cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic Properties of Uranyl Minerals: Constraints from Calorimetry and Solubility Measurements

More than 50 uranyl minerals, phases containing U6+ as the uranyl UO22+ cation, and hydroxide, carbonate, phosphate, and silicate anions, H2O, and alkali and alkaline earth cations, occur in nature and as corrosion products of spent nuclear fuel. Despite their importance and the need to understand their thermodynamics to predict uranium solubility, fate, and transport in the environment, reliable thermodynamic data have only been available recently. This paper summarizes recent studies of enthalpies of formation using high temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry and Gibbs free energies from solubility experiments. Standard state thermochemical parameters (at 25 °C and 1 bar) are tabulated and the stability and transformation sequences of these phases are discussed. The enthalpies of formation from oxides are discussed in terms of crystal structure and Lewis acid–base interactions.
Workload driven index defragmentation

Decision support queries that scan large indexes can suffer significant degradation in I/O performance due to index fragmentation. DBAs rely on rules of thumb that use index size and fragmentation information to accomplish the task of deciding which indexes to defragment. However, there are two fundamental limitations that make this task challenging. First, database engines offer little support to help estimate the impact of defragmenting an index on the I/O performance of a query. Second, defragmentation is supported only at the granularity of an entire B+-Tree, which can be too restrictive since defragmentation is an expensive operation. This paper describes techniques for addressing the above limitations. We also study the problem of selecting the appropriate indexes to defragment for a given workload. We have implemented our techniques in Microsoft SQL Server and developed a tool that can provide appropriate index defragmentation recommendations to DBAs. We evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques on several real and synthetic databases.
Learning Representation and Control in Markov Decision Processes: New Frontiers

This paper describes a novel machine learning framework for solving sequential decision problems called Markov decision processes (MDPs) by iteratively computing low-dimensional representations and approximately optimal policies. A unified mathematical framework for learning representation and optimal control in MDPs is presented based on a class of singular operators called Laplacians, whose matrix representations have nonpositive off-diagonal elements and zero row sums. Exact solutions of discounted and average-reward MDPs are expressed in terms of a generalized spectral inverse of the Laplacian called the Drazin inverse . A generic algorithm called representation policy iteration (RPI) is presented which interleaves computing low-dimensional representations and approximately optimal policies. Two approaches for dimensionality reduction of MDPs are described based on geometric and reward-sensitive regularization, whereby low-dimensional representations are formed by diagonalization or dilation of Laplacian operators. Model-based and model-free variants of the RPI algorithm are presented; they are also compared experimentally on discrete and continuous MDPs. Some directions for future work are finally outlined.
Structural and functional hemi- and dizygous Chinese hamster chromosome 2 gene loci in CHO cells.

Fourteen independent somatic cell hybrid clones made between diphtheria toxin (DT)-resistant mouse Cl1D cells and DT-sensitive Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells slowly segregated CHO chromosome. Concordant segregation analysis of electrophoretically resolvable Chinese hamster chromosome 2 gene products and CHO chromosomes 2 and Z2 (having q1–q24 deletion) in DT-selected and control hybrid subclones was conducted. Analysis revealed that loci for DT sensitivityand galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferasecould be regionally assigned to Chinese hamster chromosome 2q1–24 and were physically hemizygous in CHO cells. Enolase (ENO1), 6 phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (PGD),and phosphoglucomutase 1 (PGM1)were located outside the q1–24 region on Chinese hamster chromosome 2 and were dizygous in CHO cells. Functional dizygosity of ENO1, PGD,and PGM1in CHO cells, as determined by the isolation of diploid heterozygous electrophoretic shift mutants following UV and EMS exposure, confirmed their location outside the Z2 deletion and indicated that the deletion did not result in the inactivation of adjacent loci. These results are discussed in relation to current theories on the basis for high frequency of drug-resistant autosomal recessive mutants in CHO cells and conservation of mammalian autosomal linkage groups.
The concept of social dominance

Dominance has been assumed to be a quality of overwhelming social importance but satisfactory definitions and measures have not been devised. As an indication of predictability of outcome of interaction between animals, it can be explained in terms of ordinary learning processes previous to and during a specific relationship. Agonistic interactions are usually determined and often initiated by the subordinate's behavior, and subordinate behavior is correlated with physiological changes, so that a subordination hierarchy is probably a more useful concept than a dominance hierarchy. Hierarchies develop in stressful conditions, especially in captivity where animals with overresponsive adrenal cortices are at a selective disadvantage. In wild groups hierarchies are tenuous or absent and stress-responsive members are probably advantageous to a group. Group defense and leadership roles are not correlated with rank, but policing is characteristic of high-ranking animals in species where it occurs. There is no evidence that formation of a hierarchy reduces aggression—hierarchies are actually associated with high rates of aggression in primate groups. There is no conclusive evidence that high ranking males have greater overall reproductive success, and an alternative hypothesis that adult males are sexually active for a relatively short stage of their lives fits existing data equally well.
The Synaptotagmins: Calcium Sensors for Vesicular Trafficking

The synaptotagmin family of vesicle proteins is believed to mediate calcium-dependent regulation of membrane trafficking. Detailed biochemical and in vivo studies of the most characterized isoform, synaptotagmin 1 (syt 1), have provided compelling evidence that it functions as a calcium sensor for fast neurotransmitter release at synapses. However, the function of the remaining isoforms is unclear, and multiple roles have been hypothesized for several of these. Recent evidence in Drosophila has given insight into the function of some of the remaining synaptotagmin family members. Of the five evolutionarily conserved isoforms in Drosophila, only two, syt 1 and syt 4, localize to most, if not all, synapses. The former is localized to presynaptic terminals, whereas the latter is predominantly postsynaptic. This suggests an intriguing possibility that syt 4 may mediate a postsynaptic vesicle trafficking pathway, providing a molecular basis for an evolutionarily conserved bidirectional vesicular trafficking communication system at synapses.
Asymmetric reduction of ketoesters with alcohol dehydrogenase from thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus

Abstract The secondary alcohol dehydrogenase (SADH) of T. ethanolicus was produced by controlling the growth temperature at 50 °C. Chiral hydroxyesters were obtained by the asymmetric reduction of ketoesters catalyzed by SADH. Reduction of ethyl levulinate gave (S)-γ-butyrolactone in 84% yield and greater than 99% e.e..
Postoperative localization of porta hepatis and abdominal vasculature in pancreatic malignancies : Implications for postoperative radiotherapy planning

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate changes in preoperative positions of structures used to define target volumes (i.e., pancreatic bed, porta hepatis, local-regional lymph nodes) for postoperative irradiation of pancreatic malignancies as defined by abdominal computed tomographs. Methods and Materials: Eleven consecutive patients who had Whipple resection and postoperative irradiation for pancreatic cancer were evaluated. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomographs of each patient were evaluated for the position of the portal vein bifurcation and the origin of the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery. The length along the x (medial-lateral position) and y (anterior-posterior position) axes was determined with calipers to the closest millimeter. Length along the z axis (cephalad-caudad position) was determined with the computed tomographic sectional interval between images. Statistical significance of the change in the structure's position along the x, y, or z axis between preoperative and postoperative computed tomographs was assessed with the paired t -test. Results: Evaluation of the preoperative and postoperative positions of the portal vein, celiac axis, and superior mesenteric artery along the x, y, and z axes revealed a statistically significantly change in the location of the portal vein and celiac axis postoperatively. The median change of the celiac axis in the anterior-posterior position was significant ( p = 0.0047), but the mean change was only 2 mm and not considered clinically significant. The median change for the portal vein was 0.97 cm and 1.07 cm along the y and x axes, respectively, and was significant ( p = 0.008 and p = 0.0001). The range in position change for the portal vein was 0.0 to 2.0 cm along the y axis and 0.4 to 1.9 along the x axis. The remaining mean changes in position along all axes for all the structures were less than 3 mm (not statistically significant). Conclusions: The mean position of the portal vein-porta hepatis Whipple resection is approximately 1.0 cm medial and 1.0 cm posterior compared with its preoperative position. These data suggest that postoperative abdominal computed tomographs are useful in determining treatment volumes of nodal drainage basins after Whipple resection of pancreatic malignancies.
Inhibitory effect of Aroclor 1254 on aflatoxin-initiated carcinogenesis in rainbow trout and mutagenesis using a Salmonella/trout hepatic activation system☆

Abstract Duplicate lots of 140 rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri ) were fed either control diet (CD) or 100 ppm Aroclor 1254 (a polychlorinated biphenyl—PCB) for 3 mth followed by initiation of liver carcinomas with 20 ppb dietary aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) for 2 wk. At 8 and 12 mth after AFB 1 treatment, fish were sampled and tumor incidence determined. Trout that were prefed PCB showed a 45% inhibition in tumor incidence at 12 mth, when compared to those prefed CD. Throughout the experiment fish were sampled to determine the time relationship of PCB bioaccumulation. A rapid uptake of PCB into total body fat was seen, with concentration of 594 ppm at the time of AFB 1 exposure. Liver benzo[ a ]pyrehe monooxygenase (B[ a ]PM) activity was also induced at the time AFB 1 exposure began. The Ames mutagenesis assay was used to determine the effects of in vitro Aroclor 1254 on AFB 1 -induced mutagenesis using a trout liver preparation. A PCB dose-related inhibition was observed with a 67% inhibition at the highest dose tested (500 μg Aroclor 1254/plate). Proposed mechanisms of the inhibition of AFB 1 -induced carcinogenesis/mutagenesis are discussed.
Probabilistic Analysis and Design of Metallic-Carbon-Nanotube-Tolerant Digital Logic Circuits

Metallic carbon nanotubes (CNTs) pose a major barrier to the design of digital logic circuits using CNT field-effect transistors (CNFETs). Metallic CNTs create source to drain shorts in CNFETs, resulting in undesirable effects such as excessive leakage and degraded noise margins. No known CNT growth technique guarantees 0% metallic CNTs. Therefore, special processing techniques are required for removing metallic CNTs after CNT growth. This paper presents a probabilistic model which incorporates processing and design parameters and enables quantitative analysis of the impact of metallic CNTs on leakage, noise margin, and delay variations of CNFET-based digital logic circuits. With practical constraints on these key circuit performance metrics, the model provides design and processing guidelines that are required for very large scale integration (VLSI)-scale metallic-CNT-tolerant digital circuits.
Balanced charge treatment of intramolecular electrostatic interactions in molecular mechanics energy functions

Abstract A new treatment is presented for calculating the molecular mechanics intramolecular atom–atom Coulomb potential energy. It is shown that the standard method of only including charge pairs in the 1,4 and higher positions is unphysical, and leads to erratic electrostatic relative energies especially when the atomic charges are allowed to vary during a simulation. The problem is removed with the new scheme that partially also includes 1,2 and 1,3 interactions as needed to balance the charges in the 1,4 positions. A few simple molecules that involve conformation-dependent charges are used to illustrate the advantages of the new procedure.
Family measurement techniques: The conflict tactics scales

Abstract The Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS) are “the most widely used instrument for measuring the tactics used by members of a family in a conflict situation” (Straus, 1987, p. 3). Murray Straus, who developed the CTS, notes, in perhaps the best summary of research on the scales, that they have been used in nearly 120 papers, and at least five books (Straus, 1987). Unlike many other measures, the CTS have been used in national, random surveys. In other words, the CTS are probably the best known instruments for measuring verbal and physical family violence.
X-Ray CCD Cameras: I. Design of Low Noise, High Performance Systems

In general, attention to a multitude of details is essential when designing low noise CCD cameras. This paper describes some of the critical details of the MIT X-ray CCD camera design. Special attention is given to those portions of the system which are different from conventional practice in the design of CCD cameras. Furthermore, an attempt has been made to generalize the design so that both optical and X-ray requirements can be satisfied wherever possible. Currently, noise levels of <8 electrons RMS are routinely achieved with this design, and even lower levels (<5 electrons) should be realizable.
Registration of Four Exotic Germplasm Lines Derived from an Introgressed Population of Cotton

John Cotton (JC) cotton germplasm was developed from multiple crosses between Gossypium hirsutum L. and G. barbadense L. JC14 (Reg. No. GP-921, PI 658308), JC32 (Reg. No. GP-922, PI 658309), JC60 (Reg. No. GP-923, PI 658310), and JC65 (Reg. No. GP-924, PI 658311) were released by the USDA-ARS in 2009 for their exceptional fi ber quality or desirable combinations of lint yield and fi ber properties. These lines were tested for agronomic performance and fi ber quality in 2006, 2007, and 2008 at three locations. JC14 and JC60 averaged 277 and 281 kN m kg −1 , respectively, for bundle strength over 3 yr compared with 258 kN m kg −1 for the high quality check ‘Phytogen 72’ (PHY72). The properties of 50% span length, short fi ber content, and fi neness in these two lines were also superior to those of PHY72. Lint yield of JC65 averaged 1190 kg ha −1 , compared with 1565 and 1090 kg ha −1 for ‘Deltapine 555BG/RR’ and PHY72, respectively. Elongation (8.06%), short fi ber content (3.46%), and fi neness (174 mg km −1 ) in JC65 were all superior to those of PHY72. Lint yield of JC32 averaged 1161 kg ha −1 with 8.21% elongation, 3.52% short fi ber content, and 174 mg km −1 fi neness. The superior traits in these lines can be incorporated into Upland cotton cultivars for genetic improvement of both lint yield and fi ber quality.
Computer ethics in the undergraduate curriculum: case studies and the joint software engineer's code

This paper illustrates how to use the Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice [1,2] in three case studies suitable for computer science instruction. This code of ethics was approved by both the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) and the IEEE Computer Society in 1998. Since then, the code has been translated into seven more languages, and adopted by organizations in many countries.The paper argues that instruction in ethics is vital in computer science education, and that case studies featuring the Software Engineer's Code can be an effective method for that instruction. The three cases all focus on realistic situations in which a software engineer must make choices that involve technical and ethical judgments. For each case, the paper identifies relevant sections of the Code, and analyzes the case study using ideas from those sections.
Dietary Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Possible Effects on Visual Function

Of the many carotenoids circulating in human sera, only lutein and zeaxanthin are accumulated throughout the tissues of the eye. Within the eye, they reach their highest concentration in the central retina, where they are clinically referred to as the macula lutea. Lutein and zeaxanthin, more commonly referred to as macular pigments, may serve a variety of roles in the specialized vision of higher primates. This paper reviews recent studies investigating the influence of macular pigments on human visual performance. Such studies have offered insight into why lutein and zeaxanthin are uniquely concentrated in ocular tissues.
Effects of soil–structure interaction on longitudinal seismic response of MSSS bridges

Abstract This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study on the effects of soil–structure interaction on longitudinal seismic response of existing bridges. FHWA's guidelines for footing foundation on semi-infinite elastic half-space are used to determine translational and rotational stiffnesses at the base of bridge abutments and piers. Similarly, stiffness and strength of abutment backfill soil are determined based on FHWA's procedures. Various stiffnesses at the abutments are then lumped (condensed) into one translational spring at the point of impact between the abutment and the deck. Translational springs at the abutments are bilinear with their yield strength in compression determined based on Mononobe–Okabe method. In tension it is equal to the friction force at the footing. Among the parameters considered is the case of damaged back wall, where it is assumed that due to shear failure at the juncture of the back wall and breast wall the abutment strength and stiffness, as well as mobilized abutment mass, have changed. Results indicate that soil–structure interaction (SSI) has a significant effect on the seismic response in the longitudinal direction. Abutment strength is the most critical parameter. Impact force, deck sliding, and SSI affects all plastic rotations at the base of columns. Thus, it is important that analytical models used in seismic evaluation of bridge systems explicitly consider SSI.
High efficiency large area n‐type front junction silicon solar cells with boron emitter formed by screen printing technology

In this paper, we report on commercially viable screen printing (SP) technology to form boron emitters. A screen-printed boron emitter and ion-implanted phosphorus back surface field were formed simultaneously by a co-annealing process. Front and back surfaces were passivated by chemically grown oxide capped with plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition silicon nitride stack. Front and back contacts were formed by traditional SP and firing processes with silver/aluminum grid on front and local silver back contacts on the rear. This resulted in 19.6% efficient large area (239 cm2) n-type solar cells with an open-circuit voltage Voc of 645 mV, short-circuit current density Jsc of 38.6 mA/cm2, and fill factor of 78.6%. This demonstrates the potential of this novel technology for production of low-cost high-efficiency n-type silicon solar cells. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An analysis of adaptive design variations on the sequential parallel comparison design for clinical trials.

BackgroundCurrently, a growing placebo response rate has been observed in clinical trials for antidepressant drugs, a phenomenon that has made it increasingly difficult to demonstrate efficacy. The sequential parallel comparison design (SPCD) is a clinical trial design that was proposed to address this issue. The SPCD theoretically has the potential to reduce the sample-size requirement for a clinical trial and to simultaneously enrich the study population to be less responsive to the placebo.PurposeBecause the basic SPCD already reduces the placebo response by removing placebo responders between the first and second phases of a trial, the purpose of this study was to examine whether we can further improve the efficiency of the basic SPCD and whether we can do so when the projected underlying drug and placebo response rates differ considerably from the actual ones.MethodsThree adaptive designs that used interim analyses to readjust the length of study duration for individual patients were tested to reduce...
Intervention for Children Exposed to Interparental Violence (IPV): Assessment of Needs and Research Priorities

In this paper we review the development of interventions for children who have been exposed to interparental violence (IPV), assess current needs in the evaluation of interventions, and provide suggestions for research priorities in this area. Interventions for negative outcomes associated with exposure to IPV only recently have been carefully designed and evaluated, thus knowledge regarding program effectiveness is minimal. Three of the most comprehensive interventions that have been evaluated are presented. Each has demonstrated effectiveness, and focuses on children with different levels of symptoms and distress. However, many questions remain regarding which interventions are beneficial for diverse children with different kinds and intensities of problems. A number of research priorities and suggestions for further improvements in the evaluation of effectiveness of interventions are identified.
Chromoplast development in ripening tomato fruit: identification of cDNAs for chromoplast-targeted proteins and characterization of a cDNA encoding a plastid-localized low-molecular-weight heat shock protein

During tomato fruit ripening, photosynthetically competent thylakoid membranes are broken down and replaced by membranous deposits of carotenoids. Few of the proteins involved in this transition have been identified. We have used chloroplast protein import assays as a means to identify two cDNAs that encode proteins destined for the developing chromoplast. One of the cDNAs had unexpected properties and its biological function has not been determined. However, the other cDNA encodes a plastid-localized low-MW heat shock protein (hsp). The steady-state level of RNA corresponding to this cDNA increased several-fold during tomato ripening, and the amount of RNA induced by heat stress increased dramatically during this process. These observations suggest a new role for this stress protein in protecting the plastid during the dismantling of the thylakoid membranes or during the buildup of carotenoids.
A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled multicenter trial of adenosine as an adjunct to reperfusion in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMISTAD-II)

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of intravenous adenosine on clinical outcomes and infarct size in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients un...
Drinking water in developing countries

Safe drinking water remains inaccessible for about 1.1 billion people in the world, and the hourly toll from biological contamination of drinking water is 400 deaths of children (below age 5). This paper reviews the general guidelines for drinking water quality and the scale of the global problem. It reviews the various water disinfection technologies that may be applicable to achieve the desired quality of drinking water in developing countries. It then summarizes financing problems that deter extending access to safe drinking water to the unserved population and identifies feasible policy positions for enhancing availability of drinking water in these countries.
Doubly robust estimation in missing data and causal inference models

The goal of this article is to construct doubly robust (DR) estimators in ignorable missing data and causal inference models. In a missing data model, an estimator is DR if it remains consistent when either (but not necessarily both) a model for the missingness mechanism or a model for the distribution of the complete data is correctly specified. Because with observational data one can never be sure that either a missingness model or a complete data model is correct, perhaps the best that can be hoped for is to find a DR estimator. DR estimators, in contrast to standard likelihood-based or (nonaugmented) inverse probability-weighted estimators, give the analyst two chances, instead of only one, to make a valid inference. In a causal inference model, an estimator is DR if it remains consistent when either a model for the treatment assignment mechanism or a model for the distribution of the counterfactual data is correctly specified. Because with observational data one can never be sure that a model for the treatment assignment mechanism or a model for the counterfactual data is correct, inference based on DR estimators should improve upon previous approaches. Indeed, we present the results of simulation studies which demonstrate that the finite sample performance of DR estimators is as impressive as theory would predict. The proposed method is applied to a cardiovascular clinical trial.
A Multi-Institutional Retrospective Data Analysis of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Less Severe Sickle Cell Disease

Methods: Pediatric patients (<21 years old, n1⁄434) on a research protocol between 4/2006 and 6/2014 receiving myeloablative conditioning (FLU/CY/13.2 Gy TBI) with or without expanded CB HSPC (fresh or cryopreserved) were included. Duration of initial hospitalization, use of opiate pain medications (by continuous infusion or PCA), and use of TPN were determined for each patient. All blood stream infections occurring during initial hospitalization were also recorded. Statistical comparisons between groups were made with two-tailed, unpaired t-tests. Results: 11 patients received expanded CBHSPC in addition to 1-2 unmanipulated CB units while a concurrent cohort of 23 patients received the same conditioning regimen without expanded cell infusion. The mean time to neutrophil count of 500/mlwas16.5v.22.1days inpatients receivingexpandedcells or not, respectively (p1⁄40.026). The mean duration of initial hospitalization was 43.2 v. 55.6 days (p1⁄40.05) (Fig. 1), mean duration for continuous opiate medications 9.7 v. 18.1 days (p1⁄40.07), and mean time receiving TPN was 20.7 v. 30.1 days (p1⁄40.06) (Fig. 2). Although not statistically significant, bacterial blood stream infections were identified during their initial hospitalization in 3 patients receiving expanded CB HSPC compared to 10 in the standard treatment group. Conclusions: In addition to reduce time to ANC recovery, these results suggest that administration of expanded CB HSPC may significantly reduce initial hospitalization and may also reduce utilization of pain medications and nutritional support in the pediatric population receiving CBT. Thus, this cellular therapy has the potential to decrease the risk of morbidity and mortality post-CBT by reducing regimen related toxicities that directly result from delayed hematopoietic recovery.
Influences of disturbance and vegetation on abundance of native and exotic detritivores in a southwestern riparian forest.

Abstract Detritivores play important roles in energy and nutrient flow in riparian ecosystems. Endemic crickets (Gryllus alogus Rehn) and exotic isopods (Armadillidium vulagare Latreille and Porcellio laevi Latreille.) are abundant detritivores in riparian forest floors of central New Mexico. To determine how disturbance history affects the abundance of these detritivores, we installed pitfall traps in plots that had flooded, burned, or had no recent disturbance. We also measured vegetation composition to examine the relationship between plant community composition and detritivore abundance. Crickets were most abundant in the two plots that had flooded but were rare in recently burned, nonflooded plots. Isopods were most abundant in a wildfire plot with high vegetation density and mesic conditions but were also abundant in unburned plots. Isopods were rare in the plots that had recently burned or had flooded. Multiple regression model selection results suggest that cricket abundance is best explained by p...
Second-generation antihistamines: The risk of ventricular arrhythmias

Some second-generation antihistamines, notably terfenadine and astemizole, have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval and the development of torsades de pointes, a potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmia. This rare adverse event has been associated with greatly elevated blood levels of these agents, resulting from drug overdose, hepatic insufficiency (dysfunction), or interactions with other drugs that inhibit their metabolism. This paper reviews the data concerning the effects of selected second-generation antihistamines on cardiac conduction, particularly the QT interval, to evaluate whether ventricular arrhythmias are a class effect of these agents. Electrocardiographic studies indicate that terfenadine and astemizole, but not loratadine or cetirizine, prolong the QT interval in laboratory animals. In vitro studies demonstrate that terfenadine and astemizole block the cardiac K+ channels, leading to delayed ventricular repolarization and QT-interval prolongation; in contrast, neither loratadine nor its metabolite, desloratadine, significantly inhibits cardiac K+ channels at clinically achievable blood levels. Studies in human volunteers confirm the absence of electrocardiographic effects of azelastine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, and loratadine administered at several times the recommended dose or concomitantly with agents that inhibit their metabolism and elimination. In conclusion, the data indicate that the potential to cause ventricular arrhythmias is not a class effect of second-generation antihistamines and that loratadine, cetirizine, azelastine, and fexofenadine are not associated with torsades de pointes or other ventricular arrhythmias.
Below-canopy and soil CO2 fluxes in a ponderosa pine forest

Abstract Below-canopy eddy covariance measurements of CO2 flux (Fcb) and soil surface CO2 flux measurements (Fs) were made seasonally in a ponderosa pine forest in central Oregon in 1996 and 1997. The forest ecosystem has a very open canopy, and it is subject to drought and high vapor pressure deficits in summer. Below-canopy flux measurements in March, May, and August 1997 showed increasing effluxes from the forest floor as soils warmed. In July 1996, daytime Fcb measurements appeared to have been influenced by photosynthetic uptake of CO2 by ground vegetation. We did not see a similar diurnal trend in Fcb data in August 1997, probably because photosynthesis may have decreased with senescence of ∼1/3 of the pine canopy and the herbaceous species. On 4 days in August 1997, the mean nocturnal Fs (2.6 ± 0.08 μmol m−2 s−1) was lower than nocturnal Fcb (3.5 ± 0.28 μmol m−2 s−1) by 26%, and daytime Fs was lower than nocturnal Fcb by 18%, possibly because Fcb includes respiration by understory and the lower portions of trees. The mean nocturnal NEE calculated from above-canopy flux and storage in the canopy airspace (Fca + Fstor) at this time was 2.8 ± 0.40 μmol m−2 s−1, 23% lower than ecosystem respiration calculated from chamber measurements on soils, wood, and foliage. The largest difference was observed on a more a turbulent night (u* = 0.30 m s−1) when Fca + Fstor was even significantly less than Fcb and Fs. Our hypothesis is that under calm conditions (e.g. u*
The effects of insulin replacement and withdrawal on hepatic ultrastructure and biochemistry.

This study examines the early hepatic biochemical and ultra-structural responses to insulin replacement in streptozotocin-diabetic rats and insulin withdrawal from insulin-maintained diabetic rats. Insulin administration rapidly lowered plasma glucose and the elevated glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) specific activity of the diabetic rats. However, hepatic glycogen did not increase until after 3 hr of insulin treatment. Hepatic ultrastructure responded to insulin replacement after the decline in glucose and G-6-Pase. This was seen in periportal hepatocytes as a reduction in the close association between smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and glycogen particles in the diabetic animals. The treated rats showed hepatic SER restricted to the periphery of glycogen masses, as is characteristic of these cells from normal rats, in many cells by 6 hr and all cells by 18 hr. Insulin withdrawal from insulin-treated diabetic rats elicited nearly a total reversal of the above events. Plasma insulin declined to a value half that of the normal rats by 6 hr after withdrawal; concurrently, plasma glucose rose sharply to hyperglycemic values as hepatic glycogen content dropped. Following the rise in plasma glucose and fall in glycogen content, G-6-Pase specific activity increased and by 16 hr reached the high values characteristic of the diabetic animal. Hepatic ultra-structure was also changed as evidenced by an intrusion of elements of the SER into the dense glycogen masses; the result was dispersed glycogen closely associated with SER as seen in the diabetic animal. It is concluded that the hepatic response to insulin replacement in diabetic animals and diabetic onset in insulin-withdrawn animals is rapid and occurs through defined stages.
Infrared Imaging and Spectroscopy Beyond the Diffraction Limit

Progress in nanotechnology is enabled by and dependent on the availability of measurement methods with spatial resolution commensurate with nanomaterials' length scales. Chemical imaging techniques, such as scattering scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) and photothermal-induced resonance (PTIR), have provided scientists with means of extracting rich chemical and structural information with nanoscale resolution. This review presents some basics of infrared spectroscopy and microscopy, followed by detailed descriptions of s-SNOM and PTIR working principles. Nanoscale spectra are compared with far-field macroscale spectra, which are widely used for chemical identification. Selected examples illustrate either technical aspects of the measurements or applications in materials science. Central to this review is the ability to record nanoscale infrared spectra because, although chemical maps enable immediate visualization, the spectra provide information to interpret the images and characterize the sample. The growing breadth of nanomaterials and biological applications suggest rapid growth for this field.
Synthesis and Characterization of a High-Symmetry Ferrous Polypyridyl Complex: Approaching the 5T2/3T1 Crossing Point for FeII

Electronic structure theory predicts that, depending on the strength of the ligand field, either the quintet (5T2) or triplet (3T1) term states can be stabilized as the lowest-energy ligand-field excited state of low-spin octahedral d6 transition-metal complexes. The 3T1 state is anticipated for second- and third-row metal complexes and has been established for certain first-row compounds such as [Co(CN)6]3–, but in the case of the widely studied FeII ion, only the 5T2 state has ever been documented. Herein we report that 2,6-bis(2-carboxypyridyl)pyridine (dcpp), when bound to FeII, presents a sufficiently strong ligand field to FeII such that the 5T2/3T1 crossing point of the d6 configuration is approached if not exceeded. The electrochemical and photophysical properties of [Fe(dcpp)2]2+, in addition to being of fundamental interest, may also have important implications for solar energy conversion strategies that seek to utilize earth-abundant components.
Magnetic Analysis of the Al 27 (d,p)Al 28 Reaction

Thin aluminum targets have been bombarded with 1.8-, 2.0-, and 2.1-Mev deuterons. Protons emerging at 90 degrees with respect to the deuteron beam have been analyzed in a magnetic spectrograph. Fifty proton groups have been assigned to the ${\mathrm{Al}}^{27}(d,p){\mathrm{Al}}^{28}$ reaction, corresponding to the ground state and forty-nine excited states in ${\mathrm{Al}}^{28}$ between 0 and 6.35 Mev. Most of the levels form clusters, and spacings as low as 13 kev have been observed.
Amphipathic Synthetic and Biological Macromolecules in Aqueous Media

Biological and synthetic amphipathic macromolecules are often capable of forming phase-separated microdomains in response to external stimuli, for example pH, ionic strength, shear stress, and temperature. In this manuscript, we discuss the aqueous solution behavior of two synthetic polymers and a biopolymer that possess microstructural features which allow reversible associations. The first synthetic series was prepared by hydrolyzing an octylamide-modified polymer of maleic anhydride [MA] and ethyl vinyl ether [EVE]. Responsiveness to pH has been studied via energy transfer utilizing photophysical probes. The second series of copolymers was synthesized by cyclocopolymerization of N,N-diallyl-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride [DADMAC] and 3-(N,N-diallyl-Nmethylammonio)-1-propanesulfonate [DAMAPS]. Electrolyte responsiveness of these novel sulfobetaine copolymers is discussed as a function of composition. The final amphipathic water-soluble polymer is hydrophobin, a fungal protein secreted by Schizophyllum commune. This protein is capable of self-assembly from water onto both hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces as demonstrated by contact angle and AFM studies.
Multi-Layer Construction Process for Fabricating Electrospun Fiber Embedded Microfluidic Devices

Microfluidic devices are widely used in biomedical applications owing to their inherent advantages. Microfabrication techniques are common methods for fabricating microfluidic devices, which require specialized equipment. This paper presents a multi-layer construction process for producing microfluidic devices via integrating two accessible fabrication techniques — hydrogel molding, a microfabrication-free method, and electrospinning (ES). The formed microchannels were examined via analyzing micrographs. Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of the method and potential for incorporating complex channels and device optimization.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Strategy, Business Model and Architecture in Today’s Automotive Industry

How does a business “work”? If one ignores things which are specific to a particular business for a moment: There is a business model to describe how the business is currently earning money, and a strategy to describe how it wants to earn money after a certain period of time has passed – this may be exactly the same or something completely different: in other words, a new business model. Business competences are of central importance – in terms of both the implementation of the business model and the strategy. In this chapter, we will draft a generalised model of the enterprise architecture of a company in the automotive sector, which will describe how business model and strategy interact in the enterprise architecture. Combined with the individual specificities of a particular company, it forms the basis for its development from the automotive industry into the mobility industry.
Influences of Enterprise Strategy Renovation upon the Organization Structure Reformation in the Age of Internet Economy

Enterprise strategy renovation in the age of internet economy mainly constitutes the value creation, and the strategic innovation of organization, management and culture with the characteristics embodied in the non-linear strategy, sources of non-material substance, cooperative competition, interaction of development and elasticity. It accelerates the progress of evolution and reform from traditional hierarchical enterprise organization structure to internet type of structure. Enterprise strategy renovation is the fundamental path for the reform of our national organization structure in the age of internet economy.
Frustration theory: Frustration theory: an overview of its experimental basis

At the end of Chapter 1, brief reference was made to our recent work on the ontogeny of a number of reward-schedule effects in infant rats. This developmental work emerged out of many years of research in which the adult rat – and to a lesser extent other animals – served as a laboratory preparation to study dispositional learning, the acquisition of certain emotional-temperamental characteristics that seem to be common to humans and other mammals. One of our particular concerns has been to study the effects of frustrative nonreward on arousal, suppression, and persistence in the context of a theory of such effects, frustration theory. This chapter provides an overview of this theory and of the experimental work on which it was based and which it has predicted. It deals with the first two items of strategy presented at the end of Chapter 1 (Table 1.2). The chapters that follow deal in more detail with the specifics of the theory and experimental work and provide material relative to the other four items in the table, which have to do with the order of appearance in ontogeny of the reward-schedule effects and their neurobiological substrate. Setting the boundary conditions It is important in defining the boundary conditions for frustration theory to differentiate three kinds of dichotomous outcomes of behavior, because they are often regarded as synonymous. The theory, as presented in this book, is focused on the role of reward and nonreward (or reduced or delayed reward) in learned behavior and its development; it does not address directly the dynamics of success and failure.
Coverant Control and Breath Holding as Techniques for the Treatment of Obesity

This study tested two techniques for the treatment of obesity. Fifty-seven women volunteers were randomly assigned to three groups matched for age and estimated overweight. The coverant control group was trained in Homme’s method. Prior to permitting herself to perform a high probability reinforcing event (e.g., turning on the kitchen faucet or answering the phone), S would emit a negative non-eating coverant (e.g., imagining how ugly her fat was) and a positive non-eating coverant (e.g., visualizing how attractive she would look when she was slim). Ss in the breath-holding group were trained to take a deep breath and hold it when tempted to eat fattening foods. The control group was taught a modified version of Jacobson’s relaxation method. The groups were trained in seven sessions over 9 weeks. The coverant control group lost.75 pounds, the breath-holding group lost.43 pounds, and the relaxation group gained.53 pounds. None of these differences were significant. Implications for Homme’s theory and further research are discussed.
Cholesterol and Lipoprotein Metabolism Early Career Committee Contribution

Although cholesterol is necessary to maintain cellular integrity and is an essential precursor for steroid hormones and bile acids, an elevated concentration of circulating cholesterol is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which accounts for ≈1 of every 3 deaths in the United States.1 In recognition of National Cholesterol Month, this article highlights recent studies published in ATVB focused on the regulation of hepatic cholesterol metabolism and reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), the pathophysiological effect of hypercholesterolemia, and therapeutic strategies to counteract hypercholesterolemia and its associated CVD. The liver plays a central role in whole-body cholesterol homeostasis, thus perturbations in hepatic cholesterol metabolism can result in hypercholesterolemia. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) is the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis and is a target of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL)–lowering drugs statins. However, mice with liver-specific deficiency of HMGCR developed hepatic steatosis, despite mildly decreased hepatic cholesterol levels, which was attributable to compensatory increases in triglyceride and fatty acid synthesis.2 The regulation of hepatic cholesterol synthesis is also regulated by the uptake of different lipoprotein classes. In hamster hepatocytes, cholesterol synthesis was not affected by LDL uptake but was significantly reduced by uptake of other lipoprotein particles.3 The secretion of hepatic apolipoprotein B (apoB)–containing lipoproteins and the clearance of circulating apoB-containing lipoproteins through hepatic lipoprotein receptors are essential to maintain hepatic and whole-body cholesterol homeostasis. It was found that a large portion of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) internalized by hepatocytes was secreted in very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL) or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) without reaching equilibrium with the regulatory pool.3 In a rat hepatoma cell line, an adaptor protein, kelch-like protein 12, was colocalized with apoB100, facilitating the endoplasmic reticulum exit and secretion of apoB100-VLDL particles. Kelch-like protein 12 knockdown, therefore, …
Conservation Laws for Multiphase Flow

In this chapter, the derivation of the basic equations for conservation of mass, momentum, and energy for a multiphase system is presented. It is assumed that the systems for which conservation equations are derived consist of a sufficient amount of disperse phases (e.g., particles) that discontinue and can be smoothed out. This means derivatives of various properties exist and are continuous. Thus, for any property per unit volume, the Reynolds transport theorem is used.
A Biologically-Inspired Optimal Control Strategy (BIO-CS) for hybrid energy systems

This article describes the design and implementation of a Biologically-Inspired Optimal Control Strategy (BIO-CS) for hybrid energy systems. The proposed strategy mimics the ant's rule of pursuit idea in combination with optimal control and multi-agent concepts. This novel approach is developed to address coupling effects among different components of a cyber-physical fuel cell-gas turbine hybrid power system, as part of the HYbrid PERformance (HYPER) project at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). The proposed strategy is implemented for setpoint tracking and disturbance rejection scenarios considering the multivariable control structure defined using transfer function models derived from the hybrid process. The closed-loop simulation results show the promising capabilities of the BIO-CS algorithm as well as the challenges encountered for future implementations on hybrid energy systems.