cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A low-latency adaptive asynchronous interconnection network using bi-modal router nodes

A new bi-modal asynchronous arbitration node is introduced for use as a building block in an adaptive asynchronous interconnection network. The target network topology is a variant Mesh-of-Trees (MoT), combining a binary fan-out network (i.e. routing) and a binary fan-in network (i.e. arbitration) for each source-sink pair. The key feature of the new arbitration node is that it dynamically reconfigures based on the traffic it receives, entering a special “single-channel-bias” mode when the other channel has no recent activity. Arbitration is totally bypassed on the critical path, resulting in significantly lower node latency and, in high-traffic scenarios, improved throughput. The router nodes were implemented in IBM 90nm technology using ARM standard cells. SPICE simulations indicate that the bi-modal arbitration node provided significant reductions in latency (41.6%), and increased throughput (19.8%, in high-traffic single-channel scenarios), when in biased mode. Node reconfiguration required at most 338 ps. Simulations were then performed on two distinct MoT indirect networks, “baseline” and “adaptive” (the latter incorporating the new bi-modal node), on eight diverse synthetic benchmarks, using mixes of random and deterministic traffic. Improvements in system latency up to 19.8% and throughput up to 27.8% were obtained using the adaptive network. Overall end-to-end latencies, through 6 router nodes and 5 hops, of 1.8–2.8 ns (at 25% load) and throughputs of 0.27–1.8 Gigaflits/s (at saturation rate) were also observed. Categories and Subject Descriptors
Losing Sight of Regressive Evolution

When we teach evolution to our students, we tend to focus on “constructive” evolution, the processes which lead to the development of novel or modified structures. Most biology students are familiar with the subjects of finches’ beaks, giraffes’ necks, and hair in mammals. Of course, there is nothing inherently wrong with a constructivist approach to teaching evolution, but if it is our only focus, we may overlook the flip side of the coin. By the flip side of the coin, of course, we are referring to regressive evolution: the loss or degeneration of a trait. Regressive evolution does not often make its way into biology textbooks, but it is of great relevance nonetheless. In all likelihood, when a new trait evolves or an existing one is modified, something is sacrificed in return. In order to develop a flipper, a marine mammal must sacrifice individual digits. You may be familiar with one or more of the following familiar characters lost through regressive evolution: teeth in birds, scales in mammals, and tails in higher primates. For aficionados of cave biology like us, one of the most interesting examples of regressive evolution concerns cave fish: Why do cave fish lose their eyes?
Anisotropic polarizability of ultracold polar 40K87Rb molecules.

We report the measurement of the anisotropic ac polarizability of ultracold polar $^{40}\mathrm{K}^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ molecules in the ground and first rotationally excited states. Theoretical analysis of the polarizability agrees well with experimental findings. Although the polarizability can vary by more than 30%, a ``magic'' angle between the laser polarization and the quantization axis is found where the polarizability of the $|N=0,{m}_{N}=0⟩$ and the $|N=1,{m}_{N}=0⟩$ states match. At this angle, rotational decoherence due to the mismatch in trapping potentials is eliminated, and we observe a sharp increase in the coherence time. This paves the way for precise spectroscopic measurements and coherent manipulations of rotational states as a tool in the creation and probing of novel quantum many-body states of polar molecules.
Earth's heat flux revised and linked to chemistry

Recent estimates of the heat flux from the oceanic crust rest on the validity and accuracy of the half-space cooling (HSC) model. The known discrepancies between calculated and measured heat fluxes are not due to hydrothermal circulation, as commonly assumed, because the magmatic source provides too little energy, and the Rayleigh number is too small to foster vigorous convection on an oceanic scale. The half-space cooling model errs in assuming constant thermal conductivity (k), but more importantly, provides infinite flux along the ridge centers over all time for any form for k. This unrealistic global singularity strongly impacts the derived mean flux. We develop three independent methods to ascertain Earth’s mean oceanic heat flux directly from compiled heat flow data. The results are congruent, insensitive to uncertainties in the dataset, corroborate previous spherical harmonic analyses, provide the same average flux as from the continents, and constrain the global power as 31F1 TW. Geological observations, inferred mantle overturn rates, estimated mantle cooling rates, and recent geodynamic models independently suggest that neither delayed secular cooling nor primordal heat are currently significant sources, necessitating that current heat production predominately originates in radioactive decay and is quasi-steady-state. Models of Earth’s bulk composition based on CI chondritic meteorites provide an unrealistically low radioactive power of ~20 TW, whereas enstatite chondrites are sufficiently radioactive to supply the observed heat flux, contain enough iron metal to account for Earth’s huge core, and have the same oxygen isotopic ratios as the bulk Earth. We devise a method to obtain K/U/Th ratios for the Earth and other planetary bodies from their power, including secular delays, and use this to constrain Earth’s cooling rate. D 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Cell-trappable quinoline-derivatized fluoresceins for selective and reversible biological Zn(II) detection

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of two new, cell-trappable fluorescent probes for Zn(II) are presented. These probes, 2-(4,5-bis(((6-(2-ethoxy-2-oxoethoxy)quinolin-8-yl)amino)methyl)-6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3H-8 xanthen-9-yl)benzoic acid (QZ2E) and 2,2'-((8,8'-(((9-(2-carboxyphenyl)-6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthene-4,5-diyl)bis(methylene))bis(azanediyl))bis(quinoline-8,6-diyl))bis(oxy))diacetic acid (QZ2A), are poorly emissive in the off-state but exhibit dramatic increases in fluorescence upon Zn(II) binding (120 ± 10-fold for QZ2E, 30 ± 7-fold for QZ2A). This binding is selective for Zn(II) over other biologically relevant metal cations, toxic heavy metals, and most first-row transition metals and is of appropriate affinity (K(d1)(QZ2E) = 150 ± 100 μM, K(d2)(QZ2E) = 3.5 ± 0.1 mM, K(d1)(QZ2A) = 220 ± 30 μM, K(d2)(QZ2A) = 160 ± 80 μM, K(d3)(QZ2A) = 9 ± 6 μM) to reversibly bind Zn(II) at physiological levels. In live cells, QZ2E localizes to the Gogli apparatus where it can detect Zn(II). It is cell-membrane-permeable until cleavage of its ester groups by intracellular esterases produces QZ2A, a negatively charged acid form that cannot cross the cell membrane.
Track I Diplomacy and Civil Society in Cyprus: Reconciliation and Peacebuilding During Negotiations

This paper examines the relationship between Track I Diplomacy and Civil Society in Cyprus. Cyprus has been a divided island for over 45 years despite numerous attempts at reconciliation on the societal level and ongoing negotiations on the diplomatic level. It was the aim of this study to examine the ways in which both civil societies and their leaders do or have worked together, if at all, to negotiate a political solution or reconciliation between the two communities. Interviews were conducted on both sides of the cultural divide and within both political and civil society sectors. Those interviews were coded, categorized, and then thematically analyzed. Findings explicate three themes that challenge the relationship and cooperation between Track I and Track II; Structural Elements, Nationalism, and International Support. Furthermore, it is proposed that the leaders must lead and support their citizens in reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts while continuing to negotiate a solution to the Cyprus problem as civil society organizations continue to support negotiation efforts. Diplomacy and Society in Cyprus ii
Generation of circular RNAs and trans -cleaving catalytic RNAs by rolling transcription of circular DNA oligonucleotides encoding hairpin ribozymes

A simple new strategy for the in vitro synthesis of circular RNAs and hairpin ribozymes is described. Circular single-strand DNA oligonucleotides 67-79 nt in length are constructed to encode both hairpin ribozyme sequences and ribozyme-cleavable sequences. In vitro transcription of these small circles by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase produces long repeating RNAs by a rolling circle mechanism. These repetitive RNAsundergo self-processing, eventually yielding unit length circular and linear RNAs as the chief products. The transcription is efficient despite the absence of promoter sequences, with RNA being produced in up to 400 times the amount of DNA circle used. It is shown that the linear monomeric hairpin ribozymes are active in cleaving RNA targets in trans , including one from HIV-1. Several new findings are established: (i) that rolling circle transcription can be extended to the synthesis of catalytic RNAs outside the hammerhead ribozyme motif; (ii) that rolling circle transcription is potentially a very simple and useful strategy for the generation of circular RNAs in preparative amounts; and (iii) that self-processed hairpin ribozymes can be catalytically active in trans despite the presence of self-binding domains.
Design and Fabrication of Ultra-Wideband Baluns Embedded in Multilayer Liquid Crystal Polymer Flex

In this paper, we present the design and fabrication of ultra-wideband (UWB) baluns embedded in multilayer liquid crystal polymer (LCP) flex. Fabrication techniques are demonstrated for processing these commercially available LCP thin-films by standard PCB equipments. Variations in the LCP thin-film thickness are characterized and compared before and after lamination. Results show good dimensional stability of the material, a critical factor in controlling the line impedances and performance of the balun. Electrical results of these baluns show bandwidths exceeding 3.1-10.6 GHz with less than 1 dB insertion loss, and amplitude and phase imbalance less than 1.2 dB and 2deg, respectively. These baluns are ideal for applications in UWB communication systems specified by the IEEE 802.15.3a standard.
Global convergence for self-tuning controller in the case of multivariable systems having a general interactor matrix

An extension of a ClarKe-Gawthrop self-tuning controller to deterministic multivariable systems having general Interactor matrix is carried out in this paper. A proof of global convergence of the multivariable adaptive control algorithm is algo given. It is established that the generalized tracking error vector converges to zero and input output vectors are bounded, even for nonminimum phase systems, for appropriate cost function.
On the Adsorption of Glucose Oxidase at a Gold Electrode

In this paper, the shape and size of glucose oxidase (GO) adsorbed on a gold electrode was determined by ellipsometry. It was concluded that GO is a prolate ellipsoid molecule with a major axis of 140A and a minor axis of 50A. Two orientations of the molecule on the surface were observed: the major axis can be perpendicular to the surface (standing position) or parallel to the surface (lying position). Above a certain coverage, enzymes in the standing position are not stable and undergo a transition to the lying position due to increasing intermolecular interaction. In the lying position, the enzyme‐and‐substrate contact area is large, and gradual unfolding occurs, leading to a significant change in the structure of the protein. It was possible to detect direct electron transfer between a gold electrode and glucose oxidase. After a short contact time, two almost overlapping electron transfer processes were distinguished, but were gradually transformed to a single response that was characteristic for adsorbed FAD, thus showing that significant changes in the protein structure occur, leading the deactivation of the enzyme.
Turbulence-induced rectified flows in rotating fluids

Laboratory experiments dealing with Reynolds stress gradients in shear-free turbulence in homogeneous rotating fluids were conducted to better understand associated physical phenomena. The study was motivated by possible applications to the oceanic environment where such Reynolds stress gradients are ubiquitous (e.g. in the vicinity of the continental shelf break, where turbulence decays away from the boundary). The turbulence was generated by vertical oscillations of a circular shaft with 0-ring surface roughness elements; the oscillation axis coincided with the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical test cell. In the absence of background rotation, the turbulence is strong in the immediate vicinity of the shaft surface and decays with the radial distance, r. The turbulence in the boundary layer is such that u r ∼ u θ ∼ w, where u r , u θ , w are the radial, azimuthal and vertical r.m.s. velocity components, respectively. These velocity components are found to be proportional to Sω, where S and ω are the stroke and frequency of the shaft oscillations, respectively, i.e. much the same as for the case of oscillating-grid turbulence, which has been studied extensively. When background rotation is present, the steady-state turbulent intensity close to the shaft is similar to that of the non-rotating experiments. Away from the shaft, in the central portion of the test cell, large-scale motions containing randomly distributed cyclonic and anticyclonic vortices are developed owing to small local Rossby numbers. In the vicinity of the shaft, a rectified anticyclonic flow U θ is observed. The magnitude of U θ is found to be proportional to the characteristic r.m.s. turbulence velocity u, but independent of the rate of background rotation. Consideration of the equations of motion shows that mean flows should not be expected if background rotation is absent. With rotation, however, the equations indicate that the turbulent stresses can initiate, further develop and then maintain a mean anticyclonic (rectified) flow around the cylinder; the azimuthal momentum equation is shown to play a critical role in the generation of the mean anticyclonic flow.
The Role of Follow-up in Randomized Controlled Trials

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe useful tools for interpreting the randomized controlled trial literature. 2. Characterize the difference between a surrogate outcome and a clinically meaningful outcome. 3. Characterize the trend in the prevalence of neurodevelopmental impairment in very low-birthweight infants. 4. Describe the adverse effects that have been associated with postnatal steroid use and why they were first reported in 1998. 5. Justify neurodevelopment or death as the outcome of randomized controlled trials of neonatal interventions. 6. Describe the major methodologic problems in conducting such trials. Dramatic increases in basic and translational research have increased the number of therapies available to clinicians. Because randomized clinical trials are the gold standard for evaluating the effect of treatment, there have been parallel increases in the number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the refinement of methods for their design, conduct, analysis, and reporting. For investigators designing a clinical trial, clinicians seeking an answer to a specific clinical problem, and clinicians seeking to remain abreast of the trial literature, efficient access to and use of the medical literature is a major challenge. A number of tools have been developed for evaluating the effectiveness of new therapies, including systems to rate the quality of evidence, such as The United States Preventive Task Force’s rating system (Table 1⇓ ). (1) View this table: Table 1. US Preventative Task Force’s Rating System Another major advance is the development of standardized methods for formal, systematic reviews of trials of an intervention (meta-analysis). The Cochrane Collaboration, an organization committed to the preparation and dissemination of systematic reviews of health care interventions, uses such methods to identify high-quality trials and to obtain a summary estimate of the overall treatment effect of a specific intervention in a defined population on each outcome of interest. In addition to providing a typical estimate of …
Data techniques for Quaternary lavas

Reliable age information on Quaternary volcanic events is difficult to obtain because 14C dating generally does not extend beyond 45,000 years, and recent applications of 40Ar/39Ar methods—proven techniques for older lavas—suggest that dating events younger than approximately 100,000 years will be problematic. Because of the gap left in coverage by these traditional techniques, attention has turned to alternative chronometers, such as thermoluminescence, surface exposure dating using the build-up of cosmogenic nuclides, U-series disequilibria, and desert varnish. This research has received impetus and funding because of the importance of young igneous processes in evaluating volcanic hazards, related questions of seismicity, and radioactive waste disposal. These new techniques need to be calibrated against each other using identical samples, which is being done in several volcanic fields throughout the southwestern United States [e.g., Anthony and Poths, 1992]. One such area, the Zuni-Bandera volcanic field near Grants, N. Mex., was the site of a field conference [Laughlin et al., 1993] held from April 26 to 28, to report on recent determinations of flow chronology based on 14C, 3He, 40Ar/39Ar, and U-series techniques. An informal group to continue research on correlated samples was also organized.
Gonadotropins are essential modifier factors for gonadal tumor development in inhibin-deficient mice

We previously demonstrated that mice deficient in inhibin develop gonadal sex cord-stromal tumors with nearly 100% penetrance. These ovarian and testicular tumors develop as early as 4 weeks of age and eventually cause cachexia-like symptoms and death in the inhibin-deficient mice. Gonadectomized inhibin-deficient mice initially do not develop this wasting syndrome, but eventually will develop adrenal cortical tumors with similar penetrance. These studies have demonstrated that inhibin is a secreted type of tumor suppressor in the gonads and adrenal glands. Gonadotropins are implicated to influence gonadal tumor development in humans as well as experimental animals, and in inhibin-deficient mice, serum FSH levels are elevated. To determine whether gonadotropins influence the development and/or progression of the tumors in the inhibin-deficient mice, we took advantage of a naturally occurring mutant mouse, hypogonadal (hpg); hpg/hpg mice lack a functional GnRH gene and, therefore, have suppressed FSH and LH levels. Heterozygous hpg/+mice were crossed to heterozygous inhibin mutant mice to generate compound homozygous mutant mice that lack both inhibin and GnRH. These compound homozygous mutant mice do not develop a wasting syndrome, do not exhibit gonadal or adrenal tumors, and can survive for more than 1 yr. These results demonstrate that gonadotropins are essential modifier factors for tumor development in inhibin-deficient mice.
Structural and functional deviations in disease-associated p97 mutants

Missense mutations that occur at the interface between two functional domains in the AAA protein p97 lead to suboptimal performance in its enzymatic activity and impaired intracellular functions, causing human disorders such as inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget's disease of the bone and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD). Much progress has been made in characterizing these mutants at cellular, sub-cellular and molecular levels, gaining a substantial understanding of the involvement of p97 in various cellular pathways. At the tissue level, patient biopsies revealed co-localization of p97 with pathologic proteineous inclusions and rimmed vacuoles, which can be reproduced in various cellular and animal models of IBMPFD. At the subcellular level, alterations in p97's ability to bind various adaptor proteins have been demonstrated for some but not all binding partners. Biochemical and biophysical characterizations of pathogenic p97 revealed altered nucleotide binding properties in the D1-domains compared to the wild type. Structural studies showed that mutant p97 are capable of undergoing a uniform transition in the N-domain from a Down- to an Up-conformation in the presence of ATPγS, while in the wild-type p97, this conformational change can only be demonstrated in solutions but not in crystals. These structural and biochemical analyses of IBMPFD mutants shed new light into the mechanism of p97 function.
From sex shacks to mega-brothels: The politics of anti-trafficking and the 2006 soccer World Cup

This article examines the discourses of forced prostitution that circulated in the US and European media and government publications in the context of the soccer World Cup in 2006. This analysis of the public discourse around prostitution reveals two themes: concerns about immigration and border security, and representations of gender binaries that serve to relegate migrant women to the status of victim. The fears of increased sex trafficking and the condemnation of so-called ‘sex shacks’ and ‘mega-brothels’ for the World Cup 2006 served as foils for other perceived crises produced by globalisation. The debates struggle with a marked ‘other’ that reveals new forms of racialised ‘othering’: dangerously white, understood as both of Europe and a threat to it. The 2006 World Cup historical moment has implications for how international sports, consumer culture and feminist activism inform and conceal human agency.
Factors Limiting Aliphatic Chlorocarbon Degradation by Nitrosomonas europaea: Cometabolic Inactivation of Ammonia Monooxygenase and Substrate Specificity.

The soil nitrifying bacterium Nitrosomonas europaea is capable of degrading trichloroethylene (TCE) and other halogenated hydrocarbons. TCE cometabolism by N. europaea resulted in an irreversible loss of TCE biodegradative capacity, ammonia-oxidizing activity, and ammonia-dependent O2 uptake by the cells. Inactivation was not observed in the presence of allylthiourea, a specific inhibitor of the enzyme ammonia monooxygenase, or under anaerobic conditions, indicating that the TCE-mediated inactivation required ammonia monooxygenase activity. When N. europaea cells were incubated with [14C]TCE under conditions which allowed turnover of ammonia monooxygenase, a number of cellular proteins were covalently labeled with 14C. Treatment of cells with allylthiourea or acetylene prior to incubation with [14C]TCE prevented incorporation of 14C into proteins. The ammonia-oxidizing activity of cells inactivated in the presence of TCE could be recovered through a process requiring de novo protein synthesis. In addition to TCE, a series of chlorinated methanes, ethanes, and other ethylenes were screened as substrates for ammonia monooxygenase and for their ability to inactivate the ammonia-oxidizing system of N. europaea. The chlorocarbons could be divided into three classes depending on their biodegradability and inactivating potential: (i) compounds which were not biodegradable by N. europaea and which had no toxic effect on the cells; (ii) compounds which were cooxidized by N. europaea and had little or no toxic effect on the cells; and (iii) compounds which were cooxidized and produced a turnover-dependent inactivation of ammonia oxidation by N. europaea. Images
The role of neuregulin/ErbB2/ErbB4 signaling in the heart with special focus on effects on cardiomyocyte proliferation

The signaling complex consisting of the growth factor neuregulin-1 (NRG1) and its tyrosine kinase receptors ErbB2 and ErbB4 has a critical role in cardiac development and homeostasis of the structure and function of the adult heart. Recent research results suggest that targeting this signaling complex may provide a viable strategy for treating heart failure. Clinical trials are currently evaluating the effectiveness and safety of intravenous administration of recombinant NRG1 formulations in heart failure patients. Endogenous as well as administered NRG1 has multiple possible activities in the adult heart, but how these are related is unknown. It has recently been demonstrated that NRG1 administration can stimulate proliferation of cardiomyocytes, which may contribute to repair failing hearts. This review summarizes the current knowledge of how NRG1 and its receptors control cardiac physiology and biology, with special emphasis on its role in cardiomyocyte proliferation during myocardial growth and regeneration.
Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) as a Biological Model in the Study of Plant Invasions

Invasive species pose a serious threat to native plant communities and are an important contributor to loss of biodiversity. In the case of Phalaris arundinacea, L. (Poaceae), reed canary grass, a cool-season, long-lived perennial plant native to Eurasia and North America, nonnative agronomically important genotypes were introduced to North America for numerous uses such as forage and soil stabilization. Following repeated introductions, reed canary grass became an aggressive invader that takes over natural wet prairies, stream-banks and wetlands. Reed canary grass can outcompete native plant species, resulting in monospecific stands with concomitant loss of plant and insect diversity and ultimately to alteration in ecosystem function. Abiotic factors such as disturbance, changes in hydrological regime, and particularly nutrient runoff to wetlands can enhance reed canary grass establishment and vegetative spread. In addition, the species' capacity for early season growth, rapid vegetative spread, high ste...
The Emergence of a Relational Paradigm in Modern Physics and Philosophy

The domination of Newton’s natural philosophy over physics and philosophy did not come to an end all at once. Although it is relatively safe to date the birth of modern as opposed to classical physics at the year 1900, and although the conceptual revolution which brought modern physics into being did so abruptly, it is important to remember that there preceded it a period of preparation created by the failure of Newtonian theory to account for major anomalies in physical research in the nineteenth century. The popularity of the wave theory of light in the nineteenth century entailed the rejection of Newton’s corpuscular theory of light advanced in his Opticks, and this rejection led to a neglect of this document which had been so important for eighteenth- century physics.
A Note on Social Justice

Justice is ordinarily defined as "fairness," but the meaning of fairness suggests both a comparative element (i.e., treating equals as equals, except when they have relevant differences and concomitant forms of equal opportunity) and a noncomparative element (i.e., the notion that each person should be given his or her due--what is owed, earned, needed, or deserved). This note discusses how various systems, processes, and outcomes can be considered fair (or unfair) from these two perspectives.
Nonclassical intensity correlation from a type I phase matched optical parametric oscillator

We report here the observation of nonclassical correlation in the intensities of the nondegenerate signal and idler outputs from an optical parametric oscillator (OPO).1 Our cw OPO consists of a 25-mm long type I phase matched LiNbO3:MgO crystal inside a single ended cavity, which is resonant for both the signal and idler. The output coupling for the IR signal and idler is ~4.5%, while the internal round trip power loss is estimated to be 1.9%.
DNA replication in SV40-infected cells: V. Circular and catenated oligomers of SV40 DNA

Abstract Intracellular viral DNA from African green monkey cells (AGMK) infected with simian virus 40 (SV40) has been isolated by repeated sedimentation through alkaline sucrose gradients. Four fractions with different sedimentation coefficients have been obtained and these viral DNA preparations have been analyzed by electron microscopy. The occurrence of circular oligomers and catenated SV40 DNA molecules has been demonstrated. Circular molecules between two and six times larger than SV40 monomers have been observed. Each different class of oligomeric DNA was infectious. The specific infectivity of these complex DNA molecules was in the range expected for viral DNA of this size.
Neonatal Radiation Exposure

Diagnostic radiology is essential in the care of neonates. Survival of extremely preterm neonates and neonates with multiple birth defects inevitably results in a number of diagnostic radiologic procedures being performed in modern neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Harmful effects of radiation are well known. The number of radiographs performed on preterm neonates is described in several studies over the years. There is no estimate of the number of radiographs performed on neonates of all gestational ages admitted to a NICU. There are multiple dosimetry studies describing the radiation doses from plain chest and abdominal radiographs in preterm neonates. Some of the studies measure the doses imparted by contrast studies in neonates, not preterm neonates. Background natural radiation is estimated to be higher than the radiation from plain radiographs. The radiation from the contrast studies is not known. The article describes the units used to describe doses of radiation, the effects of radiation, and our experience with diagnostic radiographic procedures in neonates of all gestational ages.
Model-Based Design for Vehicle Health Monitoring.

NASA’s 2012 Technology Roadmap identifies autonomous vehicle health monitoring (VHM) as a key technology for future space missions. This paper describes the demonstration of an algorithm for constraint-based VHM software. The VHM approach, referred to as Stochastic Constraint Suspension (SCS), uses system models, constraint suspension, and hypothesis testing to detect and isolate faults, given dynamic estimates of sensor uncertainty and process noise. Through stochastic analysis on a simulated aerospace vehicle subsystem, we design, tune, and verify the success rate of the health monitoring algorithm against identification and isolation metrics.
Study of copper and zinc metabolism during pregnancy.

Summary1. There was an increase in total serum copper content and a decrease in total serum zinc content during pregnancy. 2. The total values of copper and zinc returned to or near their normal reported range, post partum.
The circular distribution analysis on peak changes of hand-foot-mouth disease in Zhoushan City

Objective To describe the monthly incidence distribution of hand- foot- mouth disease( HFMD) from 2010 to2012 in Zhoushan city and to analyze the seasonal trend and the causes of peak changes. Methods Circular distribution method was used to identify the peak period of HFMD incidence. Watson- William test and Watson's U2test were applied for comparing the peak periods respectively. Chi- square test was conducted to analyze and compare the distribution of HFMD pathogen in different years and Bonferroni method was used for multiple comparisons. Results There was seasonal centralized tendency of HFMD incidence during 2010 to 2012( P 0. 01). The peak period occurred between 8th of May and 1st of September which showed a significant difference among three years( P 0. 01). Specifically,the peak period in2012 was earlier than that in 2010 and 2011( both P 0. 01). Among the 356 reported cases with laboratory confirmed,there was significant difference between the distribution of HFMD pathogen by Chi- square test( P 0. 01). The predominant strain was EV71 in 2010 and 2011 accounting for 58. 46% and 64. 62% respectively and other enteric viruses in 2012 accounting for 48. 84%. The ratio of pathogens in 2012 was statistically different from that in 2010 and 2011respectively( both P 0. 01). Conclusion HFMD cases occur with obvious peak season,regional and geographic differences. The major pathogens of EV71 in 2010 and 2011 were changed into other enteric viruses in 2012.
Effect of polyribonucleotides on in vitro platelet aggregation induced by acid-soluble collagen and other aggregating agents.

This investigation was conducted in an attempt to determine if a reported case of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in a patient receiving polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid [poly (I) · poly(C)] could be related to an effect of poly (I) · poly (C) on platelet aggregation. It was determined that poly (I) · poly (C), while not inducing platelet aggregation by itself, produced a decrease in latency and an increase in the rate of platelet aggregation induced at 37° and 24°C by acid-soluble collagen (ASC). All activity resided in the poly (I) strand, which produced a significant effect in a concentration as low as 0.1 μg/ml of plasma (0.22 μmole phosphorus/liter). At concentrations up to 0.25 mg/ml no activity was observed with polyriboadenylic acid-polyribouridylic acid, while polyriboguanylic acid had an inhibitory effect in concentrations down to 2.5 μg/ml (0.54 μmole P/liter). Similarly, moieties of poly (I), inosine, and inosine 3’- and 5-monophosphoric acid lacked activity. Inhibition of ASC polymerization by ascorbic acid diminished the effect of poly (I) on platelet aggregation, while poly (I) alone enhanced ASC polymerization. Since poly (I) was found not to affect platelet aggregation induced by particulate collagen, it was concluded that it enhanced ASC-induced platelet aggregation by promoting collagen polymerization. Poly (I) in high concentrations (about 0.05 mg/ml) was found to inhibit platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate, epinephrine, and ristocetin. The inhibitory effect, however, did not appear incompatible with the appearance of a thrombotic disorder since plasma concentrations in vivo probably fall rapidly below the effective inhibitory concentration. The reported presence of a soluble form of collagen (procollagen) in human serum and the identification in arterial thrombi of collagen that may be derived from this source provide a possible link between poly (I) and DIC.
Thermal Aspects of Metal Cutting: A Boundary Element Approach

In this paper, the boundary clement mcthod (BEM) approach is used to analyze the thermal aspects of steady state metal cutting processes. Particular attention is paid to modelling of the boundary conditions at the tool-chip and the chipworkpiece interfaces. Since the velocities in each of the regions are different, the heat transfer within the tool, the chip, and the workpiece are first calculated separately. A complete model for heat transfer during steady state turning is then obtained by matching the boundary conditions across the primary and the secondary shear zones. An exact expression for matching is developed to avoid any iterations. The temperature fields within the workpiece, the chip and the tool for various processing conditions arc obtained and presented. Design sensitivities of temperature distributions to various shape and process parameters are considered next. The BEM design sensitivity formulation is based on direct differentiation (DDA) of the relevant BEM equations. It retains the advantages of the BEM regarding accuracy and efficiency while avoiding strongly singular kernels. The numerical results obtained by the BEM are also compared to existing FEM results reported in the literature. The BEM is found to be very efficient and robust for this class of machining problems and provides a new avenue for analysis and design of the thermal aspects of various machining processes.
Sparsity induced similarity measure for label propagation

Graph-based semi-supervised learning has gained considerable interests in the past several years thanks to its effectiveness in combining labeled and unlabeled data through label propagation for better object modeling and classification. A critical issue in constructing a graph is the weight assignment where the weight of an edge specifies the similarity between two data points. In this paper, we present a novel technique to measure the similarities among data points by decomposing each data point as an L 1 sparse linear combination of the rest of the data points. The main idea is that the coefficients in such a sparse decomposition reflect the point's neighborhood structure thus providing better similarity measures among the decomposed data point and the rest of the data points. The proposed approach is evaluated on four commonly-used data sets and the experimental results show that the proposed Sparsity Induced Similarity (SIS) measure significantly improves label propagation performance. As an application of the SIS-based label propagation, we show that the SIS measure can be used to improve the Bag-of-Words approach for scene classification.
Catheter-Based Renal Denervation for Resistant Hypertension: Will It Ever Be Ready for “Prime Time”?

The year 2014 was a turning point for the field of renal denervation (RDN) and its potential use to treat resistant hypertension. Tremendous enthusiasm shifted to sober reflection on the efficacy of a technology once touted as the cure to resistant hypertension. The following review highlights 2 major questions: First, does catheter-based RDN lower blood pressure and, second, will RDN using catheter-directed therapy for the treatment of resistant hypertension ever become more than an investigational technology.
Dynamic identification of growth and survival kinetic parameters of microorganisms in foods

Inverse analysis is a mathematical method used in predictive microbiology to determine the kinetic parameters of microbial growth and survival in foods. The traditional approach in inverse analysis relies on isothermal experiments that are time-consuming and labor-intensive, and errors are accumulated and propagated in each step of data collection and analysis. One-step dynamic analysis is a new mathematical method that directly constructs a tertiary model and determines the kinetic parameters from dynamic experiments. This method is accurate and efficient, and can replace the traditional method for inverse analysis in predictive microbiology.
A structural model of flagellar filament switching across multiple bacterial species

The bacterial flagellar filament has long been studied to understand how a polymer composed of a single protein can switch between different supercoiled states with high cooperativity. Here we present near-atomic resolution cryo-EM structures for flagellar filaments from both Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Seven mutant flagellar filaments in B. subtilis and two in P. aeruginosa capture two different states of the filament. These reliable atomic models of both states reveal conserved molecular interactions in the interior of the filament among B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica. Using the detailed information about the molecular interactions in two filament states, we successfully predict point mutations that shift the equilibrium between those two states. Further, we observe the dimerization of P. aeruginosa outer domains without any perturbation of the conserved interior of the filament. Our results give new insights into how the flagellin sequence has been “tuned” over evolution. Bacterial flagellar filaments are composed almost entirely of a single protein—flagellin—which can switch between different supercoiled states in a highly cooperative manner. Here the authors present near-atomic resolution cryo-EM structures of nine flagellar filaments, and begin to shed light on the molecular basis of filament switching.
Stability of three forms of vitamin B6 to laboratory light conditions.

Pyridoxine.HCl, pyridoxal.HCl, and pyridoxamine.2HCl solutions were exposed to several laboratory light treatments, and the resulting vitamin retentions were determined by the AOAC microbiological method. The 5 treatments compared were total darkness, regular laboratory light, low actinic glass protection, yellow incandescent light, and golden fluorescent light. All treatments were imposed for 8 and 15 hr, and with the vitamin solutions at both a low and a high pH. Regular laboratory light was the most destructive to the vitamins, with greater destruction at higher pH and longer exposure time in all cases. Pyridoxine retentions ranged from 97 (pH 4.5, 8 hr) to 66% (pH 7, 15 hr); pyridoxal from 97 (pH 4.5, 8 hr) to 55% (pH 6, 15 hr); and pyridoxamine from 81 (pH 4.5, 8 hr) to 47% (pH 8, 15 hr). Retentions in low actinic glassware or in clear glassware under yellow or golden fluorescent light were essentially com,lete, ranging from 94 to 106% over all treatments and all 3 forms. Results showed that either of the 2 subdued light conditions, yellow or golden fluorescent light, is suitable in vitamin B6 assays and that low actinic glassware is suitable for storing sample solutions.
Promoting health and activity in the summer trial: Implementation and outcomes of a pilot study

Abstract The objectives of this study were to implement, test adherence to and examine the preliminary effectiveness of a summertime weight-gain prevention intervention in youth from a low-income, Rhode Island community. In 2016, 51 children, ages 6–12 years, participated in a daily, summertime intervention, which offered a minimum of two hours of physical activity programming and free lunch through the USDA's Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Thirty children from the same community with similar SFSP access served as a comparison group. Height and weight were measured before and at the end of summer to assess change in body mass index z-score (BMIz). Diet and physical activity were assessed midsummer. Multivariate mixed models were used to test group differences in change in BMIz over the summer and weight-related behaviors midsummer. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine the relationships of intervention participation with change in BMIz and weight-related behaviors in intervention participants. On average, intervention participants attended 65.6% of program sessions. They lost 0.04 BMIz units, while those in the comparison group gained 0.03 BMIz units (p = 0.07). Midsummer, intervention participants spent 4.6% less time sedentary on weekdays as compared to comparison participants (p = 0.03). Among intervention participants, attendance was significantly associated with change in BMIz (p = 0.01), spending 41 more minutes in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (p = 0.004) and 8.5% less time sedentary (p Clinical trials registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03118635
An interspecific barberry hybrid enables genetic dissection of non-host resistance to the stem rust pathogen Puccinia graminis.

Stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis (Pg), remains a devastating disease of wheat, and the emergence of new Pg races virulent on deployed resistance genes fuels the ongoing search for sources of durable resistance. Despite its intrinsic durability, non-host resistance (NHR) is largely unexplored as a protection strategy against Pg, partly due to the inherent challenge of developing a genetically tractable system within which NHR segregates. Here, we demonstrate that Pg’s far less studied ancestral host, barberry (Berberis spp.), provides such a unique pathosystem. Characterization of a natural population of B. ×ottawensis, an interspecific hybrid of Pg-susceptible B. vulgaris and Pg-resistant B. thunbergii (Bt), reveals that this uncommon nothospecies can be used to dissect the genetic mechanism(s) of Pg-NHR exhibited by Bt. Artificial inoculation of a natural population of B. ×ottawensis accessions, verified via genotyping by sequencing to be first-generation hybrids, revealed 51% susceptible, 33% resistant, and 16% intermediate phenotypes. Characterization of a B. ×ottawensis full sib family excluded the possibility of maternal inheritance of the resistance. By demonstrating segregation of Pg-NHR in a hybrid population, this study challenges the assumed irrelevance of Bt to Pg epidemiology and lays a novel foundation for the genetic dissection of NHR to one of agriculture’s most studied pathogens.
A non-parametric distance-based method using all available indicators for integrated environmental assessment – a case study of the Mid-Atlantic Region, USA

The paper presents a multivariate measure useful for integrated environmental assessments. It is a weighted distance measure applied to metric data but based on nonparametric statistical procedures. The proposed measure allows all environmental indicators to be used directly without any reduction in dimension (e.g. as in principal component analysis) nor losing variance while being able to tolerate possible non-normality of the indicators, as well as non-linear relationships among them. Results of the hypothetical example and the Mid-Atlantic case study show that the proposed measure is suitable and valuable for integrating multiple indicators into a single index, an important task in integrated environmental assessment.
Implementing Evidence-Based Interventions With Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Scoping Review.

Objective With the rapid growth of the community-dwelling older adult population, evidence-based occupational therapy interventions targeting older clients need to be effectively implemented. However, little is understood about the factors influencing effective intervention implementation into practice. Method We performed a scoping review to explore what strategies and factors relate to the uptake of older adult interventions into practice. Concepts from implementation science literature guided our review. Results Our review yielded 13 articles that met our search criteria. Study designs examined barriers, facilitators, and strategies related to the implementation of evidence-based older adult interventions into practice. Effective implementation strategies included training sessions, workshops, consultations, and outreach meetings. Conclusion Our findings suggest that practitioners, administrators, and researchers should adopt strategies such as workshops, consultations, fidelity vignettes, peer mentoring, and standardized training to effectively implement research into practice with older adults.
Acute effects of insulin on circulating natriuretic peptide levels in humans.

BACKGROUND The natriuretic peptide hormones play an important role in salt and blood pressure regulation. In observational studies, obesity and insulin resistance have been consistently associated with lower concentrations of natriuretic peptides. It has been proposed that insulin influences natriuretic peptide production. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the acute effects of insulin administration on natriuretic peptide concentrations. METHODS 31 men and women (11 lean, 10 overweight, and 10 obese), ages 30-70 years, without cardiovascular disease or overt diabetes underwent a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic insulin clamp. Plasma concentrations of N-terminal pro atrial natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP) and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured at baseline and steady-state (the final 30 minutes of the clamp protocol). RESULTS From baseline to steady-state, insulin levels increased from a mean level of 9.5 to 176.7 μU/ml (p<0.001). Over this period, circulating NT-proANP concentrations decreased by 9% (-1933 ng/L, p = 0.01). The changes in NT-proANP did not differ between lean, overweight, and obese individuals. Steady-state NT-proANP levels, adjusted for baseline, were lower in individuals with greater insulin resistance, independent of BMI. In contrast to NT-proANP, NT-proBNP levels did not change significantly during the clamp (p = 0.41). CONCLUSION Insulin administration was associated with a moderate decrease in circulating NT-proANP, but not NT-proBNP. The lowest NT-proANP concentrations were found in insulin-resistant individuals. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying the effects of insulin on the cardiac hormonal axis.