cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paris Fatigue Life Modeling of Pressure Vessel Service Simulation Tests

Results from four groups of full-scale pressure vessel service simulation tests are described and analyzed using Paris fatigue life modeling. The objective is to determine how the vessel and initial crack configurations and applied and residual stresses control the as-tested fatigue life of the vessel. The tube inner radii are in the 40–80 mm range; wall thickness varies from 6 to 80 mm; materials are ASTM A723 pressure vessel steel and IN718 nickel-base alloy; applied internal pressure varies from 90 to 700 MPa. The Paris constant, C, and exponent, m, that describe the fatigue crack propagation rate versus stress intensity factor range for the various vessel materials, were measured as part of the investigation. Extensive, previously published fatigue life results from baseline A723 pressure vessels with well characterized autofrettage residual stresses and C and m values are used to demonstrate that a Paris fatigue life model gives a good description of the measured life. The same model is then used to determine the variables with predominant control over life in three types of pressure vessel for which less information and tests results are available. A design life for pressure vessels is calculated for a specified very low probability of fatigue failure using the log(N)-normal distribution statistics often used for fatigue of structures. The results of the work showed: (i) X-ray diffraction measurements of through-wall autofrettage residual stresses are in excellent agreement with prior neutron diffraction measurements from a baseline autofrettaged A723 pressure vessel; these verified autofrettage residual stresses then provide critical input to the baseline Paris life modeling; (ii) comparison of the various full-scale fatigue test results with results from the Paris fatigue life model shows close agreement when autofrettage residual stresses are incorporated into models; (iii) model results for A723 steel vessels with yield strength reduced from the initial 1400 MPa value and degree of autofrettage increased from the initial 40% value indicates a significantly improved resistance to brittle failure with no loss of fatigue life; (iv] comparison of model fatigue life results for IN718 nickel-base alloy vessels with their full-scale test results is improved when near-bore residual stresses measured by X-ray diffraction are included in the model calculations.
Further evidence for an argyrophilic fourth cell type in the pancreatic islet of the rat.

An argyrophilic fourth cell type in fetal and adult rat pancreatic islets can be identifed by using a modification of the Grimelius silver statin. This cell is much more abundant in the fetal pancreas than in the adult. By employing the modified silver technique followed by restaining with the indirect immunofluorescent procedure for somatostatin, the content of this argyrophilic fourth cell was studied further. Comparison of these histochemical studies demonstrated that somatostatin was not located in the fourth cell of either the adult or fetal rat pancreas. These results indicate that the D-cell and the fourth cell type are not the same cell. Thus far the only product associated with this argyrophilic cell is pancreatic polypeptide. As a result this cell probably represents the PP-cell of the Wiesbadan classification.
X-ray Observations of Distant Optically Selected Cluster

We have measured fluxes or flux limits for 31 of the 79 cluster candidates in the Palomar Distant Cluster Survey (PDCS) using archival ROSAT/PSPC pointed observations. Our X-ray survey reaches a flux limit of $\simeq 3 \times 10^{-14}$ erg s$^{-1}$ cm$^{-2}$ (0.4 - 2.0 keV), which corresponds to luminosities of $L_x\simeq 5 \times 10^{43}$ erg s$^{-1}$ ($H_o$ = 50 km s$^{-1}$ Mpc$^{-1}$, $q_o$ = ${1/2}$), if we assume the PDCS estimated redshifts. Of the 31 cluster candidates, we detect six at a signal-to-noise greater than three. We estimate that $2.9^{+3.3}_{-1.4}$ (90% confidence limits) of these six detections are a result of X-ray emission from objects unrelated to the PDCS cluster candidates. The net surface density of X-ray emitting cluster candidates in our survey, $1.71^{+0.91}_{-2.19}$ clusters deg$^{-2}$, agrees with that of other, X-ray selected, surveys. It is possible, given the large error on our contamination rate, that we have not detected X-ray emission from any of our observed PDCS cluster candidates. We find no statistically significant difference between the X-ray luminosities of PDCS cluster candidates and those of Abell clusters of similar optical richness. This suggests that the PDCS contains objects at high redshift similar to the low redshift clusters in the Abell catalogs. We show that the PDCS cluster candidates are not bright X-ray sources, the average luminosity of the six detected candidates is only $\bar{L_x}=0.9\times10^{44}$ erg s$^{-1}$ (0.4-2.0 keV). This finding is in agreement with previous X-ray studies of high redshift, optically selected, rich clusters of galaxies.
Design for automated testing of analog data channels in a PCM switching system

Semi-automatic suboptimal tests of analog data channels in a time-multiplexed pulse-code modulation (PCM) digital switching system are presented. The intent of the approach used was to provide a computer-controlled go, no-go testing capability for the analog I/O channels of the switch. Interplay between hardware design constraints and desired testability features are discussed. Results of maintainability demonstration tests were satisfying. Methods for improving the capabilities of this approach (i.e. provision of optimal characteristics) are readily available.
Three-dimensional mapping of oxygen tension in cortical arterioles before and after occlusion

Occlusions in single cortical microvessels lead to a reduction in oxygen supply, but this decrement has not been able to be quantified in three dimensions at the level of individual vessels using a single instrument. We demonstrate a combined optical system using two-photon phosphorescence lifetime and fluorescence microscopy (2PLM) to characterize the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in single descending cortical arterioles in the mouse brain before and after generating a targeted photothrombotic occlusion. Integrated real-time Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) provides wide-field perfusion maps that are used to monitor and guide the occlusion process while 2PLM maps changes in intravascular oxygen tension. We present the technique’s utility in highlighting the effects of vascular networking on the residual intravascular oxygen tensions measured after occlusion in three dimensions.
Conducting Retrospective Ontological Clinical Trials in ICD-9-CM in the Age of ICD-10-CM

Objective: To quantify the impact of International Classification of Disease 10th Revision Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) transition in cancer clinical trials by comparing coding accuracy and data discontinuity in backward ICD-10-CM to ICD-9-CM mapping via two tools, and to develop a standard ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM bridging methodology for retrospective analyses. Background: While the transition to ICD-10-CM has been delayed until October 2015, its impact on cancer-related studies utilizing ICD-9-CM diagnoses has been inadequately explored. Materials and methods: Three high impact journals with broad national and international readerships were reviewed for cancer-related studies utilizing ICD-9-CM diagnoses codes in study design, methods, or results. Forward ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM mapping was performing using a translational methodology with the Motif web portal ICD-9-CM conversion tool. Backward mapping from ICD-10-CM to ICD-9-CM was performed using both Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) general equivalence mappings (GEMs) files and the Motif web portal tool. Generated ICD-9-CM codes were compared with the original ICD-9-CM codes to assess data accuracy and discontinuity. Results: While both methods yielded additional ICD-9-CM codes, the CMS GEMs method provided incomplete coverage with 16 of the original ICD-9-CM codes missing, whereas the Motif web portal method provided complete coverage. Of these 16 codes, 12 ICD-9-CM codes were present in 2010 Illinois Medicaid data, and accounted for 0.52% of patient encounters and 0.35% of total Medicaid reimbursements. Extraneous ICD-9-CM codes from both methods (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services general equivalent mapping [CMS GEMs, n = 161; Motif web portal, n = 246]) in excess of original ICD-9-CM codes accounted for 2.1% and 2.3% of total patient encounters and 3.4% and 4.1% of total Medicaid reimbursements from the 2010 Illinois Medicare database. Discussion: Longitudinal data analyses post-ICD-10-CM transition will require backward ICD-10-CM to ICD-9-CM coding, and data comparison for accuracy. Researchers must be aware that all methods for backward coding are not comparable in yielding original ICD-9-CM codes. Conclusions: The mandated delay is an opportunity for organizations to better understand areas of financial risk with regards to data management via backward coding. Our methodology is relevant for all healthcare-related coding data, and can be replicated by organizations as a strategy to mitigate financial risk.
EFFICIENCY CALIBRATION OF A Ge(Li) DETECTOR FROM 8 TO 98 keV.

Abstract The efficiency of a Ge(Li) detector was measured using X-ray machines in the energy region from 8 to 98 keV by comparing the number of fluorescent X-rays counted by the Ge(Li) spectrometer with that by a totally absorbing NaI(Tl) spectrometer. The escape peak-to-photopeak ratios as measured are roughly 35% higher than those of other published results. Monte Carlo calculations of the detector efficiency and escape fraction at different photon energies compare favorably with experimental data; these should be useful for other workers using a highly collimated Ge(Li) detector, which approximates semi-infinite geometry.
Anthropophagy in São Paulo's Cold War

The first biennial founded outside Venice opened in Sao Paulo Brazil in 1951, providing a fulcrum between “dependency” and “developmentalism” (to use economic terms). In terms of art history, it pr...
Investigation of close-in passive intermodulation distortion on antennas

Passive intermodulation distortion (PIM) generated on antennas is experimentally investigated and shown to agree with calculations based on an electro-thermal origin. Two-tone testing is used in the investigations with tone spacings ranging from 3 Hz to 100 kHz. The two-tone measurement system has a minimum spurious-free dynamic range of 125 dB at 3 Hz tone separation. Results show that at least some of the PIM generated by an antenna is due to electro-thermal effects but it is apparent that there are sources of PIM that cannot be described by electro-thermal effects alone.
Thermodynamic behavior of (U,Pu) mixed-oxide fuels

Abstract Transpiration experiments were performed at temperatures between 1000 and 1700°C to study the thermodynamics and defect structure of hypostoichiometric UO 2 -20 wt % PuO 2 solid-solution systems. The oxygen partial pressures were established by using flowing H 2 /H 2 O mixtures. After equilibration, the quenched products were analyzed by chemical, X-ray, neutron-diffraction and metallographic techniques. The Δ G O 2 versus temperature curves for the mixed oxide with different oxygen-to-metal ratios were plotted. Based on X-ray, neutron diffraction and metallographic data, it was concluded that the 20 wt % PuO 2 mixed oxide exists as a single phase under normal conditions, even at an oxygen-to-metal ratio as low as 1.92. The data from density measurements and neutron-diffraction analysis indicated that the predominant defects in the hypostoichiometric UO 2 -20 wt % PuO 2 are anion vacancies.
Waiting Time in a Two Station Series Queueing System: The Effect of Dependent Interarrival Times

An analysis taking into account the dependencies in the departure process from the first station of the M/Ek/1→./M/1 system is conducted. Arrivals to the second station are approximated as a general independent distribution, and the waiting times in this station are compared to those found through computer simulation.
Epidemiology of childhood obesity--methodological aspects and guidelines: what is new?

INTRODUCTION: It is still a matter of debate as to how to define obesity in young people, although a growing consensus is to use body mass index (BMI) cutoffs to classify obesity in children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: This article provides a brief overview of issues related to the assessment of obesity in children and adolescents. RESULTS: At present, BMI is probably the best choice among available measures. BMI can be easily assessed at low cost, and has a strong association with body fatness and health risks. However, as an indirect measure of adipose tissue, BMI has a number of limitations. Cole et al published a set of sex- and age-specific BMI cutoffs, which had been developed based on data collected in six countries, and the reference has been recommended for international use. Recently, several researchers have raised concerns regarding this international reference. It has been argued that population-specific standards should be used due to biological differences between populations. CONCLUSION: BMI is a valid and feasible indirect measure of body fatness, but it suffers from a number of limitations. More efforts are needed to develop valid classifications of childhood obesity.
Mucosal morphology in isolated bowel segments: importance of exposure to luminal contents.

Abstract An isolated bowel segment (IBS) is a loop of intestine that has been freed from its mesenteric attachment after the development of vascular collaterals between the antimesenteric surface of the gut and the host organ. Surgical creation of such artificially vascularized isolated bowel segments is of interest to researchers for a variety of studies, and may be useful in the treatment of short bowel syndrome, allowing longitudinal division of the remaining small bowel to double its length. We created four surgical variants to study the ability of the collateral blood supply to maintain mucosal integrity in the presence or absence of normal luminal contents. In all groups, a collateral blood supply was created in a 5- to 7-cm segment of adult rat jejunum by hepatoenteropexy (lowa model II). In Thiry-Vella (T-V) and isolated bowel segment (IBS) rats, this segment was exteriorized at both ends to exclude luminal contents. Control and IBS in continuity (IBS-C) loops were left in continuity. The mesentery of IBS and IBS-C rats was divided 5 weeks later, leaving the experimental segment entirely dependent on the collateral circulation. All animals were harvested at 7 weeks after the initial surgery. Tissues were analyzed for mucosal weight, protein content per centimeter of bowel, length of villi, depth of crypts, DNA content, and sucrase activity. We found that segments retaining luminal continuity had significantly higher mucosal weight and DNA content per centimeter of bowel compared with exteriorized loops. Sucrase specific activity, crypt depth, and villous height also appeared to be higher in segments exposed to luminal contents, but differences did not achieve statistical significance. The collateral blood supply generated by hepatoenteropexy was adequate to maintain the normalcy of these parameters even when the mesentery was severed. We conclude that mucosal viability is preserved in isolated bowel segments using the hepatoenteropexy technique of collateral vascularization. Contact of the mucosa with normal luminal contents is essential for maintaining its integrity.
Influenza Among Hospitalized Adults with Leukemia

Influenza is one of the most important respiratory diseases of mankind, yet scant data exist concerning the frequency and clinical course of influenza in severely immunocompromised adults. From October 1993 to September 1994, we cultured the respiratory secretions of all adults with leukemia who were hospitalized with an acute respiratory illness at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. During a 9-week period from 29 November 1993 to 29 January 1994, influenza virus type A (H3N2) was isolated from 15 (33%) of these 45 hospitalized adults. Twelve (80%) of the cases of influenza were associated with pneumonia, and four patients (33%) with pneumonia died. Patients who died tended to have received chemotherapy more recently and to be more myelosuppressed. Autopsy examination in two cases revealed histopathologic changes consistent with viral pneumonia. During community outbreaks, influenza is a frequent cause of serious respiratory disease in hospitalized adults with leukemia. Effective prophylactic and therapeutic regimens need to be defined for immunocompromised patients.
Global asymptotic stability of a class of nonlinear dynamical systems

In this paper we systematically study the global asymptotic stability of a class of nonlinear dynamical systems based on the Liapunov function method. We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions (NASCs) for the existence of a Liapunov function of Lurie type with negative semi-definite derivative. We improve the Moore-Anderson theorem and the Popov frequency criterion in this field. An illustrative example is provided.
Coordination of immunoglobulin DJH transcription and D-to-JH rearrangement by promoter-enhancer approximation.

Abstract The genes that encode the variable regions of immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chains are encoded by three DNA segments: VH, D, and JH. During B-cell development these segments are brought together by a pair of site-specific DNA rearrangements. The first of these joins a D segment to a JH segment; the second brings a VH segment in apposition to a DJH unit. B-cell precursors that have undergone D-to-JH joining express transcripts that initiate at the 5' flanks of rearranged D segments (DJH transcription). In this study we have examined the coordination of D-to-JH rearrangement and DJH transcription. The B-lymphoid progenitor cell line HAFTL-1 cell clone, joining of distal D segments (DSP2 and DFL16) to JH is accompanied by an increase in the steady-state level of transcripts initiating 5' of the D coding region. Steady-state transcription of a DSP2 gene segment was undetectable prior to rearrangement and was observed to increase at least 20-fold upon joining to JH. In contrast, transcription from the 5' flank of DQ52, which lies within 700 bp of the JH cluster, was detected prior to rearrangement and did not increase significantly after rearrangement. The 5' flank of a DSP2 segment was found to support expression of a heterologous gene upon transfection into B progenitor cell lines. Expression from this DSP2 promoter was at least 30-fold higher in the presence of the Ig heavy-chain enhancer, in either orientation, than in its absence. A DNA fragment spanning the interval from -165 to +19 bp relative to the major DSP2 transcriptional start site retained enhancer-dependent promoter activity. These observations imply that activation of DSP12JH and DFL16JH transcription is coordinated with D-to-JH rearrangement by approximation of enhancer-dependent D promoter elements to the Ig heavy-chain enhancer. This interpretation is consistent with our observation that the DQ52 segment, which is closely linked to the JH cluster, is transcribed both before and after rearrangement.
Experimental evaluation of features for robust speaker identification

This correspondence presents an experimental evaluation of different features and channel compensation techniques for robust speaker identification. The goal is to keep all processing and classification steps constant and to vary only the features and compensations used to allow a controlled comparison. A general, maximum-likelihood classifier based on Gaussian mixture densities is used as the classifier, and experiments are conducted on the King speech database, a conversational, telephone-speech database. The features examined are mel-frequency and linear-frequency filterbank cepstral coefficients, linear prediction cepstral coefficients, and perceptual linear prediction (PLP) cepstral coefficients. The channel compensation techniques examined are cepstral mean removal, RASTA processing, and a quadratic trend removal technique. It is shown for this database that performance differences between the basic features is small, and the major gains are due to the channel compensation techniques. The best "across-the-divide" recognition accuracy of 92% is obtained for both high-order LPC features and band-limited filterbank features. >
New Materials and Methods for Hierarchically Structured Tissue Scaffolds

Abstract : The overall goal of our work is to develop new methods and materials for the fabrication of hierarchically structured, three-dimensional (3D) tissue scaffolds. Conventional scaffolds commonly lack substantial mechanical strength, and there is difficulty in controlling porosity, pore distribution, and pore interconnectivity. Additionally, the chemical nature of these scaffolds is typically homogenous. The ability to chemically modify selected areas on a scaffold is one method to direct cell growth in deliberate patterns; which could aid in the engineering of complex, functioning tissues. The general aim of this work is to address these issues through the application of stereolithography (SL) to the fabrication of hierarchically structured scaffolds. In order to achieve this goal, photopolymerizable materials must be developed that are both compatible with cell growth and with SL processing. SL methods are designed to produce arbitrary control over the physical structure of the part. In addition to physical structure control, control over the local surface chemistry of the scaffold is also desired. This would permit the use of both physical and chemical cues to control cell behavior in a tissue engineering construct. Chemical control could be achieved in SL methods by using photopolymerizable materials that can also be selectively chemically modified during the SL part building process. This paper provides an update on our work directed at using combined photoradical initiated polymerization and photoacid generator based chemical modification of a polymeric scaffold via multi-wavelength SL to produce hierarchically structured scaffolds.
Resource-constrained multiprocessor synthesis for floating-point applications on FPGAs

Although state-of-the-art field-programmable gate arrays offer exciting new opportunities in exploring low-cost high-performance architectures for data-intensive scientific applications, they also present serious challenges. Multiprocessor-on-programmable-chip, which integrates software programmability and hardware reconfiguration, provides substantial flexibility that results in shorter design cycles, higher performance, and lower cost. In this article, we present an application-specific design methodology for multiprocessor-on-programmable-chip architectures that target applications involving large matrices and floating-point operations. Given an application with specific energy-performance and resource constraints, our methodology aims to customize the architecture to match the diverse computation and communication requirements of the application tasks. Graph-based analysis of the application drives system synthesis that employs a precharacterized, parameterized hardware component library of functional units. Extensive experimental results for three diverse applications are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of our design methodology.
Quality citizenship, employee involvement, and operational performance: an empirical investigation

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of top-management support and corporate social responsibility (quality citizenship) practices on employee involvement and operational performance (internal quality results). Structural equation modelling has been used to examine the relationship between corporate social responsibility, employee involvement, and operational performance in the petroleum industry. The findings suggest that corporate social responsibility has a significant impact on employee involvement. The empirical analysis provides support for some of the arguments regarding the failure of quality management programmes in promoting employee participation and involvement. The result suggests that implementation of corporate social responsibility would have a positive effect on the formation of ‘moral capital’ of the firm through enhancing employee involvement. The paper provides a new perspective on successful implementation of quality systems and how organisations can design, develop, and...
Fast Pyrolysis of Wood for Biofuels: Spatiotemporally Resolved Diffuse Reflectance In situ Spectroscopy of Particles

Fast pyrolysis of woody biomass is a promising process capable of producing renewable transportation fuels to replace gasoline, diesel, and chemicals currently derived from nonrenewable sources. However, biomass pyrolysis is not yet economically viable and requires significant optimization before it can contribute to the existing oil-based transportation system. One method of optimization uses detailed kinetic models for predicting the products of biomass fast pyrolysis, which serve as the basis for the design of pyrolysis reactors capable of producing the highest value products. The goal of this work is to improve upon current pyrolysis models, usually derived from experiments with low heating rates and temperatures, by developing models that account for both transport and pyrolysis decomposition kinetics at high heating rates and high temperatures (>400 °C). A new experimental technique is proposed herein: spatiotemporally resolved diffuse reflectance in situ spectroscopy of particles (STR-DRiSP), which is capable of measuring biomass composition during fast pyrolysis with high spatial (10 μm) and temporal (1 ms) resolution. Compositional data were compared with a comprehensive 2D single-particle model, which incorporated a multistep, semiglobal reaction mechanism, prescribed particle shrinkage, and thermophysical properties that varied with temperature, composition, and orientation. The STR-DRiSP technique can be used to determine the transport-limited kinetic parameters of biomass decomposition for a wide variety of biomass feedstocks.
Choosing reliable statistical software

Should we trust the results of our statistical computations? Closely following the development of the mainframe computer, Longley (1967) criticized the accuracy of the first regression programs. Approximately every 10 years thereafter, similar comments echoed for each new generation of statistical software. In a recent criticism, McCullough and Vinod (1999) argue that commonly used statistical packages may give “horrendously inaccurate” results, which have gone largely unnoticed (635–37). Moreover, they argue that in consequence of these inaccuracies, past inferences are in question, and future work must document and archive statistical software alongside statistical models (660–62). When political scientists discuss accuracy in computer-intensive quantitative analysis, however, we are relatively sanguine. Numerical accuracy is almost never discussed in articles or even in textbooks geared toward the most sophisticated and computationally intensive techniques (e.g., King 1989; Mooney 1997). Notable exceptions are a forthcoming APSR controversy that depends on the meaning and evaluation of numerical accuracy in ecological inference (King 2001; Tam Cho and Gaines 2001) and a study of numerical accuracy issues in replication (Altman and McDonald 2001).
Metallic rectifiers for shipboard electric systems

PRIOR TO 1932, all Navy ships had d-c electric plants for supplying power to electric auxiliaries and lighting systems. As the size of electric plants grew, it was recognized that the adoption of a-c systems for shipboard electric plants offered distinct advantages. At the present time, all of the newer Navy shipboard electric generating plants, except for some small ships, are designed to provide 450 volts alternating current. However, some electric auxiliaries used on board ship require direct current for their operation. Direct current is needed for such applications as degaussing, battery charging, carbon-arc searchlights, generator excitation, circuit breaker and reactor control circuits, cathodic protection, guided-missile servicing, aircraft starting and servicing, etc.
BEHAVIOR OF INCOMPLETE ANTIBODIES IN QUANTITATIVE HEMAGGLUTINATION REACTIONS.

The increase in agglutinating activity of group O sera following centrifugation has been related to incomplete, cross-reactive antibodies in these sera. The effect is thought to be due to steric interference of smaller 7S, cross-reactive molecules by the larger 19S agglutinins rather than to any lack of equilibrium in the agglutinating system. An increase in activity was also demonstrated with anti-Rh sera containing saline agglutinins and incomplete antibodies following centrifugation. With anti-Rh sera, centrifugation at 17,750 × g for 7.5 minutes was required to produce the same effect apparent with group O sera centrifuged at 100 × g for two minutes. High speed centrifugation produced saline agglutination with incomplete anti-Rh antibodies equivalent to that produced in 20 per cent bovine albumin.
Impact of Aerosol Model Selection on Water-Leaving Radiance Retrievals from Satellite Ocean Color Imagery

We examine the impact of atmospheric correction, specifically aerosol model selection, on retrieval of bio-optical properties from satellite ocean color imagery. Uncertainties in retrievals of bio-optical properties (such as chlorophyll, absorption, and backscattering coefficients) from satellite ocean color imagery are related to a variety of factors, including errors associated with sensor calibration, atmospheric correction, and the bio-optical inversion algorithms. In many cases, selection of an inappropriate or erroneous aerosol model during atmospheric correction can dominate the errors in the satellite estimation of the normalized water-leaving radiances (nLw), especially over turbid, coastal waters. These errors affect the downstream bio-optical properties. Here, we focus on the impact of aerosol model selection on the nLw radiance estimates by comparing Aerosol Robotic Network-Ocean Color (AERONET-OC) measurements of nLw and aerosol optical depth (AOD) to satellite-derived values from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS). We also apply noise to the satellite top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiance values in the two near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths used for atmospheric correction, to assess the effect on aerosol model selection and nLw retrievals. In general, for the data sets examined, we found that as little as 1% uncertainty (noise) in the NIR TOA radiances can lead to the selection of a different pair of bounding aerosol models, thus changing nLw retrievals. We also
The Arabidopsis basic/helix-loop-helix transcription factor family.

The basic/helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins are a superfamily of transcription factors that bind as dimers to specific DNA target sites and that have been well characterized in nonplant eukaryotes as important regulatory components in diverse biological processes. Based on evidence that the bHLH protein PIF3 is a direct phytochrome reaction partner in the photoreceptor’s signaling network, we have undertaken a comprehensive computational analysis of the Arabidopsis genome sequence databases to define the scope and features of the bHLH family. Using a set of criteria derived from a previously defined consensus motif, we identified 147 bHLH protein‐encoding genes, making this one of the largest transcription factor families in Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic analysis of the bHLH domain sequences permits classification of these genes into 21 subfamilies. The evolutionary and potential functional relationships implied by this analysis are supported by other criteria, including the chromosomal distribution of these genes relative to duplicated genome segments, the conservation of variant exon/intron structural patterns, and the predicted DNA binding activities within subfamilies. Considerable diversity in DNA binding site specificity among family members is predicted, and marked divergence in protein sequence outside of the conserved bHLH domain is observed. Together with the established propensity of bHLH factors to engage in varying degrees of homodimerization and heterodimerization, these observations suggest that the Arabidopsis bHLH proteins have the potential to participate in an extensive set of combinatorial interactions, endowing them with the capacity to be involved in the regulation of a multiplicity of transcriptional programs. We provide evidence from yeast two-hybrid and in vitro binding assays that two related phytochrome-interacting members in the Arabidopsis family, PIF3 and PIF4, can form both homodimers and heterodimers and that all three dimeric configurations can bind specifically to the G-box DNA sequence motif CACGTG. These data are consistent, in principle, with the operation of this combinatorial mechanism in Arabidopsis.
Feeding and osmoregulation: dual function of the marine teleost intestine.

and water absorption. Postprandial acid‐base balance disturbance as indicated by plasma alkalinization was limited or absent, indicating compensation for gastric acid secretion in this teleost fish. Plasma osmolality peaked 12·h post-feeding in toadfish fed squid, but was not accompanied by a significant increase in inorganic ion concentrations. Transient fluid secretion by the gastrointestinal tract was evident from reduced luminal Mg 2+ and SO4 2‐ concentrations for 24‐48·h post feeding. Discrepancy between the sum of inorganic osmolytes and measured osmotic pressure was attributed to organic osmolytes, which occurred at high concentrations in the stomach and anterior intestine for up to 24·h post feeding. Summary
Three-dimensional stress singularities at the tip of a grain triple junction line intersecting the free surface

Abstract The stress singularity at the point of intersection of a grain triple junction line with the free surface has been numerically evaluated in single-phase polycrystals of cubic and hexagonal grains. The angle spanned by the grain boundaries, the orientation of the crystal axes within each grain and the position of the triple junction line with respect to the free surface were taken as variables, and their effect on the singularity exponent γ (defined by σ ∞ r γ −1 ) determined. In general, the configurations possessing geometrical and material symmetries were associated with stronger singularities and almost all triple junction geometries were characterized by two singularity exponents, each corresponding to the symmetric and the antisymmetric fields. Thus, such a singular point is associated with a fixed mixed mode. Interestingly, the values obtained were somewhat different and stronger when compared with those obtained for the corresponding two-dimensional plane stress and strain configurations.
Androgen Receptor (AR) Coregulators: An Overview

The biological action of androgens is mediated through the androgen receptor (AR). Androgen-bound AR functions as a transcription factor to regulate genes involved in an array of physiological processes, most notably male sexual differentiation and maturation, and the maintenance of spermatogenesis. The transcriptional activity of AR is affected by coregulators that influence a number of functional properties of AR, including ligand selectivity and DNA binding capacity. As the promoter of target genes, coregulators participate in DNA modification, either directly through modification of histones or indirectly by the recruitment of chromatin-modifying complexes, as well as functioning in the recruitment of the basal transcriptional machinery. Aberrant coregulator activity due to mutation or altered expression levels may be a contributing factor in the progression of diseases related to AR activity, such as prostate cancer. AR demonstrates distinct differences in its interaction with coregulators from other steroid receptors due to differences in the functional interaction between AR domains, possibly resulting in alterations in the dynamic interactions between coregulator complexes.
A Parallel Intermediate Representation based on Lambda Expressions

The lambda calculus has frequently been used as an intermediate representation for programming languages, particularly for functional programming language systems. We introduce two simple extensions to the lambda calculus that describe potentially parallel computations. These extensions permit us to use the lambda calculus as an intermediate form for languages that operate on large data items as single entities, such as FP or APL. We conclude by discussing how this intermediate representation can facilitate the generation of code for different types of parallel systems.
Automatic extraction of clickable structured web contents for name entity queries

Today the major web search engines answer queries by showing ten result snippets, which need to be inspected by users for identifying relevant results. In this paper we investigate how to extract structured information from the web, in order to directly answer queries by showing the contents being searched for. We treat users' search trails (i.e., post-search browsing behaviors) as implicit labels on the relevance between web contents and user queries. Based on such labels we use information extraction approach to build wrappers and extract structured information. An important observation is that many web sites contain pages for name entities of certain categories (e.g., AOL Music contains a page for each musician), and these pages have the same format. This makes it possible to build wrappers from a small amount of implicit labels, and use them to extract structured information from many web pages for different name entities. We propose STRUCLICK, a fully automated system for extracting structured information for queries containing name entities of certain categories. It can identify important web sites from web search logs, build wrappers from users' search trails, filter out bad wrappers built from random user clicks, and combine structured information from different web sites for each query. Comparing with existing approaches on information extraction, STRUCLICK can assign semantics to extracted data without any human labeling or supervision. We perform comprehensive experiments, which show STRUCLICK achieves high accuracy and good scalability.
Synthesis and Characterization of Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Materials Derived from Polysilsesquioxanes (POSS)

This article describes two synthetic strategies of biodegradable multi-arm star polymers with a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) core. The goal is to develop synthetic strategies towards reinforced biodegradable polymers that can potentially be used in hard tissue engineering. The polymers were characterized including a preliminary evaluation of the cytotoxicity of the POSS-hybrid polymers and the POSS core. A core first strategy employed the ring opening polymerization of ϵ–caprolactone and/or L-lactide using Sn(Oct)2 as the catalyst and octa hydroxy silsequioxane as the initiating core. The arm first strategy utilized an esterification reaction between octaanhydride functionalized POSS (POSS-SA) molecule and hydroxyl functionalized polyesters. The hybrid polymers were characterized with FTIR, 1H, 13C, 29Si NMR, GPC and thermal analysis. The POSS-polymer ratio can be tailored to obtain polymers with different handling properties, from a solid to a viscous liquid. Preliminary cell toxicology st...
Hybrid epicardial and endocardial ablation of atrial fibrillation: is ablation on two sides of the atrial wall better than one?

The success of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation has continued to increase with the introduction of new technology, additional experience, and advances in our understanding of the targets of ablation. Nevertheless, patients with symptomatic drug refractory long-standing atrial fibrillation present a particular challenge for treatment with catheter ablation techniques. The so-called “cut-and-sew” surgical maze procedure was developed by the pioneering work of James Cox 1,2 to treat this patient population. This procedure was subsequently modified to reduce the complexity and time required and is embodied in the Cox-Maze-IV surgery, which is performed on cardiopulmonary bypass and uses a combination of radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, and surgical incisions. 3,4 The next step in the evolution of the procedure was the replacement of the cryoablation lesions and the surgical incisions with radiofrequency ablation alone. This step obviates the need for cardiopulmonary bypass and created an epicardial-only technique. The evolution of epicardial ablation tools created the ability to access portions of the left atrium either through mini-thoracotomies or using thoracoscopic tools. These tools were designed to address several challenges including obtaining safe access around the pulmonary veins. Currently most procedures use a bipolar clamp-like device to ablate around the antral portion of the left atrium just proximal to the pulmonary veins on each side. Completion of the box lesion requires use of an epicardial-only tool to create the roof and floor lines. 5
Potent modulation of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-channel by ethanol

Abstract Controversies remain over which ion channels are the most sensitive to ethanol. We have found that ethanol potently modulates the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-channel at micromolar concentrations with an EC50 of 88.5 μM, which is significantly lower than most values previously reported for other ion channels. Prolonged application of ethanol accelerated the decay phase of acetylcholine-induced currents, caused single-channels to open in bursts, and shortened the mean open time, all of which reflect increased receptor desensitization. However, ethanol slowed the decay phase of the current induced by a brief application of acetylcholine, which may indicate that ethanol manifests its action by causing an increase in the affinity of the receptor for acetylcholine. These results suggest that neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors may be important target sites of ethanol, particularly in the early stages of ethanol intoxication.
Density of the Vulnerable Sunda clouded leopard Neofelis diardi in a protected area in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Population density is an important parameter for monitoring and guiding conservation of small or threatened wildlife populations. Yet, despite the Vulnerable status of both species of clouded leopard Neofelis spp., and their disappearing tropical forest habitat, information on their population density is lacking from across their broad geographic ranges. Here we estimated population density of the Sunda clouded leopard N. diardi in the Maliau Basin Conservation Area in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, one of the first such estimates for either species of clouded leopard. With 25 camera-trap stations, each operated for at least 81 trap-nights, we obtained 59 detections of four individual Sunda clouded leopards in undisturbed primary rainforest but only a single detection in logged forest, despite similar sampling effort. Using spatially-explicit mark–recapture models, we estimated a density of 1.9 individuals per 100 km2 (95% confidence interval 0.7–5.4) for primary forest and 0.8 per 100 km2 (0.2–2.6) for the entire study area (including logged forest). These results will contribute to a better understanding of clouded leopard status and serve as a reference for future assessments of the species.
Comparison of Gaps and Intact Shrub Thickets on an Atlantic Coast Barrier Island

Abstract Shrub thicket (Myrica cerifera) gaps were sampled on a Virginia barrier island to elucidate successional mechanisms in the development of maritime forests. Microclimate, edaphic characteristics and spatial heterogeneity within gaps, as well as within intact thicket understories, were compared for young and aging thickets. Midday photosynthetic photon flux density in gaps ranged from 5–1000 µmol m−2 s−1, but at the gap center photon flux density was up to 15% higher for the aging thicket. Soil temperatures at the surface were 9 C warmer in aging thicket gaps compared to young gaps, and 6 to 14 C warmer when comparing gaps to the understories for the young and aging thickets, respectively. Edaphic characteristics differed little with thicket age; however, gaps in the aging thicket had greater structural diversity. Species richness was 2.5 to 3.7 times greater within gaps than in intact thicket understories, with highest richness within aging thicket gaps. Relative to intact shrub thickets, gaps enh...
PHYLOGENY, ECOMORPHOLOGICAL EVOLUTION, AND HISTORICAL BIOGEOGRAPHY OF THE ANOLIS CRISTATELLUS SERIES

Abstract To determine the evolutionary relationships within the Anolis cristatellus series, we employed phylogenetic analyses of previously published karyotype and allozyme data as well as newly collected morphological data and mitochondrial DNA sequences (fragments of the 12S RNA and cytochrome b genes). The relationships inferred from continuous maximum likelihood reanalyses of allozyme data were largely poorly supported. A similar analysis of the morphological data gave strong to moderate support for sister relationships of the two included distichoid species, the two trunk-crown species, the grass-bush species A. poncensis and A. pulchellus, and a clade of trunk-ground and grass-bush species. The results of maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of the 12S, cyt b, and combined mtDNA data sets were largely congruent, but nonetheless exhibit some differences both with one another and with those based on the morphological data. We therefore took advantage of the additive properties of likelihoods to co...
Statins accelerate disease progression and shorten survival in SOD1(G93A) mice.

Introduction HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) and H63D HFE polymorphism may modify amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We hypothesized that statins worsen phenotype in ALS mice, dependent on HFE genotype. Methods Mice harboring SOD1(G93A) heterozygous for H67D Hfe (homologous to human H63D HFE) were administered simvastatin and/or coenzyme Q10, and were allowed to reach end stage. Disease progression was measured by grip strength. A separate group of animals was administered simvastatin and euthanized at the symptomatic 120-day time-point. Mitochondria from gastrocnemius muscle and lumbar spine were analyzed. Results Simvastatin and H67D Hfe accelerated disease progression. Simvastatin decreased survival. Coenzyme Q10 did not rescue statin-induced effects. Statins did not alter mitochondrial protein levels. Conclusions Statins and Hfe genotype alter disease course in the ALS mouse model. Because the H63D HFE polymorphism is present in 30% of patients with ALS, studying disease progression in patients who receive statins, stratified for HFE genotype, may guide therapy. Muscle Nerve, 2016 Muscle Nerve 54: 284-291, 2016.
The economics of the marine environment: A Review

More than two-thirds of all wild capture marine fish stocks are currently being exploited at or beyond the maximum sustainable yield. Many coastal systems, including the mangrove forests and coral reefs that serve as fish nurseries, have been severely depleted through coastal habitat conversion and land-based emissions. Nutrient runoff is responsible for an increasing number of dead zones—areas of the ocean so depleted of oxygen that they cannot sustain life. Reasons for this include the facts (a) that many ocean resources are effectively open access (b) that markets fail to signal the true scarcity of many marine resources, and (c) that governments fail either to protect against or to correct for the inability of markets to allocate resources. This paper considers the problems of overexploitation and pollution of marine systems, and reviews the impact of institutions on each problem. It then discusses the options for reform.