cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technology for behavioral assessment and intervention in bariatric surgery

Patients' behaviors have a substantial effect on postoperative outcomes after bariatric surgery. Thus, studying patients' behaviors is essential to learning how to optimize postoperative outcomes. To be most effective, this research should use the best tools available for assessing patient behavior. However, the traditional methods of behavioral assessment (e.g., questionnaires and clinical interviews) rely primarily on patients' retrospective self-report, which is often inaccurate. Despite their significant shortcomings, these types of assessments continue to predominate. However, technological advances now allow for much greater accuracy in the assessment of patient behaviors by way of devices, such as accelerometers and palmtop computers. Accelerometers allow for patients' physical activity to be measured objectively in great detail, in real-time, in the patients' natural environment. Ecologic momentary assessment using a palmtop computer or mobile telephone allows the assessment of important behaviors, such as eating and activity behaviors, to be measured, with many of the same advantages. Furthermore, new computer-assisted technologies are in development that will further facilitate behavioral assessment. Technology also has the potential to play an important role in the delivery of behavioral interventions aimed at bariatric surgery patients, given that Internet-based treatments have already proved effective for nonoperative weight loss and are often highly cost-effective and easily disseminable. Future research should evaluate the efficacy of these programs for bariatric patients.
A novel post-transcriptional mechanism of regulation of luteinizing hormone receptor expression by an RNA binding protein from the ovary

Abstract Luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin (LH/hCG) receptor, a member of the rhodopsin/β 2 adrenergic receptor subfamily of G-protein coupled receptors, is expressed primarily in the gonads and essential for the regulation of reproductive function. In the ovary, the expression of the receptor is post-transcriptionally regulated under physiological conditions. Studies from our laboratory showed that the ligand-induced down-regulation of the receptor occurs by accelerated degradation of the mRNA rather than by decreased transcription. We have identified a cytoplasmic LHR mRNA binding protein (LRBP) as a trans -acting factor in regulating LHR mRNA levels. LRBP binds to the coding region of LHR mRNA and causes accelerated degradation of mRNA. The RNA binding activity of LRBP was found to be inversely correlated to LH/hCG receptor mRNA levels. LRBP was purified to homogeneity and its identity was established as mevalonate kinase by N-terminal microsequencing and MALDI analysis. Mevalonate kinase, an enzyme involved in de novo synthesis of cholesterol, belongs to the GHMP family of kinases having a potential RNA binding fold. The expression of MVK mRNA and MVK protein levels were induced in response to hCG treatment prior to the down-regulation of LH/hCG receptor mRNA expression. A model for the post-transcriptional regulation of LH/hCG receptor in the ovary by mevalonate kinase is proposed.
Segregation analysis of a complex quantitative trait: approaches for identifying influential data points.

Background/Aims: Complex traits pose a particular challenge to standard methods for segregation analysis (SA), and for such traits it is difficult to assess the ability of complex S
S100β Induces Neuronal Cell Death Through Nitric Oxide Release from Astrocytes

The glial-derived neurotrophic protein S100beta has been implicated in the development and maintenance of the nervous system. S100beta has also been postulated to play a role in mechanisms of neuropathology because of its specific localization and selective overexpression in Alzheimer's disease. However, the exact relationship between S100beta overexpression and neurodegeneration is unclear. Recent data have demonstrated that treatment of cultured rat astrocytes with high concentrations of S100beta results in a potent activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and a subsequent generation of nitric oxide (NO), which can lead to astrocytic cell death. To investigate whether S100beta-induced NO release from astroctyes might influence neurons, we studied S100beta effects on neuroblastoma B104 cells or primary hippocampal neurons co-cultured with astrocytes. We found that S100beta treatment of astrocyte-neuron co-cultures resulted in neuronal cell death by both necrosis and apoptosis. Neuronal cell death induced by S100beta required the presence of astrocytes and depended on activation of iNOS. Cell death correlated with the levels of NO and was blocked by a specific NOS inhibitor. Our data support the idea that overexpression of S100beta may be an exacerbating factor in the neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's disease.
Blood Damage Quantification in Cardiovascular Flows Through Medical Devices Using a Novel Suspension Flow Method

Blood damage is a major concern for cardiovascular flows with the presence of implanted medical devices. The use of computational simulations to model flow through medical devices can characterize and analyze flows in ways that experiments cannot. A truly multiphase flow solver can be used to quantify blood damage by modeling suspended particles with finite size and meshed surfaces for tracking shear stresses. The aim of this research is to numerically study blood damage that occurs in medical devices in cardiovascular flows, starting with a baseline case of bileaflet mechanical heart valve (BMHV) flows. The suspension flow method combines lattice-Boltzmann (LBM) fluid modeling [1] with the external boundary force method [2]. The fluid-solid coupling will employ the novel external boundary force (EBF) method, which is validated as 2nd order accurate. In the future, this methodology can be used to evaluate newer medical devices with accurate flow modeling, blood damage quantification, and parallel computing.
Network-Assisted Sink Navigation Protocols for Data Harvesting in Sensor Networks

This paper presents a network-assisted sink navigation mechanism in which mobile sink trajectories are computed by a sensor network for energy-efficient data collection. The key idea is that for data collection, a mobile sink (referred to as Mobile Data Harvester MDH) should visit all network nodes in order to avoid energy- intensive multi-hop routing. While incurring higher data collection delays compared to the traditional static sink based collection, the proposed harvesting framework can deliver the maximum achievable lifetime for delay non-critical sensor applications. The main issue in this approach is to compute MDH trajectories that can reduce the average data collection delay while traversing through the radio ranges of all nodes, but not necessarily pass through the close proximity of each node. Our primary contribution is the design of a fully distributed and network assisted MDH navigation mechanism where MDH trajectories are cooperatively computed by the nodes without sensor localization services. Performance results obtained from an ns2 simulator indicate that the distributed algorithms and network assisted navigation framework can achieve low average delay, low delay variation and complete collection coverage of the network. Further, the performance of the distributed algorithms was found to be comparable to that of centrally computed solution.
Virus isolation studies of stool specimens obtained from patients with cholera.

SummaryNo evidence has been obtained from the 1959 outbreak of cholera in Bangkok, Thailand that a viral agent played a significant role in the pathogenesis of the diarrheal disease observed. From one patient an enterovirus (Thai C-18) was isolated similar to the Coxsackie A Group of viruses which was not identical with any of the recognized human enteroviruses. Some of the properties of this agent have been described.
Robust stability of time-variant difference equations with restricted parameter perturbations: regions in coefficient-space

Suppose the rate of change of coefficients of a linear time-variant system modeled via a difference equation is restricted. The work presented is an attempt at developing an algorithm that determines regions in the coefficient-space where such a system is guaranteed to be globally asymptotically stable. Such information can be extremely useful in many applications, such as adaptive signal processing and control. Some previously published related results are consolidated as well.
Transcriptional regulation of metastatic [Id]entity by KLF17

A novel in vivo screening approach has identified KLF17 as a key metastasis suppressor gene that acts through regulation of Id1 transcription factor-dependent induction of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
Different shapes in different cultures: body dissatisfaction, overweight, and obesity in African-American and caucasian females.

Abstract Objective Body dissatisfaction and medical issues arising at both ends of the weight continuum are discussed from a cultural perspective. More specifically, a possible aesthetic preference and physical tolerance for increased adiposity among African-American females is discussed, as contrasted with that of Caucasian females. Conclusions This mini-review of the existing literature suggests many avenues for future research in the cross-cultural aspects of body dissatisfaction, overweight, and obesity. Among these suggestions are (1) educating children and adolescents about excessive weight, (2) assessing cultural perceptions of overweight and obesity among African-Americans, (3) understanding the developmental trajectory of body dissatisfaction in females, and (4) placing more emphasis on the cross-cultural representation and psychological influence of the female body image in the media.
Reducing Commercial Fishing Deck Hazards with Engineering Solutions for Winch Design

Abstract Introduction The majority (67%) of hospitalized injuries among Alaska commercial fishermen are associated with deck machinery. This paper describes the “Prevention Through Design” process to mitigate one serious machinery entanglement hazard posed by a capstan deck winch. Methods After observing that the capstan winch provides no entanglement protection and the hydraulic controls are usually out of reach of the entangled person, NIOSH personnel met with fishermen and winch manufacturers to discuss various design solutions to mitigate these hazards. Results An emergency-stop (“e-stop”) system was developed that incorporated a momentary contact button that when pushed, switches a safety-relay that de-energizes the solenoid of an electro-hydraulic valve stopping the rotating winch. The vessel owners that had the e-stop installed enthusiastically recommend it to other fishermen. NIOSH entered into a Proprietary Technology Licensing Agreement with a company to develop the system for commercial use. Conclusions This is an example of a practical engineering control that effectively protects workers from a hazardous piece of equipment by preventing injuries due to entanglement. This solution could reduce these types of debilitating injuries and fatalities in this industry.
Sample size calculation for planning group sequential longitudinal trials.

Procedures are developed in this paper for sample size calculations for planning a group sequential longitudinal trial with various correlation structures, using a test statistic based on generalized estimating equations (Lee, Kim and Tsiatis) and group sequential boundaries based on type I error spending functions (Lan and DeMets).
The two Drosophila cytochrome C proteins can function in both respiration and caspase activation

Cytochrome C has two apparently separable cellular functions: respiration and caspase activation during apoptosis. While a role of the mitochondria and cytochrome C in the assembly of the apoptosome and caspase activation has been established for mammalian cells, the existence of a comparable function for cytochrome C in invertebrates remains controversial. Drosophila possesses two cytochrome c genes, cyt-c-d and cyt-c-p. We show that only cyt-c-d is required for caspase activation in an apoptosis-like process during spermatid differentiation, whereas cyt-c-p is required for respiration in the soma. However, both cytochrome C proteins can function interchangeably in respiration and caspase activation, and the difference in their genetic requirements can be attributed to differential expression in the soma and testes. Furthermore, orthologues of the apoptosome components, Ark (Apaf-1) and Dronc (caspase-9), are also required for the proper removal of bulk cytoplasm during spermatogenesis. Finally, several mutants that block caspase activation during spermatogenesis were isolated in a genetic screen, including mutants with defects in spermatid mitochondrial organization. These observations establish a role for the mitochondria in caspase activation during spermatogenesis.
Nearest neighbor rules PAC-approximate feedforward networks

The problem of function estimation using feedforward neural networks based on an independently and identically generated sample is addressed. The feedforward networks with a single hidden layer of 1/(1+e/sup -/spl gamma/z/)-units and bounded parameters are considered. It is shown that given a sufficiently large sample, a nearest neighbor rule approximates the best neural network such that the expected error is arbitrarily bounded with an arbitrary high probability. The result is extendible to other neural networks where the hidden units satisfy a suitable Lipschitz condition. A result of practical interest is that the problem of computing a neural network that approximates (in the above sense) the best possible one is computationally difficult, whereas a nearest neighbor rule is linear-time computable in terms of the sample size.
She3p Possesses a Novel Activity Required for ASH1 mRNA Localization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Intracellular and intercellular polarity requires that specific proteins be sorted to discreet locations within and between cells. One mechanism for sorting proteins is through RNA localization. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ASH1 mRNA localizes to the distal tip of the bud, resulting in the asymmetric sorting of the transcriptional repressor Ash1p. ASH1 mRNA localization requires four cis-acting localization elements and the trans-acting factors Myo4p, She3p, and She2p. Myo4p is a type V myosin motor that functions to directly transport ASH1 mRNA to the bud. She2p is an RNA-binding protein that directly interacts with the ASH1 mRNA cis-acting elements. Currently, the role for She3p in ASH1 mRNA localization is as an adaptor protein, since it can simultaneously associate with Myo4p and She2p. Here, we present data for two novel mutants of She3p, S348E and the double mutant S343E S361E, that are defective for ASH1 mRNA localization, and yet both of these mutants retain the ability to associate with Myo4p and She2p. These observations suggest that She3p possesses a novel activity required for ASH1 mRNA localization, and our data imply that this function is related to the ability of She3p to associate with ASH1 mRNA. Interestingly, we determined that She3p is phosphorylated, and global mass spectrometry approaches have determined that Ser 343, 348, and 361 are sites of phosphorylation, suggesting that the novel function for She3p could be negatively regulated by phosphorylation. The present study reveals that the current accepted model for ASH1 mRNA localization does not fully account for the function of She3p in ASH1 mRNA localization.
CELLULAR DIFFERENTIATION IN THE THYMUS III. SURFACE PROPERTIES OF RAT THYMUS AND LYMPH NODE CELLS SEPARATED ON DENSITY GRADIENTS

Young adult rat thymus and lymph node cell subpopulations were obtained by differential flotation on discontinuous BSA density gradients and assayed for properties characteristic of mature thymus-derived lymphocytes. One such subpopulation (C) of thymocytes was enriched in its ability to respond mitotically to a hemiallogeneic MLR stimulus, to localize in the parenchyma of lymph nodes and spleen, and to initiate a GVH reaction in a suitable host. These cells did not respond well to mitotic stimulation by PHA, they were lighter in density than the majority of mature lymph node thymus-derived lymphocytes, and they possessed a thymus-specific antigen (RTA) not present on peripheral lymphoid cells. We conclude that the acquisition of peripheral properties occurs sequentially, during an intrathymic differentiation cycle or shortly after the cells leave the thymus.
Quickest detection of state-transition in point processes: Application to neuronal activity

Quickest detection is the problem of detecting a change in the probability distribution of a sequence of random observations with as little delay as possible and with low probability of false alarm. To date, algorithms for quickest detection exist mainly for cases where the random observations are independent, and linear or exponential cost functions of the delay are used. We propose a dynamic programming algorithm to solve the quickest detection problem when dependencies exist among the observations, and for any nondecreasing cost function of the detection delay. We implement the algorithm for a Bayesian formulation (i.e., the change time T in the probability distribution of the observations is a random variable with a geometric distribution) when the observations distribute according to two distinct point processes. We apply the algorithm to spiking activity observations from neurons recorded in the subthalamic nucleus of Parkinson's disease patients during the execution of a motor task. The algorithm exploits the point-process characterization of the spike trains before and during movement (two states), and optimally detects the state transition at movement onset. Performances significantly (i.e., with a p-value p<;0.05) increase over a chance level predictor and Bayesian estimator.
An HPLC Method for the Determination of Granisetron in Guinea Pig Plasma

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination of granisetron (GRN) in guinea pig plasma has been developed. Guinea pig plasma spiked with GRN was microfiltered, and the recovered filtrate was directly injected onto the column without any further cleanup procedures. Separation was achieved on a spherical silica column and GRN was detected at 305 nm. Approximately 800-900 injections were made without any evidence of column deterioration. For the standard curves, correlation coefficients ranged from 0.9978-0.9999, and the percent standard deviation (%SD) from the mean area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to be less than 10% for all concentrations, except for the lowest concentration (0.325 ng/microL, 11.3%). Between-day and within-day coefficients of variation (%CV) ranged from 4.9 to 9.5% and 3.6 to 7.6%, respectively. Percent errors for within-day test plasma samples were not greater than 8.2% of the expected concentration for all samples except for 1.125 ng/microL (-14.6%). The limit of sensitivity was found to be 0.019 ng/microL. Estimated recovery of GRN in the microfiltrate was calculated to be 58-59% and 78-81% in plasma and water, respectively. Stability studies indicated that repeated refrigeration and warming (for six days) of microfiltered GRN plasma samples produced no changes in GRN concentrations from day to day. However, microfiltered GRN plasma samples that were repeatedly frozen and thawed demonstrated erratic concentration changes from day to day. The precision, accuracy, and small sample requirements of this method indicate its utility for pharmacokinetic studies in small animals where sample volume may be restrictive.
The SEER readability technique: How practicable is it?

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the practicability of the SEER (Singer Eyeball Estimate of Readability) readability technique: Thirty‐two college students used the SEER technique to estimate the difficulty level of eight short passages. Only two of the students met Singer's criterion for being considered acceptable judges. It was concluded that the existing criterion is overly stringent. The data were then used to generate a revised criterion that should make the SEER technique more suitable for practical situations.
The origin and development of nonlymphoid tissue CD103+ DCs

CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs) in nonlymphoid tissues are specialized in the cross-presentation of cell-associated antigens. However, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate the development of these cells. We show that two populations of CD11c+MHCII+ cells separated on the basis of CD103 and CD11b expression coexist in most nonlymphoid tissues with the exception of the lamina propria. CD103+ DCs are related to lymphoid organ CD8+ DCs in that they are derived exclusively from pre-DCs under the control of fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt3) ligand, inhibitor of DNA protein 2 (Id2), and IFN regulatory protein 8 (IRF8). In contrast, lamina propria CD103+ DCs express CD11b and develop independently of Id2 and IRF8. The other population of CD11c+MHCII+ cells in tissues, which is CD103−CD11b+, is heterogenous and depends on both Flt3 and MCSF-R. Our results reveal that nonlymphoid tissue CD103+ DCs and lymphoid organ CD8+ DCs derive from the same precursor and follow a related differentiation program.
Molecular basis and prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia

The molecular characterization of mutations producing beta-thalassemia in world populations is nearing completion. We expect that new rare alleles in thoroughly studied groups and other alleles in less studied groups, eg, inhabitants of New Guinea, Latin America, and certain Pacific Islands, will be found. Knowledge of the molecular basis of the disease and new technology that allows rapid detection of single nucleotide changes in genomic DNA have led to the reality of prenatal diagnosis by direct mutation detection even in the heterogeneous US population. Programs aimed at prevention of beta-thalassemia should be facilitated by these developments.
Method for Quantitative Measurement of Xanthurenic Acid in Urine

A method is reported for determining urinary xanthenuric acid (XA), a metabolite of tryptophan. XA is extracted from urine with isobutanol (2-methyl-1-propanol), transferred to ammonium hydroxide, and separated from other urinary metabolites on thin-layer cellulose plates with use of 0.2 acetate buffer, mol/liter, pH 5.4. The XA is measured spectrophotometrically after diazotization with 2-chloro-4-nitroaniline. The method, which is specific for XA, can be used to measure amounts as low as 0.4 µg/ml of urine. It has a range from 0 to 24 µg/ml, and results within this range are reproducible within approximately ±5%. Data obtained by this procedure are comparable to results reported for other methods.
Vibrational Stark Effects on Carbonyl, Nitrile, and Nitrosyl Compounds Including Heme Ligands, CO, CN, and NO, Studied with Density Functional Theory.

Changes in the matrix electric field in a protein, due for example to mutations or structural fluctuations, can be correlated with changes in the vibrational transition frequencies of suitable chromophores measured by IR spectroscopy through the Stark tuning rate. To make this correlation, the Stark tuning rate must be known from experiment or theory. In this paper, density functional theory at the B3LYP/TZV level of theory is used to compute the Stark tuning rate of adducts of heme porphyrin, namely, −CO, −CN, and −NO+ compounds. The results are compared with the corresponding vibrational frequencies−field dependencies from vibrational Stark spectroscopy of heme−proteins. The zero-field computed Stark tuning rate of 1.3 cm-1/MV/cm for heme−CO is in agreement with experiment, where typically the rate is 2.4/f cm-1/MV/cm for myoglobin, where f is a local field correction between 1.1 and 1.4. Several small nitrile, carbonyl, and dinitrile molecules were studied to rationalize the findings for the heme-adduc...
Chiropractic manipulation in pediatric health conditions – an updated systematic review

Our purpose was to review the biomedical literature from January 2004 to June 2007 inclusive to determine the extent of new evidence related to the therapeutic application of manipulation for pediatric health conditions. This updates a previous systematic review published in 2005. No critical appraisal of the evidence is undertaken. We searched both the indexed and non-indexed biomedical manual therapy literature. This included PubMed, MANTIS, CINAHL, ICL, as well as reference tracking. Other resources included the Cochrane Library, CCOHTA, PEDro, WHO ICTRP, AMED, EMBASE and AHRQ databases, as well as research conferences and symposium proceedings. The search identified 1275 citations of which 57 discrete citations met the eligibility criteria determined by three reviewers who then determined by consensus, each citation's appropriate level on the strength of evidence scale. The new evidence from the relevant time period was 1 systematic review, 1 RCT, 2 observational studies, 36 descriptive case studies and 17 conference abstracts. When this additional evidence is combined with the previous systematic review undertaken up to 2003, there are now in total, 2 systematic reviews, 10 RCT's, 3 observational studies, 177 descriptive studies, and 31 conference abstracts defining this body of knowledge. There has been no substantive shift in this body of knowledge during the past 3 1/2 years. The health claims made by chiropractors with respect to the application of manipulation as a health care intervention for pediatric health conditions continue to be supported by only low levels of scientific evidence. Chiropractors continue to treat a wide variety of pediatric health conditions. The evidence rests primarily with clinical experience, descriptive case studies and very few observational and experimental studies. The health interests of pediatric patients would be advanced if more rigorous scientific inquiry was undertaken to examine the value of manipulative therapy in the treatment of pediatric conditions.
Combustion Phasing Effect on Cycle Efficiency of a Diesel Engine Using Advanced Gasoline Fumigation

Advanced premixed compression ignition (CI) combustion using fumigation has been shown to yield significant improvements in indicated efficiency over traditional diesel combustion strategies while simultaneously reducing engine-out soot and NOX emissions. To better interpret these findings, a breakdown of the ways in which actual performance deviates from ideal engine cycles is helpful. Non-ideal combustion phasing is one cause of such deviations. In this paper, the centroid of the calculated apparent heat release rate is used to estimate an adjusted maximum possible thermal efficiency based on constant volume combustion using an effective compression ratio concept. Using these metrics, experimental engine data are evaluated from a single cylinder direct-injection diesel engine operating in premixed CI mode enabled by gasoline fumigation and a diesel pilot injection. Indicated gross cycle efficiency was found to be higher for premixed fumigation compared with a conventional diesel condition at the same load. A key finding of the work is that the peak indicated cycle efficiency for fumigated premixed CI combustion occurs with combustion phased very close to TDC. Shorter heat release duration and lower heat losses from the cylinder are thought to be the cause of differences in cycle efficiency between conventional combustion and premixed CI fumigation modes.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Exact nonlinear filtering via Gauss transform eigenfunctions

By imposing mild restrictions on the analytic form of the probability density functions (PDFs) characterizing the model, the family of filtering problems for which exact recursive solutions are known is extended. It is shown that the recursive computation can be done with bounded complexity per iteration on the new family. This family has the potential to model many filtering problems. >
New dimensions in the biology of cancer

A common thread interwoven throughout the literature of cancer biology is a wide-ranging abnormality of gene regulation, manifested by misprogramming of protein synthesis. This phenomenon encompasses virtually every means of identification of proteins, including antigens, hormones, growth factors, membrane components, and enzymes. Studies by the author and others of the activities of enzymes existing in multiple forms (termed isozymes) in a series of rat hepatomas ranging widely in growth rate, degree of differentiation, and other phenotypic properties has extended this concept and added to it a dimension of functional significance. Isozymes that are in high activity in adult liver and that are geared kinetically to catalyze specific hepatic functions are lost in varying degrees and generally depend on the growth rate and degree of differentiation. In fast growing, poorly differentiated hepatomas, these are replaced by high activities of isozymes that are normally low or absent in adult liver. In many instances, the isozymes that are expressed in poorly differentiated hepatomas are present also in fetal liver, thus pointing to reactivation of genes that were active in the fetus but were inactivated during normal embryonic development. The loss of isozymes that are under rigid host endocrine control, as well as other proteins that maintain the differentiated state, and the re-activation of genes coding for fetal or ectopic proteins are probably crucial factors in the initiation and maintenance of cellular proliferation.
Infections in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Infections are common in recipients of kidney transplants due primarily to immunosuppressive medications prescribed to prevent rejection of the allograft. This chapter describes current strategies for preventing, recognizing, and treating infectious diseases in kidney transplant recipients.
Planning implications from the interactions between renewable energy programs and carbon regulation

Complex relationships exist between programs to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) from the electricity sector and programs to promote renewable electricity generation. Simulation modeling of three scenarios in the UK electricity sector are used to identify potential interactions between these programs. A strict CO2 cap can result in a renewable electricity requirement being easily met. Conversely, the renewables quota could be required under low natural gas prices to keep electricity suppliers from switching from coal to gas. Similarly, CO2 trading can reduce renewables deployment levels because purchased CO2 allowances replace renewables. Therefore, both programs are required to ensure CO2 and renewables goals. The planning implications for administrative procedures and renewables subsidies are also discussed.
A Context Aware Automatic Traffic Notification System for Cell Phones

Adaptation of devices and applications based on contextual information has a great potential to enhance usability and mitigate the increasing complexity of mobile devices. We have developed a context aware system that can automatically notify user of the traffic conditions by predicting their destination and route using context. In this paper, we describe the system in detail, including data collection, user interaction, context fusion, and learning and prediction of user's destination and route.
A comparison of GABAC and rho subunit receptors from the white perch retina

There is increasing evidence that GABA C receptors are composed of GABA ρ subunits. In this study, we compared the properties of native GABA C receptors with those of receptors composed of a GABA ρ subunit. A homologue of the GABA ρ gene was cloned from a white perch (Roccus americana) retinal cDNA library. The clone (perch-s) has an open reading frame of 1422 nucleotide base pairs and encodes a predicted protein of 473 amino acids. It is highly homologous to GABA ρ subunits cloned from human and rat retinas. The receptors (perch-s receptor) expressed by this gene in Xenopus oocytes show properties similar to those of the GABA C receptors present on white perch retinal neurons. GABA induced a sustained response that had a reversal potential of -27,1 ± 3.6 mV. The EC 50 for the response was 1.74 ± 1.25 μM, a value similar to that reported for GABA C receptors. Pharmacologically, the responses were bicuculline insensitive and not modulated by either diazepam or pentobarbital as is the case for GABA C receptors. There were, however, some distinct differences between native GABA C and perch-s receptors. I4AA acts as a partial agonist on perch-s receptors whereas it is strictly an antagonist on native GABA C receptors. Picrotoxin inhibition is noncompetitive on perch-s receptors, but both competitive and noncompetitive on GABA C receptors. We conclude that GABA C receptors are formed by GABA ρ subunits but that native GABA C receptors probably consist of a mixture of GABA ρ subunits.
The Transmission and Decay of Barotropic Topographic Rossby Waves Incident on a Continental Shelf

Abstract We know that long-period (>1 day) and long-wavelength (>100 km) topographical Rossby waves can be generated by a wind acting directly on a continental shelf (Adams and Buchwald, 1969). Here we examine the characteristics of them waves which can also be produced off the shelf by wind and current eddies and can propagate up to and onto the shelf. We use a shelf model which varies in depth in one direction only and assume that a shelf can be approximated by at most two breaks with the depth varying exponentially. We assume velocity-dependent bottom friction to determine the effect of frictional dissipation. The following results are derived by our analysis. The regression angle of scatter plots for topography-dominated waves should be small and the preponderant direction of the waves determined by the sign. The group velocity directed up the slope possesses an absolute maximum which occurs at a relatively short period. The ability of a wave moving up a slope to overcome friction correlates with this...
Credit Card Interchange Fees: Debunking Six Myths

The Visa and MasterCard credit card networks require the banks (known as acquiring banks) to pay a portion of all purchases made with a credit card to the bank that issued the card. This fee, known as the interchange fee, is ultimately passed on by the acquiring bank to the merchants that accept credit cards. Because interchange fees are set collectively by all of the banks that issue Visa and MasterCard cards, and because they constitute about 75% of the fee paid by retailers to accept cards, they have long been suspect under the antitrust laws. In recent years, debate over interchange fees has intensified as competition authorities in other countries have begun regulating these fees, and merchants in the United States have filed a series of class actions challenging them under the antitrust laws. The cases have been consolidated by the Panel on Multi-District Litigation for pre-trial purposes. This article responds to six myths that have been advanced about credit card interchange fees that have the common theme of suggesting either that these fees raise no competitive concerns or that any valid concern could be easily remedied through cost-based regulation or merchant surcharging. This article demonstrates that these myths are untrue and that interchange fees raise serious competitive concerns for which there is no quick fix.
Cation non-stoichiometry in pulsed laser deposited Sr2+yFe1+xMo1-xO6 epitaxial films

Sr2FeMoO6 (SFMO) films were grown on SrTiO3 (100)- and (111)-oriented substrates via pulsed laser deposition (PLD). In order to study the fundamental characteristics of deposition, films were grown in two different PLD chambers. In chamber I, the best films were grown with a relatively long substrate-to-target distance (89 mm), high substrate temperature (850 °C), and low pressure (50 mTorr) in a 95% Ar/5% H2 atmosphere. Although X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements indicate these films are single phase, Rutherford Backscattering (RBS) measurements reveal considerable non-stoichiometry, corresponding to a Sr2Fe1−xMo1+xO6 composition with x ≅ 0.2–0.3. This level of non-stoichiometry results in inferior magnetic properties. In chamber II, the best films were grown with a much shorter substrate-to-target distance (38 mm), lower temperature (680 °C), and higher pressure (225 mTorr). XRD measurements show that the films are single phase, and RBS measurements indicate that they are nearly stoichiometric. The de...
The Question of Coherence in Philo’s Cultic Imagery: A Socio-literary Approach:

This article examines Philo’s cultic metaphors with a view towards finding coherence. Many scholars have turned to the works of Philo for insight into the world of the New Testament or early Judaism, but a standard assumption is that the search for coherence in his works is a fruitless endeavor. However, using Philo’s temple, priesthood, and sacrificial metaphors as a specific subject of interest, a socio-literary approach is taken in an attempt to reassess this assumption. In particular, this article draws from insights gained from cognitive linguistics, where metaphors are viewed as resources that have the capacity to influence cognitive frameworks. From this perspective, Philo’s cultic metaphors are consistently used to engage rhetorically in a set of common problems, including his apologetic and tropological concerns.
Separation and recovery of chromium and vanadium from reduced vanadium-chromium precipitate by calcinations-alkaline leaching

Separation and recovery of chromium and vanadium from reduced vanadium-chromium precipitate were implemented by calcination followed by alkaline leaching. The reaction process during calcination and the factors, such as temperature, time and alkaline medium, affecting leaching vanadium were investigated. Cr(Ⅲ) and V(Ⅳ) could form CrVO4, and then CrVO4 was decomposed into Cr2 O3 and V2 O5 during calcinations. The appropriate conditions for calcination were temperature of 950℃ and time of 1.0—3.0 h. Under the same molarity conditions, NaOH was better than Na2 CO3 for leaching V2 O5. Increasing NaOH concentration and time was favorable for leaching of V2 O5 while temperature had little effect on leaching of V2 O5. When reduced vanadium-chromium precipitate was calcined for 1.5 h at 850℃ and was treated for 1.5 h using 3 mol·L?1 NaOH, the content of Cr2 O3 in the residue was more than 96%, and leaching rates of vanadium and chromium were 87.3% and less than 1%, respectively. Additionally, 97% of vanadium in the filtrate could be precipitated by acidic ammonium salt.
Using Aikido and Transpersonal Psychology Concepts as Tools for Reconciling Conflict: Focus on Aikido and Related Martial Arts, Such as Hapkido

Aikido, and related martial arts, such as Hapkido, offer insights for reconciling conflict at intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and global levels. How these operate can be understood scientifically using psychological concepts, especially from transpersonal and transcultural psychology. Some basic approaches for applying these principles are explained, and case examples of their application across different levels for reconciling conflict are provided.
TH-D-BRC-02: Panel Member

Interest in proton therapy has increased dramatically in the past couple of years, especially in the United States. There certainly is an important place for proton therapy in the arsenal of cancer treatments. Its dosimetric advantage and potential for low toxicity makes it the perfect partner for photons and other cancer treatment modalities. Often there is a belief that the new technology ought to be better but many believe that they should be widely adopted in the clinic only after evidence has shown that they are at least as safe and efficacious as existing technologies, which are often less expensive. This is the case for proton radiotherapy. This session being both educational and debate will provide a good review of basics and technological advancement as well as a comprehensive clinical update for both proton and photon therapy. Future technology developments and how they will impact the potential dosimetric advantage of proton therapy will be discussed. Particularly the debate will focus on whether these developments will close or widen the gap between photon and proton therapy. Learning Objectives: 1.To review challenges, limitations, and recent and future developments in proton therapy. 2.To review challenges, limitations, recent and future developments in photon radiotherapy. 3.To review current clinical trials and challenging clinical cases. C. Yu, No company or organization that my presentation mentions provided me with financial support. I am the Founder and CEO of Xcision Medical Systems, LLC. However, my presentation will not mention any product or technology developed by Xcision.
Leadership–It's a System, Not a Person!

This article argues that the leadership industry has been beset by a bias. This bias has been directed toward leaders and away from two other variables that equally pertain–and that equally explain the trajectory of human history. The first is followers, or others who are in any way relevant, even if passively. And the second is contexts, within which leaders and followers necessarily are embedded. Together these three parts, each of which is equally important and each of which impinges equally on the other two, make up the leadership system. This article suggests that the approximately forty-year-old leadership industry has paid a heavy price for its obsession with leaders at the expense of whoever/whatever else matters. For the industry has not in any major, measurable way improved the human condition, which is precisely why it should be reconsidered and reconceived.
Sustained increases in blood pressure elicited by prolonged face cooling in humans.

We tested the hypothesis that increases in blood pressure are sustained throughout 15 min of face cooling. Two independent trials were carried out. In the Face-Cooling Trial, 10 healthy adults unde...
The melancholy of publicness: on The Calling of History: Sir Jadunath Sarkar and His Empire of Truth, Chicago and London, University of Chicago Press, 2015, 304 pp., $30 (paperback), ISBN: 13: 978-0-226-10045-6

Dipesh Chakrabarty’s new book, The Calling of History, traces the career of Jadunath Sarkar, arguably the most prominent historian of the twentieth century. In doing so, it provides a fascinating a...
In Reply: Opioid therapy and sleep apnea.

Dr. Geller makes some excellent points about sleep and opioid use. Opioids pose risks,[1][1] just like any other type of medication. In particular, opioids have been linked to sleep-disordered breathing, which affects 70% to 85% of patients taking opioids.[2][2]–[4][3] Other options can be used
Prediction of Undrained Behavior of Sand

An elasto-plastic stress-strain theory for cohensionless soil with curved yield surfaces is used for prediction of soil and pore pressure behavior in undrained triaxial tests on saturated sand specimens. Prediction of pore pressures is performed using the condition that no volume change occurs in undrained tests for any increment in load. The soil stress-strain relations are calculated from the effective stress-paths deduced from the applied deviator stress, the cell pressure, and the predicted pore pressure. Effects of back pressure and cavitation of pore water can be calculated from the theory. Predictions of stress-strain relations, pore pressure variation, expansion after cavitation, effective stress-paths, and critical confining pressures compare favorably with experimental results for loose and dense Sacramento River Sand. The importance of employing curved failure surfaces for realistic prediction of undrained behavior is emphasized, and it is shown that most soils exhibit curved failure surfaces.
Rediscovering Beta-2 Microglobulin As a Biomarker across the Spectrum of Kidney Diseases.

There is currently an unmet need for better biomarkers across the spectrum of renal diseases. In this paper, we revisit the role of Beta 2 microglobulin (β2M) as a biomarker in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Prior to reviewing the numerous clinical studies in the area, we describe the basic biology of β2M, focusing in particular on its role in maintaining the serum albumin levels and reclaiming the albumin in tubular fluid through the actions of the neonatal Fc receptor. Disorders of abnormal β2M function arise as a result of altered binding of β2M to its protein cofactors and the clinical manifestations are exemplified by rare human genetic conditions and mice knockouts. We highlight the utility of β2M as a predictor of renal function and clinical outcomes in recent large database studies against predictions made by recently developed whole body population kinetic models. Furthermore, we discuss recent animal data suggesting that contrary to textbook dogma urinary β2M may be marker for glomerular rather than tubular pathology. We review the existing literature about β2M as a biomarker in patients receiving renal replacement therapy, with particular emphasis on large outcomes trials. We note emerging proteomic data suggest that β2M is a promising marker of Chronic Allograft Nephropathy. Finally, we present data about the role of β2M as a biomarker in a number of non-renal diseases. The goal of this comprehensive review is to direct attention to the multi-faceted role of β2M as a biomarker, and its exciting biology in order to propose the next steps thar are required to bring this recently rediscovered biomarkers into the 21st century.
A Readily-Available Test Chamber used in the Study of Shuttle Escape and Avoidance in the Lizard Anolis Sagrei

A specially constructed test chamber was employed to study shuttle escape and avoidance conditioning in the Cuban anole (Anolis sagrei). All of the eight animals employed showed significant improvement in the latency and percentage of escape responses, but none displayed avoidance responding above the chance level. Difficulties were encountered when many of the animals abruptly developed convulsive reactions to the shock and had to be withdrawn from the experiment. The onset of these convulsive reactions was found to be a function of the mean shock intensity employed with the animal, and would thus appear to be a cumulative effect of shock.
Determinants of tree sway frequency in temperate deciduous forests of the Northeast United States

Abstract Trees are the most common cause of utility damage and power outages during storms in the northeastern United States. Previous studies on tree sway and risk of wind-throw have largely been conducted in heavily managed coniferous stands, while relatively little is known for northeastern mixed temperate deciduous forests. The objective of this study was to identify factors determining tree sway frequency in northeastern forests. To this end, we monitored the fundamental vibrational frequency (FVF) of 39 trees representing nine different tree species on 3 sites in southern New England over one year, and regressed those measurements against 25 potential predictor variables. Results showed that four predictors were significant across all sites and species. The height to the base of the live crown, as well as tree slenderness, defined as diameter-at-breast height divided by tree height squared (DBH ∙ H−2), were significant. Previous studies on coniferous trees support the significance of slenderness. The other two predictors accounted for the presence or absence of foliage and whether temperatures were above or below freezing. These findings highlight the relationship of tree shape and FVF, and indicate the relationship is similar between excurrent (e.g., coniferous) and decurrent (e.g., northeastern broadleaves) species when they are grown in closed canopy situations, regardless of species mix or location. Given this relationship, and our understanding of the relationship of FVF to wind-firmness, forest management practices designed to effect slenderness and tree shape have the potential to increase wind-firmness and reduce tree-related storm damage to utility infrastructure.