cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kernel Density Estimation of Reaction Rates in Neutron Transport Simulations of Nuclear Reactors

AbstractKernel density estimators (KDEs) are applied to estimate neutron scalar flux and reaction rate densities in Monte Carlo neutron transport simulations of heterogeneous nuclear reactors in continuous energy. The mean free path (MFP) KDE is introduced in order to handle the issues that arise from estimating the discontinuous reaction rate densities at material interfaces. Results show the MFP KDE is more accurate at estimating reaction rates compared with previous KDE formulations. An approximate MFP (aMFP) KDE is introduced to circumvent several practical issues presented by the MFP KDE. A volume-averaged KDE is derived and used to determine the bias introduced by the aMFP KDE. A KDE is formulated for cylindrical coordinates to better represent the geometry and capture the physics in two-dimensional reactor physics problems. The results indicate that the cylindrical MFP KDE and cylindrical aMFP KDE are accurate tools for capturing reaction rates in heterogeneous reactor physics problems in continuou...
The Affordable Care Act: Disparities in emergency department use for mental health diagnoses in young adults.

There is little consensus as to the effects of insurance expansion on emergency department (ED) utilization for mental health purposes. We aimed to study the race specific association between the dependent coverage provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and changes in young adults' usage of emergency department services for psychiatric diagnoses.We utilized a Quasi-Experimental analysis of ED use in California from 2009-2011 for behavioral health diagnoses of individuals aged 19 to 31 years. Analysis used a difference-in-differences approach comparing those targeted by the ACA dependent provision (19-25 years) and those who were not (27 to 31 years), evaluating changes in ED visit rates per 1 000 in California. Primary outcomes measured included the quarterly ED visit rates with any psychiatric diagnosis. Subgroups were analyzed for differences based on race and gender.The ACA dependent provision was associated with 0.05 per 1 000 people fewer psychiatric ED visits among the treatment group (19-25 years) compared to the control group (27-31 years). Hispanics and Asian/Pacific Islanders were the only racial subgroups who did not see this significant reduction and were the only racial subgroups that did not see significant gains in the proportion of psychiatric ED visits covered by private insurance.The ACA dependent provision was associated with a modest reduction in the growth rate of ED use for psychiatric reasons, however, racial disparities in the effect of this provision exist for patients of Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander racial groups.
Sturdy, Monolithic SiC and Si3N4 Aerogels from Compressed Polymer-Cross-Linked Silica Xerogel Powders

We report the carbothermal synthesis of sturdy, highly porous (>85%) SiC and Si3N4 monolithic aerogels from compressed polyurea-cross-linked silica xerogel powders. The high porosity in those articles was created via reaction of core silica nanoparticles with their carbonized polymer coating toward the new ceramic framework and CO that escaped. Sol–gel silica powder was obtained by disrupting gelation of a silica sol with vigorous agitation. The grains of the powder were about 50 μm in size and irregular in shape and consisted of 3D assemblies of silica nanoparticles as in any typical silica gel. The individual elementary silica nanoparticles within the grains of the powder were coated conformally with a nanothin layer of carbonizable polyurea derived from the reaction of an aromatic triisocyanate (TIPM: triisocyanatophenyl methane) with the innate −OH, deliberately added −NH2 groups, and adsorbed water on the surface of silica nanoparticles. The wet-gel powder was dried at ambient temperature under vacuu...
Analysis of Cloud-Resolving Model Simulations for Scale Dependence of Convective Momentum Transport

We use 3-D cloud-resolving model (CRM) simulations of two mesoscale convective systems at mid-latitudes and a simple statistical ensemble method to diagnose the scale dependency of convective momentum transport (CMT) and CMT-related properties, and evaluate a parameterization scheme for convection-induced pressure gradient (CIPG) developed by Gregory et al. (GKI97). GKI97 relates CIPG to a constant coefficient multiplied by mass flux and vertical mean wind shear. CRM results show that mass fluxes and CMT exhibit strong scale dependency in temporal evolution and vertical structure. The prevalent understandings of CMT characteristics in terms of upgradient/downgradient transport are applicable to updrafts but not downdrafts across a wide range of grid spacings (4-512 km). For the small-to-median grid spacings (4~64 km), GKI97 reproduces some aspects of CIPG scale dependency except for underestimating the variations of CIPG as grid spacing decreases. However, for large grid spacings (128~512 km), GKI97 might even less adequately parameterize CIPG because it omits the contribution from either the nonlinear shear or buoyancy forcings. Further diagnosis of CRM results suggests that inclusion of nonlinear shear forcing in GKI97 is needed for the large grid spacings, and use of the three updraft and one downdraft approach proposed in an earlier study may help a modified GKI97 capture more variations of CIPG as grid spacing decreases for the small-to-median grid spacings. Further, the optimal coefficients used in GKI97 seems insensitive to grid spacings, but they might be different for updrafts and downdrafts, for different MCS types, and for zonal and meridional components.
Auroras and Auroral Particles

The purpose of this chapter is to review briefly recent morphological studies of the aurora: in particular, characteristics of auroras and of precipitating auroral particles as a function of local time and latitude.
Lineage Marker Statistics

Until recently, the Y chromosome seemed to fulfill the role of juvenile delinquent among human chromosomes – rich in junk, poor in useful attributes, reluctant to socialize with its neighbors and with an inescapable tendency to degenerate…
Postscript: Unsolved Problems and Potential Applications of Hierarchy Theory

Is it possible to have a simple theory of very complex, evolving systems? Can we hope to find common, essential properties of hierarchical organizations that we can usefully apply to the design and management of our growing biological, social, and technological organizations? Such a theory will require a deep and general understanding of the nature of hierarchies, how they originate, how they evolve, how the levels interact, and how failure occurs. The five authors of the previous chapters [Herbert Simon, Clifford Grobstein, James Bonner, Howard Pattee, Richard Levins] have explored the nature of hierarchical organization of complex systems from entirely different perspectives. As mentioned in the Preface, these chapters were developed from a series of public lectures that were scheduled over a period of months, so that the authors did not have the strong interactions that normally occur at conferences. Nevertheless, there is a common theme that runs through all the authors’ discussions, and partly because of their independent approaches we may hope this theme has a general significance for a theory of hierarchies.
Comparison of student attitudes and performance in an online and a face-to-face inorganic chemistry course

Despite recent interest in online learning, systematic comparisons of online learning environments with traditional classroom environments are limited, particularly in the sciences. Here, we report on a systematic comparison of an online and face-to-face classroom for a sophomore-level, lecture-only introductory inorganic chemistry course that is designed for students pursuing a chemistry major or minor. The online group consisted of three sections of students enrolled in Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry during two 8 week summer terms and one 4 week winter term. The face-to-face group consisted of two sections of students enrolled in Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry during two 15 week semesters. Both groups of students completed ten common exam questions, and a validated and reliable measure of their attitudes toward chemistry (Attitude toward the Subject of Chemistry Inventory Version 2: ASCIv2). Students in the online course and face-to-face course did not differ in their performance on the common exam questions, course grade distribution, or attitudes toward chemistry. Although few studies have compared online and face-to-face learning environments in the physical sciences, our results are consistent with the idea that students who complete an online course fare just as well as those who attend face-to-face classes.
Teaching design patterns in gaming

Game development is a cool and interest- grabbing topic area for many undergraduate students. Therefore, it is not surprising that many instructors choose to incorporate game development projects in their courses and assignments.
Discerning the Religious Axis: The Religious Question and Axiality

In the mid-seventeenth century, Thomas Hobbes witnessed and disparaged the violence of civil wars associated with the ruinous “plague” of religious pluralism, which had broken out during the previous century in continental Europe and spread to Great Britain. His remedy of political intolerance for the plague was followed by another diagnosis by John Locke who proposed an alternative therapy of religious toleration. Later North American inheritors of English political theories sought to develop an American political architecture to balance religious restraint with religious freedom. The emergence of three philosophical foundations—epistemic, axiological, and political—provided the “building materials” required by the architecture’s final structure. The philosophical foundations lay in the liminal period during the transition from the medieval era to the modern era. The presence of these foundations as a religious axis has been discerned through a unique and promising line of analysis adapted from Karl Jaspers’s philosophy of history.
Multiquadrant Combined Robotic Radical Prostatectomy And Left Partial Nephrectomy: A Combined procedure by A Single Approach.

Abstract Introduction To present the first case of a concomitant robotic radical prostatectomy and a left robotic partial nephrectomy performed by a single-port approach using the SP® da Vinci surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale CA). Patient and methods A 66-year-old male diagnosed with localized prostate cancer and a left kidney renal mass incidentally found on computed tomography (CT) scan during prostate cancer evaluation. Procedures were performed using a single supra-umbilical 3 cm incision, plus one additional laparoscopic port, utilizing a standard Gelpoint® (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) and replicating the technique previously described for single-port transperitoneal radical prostatectomy and partial nephrectomy with the use of the SP® robotic platform. Results Total operative time was 256 minutes (min) with a console time of 108 min for radical prostatectomy, and 101 min for the partial nephrectomy respectively, including a warm ischemia time of 26 min. Estimated blood loss was 250cc. Blood transfusion was not needed. Final pathology for prostate was adenocarcinoma Gleason 7 (4 + 3) and for the kidney lesion was renal cell carcinoma. After two months of follow-up, PSA was undetectable and no complications or recurrence were detected. Conclusions The single-port approach has advantages as easier surgical planning and transition for combined and multi-quadrants surgeries: faster recovery, minimal postoperative pain and need for opioids, and excellent cosmetic outcome. We suggest that combined procedures should be performed only in high volume institutions by surgeons with vast experience in robotic surgery in selected patients.
DOUBLE TROUBLE: DUAL TACHYCARDIA IN PATIENT PRESENTING WITH SLOW VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA

Dual tachycardia is defined as simultaneous atrial tachycardia (AT) or atrial fibrillation (AF) with ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). There are various management options to address both tachyarrythmias. 86 year old male with coronary artery disease and implantable
Functional maturation of neocortical inhibitory interneurons

Abstract Inhibitory interneurons comprise only ∼20% of cortical neurons, but are essential for regulating many aspects of cortical function. These interneurons are generated embryonically from precursor cells in the subcortical medial and caudal ganglionic eminences. After their birth, the developing interneurons migrate to their cortex, differentiate, integrate into local microcircuits, and develop their adult physiological and synaptic properties over the course of weeks (mice) to years (humans). Data suggests that dysfunction of cortical maturation could play a significant role in numerous human neuropsychiatric diseases. As such, identification of the normal mechanisms of interneuron development as well as of the circuit implications of perturbation of interneuron function in adult life hold exceptional promise, both for developing novel treatments for human disease as well as for elucidating the evolutionary adaptations that allowed the phenomenal complexity of human neocortex. In this chapter, we describe the maturation of inhibitory interneuron physiology and the impact that these maturational changes have on the function and organization of the neocortex. Where available, we contrast the data in primates with that from mice, emphasizing the evolutionary adaptations of cortical interneurons. In addition, we discuss the impact of cortical activity on interneuron maturation and death.
Amplicon-Based Next Generation Sequencing for Rapid Identification of Rickettsia and Ectoparasite Species from Entomological Surveillance in Thailand.

Background: Next generation sequencing (NGS) technology has been used for a wide range of epidemiological and surveillance studies. Here, we used amplicon-based NGS to species identify Rickettsia and their arthropod hosts from entomological surveillance. Methods: During 2015–2016, we screened 1825 samples of rodents and ectoparasites collected from rodents and domestic mammals (dog, cat, and cattle) across Thailand for Rickettsia. The citrate synthase gene was amplified to identify Rickettsia to species, while the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) and subunit II (COII) genes were used as target genes for ectoparasite identification. All target gene amplicons were pooled for library preparation and sequenced with Illumina MiSeq platform. Result: The highest percentage of Rickettsia DNA was observed in fleas collected from domestic animals (56%) predominantly dogs. Only a few samples of ticks from domestic animals, rodent fleas, and rodent tissue were positive for Rickettisia DNA. NGS based characterization of Rickettsia by host identified Rickettsia asembonensis as the most common bacteria in positive fleas collected from dogs (83.2%) while “Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis” was detected in only 16.8% of Rickettsia positive dog fleas. Sequence analysis of COI and COII revealed that almost all fleas collected from dogs were Ctenocephalides felis orientis. Other Rickettsia species were detected by NGS including Rickettsia heilongjiangensis from two Haemaphysalis hystricis ticks, and Rickettsia typhi in two rodent tissue samples. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the utility of NGS for high-throughput sequencing in the species characterization/identification of bacteria and ectoparasite for entomological surveillance of rickettsiae. A high percentage of C. f. orientis are positive for R. asembonensis. In addition, our findings indicate there is a risk of tick-borne Spotted Fever Group rickettsiosis, and flea-borne murine typhus transmission in Tak and Phangnga provinces of Thailand.
Modified Techniques to Detect Antibacterial Activity of Bamboo and Natural Bamboo Fiber

Fibers and textiles that exhibit antibacterial properties are of great importance for health, sanitation, and consumer demands. Bamboo, which can be a source of fiber, has innate antibacterial properties. However, production of bamboo fibers with natural antibacterial property has not been achieved at an industrial level. The current antibacterial test methods for textiles rely on a zone of inhibition, which is less precise as it is hard to measure irregular inhibition zones, and cell recovery assessment after cell suspension with the specimen. This study focuses on modifying suitable antibacterial test methods to provide more quantitative results. The modified methods were applied to specimens from four bamboo species, extracted natural bamboo fibers from the four species, commercial bamboo viscose, and three other conventional fibers. The modified variable plate method was able to a detect clear distinction in antibacterial activity of different samples quantitatively for K. pneumoniae and S. aureus bacteria.
Polydopamine-coated chitosan hydrogel beads for synthesis and immobilization of silver nanoparticles to simultaneously enhance antimicrobial activity and adsorption kinetics

In this study, the innovative and multi-functional chitosan-based hydrogel beads were immobilized with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) via polydopamine coating to simultaneously enhance antimicrobial and adsorption activity. The morphological observation under scanning electron microscopy along with elemental mapping by energy disperse X-ray spectrometer indicated that AgNPs were successfully synthesized and immobilized not only on the surface but also the interior of PDA-coated chitosan beads. The covalent silver–carboxylate linkage along with hydrophobic and Van der Waals forces was evidenced by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to further confirm the in situ synthesis of AgNPs on the surface of beads. The equilibrium swelling rate of the prepared hydrogel beads decreased as pH increased, being 160%, 100%, and 80% at pH 5, 7, and 9, respectively. The adsorption performance of the hydrogel beads was investigated for the removal of an anionic dye and a metal ion (Cu (II)). The presence of AgNPs enhanced the adsorption capacity of the beads for the above-mentioned adsorbates. The antimicrobial activities were determined against potential human pathogens including Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. The antimicrobial activity of the obtained beads on the Gram-negative bacteria was higher than on the Gram-positive bacteria. The obtained hydrogel beads could be used for simultaneously controlling chemical and biological contaminants in wastewater. Polydopamine coating on chitosan beads enables the immobilization of in situ synthesized silver nanoparticles for superior adsorption and antimicrobial activity.
A Prospective Study on Child Abuse and Elder Mistreatment: Assessing Direct Effects and Associations With Depression and Substance Use Problems During Adolescence and Middle Adulthood.

Background and objectives We examined the prospective association between 2 measures of child abuse, one based on official child welfare records and the other based on parent self-reports, and the perpetration of elder mistreatment by an adult child. We also examined measures of adolescent and adult depression and substance use problems as predictors of elder mistreatment. Research design and methods Data are from a prospective study that began in the 1970s with a sample of children aged 18 months to 6 years of age. Analyses draw on data collected when child participants were in preschool and elementary school, when they were adolescents, and as adults at midlife (at ages 36 and 46, on average). Results are from bivariate correlations and multivariable path models in which variables from different life stages were entered in steps to assess their prediction of elder mistreatment. Results All variables were significantly correlated with elder mistreatment. In a final path model, parent self-reports of physical child abuse remained a significant, unique predictor of elder mistreatment. Adolescent and adult substance use problems were also statistically significant. Discussion and implications Few longitudinal studies have tracked patterns of abuse over time and relationships. Findings suggest that child abuse is a risk factor for the perpetration of elder mistreatment by an adult child. Substance use problems may also increase the risk for the perpetration of elder mistreatment. Further longitudinal research is needed to replicate and extend these findings in order to advance prevention and intervention programs and policies.
The Association Between Sleep Duration and Arrest Among Adolescents

In recent years, sleep duration has received increased scrutiny with respect to criminologically relevant outcomes. No attention, however, has been given to the possible relationship between sleep ...
Evolution of Charged Aerosols: Role of Charge on Coagulation

The role of charge on aerosol evolution and hence the nuclear source term has been an issue of interest, and there is a need for both measurements and modeling for quantifying this role. We focus here on simulations of charged-aerosol evolution considering coagulation alone. We have used the direct simulation Monte Carlo technique and benchmarked it by comparing the results for monodisperse aerosols as obtained by deterministic techniques where the particles are charged but are assumed to remain monodisperse even after coagulation. We then further explore simulations of polydisperse and charged aerosols and compare the results with those obtained when the charge effects are ignored. We find that charge effects can be significant.
Wide input range 1.7μW 1.2kS/s resistive sensor interface circuit with 1 cycle/sample logarithmic sub-ranging

A wide input range 1.7μW, 1.2kS/s resistive sensor interface circuit fabricated in 0.18μm CMOS is presented. This circuit consumes 6.6× lower power and 31.8× less energy than previous state-of-the-art work, considering the worst-case cycle count required for correct conversion. The proposed design uses a logarithmic subrange detector based on comparator metastability to convert an input resistance ranging from 10kΩ to 10MΩ in 1 cycle/sample.
Fieldbus networks for control system implementations

Industrial digital communication networks called fieldbuses are becoming more popular in control system implementations for use in automated manufacturing systems. This paper presents an overview of the current state of these fieldbus networks. It first gives various advantages of using fieldbus networks over point-to-point connections for control system implementations. Then, the generic ISO/OSI seven-layer communication protocol model is discussed and the deviations from this model for various fieldbus networks are identified. Hardware and software aspects of fieldbus networks are reviewed. Finally, some of the issues in selecting a fieldbus network for a given application are examined.
Building a Case for the Teaching Library: Using a Culture of Assessment to Reassure Converted Campus Partners while Persuading the Reluctant.

SUMMARY The use of rigorous assessment in an Information Literacy program can be used to persuade reluctant faculty and administrators to buy into a program. A “culture of assessment” also assures quality control for internal and external audiences. Information Literacy at Wartburg College is unique in that it is a required component of five core courses in the general education program. This article describes Information Literacy Across the Curriculum (ILAC) at the Vogel Library and how the program has created a culture of assessment at the library and college. The article also discusses how the program is assessed at multiple times and in multiple ways through the use of direct and indirect assessment. This “culture of assessment” has been instrumental in Wartburg's acceptance of ILAC while assuring that the program thrives.
CKD Stimulates Muscle Protein Loss Via Rho-associated Protein Kinase 1 Activation

In patients with CKD, muscle wasting is common and is associated with morbidity and mortality. Mechanisms leading to loss of muscle proteins include insulin resistance, which suppresses Akt activity and thus stimulates protein degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. However, the specific factors controlling CKD-induced suppression of Akt activity in muscle remain undefined. In mice with CKD, the reduction in Akt activity in muscle exceeded the decrease in upstream insulin receptor substrate-1-associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity, suggesting that CKD activates other pathways that suppress Akt. Furthermore, a CKD-induced increase uncovered caspase-3 activity in muscle in these mice. In C2C12 muscle cells, activated caspase-3 cleaves and activates Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), which enhances the activity of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and reduces Akt activity. Notably, constitutive activation of ROCK1 also led to increased caspase-3 activity in vitro. In mice with either global ROCK1 knockout or muscle-specific PTEN knockout, CKD-associated muscle proteolysis was blunted. These results suggest ROCK1 activation in CKD and perhaps in other catabolic conditions can promote loss of muscle protein via a negative feedback loop.
Discontinuously Stiffened Composite Panel under Compressive Loading

The design of composite structures requires an evaluation of their safety and durability under service loads and possible overload conditions. This paper presents a computational tool that has been developed to examine the response of stiffened composite panels via the simulation of damage initiation, growth, accumulation, progression, and propagation to structural fracture or collapse. The structural durability of a composite panel with a discontinuous stiffener is investigated under compressive loading induced by the gradual displacement of an end support. Results indicate damage initiation and progression to have significant effects on structural behavior under loading. Utilization of an integrated computer code for structural durability assessment is demonstrated.
Correlations between in vitro and in vivo mechanisms of pyrethroid insecticide action.

Classical neuropharmacological procedures have been used to elucidate insecticide mode of action in vitro. A good deal has thus been learned about pyrethroids but novel techniques have been necessary to explain the toxicology and symptomology. The free-walking, electrode-implanted cockroach technique, which was developed for this purpose, is described. It enabled correlations to be made between symptomology and effects on specific nerves. The negative temperature coefficient of toxicity of allethrin (the first pyrethroid) was explained in terms of repetitive firing in peripheral (sensory) nerves rather than by nerve blockage, which had been suggested from previous in vitro studies. The elucidation of target sites in vivo and the most useful parameter to study, i.e., repetitive firing in nerve axons, enabled the definition of a pyrethroid resistance mechanism in a major insect pest. It also showed two modes of action for permethrin and cypermethrin, its alpha-cyano analog. A structure-activity relationship for a range of pyrethroids, combining in vitro and in vivo approaches, confirmed two distinct types of pyrethroid action. Studies of poisoning signs and nerve disruptions in vivo in the mouse and cockroach, using diazepam in conjunction with pyrethroids, implicated the GABA-receptor complex as a target for alpha-CN-phenoxybenzyl pyrethroids. This was confirmed by making conductance measurements in crayfish claw opener muscle fibers in vitro.
Optimizing evaluation of Lissamine Green parameters for ocular surface staining

The recently published seminal dry eye workshop proceedings defined Lissamine Green (LG), an organic dye, as a gold standard for demonstrating ocular surface staining. The purpose of the current study was to determine the optimal parameters of 1% LG instillation for the ocular surface examination in dry eye patients. Prospective and observational quality improvement study. A quality improvement study evaluated 16 eyes from eight dry eye patients with different levels of severity. LG (1%), in three volumes (5, 10, and 20 μl) was instilled into the conjunctival cul-de-sac, and four masked observers with different levels of clinical expertise examined the patients with and without red filter. The staining pattern of the conjunctiva and cornea was documented with the Oxford scale within 4 min of LG instillation. Optimal volume and inter-observer reliability were assessed. All dye volumes were tolerated well by all patients. Experienced observers preferred 10 μl volume because of the ease of examination and accuracy. Although instillation of 20 μl yielded similar scores as 10 μl, it resulted in overflow of the lid and facial skin staining. The use of red filter significantly improved reading scores (P<0.01). Inter-observer reliability was higher for conjunctival scores than for corneal scores for all patients. The highest reliability was demonstrated with 10 μl volume and increased with greater experience of the observer. Ocular surface examination with instillation of 10 μl 1% LG has good inter-observer reliability and is well tolerated. Observation through a red filter facilitates the examination.
Properties of cubic hexanitromanganate salts

Abstract We report the first synthesis of pure compounds containing the Mn(NO2)64− complex, in Cs2BaMn(NO2)6 and Cs2PbMn(NO2)6. The magnetic properties of Cs2BaMn(NO2)6, including substantial frustration, are measured down to 0.02 K.
Experimental and theoretical evidence for control requirements in solid oxide fuel cell gas turbine hybrid systems

Abstract Hybrid fuel cell gas turbine sensitivity to ambient perturbations is analyzed using experimental and dynamic simulation results. Experimental data gathered from the world's first pressurized hybrid SOFC–GT system tested at the University of California, Irvine, capture performance variations due to diurnal temperature oscillations. A dynamic modeling methodology demonstrates accuracy, robustness, and clearly identifies critical system sensitivities that require additional control systems development. Simulation results compare favorably with dynamic experimental responses. Predictions of component temperatures, pressures, voltage and system power exhibited 5 °C, 2 kPa, 2 mV, and 0.5% error respectively. Moderate ambient temperature fluctuations, 15 °C, caused variations in stack temperature of 30 °C, and system power of 5 kW. Small to moderate changes in fuel composition produced 30 °C shifts in stack temperature and 25% changes in system power. Simple control loops manipulating fuel cell air flow through SOFC bypass and inlet temperature through recuperator bypass are shown to effectively mitigate internal temperature transients at the expense of reduced system output. The observed temperature fluctuations resulting from typical environmental perturbations are of concern for performance loss and diminished longevity. Experiments and dynamic simulation results indicate the importance of integrated control systems development for hybrid fuel cell gas turbine systems.
A genome-wide BAC end-sequence survey of sugarcane elucidates genome composition, and identifies BACs covering much of the euchromatin

BAC-end sequences (BESs) of hybrid sugarcane cultivar R570 are presented. A total of 66,990 informative BESs were obtained from 43,874 BAC clones. Similarity search using a variety of public databases revealed that 13.5 and 42.8 % of BESs match known gene-coding and repeat regions, respectively. That 11.7 % of BESs are still unmatched to any nucleotide sequences in the current public databases despite the fact that a close relative, sorghum, is fully sequenced, indicates that there may be many sugarcane-specific or lineage-specific sequences. We found 1,742 simple sequence repeat motifs in 1,585 BESs, spanning 27,383 bp in length. As simple sequence repeat markers derived from BESs have some advantages over randomly generated markers, these may be particularly useful for comparing BAC-based physical maps with genetic maps. BES and overgo hybridization information was used for anchoring sugarcane BAC clones to the sorghum genome sequence. While sorghum and sugarcane have extensive similarity in terms of genomic structure, only 2,789 BACs (6.4 %) could be confidently anchored to the sorghum genome at the stringent threshold of having both-end information (BESs or overgos) within 300 Kb. This relatively low rate of anchoring may have been caused in part by small- or large-scale genomic rearrangements in the Saccharum genus after two rounds of whole genome duplication since its divergence from the sorghum lineage about 7.8 million years ago. Limiting consideration to only low-copy matches, 1,245 BACs were placed to 1,503 locations, covering ~198 Mb of the sorghum genome or about 78 % of the estimated 252 Mb of euchromatin. BESs and their analyses presented here may provide an early profile of the sugarcane genome as well as a basis for BAC-by-BAC sequencing of much of the basic gene set of sugarcane.
Spot sign score predicts rapid bleeding in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

This study was conducted to determine whether spot sign score correlates with average rate of hematoma expansion and whether average rate of expansion predicts in-hospital mortality and clinical outcome in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The study included 367 patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2008 with nontraumatic ICH. All received noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) of the head and multidetector CT angiography (MDCTA) on presentation to the ED and a follow-up NCCT within 48 h. Imaging was used to determine the hematoma location and volume, average rate of expansion, and spot sign score. Primary outcome measures included in-hospital mortality and clinical outcome based on modified Rankin Scale at 3 months or at discharge. Regression analysis was performed to correlate spot sign score and average rate of hematoma expansion. ICH expansion was identified in 194 of 367 patients (53%). In a multivariate analysis, rate of ICH expansion predicted mortality (hazard ratio 1.1, CI 1.08–1.12, p < 0.0001). Patients who expired had an average rate of ICH expansion of 2.8 ml/h compared to 0.2 ml/h in survivors. Spot sign score on presentation to the ED correlated with the average rate of hematoma expansion. Average rate of hematoma expansion predicts mortality in spontaneous ICH. Spot sign score on presentation correlates with rate of expansion, supporting the hypothesis that high spot sign scores likely reflect active bleeding in acute ICH.
Librarians, Renounce the Research Paper! Using Rhetoric to Improve Assignment Design

The general research paper, despite its prevalence in higher education, has had limited success in the classroom for decades. Although academic librarians recognize the value of source-based writing and have continually partnered with faculty on this type of assignment, we are equally aware of the inherent limitations and difficulties of this traditional writing requirement. This column argues for an alternative vision to the general research paper, one that embraces a rhetorical context and offers academic librarians a more prominent role in assignment design on their campuses.
Prediction of System Critical Event in Virtualized Medical Applications

Medical applications need reliable and secure computing environment. Traditional medical applications only serve local requests and they are deployed locally. Along with the development of remote medical assistants, the number of requests also increases. Medical applications have be moved to the Internet and become medical services that receive many types of requests. The cloud computing platform provides reliable computing environment for medical applications. Virtualization techniques also increase the availability of medical applications. However, the nature of cloud computing allows co-resident of multiple applications, the influence of other virtual machine will affects the reliability of medical applications. System critical event patterns reflect behaviors of systems. In order to avoid system critical events that affect reliability, resources, applications, and services can be scheduled around predicted failure and limit the impact. Virtual machines, which medical services are running on, produce hundreds of system events. These system events include normal level events and critical events. In order to increase the reliability of medical services, we propose a non-intrusive system critical event prediction framework that increases the reliability of medical service in cloud computing.
Synoptic–Dynamic Climatology of Large-Scale Cyclones in the North Pacific

Abstract A climatology of large-scale, persistent cyclonic flow anomalies over the North Pacific was constructed using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP–NCAR) global reanalysis data for the cold season (November–March) for 1977–2003. These large-scale cyclone (LSC) events were identified as those periods for which the filtered geopotential height anomaly at a given analysis point was at least 100 m below its average for the date for at least 10 days. This study identifies a region of maximum frequency of LSC events at 45°N, 160°W [key point 1 (KP1)] for the entire period. This point is somewhat to the east of regions of maximum height variability noted in previous studies. A second key point (37.5°N, 162.5°W) was defined as the maximum in LSC frequency for the period after November 1988. The authors show that the difference in location of maximum LSC frequency is linked to a climate regime shift at about that time. LSC events occur with a maxi...
Submodules of the Deficiency Module

In this chapter we will define certain submodules of the first deficiency module of a closed subscheme Z of ℙ n , and see how they give a more refined measure of the failure of the ideal of Z to have certain nice properties. We then describe some applications of these submodules from the literature.
Factor Structure of the Condoms Barriers Scale With a Sample of Men at High Risk for HIV

This study assesses the psychometric properties of the Condom Barriers Scale (CBS), an instrument originally designed to measure women’s perceptions and attitudes regarding male condom use, with a sample of men at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Participants include 590 male patients in drug abuse treatment involved in a gender-specific HIV prevention intervention for teaching safer sex skills. Second-order confirmatory factor analysis generally supported the underlying four-factor subscale structure of the CBS. However, exploratory factor analysis revealed a few specific discrepancies in the factor structure between men and women. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability estimates were moderate to high in value. CBS scores correlated with use of condoms for men with high-risk sexual partners, supporting criterion-related validity. Overall, the analysis indicates that the CBS is a potentially valid and reliable instrument and has utility for assessing barriers to condom use with men, but may need some item content modifications to allow appropriate assessment of gender differences and comparisons across studies.
Interaction of HeLa cell proteins with RNA.

Abstract When any RNA is added to a cytoplasmic extract from HeLa cells there is a large increase in the rate of sedimentation of the RNA (Girard & Baltimore, 1966). Cytoplasmic extracts also cause RNA to be retained by a membrane filter. The same material appears to be responsible for these two effects; it has been called “binding factor” A number of lines of evidence indicate that binding factor is a heterogeneous collection of soluble proteins which are bound to RNA by ionic forces and are probably not very basic: (1) centrifugation for 60 minutes at 105,000 g does not sediment the binding factor; (2) the active material can be bound to, and eluted from, DEAE-cellulose but fractions eluted at different salt concentrations have approximately the same specific activity; (3) it is sensitive to pronase and trypsin; (4) it is not active in 0.5 m -NaCl; (5) it causes RNA to band at a buoyant density of 1.40 in CsCl; (6) the same material will bind to different RNA's and (7) basic proteins will cause RNA to be retained by a filter but they precipitate the RNA rather than form a soluble complex like that formed by binding factor and RNA.
Commensurate-incommensurate transitions in magnetic bubble arrays with periodic line pinning

We report direct observations of commensurate-incommensurate phase transitions as a function of bubble concentration in a two-dimensional magnetic bubble array subject to periodic line pinning. The pinning lines consist of lithographically produced parallel permalloy bars. Temperature is simulated by an ac magnetic field. The structure function shows a smooth migration of Bragg peaks with density indicating a second order (or weakly first order) commensurate-incommensurate-commensurate transition as the local orientation of the array rotates continuously. We have also identified a commensurate smectic phase.
Uncertainties in pharmacokinetic modeling for perchloroethylene: II. Comparison of model predictions with data for a variety of different parameters.

In this paper we compare expectations derived from 10 different human physiologically based pharmacokinetic models for perchloroethylene with data on absorption via inhalation, and concentrations in alveolar air and venous blood. Our most interesting finding is that essentially all of the models show a time pattern of departures of predictions of air and blood levels relative to experimental data that might be corrected by more sophisticated model structures incorporating either (a) heterogeneity of the fat compartment (with respect to either perfusion or partition coefficients or both) or (b) intertissue diffusion of perchloroethylene between the fat and muscle/VRG groups. Similar types of corrections have recently been proposed to reduce analogous anomalies in the fits of pharmacokinetic models to the data for several volatile anesthetics.(17-20) A second finding is that models incorporating resting values for alveolar ventilation in the region of 5.4 L/min seemed to be most compatible with the most reliable set of perchloroethylene uptake data.
Role of PPARα and HNF4α in Stress-Mediated Alterations in Lipid Homeostasis

Stress is a risk factor for several cardiovascular pathologies. PPARα holds a fundamental role in control of lipid homeostasis by directly regulating genes involved in fatty acid transport and oxidation. Importantly, PPARα agonists are effective in raising HDL-cholesterol and lowering triglycerides, properties that reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the role of stress and adrenergic receptor (AR)-related pathways in PPARα and HNF4α regulation and signaling in mice following repeated restraint stress or treatment with AR-antagonists administered prior to stress to block AR-linked pathways. Repeated restraint stress up-regulated Pparα and its target genes in the liver, including Acox, Acot1, Acot4, Cyp4a10, Cyp4a14 and Lipin2, an effect that was highly correlated with Hnf4α. In vitro studies using primary hepatocyte cultures treated with epinephrine or AR-agonists confirmed that hepatic AR/cAMP/PKA/CREB- and JNK-linked pathways are involved in PPARα and HNF4α regulation. Notably, restraint stress, independent of PPARα, suppressed plasma triglyceride levels. This stress-induced effect could be attributed in part to hormone sensitive lipase activation in the white adipose tissue, which was not prevented by the increased levels of perilipin. Overall, this study identifies a mechanistic basis for the modification of lipid homeostasis following stress and potentially indicates novel roles for PPARα and HNF4α in stress-induced lipid metabolism.
Strain-dependent differences for suppression of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal and cardiac muscle by ethanol.

Background Chronic ethanol (EtOH) consumption impairs the ability of insulin to suppress hepatic glucose production in a strain-dependent manner, with hepatic insulin resistance being greater in Long–Evans (LE) than Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. We assessed whether strain differences exist for whole-body and tissue glucose uptake under basal and insulin-stimulated conditions and whether they were associated with coordinate strain-dependent elevations in muscle cytokines. Methods Male rats (160 g) were provided the Lieber-DeCarli EtOH-containing (36% total energy) diet or pair-fed a control diet for 8 weeks. Rats were studied in the basal state or during a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, and whole-body glucose flux assessed using 3H-glucose and in vivo tissue glucose uptake by 14C-2-deoxyglucose. Results EtOH impaired whole-body insulin-mediated glucose uptake (IMGU) more in SD than LE rats. This difference was due to impaired IMGU by gastrocnemius and heart in EtOH-fed SD versus LE rats. However, decreased IMGU in adipose tissue (epididymal and perirenal) produced by EtOH was comparable between strains. EtOH-induced insulin resistance in muscle from SD rats was associated with reduced AKT and AS160 phosphorylation and plasma membrane-localized GLUT4 protein as well as enhanced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and IRS-1 (S307), changes which were absent in muscle from LE rats. EtOH increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) mRNA in gastrocnemius and fat under basal conditions in both SD and LE rats; however, hyperinsulinemia decreased TNFα in skeletal muscle from LE, but not SD rats. Interleukin (IL)-6 mRNA in gastrocnemius was increased under basal conditions and increased further in response to insulin in SD rats, but no EtOH- or insulin-induced change was detected in muscle IL-6 of LE rats. Conclusions These data indicate strain-dependent differences in EtOH-induced IMGU in skeletal and cardiac muscle, but not fat, associated with sustained increases in TNFα and IL-6 mRNA and JNK activation and decreased plasma membrane GLUT4 in response to insulin.
Receptor-ligand-based specific cell adhesion on solid surfaces: hippocampal neuronal cells on bilinker functionalized glass.

Cell adhesion through binding between specific cell membrane receptors and corresponding cell-adhesion-molecule (CAM)-coated solid surfaces is examined. The morphology of surfaces at various modification steps leading to functionalization with cell-binding CAMs is characterized. In one week neuron cultures, enhanced growth on surfaces modified with neuron-binding versus astrocyte-binding CAMs is observed. However, nonspecific adhesion on a poly-d-lysine-coated positive control surface is found to be even higher. Potential reasons and further studies needed are discussed.
Development of the industrial scale Ag/Bi-2223 tape

Abstract Tape shaped silver-sheathed Bi-2223 superconducting wire (Bi-2223 tape) technologies are reported. The operations of superconducting apparatus at liquid nitrogen temperature or at 20–30 K are expectable by using Bi-2223-tapes. The reduction of AC loss at 77 K is critical for power cable application, such as electric transmission cable and transformer prototypes. Thinning of the tape thickness and twisting of the tapes are the main techniques for the reduction of AC loss. For the power transformer application, coating technology is investigated to have good electrical insulation. The refrigerator-cooled magnet for industrial use is another example of the superconducting apparatus operating at 20–30 K. It is important to know the critical current density dependence on the applied magnetic field ( J c – B dependence) for the magnet design. It was confirmed that J c of the Bi-2223 tape, which shows J c =30 kA/cm 2 at 77 K in self-magnetic field, exceeds 100 kA/cm 2 at 20 K, and 1 T.