cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extreme rainfall triggered the 2018 rift eruption at Kīlauea Volcano

The May 2018 rift intrusion and eruption of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, represented one of its most extraordinary eruptive sequences in at least 200 years, yet the trigger mechanism remains elusive1. The event was preceded by several months of anomalously high precipitation. It has been proposed that rainfall can modulate shallow volcanic activity2,3, but it remains unknown whether it can have impacts at the greater depths associated with magma transport. Here we show that immediately before and during the eruption, infiltration of rainfall into Kīlauea Volcano’s subsurface increased pore pressure at depths of 1 to 3 kilometres by 0.1 to 1 kilopascals, to its highest pressure in almost 50 years. We propose that weakening and mechanical failure of the edifice was driven by changes in pore pressure within the rift zone, prompting opportunistic dyke intrusion and ultimately facilitating the eruption. A precipitation-induced eruption trigger is consistent with the lack of substantial precursory summit inflation, showing that this intrusion—unlike others—was not caused by the forceful intrusion of new magma into the rift zone. Moreover, statistical analysis of historic eruption occurrence suggests that rainfall patterns contribute substantially to the timing and frequency of Kīlauea’s eruptions and intrusions. Thus, volcanic activity can be modulated by extreme rainfall triggering edifice rock failure—a factor that should be considered when assessing volcanic hazards. Notably, the increasingly extreme weather patterns associated with ongoing anthropogenic climate change could increase the potential for rainfall-triggered volcanic phenomena worldwide. Immediately before and during the eruption of Kīlauea Volcano in May 2018, anomalously high rainfall increased the pore pressure in the subsurface to its highest level in 50 years, causing weakening and mechanical failure of the edifice.
Chapter 15 – Solar Changes and the Climate

The Sun may play a role in the Earth's climate in many different ways. However, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has dismissed the Sun as the primary driver of climate based on the small observed changes of solar irradiance or solar brightness in the 11-year solar cycle. They admitted that indirect solar forcing through variations in ultraviolet, geomagnetic, solar wind, and solar-induced modulation of galactic cosmic rays remains plausible. Recent major changes in solar behavior, if they progress as many solar scientists suggest, to levels similar to the Dalton or even Maunder Minimum, will provide a test as to whether the Sun, not greenhouse gases, is indeed the dominant climate driver through a combination of direct and indirect factors.
Meta-analysis on immunogenicity, vaccine efficacy and safety of tetravalent live attenuated dengue vaccine

Objective To evaluate the immunogenicity, vaccine efficacy (VE) and safety of tetravalent live attenuated dengue vaccine (CYD-TDV) . Methods After searching "China Biology Medicine disc" "China National Knowledge Infrastructure" "Wanfang Database" "National Center for Biotechnology Information" and "Cochrane Library" , the random control trials for evaluating immunogenicity or vaccine efficacy or safety of CYD-TDV were included. Pooled estimate of standard mean difference (SMD) in geometric mean titers (GMT) of the neutralizing antibody was calculated to assess the immunogenicity. Pooled estimates of relative risk (RR) of the incidence rates of dengue fever and adverse event after CYD-TDV vaccination were also calculated to assess the VE and safety, respectively. Results A total of 9 studies were included. The pooled SMDs in GMT of the neutralizing antibody were 0.62 (95% CI: 0.57-0.68) among children and adolescents and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.55-0.71) among adults, respectively. The pooled VE was 60% (95%CI: 54%-66%) from the relevant results of per protocol set and was 61% (95% CI: 56%-65%) from the relevant results of intention-to-treat, respectively. The incidence rates of local reactions, systematic reactions and serious adverse event were not significantly higher among the vaccination group than those among the control group. Conclusions CYD-TDV is immunogenic, effective and safe overall. Key words: Dengue vaccines; Immunogenicity; Vaccine efficacy; Safety; Meta-analysis
Teleology’s long shadow

We describe the ubiquity of teleological language and thinking throughout biology, as a context for understanding how students think about evolution, as well. Examples can be found in molecular biology, physiology, ecology, and taxonomy, at least. Recent research documents a deep human psychological tendency to attribute purpose or intent (and thus normative meaning) to natural phenomena. We present a possible evolutionary explanation. Still, these cognitive habits help foster scientific errors of projecting human norms onto natural phenomena (what we have elsewhere termed the naturalizing error). Subsequent appeals to “nature” are used (inappropriately) to justify cultural ideologies. Accordingly, we advocate explicit learning about teleological dispositions and their cultural consequences as an essential countermeasure.
Contrast is in the eye of the beholder: Infelicitous beat gesture increases cognitive load during online spoken discourse comprehension

We investigated how two cues to contrast-beat gesture and contrastive pitch accenting-affect comprehenders' cognitive load during processing of spoken referring expressions. In two visual-world experiments, we orthogonally manipulated the presence of these cues and their felicity, or fit, with the local (sentence-level) referential context in critical referring expressions while comprehenders' task-evoked pupillary responses (TEPRs) were examined. In Experiment 1, beat gesture and contrastive accenting always matched the referential context of filler referring expressions and were therefore relatively felicitous on the global (experiment) level, whereas in Experiment 2, beat gesture and contrastive accenting never fit the referential context of filler referring expressions and were therefore infelicitous on the global level. The results revealed that both beat gesture and contrastive accenting increased comprehenders' cognitive load. For beat gesture, this increase in cognitive load was driven by both local and global infelicity. For contrastive accenting, this increase in cognitive load was unaffected when cues were globally felicitous but exacerbated when cues were globally infelicitous. Together, these results suggest that comprehenders' cognitive resources are taxed by processing infelicitous use of beat gesture and contrastive accenting to convey contrast on both the local and global levels.
Thermally Stable and Solvent-Resistant Conductive Polymer Composites with Cross-Linked Siloxane Network

Doped conjugated polymers can present high electrical conductivity, but their stability against external stimuli such as heat, moisture, and solvent is often limited. Here, we report a design appro...
Estimate of the Vapor Pressure of Squalane at Approximately 293 K Using a Knudsen Cell Method

I report the vapor pressure of squalane hydrocarbon (2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyltetracosane, C30H62) estimated from a statistical analysis of multiple weight loss measurements of Knudsen cells with ...
Factors contributing to US chemical plant process safety incidents from 2010 to 2020

Abstract Process safety incidents can result in injuries, fatalities, environmental impacts, facility damage, downtime & lost production, as well as impacts on a company's and industry's reputation. This study is focused on an analysis of the most commonly reported contributing factors to process safety incidents in the US chemical manufacturing industry. The database for the study contained 79 incidents from 2010 to 2019, partly investigated by the Chemical Safety Board (CSB). To be included in the study, the CSB archive of incident investigations were parsed to include only incidents which occurred at a company classified as 325 in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), assigned to businesses that participate in chemical manufacturing. For each incident, all of the identified contributing factors were catalogued in the database. From this list of identified contributing factors, it was possible to name the ‘top three’ contributing factors. The top three contributing factors cited for the chemical manufacturing industry were found to be: design; preventive maintenance; and safeguards, controls & layers of protection. The relationship between these top contributing factors and the most common OSHA citations was investigated as well. The investigation and citation history for NAICS 325 companies in the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) citations database was then analysed to assess whether there was any overlap between the top reported contributing factors to process safety events and the top OSHA citations recorded for the industry. A database consisting of the inspection and citation history for the chemical manufacturing industry identified by NAICS code 325 was assembled for inspections occurring between 2010 and 2020 (August). The analysis of the citation history for the chemical manufacturing industry specifically, identified that the list of the top contributing factors to process safety incidents overlapped with the most common OSHA violations. This finding is relevant to industry stakeholders who are considering how to strategically invest resources for achieving maximum benefit – reducing process safety risk and simultaneously improving OSHA citation history.
Efficacy of Copper Oxide Needles in Preventing Copper Deficiency in Cattle

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that a single dose of copper oxide needles administered to cattle at the beginning of the grazing period would sustain plasma copper concentrations and prevent growth depression associated with copper deficiency for the duration of the grazing period. Comparisons of efficacy were made against the traditional treatment methods of copper glycinate injection and copper supplementation in salt in two trials involving age groups most at risk for clinical copper deficiency calves and replacement heifers. High pasture molybdenum concentrations with Cu:Mo ratios below 5:1 were present at both trial locations.
How to Train for Everyday Work - A Comparative Study of Non-technical Skill Training

This paper presents a comparative study of training of non-technical skills in the maritime and lignite power domains. Non-technical skills (NTS) are the cognitive, social and personal resource skills that complement technical skills in operations within high-risk domains. Training NTS is essential to maintain safety in operational contexts, such as onboard a merchant vessel or in the operation of a lignite power plant. Contextual interviews and observations have been conducted across 8 operator training courses, three maritime and five lignite power. The results indicate that the training approaches and their execution differs greatly despite having a common theoretical basis. While training in the observed maritime courses often combined longer theoretical lectures with group exercises and high-fidelity simulations, the focus of the training remained on the use of specific NTS techniques or tools to prevent accidents and incidents. In contrast to this approach, the training in the lignite power domain primarily focused on how to integrate selected NTS into daily operations. While the lignite training also utilized incident examples and shorter lectures, the focus remained on simulating everyday work tasks and to apply newly learned practices as part of routine operations and standard operational procedures. Further, trainees in the lignite training courses were empowered to take charge of their learning processes, as parts of the training let them recreate situations from their work within the simulator. This article highlights lessons learned from each domain with the goal of improving training practices for NTS in high-risk operations.
Abstract 2257: Effect ofALDH1L1folate enzyme on hepatocellular carcinoma inachemical carcinogenesismodel

Background: ALDH1L1 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member L1, or cytosolic 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase) is an abundant enzyme in folate metabolism representing about 1% of total soluble protein in hepatocytes. Expression of this protein is strongly and ubiquitously downregulated in human cancers through the promoter methylation. Several studies indicate that patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who had low expression of ALDH1L1 had poorer prognosis than those with high expression. Hypothesis: We propose that in the absence of ALDH1L1, liver tumors proliferate faster and grow to a larger size. Methods: The effect of the Aldh1l1 knockout (Aldh1l1−/−) on hepatocellular carcinoma was investigated using DEN (diethyl nitrosamine) model of chemical carcinogenesis. Fifteen-days-old male Aldh1l1−/- mice and their wild-type littermate controls (Aldh1l1+/+) were injected intraperitoneally with DEN at the dose of 15 mg/kg body weight. Mice were sacrificed 10, 20, 28- and 36-weeks post-injection and livers were examined for for histopathology. Results: Significant reduction in total body weight was observed in the DEN-injected knockout compared to wild type animals at 28 and 36 weeks. Immunohistochemical analysis reveals that tumor size was significantly bigger in Aldh1l1−/− compared to Aldh1l1+/+ mice and also indicated fibrosis in livers of knockout vs wild-type mice. Vascular involvement, highlighted by reticulin staining, was present in both Aldh1l1−/− and Aldh1l1+/+ mice as early as 20 weeks after the injection. Tumor multiplicity did not differ significantly between the Aldh1l1−/− and Aldh1l1+/+ animals. Conclusion:. Aldh1l1 knockout promoted aggressiveness of liver tumors without affecting the tumor initiation. Acknowledgement: These studies were supported by the National Institutes of Health grants DK54388 and CA095030 (S.A.K.). Citation Format: Jaspreet Sharma, Natalia I. Krupenko, Peter Pediaditakis, Kristi Helke, Kyle C. Strickland, Sergey A. Krupenko. Effect ofALDH1L1folate enzyme on hepatocellular carcinoma inachemical carcinogenesismodel [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2257.
Catalytic role of histidine 147 in Escherichia coli thymidylate synthase.

Nine mutant thymidylate synthases were isolated that only differed in sequence at position 147. The wild-type enzyme (which had a histidine residue at 147) and mutant enzymes were purified to near homogeneity and their kinetic properties were compared. Although the kcat values for the mutant enzymes were 10-10,000-fold lower than for the wild-type enzyme, the Km values for both 2′-deoxyuridylate and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate were nearly identical for all the enzymes indicating that His-147 is not significantly involved in initial substrate binding. By comparing the wild-type (His-147) to the glycine (Gly-147) enzyme, the side chain of His-147 was estimated to lower the activation energy of the catalytic step by 1.6-2.9 kcal mol−1. In contrast to the wild-type enzyme, the activity of the Gly-147 enzyme decreased when the pH was raised above 7.5. The activity loss coincided with the deprotonation of a residue that had a pKa of 9.46 ± 0.2 and an enthalpy of ionization (Δ Hion) of 12.1 ± 0.9. These values are consistent with the involvement of a lysine or an arginine residue in the catalytic process. An inspection of the rates of ternary complex formation among enzyme, 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridylate, and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate for the mutant enzymes indicated that His-147 is not needed for the proton removal from C-5 of 2′-deoxyuridylate but rather participates in an initial catalytic step and alters the pKa value of a catalytically important lysine or arginine residue.
The Relationship between Organizational Climate and Quality of Chronic Disease Management

Objective. To test the utility of a two-dimensional model of organizational climate for explaining variation in diabetes care between primary care clinics. Data Sources/Study Setting. Secondary data were obtained from 223 primary care clinics in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system. Study Design. Organizational climate was defined using the dimensions of task and relational climate. The association between primary care organizational climate and diabetes processes and intermediate outcomes were estimated for 4,539 patients in a cross-sectional study. Data Collection/Extraction Methods. All data were collected from administrative datasets. The climate data were drawn from the 2007 VA All Employee Survey, and the outcomes data were collected as part of the VA External Peer Review Program. Climate data were aggregated to the facility level of analysis and merged with patient-level data. Principal Findings. Relational climate was related to an increased likelihood of diabetes care process adherence, with significant but small effects for adherence to intermediate outcomes. Task climate was generally not shown to be related to adherence. Conclusions. The role of relational climate in predicting the quality of chronic care was supported. Future research should examine the mediators and moderators of relational climate and further investigate task climate.
Characterization of Stand Alone AC Generators during No-Break Power Transfer using AI-EM Based Approach

This paper describes the use of artificial intelligence, - electromagnetic, AI-EM modeling approach for the performance prediction of stand alone synchronous generators during power transfer. This approach uses radial basis function, RBF, based data mining algorithm to evaluate the stresses accompanying the no break power transfer, NBPT. This mode of operation may result in the failure of the diodes in the rotating rectifier bridge of the brushless field exciter. The modeling approach is applied in a case study of a two standalone synchronous generators system. This resulted in the prediction of the system performance characteristics including the peak currents and reverse voltages of the rotating diodes. The simulation results were validated by comparison to experimental data
Impact Assessments in Finance and Private Sector Development

Until recently rigorous impact evaluations have been rare in the area of finance and private sector development. One reason for this is the perception that many policies and projects in this area lend themselves less to formal evaluations. However, a vanguard of new impact evaluations on areas as diverse as fostering microenterprise growth, microfinance, rainfall insurance, and regulatory reform demonstrates that in many circumstances serious evaluation is possible. The purpose of this paper is to synthesize and distill the policy and implementation lessons emerging from these studies, use them to demonstrate the feasibility of impact evaluations in a broader array of topics, and thereby help prompt new impact evaluations for projects going forward.
Is Theophylline Use Justified in Acute Exacerbations of Asthma

Despite widespread use of theophylline in the hospital management of asthma, supportive data justifying its use are sparse. Clinical research in the 1980s has forced a serious new examination of the drug's role in acute exacerbations of asthma. Because of the morbidity, mortality, questionable value, and overall cost of theophylline therapy, this reevaluation is of particular importance. Enhanced knowledge of the value of treatment with intensive inhaled beta agonists, systemic glucocorticoids, and inhaled ipratropium should prompt elimination of the routine, initial use of theophylline in emergency room care of most asthmatics. Further research is necessary to justify the routine, initial use of the drug in hospitalized asthmatics.
Lung cancer in 'never-smokers': beyond EGFR mutations and EGFR-TK inhibitors.

The author reports the mean DNA values of interphase nuclei in 25 human tumours of epithelial origin, not previously treated. These values are closely related to the chromosome numbers. The constancy of the observed values for each tumour makes it likely that each tumour represents a clone, derived perhaps from one single cell, in which the genetic changes first occurred. The analysis of tumour cell karyotypes indicates, in agreement with DNA estimations, that the mean chromosome size in tumour cells is larger than normal. The data confirm the view that most of the variations present in tumour cells are not only structural but also represent an increase of the active DNA content per chromosome. The practical implications of these findings are pointed out.
On the optimality of treating interference as noise for parallel deterministic interference networks

It has been shown recently by Geng et al. that in a K user Gaussian interference network, if for each user the desired signal strength is no less than the sum of the strengths of the strongest interference from this user and the strongest interference to this user (all signal strengths measured in dB scale), then power control and treating interference as noise (TIN) is sufficient to achieve the entire generalized degrees of freedom (GDoF) region. Motivated by the intuition that the deterministic model of Avestimehr et al. (ADT deterministic model) is particularly suited for exploring the optimality of TIN, the results of Geng et al. are first re-visited under the ADT deterministic model, and corresponding TIN optimality results are obtained. Next, we focus on the extension of these results to ADT deterministic parallel interference networks, from a sum-capacity perspective. To this end, we interpret the explicit characterization of the sum-capacity of a TIN optimal network (without parallel channels) as a minimum weighted matching problem in combinatorial optimization, and obtain a simple characterization in terms of a partition of the interference network into vertex-disjoint cycles. Aided by insights from the cyclic partition, the sum-capacity optimality of TIN for K user parallel interference networks is characterized for the ADT deterministic model. Subject to a mild invertibility condition the optimality of TIN is shown to extend to parallel networks in a separable fashion.
A Rhetorical Approach to the Prose of Daniel Defoe

Abstract: Previous attempts to account for Defoe's stylistic versatility have failed to take account of the important role played by his training in rhetoric. Ttiis essay argues that a useful taxonomy of styles can be generated by taking into account traditional rhetorical principles of sentence composition, prose rhythms and clausulae construction, the use of various figures of speech, and the frequency of tropes. This method of analyzing Defoe's prose shows deliberate rhetorical choices in his lesser-known essays and pamphlets as well as in his better-known fiction.
WALL THICKNESS AND ELASTIC MODULI OF SINGLE-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES FROM FREQUENCIES OF AXIAL, TORSIONAL AND INEXTENSIONAL MODES OF VIBRATION

Abstract Free vibrations of thirty-three armchair, zigzag and chiral single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) of aspect ratios (length/diameter) between ∼3 and ∼15 and having free ends have been studied using the MM3 potential. It is found that these tubes exhibit Rayleigh and Love inextensional modes of vibration. The lowest natural frequency of a mode of vibration corresponds to a circumferential wave number greater than one. Recall that a cylindrical shell of small aspect ratio and comprised of a linear elastic and isotropic material also exhibits the Rayleigh and the Love inextensional modes of vibration. In order to quantitatively compare frequencies of a shell with those of a SWCNT, we find geometric and material parameters for the shell in two ways. In the first approach, we require that the lowest Rayleigh and the radial breathing mode frequencies and the lowest frequencies of the axial and the torsional modes of vibration of a SWCNT match with the corresponding ones of the shell having length and mean diameter equal to those of the SWCNT. In the second technique, we account for the transverse inertia effects, and equate frequencies of the lowest Love, axial and torsional modes of vibration of a SWCNT to that of a shell. Each one of these two methods determines Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio of the material of the shell and its thickness, and enables us to explore similarities and differences between vibrations of a shell and of a SWCNT. It is found that the two techniques give very close results for the material and the geometric parameters of the shell, and hence of the SWCNT. The SWCNT thickness increases from ∼0.88 A to 1.37 A when the tube radius is increased from ∼3.6 A to 15 A and stays at 1.37 A for further increases in the tube radius. The wall thickness is essentially independent of the tube chirality. We use these results to provide an expression for the wall thickness in terms of the tube radius and the bond length in the initial relaxed configuration of a SWCNT. We also compare higher vibrational modes of shells and hollow cylinders with those of the corresponding SWCNTs. For a shell we use a first-order shear deformable shell theory (FSDST). Frequencies of a shell using the FSDST and of the hollow cylinder using the three-dimensional linear elasticity theory are computed with the finite element method. It is found that for low to moderate circumferential and axial wave numbers frequencies and mode shapes of the shell and of the hollow cylinder agree well with those of the corresponding SWCNT computed with the MM simulations.
Aerogenic vaccination of mice with mycobacterium bovis BCG

The course of infection with Mycobacterium bovis BCG Pasteur was followed against time in groups of mice vaccinated by either the aerogenic or subcutaneous route. The generation of acquired protective immunity and immunological memory was determined in each group by adoptive immunisation procedures. In addition, subcutaneously vaccinated mice were tested for their ability to resist an aerogenic challenge with a lethal dose of M. tuberculosis. No overall qualitative differences in the magnitude or longevity of antituberculosis immunity in mice vaccinated by the two procedures were observed. It is concluded that aerogenic vaccination offers no immunological advantage over vaccination by the subcutaneous route.
Innovation, design, and simplicity at google

This talk will cover the philosophies of innovation and design at Google, complete with examples of how these philosophies have affected and produced various Google services. Other topics to be covered include: how Google approaches building products with simplicity, its pragmatic and experimental approach to launching products, and a discussion of the academic computer science skills that large, distributed, web-based systems like Google require.
Observing changes in atmospheric heat content

Globally, air temperatures near the surface over land have been rising in recent decades, and this has been presented as solid evidence of global warming. However, some scientists have argued that total heat content (energy), rather than temperature, should be used as a metric of warming trends. Surface air temperature is only one component of the energy content of the surface atmosphere—kinetic energy and latent heat also contribute. Peterson et al. present the first study to use observational data to estimate global changes in surface energy of the atmosphere over time. They include temperature, kinetic energy, and latent heat in their analysis. The authors found that total global surface atmospheric energy and heat content have increased since the 1970s, even though kinetic energy decreased slightly and in some regions latent heat declined while temperature increased.
Sexuality and Safer Sex: The Issues for Lesbians and Bisexual Women

Nursing interventions to help women reduce their risk of contracting HIV must be designed from an in-depth understanding of the complex sociocultural patterns of sexuality in particular communities and among specific subgroups. Objective In this data collection phase of a community-based HIV prevention project, the objective was to understand HIV risk-taking and HIV risk-reduction activities of lesbians and bisexual women. Design Qualitative field study. Setting Data were collected in women's bars and dance clubs and at selected lesbian/bisexual community events in San Francisco. Participants Interviews were conducted with 1,189 racially diverse, socially and sexually active lesbians and bisexual women. Results Inductive content analysis produced two themes: realities of sexual behavior and sexual expressions and their meanings. Realities of sexual behavior included an assumption that women who have sex with other women cannot get HIV, a lack of familiarity with HIV prevention strategies, inconsistent practice of safer sex with men and/or women, and the negative effect of alcohol or drug use on safer sex efforts. Sexual expressions and their meaning included trust in monogamy, a sense that safer sex practices detracted from intimacy and eroticism, the difficulty of negotiating sexual behaviors with men or women, and dealing with partner resistance to safer sex practices. Conclusions Specific recommendations for practice are the need for nurses to understand the range and diversity of women's sexual behaviors, to develop skills in conducting inclusive sexual histories, and to develop a comprehensive approach to sexual health.
Factorization of discontinuities of multi-Regge amplitudes

Abstract It is shown that an arbitrary discontinuity of an arbitrary multi-Regge amplitude factorizes in a large class of models which encompasses the dual resonance model. It is argued that multiple discontinuities also factorize and that the factorization of discontinuities is expexted to hold on very general grounds as a result of the singularity structure of multiparticle amplitudes. These results allow the full amplitude as well as its discontinuities to be written as a product of Regge propagators, single-, double- and triple-Regge vertices and their discontinuities.
Music of Afghanistan: Professional Musicians in the City of Herat

Herat, city and province a brief history of music in Herat Afghan urban music in the 20th century the science of music Kabuli art music popular and Herati music the social organization of musicians social contexts of musical performance music in the Herati value system interpreting musical change in Herat.
Chiroptical Absorption and Luminescence Spectra of a Dissymmetric Osmium(II)−Polypyridyl Complex Containing an Optically Active Bis(bipyridine)-Type Ligand of Well-Defined Structural Chirality

Chiroptical absorption and luminescence spectra are reported for a novel Os(II)−polypyridyl complex in which Os(II) is coordinated to one achiral bidentate ligand and a chiral quadridentate ligand. The achiral ligand is 4,4‘-dimethyl-2,2‘-bipyridine (DMbpy), and the chiral ligand is a bisbipyridine-type molecule formed by linking two optically active (−)-[4,5]-pineno-2,2‘-bipyridine molecules together via a (CH2)6 chain bridge. This chiral ligand is one of a family of ligands often referred to as chiragens, and here it is denoted by CG[6], where [6] identifies the number of carbon atoms in the chain bridge. The coordination core of the complex has a three-bladed propeller-like structure formed by three Os(II)−bipyridyl chelate rings. This tris(bipyridyl)Os(II) core structure has approximate trigonal-dihedral (D3) symmetry, and the propeller-like assembly of its three chelate rings has a right-handed screw sense (or helicity). The overall complex, denoted by Δ-[Os(CG[6])(DMbpy)]2+, has C2 point-group symme...
Inhibition of mTOR Prevents ROS Production Initiated by Ethidium Bromide-Induced Mitochondrial DNA Depletion

The regulation of mitochondrial mass and DNA content involves a complex interaction between mitochondrial DNA replication machinery, functional components of the electron transport chain, selective clearance of mitochondria, and nuclear gene expression. In order to gain insight into cellular responses to mitochondrial stress, we treated human diploid fibroblasts with ethidium bromide at concentrations which induced loss of mitochondrial DNA over a period of 7 days. The decrease in mitochondrial DNA was accompanied by a reduction in steady state levels of the mitochondrial DNA binding protein, TFAM, a reduction in several ETC protein levels, increased mitochondrial and total cellular ROS, and activation of p38 MAPK. However, there was an increase in mitochondrial mass and VDAC levels. In addition, mTOR activity, as judged by p70S6K targets, was decreased while steady state levels of p62/SQSTM1 and parkin were increased. Treatment of cells with rapamycin created a situation in which cells were better able to adapt to the mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in decreased ROS and increased cell viability but did not prevent the reduction in mitochondrial DNA. These effects may be due to a more efficient flux through the electron transport chain, increased autophagy, or enhanced AKT signaling, coupled with a reduced growth rate. Together, the results suggest that mTOR activity is affected by mitochondrial stress, which may be part of the retrograde signal system required for normal mitochondrial homeostasis.
Water reactivity with tungsten oxides: H(2) production and kinetic traps.

In a recent mass spectrometry/photoelectron spectroscopy study on the reactions between W2Oy− (y=2–6) and water, Jarrold and co-workers [J. Chem. Phys. 130, 124314 (2009)] observed interesting differences in the reactivity of the different cluster ions. Particularly noteworthy is the observation that the only product with the incorporation of hydrogens is a single peak corresponding to W2O6H2−. As reactions between metal oxide clusters and small molecules such as water have high potential for catalytic applications, we carried out a careful study to obtain a mechanistic understanding of this observed reactivity. Using electronic structure calculations, we identified and characterized multiple modes of reactivity between unsaturated tungsten oxide clusters [W2Oy− (y=4–6)] and water. By calculating the free energy corrected reaction profiles, our results provide an explanation for the formation of W2O6H2−. We propose a mechanism in which water reacts with a metal oxide cluster and eliminates H2. The results...
Release of Ku and MRN from DNA ends by Mre11 nuclease activity and Ctp1 is required for homologous recombination repair of double-strand breaks.

The multifunctional Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) protein complex recruits ATM/Tel1 checkpoint kinase and CtIP/Ctp1 homologous recombination (HR) repair factor to double-strand breaks (DSBs). HR repair commences with the 5′-to-3′ resection of DNA ends, generating 3′ single-strand DNA (ssDNA) overhangs that bind Replication Protein A (RPA) complex, followed by Rad51 recombinase. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2 (MRX) complex is critical for DSB resection, although the enigmatic ssDNA endonuclease activity of Mre11 and the DNA-end processing factor Sae2 (CtIP/Ctp1 ortholog) are largely unnecessary unless the resection activities of Exo1 and Sgs1-Dna2 are also eliminated. Mre11 nuclease activity and Ctp1/CtIP are essential for DSB repair in Schizosaccharomyces pombe and mammals. To investigate DNA end resection in Schizo. pombe, we adapted an assay that directly measures ssDNA formation at a defined DSB. We found that Mre11 and Ctp1 are essential for the efficient initiation of resection, consistent with their equally crucial roles in DSB repair. Exo1 is largely responsible for extended resection up to 3.1 kb from a DSB, with an activity dependent on Rqh1 (Sgs1) DNA helicase having a minor role. Despite its critical function in DSB repair, Mre11 nuclease activity is not required for resection in fission yeast. However, Mre11 nuclease and Ctp1 are required to disassociate the MRN complex and the Ku70-Ku80 nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) complex from DSBs, which is required for efficient RPA localization. Eliminating Ku makes Mre11 nuclease activity dispensable for MRN disassociation and RPA localization, while improving repair of a one-ended DSB formed by replication fork collapse. From these data we propose that release of the MRN complex and Ku from DNA ends by Mre11 nuclease activity and Ctp1 is a critical step required to expose ssDNA for RPA localization and ensuing HR repair.
Time-to-collision judgments of constant and non-constant velocities: implications for rear-end collisions

To avoid rear-end collisions drivers putatively judge the time to collision (TTC) with a lead car. Prior studies typically measured TTC judgments of object motion or constant velocity rather than s...
Conceptual Modeling for Design Formulation

A design methodology is developed for the preliminary stage of building design. The methodology applies a theory of conceptual structure to model building design processes and incorporates the top-down approach of design decisions from a total system point of view. This design approach accounts for the uncertainties in the structural design processes and information, and provides a vehicle for formulating complex engineering decisions. The computing aspects of the design processes are categorised as arithmetic and reasoning formulations for capturing design information. The computing formulations are represented and manipulated, in the present study, using fuzzy logic, and their applications are illustrated with examples of building component design. The research results enable the implementation of a computer-aided tool for structural engineers to enhance their design decisions.
Characterization of skin-infiltrating cells during acute graft-versus-host disease following bone marrow transplantation using unrelated marrow donors

Abstract To characterize skin-infiltrating T lymphocytes during acute GVHD, skin biopsies were obtained from two patients who received unrelated marrow matched for HLA-A, -B, -DR, and -DQ but mismatched for -DP. A total of 120 T-cell clones were generated. Phenotype analysis of the clones showed that the majority of cells were CD4 + and expressed α/β TCR. HLA-DP oligonucleotide genotyping of the clones revealed the presence of lymphoid chimerism. PLT assay showed the lack of HLA specificity, including mismatched HLA-DP. However, mAb to HLA antigens blocked proliferation of the majority of the clones, indicating that the clones recognized HLA-associated molecules. Interestingly, proliferation of two CD4 + T-cell clones was inhibited by class I mAb. A few of the clones revealed augmented proliferation in the presence of CMV antigens and a few revealed cytolytic activity. The above study suggests that (a) CD4 + helper T cells may be primarily responsible for immunopathogenesis of skin manifestations during acute GVHD, (b) there is a mixed lymphoid chimerism in skin during acute GVHD, (c) HLA-DP may not be a factor contributing to the development of acute GVHD, (d) the peptide of the HLA groove or superantigen associated with HLA molecules may be the stimulatory antigen, and (e) CMV antigens appear to stimulate some of the skin-infiltrating T lymphocytes.
Cluster analysis of the medical coping modes questionnaire: Evidence for coping with cancer styles?

A number of researchers have attempted to understand how individuals cope with having cancer. Unfortunately, this voluminous literature has suffered from a number of problems common to other pre-paridigmic disciples. Studies are generally isolated and fail to build upon other research in the literature. In addition, no guiding theory or conceptualization exists that helps to explain and describe the richness and complexity of observed clinical phenomena. With the understanding that coping with cancer is multidimensional, some researchers have attempted to group coping responses into dominant styles. In an effort to better understand the results of this approach, we performed a cluster analysis on 117 responses to a three scale questionnaire, the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire. Results indicated that subjects can be grouped into one of four coping categories: confrontive, avoidant, resigned, or with a nondominant style. Future research is needed to explore how these styles influence quality of life during and following treatment.
Renal function is impaired in small for gestational age premature infants.

Objectives: Small for gestational age (SGA) premature infants are at increased risk for complications. We aimed to evaluate if SGA infants are at higher risk for presenting renal insufficiency in the newborn period compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) premature infants. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of infants ≤ 34 weeks gestation. Markers of renal function based upon the Acute Kidney Injury Network were compared between both groups. Results: Twenty SGA infants were compared to twenty AGA infants matching in sex and gestational age. SGA infants had higher serum creatinine on day of life (DOL) 1 (p = 0.014) and DOL 3 (p = 0.05) and a higher overall maximum creatinine concentration (p = 0.013). They were also more likely to have an increase in serum creatinine more than 0.3 mg/dL in a 48-h period (OR: 7.8, p = 0.008) and increase in serum creatinine more than 50% in a 48-h period (OR: 12.4, p = 0.002). Urine output (mL/kg/h) was significantly less in the SGA group on ...
Feedback Linearization of Differential-Algebraic Systems and Force and Position Control of Manipulators

The question of realization and feedback linearization of a class of differential-algebraic systems is considered. Based on nonlinear inversion of an input-output map, an analytical expression for the constraint force vector satisfying the algebraic constraints is derived. In this derivation, certain requirements on the relative degree of the output variables are relaxed. Using a new representation of the system in an extended state space, a control law is derived for the independent control of the chosen output variables satisfying algebraic constraints. These results are applied for the position and force control of robotic manipulators. Simulation results are presented for a three link robotic arm with revolute joints.
Exploration of Amplitude Tapering in Linear Phased Arrays with Pattern-Reconfigurable Elements

Abstract In classical periodic phased arrays, designers use the amplitude and phase of identical array elements to achieve desired characteristics such as sidelobe level, main beamwidth, scan angle, etc. A phased array composed of individual pattern-reconfigurable antenna elements possesses a third degree of freedom that may enhance or expand array performance. This work explores the functional benefits of utilizing radiation reconfigurable antennas with beam tilts in phased arrays, focusing on the effects of reconfigurability on sidelobe level, gain, and excitation dynamic range of amplitude tapered linear phased arrays. Simulated patterns from a broadside-to-tilted radiation reconfigurable antenna were used to calculate the overall array pattern via superposition for a linear, equally spaced array. Results indicate the concept has potential for lowering sidelobe levels, increasing system efficiency, and expanding array capability compared to that of a traditional planar array with fixed broadside elements.
IDENTIFIABILITY IN CAUSAL BAYESIAN NETWORKS: A GENTLE INTRODUCTION

In this article we describe an important structure used to model causal theories and a related problem of great interest to semi-empirical scientists. A causal Bayesian network is a pair consisting of a directed acyclic graph (called a causal graph) that represents causal relationships and a set of probability tables, that together with the graph specify the joint probability of the variables represented as nodes in the graph. We briefly describe the probabilistic semantics of causality proposed by Pearl for this graphical probabilistic model, and how unobservable variables greatly complicate models and their application. A common question about causal Bayesian networks is the problem of identifying causal effects from nonexperimental data, which is called the identifability problem. In the basic version of this problem, a semi-empirical scientist postulates a set of causal mechanisms and uses them, together with a probability distribution on the observable set of variables in a domain of interest, to predict the effect of a manipulation on some variable of interest. We explain this problem, provide several examples, and direct the readers to recent work that provides a solution to the problem and some of its extensions. We assume that the Bayesian network structure is given to us and do not address the problem of learning it from data and the related statistical inference and testing issues.
Retinal ultrastructure may mediate polarization sensitivity in larvae of the sunburst diving beetle, Thermonectus marmoratus (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae).

A number of invertebrates are known to be sensitive to the polarization of light and use this trait in orientation, communication, or prey detection. In these animals polarization sensitivity tends to originate in rhabdomeric photoreceptors that are more or less uniformly straight and parallel. Typically, polarization sensitivity is based on paired sets of photoreceptors with orthogonal orientation of their rhabdomeres. Sunburst diving beetle larvae are active swimmers and highly visual hunters which could potentially profit from polarization sensitivity. These larvae, like those of most Dytiscids, have a cluster of six lens eyes or stemmata (designated E1 through E6) on each side of the head capsule. We examined the ultrastructure of the photoreceptor cells of the principal eyes (E1 and E2) of first instar larvae to determine whether their rhabdomeric organization could support polarization sensitivity. A detailed electron microscopical study shows that the proximal retinas of E1 and E2 are in fact composed of photoreceptors with predominantly parallel microvilli and that neighboring rhabdomeres are oriented approximately perpendicularly to one another. A similar organization is observed in the medial retina of E1, but not in the distal retinas of E1&2. Our findings suggest that T. marmoratus larvae might be able to analyze polarized light. If so, this could be used by freshly hatched larvae to find water or within the water to break the camouflage of common prey items such as mosquito larvae. Physiological and behavioral tests are planned to determine whether larvae of T. marmoratus can actually detect and exploit polarization signals.
Oriented barium hexaferrite films grown on amorphous substrates

Abstract Pulsed laser deposition has been investigated as a means to obtain c-axis oriented barium hexaferrite films on amorphous substrates. Three film growth approaches were used: (1) deposition from a bulk polycrystalline barium hexaferrite target directly onto fused quartz substrates; (2) post-annealing of the as-deposited films; and (3) deposition onto a zinc oxide (ZnO) buffer layer on fused quartz, which was also grown using PLD. The first approach yielded four phases: amorphous, Fe3O4 (magnetite), α-Fe2O3 (hematite), and BaFe12O19 (barium hexaferrite). Films grown at temperatures greater than about 750°C and 100 mTorr were single-phase barium hexaferrite with texture, but exhibited no significant c-axis orientation. However, annealing the amorphous films at 700°C for 6 h produced a c-axis oriented barium hexaferrite film. From approach (2), X-ray diffraction revealed that the films of ZnO deposited on fused quartz at 600°C and 200 mTorr were c-axis oriented, and that subsequent deposition from the barium hexaferrite target at 750-800°C and 300 mTorr led to the growth of a c-axis oriented barium hexaferrite film. The saturation magnetization, magnetic anisotropy field and ferrimagnetic resonance linewidths of these films are in agreement with bulk values found in the literature.