indicate none of the calendar month returns has consistent ability to accurately predict the performance of the Indian stock market over the next twelve months. The accuracy of prediction did not substantially improve whether the predictor month had generated positive or negative returns. The results continue to remain remarkably consistent when the predictability accuracy was analyzed over time by examining the effect separately over years. The findings of this study clearly demonstrate that the Indian stock market does not possess a monthly barometer that can accurately predict future direction of the stock market.
Induction of pulmonary CYP1A1 by nicotine

1. We have examined the catalytic activities (7-ethoxyresorufin O -deethylase \[EROD] and 7-methoxyresorufin O -demethylase \[MROD]), protein levels (Western blot analysis) andmRNA levels (Northern blot analysis) of cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A1 and CYP1A2) in the lung, liver and kidney following a single 2.5 mg kg (15.4 mu mol kg) subcutaneous dose of nicotine to the female Sprague-Dawley rat. 2. Only in lung microsomes was EROD activity significantly induced by nicotine treatment.The activity increased 4.4-fold at 6 h after treatment relative to controls, peaked at 12 h at 14.7-fold the control activity and returned to near control level at 24 h. 3. In parallel with EROD activity, CYP1A1 immunoreactive protein abundance was altered significantly by nicotine treatment only in the lung, peaking at 12 h and decreasing towards control levels thereafter. 4. Following subcutaneous nicotine treatment, CYP1A1 mRNA was detectable in the lung at 6 and 12 h but not at 24 h, was slightly elevated in the kidney at 12 h ...
Building semantic descriptions from boundary data

A method for extracting 3D shape primitives of a polyhedral object from the boundary face and edge data is presented. These primitives which provide semantic information as well as geometric information are useful in CAD/CAM applications and in model-based vision. A graph-based hypothesis generate-eliminate approach is used to identify and classify 3D shape primitives of the object. Several techniques, such as node unification and virtual links, are introduced to solve the problems associated with the interaction between the primitive features. Results from a system implemented in LISP are presented
Monitoring controlled graves representing common burial scenarios with ground penetrating radar

Implementing controlled geophysical research is imperative to understand the variables affecting detection of clandestine graves during real-life forensic searches. This study focused on monitoring two empty control graves (shallow and deep) and six burials containing a small pig carcass (Sus scrofa) representing different burial forensic scenarios: a shallow buried naked carcass, a deep buried naked carcass, a deep buried carcass covered by a layer of rocks, a deep buried carcass covered by a layer of lime, a deep buried carcass wrapped in an impermeable tarpaulin and a deep buried carcass wrapped in a cotton blanket. Multi-frequency, ground penetrating radar (GPR) data were collected monthly over a 12-month monitoring period. The research site was a cleared field within a wooded area in a humid subtropical environment, and the soil consisted of a Spodosol, a common soil type in Florida. This study compared 2D GPR reflection profiles and horizontal time slices obtained with both 250 and 500 MHz dominant frequency antennae to determine the utility of both antennae for grave detection in this environment over time. Overall, a combination of both antennae frequencies provided optimal detection of the targets. Better images were noted for deep graves, compared to shallow graves. The 250 MHz antenna provided better images for detecting deep graves, as less non-target anomalies were produced with lower radar frequencies. The 250 MHz antenna also provided better images detecting the disturbed ground. Conversely, the 500 MHz antenna provided better images when detecting the shallow pig grave. The graves that contained a pig carcass with associated grave items provided the best results, particularly the carcass covered with rocks and the carcass wrapped in a tarpaulin. Finally, during periods of increased soil moisture levels, there was increased detection of graves that was most likely related to conductive decompositional fluid from the carcasses.
The Impact of Prison Reentry Services on Short-Term Outcomes Evidence From a Multisite Evaluation

Background:Renewed interest in prisoner rehabilitation to improve postrelease outcomes occurred in the 1990s, as policy makers reacted to burgeoning prison populations with calls to facilitate community reintegration and reduce recidivism. In 2003, the Federal government funded grants to implement locally designed reentry programs. Adult programs in 12 states were studied to determine the effects of the reentry programs on multiple outcomes.Research design:A two-stage matching procedure was used to examine the effectiveness of 12 reentry programs for adult males. In the first stage, “intact group matching” was used to identify comparison populations that were similar to program participants. In the second stage, propensity score matching was used to adjust for remaining differences between groups. Propensity score weighted logistic regression was used to examine the impact of reentry program participation on multiple outcomes measured 3 months after release.Subjects and data:The study population was 1,697...
Evaluation of litter material and ventilation systems on poultry production: II. thermal comfort

The objective of this study was to evaluate environmental thermal conditions in broiler houses with two different ventilation systems and two different litter materials. The experiment was carried out in four 12 m × 10 m broiler houses, internally divided in 4 boxes/poultry house, with 200 birds/pen for four consecutive flocks, each one with a duration of 42 days with 15 days of downtime between flocks. Treatments tested were two ventilation systems (stationary or oscillating fans), and two types of litter materials (soybean straw or rice husks). It was collected in the center of each pen and in the external enviroment, dry and wet bulb temperatures, black globe temperature, and air velocity. These data were collected at 3-hour intervals from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the fourth, fifth and sixth week age of the bird. Based on the data collected at each time, wet and globe temperature index (WBGT) and radiant heat load (RHL) were determined. Litter temperature reaings were also performed by using an infrared thermometer. Effects of flock, ventilation, week, hour and the interactions among factors on the studied variables were evaluated in the analysis of the internal thermal environment by using the theory of mixed models for repeated measures. Ventilation provided by stationary and oscilating fans had equal behavior and it did not affect the studied variable. However, both ventilation systems are sufficient to soften internal thermal conditions in the broiler house in relation to the external environment. Relative humidity of the air is higher when rice husks is used as litter material.
Agrifood Globalisation and Commodity Systems

Globalization is focused in this paper on agrifood commodities and refers to the processes by which commodities move into long complex chains. Rather than being spatially limited to locality, nation, or region, expanded spatial movements and integration produce a new division of labor and increase distances between production and consumption spatially and socially. The paper focuses on (1) the globality or degree of globalization and (2) the economic concentration of segments of agrifood commodity systems. The first considers the degree to which segments of a commodity system are global, and which aren’t. The second examines economic concentration in commodity systems as they become global. Using empirical cases of tomatoes (processing and fresh) and lettuce, agrifood commodities are shown to be differentially globalized in their various segments. Four commodity systems — frozen concentrated orange juice, wine, fresh fruits and vegetables, and processing tomatoes — are examined to understand the degree to which economic concentration occurs in each systems’ segments. The main conclusion is that globalization and economic concentration occur primarily in segments requiring substantial capital investments. Agriculture itself is rarely globalized but processing, handling, and marketing “beyond the farm gate” become the realm of both globalization and concentration.
Biodegradability of iopromide products after UV/H2O2 advanced oxidation

Iopromide is an X-ray and MRI contrast agent that is virtually non-biodegradable and persistent through typical wastewater treatment processes. This study determined whether molecular transformation of iopromide in a UV/H2O2 advanced oxidation process (AOP) can result in biodegradable products. The experiments used iopromide labeled with carbon-14 on the aromatic ring to trace degradation of iopromide through UV/H2O2 advanced oxidation and subsequent biodegradation. The biotransformation assay tracked the formation of radiolabeled (14)CO2 which indicated full mineralization of the molecule. The results indicated that AOP formed biodegradable iopromide products. There was no (14)C released from the pre-AOP samples, but up to 20% of all radiolabeled carbon transformed into (14)CO2 over the course of 42 days of biodegradation after iopromide was exposed to advanced oxidation (compared to 10% transformation in inactivated post-AOP controls). In addition, the quantum yield of photolysis of iopromide was determined using low pressure (LP) and medium pressure (MP) mercury lamps as 0.069 ± 0.005 and 0.080 ± 0.007 respectively. The difference in the quantum yields for the two UV sources was not statistically significant at the 95% confidence interval (p = 0.08), which indicates the equivalency of using LP or MP UV sources for iopromide treatment. The reaction rate between iopromide and hydroxyl radicals was measured to be (2.5 ± 0.2) × 10(9) M(-1) s(-1). These results indicate that direct photolysis is a dominant degradation pathway in UV/H2O2 AOP treatment of iopromide. Other iodinated contrast media may also become biodegradable after exposure to UV or UV/H2O2.
Combinatorial Mathematics and the Problem of Early- Stage Patents in Biotechnology

This short paper analyzes deal making as a solution to the problem of blockage posed by early-stage patents in biotechnology. It begins with the notion---suggested by current research in the field---that solving important problems in human and animal health, such as curing or preventing cancer, will require a significant number of "pieces of the puzzle." Each of those pieces (for example, understanding the function and operation of a particular gene, gene segment, genetic "switch," protein expression mechanism, protein folding mechanism, etc.), might be eligible for a separate patent under current law if the subject-matter and utility requirements for patenting are broadly construed. This paper reasons that deal making with or among owners of these separate patents must occur ex ante, i.e., before the particular number, identity and combination of pieces of the puzzle that provide a useful solution are known; otherwise, the effect of the multilateral monopolies created by patents on all the pieces makes it impossible to reach agreement or to properly apportion profits based on the pieces' relative importance to the solution. As the number of distinct pieces increases, however, the number of deals that must be made ex ante increases in accordance with combinatorial mathematics, that is, much faster than geometrically. For the numbers of pieces represented by the series (3, 4, 5, 6 . . . 50), for example, the numbers of required deals is (4, 11, 26, 57 . . . m), where m is a number greater than a million billion. If each distinct deal for fifty pieces took one hour to negotiate, making the necessary deals would consume more time than the age of the Universe since the Big Bang and 20,000 times more money than the U.S. national debt. This analysis suggests that deal making is not a realistic solution to the problem of blockage posed by early-stage patents in biotechnology.
Why External Auditors Will be Assuming a More Prominent Role in 2013: The 'Old Lady' Makes her Much Anticipated Comeback (with Greater Powers)

One reason put forward for the decision to grant the Bank of England greater powers is the opinion that 'Technocrats are thought to do a better job of ensuring financial and price stability than politicians, because their decisions are not distorted by the pressure to win elections.' Even though various other reasons persist and constitute valid (as well as solid) grounds for endowing the Bank with greater powers, there is no doubt that the relationship between bank supervisors and external auditors has deteriorated since the more politically inclined Financial Services Authority took over in 1997.Will Mark Carney's era signify the return of the prominent role to be assumed by external auditors in bank supervision – as intended under the Banking Act 1987? The Bank of England has also been quoted as acknowledging that: 'The working relationship between external auditors and the prudential supervisors had broken down in the period prior to the financial crisis. Prior to 2007, formal meetings between supervisors and external auditors no longer formed part of the routine supervisory framework and the informal channels of communication that existed when the Bank had responsibility for supervision had fallen away.'Will 2013 signify the dawn of greater and much required developments in the area of external auditing – or the dawn of a new and radical Banking Act? It is certain that a lot will be expected from the Bank as well as from the new Governor. The role assumed by external auditors in financial supervision is without doubt, increasingly becoming appreciated - particularly in the aftermath of the recent Financial Crisis.
Transmethylation and Transsulfuration Enzymes in Rat Brains: Their Subcellular Distribution

Our laboratory has been involved in a continuing investigation of the sulfur-containing amino acids, particularly with regard to their function and metabolism in brain (Figure 1). These amino acids are associated with inborn errors of metabolism (such as homocystinuria) that may be associated with brain dysfunction. Methionine and its metabolites are involved not only with protein production, but also with the synthesis of the methyl donors, S-adenosylmethionine, and 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (Banerjee and Snyder, 1973; Laduron, 1973; Laduron et al., 1974). In addition, cystathionine, cysteine, cysteine sulflnic acid, cysteic acid, hypotaurine, and taurine have all been shown to have either biochemical, electrophysiological, or behavioral effects that suggest that they may function as neurotransmitters or modulators at the synapse (Curtis and Watkins, 1960, 1965; Werman et al., 1966; Key and White, 1970; Olney et al., 1971; Davison and Kaczmarek, 1971). It should be emphasized that the evidence that these compounds are neurotransmitters is still controversial and is much less convincing than the evidence that glycine (Aprison et al., 1968; Werman, 1972) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (Curtis, 1973) are neurotransmitters. Glycine, synthesized from serine by the enzyme serine hydroxymethyltransferase, is associated with the folate cycle, which is an integral part of the regeneration of homocysteine to methionine.
Effects of PKC downregulation on norepinephrine- and prostaglandin F2 alpha-induced contraction in rat aorta

The purpose of this study was to investigate, through phorbol ester-induced protein kinase C (PKC) downregulation, the role of PKC in the regulation of alpha-adrenergic agonist- and prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha-induced contraction in vascular smooth muscle. In rat aorta, long-term phorbol ester exposure (10 microM phorbol dibutyrate for 17 h), a procedure that decreased PKC activity by > 95%, and maximal phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced contraction by approximately 75%, decreased tissue sensitivity to norepinephrine (NE) and PGF2 alpha 2.8- and 4.6-fold, respectively, while maximal contraction was not significantly decreased. In contrast, long-term phorbol ester exposure did not alter tissue sensitivity to KCl, while maximal KCl contraction was decreased by 40%. Long-term phorbol ester exposure, as well as short-term phorbol ester exposure (1 microM PMA for 1 h), abolished the initial transient NE contraction elicited in Ca(2+)-free solution. In contrast, long-term phorbol ester exposure did not alter the plateau NE or PGF 2 alpha contraction elicited in Ca(2+)-free solution. Short-term phorbol ester exposure of PKC-downregulated tissues potentiated the plateau PGF2 alpha contraction elicited in Ca(2+)-free solution, although the magnitude of potentiation was less than that observed in non-PKC downregulated tissues.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Top Twenty Issues in the History of Consumer Bankruptcy

The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 dramatically altered the system of consumer bankruptcy in the United States. In the wake of that landmark legislation, this article seeks to provide an historical context and perspective. The article identifies and highlights the "top twenty" consumer bankruptcy issues in the development of the Anglo-American bankruptcy tradition. These issues are grouped into the following broad categories: (1) who is eligible for bankruptcy relief; (2) what assets does the debtor get to keep; (3) what future income is shielded; and (4) who decides and how. Finally, the paper looks briefly at the moral aspect of consumer bankruptcy, viewed through an historical lens.
Expansion Method, Dependency, and Multimodeling

The body of this chapter consists of three sections: expansion method, dependency, and multimodeling. In the first section the expansion method is defined, discussed, illustrated by an example, and pertinent literature items are briefly showcased. In the second section it is shown that when an estimated model’s residuals show significant spatial dependency the expansion method can provide a course of action to remedy this dependence. In the third section an expansion based multimodeling approach to remedying spatial dependence is presented and demonstrated. The themes addressed in these sections are briefly outlined hereafter.
A Survey of Cache Bypassing Techniques

With increasing core-count, the cache demand of modern processors has also increased. However, due to strict area/power budgets and presence of poor data-locality workloads, blindly scaling cache capacity is both infeasible and ineffective. Cache bypassing is a promising technique to increase effective cache capacity without incurring power/area costs of a larger sized cache. However, injudicious use of cache bypassing can lead to bandwidth congestion and increased miss-rate and hence, intelligent techniques are required to harness its full potential. This paper presents a survey of cache bypassing techniques for CPUs, GPUs and CPU-GPU heterogeneous systems, and for caches designed with SRAM, non-volatile memory (NVM) and die-stacked DRAM. By classifying the techniques based on key parameters, it underscores their differences and similarities. We hope that this paper will provide insights into cache bypassing techniques and associated tradeoffs and will be useful for computer architects, system designers and other researchers.
VitE enhances the antihypertrophic effect of ramiplat and its possible mechanisms involved

AIM: To investigate the effect of VitE and ramiplat on hypertensive heart hypertrophy and its possible mechanisms. METHODS: Hypertensive heart hypertrophy rat model was produced by abdominal aorta banding, and was fed with lower dose of ramiplat (100 μg·kg -1 ·d -1 ), VitE (200U·d -1 ) and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N-L-arginine (6mg·kg -1 ·d -1 ). The blood pressure, ratio of left ventricular to body weight, left ventricular superoxide dismitase (SOD) activity and in vitro aorta endothelium dependent relaxing function were determined 8 weeks after experiments. RESULTS: Low dose of ramiplat had antihypertrophic effect without effects on blood pressure, meanwhile, increased left ventricular SOD activity and endothelium dependent relaxing function. VitE enhanced all effects of ramiplat. N-L-arginine abolished the effects of VitE and ramiplat. CONCLUSION: Low dose ramiplat had the antihypertrophic effect, and VitE enhanced the effect of ramiplat. The possible mechanisms were related to improvement of antioxidants and endothelium function.
Multiplex Caspase Activity and Cytotoxicity Assays

Multiplexed assay chemistries provide for multiple measurements of cellular parameters within a single assay well. This experimental practice not only is more cost efficient but provides more informational content about a compound or treatment. For instance, multiplexed caspase activity assays can help establish the kinetics and magnitude of initiator and effector caspase induction by candidate compounds or treatments. The ability to combine the activity profiles within the same sample provides a level of normalization not possible with parallel assays. Furthermore, multiplexing caspase activity assays with viability and/or cytotoxicity assays can support conclusions regarding cytotoxic mechanism and provide normalization that may help correct for differences in cell number.
An Ion Beam Simulation of the Swelling of U3Si

Uranium intermetallics are under consideration as possible low-enrichment reactor fuels. These materials divide into two classes with regard to dimensional stability during their service lifetime: those which suffer extreme dimensional growth and those which do not. It has been suggested that the rapid-swelling materials are those that become glassy under irradiation while the low-swelling materials are those that remain crystalline. The structural and dimensional stabilities of U/sub 3/Si (depleted uranium) have been investigated as a function of temperature during Kr irradiation by in situ HVEM observations. Below 550/sup 0/K, this material becomes glassy during 1.0 MeV Kr irradiation. Prolonged irradiation at 475/sup 0/K also leads to rapid darkening of the TEM bright field image of the specimen, growth of the initial perforation at rates which far exceed those due to sputtering, and formation of additional thin areas and holes. Irradiation at 615/sup 0/K does not result in observable image darkening or rapid growth of the initial perforation. After 2 x 10/sup 20/ Kr m/sup -2/, the crystalline material irradiated at 615/sup 0/K is stabilized against subsequent ion-irradiation-induced amorphization and growth at 475/sup 0/K. Similarly, after 2 x 10/sup 20/ Kr m/sup -2/ at 475/sup 0/K, the glassy phase persists atmore » 620/sup 0/K under additional Kr irradiation, and the rapid growth continues. The mechanism of the irradiation-induced growth of the glassy material does not involve gas precipitation but rather may involve deformation by viscous flow assisted by the defects generated during irradiation. 12 refs., 3 figs.« less
Del campus industrial al campus tecnológico. Albert Kahn, Mies-Hilberseimer y Eero Saarinen

Based on the recognition of the fundamental influence of industrial architecture on modern urbanism, we proceed to study two evolutionary storylines that are based on two separate industrial buildings designed by Albert Kahn for the Ford Motor Company. These two storylines include cross-appropriations and influences between two architectural fields: industrial complexes and university campuses. These transfers between the two fields will lead modern urbanism to the consolidation of the new type of “technology campus” as a basis for the creation of the high-tech industrial complex of the 21st century. These evolutionary paths are analyzed through the study of the works of four architects: Albert Kahn, Eero Saarinen, Mies and Hilberseimer, whose work is related and mutually fertilized by a number of influences and cross-transfers. In turn, the two lines converge in Hilberseimer-Mies’ urban proposals for the city of Detroit and, mediated by the presence of Kahn in the USSR, in Soviet de-urbanists’ proposals. Both approaches mixed, in a utopian way, industrial planning not only with educational uses, but also with the rest of the city. Keywords: Albert Kahn, Mies van der Rohe, Eero Saarinen, Hilberseimer, de-urbanization, technology campus, industrial architecture.
Negative viscosity from negative compressibility and axial flow shear stiffness in a straight magnetic field

Negative compressibility ion temperature gradient (ITG) turbulence in a linear plasma device controlled shear de-correlation experiment can induce a negative viscosity increment. However, even with this negative increment, we show that the total axial viscosity remains positive definite, i.e., no intrinsic axial flow can be generated by pure ITG turbulence in a straight magnetic field. This differs from the case of electron drift wave turbulence, where the total viscosity can turn negative, at least transiently. When the flow gradient is steepened by any drive mechanism, so that the parallel shear flow instability (PSFI) exceeds the ITG drive, the flow profile saturates at a level close to the value above which PSFI becomes dominant. This saturated flow gradient exceeds the PSFI linear threshold, and grows with ∇Ti0 as |∇V∥|/|k∥cs|∼|∇Ti0|2/3/(k∥Ti0)2/3. This scaling trend characterizes the effective stiffness of the parallel flow gradient.
M^2G: A Monitor of Monitoring Systems with Ground Truth Validation Features for Research-Oriented Residential Applications

Research in the area of internet-of-things, cyberphysical-systems, and smart health often employ sensor systems at residences for continuous monitoring. Such research-oriented residential monitoring systems (RRMSs) usually face two major challenges, long-term reliable operation management and validation of system functionality with minimal human effort. Targeting these two challenges, this paper describes a monitor of monitoring systems with ground-truth validation capabilities, M2G. It consists of two subsystems, the Monitor2 system and the Ground-truth validation system. The Monitor2 system encapsulates a flexible set of general-purpose components to monitor the operation and connectivity of heterogeneous sensor devices (e.g. smart watches, smart phones, microphones, beacons, etc.), a local base-station, as well as a cloud server. It provides a user-friendly interface and supports different types of RRMSs in various contexts. The system also features a ground truth validation system to support obtaining ground truth in the field. Additionally, customized alerts can be sent to remote administrators and other personnel to report any dysfunction or inaccuracy of the system in real time. M2G is applied to three very different case studies: the M2FED system which monitors family eating dynamics [1], an in-home wireless sensing system for monitoring nighttime agitation [2], and the BESI system which monitors behavioral and environmental parameters to predict health events and to provide interventions [3]. The results indicate that M2G is a comprehensive system that (i) requires small cost in time and effort to adapt to an existing RRMS, (ii) provides reliable data collection and reduction in data loss by detecting faults in real-time, and (iii) provides a convenient and timely ground truth validation facility.
Children With Chronic Pain: Response Trajectories After Intensive Pain Rehabilitation Treatment.

Abstract Intensive pain rehabilitation programs for children with chronic pain are effective for many patients. However, characteristics associated with treatment response have not been well documented. In this article we report trajectories of pain and functional impairment in patients with chronic pain up to 1 year after intensive pain rehabilitation and examine baseline factors associated with treatment response. Patients (n = 253) with chronic pain and functional disability were assessed at 5 time points (admission, discharge, 1-month, 4-month, and 12-month follow-ups). Individual trajectories were empirically grouped using SAS PROC TRAJ. For functional disability, 2 groups emerged: treatment responders (88%) and nonresponders (12%). Using a binomial logistic regression model to predict disability trajectory group, no baseline variables were significant predictors for the disability trajectory group. For pain, 3 groups emerged: early treatment responders (35%), late treatment responders (38%), and nonresponders (27%). Using multinomial regression analyses to predict pain trajectory group, older age, higher pain scores, fewer social difficulties, higher anxiety levels, and lower readiness to change were characteristics that distinguished nonresponders from responders; no significant predictors distinguished the late responders from the early responders. These results provide key information on the baseline factors that influence intensive pain rehabilitation outcomes, including risk factors that predict treatment nonresponse. Our findings have implications for developing more targeted treatment interventions. Perspective Deriving groups of individuals with differing treatment response trajectories stimulates new thinking regarding potential mechanisms that may be driving these outcomes.
Proportion of CD4 and CD8 tumor infiltrating lymphocytes predicts survival in persistent/recurrent laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been shown to be an important prognostic factor in patients with previously untreated head and neck cancer. After organ preservation therapy for laryngeal cancer and subsequent persistence/recurrence, the prognostic value of TILs is unknown. Our goal was to determine if TILs have value as a prognostic biomarker in patients with surgically salvageable persistent/recurrent laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Levels of TILs were quantified on tissue microarrays from 183 patients undergoing salvage total laryngectomy for persistent/recurrent laryngeal cancer after radiation or chemoradiation between 1997 and 2014. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted. Immunohistology evaluation included CD4, CD8, PDL-1, p16, CD31, Vimentin, EGFR, and p53. Elevated levels of either CD8 or CD4 positive TILs were associated with improved disease specific survival (CD8: HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.24–0.88, CD4: HR 0.43; 95% CI 0.21–0.89) and disease free survival (CD8: HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29–0.94, CD4: HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.27–0.99). Levels of CD8 (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.47–1.17) or CD4 (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.40–1.08) TILs were not significantly associated with overall survival. In bivariate analysis, patients with elevated CD4 and/or CD8 TILs had significantly improved disease specific survival (HR 0.42; 95% CI 0.21–0.83) and disease free survival (HR 0.45; 95% CI 0.24–0.84) compared to patients with low levels of CD4 and CD8. PDL-1, p16, CD31, Vimentin, EGFR, and p53 were not significant prognostic factors. On multivariate analysis, elevated CD8 TILs were associated with improved disease specific survival (HR 0.35; 95% CI 0.14–0.88, p = .02) and disease free survival (HR 0.41; 95% CI 0.17–0.96, p = .04). CD8, and possibly CD4, positive TILs are associated with favorable disease free and disease specific survival for recurrent/persistent laryngeal cancer.
Electrodiagnostic Grade and Carpal Tunnel Release Outcomes: A Prospective Analysis

Purpose The value of electrodiagnostic (EDX) study grades as a prognostic indicator of clinical results after carpal tunnel release (CTR) remains controversial. In this study, we tested the primary null hypothesis that symptom relief after CTR would not differ based on EDX grade. Secondarily, we evaluated the degree of symptomatic and functional postoperative improvement relative to preoperative EDX grade. Methods We prospectively evaluated 199 consecutive patients with 256 hands after CTR confirmed with EDX. Data were collected before surgery and patients were observed at 2 weeks and 3 months after surgery. There were 20 hands with mild, 126 with moderate, and 110 with severe involvement in the preoperative EDX. Demographic, EDX grade (mild, moderate, or severe); surgical parameters; Quick –Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; symptom severity scale, functional status scale, pain catastrophizing scale, and visual analog scale data were collected and analyzed. Results There was significant improvement in Quick –Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, symptom severity scale, and functional status scale scores from the preoperative to 2-week and 3-month postoperative visits in all categories of EDX grade. There was no significant difference in the extent of recovery by the 2-week and 3-month visits relative to EDX grade. Catastrophic thinking did not have a significant effect on any of the 3 groups. Pain decreased dramatically at 2 weeks after surgery but there was no additional significant difference in visual analog scale scores between the 2-week and 3-month postoperative visits. Postoperative pain improvement occurred regardless of EDX grade. There were no major complications or reoperations in any group. Conclusions Carpal tunnel release demonstrated consistently significant improvement in outcomes regardless of EDX grade at initial and final follow-up. The extent of postoperative improvement after CTR overall was also not statistically different between groups with differing EDX severity. Older patients with severe CTS achieved more modest gains. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic II.
Applications: Nanodevices, Nanoelectronics, and Nanosensors

In the broadest sense, nanodevices are the critical enablers that will. allow mankind to exploit the ultimate technological capabilities of electronic, magnetic, mechanical, and biological systems. While the best examples of nanodevices at present are clearly associated with the information technology industry, the potential for such devices is much broader. Nanodevices will ultimately have an enormous impact on our ability to enhance energy conversion, control pollution, produce food, and improve human health and longevity.
An Asynchronous Two-Level Checkpointing Method to Solve Adjoint Problems on Hierarchical Memory Spaces

The problem of data reversal in discretized adjoint problems is often solved using checkpointing, trading memory usage with computations and data movement. The authors present a useful model to design and implement an asynchronous two-level checkpointing method with parameterizable values for current and future system configurations. They also evaluate the benefits of new supercomputing hardware through the implementation of an asynchronous algorithm that takes advantage of the fast NVLINK interconnect and Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) memory. They show that the new hardware combined with an asynchronous approach is able to run bigger simulations faster than current generation hardware.
The lifetime of the Σ+-hyperon

Abstract The apparent discrepancy in the lifetime of the Σ-hyperons in emulsions has been investigated by using the Σ + → p + π 0 decay mode. The method of maximum likelihood was used and a detailed description of its applications and limitations is given. Results of Monte Carlo calculations performed to test the consistency of the method are reported and are in complete agreement with the theoretical predictions. By combining data from this laboratory, Wisconsin, and Livermore, a sample of 131 events decaying both in flight and at rest is formed. Estimates of the lifetime obtained by using decays in flight (DIF) only and both DIF and decays at rest yield different results: this difference is statistically significant. However, the hypothesis of a double life-time is not substantiated by the data and is rejected. Comparison with bubble chamber data is also made and it is concluded that the best value for the Σ + -hyperon lifetime is τ = (0.70 ± 0.15) × 10 −10 sec. Detailed data, obtained in this laboratory, on 130 charged Σ-hyperons is presented in five tables.
Interrelationship of Nitrogen and Light on Episodic Growth of Ligustrum japonicum

Abstract Exclusion of nitrogen and light from existing leaves at initiation of an episode of shoot growth decreased shoot and root relative growth rate. The combination of both nitrogen and light exclusion synergistically impacted relative growth rate for shoot (RGRs) and relative growth rate for root (RGRr). The next episode of shoot growth provided sufficient leaf area for carbohydrate assimilation and maintaining shoot and root growth rates when light was excluded from mature leaves. A better understanding of the developmental and biochemical changes of this episodic species provided useful information for timing of fertilizer application and transplanting of Ligustrum and other episodic species.
Gap conductance modeling II: Optimized model for UO2-Zircaloy interfaces

Abstract The model conventionally used to calculate heat transfer across the fuel-cladding gap in light water nuclear reactors is a modified version of the Ross-Stoute model. The model was modified to include gap distance in the formulation, which introduced additional uncertainties because the model parameters were not adjusted after the modification. In this study, this conventional model is optimized for uranium dioxide-Zircaloy interfaces using experimental data at high pressure for single- and multi-component gases. First, a calibration is performed for single-component gases. Second, the calibration is extended to multi-component gases, which allows for a demonstration of sources of uncertainty in the model. Third, a general form of the gap conductance model is optimized by combining both data sets. Difficulties arise due to: (i) inaccurate estimation of contact characteristics (e.g., number of solid contacts, deformation mechanism of surface irregularities, contact shapes) that are different for each experimental setup; (ii) the non-physical ratio of temperature jump distance to the gap distance for postulated model function form; (iii) an insufficient description of the appropriate heat transfer regime; and (iv) the pressure dependence of thermal conductivity for inert gases aside from helium. Lastly, a general model is optimized by setting the temperature jump distance at the wall to zero, which reduces possible uncertainties. This final analysis results in a more accurate prediction of the available experimental data. The Associated parameter uncertainty of the model is estimated by performing uncertainty propagation. Overall, the optimized model results in a larger gap conductance with significantly reduced error.