cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Markov Chain Modelling of Standby Redundant Networked Control System

Reliability analysis of standby redundant systems is essential in continuous industrial process applications. This paper proposes the Markov chain modelling of the networked control system with standby redundant elements. It involves the evaluation of all the operating, repair and failure states of elements and their probabilities of failure using stochastic transitional probability matrix. The frequency of each encountering the state of failure is presented to predict the reliability of the networked control system. The results of the mathematical approach are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed model with redundant sensor and actuator connected in NCS.
Co-optimizing Latency and Energy for IoT services using HMP servers in Fog Clusters

Fog computing has the potential to be an energy-efficient alternative to cloud computing for guaranteeing latency requirements of Latency-critical (LC) IoT services. However, even in fog computing low energy-efficiency of homogeneous multi-core server processors can be a major contributor to energy wastage. Recent studies have shown that Heterogeneous Multi-core Processors (HMPs) can improve energy efficiency of servers by adapting to dynamic load changes of LC-services. However, proposed approaches optimize energy only at a single server level. In our work, we demonstrate that optimization at the cluster-level across many HMP-servers can offer much greater energy savings through optimal work distribution across the HMP-servers while still guaranteeing the Service Level Objectives (SLO) of LC-services. In this paper, we present Greeniac, a cluster-level task manager that employs Reinforcement Learning to identify optimal configurations at the server- and cluster-levels for different workloads. We develop a server-level service scheduler and a cluster-level load balancing module to assign services and distribute tasks across HMP servers based on the learned configurations. In addition to meeting the required SLO targets, Greeniac achieves up to 28% energy saving compared to best-case cluster scheduling techniques with local HMP-aware scheduling on a 4-server fog cluster, with potentially larger savings in a larger cluster.
Membrane bound IL-21 based NK cell feeder cells drive robust expansion and metabolic activation of NK cells.

NK cell adoptive therapy is a promising cancer therapeutic approach, but there are significant challenges that limiting its feasibility and clinical efficacy. One difficulty is the paucity of clinical grade manufacturing platforms to support the large scale expansion of highly active NK cells. We created an NK cell feeder cell line termed ‘NKF’ through overexpressing membrane bound IL-21 that is capable of inducing robust and sustained proliferation (>10,000-fold expansion at 5 weeks) of highly cytotoxic NK cells. The expanded NK cells exhibit increased cytotoxic function against a panel of blood cancer and solid tumor cells as compared to IL-2-activated non-expanded NK cells. The NKF-expanded NK cells also demonstrate efficacy in mouse models of human sarcoma and T cell leukemia. Mechanistic studies revealed that membrane-bound IL-21 leads to an activation of a STAT3/c-Myc pathway and increased NK cell metabolism with a shift towards aerobic glycolysis. The NKF feeder cell line is a promising new platform that enables the large scale proliferation of highly active NK cells in support of large scale third party NK cell clinical studies that have been recently intiatied. These results also provide mechanistic insights into how membrane-bound IL-21 regulates NK cell expansion.
Prescribing Patterns of Heart Failure-Exacerbating Medications Following a Heart Failure Hospitalization

Abstract Objectives This study sought to describe the patterns of heart failure (HF)-exacerbating medications used among older adults hospitalized for HF and to examine determinants of HF-exacerbating medication use. Background HF-exacerbating medications can potentially contribute to adverse outcomes and could represent an important target for future strategies to improve post-hospitalization outcomes. Methods Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years of age with an adjudicated HF hospitalization between 2003 and 2014 were derived from the geographically diverse REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Difference in Stroke) cohort study. Major HF-exacerbating medications, defined as those listed on the 2016 American Heart Association Scientific Statement listing medications that can precipitate or induce HF, were examined. Patterns of prescribing medications at hospital admission and at discharge were examined, as well as changes that occurred between admission and discharge; and a multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify determinants of harmful prescribing practices following HF hospitalization (defined as either the continuation of an HF-exacerbating medications or an increase in the number of HF-exacerbating medications between hospital admission and discharge). Results Among 558 unique individuals, 18% experienced a decrease in the number of HF-exacerbating medications between admission and discharge, 19% remained at the same number, and 12% experienced an increase. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that diabetes (odds ratio [OR]: 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18 to 2.75]) and small hospital size (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.18 to 3.16) were the strongest, independently associated determinants of harmful prescribing practices. Conclusions HF-exacerbating medication regimens are often continued or started following an HF hospitalization. These findings highlight an ongoing need to develop strategies to improve safe prescribing practices in this vulnerable population.
Central Role for Adipocyte Na,K-ATPase Oxidant Amplification Loop in the Pathogenesis of Experimental Uremic Cardiomyopathy.

Background Oxidative stress in adipocyte plays a central role in the pathogenesis of obesity as well as in the associated cardiovascular complications. The putative uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate induces oxidative stress and dramatically alters adipocyte phenotype in vitro. Mice that have undergone partial nephrectomy serve as an experimental model of uremic cardiomyopathy. This study examined the effects on adipocytes of administering a peptide that reduces oxidative stress to the mouse model. Methods A lentivirus vector introduced the peptide NaKtide with an adiponectin promoter into the mouse model of experimental uremic cardiomyopathy, intraperitoneally. Then adipocyte-specific expression of the peptide was assessed for mice fed a standard diet compared with mice fed a western diet enriched in fat and fructose. Results Partial nephrectomy induced cardiomyopathy and anemia in the mice, introducing oxidant stress and an altered molecular phenotype of adipocytes that increased production of systemic inflammatory cytokines instead of accumulating lipids, within 4 weeks. Consumption of a western diet significantly worsened the adipocyte oxidant stress, but expression of NaKtide in adipocytes completely prevented the worsening. The peptide-carrying lentivirus achieved comparable expression in skeletal muscle, but did not ameliorate the disease phenotype. Conclusions Adipocyte-specific expression of NaKtide, introduced with a lentiviral vector, significantly ameliorated adipocyte dysfunction and uremic cardiomyopathy in partially nephrectomized mice. These data suggest that the redox state of adipocytes controls the development of uremic cardiomyopathy in mice subjected to partial nephrectomy. If confirmed in humans, the oxidative state of adipocytes may be a therapeutic target in chronic renal failure.
Race/Ethnicity and Informal Caregiver Burden After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Scoping Study

Background: Informal caregivers for persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) face a range of unique issues, and racial/ethnic group differences in caregiver challenges are poorly understood. We undertook a scoping study of peer-reviewed literature to assess the quantity and quality of available research describing differences by race/ethnicity in informal caregiving roles and burden. Methods: Using Arksey and O'Malley's framework and guided by the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews, we conducted electronic searches of PubMed, CINAHL, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, Social Work Abstracts, Embase, and Scopus to identify peer-reviewed studies that examined TBI informal caregiver burden and reported on the influences of race or ethnicity. Results: Among 4523 unique publications identified and screened, 11 studies included sufficient race/ethnicity data and were included in the analysis. Of these, six studies described civilian populations and five described military Veterans Affairs (VA). Included studies revealed that nonwhite caregivers and white caregivers use different approaches and coping strategies in their caregiving role. Some studies found differences in caregiver burden by race or ethnicity, others did not. Most were limited by a small sample size and overdependence on assessment tools not validated for the purposes or populations for which they were used. This was particularly true for race/ethnicity as a factor in TBI caregiver burden in VA groups, where essential characteristics moderate the association of race/ethnicity with socioeconomic factors. Conclusions: This scoping study highlights the paucity of information on race/ethnicity as a factor in TBI caregiver burden and roles, and suggests that innovative and alternative approaches to research are needed to explore needed changes in practice.
Fighting COVID-19 Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Molecular dynamics simulations revealed a promising immune target on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, proposing novel strategies for vaccine development.
Pyridoxine, dopa decarboxylase, and tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives in Parkinson’s disease

The activity of pyridoxal phosphate-dependent dopa decarboxylase in the corpus striatum of patients with Parkinson’s disease is low. However, pyridoxine which nullifies the beneficial therapeutic effects oflevodopa is contraindicated in patients with Parkinson’s disease. This problem is obviated by carbidopa, a peripheral dopa decarboxylase inhibitor which does not penetrate the blood brain barrier and hence does not affect the formation of dopamine in the brain. Administration of pyridoxine enhances the synthesis of cysteine and dopamine in the brain, and oxidation of dopamine in the presence of cysteine generates neurotoxic products such as dihydrobenzothiazines. Moreover, the situation is aggravated by the fact that the concentration of glutathione, a cysteine containing peptide, is low in the striatum of Parkinsonian patients. In addition, pyridoxal-containing tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives, alter mitochondrial functions by inhibiting the activity of complex I. Therefore, pyridoxine should be used cautiously in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Relationship between Radiosurgery Conformity Indices and Acoustic Neuroma Tumor Volume

Background: We reviewed the relationship between 4 conformation indices (CIs) and acoustic neuroma volumes to determine how CIs change with tumor volume (TV). Methods:</
ENZYMES ASSOCIATED WITH BIOLUMINESCENCE IN PANUS STYPTICUS LUMINESCENS AND PANUS STYPTICUS NON-LUMINESCENS

Airth, R. L. (The University of Texas, Austin), and G. Elizabeth Foerster. Enzymes associated with bioluminescence in Panus stypticus luminescens and Panus stypticus non-luminescens. J. Bacteriol. 88:1372–1379. 1964.—Fungal bioluminescence depends upon at least four factors: (i) reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) (or reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate); (ii) a molecule to accept electrons, either directly or indirectly from NADH; (iii) an enzyme(s) to catalyze electron transfer; and (iv) luciferase to catalyze the actual light-emitting reaction. Cell-free light emission from Panus stypticus luminescens was obtained, and the enzymes of this species are interchangeable, in all combinations, which those of another luminous fungus, Collybia velutipes. A study of the nonluminous form of Panus stypticus indicates that both enzymes are absent in this strain, and no definite conclusion could be made regarding the presence or absence of the electron acceptor. The genetic implications of these findings are discussed.
Comparison of Two Probability Distributions Used to Model Sizes of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Accumulations: Does the Tail Wag the Assessment?

Undiscovered oil and gas assessments are commonly reported as aggregate estimates of hydrocarbon volumes. Potential commercial value and discovery costs are, however, determined by accumulation size, so engineers, economists, decision makers, and sometimes policy analysts are most interested in projected discovery sizes. The lognormal and Pareto distributions have been used to model exploration target sizes. This note contrasts the outcomes of applying these alternative distributions to the play level assessments of the U.S. Geological Survey's 1995 National Oil and Gas Assessment. Using the same numbers of undiscovered accumulations and the same minimum, medium, and maximum size estimates, substitution of the shifted truncated lognormal distribution for the shifted truncated Pareto distribution reduced assessed undiscovered oil by 16% and gas by 15%. Nearly all of the volume differences resulted because the lognormal had fewer larger fields relative to the Pareto. The lognormal also resulted in a smaller number of small fields relative to the Pareto. For the Permian Basin case study presented here, reserve addition costs were 20% higher with the lognormal size assumption.
Oxygen chiral phosphodiesters—8 : Stereochemical course of the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of cyclic 2'-deoxyadenosine 3',5'-[17O, 18O]monophosphate

Abstract At 100° and in 0.2 M Ba(OH)2 the Rp diastereomer of cyclic 2'-deoxyadenosine 3',5' -[17O, 18O]monophosphate is hydrolyzed to a 4:1 mixture of the Sp diastereomer of 3' -[16O, 17O, 18O]dAMP and the Rp diastereomer of 5' -[16O, 17O, 18O]dAMP, respectively, demonstrating that the hydrolysis reaction is accompanied by complete inversion of configuration at phosphorus. This finding establishes that pseudorotation of pentacoordinate reaction intermediates is unimportant in this chemical hydrolysis reaction.
Isolation and characterization of specialized lambda transducing bacteriophage carrying the metBJF methionine gene cluster.

Secondary attachment site lysogens of ΔattλΔppc-argECBH strains of Escherichia coli with λcI857 integrated into the bfe gene (88 min) were isolated. Of 20 such lysogens examined, 2 produce lysates with transducing phage containing the metBJF gene cluster (87 min). Reintroduction of the ppc-argECBH chromosome segment (which lies between the bfe and met genes) into these strains virtually abolishes the production of met transducing phage. All of the phage examined have lost essential genes from the left arm of the λ chromosome. Approximately 85% of the phage appear to have the same genetic composition, containing the metBJF gene cluster, but not the closely linked gene cytR, and having lost phage genes G and J. Analytical CsCl density gradient centrifugation of five representatives of this major class of phage shows four of them to have identical densities (lighter than λ), while the fifth cannot be resolved from λ. The four apparently identical phage were isolated from three separate lysates, which suggests the existence of preferred sites for illegitimate recombination on the bacterial and phage chromosomes. Three specialized transducing phage that carry cytR in addition to metB, metJ, and metF have also been studied. Each of these viruses has a different amount of phage deoxyribonucleic acid. Two of them have less deoxyribonucleic acid than λ, whereas the third has about the same amount. The metB, metF, and cytR genes of the transducing phage have been shown to function in vivo. The phage-borne metB and metF genes are subject to metJ-mediated repression.
Stakeholder theory: antidote to a drug company's market health?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the history and strategies used by Synthroid producers, currently Abbott Laboratories, one of the top drug companies in the world through the use of stakeholder theory.Design/methodology/approach – News releases and The Wall Street Journal from similar dates were compared and contrasted for examples of Donaldson and Preston's three typologies of stakeholder theory, which include descriptive accuracy, instrumental power, and normative validity.Findings – Illustrations of stakeholder typologies reveal that public relations messages can be used to influence stakeholders. However, the examples also illustrate that ethics may be a separate issue.Practical implications – When consumers rely on products, such as prescription drugs, for good health and even life itself, there is a fine line between product and drug product.Originality/value – This paper demonstrates the value of Donaldson and Preston's typology in evaluating the market health of organizations.
Skylab ultraviolet stellar astronomy experiment S019.

An objective-prism stellar spectrograph of 15-cm aperture was flown on all three Skylab missions. The wavelength region from 1300 A to 5000 A was covered by a special optical system containing a combination of reflecting telescope optics, a CaF(2) objective prism, and an achromatized field corrector lens system of CaF(2) and LiF. Observations of 188 star fields, each covering 4.0 degrees 5.0 degrees , were conducted at the Skylab antisolar airlock with the aid of an articulated mirror system (AMS) which allowed acquisition within 30 degrees degrees 360 degrees band of the sky.
Cepacia Syndrome in a Non-Cystic Fibrosis Patient

Burkholderia (formerly Pseudomonas) cepacia complex is a known serious threat to patients with cystic fibrosis, in whom it has the potential to cause the fatal combination of necrotizing pneumonia, worsening respiratory failure, and bacteremia, known as Cepacia syndrome. The potential for this pathogen to infect non-cystic fibrosis patients is limited and its epidemiology is poorly understood. Previously reported cases of severe Burkholderia cepacia complex lung infection in immunocompetent hosts include pneumonia, bronchiectasis, pyopneumothorax, and cavitary lesions. We present a case of a 64-year-old man with Streptococcus pneumoniae community-acquired pneumonia whose hospital course was complicated by developing cavitary lung lesions, bacteremia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Repeated tracheal aspirate and blood cultures grew Burkholderia cepacia. Our case appears to be the first report of Cepacia syndrome in a patient without cystic fibrosis. This report raises concern regarding the potential severity of pulmonary Burkholderia cepacia complex infection and the need to broaden clinicians' suspicion for Cepacia syndrome. A framework to help diagnose and treat infected non-cystic fibrosis individuals may be useful.
One Vector is Not Enough: Entity-Augmented Distributed Semantics for Discourse Relations

Discourse relations bind smaller linguistic units into coherent texts. Automatically identifying discourse relations is difficult, because it requires understanding the semantics of the linked arguments. A more subtle challenge is that it is not enough to represent the meaning of each argument of a discourse relation, because the relation may depend on links between lower-level components, such as entity mentions. Our solution computes distributed meaning representations for each discourse argument by composition up the syntactic parse tree. We also perform a downward compositional pass to capture the meaning of coreferent entity mentions. Implicit discourse relations are then predicted from these two representations, obtaining substantial improvements on the Penn Discourse Treebank.
A Qualitative Study of Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic Use in the United States

AbstractObjectives: The multidisciplinary clinic (MDC) has become the standard of care for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the United States, yet many patients choose not to receive care at MDCs. We undertook a qualitative study of individuals with ALS to explore patients’ perceptions of this form of service delivery.Methods: Participants completed an online survey that posed open-ended questions about their attitudes and behaviors surrounding MCDs. Qualitative analysis was performed whereby response data was evaluated and grouped into themes.Results: The unique aspect of MDCs most commonly cited by patients was integrated care. Other reasons for attending MDC included those common to specialist centers, such as expertise, access to clinical trials, and participation in research. Perceived disadvantages unique to the MDC model were long and tiring visits. In common with many specialist centers, long travel times were cited as a disadvantage of MDCs.Conclusions: This information pro...
Test considerations for mixed analog and digital ASICs

An examination is made of some of the factors affecting testability of mixed analog and digital ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) standard cells. The influence of process characterization, accurate simulation models, and partitioning of digital and analog circuitry is discussed. In addition, the digitizing of the functionality of analog cells and applying testing strategies for complex digital systems are considered. Analog parameters which can be measured with a digital VLSI tester are also described. >
[BH3C(NO2)3]−: The First Room‐Temperature Stable (Trinitromethyl)borate

The first stable (trinitromethyl)borate anion [BH3C(NO2)3]- was synthesized and structurally characterized. The BH3 group in [BH3C(NO2)3]- provides a significant increase in stability compared to the previously studied BCl3 analog. The [Na(glyme)2]+, PNP+, and PPh4+ salts of [BH3C(NO2)3]- were successfully isolated and characterized by NMR and vibrational spectroscopy. The PNP+ salt was structurally characterized, confirming the theor. predicted B-C connectivity. [on SciFinder(R)]
LAND-map, a linearized approach to nonadiabatic dynamics using the mapping formalism

We present a new approach for calculating quantum time correlation functions for systems whose dynamics exhibits relevant nonadiabatic effects. The method involves partial linearization of the full quantum path-integral expression for the time correlation function written in the nonadiabatic mapping Hamiltonian formalism. Our analysis gives an algorithm which is both numerically efficient and accurate as we demonstrate in test calculations on the spin-boson model where we find results in good agreement with exact calculations. The accuracy of our new approach is comparable to that of calculations performed using other approximate methods over a relatively broad range of model parameters. However, our method converges relatively quickly when compared with most alternative schemes. These findings are very encouraging in view of the application of the new method for studying realistic nonadiabatic model problems in the condensed phase.
Computing the Shape of the Image of a Multi-Linear Mapping is Possible but Computationally Intractable: Theorems

In systems without inertia (or with negligible inertia), a change in the values of control variables x (1) , , x ( n ) leads to the immediate change in the state z of the system. In more precise terms, for such systems, every component z i of the state vector z =( z 1 , , z d ) is a function of the control variables. When we know what state z we want to achieve, the natural question is: can we achieve this state, i.e. are there values of the control variables which lead to this very state? This simplest possible functional dependence is described by linear functions . For such functions, the question of whether we can achieve a given state z reduces to the solvability of the corresponding system of linear equations; this solvability can be checked by using known (and feasible) algorithms from linear algebra. Next in complexity is the case when instead of a linear dependence, we have a multi-linear dependence. In this paper, we show that for multi-linear functions, the controllability problem is, in princi...
Isotropic Gamma-ray Intensity in an Expanding Universe

The intensities of isotropic gamma-rays produced by the inverse Compton process in an expanding universe are calculated, including the effect of red-shift on the radiation field. The results may give information concerning the universal black-body radiation field and the intergalactic electron flux intensity.
The Professionalization of Journalism: Impetus or Impediment to a “Watchdog” Press*

How have recent efforts by American journalists to “professionalize” affected their capacity to serve as “watchdog” over offcial misconduct? This article examines the organization, ideology, and legal status of American journalism with a view to answering that question. Past and present obstacles to the professionalization of news reporting are evaluated. The growth of professional consciousness and prerogatives has strengthened journalistic resources for critical scrutiny of public life. This conclusion casts doubts on sociology's prevailing view of professionalization as little more than status-seeking and self-aggrandizement. As critical journalism has increasingly come to depend on professionalizing ideology and professional organization, efforts to hamper critical journalism have increasingly taken the form of attacks on the professional autonomy of newsmen.
Marine ecosystem dynamics: Comparison of scales

When marine and terrestrial ecological systems are compared at the same time scales, there are very great differences in their relations with their physical environments. Similarities arise when comparisons are made at different time scales. There are significant consequences for management.
Revisiting the effect of nicotine on interval timing.

Abstract This paper reviews the evidence for nicotine-induced acceleration of the internal clock when timing in the seconds-to-minutes timescale, and proposes an alternative explanation to this evidence: that nicotine reduces the threshold for responses that result in more reinforcement. These two hypotheses were tested in male Wistar rats using a novel timing task. In this task, rats were trained to seek food at one location after 8 s since trial onset and at a different location after 16 s. Some rats received the same reward at both times (group SAME); some received a larger reward at 16 s (group DIFF). Steady baseline performance was followed by 3 days of subcutaneous nicotine administration (0.3 mg/kg), baseline recovery, and an antagonist challenge (mecamylamine, 1.0 mg/kg). Nicotine induced a larger, immediate reduction in latencies to switch (LTS) in group DIFF than in group SAME. This effect was sustained throughout nicotine administration. Mecamylamine pretreatment and nicotine discontinuation rapidly recovered baseline performance. These results support a response-threshold account of nicotinic disruption of timing performance, possibly mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. A detailed analysis of the distribution of LTSs suggests that anomalous effects of nicotine on LTS dispersion may be due to loss of temporal control of behavior.
Some average performance measures for the B -tree

Several average performance measures are presented for large B-trees formed from insertions, where large refers to the number of keys. Formulas are first derived for the expected number of nodes of each size on the bottom level of the tree, where the size of a node is the number of keys currently contained in the node. This is followed by formulas for the probability of making an insertion into a node of a given size, the probability of a split during an insertion into a node, and the expected number of splits during an insertion into the tree. It is shown that for large trees of high order m, the expected number of splits per insertion is approximately 1/((ln 2) m). A formula is presented for the average storage utilization, and it is shown that this average approaches ln 2 as m approaches infinity. A simpler formula is derived for the average storage utilization at the bottom level of the tree, and it is shown that this formula is an increasing function of m ranging from 2/3 to ln 2. It is shown that the expected tree height and the expected search path length are approximately logarithmic to the base (ln 2) m. Simulation results are presented to corroborate the theoretical analysis.
Reliability of composite steel bridge beams designed following AASHTO's LFD and LRFD specifications

Abstract Composite steel beam bridges designed following AASHTO's Load Factor Design (LFD) method and the newly developed Load and Resistance Factor Design method (LRFD) are proportioned for different loading conditions. They need to satisfy these conditions at maximum design load, an overloading condition, and fatigue load. The ultimate strength of compact composite steel beams is based on the fully plastic stress distribution. The capacity of non-compact beams is based on the yield or partially-plastic moment, depending on whether the beam violates all or few of the compactness or ductility requirements. In this paper, the reliability for the ultimate flexural capacity limit state of composite steel beams is investigated. The structural reliability is measured in terms of the reliability index. The statistical data on strength are generated starting from statistics on material properties and using the Monte Carlo simulation method. Statistical data on load components are compiled from the available literature. The scope of the study covers a wide range of rolled beams, span lengths, beam spacings, and two yield strengths. The deterministic study showed that the design of composite steel beams is usually not governed by the maximum design load combination, but rather by the overloading condition. The results of the reliability study indicate non-uniformity in the safety of steel bridges that are designed by the AASHTO LFD code. This is also true for AASHTO's LRFD code since it is not calibrated for the overloading condition. The value of the reliability index is a function of the compactness classification, method of design, beam spacing, span length, and section size.
Impact of positive and negative beliefs about inhaled corticosteroids on adherence in inner-city asthmatic patients

Background Daily inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use is the cornerstone of asthma management, although it is often suboptimal, especially in inner-city populations. Objective To assess the impact of potentially modifiable medication beliefs on adherence with ICS therapy across time. Methods Asthma history, medication beliefs, and ICS therapy adherence were determined in a prospective, observational cohort. Medication beliefs were based on self-regulation and self-efficacy theory. Self-reported adherence with ICS therapy was assessed using the Medication Adherence Reporting Scale, a validated 10-item instrument, at baseline and at 1 and 3 months. Repeated-measures multivariable regression identified beliefs independently associated with adherence across time after adjusting for age, sex, race, and asthma severity. Results The 261 patients were low-income minorities with high rates of asthma hospitalization, emergency department visits, intubation, and oral corticosteroid use. Adherence with ICS therapy was stable across time, with 70% of patients saying that they used ICS all or most of the time when asymptomatic. Most patients (82%) thought it was important to use ICS when asymptomatic, although 49% worried about side effects and 37% worried about becoming addicted. Although 82% felt confident in using ICS, 7% felt that their regimen was hard to follow. In multivariable analyses, the odds of adherence increased for those who felt that using ICS when asymptomatic was important (odds ratio [OR], 4.15) and for those who were confident in using ICS (OR, 2.23) and decreased by worries about side effects (OR, 0.52) or feeling the regimen was hard to follow (OR, 0.48). Conclusions Several positive and negative beliefs about ICS were associated with adherence. Eliciting and addressing these potentially modifiable beliefs may help improve adherence and outcomes.
Sodium arsenite exposure inhibits AKT and Stat3 activation, suppresses self-renewal and induces apoptotic death of embryonic stem cells

Sodium arsenite exposure at concentration >5 μM may induce embryotoxic and teratogenic effects in animal models. Long-term health effects of sodium arsenite from contaminated drinking water may result in different forms of cancer and neurological abnormalities. As cancer development processes seem to be originated in stem cells, we have chosen to examine the effects of sodium arsenite on signaling pathways and the corresponding transcription factors that regulate cell viability and self-renewal in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) and mouse neural stem/precursor cells. We demonstrated that the crucial signaling pathway, which was substantially suppressed by sodium arsenite exposure (4 μM) in ESC, was the PI3K–AKT pathway linked with numerous downstream targets that control cell survival and apoptosis. Furthermore, the whole core transcription factor circuitry that control self-renewal of mouse ESC (Stat3-P-Tyr705, Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog) was strongly down-regulated by sodium arsenite (4 μM) exposure. This was followed by G2/M arrest and induction of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway that might be suppressed by caspase-9 and caspase-3 inhibitors. In contrast to mouse ESC with very low endogenous IL6, mouse neural stem/precursor cells (C17.2 clone immortalized by v-myc) with high endogenous production of IL6 exhibited a strong resistance to cytotoxic effects of sodium arsenite that could be decreased by inhibitory anti-IL6 antibody or Stat3 inhibition. In summary, our data demonstrated suppression of self-renewal and induction of apoptosis in mouse ESC by sodium arsenite exposure, which was further accelerated due to simultaneous inhibition of the protective PI3K–AKT and Stat3-dependent pathways.
A Physician's View of One Health: Challenges and Opportunities

One Health is one of the most important movements and emerging concepts in health today. The convergence of the fields of human and animal medicine has the potential to generate novel scientific hypotheses, create effective new therapies and potentially transform how physicians, veterinarians and their patients understand health and disease. Despite this potential, One Health has not yet gained significant awareness or traction in human medical communities. From its inception, One Health, sometimes also called One Medicine, has been piloted primarily by leaders from the world of veterinary medicine. Although the specific term was coined perhaps 10 years ago, comparative medicine has been quietly evident on university campuses with veterinary and medical schools for decades longer. Although a few physicians have played major leadership roles in One Health, in the United States, despite over ten years of the movement's robust growth, many have still not heard of it. Furthermore, physicians with some awareness of One Health often believe it to be primarily and exclusively about zoonotic infections and global health. The much broader scope and potential of One Health as also including comparative physiology and medicine is not being communicated effectively. Consequently, the human medical community remains largely disengaged. This is problematic because without significant engagement from physicians, nurses and other human health care professionals, the potential of One Health cannot be realized. To advance One Health it is imperative that we first understand the roots of under-engagement of the human medical community. This, in turn, can guide the development of novel and engaging opportunities for physician which demonstrate the power relevance of One Health's comparative, collaborative and cooperative approach.[...].
A Mathematical Model for the Design and Fabrication of Polymer Solar Cells by Spray Coating

Spraying of solution-processable materials such as organic molecules, polymers, nanoparticles, and quantum dots is a viable candidate for the coating process and fabrication of thin film solar cells and other similar semiconductor devices. Spray coating, similar to spray painting in the automotive industry, is a fast process and can be scaled up and used for the roll-to-roll fabrication of solar panels. In this paper, attempts are made to understand various steps of the process and develop a simple model as a design tool. The model equations are solved numerically for the spray coating of a P3HT-PCBM active layer in a polymer solar cell using ultrasonic atomization to investigate the effect of process parameters on the thin film characteristics, such as the film thickness and heat consumption needed to vaporize the solvent. It is concluded that when using spray coating with a small thermal budget, large areas with desired submicron- and nanometer-sized thicknesses can be made in a fast process. Cost of th...
Studies on the leaf of Populus deltoides (Salicaceae): ultrastructure, plasmodesmatal frequency, and solute concentrations

Etude des relations structure-fonction dans la feuille de P. deltoides au niveau du transport des produits de la photosynthese et du chargement du phloeme
X‐Ray Observations of Two Intermediate‐Age Open Clusters: NGC 1039 and NGC 3532

Soft X-ray images of the intermediate-age (~250 Myr) NGC 1039 and NGC 3532 open star clusters have been acquired with the ROSAT High Resolution Imager, resulting in the detection of 75 sources above a 3 σ detection level of LX 2.5 × 1029 ergs s–1. Roughly half the sources detected in both images have likely optical counterparts from earlier ground-based surveys. The remainder are either prospective cluster members or foreground/background stars, which can be decided only through additional photometry, spectroscopy, and proper-motion studies. There is some indication (at the 98% confidence level) that solar-type stars in both clusters, and in the similarly aged NGC 6475 cluster, may lack the extreme rotation and activity levels shown by those in the much younger Pleiades and α Persei clusters, but a detailed assessment of the coronal X-ray properties of these clusters must await more sensitive observations in the future. If confirmed, this finding could help to rule out the possibility that stellar dynamo activity and rotational braking are controlled by a rapidly spinning central core as stars pass through this phase of evolution from the Pleiades stage to that represented by the Hyades.
Spatial measurements of moving space-charge domains in p-type ultrapure germanium.

We use a moveable capacitive probe to study experimentally the spatially dependent voltage, electric field, and charge density associated with a periodic current instability in voltage-biased ultrapure p-type Ge at 4.2 K. The data show that each period of oscillation is associated with the movement of a high-field space-charge domain along the conduction direction. The domains are 2 mm wide, \ensuremath{\sim}3 V/cm in amplitude, and move at a velocity of approximately 1200 cm/s. The onset of the instability for increasing bias field is characterized by nonperiodic current spikes, which are due to the nucleation and movement of solitary domains across the sample. We have also succeeded in nucleating a solitary domain when the sample is biased below the threshold for spontaneous current instability by applying a brief upward pulse in the applied field.
Irreducible restrictions of closed mappings

Abstract A regular Lindelof space X and a closed continuous surjection f : X → Y are constructed such that f is not inductively irreducible, i.e., no restriction of f to a closed subset of X is an irreducible surjection. We also show that if there are no weakly inaccessible cardinals, then every closed continuous surjection f : X → Y for paracompact X is inductively irreducible provided Y does not contain a dense-in-itself clopen P -subspace. We obtain ZFC results under certain further restrictions on X or Y , e.g., if the Lindelof degree of X is less than, or the tightness of Y is less than or equal to, the first weakly inaccessible cardinal.
Auditory and visual perceptual skills related to the reading performance of disadvantaged boys.

To determine the nature and magnitude of the relationships between selected auditory and visual perceptual abilities and reading performance of 105 disadvantaged boys analyses assessed (a) the magn...
From the ridiculous to the sublime: The pending disappearance of Pluto

Pluto is so distant that it is difficult to learn much about it from direct observation. For example, starting more than 100 years ago, astronomers first postulated its existence and began estimating its mass by assuming it was responsible for observed perturbations of the orbits of Neptune and Uranus. Succeeding estimates of mass were made by the most eminent astronomers of the time; for example, estimates were made by astronomers such as Pickering, Lowell, Nicholson, Mayall, Eckert, Brouwer, and Clemence, with the latest estimate being made in 1978 by Christy and Harrington. At the recent meeting of the 50th Anniversary of the Discovery of Pluto, R. L. Duncombe and P. K. Seidelman assembled these earlier estimates of the mass of Pluto. We have plotted these (see figure), starting with the estimate by J. Babinet in 1848 which gave Pluto a mass 12 times that of Earth. The graph clearly illustrates that while Pluto was sighted in 1930, it was slighted in the 1970's.
Carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions of particulate organic matter in four large river systems across the United States

Riverine particulate organic matter (POM) samples were collected bi-weekly to monthly from 40 sites in the Mississippi, Colorado, Rio Grande, and Columbia River Basins (USA) in 1996–97 and analysed for carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic compositions. These isotopic compositions and C : N ratios were used to identify four endmember sources of POM: plankton, fresh terrestrial plant material, aquatic plants, and soil organic material. This large-scale study also incorporated ancillary chemical and hydrologic data to refine and extend the interpretations of POM sources beyond the source characterizations that could be done solely with isotopic and elemental ratios. The ancillary data were especially useful for differentiating between seasonal changes in POM source materials and the effects of local nutrient sources and in-stream biogeochemical processes. Average values of δ13C and C : N for all four river systems suggested that plankton is the dominant source of POM in these rivers, with higher percentages of plankton downstream of reservoirs. Although the temporal patterns in some rivers are complex, the low δ13C and C : N values in spring and summer probably indicate plankton blooms, whereas relatively elevated values in fall and winter are consistent with greater proportions of decaying aquatic vegetation and/or terrestrial material. Seasonal shifts in the δ13C of POM when the C : N remains relatively constant probably indicate changes in the relative rates of photosynthesis and respiration. Periodic inputs of plant detritus are suggested by C : N ratios >15, principally on the Columbia and Ohio Rivers. The δ15N and δ13C also reflect the importance of internal and external sources of dissolved carbon and nitrogen, and the degree of in-stream processing. Elevated δ15N values at some sites probably reflect inputs from sewage and/or animal waste. This information on the spatial and temporal variation in sources of POM in four major river systems should prove useful in future food web and nutrient transport studies. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linguistic performance and minority groups

Abstract Beginning with linguistic performance as currently defined, this article systematically pursues its implications to and through the notion of “successful communication.” The four divisions of the article attempt explorations of the following questions: What does linguistic performance do? What place does it have in a theory of communication? What are the practical implications of such a theory in connection with actual language use? How is all this relevant to problems of what we take to be “linguistically underprivileged” (minority) groups? The article concludes that the concept of linguistic performance, “scientifically” based, is not significant in successful communication, which is an art.
Transitions in polymers by nuclear magnetic resonance¨ a study ¨

The principles of nuclear magnetic resonance, NMR, are briefly reviewed and the use of proton resonance for the study of segmental motion in solid high polymers is outlined. Studies of the temperature dependence of NMR spectra have shown that both completely amorphous and partially crystalline polymers exhibit NMR line narrowing processes at temperatures near the respective glass transition temperature due to increased segmental motion. The presence of small molecules, such as H2O or D2O in the polyamides, or a change of tacticity to a greater isotatic content, such as for poly(methyl methacrylate), is found to lower this line narrowing process on the temperature scale. Heating of polyethylene single crystal aggregates at temperatures somewhat below the melting point also leads to a decrease in temperature for this line narrowing process, presumeably due to the introduction of defects in the polymer crystals. In the ⩽ 77°K to 200°K region numerous polymers having methyl and methyl group containing side chains are found to exhibit line width and second moment dispersions, attributed to methyl group rotation. If the methyl group is attached to a phenyl or ester side chain, methyl rotation takes place at 77° K and below.
Renal artery perfusion modifies ischemia/reperfusion injury

Renal ischemic and reperfusion injury is a significant complication of major aortic and renovascular surgery. The delivery of a preservative agent just prior to reperfusion of an ischemic kidney may decrease the reperfusion injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of renal artery perfusates delivered at the termination of an ischemic period. Five groups of rats were evaluated. All rats underwent left nephrectomy. The right kidney was made ischemic for 45 min by occlusion of the renal artery and vein. Ischemic control animals had no renal artery perfusion. Nonischemic control animals had no renal vessel occlusion or perfusion. The other three groups were perfused during the final 4 min of ischemia with one of the following: normal saline (NS), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), or anti-ICAM-1-antibody (mAb). The blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Cr), and renal histopathologic injury of each group were compared. The ischemic control group had significantly better renal function than the group perfused with NS or mAb at 72 hr. There was no significant difference between the ischemic control and PBS groups in renal function or morphologic injury. It is concluded that none of the perfusates in the study had protected the kidney from ischemic and reperfusion injury. NS delivered in this manner was injurious to the kidney.