cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal-Aware Resource Management for Embedded Real-Time Systems

With an increasing demand for complex and powerful system-on-chips, modern real-time automotive systems face significant challenges in managing on-chip-temperature. We demonstrate, via real experiments, the importance of accounting for dynamic ambient temperature and task-level power dissipation in resource management so as to meet both thermal and timing constraints. To address this problem, we propose RT-TRM, a real-time thermal-aware resource management framework. We first introduce a task-level dynamic power model that can capture different power dissipations with a simple task-level parameter called the activity factor . We then develop two new mechanisms, adaptive parameter assignment and online idle-time scheduling . The former adjusts voltage/frequency levels and task periods according to the varying ambient temperature while preserving feasibility. The latter generates a schedule by allocating idle times efficiently without missing any task/job deadline. By tightly integrating the solutions of these two mechanisms, we can guarantee both thermal and timing constraints in the presence of dynamic ambient temperature variations. We have implemented RT-TRM on an automotive microcontroller to demonstrate its effectiveness, achieving better resource utilization by 18.2% over other runtime approaches while meeting both thermal and timing constraints.
Stability of expression of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2 proteins in Bollgard-II hybrids at different stages of crop growth in different genotypes across cropping seasons and multiple geographies.

Bollgard-II cotton expressing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2 insecticidal proteins has been commercially cultivated in India since 2006 to control bollworms. These genes were introgressed into parental germplasm of numerous hybrids. Therefore, it is imperative that these insecticidal proteins are expressed in sufficient quantities in different tissues, throughout the season irrespective of genetic background or environmental conditions for effective performance. Here, we document results of a comprehensive study on pattern of expression of Bt proteins across different stages of crop growth in > 2000 cotton hybrids (Gossypium hirsutum), across 12 cropping seasons tested in the Northern, Southern or Central zones in India, in terminal leaf, pre-candle square and boll epicarp tissues. Statistical analysis of variability using Linear mixed effect model was used to estimate factors contributing to variability in expression of Bt proteins. For Cry1Ac, variability was maximally contributed by genotype × season × plant growth stage effect in terminal leaves and boll epicarp, while season effect drove variability in pre-candle square. In Cry2Ab2, season effect drove variability in three tissue types. Pre-candle square tissue had most variability in expression of both proteins followed by terminal leaf and boll epicarp. Further, expression of Bt proteins in 234 G. hirsutum × G. barbadense hybrids showed similar expression patterns as intra specific hybrids though there was a significant difference in expression levels. Cry2Ab2 was expressed in significantly higher amounts when genes were in homozygous state. Bt proteins were also found to be expressed in varied amounts in different tissues and were expressed even when hybrids were grown at sub-optimal temperatures.
Cotton Fiber Structure

Cotton fibers have complex structures despite being composed almost exclusively of the molecule cellulose. Cellulose molecules, composed of d-glucose residues, are arranged in nano-sized crystals, or crystallites. The fundamental unit of the crystal is the unit cell that is repeated along its edges, along with the atoms inside, to create the entire crystal. Crystallites are grouped into microfibrils that, in turn, are clustered into sheet-like structures that wrap around the lumen or vacuole at various angles. These layers of primary wall sheets are themselves surrounded by a winding layer, the primary wall, and a cuticle. This chapter focuses on X-ray diffraction to interpret cotton fiber structure. Patterns are shown from electron diffraction, laboratory powder X-ray diffraction, and synchrotron X-ray diffraction for both single and bundled fibers. Single-fiber and fiber bundle patterns differ because of the varied angle of the microfibrils to the main fiber axis. The bundle patterns include many of the varied angles, but single fibers have just one major angle when a micron-sized X-ray beam is used. Also shown are computed diffraction patterns based on the known atom positions. Widely used methods for X-ray analysis are flawed. Instead, interpretations of the patterns can follow the logic of “what modifications are needed to the computed ideal pattern” so that it best resembles the experimental pattern. The Rietveld powder diffraction method refines variables such as crystallite size, unit cell dimensions, and amount of amorphous material. However, there are many other possible variables in Rietveld software, more than cotton data can support.
Editorial for focused issue “Pompe disease: from basics to current and emerging therapies”

In this special issue of Annals of Translational Medicine , well distinguished clinicians, academic researchers, industry scientists, and patient advocates address recent advances and challenges in current and future therapies for Pompe disease, a prototypical lysosomal storage disorder. As is the case with many maladies, the history of Pompe disease, a severe neuromuscular disorder, is a reflection of the accelerating pace of basic science discoveries and the speed with which scientific knowledge is translated into medical progress.
Sample preparation utilizing sputter coating increases contrast of cellulose nanocrystals in the transmission electron microscope.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using positive or negative stains in an effort to increase the contrast between the specimen and background. When imaging CNCs, conventional stains have been shown to induce particle aggregation and produce artifacts. In this study, we report on methods used to image CNCs. To increase contrast and decrease artifacts and aggregation, sputter coating was used to coat the samples. CNCs were loaded onto copper grids and sputter coated with one of four different metals: iridium, carbon, gold, and titanium. The final layer was deposited at 5 nm to ensure surface homogeneity. The thin layer of conductive metal atoms deposited onto the specimen surface significantly increased contrast and improved image quality. The results presented here demonstrate the advantages of using sputter coating for imaging of highly crystalline cellulose materials with TEM.
Sorting mathematical representations : words, symbols, and graphs

Many students view the language of mathematics as a "foreign" language. Both require making connections to new vocabulary and using that vocabulary in context. Activities engaging students in communicating ideas about mathematics provide students with the opportunity to use mathematical language and make sense of what they are learning. Words, symbols, and graphs are powerful methods of communicating mathematical ideas and relationships. These tools allow students to express mathematical ideas to other people. Moving from one representation to another is an important way to enhance mathematical concepts. NCTM's Standards (2000) recommends that all students create and use representations to organize, record, and communicate mathematical ideas and consolidate their mathematical thinking through communication. In addition, NCTM's Curriculum Focal Points (2007) promotes a focused curriculum from both the concept and content perspectives in which students continually engage in and construct mathematical knowledge.
Assessment of triple bottom line of sustainability for geotechnical projects

The American Society of Civil Engineers set three pillars of sustainability, the triple bottom line approach, revolving around the environment, economy and equity. This approach is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. Activities undertaken in any construction project must follow this approach and must be audited to validate their impact on sustainability. Geotechnical projects lack an audit/assessment tool encompassing the triple bottom line. Efforts were made to modify SPeAR (Sustainable Project Appraisal Routine) into Geotechnical SPeAR, but the system lacks the quantification scale as used by Environmental Geotechnics Indicators. The study aims to develop a new tool called Geo-SAT (Geotechnical Sustainability Assessment Tool), overcoming these limitations, incorporating engineering as a vital pillar. Geo-SAT is based on indicators quantified on a scale of 1 (detrimental) to 5 (significantly improved) to assess the impact of actions taken or considered, on sustainability. The total number of indicators developed is 169 out of which 79 are specific to the triple bottom line approach and 90 to engineering. These indicators are generic and can be used for geotechnical projects with the flexibility of exclusion as per the nature of the project. The different fields targeted are dams, foundations, landslides, contaminated site remediation, soil and erosion control, offshore construction and transportation. This tool will serve as a potential code of sustainability for geotechnical projects.
Outpatient Management of Bronchial Asthma: A Comparative Analysis Between Guideline-Directed Management and Usual Management.

Background: Bronchial asthma is a common controllable disease that causes a serious economic and social burden. The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) was developed to help guide clinicians in appropriate management of asthma. Despite the existence of published guidelines, common practice in many primary care clinics follows usual care based on clinical gestalt. This study aims to determine if there is a statistically significant difference in outcomes between patients receiving guideline-directed therapy when compared to those receiving usual clinician therapy. Methods: A total of 300 patients were included in this study. Among them, 139 patients received guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT group) and 161 received usual medical therapy (UMT group). Logistic regression models were utilized to determine if there was a significant difference in outcomes for patients comparing number of exacerbations and number of hospitalizations. Results: More patients in GDMT group suffered from recorded exacerbations in the prior year with 43.9% having one, 3.6% having two, and 0.7% having three, compared to the frequencies of exacerbations in the UMT group (29.2%, 1.9%, and 1.2%, respectively) (P < 0.05). Cumulative number of hospitalizations due to asthma exacerbations in the prior year was also higher in GDMT group compared to the UMT group (one in 5.8% GDMT vs. 3.1% UMT; two in 0.0% GDMT vs. 0.6% UMT) without statistically significant difference (P = 0.349). Conclusions: Primary care providersâ€™ adherence to the 2018 GINA guidelines for asthma treatment did not offer benefit to patient outcomes, such as number of exacerbations or hospitalizations, compared to the usual medical care of bronchial asthma. Patient-tailored care may offer reduction in the rates of exacerbations and hospitalization. J Clin Med Res. 2020;12(6):362-368 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr4208
Phenotypic features of ciliary dyskinesia among patients with congenital cardiovascular malformations.

Background Cilia are cell membrane-bound organelles responsible for airway mucus clearance, establishment of left-right organ asymmetry, cardiogenesis, and many other functions in utero. Phenotypic features suggestive of respiratory ciliary dyskinesia among patients with heterotaxy syndrome, defined as complex cardiovascular malformations (CVM) and situs ambiguus (SA), has not been adequately explored. Objectives We hypothesized that there is a greater incidence of phenotypic features consistent with ciliary dyskinesia among patients with heterotaxy syndrome compared to patients with other CVM and laterality defects without heterotaxy syndrome. Methods Thirty six subjects were identified by medical record search and divided into four groups based on situs status and type of CVM as follows: SA and complex CVM (group 1); SA and simple CVM (group 2); situs solitus and complex CVM (group 3); and situs solitus and simple CVM (group 4). Phenotype was assessed with a clinical questionnaire, nasal nitric oxide (NO) level, and pulmonary function testing. Those with complex CVM underwent additional testing for variants in genes involved in ciliary structure and function. Results The mean nasal NO level was significantly lower among all subjects with complex CVM regardless of situs anomalies (groups 1 and 3). There was no significant difference in respiratory symptoms or lung function among the four groups. No bi-allelic genetic mutations were detected among patients with complex CVM. Conclusions This study identified a relatively lower mean nasal NO level, suggestive of relative ciliary dyskinesia, among subjects with complex CVM. Pulmonary function and clinical symptoms did not reflect significant pulmonary disease among those with complex CVM.
High-mobility group box 1 is a driver of inflammation throughout pregnancy

A proinflammatory response driven by high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is important for the success of both the early stages of pregnancy and parturition initiation. However, the tight regulation of HMGB1 within these two stages is critical, as increased HMGB1 can manifest into pregnancy-related pathologies. Although during the early stages of pregnancy HMGB1 is critical for the development and implantation of the embryo, and uterine decidualization, high levels within the uterine cavity have been linked to pregnancy failure. In addition, chronic inflammation, resultant from increased HMGB1 within the maternal circulation and gestational tissues, also increases the risk for preterm labor, preterm birth, or infant mortality. Due to the link between HMGB1 and several pregnancy pathologies, the possibility of leveraging HMGB1 as a biomarker has been assessed. However, data are limited that demonstrate how known HMGB1 inhibitors could reduce inflammation within pregnancy. Thus, further research is warranted to improve our understanding of the potential of HMGB1 as a therapeutic target to reduce inflammation within pregnancy. This review aims to describe what is understood about the role of HMGB1 that drives inflammation throughout pregnancy and highlight its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target within this context.
The Importance of Place: Effects of Community Job Loss on College Enrollment and Attainment Across Rural and Metropolitan Regions:

Youth living in remote rural communities face significant geographic barriers to college access. Even those living near to a postsecondary institution may not have the means for, or may not see the...
Perspectives of Health Care Providers in an Integrated Health Care Delivery Network on Inpatient Electronic Consultation (e-Consult) Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

A large academic hospital system (Allegheny Health Network) introduced inpatient electronic consultations (e-Consults) during the COVID-19 crisis. Providers were invited to complete an anonymous survey on their perceptions of e-Consults. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze Likert-scale data. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency. Ninety-five providers completed the survey. Requesting and consulting providers agreed that e-Consults were easy to use (100% and 96.2%, respectively). Both groups also concurred that e-Consults either decreased or did not significantly impact their workload (81% and 74%, respectively) and that training was appropriate (77.8% and 86.8%, respectively). The advantage and barrier selected most frequently by specialists was "timelier completion of the consult versus in-person" and "inadequate information to complete the consult," respectively. The disadvantage selected most frequently by requesting physicians was "lack of communication between providers." Open-ended comments were categorized into themes. Concerns were raised regarding whether provider-provider communication via this platform offered enough information to make recommendations compared to traditional encounters. The perceived benefits and barriers of e-Consults should be further explored with the goal of improving patient care delivery and provider satisfaction.
Optical data storage.

The third in a series of Topical Meetings on Optical Data Storage was held 15–17 Oct. 1985 in Washington, DC. Eleven papers, representative of the thirty-nine given at the meeting, are published in the 15 Nov. 1986 issue of Applied Optics.
Factors Affecting the Rural Poverty and its Vulnerability

The study assessed the determinants and vulnerability to rural poverty in Nigeria using 2018-2019 Nigerian Living Standards Survey data. Binary probit regression model was used to ascertain the determinants of poverty and probability of the household being vulnerable to poverty. Linear regression model was used to ascertain how various kinds of households’ characteristics impact on the likelihood that the household will fall into poverty. The probit estimates showed that economic growth, debt, inflation, investment, corruption, life expectancy, and unemployment rate were major determinants of poverty in Nigeria as they have potential to aggravate poverty. It was found that lower household size is associated with low vulnerability to poverty. The odd ratios of the probit model showed that household characteristics of age, household size, female-headed households and households located in northern zones of the country are significantly correlated with poverty and are major socio-economic determinants of household vulnerability to poverty. The rate of decrease in vulnerability is marginal in all other northern zones relative to north east but larger in the southern geopolitical zones. Vulnerability to poverty is a more serious issue in Nigeria, particularly in the north-eastern part of the country. The research recommends creation of enabling environment that encourages small and medium scale business to thrive in order to reduce the level of unemployment which has pervasive effect on poverty.
Statement of the Michigan State University College of Law Indigenous Law and Policy Center on the Tribal Law and Order Act (2011)

In this Statement, we argue that the Tribal Law and Order Act is a necessary first step for the restoration of general tribal criminal jurisdiction over Indian country. We argue there are two general barriers to the restoration of tribal jurisdiction – structural and legal. Structural barriers largely involve the limited governmental capacity of Indian tribes to administer justice systems, which includes resource limitations on providing due process guarantees, adequate jail space, and other infrastructure questions. The terrible irony of TLOA is that the American Indian reservations with the worst crime problem are the same reservations that do not have the structural capacity to implement the Act. Legal barriers involve the federal judiciary’s constitutional concerns about subjecting nonmembers to tribal justice systems. We believe a modest, careful approach to restoring tribal jurisdiction is the best bet over the long term, perhaps utilizing methods and processes developed in accordance with the various Indian Self Determination Acts. The federal government should adopt a process to favor the tribes in the worst condition, rather than a process that favors the tribes with the greatest capacity. We also propose a possible expansion of federal habeas review of tribal court convictions a useful way to jumpstart the process and allay constitutional concerns.
Fruit and vegetable liking and intake among college students: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE This study examined the liking of fruits and vegetables among college students and the relationship between skin carotenoid levels and liking of fruits and vegetables. Participants: Sixty-six undergraduate students enrolled at a university in the southeastern United States participated in this study beginning August 2019. Methods: Skin carotenoid levels were measured using the Veggie Meter® reflection spectroscopy device. Liking of individual fruits and vegetables was measured using a hedonic general Labeled Magnitude Scale. Results: There were significant differences in mean skin carotenoid levels by year of study and age group. Students had a very strong liking for potatoes and pineapple. Veggie Meter scores and overall liking for fruits and vegetables were positively correlated. Conclusions: In order to encourage the consumption of fruits and vegetables, preferences for specific fruits and vegetables as well as accessibility should be considered to better serve and accommodate college students.
Narrative transparency and credibility: First–person process statements in video news:

Journalism critics have argued that transparency about the reporting process is an ethical imperative. Convergence offers news organizations opportunities for changed writing styles that may foster...
In vivo Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Confocal Fluorescence Imaging of Deep Mouse Brain with a Single-Photon Superconducting Nanowire Detector

We demonstrate in vivo 1-photon fluorescence confocal microscopy of adult mouse brain with >1 mm penetration depth using quantum dots with 1300 nm excitation and 1700 nm emission and a single-photon superconducting nanowire detector.
Psychological responses to buildings and natural landscapes

Abstract People frequently form aesthetic judgements of built and natural environments. Identifying psychological responses induced by one's surroundings – as well as differences across contexts – is necessary to better access salubrious qualities of different natural and built environments. Here, we tested two primary hypotheses about responses to exterior architecture and natural landscapes. First, aesthetic responses to built and natural environments reduce to a few underlying psychological dimensions. Second, we hypothesized greater consistency in aesthetic appraisals to natural than built environments. Using techniques from network science, we found that responses to images of exterior architecture and natural landscapes were derived from three psychological dimensions: Fascination (a scene's richness and interest), Coherence (analytic judgements about a scene's organization and construction), and Hominess (feelings of warmth or coziness). Notably, however, subsequent exploratory analyses indicated some differences in psychological responses across contexts. For example, Hominess was associated with greater naturalness for the built environments, but homier natural landscapes were more ordered. We also found less variability in responses to natural landscapes, consistent with our second hypothesis. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that Fascination, Coherence, and Hominess are broadly applicable aesthetic experiences induced by one's surrounding environment. Moreover, human beings may show more agreement for natural stimuli than for artifacts of human culture.
Performance-Based Design of Tall Reinforced Concrete Core Wall Buildings

Reinforced concrete (RC) walls are commonly used as the primary lateral-force-resisting system for tall buildings, although for buildings over 49 m (160 ft), IBC 2006 requires use of a dual system. Use of nonlinear response history analysis (NRHA) coupled with peer-review has become a common way to assess the expected performance of tall buildings at various hazard levels to avoid the use of a backup Special Moment Frame for tall buildings employing structural walls. Modeling of the load versus deformation behavior of reinforced concrete walls and coupling beams is essential to accurately predict important response quantities for NRHA. It also has become important to assess the impact of the floor diaphragms, gravity framing system, and foundation system on the expected performance, as well as to compare the expected performance of code-compliant and performance-based designed buildings to assess the merits of using a performance-based design approach. Given this critical need, an overview of modeling approaches used for RC core wall systems is reviewed to assess the ability of common modeling approaches to accurately predict both global and local responses. Application of fragility relations within a performance-based framework is reviewed for selected components and analytical studies are used to address system level issues such as the impact of slab coupling on gravity column axial loads and higher mode impacts on wall moment and shear demands. Based on the results, recommendations for performance-based design are made and research needs are identified.
Lactose Repressor Protein: Functional Properties and Structure

The lactose repressor protein (LacI), the prototype for genetic regulatory proteins, controls expression of lactose metabolic genes by binding to its cognate operator sequences in E. coli DNA. Inducer binding elicits a conformational change that diminishes affinity for operator sequences with no effect on nonspecific binding. The release of operator is followed by synthesis of mRNA encoding the enzymes for lactose utilization. Genetic, chemical and physical studies provided detailed insight into the function of this protein prior to the recent completion of X-ray crystallographic structures. The structural information can now be correlated with the phenotypic data for numerous mutants. These structures also provide the opportunity for physical and chemical studies on mutants designed to examine various aspects of lac repressor structure and function. In addition to providing insight into protein structure-function correlations, LacI has been utilized in a wide variety of applications both in prokaryotic gene expression and in eukaryotic gene regulation and studies of mutagenesis.
Mitotic variations in the lens epithelium of the frog. III. Somatotropin.

Abstract Hypophysectomy reduces mitotic activity of the frog ( Rana pipiens and Rana catesbeiana ) lens to zero within 3–4 wk after surgery. The effects are reversed by pituitary powder or bovine growth hormone. Although TSH and T 3 are mitogenic in intact organisms, they are unable to reverse the effect of hypophysectomy. The data suggest they may not be natural regulators of mitotic activity in frogs. Growth hormone is a more probable candidate.
Does Founding Family Control Affect Earnings Management? An Empirical Note

Because of concentrated ownership stakes, board composition, and longer investment horizons, founding-family controlled firms provide an interesting setting for examining issues relating to governance and control. Anderson and Reeb (2003a, 2003b, 2004), find that the founding-family controlled structure results in superior stock market and accounting performance and lower cost of debt compared to their non-family controlled counterparts. We add to their findings by examining the relationships between founding family control and earnings management. The unique characteristics of family controlled firms could insulate these firms from pressures to manage earnings. Our results support this notion, and find that family firms are significantly less likely to manage earnings.
Tandem vaginoscopy with colonoscopy: a diagnostic technique for the assessment of colovaginal fistula.

AIM Colovaginal fistula (CVF) has a negative impact on quality of life. Identifying the fistula track is a critical step in its management. In a subset of patients, localizing the fistula preoperatively can be difficult. The purpose of this report is to describe the technique and results of tandem vaginoscopy with colonoscopy (TVC). METHOD A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients referred to a tertiary centre with symptoms suggestive of CVF but no prior successful localization of a fistula. TVC was performed by one colorectal surgeon in the endoscopy suite under intravenous sedation. RESULTS Between 2003 and 2013, 18 patients (median age 58 years) underwent TVC. CVF was ruled out in three patients. In the remaining 15 patients, TVC documented the fistula in 13. In eight cases a wire was passed through the fistulous track from the vagina to the colon, in three the track was large enough to be traversed with the endoscope and in two a fistulous opening was noted on the vaginal side but passage of a wire to localize the opening on the colonic side was not possible due to extensive scarring. No TVC-related complications were recorded. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for TVC in detecting CVF were 86.7%, 100%, 100% and 60%, respectively. CONCLUSION TVC is a useful technique that can localize the fistulous track in most patients with CVF.
Anesthesia and Sedation Outside the Operating Room

The volume of pediatric invasive and noninvasive procedures outside the operating room continues to increase. The acuity and complexity of patient clinical condition has resulted in the expansion of the anesthesiologist's role in remote sites. The anesthesia provider must ensure patient safety by assuring appropriate patient preparation, having available required equipment for monitoring and rescue, planning careful sedation/anesthesia management, continuing vigilance and observation into the recovery phase, and requiring strict discharge criteria. A quality improvement program for the department of anesthesiology should review anesthetic and sedation outcomes of patients both inside and outside the operating room.
Effectiveness of economic cooperation between the EU and the ACP countries

Purpose – Since the First Yaounde Convention (1963‐1969), the European Union (EU) has been implementing its development policy in the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the trade and financial flows between the EU and the ACP countries and attempt to empirically evaluate the effectiveness of the EU's development policy during the pre‐Cotonou era (1970‐2000).Design/methodology/approach – Extensive trade, governance, and external financing data are gathered about 79 ACP countries during the period 1970‐2004. Using the index of standardized trade performance, diversification indices, and regression analysis, the effectiveness of trade preferences and financial assistance in the ACP countries is quantified.Findings – The results indicate that the preferential trade arrangements between the EU and the ACP countries had neither substantially increased the ACP countries' exports to the EU nor diversified these countries' export structure. Additionally, even ...
Real-time in vitro measurement of GTP hydrolysis

Abstract Small GTPases require an active GTPase activity to function correctly in their cellular environment. Mutation of key residues involved in this activity renders the GTPase defective and the small G-protein constitutively active (GTP-locked). The GTPase activity is also a target for GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) which act to attenuate GTPase signalling by accelerating the conversion of bound GTP to bound GDP. The measurement of GTP hydrolysis in vitro can therefore provide information on the intrinsic activity of the small GTPase (e.g., mutated GTPase activity) as well as help define GAP specificity. Current methods to measure GTP hydrolysis in vitro utilise either radioactivity-based filter-binding assays or measurements of GDP:GTP:Pi ratios by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Both provide timed snapshots of the current GTP-bound state, can be prone to experimental errors, and do not provide a real-time observation of GTP hydrolysis. The method we describe here utilises a fluorescently labelled, phosphate-binding protein (PBP), which scavenges for free inorganic phosphate (Pi). On binding of a single Pi, a change of protein conformation is coupled to a 7-fold increase in fluorescence of the fluorophore. This method therefore permits real-time monitoring of GTPase activity, through measurement of Pi production. This review describes the process of preparing and labelling the PBP with the MDCC fluorophore, as well as an example of its use in measuring the GTPase activity of small GTPases. We also discuss the pros and cons, and implications of the technique in comparison to the radioactive and HPLC method of measuring the GTPase activity.
MALDI-TOF MS study of aromatic polybenzoxazole fibers

The evaporation-grinding MALDI−TOF MS sample preparation method and evolved gas analysis/GC/MS (EGA/GC/MS) were used to study the cyclodehydration of polybenzoxazole and poly(benzoxazoleamide) precursors. Precursor fibers were heated from 100 to 300 °C while evolved gases were monitored by GC/MS; after each heating, samples were removed for MALDI−TOF MS analysis. Changes observed in MALDI−TOF mass spectra result from cyclodehydration, along with end group, and structure modifications (due to decarboxylation and branching). Evolved gas analysis/GC/MS and thermogravimetric analysis data indicate mass loss (from chain rupture) and evolution of low mass material which lead to branching. Cured polybenzoxazole fibers display an overall predominance of branched species with minor reduction in molecular weight whereas cured poly(benzoxazoleamide) fibers yield linear species as the predominant product with only minor branching observed and significant reductions in molecular weight. Results from this study indicat...
Hydrodesulfurization of thiophene, benzothiophene, dibenzothiophene, and related compounds catalyzed by sulfided CoO-Mo3/gamma-Al2O3 : low-pressure reactivity studies

Abstract Hydrodesulfurization experiments were carried out with a sulfided CoOMoO 3 γ- Al 2 O 3 catalyst in a pulse microreactor operated at atmospheric pressure and temperatures of 350 to 450 °C. The reactants were hydrogen and pure sulfur-containing compounds (or pairs of compounds), including thiophene, benzothiophene, dibenzothiophene, several of their hydrogenated derivatives, and various methyl-substituted benzothiophenes and dibenzothiophenes. The aromatic compounds appeared to react with hydrogen by simple sulfur extrusion; for example, dibenzothiophene gave H2S + biphenyl in the absence of side products. The reactivities of thiophene, benzothiophene, and dibenzothiophene were roughly the same. Each hydrogenated compound (e.g., tetrahydrothiophene) was more reactive than the corresponding aromatic compound (e.g., thiophene). Methyl substituents on benzothiophene had almost no effect on reactivity, whereas methyl substituents on dibenzothiophene located at a distance from the S atom slightly increased the reactivity, and those in the 4-position or in the 4- and 6-positions significantly decreased the reactivity. In contrast to the observation of a near lack of dependence of low-pressure reactivity on the number of rings in the reactant, the literature shows that at high pressures the reactivity decreases with an increased number of rings. The pressure dependence of the structure-reactivity pattern is suggested to be an indication of relatively less surface coverage by the intrinsically more reactive compounds (e.g., thiophene) at low pressures but not at high pressures. The relative reactivities are also suggested to be influenced by differences in the structures of the catalyst at low and high hydrogen partial pressures, which may be related to the concentrations of surface anion vacancies and the nature of the adsorbed intermediates.
Prevention and Treatment of Recurrent Hepatitis C after Liver Transplantation

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States. Recurrent HCV infection after transplant is nearly universal, and the disease course is accelerated. In select patients, pre-transplant antiviral therapy can be given with the aim of preventing recurrent infection. The more common strategy for managing recurrent HCV, however, is post-transplant antiviral therapy with the aim of achieving sustained virologic response. The limited efficacy and poor tolerability of pegylated-interferon and ribavirin among patients with cirrhosis or after liver transplant have been major barriers to preventing or treating recurrent HCV. Preliminary results suggest that virologic response in this patient population is improved with protease inhibitor (PI)-based triple therapy. Although the efficacy of this regimen at preventing or treating recurrent HCV remains to be seen, serious adverse events are frequent when PI-triple therapy is used in the transplant setting. More tolerable and effective treatment regimens are desperately needed in this patient population.
Expediting and standardizing stone artifact refitting using a computerized suitability model

Stone artifact refitting is a valuable aspect of archaeological research and can inform on a variety of issues, such as prehistoric technology, site taphonomy, and assemblage patterning and function. It offers a means of teasing apart sites with complicated occupational histories and is particularly useful in interpreting surface lithic scatters, the dominant site type across much of the globe. Unfortunately, refitting is also labor intensive and time-consuming, especially for the inexperienced refitting analyst, making it logistically challenging in the case of many research projects. A possible solution is proposed by which the process of refitting might be partially automated. A multivariate suitability model was created in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment. The refitting suitability model first eliminates low probability refits, and then ranks the remaining artifacts according to a score that reflects their likelihood of refitting to a target artifact. Scores are assigned to assemblage items based on a series of criteria, including raw material, cortex, size, and spatial proximity. In this pilot study, known refits from 5GN149, a surface lithic scatter in Colorado, USA, were used to test the accuracy of the model. The refitting suitability model correctly placed the known refit at the top of the list of potential refits (i.e., assigned a rank to the known refit ranging from 1 to 10) approximately 32% of the time. This is more refit identifications than would be expected through a process of pair-wise comparisons. Preliminary results suggest that the model has the potential to standardize and expedite the process of refitting.
The development of a hypermedia training system for a water treatment plant

Abstract The Bureau of Pollution Control for the city of Atlanta, GA is responsible for four water pollution control plants. A hypermedia training system is being developed that is intended to be used by supervisory, operational, and maintenance personnel who control the water treatment facilities at the plants. The primary objective of this research effort is to develop an effective combination of text, figures, photographs, computer animations, and live video connected via hypertext links that motivates and communicates with the plant personnel. The methodology used to accomplish this goal is iterative design, which allows constant feedback from potential users of the system and emerging technologies and media to be gradually incorporated into the system. The development of a hypermedia training and reference system presents many problems in the successful integration of technology, information, and personnel. To support these needs, an audience description was formulated in order to understand the user characteristics. The basis of the information content of the system was obtained from an operations manual developed by plant management. Photographs, figures, and animations have been added to augment the text. An implementation schedule featuring iterative design with frequent behavioral evaluations was used to refine the content and incorporate appropriate visual aids. Alternative user interfaces, one based on the original manual and another based on a flow diagram of the processes at the plant, have been proposed to meet the needs of both inexperienced and experienced employees. The methodology for implementing the system and experiences in implementing it are discussed. The initial development of a text-based system was driven by the results of behavioral evaluations. Future developments will be based on behavioral evaluations and the use of visual technologies.
Bulimic symptoms in high school females: Prevalence and relationship with multiple measures of psychological health

A 118-item survey assessed prevalence of bulimic symptomatology and examined multiple psychological health-related correlates in a sample of 2,042 midwestern high school females. Students completed the Bulimia Test (BULIT), Trait Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, a General Self- Efficacy subscale, a Specific (eating) Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Goldfarb Fear of Fat Scale. Based on BULIT scores, 6.3% fell in the high symptom group, 9.3% fell in the moderate symptom group, and 84.4% fell in the low symptom group. High symptom group membership was equally common across high school grades, and racial differences were not found. Most high symptom students reported binge eating and self-induced vomiting at least weekly as well as depression, anxiety, fear of fat, and low self-efficacy. Specific self-efficacy and fear of fat were most strongly correlated with the BULIT and, along with depression, were the three most potent multivariate predictors of the bulimic symptom group. Theory and practice implications are discussed.
TU‐D‐BRB‐07: Using MRI‐Based Deformable Image Registration to Accumulate 3D Total Dose Distribution from Intracavitary Brachytherapy Fractions of Cervical Cancer

Purpose: Estimating the total dose delivered to organs‐at‐risk (OAR) for a whole course of intracavitary‐brachytherapy (ICBT) is typically done by summing doses at reference points and/or doses to 2cc of OAR derived from DVH. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a procedure using deformable image registration to calculate the final 3D dose distribution and use the information to accurately determine the dose to the entire OAR. Methods and Materials: One patient who received six fractions of HDR‐ICBT for cervical cancer was selected in retrospective analysis. T2‐weighted MRIimages were acquired and used to plan each treatment. ICRU bladder and rectum points along with Point A (L+R) were determined using the images and doses at the points for each fraction. Axial images with their corresponding contours and 3D dose were exported and transferred into our in‐house deformable registration software. We used the first fraction as the reference and deformed all subsequent images to it. Using the deformation field, doses from each fraction were summed to obtain the total ICBT course dose.Results: Visual inspection of the deformed images showed very good matching in the regions of interest for ICBT (superior of bladder toward the inferior of rectum) when compared to the reference image. Using ICRU points and summing the dose from each fraction, Point A left, Point A right, bladder, and rectum doses were 39.7, 41.0, 47.7, and 34.6Gy, respectively. After the doses are deformed and summed, the doses were 41.1, 43.5, 38.7, and 40.38Gy, respectively. The DVH of the summed dose showed that the D2cc (hot spot) bladder and rectum were 38.3 and 47.9Gy, respectively. Conclusion: We demonstrated the feasibility to use a deformable image registration method to accumulate delivered doses from each brachytherapy treatment fraction by using the treatment planningMRIimages acquired prior to each treatment.
Microalgae to biofuels lifecycle assessment — Multiple pathway evaluation

Abstract A variety of researchers have constructed and presented lifecycle assessments of the microalgae-to-biofuel process, however, inconsistencies in system boundary definitions and high-level process modeling have led to a wide range of results. This study integrates engineering process models validated through experimental and modeling research to perform an environmental assessment of four microalgae-to-biofuel production scenarios leveraging the Argonne National Laboratory GREET model. The baseline scenario consists of a down flow open pond growth system, three phase de-watering step (settling, dissolved air flotation, and a centrifuge), hexane extraction and nutrient recovery using anaerobic digestion. The net energy ratio (NER), defined as energy consumed over the produced energy, and greenhouse gases (GHG) for the baseline scenario are 0.7 MJ MJ− 1 and − 41.7 g CO2-eq MJ− 1 respectively. Three alternative scenarios are also evaluated: 1) Improved microalgal productivity, 2) supercritical CO2 extraction, and 3) no nutrient recycle. This research shows that supercritical CO2 extraction is neither currently energetically- nor environmentally favorable and that nutrient recycle plays an integral role in achieving favorable NER and GHGs. The study highlights on the systems level, two findings related to the NER; 1) the NER is minimally impacted with increased productivity and 2) increasing microalgae lipid content detrimentally affects the NER which is attributed to the reduction in the total energy that can be captured by the anaerobic digester.
Urinary methoxyphenol biomarkers and woodsmoke exposure: comparisons in rural Guatemala with personal CO and kitchen CO, levoglucosan, and PM2.5.

Urinary methoxyphenols have been proposed as biomarkers for woodsmoke exposure, but few field studies have been undertaken. We evaluated these biomarkers for assessing the exposure to woodsmoke of householders in rural Guatemala. The study population was a subset (10 female cooks, 2 female non-cooks, and 8 male non-cooks ranging in age from 7 to 60) drawn from those participating in a longterm randomized intervention trial (RESPIRE) in the highlands. All households rely solely on woodburning for cooking and home heating. Approximately half of the homes in the trial used open woodfires in the home, while the intervention group used cookstoves, called “planchas,” that vent most of the woodsmoke outdoors through a chimney. Corrected for creatinine levels, 16 of the 19 methoxyphenols measured were lower in the urine of cooks using the plancha; and 11 of the 19 compounds were lower in the urine of non-cooks from homes using the plancha. Furthermore, the 4 low-molecular-weight syringyl methoxyphenols (syringol,...
Experimental Implementation of Neural Network Springback Control for Sheet Metal Forming

The forming of sheet metal into a desired and functional shape is a process, which requires an understanding of materials, mechanics, and manufacturing principles. Furthermore, producing consistent sheet metal components is challenging due to the nonlinear interactions of various material and process parameters. One of the major causes for the fabrication of inconsistent sheet metal parts is springback, the elastic strain recovery in the material after the tooling is removed. In this paper springback of a steel channel forming process is controlled using an artificial neural network and a stepped binder force trajectory. Punch trajectory, which reflects variations in material properties, thickness and friction condition, was used as the key control parameter in the neural network. Consistent springback angles were obtained in experiments using this control scheme.