cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diffuse Interstellar Bands vs. Known Atomic and Molecular Species in the Interstellar Medium of M82 toward SN 2014J

We discuss the absorption due to various constituents of the interstellar medium of M82 seen in moderately high resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio optical spectra of SN 2014J. Complex absorption from M82 is seen, at velocities 45 $\le$ $v_{\rm LSR}$ $\le$ 260 km s$^{-1}$, for Na I, K I, Ca I, Ca II, CH, CH$^+$, and CN; many of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) are also detected. Comparisons of the column densities of the atomic and molecular species and the equivalent widths of the DIBs reveal both similarities and differences in relative abundances, compared to trends seen in the ISM of our Galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds. Of the ten relatively strong DIBs considered here, six (including $\lambda$5780.5) have strengths within $\pm$20% of the mean values seen in the local Galactic ISM, for comparable N(K I); two are weaker by 20--45% and two (including $\lambda$5797.1) are stronger by 25--40%. Weaker than "expected" DIBs [relative to N(K I), N(Na I), and E(B-V)] in some Galactic sight lines and toward several other extragalactic supernovae appear to be associated with strong CN absorption and/or significant molecular fractions. While the N(CH)/N(K I) and N(CN)/N(CH) ratios seen toward SN 2014J are similar to those found in the local Galactic ISM, the combination of high N(CH$^+$)/N(CH) and high W(5797.1)/W(5780.5) ratios has not been seen elsewhere. The centroids of many of the M82 DIBs are shifted, relative to the envelope of the K I profile -- likely due to component-to-component variations in W(DIB)/N(K I) that may reflect the molecular content of the individual components. We compare estimates for the host galaxy reddening E(B-V) and visual extinction A$_{\rm V}$ derived from the various interstellar species with the values estimated from optical and near-IR photometry of SN 2014J.
Development of a comprehensive wake theory for lifting rotors

The effects of rotational hub motion on rotor quasisteady inflow is investigated, and a complete nonlinear model is developed for all flight conditions. Momentum theory is used to generate the main result which is then combined with an actuator disk theory model for improved forward flight performance, including hub rotations. Comparison with vortex theory results in hover is done to check the consistency of the momentum theory results.
Broadband terahertz generation and detection at 10 nm scale.

Terahertz (0.1–30 THz) radiation reveals a wealth of information that is relevant for material, biological, and medical sciences with applications that span chemical sensing, high-speed electronics, and coherent control of semiconductor quantum bits. To date, there have been no methods capable of controlling terahertz (THz) radiation at molecular scales. Here we report both generation and detection of broadband terahertz field from 10 nm scale oxide nanojunctions. Frequency components of ultrafast optical radiation are mixed at these nanojunctions, producing broadband THz emission. These same devices detect THz electric fields with comparable spatial resolution. This unprecedented control, on a scale of 4 orders of magnitude smaller than the diffraction limit, creates a pathway toward THz-bandwidth spectroscopy and control of individual nanoparticles and molecules.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Ameliorate Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterized by neuroinflam- mation and demyelination. Although considered a T cell- mediated disease, multiple sclerosis involves the activation of both adaptive and innate immune cells, as well as resident cells of the central nervous system, which synergize in inducing inflammation and thereby demyelin- ation. Differentiation, survival, and inflammatory functions of innate immune cells and of astrocytes of the central nervous system are regulated by tyrosine kinases. Here, we show that imatinib, sorafenib, and GW2580—small mole- cule tyrosine kinase inhibitors—can each prevent the development of disease and treat established disease in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. In vitro, imatinib and sorafenib inhibited astrocyte proliferation mediated by the tyrosine kinase platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), whereas GW2580 and sorafenib inhibited macrophage tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production medi- ated by the tyrosine kinases c-Fms and PDGFR, respec- tively. In vivo, amelioration of disease by GW2580 was associated with a reduction in the proportion of macro- phages and T cells in the CNS infiltrate, as well as a reduction in the levels of circulating TNF. Our findings suggest that GW2580 and the FDA-approved drugs imatinib and sorafenib have potential as novel therapeu- tics for the treatment of autoimmune demyelinating disease.
Contrasting modes of light acclimation in two species of the rainforest understory.

In tropical rainforests, the increased light associated with the formation of treefall gaps can have a critical impact on the growth and survivorship of understory plants. Here we examine both leaf-level and whole-plant responses to simulated light gap formation by two common shade-tolerant shrubs, Hybanthus prunifolius and Ouratea lucens. The species were chosen because they differed in leaf lifespans, a trait that has been correlated with a number of leaf- and plant-level processes. Ouratea leaves typically live about 5 years, while Hybanthus leaves live less than 1 year. Potted plants were placed in the understory shade for 2 years before transfer to a light gap. After 2 days in high light, leaves of both species showed substantial photoinhibition, including reduced CO2 fixation, F v/F m and light use efficiency, although photoinhibition was most severe in Hybanthus. After 17 days in high light, leaves of both species were no longer photoinhibited. In response to increased light, Ouratea made very few new leaves, but retained most of its old leaves which increased photosynthetic capacity by 50%. Within a few weeks of transfer to high light, Hybanthus had dropped nearly all of its shade leaves and made new leaves that had a 2.5-fold greater light-saturated photosynthetic rate. At 80 days after transfer, the number of new leaves was 4.9-fold the initial leaf number. After 80 days in high light, Hybanthus had approximately tenfold greater productivity than Ouratea when leaf area, photosynthetic capacity, and leaf dark respiration rate were all taken into account. Although both species are considered shade tolerant, we found that their growth responses were quite different following transfer from low to high light. The short-lived Hybanthus leaves were quickly dropped, and a new canopy of sun leaves was produced. In contrast, Ouratea showed little growth response at the whole-plant level, but a greater ability to tolerate light stress and acclimate at the leaf level. These differences are consistent with predictions based on leaf lifespan and are discussed within the context of other traits associated with shade-tolerant syndromes.
An Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Antibody to Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)‐like Antigen in Human Pancreatic Cancer

An immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody to a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-like antigen was isolated from the ascites fluid of a patient with pancreatic cancer by ammonium sulfate precipitation (25–55% saturation) and subsequent purification by gel filtrations on Sephadex G-200 and Sepharose 6B followed by protein A-Sepharose CL-4B chromatography. The IgM antibody was found to be in complex with a CEA-like antigen as revealed by the multiple precipitin lines obtained on immunoelectrophoresis and double diffusion with a mixture of antihuman IgM and anti-CEA. Dissociation of the complex with 0.2M glycine HCl buffer pH 2.5 and further chromatography on Sepharose CL-6B. followed by Sepharose 6B separated the IgM antibody from the CEA-like antigen. The IgM antibody formed an immunoprecipitate upon double diffusion with a homologous CEA cross-reactive antigen isolated from the liver metastasis of another patient with pancreatic cancer. The antigen (molecular weight 70,000 ± 15,000 daltons) which reacted with the IgM antibody was purified by Con A Sepharose affinity chromatography followed by gel filtration on BioGel A 1.5M. The IgM antibody reacted with tumor antigens from pancreatic cancer only. These results suggest that the human IgM antibody response to antigens may be specific to the tumor type involved.
The Globalization of Childhood: The International Diffusion of Norms and Law against the Child Death Penalty

International law on children’s rights, in important ways, usurps state authority over the ideology of childhood, establishing complicated and exacting standards that all states should adopt. The i...
The Text of Romans and 1 Corinthians in Minuscule 93 and the Text of Pamphilus

GREEK manuscript II A 7 in the Biblioteca Nazionale in Naples is an unpublished minuscule codex from around the eleventh century containing the Acts of the Apostles, the Catholic epistles, fourteen epistles of St. Paul (including the Pastorals and Hebrews) and the Apocalypse through chapter three, verse thirteen. The codex was described in detail by Salvator Cyrillus, royal librarian of what was then the Bourbon Library, now the public library in Naples,1 and more recently and briefly by Gregory 2 and von Soden.3 The MS. is furnished with a form of the "Euthal-
Achieving content representativeness in organizational diagnosis Use of action groups for successful organizational change

An organizational diagnosis provides analysts with information on which to base and plan an appropriate intervention to improve an organization’s functioning. In many instances, the data collected ...
Investigating the Influence of Spatial and Temporal Granularities on Agent-Based Modeling

Epidemic agent-based models (ABMs) simulate individuals in artificial societies that are capable of movement, interaction, and transmitting disease among themselves. ABMs have been used to study the spread of disease at various spatial and temporal scales ranging from small communities to the world, over days, months, and years. The representations of space and time often vary between different epidemic ABMs and can be influenced by factors such as the size of a modeled population, computational requirements, population environments, and disease-related data. The influence that the representations of space and time have on epidemic ABMs is difficult to assess. Here we show that the finest representations of space and time—termed spatial and temporal granularities (STGs)—in a parsimonious ABM affect speed, intensity, and spatial spread of a synthetic disease. Specifically, we found disease spread faster and more intensely as spatial granularity is coarsened, whereas disease spread slower and less intensely as temporal granularity is coarsened in a parsimonious ABM. Our study is the first to use the same epidemic ABM to examine the influence of STGs. Our results demonstrate that STGs influence ABM dynamics including early disease burnout and that an interrelationship exists between the coarsening of STGs and the speed and intensity at which disease spreads. Our parsimonious ABM is extended based on a structured community model and we found STGs also influence ABM dynamics in a more realistic context that includes hierarchical movement. Broadly, our study serves as a basis for further inquiry toward the influence of space–time representations on more realistic models that include multiscale mobility, routine movements (e.g., commuting), and heterogeneous population distributions.
Transcriptional Regulation of Type I Diabetes by NF-κB

Development of type I diabetes requires coordinated expression of myriad genes responsible for the initiation and progression of the disease. Expression of these genes are regulated by a small number of transcription factors including the Rel/NF-κB family. To determine the roles of the Rel/NF-κB family in type I diabetes, we studied multiple low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice deficient in either c-Rel or NF-κB1. We found that mice deficient in each of these NF-κB subunits were resistant to streptozotocin-induced diabetes. However, the mechanisms of the disease resistance may differ in different cases. Deficiency in c-Rel selectively reduced Th1, but not Th2 responses, whereas NF-κB1 deficiency had little effect on T cell responses to anti-CD3 stimulation. Death of dendritic cells was accelerated in the absence of NF-κB1, whereas death of macrophages and granulocytes was affected primarily by c-Rel deficiency. Furthermore, Stat-1 expression was significantly reduced in macrophages deficient in NF-κB1, but not c-Rel. These results indicate that both c-Rel and NF-κB1are essential for the development of type I diabetes and that strategies targeting each of these subunits would be effective in preventing the disease.
Cepstral domain talker stress compensation for robust speech recognition

A study of talker-stress-induced intraword variability and an algorithm that compensates for the systematic changes observed are presented. The study is based on hidden Markov models trained by speech tokens spoken in various talking styles. The talking styles include normal speech, fast speech, loud speech, soft speech, and taking with noise injected through earphones; the styles are designed to simulate speech produced under real stressful conditions. Cepstral coefficients are used as the parameters in the hidden Markov models. The stress compensation algorithm compensates for the variations in the cepstral coefficients in a hypothesis-driven manner. The functional form of the compensation is shown to correspond to the equalization of spectral tilts. Substantial reduction of error rates has been achieved when the cepstral domain compensation techniques were tested on the simulated-stress speech database. The hypothesis-driven compensation technique reduced the average error rate from 13.9% to 6.2%. When a more sophisticated recognizer was used, it reduced the error rate from 2.5% to 1.9%. >
Molecular Mechanisms of Inhibition of Vascular Growth by Angiotensin-(1-7)

Angiotensin (Ang) peptides play a critical role in regulating vascular reactivity and structure. We showed that Ang-(1-7) reduced smooth muscle growth after vascular injury and attenuated the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of the antiproliferative effects of Ang-(1-7) in cultured rat aortic VSMCs. Ang-(1-7) caused a dose-dependent release of prostacyclin from VSMCs, with a maximal release of 277.9+/-25.2% of basal values (P<0.05) by 100 nmol/L Ang-(1-7). The cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin significantly attenuated growth inhibition by Ang-(1-7). In contrast, neither a lipoxygenase inhibitor nor a cytochrome p450 epoxygenase inhibitor prevented the antiproliferative effects of Ang-(1-7). These results suggest that Ang-(1-7) inhibits vascular growth by releasing prostacyclin. Ang-(1-7) caused a dose-dependent release of cAMP, which might result from prostacyclin-mediated activation of adenylate cyclase. The cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor Rp-adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate attenuated the Ang-(1-7)-mediated inhibition of serum-stimulated thymidine incorporation. Finally, Ang-(1-7) inhibited Ang II stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase activities (ERK1/2). Incubation of VSMCs with concentrations of Ang-(1-7) up to 1 micromol/L had no effect on ERK1/2 activation. However, preincubation with increasing concentrations of Ang-(1-7) caused a dose-dependent reduction in Ang II-stimulated ERK1/2 activities. Ang-(1-7) (1 micromol/L) reduced 100 nmol/L Ang II-stimulated ERK1 and ERK2 activation by 42.3+/-6.2% and 41.2+/-4.2%, respectively (P<0.01). These results suggest that Ang-(1-7) inhibits vascular growth through the release of prostacyclin, through the prostacyclin-mediated production of cAMP and activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, and by attenuation of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation.
Matrix Effect Studies in the Inductively Coupled Plasma with Monodisperse Droplets. Part II: The Influence of Matrix on Spatially Integrated Ion Density

Monodisperse droplet sample introduction was used to study the ionization process in the inductively coupled plasma (ICP). The influence of the matrix on the analyte ion number density was evaluated by using laser-excited atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (LEAFS). The results suggest that the presence of 0.1 M NaCl enhances the ionization of the analyte species. With the addition of the NaCl, the spatially integrated Ba(II) signal decreases, apparently due to enhanced production of Ba2+. Added NaCl accelerates the appearance of Sc+, but does not affect the spatially integrated signal once ionization is complete. The possible effects on the fluorescence signal of quenching caused by the presence of the NaCl were evaluated by comparison of time-resolved and time-integrated detection. Quenching makes a small contribution to the fluorescence intensity change produced by the matrix but does not account for large loss in signal from singly ionized Ba.
Eldercide: A Gendered Examination of Elderly Homicide in the United States, 2000-2005

Eldercide is an increasing category of homicide affecting members of one of society’s most vulnerable populations. Despite attention from health officials, policy makers, researchers, the public, and the criminal justice system, there remains a dearth of knowledge about the phenomenon. Examination of extant empirical works reveals overreliance on small localized subsamples drawn frequently from medical examiner reports, underutilization of large national samples, brief temporal spans of data, and diffuse victim and offender profiles. This work, examining a large sample of reported incidents collected as part of the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) for the period 2000-2005, addresses several limitations. This research examines victim, offender, and incident characteristics using chi-square tests and logistic regression to establish baseline findings and victim/offender profiles from a more comprehensive sample of data than prior studies have employed. Furthermore, the work examines the role of gender as a key to the dichotomy that exists in the literature between strangeroriented eldercide and family violence–oriented eldercide. Results suggest notable gender differences with White males being the most frequent victims of eldercide, killed predominantly by offenders below the age of 45 compared to female victims who are most frequently killed by offenders above 45 years of age. Males are also more likely to be killed by a stranger compared to females who are most likely to be killed by a spouse or child. This work both corroborates and contrasts prior findings providing new insights and avenues for future study.
Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-1 antagonism mitigates beta amyloid pathology and cognitive and synaptic deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Introduction Stress and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) have been implicated as mechanistically involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but agents that impact CRF signaling have not been carefully tested for therapeutic efficacy or long-term safety in animal models. Methods To test whether antagonism of the type-1 corticotropin-releasing factor receptor (CRFR1) could be used as a disease-modifying treatment for AD, we used a preclinical prevention paradigm and treated 30-day-old AD transgenic mice with the small-molecule, CRFR1-selective antagonist, R121919, for 5 months, and examined AD pathologic and behavioral end points. Results R121919 significantly prevented the onset of cognitive impairment in female mice and reduced cellular and synaptic deficits and beta amyloid and C-terminal fragment-β levels in both genders. We observed no tolerability or toxicity issues in mice treated with R121919. Discussion CRFR1 antagonism presents a viable disease-modifying therapy for AD, recommending its advancement to early-phase human safety trials.
Test station development for laser-induced optical damage performance of broadband multilayer dielectric coatings

Laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) testing was performed on commercially-available multilayer dielectric coatings to qualify for use in the High Repetition-Rate Advanced Petawatt Laser System (HAPLS) for Extreme Light Infrastructure Beamlines. Various tests were performed with uncompressed pulses (150 ps) from a 780 nm-centered Ti:Sapphire regenerative ampliflier, and the raster scan method was used to determine the best-performing coatings. Performance varied from 2–8 J/cm 2 across samples from 6 different manufacturers.
Management of Individuals With a Mutation in the Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Gene.

Advances in genetic testing have led to the identification of multiple genes associated with a hereditary risk for developing breast and other cancers. One such gene is the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene, which is available on many genetic panels offered to individuals with suspected hereditary risk. Genetic testing can often lead to improved understanding and clarification of risk for developing cancer, as well as allow affected individuals to make informed choices about management, including the adoption of primary prevention strategies and more aggressive screening than typically recommended in the general population. This article provides an overview of the role of mutations in the ATM gene in developing malignancies, along with emerging research on treatment implications based on genetic testing results. .
Tragedy, Finitude, and the Value-Expressive Dimension

Philosophers since the time of Aristotle have tried to explain what is sometimes called the “tragic paradox” — the fact that in watching a tragedy we positively want to experience the gut-wrenching feelings of grief and pain that we hope will be so intense as to move us to tears. A similar phenomenon also extends beyond drama to real life: We want to look at the picture of a deceased loved one so that we can grieve, to revisit the park where we spent time with a lost love, so that we can weep, to get the pianist to play the sad song again so that we can again reflect on how much sadness inevitably pervades life. Some might wish merely to write off such tendencies as symptoms of “clinical depression,” but labelling a phenomenon does not ensure that we have understood it. Labelling the desire for the tragic experience in this way would serve the same purpose that it serves for those introductory philosophy students who insist that we all seek only our own happiness; when confronted with counter-examples, they simply assert that people who do not seek only their own happiness are “abnormal,” as though this designation somehow blunted the force of the counter-examples.
Partial Vertical Laryngectomy: Its Variations:

Educational objectives: To review the indications and treatment results of partial vertical laryngectomy for select T1 glottic cancer and to understand the three major surgical procedures performed for T1 glottic cancer via an open approach.
The Representation of Affricates in Cimbrian German

It is argued that Cimbrian German requires reference to the natural class of affricates and fricatives and that this grouping is captured by analyzing both sets of sounds as [+continuant]. This finding is problematic for theories that treat affricates as strident stops without a [+continuant] component.*
Clarithromycin in the Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Mycoplasmal Infections in Children

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy of clarithromycin in the treatment of upper respiratory tract mycoplasmal infections(URTI)in children METHODS:68 cases were divided into two groups according to different therapeutic schemes:observation group(38 patients)received clarithromycin,10～15mg/(kg·d),bid,po,double the first dose;control group(30 patients) were treated with erythromycin,20～30mg/(kg·d),tid,po or iv drip qd for 7 days RESULTS:Observation group had significantly higher overall effective rate(P0 05) and lower incidence of side effects(P0 01) than control group CONCL_USION:Clarithromycin is a safe,convenient and highly effective antibiotic in the treatment of URTI in children
A re-evaluation of the anxiolytic properties of intramuscular midazolam

The observed effect of midazolam on anxiety is equivocal in part because previous studies have not ruled out pre-treatment differences in anxiety scores between patients who received midazolam and those who did not (controls). This study re-examines the anxiolytic effect of premedication with intramuscular midazolam using a sample size calculated to be of sufficient size to rule out population differences as a variable affecting treatment results. In the midazolam group (n = 49) anxiety scores were determined prior to administration of midazolam 0.07 mg/kg intramuscularly, and again 60 minutes later. In the control group (n = 47) anxiety scores were determined prior to intramuscular injection of a similar volume of matching placebo (midazolam vehicle), and again 60 minutes later. No differences in anxiety scores between groups either before treatments or 60 minutes after treatments were observed. Within both groups, anxiety scores at 60 minutes were no different from pre-treatment scores. In this study midazolam did not produce a statistically significant decrease in pre-operative anxiety scores at 60 minutes following intramuscular administration.
Nathaniel Stern: Performing Images Into Existence

After hearing Donal O'Donoghue's (2010) Manual Barkan Award Lecture at the 50th NAEA National Convention, I could not stop wondering, what would my art classroom look like if I taught about “art of our time”? What would my students' artworks look like if I taught in a way where art was transient, not about objects, but rather experiences? What would my lessons look like? What would my classroom look like? How do I nurture a space where students can experiment and safely fail in the context of schools dominated by high stakes assessments? Answers to these questions are still unfolding in the midst of conversations about new National Core Art Standards, choice-based art education, project-based learning, and maker spaces.
Diffusion Monte Carlo studies of MB-pol (H2O)2−6 and (D2O)2−6 clusters: Structures and binding energies

We employ the diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) method in conjunction with the recently developed, ab initio-based MB-pol potential energy surface to characterize the ground states of small (H2O)2−6 clusters and their deuterated isotopomers. Observables, other than the ground state energies, are computed using the descendant weighting approach. Among those are various spatial correlation functions and relative isomer fractions. Interestingly, the ground states of all clusters considered in this study, except for the dimer, are delocalized over at least two conformations that differ by the orientation of one or more water monomers with the relative isomer populations being sensitive to the isotope substitution. Most remarkably, the ground state of the (H2O)6 hexamer is represented by four distinct cage structures, while that of (D2O)6 is dominated by the prism, i.e., the global minimum geometry, with a very small contribution from a prism-book geometry. In addition, for (H2O)6 and (D2O)6, we performed DMC calculations to compute the ground states constrained to the cage and prism geometries. These calculations compared results for three different potentials, MB-pol, TTM3/F, and q-TIP4P/F.
A 65nm CMOS wideband TDD front-end with integrated T/R switching via PA re-use

A wideband time-division duplex (TDD) front-end with an integrated transmit/receive (T/R) switching technique is implemented in 65nm CMOS. By re-using the PA as an LNA during receive mode, the system eliminates the conventional series T/R switch from the signal path and utilizes only DC mode control switches to enable TDD co-existence. With integrated front-end balun transformer, the full polar transmitter achieves 20dBm peak output power with 32.7% peak drain efficiency. In receive mode, the PA is reconfigured into a wideband 3.4GHz–5.4GHz LNA achieving −6.7dBm P1dB and 5.1dB NF.
The data quality improvement plan: deciding on choice and sequence of data quality improvements

With the rapid growth in the amount of data generated worldwide, ensuring adequate data quality (DQ) is increasingly becoming a challenge for companies: data are, among others, required to be timely, complete, consistent, valid, and accessible. Given this multidimensionality, DQ improvements (DQIs) need to be purposefully chosen and –as there can be path dependencies– arranged in an optimal sequence. Thus, this research contributes to performing the complex multidimensional task of ensuring adequate DQ in an economically reasonable manner by providing a formal decision model for identifying an optimal data quality improvement plan (DQIP). This DQIP comprises both an economically reasonable selection and execution sequence of DQIs based on existing interrelationships between different DQ dimensions. Furthermore, a comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation provides insights in implications to put the decision model into operation. For practitioners, the decision model enables efficient allocation of resources to DQIs. The model also gives advice on how to sequence DQIs and attracts attention to the complex problem context of DQ in order to support valid managerial decisions.
A General Method for Two-Step Transamidation of Secondary Amides Using Commercially Available, Air- and Moisture-Stable Palladium/NHC (N-Heterocyclic Carbene) Complexes

The first general method is reported for transamidation of secondary carboxamides catalyzed by Pd-NHC (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) complexes. Commercially available, air- and moisture-stable (NHC)Pd(R-allyl)Cl complexes can effect C–N cross-coupling of a wide range of N-Boc and N-Ts amides, obtained by selective amide N-functionalization, with non-nucleophilic anilines and sterically hindered amines in very good yields. The first use of versatile Pd-NHC complexes as catalysts is represented for transition-metal-catalyzed C(acyl)–N amination of amides by N–C activation.
Canonical Modeling: A Link Between Environmental Models and Statistics

The article describes three connections between statistics and modeling in environmental studies. As the first connection, typical exposure and disease models are derived mathematically from general principles of dynamical systems analysis. The second connection is developed between physiological and environmental processes on one hand and survival curves on the other. The third connection describes how dynamic processes affect distributions of random variables. Forming novel connections between different branches of environmetrics enhances our understanding of environmental phenomena and offers new avenues of analysis.
Correlation Between Lymphedema Disease Severity and Lymphoscintigraphic Findings: A Clinical-Radiologic Study.

Background Lymphoscintigraphy is used to confirm the diagnosis of lymphedema; pathologic findings are abnormal transit time to regional nodes and dermal backflow. A universal protocol for the test does not exist. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the clinical severity of lymphedema correlates with lymphoscintigraphy findings. Study Design Patients treated in our Lymphedema Program between 2009 and 2017 were reviewed. Diagnosis of lymphedema was determined by history, physical examination, and lymphoscintigraphy. Severity was defined by increased volume of the limb as follows: mild ( 40%). Candidate variables included location (arm, leg), age, duration of symptoms, infection history, and lymphedema type (primary, secondary). An association between lymphedema severity and lymphoscintigraphy findings was determined using the Pearson chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. Results One hundred and thirty-four patients with 181 affected extremities (24 upper, 157 lower) were included. Clinical severity was as follows: 54% mild, 30% moderate, and 16% severe. Delayed tracer transit to the regional nodes was as follows: 45 minutes (34%), 2 hours (18%), and 4 hours or longer (48%). Thirty-six percent of extremities demonstrated dermal backflow. Abnormal transit time or dermal backflow was identified in 97% of extremities by 45 minutes and in 3% of limbs by 2 hours. Transit time and dermal backflow were not predictive of clinical severity when adjusting for candidate variables (p > 0.1). Conclusions Clinical severity of lymphedema is not associated with lymphoscintigraphy findings. A lymphoscintigram should be interpreted as normal or abnormal, and does not need to exceed 2 hours.
Inhibitory Plasticity and Auditory Function

The mammalian auditory system serves many functions for an ­organism throughout its life, including the spatial localization of sound sources and the recognition of behaviorally-relevant sounds. The neural circuitry underlying these various functions are not all fully elucidated, but likely involve key contributions from both subcortical as well as cortical auditory areas. While the focus has often been on the role of neural excitation within these areas, there is increasing recognition that neural inhibition and its plasticity can be just as important in shaping the function of auditory circuits.
Can Modular Manufacturing Be the Next Game-Changer in Shale Gas Supply Chain Design and Operations for Economic and Environmental Sustainability?

Modular manufacturing is identified to have great potential in the exploitation of shale gas resource. In this work, we propose a novel mixed-integer nonlinear fractional programming model to investigate the economic and environmental implications of incorporating modular manufacturing into well-to-wire shale gas supply chains. Both design and operational decisions regarding modular manufacturing are considered, including modular plant allocation, capacity selection, installment planning, moving scheduling, and salvage operation, as well as other decisions for shale gas supply chain design and operations, such as drilling schedule, water management, and pipeline network construction. To systematically evaluate the full spectrum of environmental impacts, an endpoint-oriented life cycle optimization framework is applied that accounts for up to 18 midpoint impact categories and three endpoint impact categories. Total environmental impact scores are obtained to evaluate the comprehensive life cycle environmen...
Influence of substitution of various functional groups on inhibition efficiency of TEMPO analogues on styrene polymerization

Vinyl monomers such as styrene may undergo undesired polymerization reactions during the industrial processes in which they are synthesized and purified. To avoid this undesired phenomenon, polymerization inhibitors such as (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxidanyl (TEMPO) and its analogues can be used. An inhibitor and stability screening setup built in-house was used to compare the effectiveness of thirteen TEMPO analogues in inhibiting the polymerization of styrene in toluene at 130 °C. The data show that the substituent in the 4′-position in the cyclic structure of the TEMPO molecules strongly influenced their effectiveness in inhibiting polymerization. Computational methods based on the density functional theory (DFT) approach have been utilized to understand the reactivity of the TEMPO analogues. The global reactivity descriptors derived from the DFT calculations indicate that the TEMPO analogues with high global electrophilicity are more effective than those with low global electrophilicity in inhibiting the polymerization. The data suggest that the solubility of the TEMPO analogues in toluene and the keto–enol tautomerism of certain molecules may also affect their ability to inhibit styrene polymerization.
Predictive current control for stabilizing power electronics based AC power systems

Frequency domain passivity theory is used to evaluate harmonic resonance instabilities in a system with multiple grid-tied voltage source converters (VSCs), and subsequently, a stabilizing controller using predictive current control (PCC) method is proposed to prevent such instabilities. The input admittance of VSCs using PCC can achieve passivity almost up to the Nyquist frequency. This research demonstrates that a very simple and easy implementation of PCC can extend the controller delay dependent stability range of converter side current control for VSCs equipped with LCL-filters up to that point. The alternative approaches achieved stability over similar frequency range by combining complicated active damping techniques with proportional-integral or proportional-resonant type controllers. The frequency domain analysis of the proposed PCC based method is validated via simulation and hardware experiments. The controller is experimentally shown to achieve stable operation irrespective of model imperfections.
2.2 – DNA and Protein Synthesis

This chapter begins with a discussion of genotype and phenotype and the existence of multiple forms of genes, the alleles, and organization into chromosomes. The structure of DNA is then reviewed, from the purine and pyrimidine bases attached to deoxyribose and phosphate. This chapter describes how these are strung together to make single-stranded DNA, and how this assembles to make double-stranded DNA. The hydrogen bonding that pairs adenosine with thymine and cytosine with guanine is shown. DNA replication is described. The various forms of RNA—ribosomal, transfer, messenger, small nuclear and mitochondrial—are then discussed. How these various RNAs are used to make proteins takes up most of the remainder of this chapter. What is meant by the “genetic code” is discussed, particularly that this is a system property and not a DNA or RNA property. This chapter then discusses how histones wrap up DNA and how the DNA can be unwrapped. The histone code is discussed.
Single-hydrophone automated passive acoustic ranging of fin whales at Station ALOHA

This paper presents a technique for performing passive underwater acoustic ranging with data from a single hydrophone and builds upon earlier localization approaches which estimate the sound source position using times of arrival of acoustic energy traveling along direct and/or interface-reflecting paths between source and receiver. In this work, measured time differences between interface-reflecting and direct path arrival times are compared with a set of model-predicted time differences calculated over a set of candidate source ranges in a way that does not require measured arrival paths to be labeled (e.g., direct, surface bounce, bottom bounce, etc.). The modeled set with the best match to the measured data indicates the best estimate of source range. To enable the processing of multi-year data sets, the detection and localization steps are automated and, where possible, multi-threaded to improve computational efficiency on multi-core computer processors. This approach is demonstrated using 20-Hz fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) calls recorded by the ALOHA Cabled Observatory (ACO), 100 km N of Oahu (Hawaii) in 4782 m of water.This paper presents a technique for performing passive underwater acoustic ranging with data from a single hydrophone and builds upon earlier localization approaches which estimate the sound source position using times of arrival of acoustic energy traveling along direct and/or interface-reflecting paths between source and receiver. In this work, measured time differences between interface-reflecting and direct path arrival times are compared with a set of model-predicted time differences calculated over a set of candidate source ranges in a way that does not require measured arrival paths to be labeled (e.g., direct, surface bounce, bottom bounce, etc.). The modeled set with the best match to the measured data indicates the best estimate of source range. To enable the processing of multi-year data sets, the detection and localization steps are automated and, where possible, multi-threaded to improve computational efficiency on multi-core computer processors. This approach is demonstrated using 20-Hz fin ...
Narrowing Frequency Probability Density Function for Achieving Minimized Uncertainties in Power Systems Operation – a Stochastic Distribution Control Perspective

In this paper, the summary of the stochastic swing equation will be firstly given taking into account of DERs. This will then be followed by the development of stochastic distribution control model that links the power sources and the loads with the PDF of the frequency using Fokker Planck Kolmogorov (FPK) equations. A generic constrained optimization problem will be formulated, where the cost function is composed of a kind of “functional distance” between the actual and the desired PDFs of the frequency. A feasible solution using B-spine Neural Networks based stochastic distribution control model will be described. Using the obtained stochastic distribution control model, a feedback type control algorithm will be described that uses controllable power sources and the loads to shape the PDF of the frequency or to minimize the randomness of the frequency via minimized entropy approach. Future directions will be briefly discussed in the later part of the paper.
Childhood maltreatment and alcohol use in young adulthood: the role of self-regulation processes.

Abstract Introduction Childhood maltreatment has been linked to later alcohol use and disorders. Few studies have examined the pathways linking child maltreatment to alcohol use during the transition to adulthood. Currently, minimal understanding of such developmental pathways limits the success of alcohol prevention and intervention efforts for this highly vulnerable population. The present study examined if individual differences in self-regulation processes are critical factors that mediate the association between childhood maltreatment and risk for alcohol use. Method Young adults (N = 335; mean age = 21.7), who were recruited from the community, completed self-report measures of childhood maltreatment, different facets of self-regulation processes, and alcohol use. Multiple structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses were performed to specify the roles of two related, but different, self-regulation processes (i.e., behavioral self-control and behavioral dysregulation) in linking child maltreatment to four different patterns of drinking behaviors, including drinking frequency, binge drinking, alcohol-related problems, and alcohol dependence. Common risk factors for alcohol use, such as psychological symptoms and peer alcohol use, were also entered into the models. Results We found that behavioral dysregulation particularly plays a mediating role in the associations between childhood emotional abuse and problematic alcohol use during young adulthood. Conclusion The results of this research suggest that self-control processes would be potentially useful targets to prevent problematic alcohol use among young people who have had exposure to childhood maltreatment.
Proceedings of the second international workshop on Data-aware distributed computing

I am pleased to welcome everybody to the Second International Workshop on Data-Aware Distributed Computing (DADC 2009), which is held in conjunction with the ACM/IEEE International Conference on High Performance Distributed Computing (HPDC 2009). The data needs of scientific as well as commercial applications from a diverse range of fields have been increasing exponentially over the recent years. This increase in the demand for large-scale data processing has necessitated collaboration and sharing of data collections among the world's leading education, research, and industrial institutions and use of distributed resources owned by collaborating parties. In a widely distributed environment, data is often not locally accessible and has thus to be remotely retrieved and stored. While traditional distributed systems work well for computation that requires limited data handling, they may fail in unexpected ways when the computation accesses, creates, and moves large amounts of data especially over wide-area networks. Further, data accessed and created is often poorly described, lacking both metadata and provenance. Scientists, researchers, and application developers are often forced to solve basic data-handling issues, such as physically locating data, how to access it, and/or how to move it to visualization and/or compute resources for further analysis. DADC focuses on the challenges imposed by data-intensive applications on distributed systems, and on the different state-of-the-art solutions proposed to overcome these challenges. Characterized by a new paradigm called "data-aware distributed computing", DADC explores problems in data aware scheduling, resource allocation, metadata collection, workflow management, and visualization. Armed with tools and theory of suitable data management techniques, DADC will enable domain scientists to focus on their primary goal. DADC will bring together the collaborative and distributed computing community and the data management community in an effort to generate productive conversations on the planning, management, and scheduling of data handling tasks and data storage resources.
Helix Cracking Regulates the Critical Interaction between RetS and GacS in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Summary Recent paradigm shifting discoveries have demonstrated that bacterial signaling kinases engage in unexpected regulatory crosstalk, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely uncharacterized. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa RetS/GacS system constitutes an ideal model for studying these mechanisms. The in-depth analysis of the kinase region of RetS and RetS/GacS interactions presented here refutes a longstanding model, which posited the formation of a catalytically inactive RetS/GacS heterodimer. Crystallographic studies uncovered structurally dynamic features within the RetS kinase region, suggesting that RetS uses the reversible unfolding of a helix, or helix cracking, to control interactions with GacS. The pivotal importance of this helical region for regulating GacS and, by extension, Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence, was corroborated via in vivo assays. The implications of this work extend beyond the RetS/GacS system because the helix cracking occurs right next to a highly conserved catalytic residue histidine-424, suggesting this model could represent an emergent archetype for histidine kinase regulation.
Non-point source evaluation of groundwater nitrate contamination from agriculture under geologic uncertainty

The long-term effect of non-point source pollution on groundwater from agricultural practices is a major concern globally. Non-point source pollutants such as nitrate that occurs through fertilizers and animal waste eventually make their way into the aquifer by infiltrating soil. The goal of this study is to develop an approach for characterization of nitrate concentrations at potential source locations under conditions of geologic uncertainty. A Bayesian framework using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach is developed to estimate posterior probability distributions of non-point sources by incorporating nitrate concentration data as well as geologic uncertainties. The proposed approach is tested using hypothetical contamination scenarios and then validated using an application case study in North Carolina. Uncertainty existing in geologic formation (i.e., heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity field) is treated as prior and used in evaluating the likelihood function that measures the match between observed and simulated concentrations. The likelihood function computation involves a numerical model that simulates nitrate transport in groundwater from non-point agricultural sources and predicts nitrate concentrations at observation wells. Effectiveness of the MCMC approach is evaluated through a convergence analysis. Comparison among different sampling algorithms is carried out with respect to MCMC convergence diagnostics and making inference. The Bayesian inference analysis methodology developed in this research will help decision makers and water managers to identify potential areas for source containment and decide if further sampling is required.