cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of recent hardware and software trends on high performance transaction processing and analytics

In this paper, I survey briefly some of the recent and emerging trends in hardware and software features which impact high performance transaction processing and data analytics applications. These features include multicore processor chips, ultra large main memories, flash storage, storage class memories, database appliances, field programmable gate arrays, transactional memory, key-value stores, and cloud computing. While some applications, e.g., Web 2.0 ones, were initially built without traditional transaction processing functionality in mind, slowly system architects and designers are beginning to address such previously ignored issues. The availability, analytics and response time requirements of these applications were initially given more importance than ACID transaction semantics and resource consumption characteristics. A project at IBM Almaden is studying the implications of phase change memory on transaction processing, in the context of a key-value store. Bitemporal data management has also become an important requirement, especially for financial applications. Power consumption and heat dissipation properties are also major considerations in the emergence of modern software and hardware architectural features. Considerations relating to ease of configuration, installation, maintenance and monitoring, and improvement of total cost of ownership have resulted in database appliances becoming very popular. The MapReduce paradigm is now quite popular for large scale data analysis, in spite of the major inefficiencies associated with it.
DMFS: a data migration file system for NetBSD

I have recently developed DMFS, a Data Migration File System, for NetBSD[1]. This file system provides kernel support for the data migration system being developed by my research group at NASA/Ames. The file system utilizes an underlying file store to provide the file backing, and coordinates user and system access to the files. It stores its internal metadata in a flat file, which resides on a separate file system. This paper will first describe our data migration system to provide a context for DMFS, then it will describe DMFS. I also will describe the changes to NetBSD needed to make DMFS work. Then I will give an overview of the file archival and restoration procedures, and describe how some typical user actions are modified by DMFS. Lastly, I will present simple performance measurements which indicate that there is little performance loss due to the use of the DMFS layer.
Genotype Selection to Rapidly Breed Congenic Strains

Congenic strains can now be constructed guided by the transmission of DNA markers. This allows not only selection for transmission of a desired, donor-derived differential region but also selection against the transmission of unwanted donor origin genomic material. The additional selection capacity should allow congenic strains to be produced in fewer generations than is possible with random backcrosses. Here, we consider modifications of a standard backcross breeding scheme to produce congenic mice by the inclusion of genotype-based selective breeding strategies. Simulation is used to evaluate the consequences of each strategy on the number of chromosomes that contain unwanted, donor-derived genetic material and the average length of this unwanted donor DNA for each backcross generation. Our prototypic strategy was to choose a single mouse to sire each generation using criteria designed to select against the transmission of chromosomes, other than the one containing the replacement genomic region, that contain any donor origin sequence at all. This chromosome elimination strategy resulted in an average of 16.4 chromosomes free of donor DNA in mice of the third backcross (N3) generation. A strategy based solely on positive selection for the replacement region required six backcross generations to achieve the same results.
De Novo Thrombus on an Atrial Septal Defect Device 3 Years After Its Implantation

The secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) is noted to occur in 1 per 1,500 live births and is the fourth most common congenital heart defect (CHD) [Anzai et al. in Am J Cardiol 93:426–431, 2004]. Early complications with percutaneous closure of secundum ASDs include device malposition and embolization, arrhythmias (primarily atrial fibrillation), pericardial effusion, residual shunt, and thrombus development on the left atrial disk [Chessa et al. in J Am Coll Cardiol 39:1061–1065, 2002, Co-Burn and William in Moss and Adams’ Heart disease in infants, children and adolescents including fetus and young adults. Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore, 1995]. We present a patient with a very late complication of device thrombus after percutaneous secundum ASD device closure.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is a regional, posttraumatic, neuropathic pain problem that most often affects 1 or more limbs. Like most medical conditions, early diagnosis and treatment increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. Accordingly, patients with clinical signs and symptoms of CRPS after an injury should be referred immediately to a physician with expertise in evaluating and treating this condition. Physical therapy is the cornerstone and first-line treatment for CRPS. Mild cases respond to physical therapy and physical modalities. Mild to moderate cases may require adjuvant analgesics, such as anticonvulsants and/or antidepressants. An opioid should be added to the treatment regimen if these medications do not provide sufficient analgesia to allow the patient to participate in physical therapy. Patients with moderate to severe pain and/or sympathetic dysfunction require regional anesthetic blockade to participate in physical therapy. A small percentage of patients develop refractory, chronic pain and require long-term multidisciplinary treatment, including physical therapy, psychological support, and pain-relieving measures. Pain-relieving measures include medications, sympathetic/somatic blockade, spinal cord stimulation, and spinal analgesia.
A cross-sectional evaluation of the first cohort of young adults conceived by in vitro fertilization in the United States

Objective To assess the quality of life and susceptibility for chronic disease development of the oldest generation of young adults conceived by IVF in the U.S. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Single tertiary clinic. Patient(s) Young adults conceived by standard IVF between 1981 and 1990. Intervention(s) Self-administered questionnaire. Main Outcome Measure(s) Indicators of physical, psychologic, and behavioral health. Result(s) A total of 173 (31%) of 560 eligible young adults completed the questionnaire. Mean age was 21.2 years (range 18–26 years) and male-to-female ratio was 3:4. A limited number were conceived through gamete donation but none through oocyte/embryo micromanipulation. Prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 35% and 10%, respectively. More than 65% were ever diagnosed with a chronic condition; most diagnoses were psychiatric, ocular, respiratory, and cardiometabolic in nature. Almost 40% of respondents were lifetime smokers, 62% reported binge drinking in the previous year, and >90% were physically active in the preceding month. Survey participants were mostly similar to a subsample of the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey on selected health indicators. Conclusion(s) Young adults conceived by IVF appear to be healthy and well adjusted, although the preponderance of psychologic health problems requires further investigation.
An adaptive method to record the track of a vehicle using map-matching result and quantitative fuzzy description

For monitoring or tracking a vehicle locally or remotely, positioning information should be stored locally or transferred through wireless network timely. One of those key problems in such a system is to find an appropriate time-duration to update the position of the vehicle. If the time-duration is too small, too much positioning data will be stored locally or be transferred; but if the time duration is too big, the track cannot be recorded faithfully, and you can not identify the actual route the vehicle just went through. To resolve this problem, an adaptive method based on map-matching technology and fuzzy description is presented in this paper. Through running map-matching by comparing the vehicle's positioning information with road network geometrical and topological information in digital maps, a more precise position can be obtained and the current road can be identified. After that, the following factors are considered to detect whether the current position need be updated in center control unit: time duration, running distance, estimation error, the vehicle state changing, and running road changing. A deduction method is used to estimate and compare with the measured vehicle state. And a quantitative fuzzy description is used to describe the speed and angular speed of the vehicle. After that, an OR arithmetic logic computing unit is used to decide whether need update current position to center control unit. Finally, a test is given to evaluate this algorithm. The proposed adaptive algorithm can record the vehicle's track faithfully, and at the same time it decreases the communication cost between the mobile station and the center control unit.
Stimulus Site Effects on Skin Conductance Responses From the Volar Surfaces

Pulse trains were applied separately to each forefinger and to each hallux of 23 Ss to assess stimulus site effects on the relative amplitudes of skin conductance responses recorded concurrently from each palm and from each plantar surface. A binaurally presented tone was used as a non-lateralized stimulus. Analyses of the ratio of response amplitudes from contralateral recording sites indicated that for both the upper and lower extremities, responses from the volar surface of the stimulated extremity were augmented in amplitude. Responses from the volar surface of the extremity ipsilateral to the stimulus and recording sites involved the same extremity. Analyses of the ratio of response amplitudes from the palmar and plantar surfaces on the same side of the body indicated that the specific effects of stimulation did not cross the body midline. The results were interpreted as indicating a regionally differentiated sympathetic outflow to the volar sweat glands that reflects the locus of cutaneous stimulation.
Characterization of copper/enamel interfacial reactions during aging

The interfacial reactions occurring between copper surfaces and a polyesterimide enamel coating during aging at 200°C have been investigated using XPS, AES and SEM. For coating thicknesses of 0.1 μm or greater, a copper oxide layer grows on the copper surface beneath the coating as a result of a reaction with oxygen from the atmosphere. In addition, copper becomes detectable with aging at the air/polyesterimide interface and in the bulk of the coating by surface analysis methods, indicating formation of a mobile copper species. Changes in the XPS line components indicate changes in the polyesterimide structure have occurred. Samples with very thin coatings (c. 100 A) were also prepared and aged in an attempt to create an interface with dimensions approaching the XPS sampling depth. Upon aging, however, copper oxide grew on top of the original coating, rather than beneath it as in the case of the thicker coatings.
Tautomerization of oxaloacetate and inhibition of maize leaf phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase

Abstract Oxaloacetate is a β-keto acid which can readily undergo tautomerization to the enol form or non-enzymatic decarboxylation to pyruvate. Glycerol, histidine and glycine stimulate maize leaf P-enolpyruvate carboxylase activity (EC 4.1.1.31), and reduce the formation of the Mg-enol complex of oxaloacetate during catalysis. Oxaloacetate is a competitive inhibitor of maize P-enolpyruvate carboxylase. However, with Tris buffer inhibition is mixed and it causes an increase in the Mg-enol oxaloacetate complex. The inhibition of activity by oxaloacetate at pH 8.4 with 10 mM MgCl2, (Ki = 135 μM) decreases significantly in the presence of 5 mM of the amines glycine, histidine, or hydroxylamine, but remains competitive. At low pH, malate inhibits maize P-enolpyruvate carboxylase and causes an increase in the Mg-enol tautomer of oxaloacetate. Inhibition of P-enolpyruvate carboxylase by oxaloacetate is suggested to be due to the Mg-enol complex. Certain effectors may influence the rate of catalysis through an effect on the quantity of the Mg-enol complex of oxaloacetate.
Planetary phase equilibria - Application to formation of earth, Venus and Mercury

Calculations of phase equilibria in a solar mixture with variable hydrogen abundance show that the major element chemical composition of the earth and Venus can be simply explained by their formation in equilibrium at 800 and 1000 K, respectively, at a pressure of 0.001 atm, provided that there is an iron loss from the region of proto-Venus relative to the solar nebula. The calculated mineralogical chemical compositions of the two planets are in excellent agreement with the available chemical and physical data. Phase equilibrium calculations at 1500 K and 0.001 atm show that nearly 96% of the silicates and 81% of metal must have been lost from the region of proto-Mercury.
High-fidelity, simulation-based, interdisciplinary operating room team training at the point of care

Background The operating room (OR) is a dynamic, high risk setting requiring effective teamwork for the safe delivery of care. Teamwork in the modern OR, however, is less than ideal. High fidelity simulation is an attractive approach to training key teamwork competencies. We have developed a portable simulation platform, the mobile mock OR (MMOR) that permits bringing team training over long distances to the point of care. We examined the effectiveness of this innovative, simulation-based interdisciplinary operating room (OR) team training model on its participants. Methods All general surgical OR team members at an academic affiliated medical center underwent scenario-based training using a mobile mock OR. Pre- and post-session mean scores were calculated and analyzed for 15 Likert-type items measuring self-efficacy in teamwork competencies using t test. Results The mean gain in pre-post item scores for 38 participants averaged 0.4 units on a 6-point Likert scale. The significance was demonstrated in 4 of the items: role clarity (Δ = 0.6 units, P = .02), anticipatory response (Δ = 0.6 units, P = .01), cross monitoring (Δ = 0.6 units, P P Conclusion High-fidelity, simulation-based OR team training at the point of care positively impacts self-efficacy for effective teamwork performance in everyday practice.
Origin of the Acidity of Enols and Carboxylic Acids

The origin of the acidity of carboxylic acids and enols has been examined via ab initio MO calculations at the MP2/6-31+G** and Becke3LYP/6-31+G** levels as well as with the CBS-4 and CBS-Q model chemistries. The changes in electron populations that occur on ionization were examined in some detail. In the conversion of vinyl alcohol to its alkoxide ion, the σ electrons of the proton are donated to the oxygen. The repulsion between the increased σ density at oxygen and its π electrons leads to transfer of π electron density to the CC double bond. At the same time, the negative charge at oxygen repels the σ and π electrons of the attached carbon. A part of the negative charge appears at the hydrogens that are in the nodal plane of the π system. With longer chains, σ/π polarization leads to compensating charge shifts so as to minimize the differences between adjacent carbons. When a carbonyl group is attached, as in carboxylic acids and enols, it serves to stabilize the system by accepting some π electron de...
Modulation of transmission through isolated subwavelength apertures by dielectric filling and its implications for use in biophysical research

Use of finite element method to study transmission through dielectric-filled subwavelength apertures shows that a small change in the filling refractive index can induce a large change in light transmission for certain subwavelength aperture radii.
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON THE LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT OF PRENATALLY DRUG EXPOSED AND UNEXPOSED TODDLERS AT 24 MONTHS. 80

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON THE LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT OF PRENATALLY DRUG EXPOSED AND UNEXPOSED TODDLERS AT 24 MONTHS. 80
Implicit Numerical Integration for Design Sensitivity Analysis of Rigid Multibody Systems

ABSTRACT An implicit Runge-Kutta numerical integration algorithm based on generalized coordinate partitioning is presented for solution of the differential-algebraic equations of motion and design sensitivity analysis for rigid multibody systems. The direct differentiation method for dynamic sensitivity analysis is employed to obtain differential-algebraic sensitivity equations. The implicit integration formula expresses design sensitivity of independent generalized coordinates and their first-time derivative as functions of sensitivities of independent accelerations at discrete integration times. The same integration Jacobian is used to determine generalized independent accelerations and their sensitivities, by iteratively solving the equations obtained from state-space, second-order ordinary differential equations in independent coordinates. Design sensitivities of dependent variables in the formulation, including design sensitivities of Lagrange multipliers, are recovered by satisfying the full design ...
The Past Future of Postcolonial “Category” Religion, Theory, and Translation: A Symposium on Arvind-Pal Mandair’s Religion and the Specter of the West

In this symposium, three scholars Michael Nijhawan, Ruth Mas, and Sian Hawthorne engage the work Religion and the Specter of the West by Arvind-Pal Mandair. They take up concepts of translation, postcoloniality, memory, representation, writing, and the “category” religion itself in ways that help us think about the future of secular theory and theorizing of religion in the humanities.
Depressive symptoms in overweight and obese older adults: a test of the "jolly fat" hypothesis.

Abstract The association between body weight and depressive symptoms in older adults was examined in a population-based study of 2,245 noninstitutionalized men and women aged 50 to 89 years living in Rancho Bernardo, California, U.S.A. The prevalence of Beck Depression Inventory scores ≥13 was inversely associated with body weight in men, but not in women. Overweight and obese 50- to 69-yr-old women were more depressed than women with a body mass index below 25 kg/m 2 , but the difference was only marginally significant ( p = 0.09). When age, health status and medication use were controlled, the odds of being depressed were 0.34 ( p = 0.004) in overweight men and 0.28 ( p = 0.09) in obese men, compared to men with a body mass index below 25 kg/m 2 . In this cohort, depression in men was inversely associated with body weight, supporting the “Jolly Fat” hypothesis. The likelihood that more stigma is attached to excessive weight in women than men may account for the lack of an inverse association between weight and depression in women.
Perturbed solutions of variational inequality problems over polyhedral sets

This paper is concerned with variational inequality problems defined over polyhedral sets, which provide a generalization of many diverse problems of mathematical programming, complementarity, and mathematical economics. Differentiability properties of locally unique perturbed solutions to such problems are studied. It is shown that, if a simple sufficient condition is satisfied, then the perturbed solution is locally unique, continuous, and directionally differentiable. Furthermore, under an additional regularity assumption, the perturbed solution is also continuously differentiable.
The Influence of a Restrictive Atrial Septal Defect on Pulmonary Vascular Morphology in Patients with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) with a restrictive atrial septal defect (ASD) is a form of congenital heart disease with considerable morbidity and mortality. This morphologic analysis assesses the pulmonary vasculature in this patient population. Pulmonary arteries, the persistence of high-resistance fetal arterioles, pulmonary veins, and lymphatics from multiple lung sections from each of five patients with HLHS and a restrictive ASD were compared to those of five patients with HLHS and nonrestrictive ASD. Lung sections from each patient were qualitatively graded in severity of pathology from 0 to 3 for each of the structures described previously, with the pathologist blinded to the status of the ASD. Patients with a restrictive ASD exhibited more significant pulmonary venous thickening and lymphatic dilatation (p = 0.02), with a tendency toward persistence of high-resistance fetal vessels (p = 0.2), compared to patients with a nonrestrictive ASD. These findings imply that patients with HLHS and a restrictive ASD possess pulmonary vascular abnormalities that place them at higher risk for the current surgical interventions available compared to patients with a nonrestrictive ASD.
Systemic hormonal and physiological abnormalities in anxiety disorders

Among the studies of systemic hormonal and physiological abnormalities associated with anxiety disorders, the most consistent and extensive findings suggest (a) peripheral adrenergic hyperactivity (including increases in norepinephrine but not epinephrine) and functional dysregulation, (b) increased incidence of mitral valve prolapse in panic patients, and (c) normal suppressibility of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortical endocrine system with dexamethasone in panic patients. Other less-certain findings include (a) increased circulating concentrations of plasma ACTH and/or cortisol, and prolactin, in panic patients, (b) increased platelet monoamine oxidase activity in generalized anxiety and/or panic patients, (c) decreased gonadal axis activity in some anxious individuals, (d) decreased nighttime melatonin plasma concentrations in panic patients, and (e) peripheral alpha 2 and beta-adrenoreceptor down-regulation, with normal serotonin binding parameters. These findings, taken together, provide tentative support for dysfunction in adrenergic and GABAergic central nervous system mechanisms in people with anxiety disorders. Abnormal anxiety and normal stress both show evidence of adrenergic hyperactivity; however, there appear to be differences in hormonal profiles, especially the apparent lack of increase of epinephrine during panic attacks, as well as differences in the reactivity of the system, and in the "trigger" mechanisms which determine when the response occurs.
Diffusion mechanisms on amorphous silicon surfaces

Molecular dynamics simulations reveal a new picture for diffusion dynamics on the surface of amorphous silicon. The primary transport mechanism differs substantially from that observed on crystalline surfaces, in which small numbers of highly mobile adatoms or vacancies form and subsequently diffuse over substantial distances. Instead, diffusion takes place via large numbers of single atoms or dimers that move roughly one atomic diameter and are associated with highly strained rings having four atoms.
The effect of body position on the perception of cardiac sensations: an experiment and theoretical implications

This paper presents the results of pilot data and a main experiment that examine the effect of differing body positions on an individual's awareness of heartbeats. The pilot experiment employed two groups of 12 male subjects each presented 50 Whitehead type heartbeat awareness trials in each of two body positions: seated and standing erect. Subjects were retained if their ability to discriminate on the Whitehead procedure exceeded 70% correct. Results showed that the standing body position led to significantly lower cardiac awareness than when the same subject was tested in a seated position. The pilot was then expanded and replicated with three groups of 7 male subjects, all chosen by performance on a seated discrimination series. Two of the groups made additional discriminations in either a standing or seated position. The third group remained seated in all three phases. Results showed that all three groups discriminated at significantly above chance levels during the initial screening, and the group that sat in all three phases remained much above chance. The other two groups showed significantly lower performance levels in the standing position. Order of presentation seemed to affect performance. These results almost exactly replicated the data obtained in the pilot experiment. Physiological measures showed parallel changes in heart period across phases but no indication of differences in respiration or mean arterial blood pressure. Results of a semantic differential type questionnaire used to evaluate the qualitative aspects of the feedback, and skinfold measures of body type are also reported. The results of these two experiments are analyzed for their theoretical implications which lead in two different directions. Most investigators have assumed the involvement of visceral afferent pathways in the mediation of visceral perception, and this is a clear possibility which, in large part, remains unexplored by systematic investigations. However, the results of a number of experiments are interpreted to indicate that the visceral sensations may be mediated through primary somatosensory pathways. A model for this feedback is discussed.
Aktueller Stand der Knochendensitometrie: I. Methodik der absorptiometrischen Standardverfahren

Kurzfassung Die Diagnostik und Verlaufskontrolle der Osteoporose eifordert eine genaue Kenntnis des Knochenmineralgehaltes. Zu dessen Bestimmung stehen mehrere nicht-invasive Verfahren der Knochendensitometrie zur Verfugung. Derzeit werden vor allem drei Standardverfahren eingesetzt: die Ein-Energie-Rontgen-Absorptiometrie (SXA) bzw. deren Vorlaufer, die Ein-Photonen-Absorptiometrie (SPA), ferner die Zwei-Energien-Rontgen-Absorptiometrie (DXA) bzw. deren Vorlaufer, die Zwei-Photonen-Absorptiometrie (DPA) und die Quantitative Computertomographie (QCT), vorwiegend als Ein-Energie-QCT (SEQCT), teilweise aber auch als Zwei-Energien-QCT (DEQCT). Basierend auf einer Darstellung ihrer physikalischen und technischen Grundlagen werden Einsatzmoglichkeiten und Grenzen dieser Verfahren dargestellt. Im ersten Teil dieses Ubersichtsartikels werden die absorptiometrischen Methoden behandelt. SPA/SXA Verfahren sind auf periphere Mesorte beschrankt und liefern primar eine lineare Knochenmineraldichte. DXA hingegen erlaubt die Messung der wichtigsten Frakturorte, d.h. Wirbelsaule und proximaler Femur, und liefert eine Flachenknochenmineraldichte.
Modeling Ion Channels Using Poisson–Nernst–Planck Theory as an Integrated Approach To Introducing Nanotechnology Concepts: The PNP Cyclic Peptide Ion Channel Model

One of the most fundamental challenges in biochemistry and biophysics is describing the function of ion channels, proteins that control ion transport across cell membranes. One approach to this problem is the application of Poisson�Nernst�Planck (PNP) theory. In practice, applying PNP theory involves creating a computational model of the ion channel and generating a numerical solution of differential equations that describes ion transport and electrostatic interactions. The PNP Cyclic Peptide Ion Channel Model is a simulation tool designed to offer an integrated approach to this important problem in bionanotechnology by demonstrating and explaining the application of PNP theory in a way that is accessible to students at an upper undergraduate level. The program interface was made using the free Rapid Application Infrastructure (Rappture) software made available by the Network for Computational Nanotechnology (NCN). Rappture is designed specifically for Web-based applications. Here we introduce a free version of the PNP Cyclic Peptide Ion Channel Model for use in the simulation of ion transport properties for a model ion channel structure that has been the subject of recent experiments.
Metabolism of juvenile hormone with isolated rat hepatocytes.

Abstract The metabolism of juvenile hormone I has been examined in rat hepatocyte suspensions. The hormone penetrates rapidly into the cells where its concentration becomes higher than in the incubation medium. About 25 per cent of the hormone is metabolized during min 1 of incubation, while at 30 min of incubation, essentially all the hormone has been metabolized into several organic-soluble and water-soluble metabolites. Eventually the organic-soluble metabolites (including the diol ester, the diol acid and the acid) are recycled by re-entry and are metabolized further into water-soluble metabolites. The most important water-soluble metabolite is the mercapturic acid followed by the glucuronide. These results suggest that the low toxicity of juvenile hormone in mammals may be explained, at least in part, by metabolic detoxication.
NFκB p50-CCAAT/Enhancer-binding Protein β (C/EBPβ)-mediated Transcriptional Repression of MicroRNA let-7i following Microbial Infection

MicroRNAs, central players of numerous cellular processes, regulate mRNA stability or translational efficiency. Although these molecular events are established, the mechanisms regulating microRNA function and expression remain largely unknown. The microRNA let-7i regulates Toll-like receptor 4 expression. Here, we identify a novel transcriptional mechanism induced by the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum and Gram(−) bacteria-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mediating let-7i promoter silencing in human biliary epithelial cells (cholangiocytes). Using cultured cholangiocytes, we show that microbial stimulus decreased let-7i expression, and promoter activity. Analysis of the mechanism revealed that microbial infection promotes the formation of a NFκB p50-C/EBPβ silencer complex in the regulatory sequence. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays (ChIP) demonstrated that the repressor complex binds to the let-7i promoter following microbial stimulus and promotes histone-H3 deacetylation. Our results provide a novel mechanism of transcriptional regulation of cholangiocyte let-7i expression following microbial insult, a process with potential implications for epithelial innate immune responses in general.
Per capita incidence of sexually transmitted infections increases systematically with urban population size: a cross-sectional study

Objectives Rampant urbanisation rates across the globe demand that we improve our understanding of how infectious diseases spread in modern urban landscapes, where larger and more connected host populations enhance the thriving capacity of certain pathogens. Methods A data-driven approach is employed to study the ability of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to thrive in urban areas. The conduciveness of population size of urban areas and their socioeconomic characteristics are used as predictors of disease incidence, using confirmed-case data on STDs in the USA as a case study. Results A superlinear relation between STD incidence and urban population size is found, even after controlling for various socioeconomic aspects, suggesting that doubling the population size of a city results in an expected increase in STD incidence larger than twofold, provided that all other socioeconomic aspects remain fixed. Additionally, the percentage of African–Americans, income inequalities, education and per capita income are found to have a significant impact on the incidence of each of the three STDs studied. Conclusions STDs disproportionately concentrate in larger cities. Hence, larger urban areas merit extra prevention and treatment efforts, especially in low-income and middle-income countries where urbanisation rates are higher.
Reclamation of Produced Water for Beneficial Use

Abstract Produced water is the primary waste stream generated during fossil fuel production, with the volumetric water‐to‐oil ratio approaching 50∶1 in the later stages of oil field production. In the United States, produced water is usually reinjected, either in support of enhanced oil recovery or for disposal. In arid regions, reusing or recycling the treated water for irrigation or other purposes may be an economically and environmentally attractive alternative. Successful treatment of complex produced waters generally requires that a series of operations be used to remove different contaminants. Electrodialysis is one possible desalting technique. Recent results indicate that this approach may be appropriate for reclamation of produced waters with relatively low total dissolved solids (TDS) loads but is unlikely to be cost‐effective for treatment of concentrated produced waters.
Interior ballistics of a hybrid electromagnetic gun

The dynamics for the projectile inside an electromagnetic gun has been developed. The gun consists of a series of stationary cylindrical coils that are pulsed and of one inner concentric coil driven at constant current. The inner coil is the projectile. Two important design parameters are identified: one is the desired exit velocity divided by the square root of the number of stationary coils, the other is a characteristic time related to the rapidity with which the projectile attains its maximum velocity in any stationary coil.
Theoretical study of C2 and C2

Potential energy curves of the ground states of C2(X 1Σg+) and C2−(X 2Σg+) have been calculated using SCF, MCSCF, and CI methods. Close agreement with experimental dissociation energies, bond lengths, and spectroscopic constants is obtained by a CI calculation including all single and double excitations from the restricted Hartree–Fock configuration, with corrections for the quadrupole excitations estimated by a formula due to Davidson. The restricted Hartree–Fock method overestimates the electron affinity of C2, giving a value 4.33±0.02 eV to be compared with the experimental value of 3.54±0.05 eV. The effect of higher excitations on calculated electron affinity has been investigated, and some general conclusions regarding the computation of molecular electron affinity have been drawn.
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor and N-Cadherin Maintain Rat Granulosa Cell and Ovarian Surface Epithelial Cell Viability by Stimulating the Tyrosine Phosphorylation of the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors

Both granulosa cells (GCs) and ovarian surface epithelial cells undergo apoptosis in vivo. Although basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and N-cadherin-mediated cell contact inhibit GC apoptosis, little is known about the factors that influence rat ovarian surface epithelial (ROSE) cell apoptosis. The present studies were designed to determine whether bFGF and N-cadherin maintain the viability of both GC and ROSE cells by stimulating separate signaling pathways. For the GC studies, large GCs were collected from immature rat ovaries after Percoll gradient centrifugation and placed in serum-free culture for 24 h. These studies confirmed that about 10% of the aggregated GCs and more than 50% of single GCs were apoptotic after culture. bFGF reduced the percentage of apoptotic single GCs, but did not influence aggregated GCs. A neutralizing antibody to bFGF blocked bFGF’s antiapoptotic action, but did not alter the percentage of apoptotic aggregated GCs. The antibody to N-cadherin not only increased the perce...
Should function and bother be measured and reported separately for prostate cancer quality-of-life domains?

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the psychometric properties of the three domains bowel, urinary, and sexual function as they were measured in the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Study and examine their use in different research and practice settings. Leading prostate cancer health-related quality-of-life questionnaires include questions that measure patients’ bowel, urinary, and sexual function and their perceived annoyance (or bother) caused by limited functioning. The published results are mixed on reporting function and bother independently or together as a single domain. Methods Statistical tools from classical measurement theory and factor analytic methods were used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Study disease-specific scales. The findings from studies of other prostate cancer outcomes scales and clinical input were included to formulate the conclusions. Results Factor analysis results uncovered a multidimensional structure within two of the three domains. The urinary domain consisted of items measuring two factors: incontinence and urinary obstructive symptoms. Sexual dysfunction consisted of two dimensions: interest in sexual activity and erectile function. Conclusions These empirical results suggest that bowel dysfunction and urinary incontinence can each be combined with measures of bother to produce overall measures of function; however, evidence was present for the need for separate measures of sexual function, sexual interest, and perceived bother with sexual function. For informing patient-doctor communications, function and bother on all three domains should be reported separately, because treatment decisions or symptom management may vary depending on a patient’s perceived concern about their health-related quality-of-life.
Transportation Academy at the University of Massachusetts: A Case Study

This paper presents a case study of the Transportation Academy at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. The academy has been established to assist in meeting the lifelong learning needs of transportation professionals in Massachusetts and the greater New England region. The paper briefly presents the academy's overall mission, accomplishments to date, and current work plan and reviews the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with the implementation of such an academy in a university setting. The paper is intended to provide guidance to other colleges and universities interested in implementing similar comprehensive professional capacity-building efforts.
Synthesis and polymerization of 2‐alkylanilines

2-Alkylanilines with alkyl groups in the range of 4-15 carbon atoms were synthesized and polymerized according to a method previously described for unsubstituted aniline, i.e., chemically with Cu(ClO 4 ) 2 .6H 2 O in acetonitrile. Intrinsic viscosities of the obtained poly(2-alkylaniline)s lay between 0.10 and 0.26 dL/g (97% H 2 SO 4 at 30°C). The dc conductivity of the HCl salts decreased with increasing length of the alkyl side chains from 1 S/cm (polyaniline) over 3x10 -4 S/cm (poly(2-butylaniline)) to 1x10 -6 S/cm (poly(tridecylaniline)).
Super-Resolution Imaging Reveals a Multi-Array Arrangement of Catsper Channel on the Sperm Tail

Increase in intracellular Ca2+ initiates hyperactive motility of sperm, the high amplitude and often asymmetric movement of the tail. Cationic channel in sperm (CatSper) genes encode a complex of Ca2+ channel in sperm required for hyperactivation and male fertility. However, it is unclear how the CatSper-mediated Ca2+ entry increases flagellar bending and induces hyperactivated motility. Using high-resolution fluorescence microscopy based on high-accuracy localization of photoswitchable fluorophores, or stochastic reconstruction microscopy (STORM), combined with electron microscopy, we examined three-dimensional distribution of CatSper channels and flagellar proteins on the sperm tail. The CatSper channels form a unique three-dimensional multi-array arrangement, which may explain the characteristic patterns of hyperactivated motility.
Mr. President: How and Why the Founders Created a Chief Executive. By Ray Raphael. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2012. 324 pp.

Mr. President: How and Why the Founders Created a Chief Executive. By Ray Raphael. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2012. 324 pp. In Mr. President, a traditional and engaging political history, Ray Raphael seeks to answer How and Why the Founders Created a Chief Executive by using "narrative as an analytical tool." Raphael focuses squarely on the single issue of the presidency, carving the debate and parliamentarianism chronologically at Philadelphia, to excise "the day-by-day and even minute-by-minute dynamics of the dialogue" (p. 281). This technique is not new, historians have often culled single issues from the debates for narrative and analysis, but Raphael is the first to do so for the presidency. Raphael's how and why are not limited to the convention, as he divides his investigation into three parts: "Precedents," "Conjuring the Office," and "Field Tests." Throughout, Raphael stresses the unlikelihood of a powerful American executive and reveals that political maneuvering by key players led to its creation. Further, Raphael argues that while most founders wished the presidency to be a unifying factor in American politics both inside and out, the office and its first three inhabitants deepened and hardened existing divides into entrenched partisanship and political warfare. In "Precedents," Raphael travels the familiar road from American monarchism at 1750, through its opposition to programs by Parliament and placemen, to the rejection of the king in the Declaration of Independence, followed by the creation of strong state governments with varying forms of executives, bound together loosely by a weak confederation with no executive (and no governing power, for that matter). He is at his best in "Conjuring the Office," where his use of narrative as an analytical tool reveals the central role of Pennsylvania delegate Gouverneur Morris at the Constitutional Convention. In debate, Morris's advocacy for a single, powerful executive and for the method of selection evolved over the summer, and he used the committee structure of the convention to his advantage when he perceived vulnerability for his plans in general session. Raphael's focus on Morris explains in stunning clarity the sensibility of a system that most today deem arcane and undemocratic: the Electoral College. As the presidency emerged and grew in power, the mode of selection became more contentious, pitting many interests against one another: state governments versus the national, large states versus small, democratic selection versus elite control. Unfortunately, Raphael abandons his use of narrative as an analytical tool in "Field Tests," as he turns to telling narrative stories in a topical, case study manner that ignores the chronological "day-to-day" approach that worked so well in his coverage of the Convention. …
Note: Loading method of molecular fluorine using x-ray induced chemistry.

We have successfully loaded molecular fluorine into a diamond anvil cell at high pressure using the synchrotron x-ray induced decomposition of perfluorohexane (C6F14). “White” x-ray radiation from the Advanced Photon Source was used to initiate the chemical decomposition of C6F14, which resulted in the in situ production of F2 as verified via Raman spectroscopy. Due to the toxic nature of fluorine, this method will offer significant advantages in the ability to easily load a relatively nontoxic and inert substance into a chamber (such as a diamond anvil cell) that, when sealed with other reactants and irradiate with hard x-rays (>7 keV), releases highly reactive and toxic fluorine into the sample/reaction chamber to enable novel chemical synthesis under isolated and/or extreme conditions.
Transmissible gastroenteritis virus induced apoptosis in swine testes cell cultures

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is a coronavirus which causes severe gastroenteritis and atrophy of intestinal villous epithelial cells in piglets. However, the mechanism of cell death caused by TGEV is not known. In this study, we report that TGEV induces cell death by apoptosis. TGEV-induced apoptosis was demonstrated by agarose gel electrophoresis, electron microscopy, and terminal deoxytransferase digoxigenin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Double labeling experiment confirmed the result from electron microscopy and showed that most of the apoptotic cells were bystander cells as they were negative for TGEV nucleic acids. Results of this study indicate that TGEV induces apoptosis in vitro and that most of the cells undergoing apoptosis are bystander cells, thus amplifying the cytopathic effect of TGEV.
Tobacco dependence treatment teaching by medical school clerkship preceptors: survey responses from more than 1,000 US medical students.

Abstract Objective To determine factors associated with tobacco cessation counseling in medical school clerkships. Methods Third-year medical students at 10 medical schools across the United States completed a 100-item survey, measuring the frequency with which they experienced their preceptors providing clinical teaching components: clear instruction, feedback, modeling behavior, setting clear objectives, and responding to questions about tobacco dependence counseling as well as frequency of use of tobacco prompts and office systems. Our primary dependent measure was student self-reported skill level for items of tobacco dependence treatment (e.g. “5As”). Results Surveys were completed by 1213 students. For both family medicine and internal medicine clerkships, modeling and providing clear instruction on ways to provide tobacco counseling were reported most commonly. In contrast, providing feedback and clear objectives for tobacco dependence treatment lagged behind. Overall, students who reported preceptors' provision of optimal clinical teaching components and office system prompts in both family medicine and internal medicine clerkships had higher self-reported skill (P Conclusions Future educational interventions intended to help students adopt effective tobacco dependence treatment techniques should be engineered to facilitate these critical precepting components.
ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES OF SHALLOW SEAFLOOR GAS

In many ocean regions including the continental shelf and slope of the Gulf of Mexico, the presence of gas bubbles and gas hydrates significantly influences the acoustic properties of the seafloor sediment. An ongoing research programme has used information based on the acoustic response of the seafloor to quantitatively characterise the distribution of patches of gassy seafloor sediment. Similarities are observed in the statistical characteristics of gassy zones in several different ocean regions including the Gulf of Mexico. Associations between the occurrence of gas and other parameters allow comments on a geological model for gassy regions. Prediction of actual values of acoustic parameters for gassy sediment is difficult because of the limited nature of quantitative data from either field or laboratory sediments. Very wide ranges of parameter values would be estimated by present empirical or theoretical results. The limits of present ability to constrain these estimates are described. The presence of free gas or gas hydrates at shallow depths into the seafloor is quite significant as a potential hazard to development of seafloor petroleum. Geological model associations can improve the ability to predict such occurrence. Better knowledge of the relationship between acoustic properties and other parameters of gassy sediment may lead to an ability to use acoustic records for constraining estimates of values for these other parameters.
Nonlinear dynamic analysis of curved beams

Abstract A computational procedure is presented for predicting the dynamic response of curved beams with geometric nonlinearities. A mixed formulation is used with the fundamental unknowns consisting of stress resultants, generalized displacements and velocity components. The governing semidiscrete finite element equations consist of a mixed system of algebraic and differential equations. The temporal integration of the differential equations is performed by using an explicit half-station central difference method. A procedure is outlined for lumping both the flexibilities and masses of the mixed model, thereby uncoupling all the equations of the system. The advantages of the proposed computational procedure over explicit methods used with the displacement formulation are discussed. The effectiveness and versatility of the proposed approach are demonstrated by means of numerical examples.