cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of bucket wheel excavator and pit parameters in to overburden stripping

A mathematical model was developed of the lignite strip mine with two overburden benches to analyze a single bucket wheel excavator (BWE) and cross-pit conveyor (CPC) system. The upper bench is excavated by the BWE, and the lower by a dragline. A computer optimization program is described which allows one to find optimum size of a BWE (bucket volume, bucket wheel diameter, wheel boom length, conveyor width, total power, mass and cost), and also optimum configuration of the mining block (height, width and length), given the type of excavated material, the geotechnical conditions, and the production goals. Results of an extensive sensitivity analysis are presented in a graphical form.
Racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality are driven by unequal infection risks.

BACKGROUND: As of November 1, 2020, there have been more than 230K deaths and 9M confirmed and probable cases attributable to SARS-CoV-2 in the United States However, this overwhelming toll has not been distributed equally, with geographic, race-ethnic, age, and socioeconomic disparities in exposure and mortality defining features of the U S COVID-19 epidemic METHODS: We used individual-level COVID-19 incidence and mortality data from the U S state of Michigan to estimate age-specific incidence and mortality rates by race/ethnic group Data were analyzed using hierarchical Bayesian regression models, and model results were validated using posterior predictive checks RESULTS: In crude and age-standardized analyses we found rates of incidence and mortality more than twice as high than Whites for all groups except Native Americans Blacks experienced the greatest burden of confirmed and probable COVID-19 infection (Age-standardized incidence = 1,626/100,000 population) and mortality (age-standardized mortality rate 244/100,000) These rates reflect large disparities, as Blacks experienced age-standardized incidence and mortality rates 5 5 (95% Posterior Credible Interval [CrI] = 5 4, 5 6) and 6 7 (95% CrI = 6 4, 7 1) times higher than Whites, respectively We found that the bulk of the disparity in mortality between Blacks and Whites is driven by dramatically higher rates of COVID-19 infection across all age groups, particularly among older adults, rather than age-specific variation in case-fatality rates CONCLUSIONS: This work suggests that well-documented racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality in hard-hit settings, such as the U S state of Michigan, are driven primarily by variation in household, community and workplace exposure rather than case-fatality rates
DRUGS IN COVID-19 CLINICAL TRIALS: PREDICTING TRANSPORTER-MEDIATED DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS USING IN VITRO ASSAYS AND REAL-WORLD DATA

Numerous drugs are currently under accelerated clinical investigation for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, well-established safety and efficacy data for these drugs are limited. The goal of this study was to predict the potential of 25 small molecule drugs in clinical trials for COVID-19 to cause clinically relevant drug-drug interactions (DDIs), which could lead to potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs) with the use of concomitant medications. We focused on 11 transporters, which are targets for DDIs. In vitro potency studies in membrane vesicles or HEK293 cells expressing the transporters coupled with DDI risk assessment methods revealed that 20 of the 25 drugs met the criteria from regulatory authorities to trigger consideration of a DDI clinical trial. Analyses of real-world data from electronic health records, including a database representing nearly 120,000 patients with COVID-19, were consistent with several of the drugs causing transporter-mediated DDIs (e.g., sildenafil, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine). This study suggests that patients with COVID-19, who are often older and on various concomitant medications, should be carefully monitored for ADRs. Future clinical studies are needed to determine whether the drugs that are predicted to inhibit transporters at clinically relevant concentrations, actually result in DDIs.
Sparse Step-Frequency MIMO Radar Design for Autonomous Driving

To accommodate a high number of automotive radars operating at the same frequency band while avoiding mutual interference, we propose a sparse step-frequency waveform (SSFW) radar to synthesize a large effective bandwidth to achieve high range resolution profiles (HRRP). To mitigate high range sidelobes in the SSFW radars, we propose a joint sparse carriers selection and weighting approach, where the sparse carriers are first optimally selected via the particle swarm optimization (PSO) techniques, and then a weighting vector is optimized and applied such that the peak sidelobe level of range spectrum is minimized. As a result, targets with relatively small radar cross section are detectable without introducing high probability of false alarm. We extend the SSFW concept to multi-input multi-output (MIMO) radar by applying phase codes along slow-time to synthesize a large virtual array aperture. Numerical simulations are conducted to demonstrate the performance of the proposed SSFW MIMO radar.
Female sexual dysfunction = a new schematic educational and clinical tool with enhanced etiology and classification

Summary Rising awareness for women's health has also drawn increased focus on female sexual health. Improved diagnostic sexual medicine instruments are increasingly becoming available for addressing women's sexual function and dysfunction. The present article presents a new schematic biopsychosocial holistic “tool” that comes to narrow the existing educational and therapeutical instrumentation gap. This schematic is applied in a regular gynecological office environment with medical and physician assistant (PA) students, as well as gynecological residents, in managing patients’ sexual health problems both face-to-face and by telemedicine. The proposed new “tool” that incorporates the classification, etiology, and treatment (including medications) of the various female sexual dysfunctions, also offers the following practical recommendations: (1) to add “structural discomfort with sexual intercourse” due to pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence, as a fifth, general form of women's sexual disorders; (2) to add “positional dyspareunia” as a third, specific, form of sexual pain dysfunction; (3) to integrate genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and sexual desire dysfunction into one comprehensive etiologically diagnostic and therapeutically indicative entity named “sex steroids insufficiency syndrome of menopause (SISM).” This terminological addition should not interfere with the GSM acronym that mostly concentrates on the physical urogenital changes of menopause, including dyspareunia. (“Tool” peer-testing is advisable for establishing utility). The pros and cons for the pointedly specific medicalization of sexuality and its influence on patient categorization, are also examined.
MicroRNA-24-3p promotes skeletal muscle differentiation and regeneration by regulating HMGA1

Numerous studies have established the critical roles of microRNAs in regulating post-transcriptional gene expression in diverse biological processes. Here, we report on the role and mechanism of miR-24-3p in skeletal muscle differentiation and regeneration. miR-24-3p promotes myoblast differentiation and skeletal muscle regeneration by directly targeting high mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1) and regulating it and its direct downstream target, the inhibitor of differentiation 3 (ID3). miR-24-3p knockdown in neonatal mice increases PAX7-positive proliferating muscle stem cells (MuSCs) by derepressing Hmga1 and Id3. Similarly, inhibiting miR-24-3p in the tibialis anterior muscle prevents Hmga1 and Id3 downregulation and impairs regeneration. These findings provide evidence that the miR-24-3p/HMGA1/ID3 axis is required for MuSC differentiation and regeneration in vivo.
Progress toward Understanding the Cannabinoid Receptor and Its Second Messenger Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the progress toward the understanding of cannabinoid receptor and its second-messenger system. There are now overwhelming data demonstrating that cannabinoids interact with their own distinct receptor in the central nervous system to produce some or all of the pharmacological effects. The chapter describes a plethora of interactions between cannabinoids and second messenger systems. However, in the absence of evidence for multiple receptors, it is logical to speculate that heterogeneity occurs at the level of the second-messenger systems. Strategy for probing cannabinoid receptors and their second-messenger systems involves the opioids. Cannabinoids and opioids share some common pharmacological features, while diverging on several others. The discovery of putative endogenous ligands sets the stage for finally realizing the role that cannabinoid receptors play in the central nervous system.
Proceedings of the 9th international ACM SIGACCESS conference on Computers and accessibility

It is our great pleasure to welcome you to the 9th ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility -- ASSETS'07. As in the past, ASSETS 2007 explores the potential of computer and information technologies to support and include everyone, regardless of age or disability. ASSETS is the premier forum for presenting innovative research on the design and use of both mainstream and specialized assistive technologies by people of all ages and with different capabilities, and those around them. The call for papers attracted 86 technical paper submissions from 18 countries spread over 5 continents. A further 33 poster and demonstration submissions were received by the poster and demonstration chairs, Anna Dickinson and Joy Goodman-Deane. All were peer-reviewed by an international program committee, in order to ensure that the accepted work truly represents the state of the art in accessibility. 27 papers and 21 posters and demonstrations were accepted. ASSETS 2007 continues its tradition of encouraging dialog through a single-track forum with opportunities for delegates to share results, mingle and discuss their work. This year, the conference opens with a keynote speech by Jonathan Wolpaw, professor and research physician at the Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health and State University of New York. His presentation describes the latest research in brain-computer interfaces for communication and control. The main conference program continues with seven technical paper sessions and two poster and demonstration sessions. These proceedings contain both the technical papers, and two-page extended abstracts for each of the poster and demonstration submissions. This year's program continues the SIGACCESS student research competition (SRC), sponsored by Microsoft Research. The SRC, chaired by Harriet Fell, is an opportunity for both graduate and undergraduate students to present their work at the conference in poster form. Abstracts from the accepted SRC submissions are included in these proceedings. At the conference, selected entrants will give a short presentation in the main program, and a panel of judges will select one or more finalists, who will be entered into the Grand Finals of ACM's Student Research Competition. As in previous years, the main program is preceded by a doctoral consortium, sponsored by the National Science Foundation and chaired by Clayton Lewis and Sri Kurniawan. This provides an opportunity for doctoral students in the early stages of research to present their work and receive feedback from peers and a selected pool of experts. All participants in the doctoral consortium will also present their work during one of the main conference poster sessions, and one participant, selected by the doctoral consortium committee, will give a presentation in a conference session. Following the tradition of the ASSETS conference series, two awards will be made at the conference: the SIGACCESS Best Paper Award, and the SIGACCESS Best Student Paper Award.
A fractal model of anomalous losses in ferromagnetic materials

A simple fractal, or hierarchical, circuit model is presented which simulates the anomalous loss behavior in ferromagnetic materials as a function of frequency and peak flux density. According to this model, the anomalous losses comprise a cascade of scaling eddy current losses. The terminal voltage and current of this model are related by a fractional derivative, which is a generalization of the well-known relationship for an inductor. Experimental results reported previously are easily reproduced using this model. >
Physical behaviour of oil shale at various temperatures and compressive loads: 3. Structural failure under loads

Abstract Most of the medium- and high-grade specimens of oil shale structurally failed during heating under a load above 0.1–0.5 MPa in the temperature range 650–770 K, while the low-grade specimens did not fail up to a load of 4.83 MPa. Increasing the compressive load decreased the temperature at which structural failure occurs. The load above which failure occurred was lower for higher-grade samples.
Permanent magnet synchronous condenser for wind power plant grid connection support

A synchronous condenser (SC) using a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) is proposed for providing necessary reactive power to a wind power plant to support its connection to a weak grid. A PMSG has the advantage of higher efficiency and reliability. Because of its lack of a field winding, a PMSG is typically controlled by a full-power converter, which can be costly. In the proposed system, the reactive power of the SC is controlled by a serially connected compensator operating in a closed-loop configuration. The compensator also damps the PMSG's tendency to oscillate. The compensator's VA rating is only a fraction of the rating of the SC and the PMSG. In this initial investigation, the proposed scheme is shown to be effective by computer simulations.
Biosynthesis of the Na,K-ATPase in MDCK Cells

Publisher Summary Cells of renal epithelia, which are actively engaged in ion transport, contain high concentrations of the Na, K–ATPase and therefore provide a useful system for studies on the biosynthesis of this enzyme. This chapter discusses the biosynthesis of the Na, K–ATPase in the madin-darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cell line. The MDCK cell exhibits many of the structural and functional properties of polarized renal epithelia, including the development of junctional complexes that seal intercellular spaces and define luminal and basolateral cell surface domains. In vitro translation experiments with free and bound polysomes obtained from MOCK cells were carried out to determine the subcellular site of synthesis of the ATPase polypeptides. The finding that the a-subunit of the ATPase is synthesized in bound polysomes implies that the polypeptide is cotranslationally inserted into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes.
FSH Stimulation of cAMP Accumulation in Hamster Sertoli Cells: Effect of Age and Optic Enucleation

Sertoli cells isolated from immature, adult, and adult optic-enucleated hamsters respond to FSH, but not to LH, with an increase in cAMP accumulation. There is an age-related decline in responsiveness of Sertoli cells to FSH. Sertoli cells cultured from optic-enucleated adult hamsters with regressed testes respond to FSH with an Increased accumulation of cAMP similar in magnitude to that of immature Sertoli cells. These data indicate that optic enucleatlon results in a reversal of the sensitivity of Sertoll cells to FSH, an effect which may be important for the reinitiation of spermatogenesis, which naturally follows the regressed state.
Computational discovery of transcription factors associated with drug response

This study integrates gene expression, genotype and drug response data in lymphoblastoid cell lines with transcription factor (TF)-binding sites from ENCODE (Encyclopedia of Genomic Elements) in a novel methodology that elucidates regulatory contexts associated with cytotoxicity. The method, GENMi (Gene Expression iN the Middle), postulates that single-nucleotide polymorphisms within TF-binding sites putatively modulate its regulatory activity, and the resulting variation in gene expression leads to variation in drug response. Analysis of 161 TFs and 24 treatments revealed 334 significantly associated TF–treatment pairs. Investigation of 20 selected pairs yielded literature support for 13 of these associations, often from studies where perturbation of the TF expression changes drug response. Experimental validation of significant GENMi associations in taxanes and anthracyclines across two triple-negative breast cancer cell lines corroborates our findings. The method is shown to be more sensitive than an alternative, genome-wide association study-based approach that does not use gene expression. These results demonstrate the utility of GENMi in identifying TFs that influence drug response and provide a number of candidates for further testing.
Low dropout voltage regulator for wireless applications

Low dropout voltage regulators (LDO) are widely used in portable communication products such as cellular phones, pagers, and laptops. In this paper, we present a wide range load (100 mA) LDO designed with 0.25 /spl mu/m CMOS process. By using a fast transient loop, we obtained high performance in transient response and output stability. Due to the improved transient response, the value of the output capacitor can be decreased. This allows us to integrate the capacitor within the LDO chip. Additional benefit of this approach is that we eliminate the equivalent series resistance. Therefore, the system stability is independent of it.
"One Nation under God," September 11 and the Chosen Nation: Moral Decline and Divine Punishment in American Public Discourse

AbstractAlthough Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell's provocative interpretations of September 11 as divine punishment for decadent American social morality were widely criticized, I argue that their underlying premises are far more "American" than their critics might admit. I make this claim by exploring several historical episodes in which critics have viewed spiritual offenses as threatening the promise of American life: (1) the late-twentieth-century critique that undergirds the American Christian Right; (2) seventeenth-century New England sermons that saw God's displeasure in crop failures, epidemics and Indian attacks; and (3) anti-slavery rhetoric regarding the Civil War as divine punishment for American slavery. I close by reflecting on the role of narrative in the construction of jeremiads, divine punishment as the darker underside of national "chosenness," and the ramifications of divine punishment rhetoric in an era of religious pluralism. If Falwell and Robertson's comments are troubling, then we...
Forms and bioavailability of phosphorus associated with natural organic matter

In this paper, based on the adsorptive kinetic experiments and interfacial chemistry experiments, the adsorption mechanism and the factors influencing the adsorption of humus by HS-12 resin have been studied. Humus in the water of the Changjiang estuary was extracted by the application of this method. At the same time, humus in the sediments, being measured with the weighing method, was characterized by UV-VIS and IR spectra. The results showed that (1) the maximum adsorption capacity by using HS-12 resin could be obtained at pH=3; (2) the exchange velocity was controlled by the particle diffusion mechanism; (3) the adsorption of humus by HS-12 resin was a characteristic adsorption because the IEP (isoelectric point) of the HS-12 resin had been altered through the process; and (4) the average concentration of humus in water was 0.28 mg/L, while in the sediments it was about 2.74 mg/g.
Update on Current Epidemiologic Trends in Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus infection remains a leading cause of liver disease worldwide and is currently the principal reason for liver transplantation in the United States. Although the prevalence of hepatitis C has decreased, it remains the most common blood-borne infection, and simulation studies project rising disease burden that peaks in the next decade from hepatic complications in those with long-standing disease. Over the past few years, incidence rates have remained constant, emphasizing the need to understand more completely the natural history and epidemiology of acute disease to improve preventive and screening practices. Recent advances in knowledge about interactions between the virus and host genetics offer a glimpse into future genomic-based medical treatment. This review highlights current literature in hepatitis C epidemiology, focusing especially on preventable health care-related outbreaks, hepatitis B coinfection, and molecular epidemiology.
Percolating Transport and the Conductive Scaling Relationship in Lamellar Block Copolymers under Confinement

The topology and transport behavior of the lamellar morphology self-assembled by block copolymers in thin films are shown to depend on the length scale over which they are characterized and can be described by percolation in a network under confinement. Gold nanowires replicating the lamellar morphology were fabricated via self-assembled poly(styrene-block-methyl methacrylate) thin films and a lift-off pattern transfer process. The lamellar morphology exhibits long-range connectivity (macroscopic scale); however, characterization of electrical conduction over confined areas (5–500 μm) demonstrates a discrete probability of disconnection that arises due to the underlying network structure and a lack of self-similarity at these microscale dimensions. In particular, it is proved that the lamellar network morphology under confinement has a conductance that is nonlinear with channel length or width. The experimental results are discussed in terms of percolation theory, and a simple, two-dimensional Monte Carlo...
Increased levels of testosterone have little effect on visual cortex plasticity in the kitten

We tested the hypothesis that increased levels of sex steroids preceeding puberty are an important factor in the termination of the critical period for monocular deprivation. Male kittens were injected with Depo-testosterone in order to elevate plasma testosterone to a higher level than that in normal prepubertal male kittens. Control animals did not receive testosterone injections. All kittens were monocularly deprived for 7–18 days, then cells in the visual cortex were examined electrophysiologically, and an ocular dominance histogram was constructed. Treated animals showed an increase in plasma testosterone (1.82–15.16 ng/mL) when compared with the control animals (0.80 ± 0.25 ng/mL). The fraction of cells driven exclusively by the experienced eye was slightly lower in the treated animals, and there was a slight increase in the dominance of cells by both eyes. However, in both groups of animals, the majority of cells were dominated by the experienced eye, with no significant difference in the weighted parameter used to describe this dominance. In summary, although there is a slight difference between treated and control animals, the results do not support the hypothesis that elevated levels of sex steroids play a crucial role in the termination of the critical period.
Boundary algebraic equations for lattice problems

Boundary algebraic equations corresponding to Dirichlet boundary-value problems on lattices are introduced. These equations are based on the lattice Green’s function, from which discrete single- and double-layer potentials are derived. Structurally, the boundary algebraic equations are similar to the boundary integral equations of classical potential theory. Numerical experiments indicate that boundary algebraic equations possess excellent spectral properties.
The ultraviolet bands of OH Fundamental data

Abstract The OH bands are of great importance for temperature measurements in flames and other combustion processes, as well as for a general exploration of the physical conditions in flames. A knowledge of the structure of the bands and the availability of certain band constants are prerequisites for such use. In the past such data were either completely unavailable or not sufficiently accurate or so spread over a large number of individual papers in various stages of progress that their use for application was very difficult. In the present report a new survey of these bands is presented. This consists of (1) new measurements of the whole wavelenght region 2800–3550 A which are believe to be more complete and more accurate than those hitherto available (Table 14); (2) a revised analysis and classification of nine bands (Tables 13 and 14); (3) new intensity determinations and a location of all blends which may give rise to trouble in temperature measurements; (4) a recalculation of all band constants (Table 2); (5) a calculation and tabulation of rotational-transition probabilities necessary for the applications (Tables 4 and 5); (6) a table of the rotational and vibrational-energy levels (Tables 11 and 12); (7) a presentation of a simplified method for routine temperature measurements and tables for its use (Table 8); (8) a table of the infrared bands of OH as calculated from the data obtained from the ultraviolet bands. This report presents thus the fundamental data which are necessary for temperature measurements or other applications. The results of such temperature measurements and a further discussion of the special methods employed will be presented in a subsequent report.
Diazonium salts in photochemistry V: photosensitized decomposition of benzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate in solutions of cationic detergents

Abstract The photodecomposition of benzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate in solutions of cationic micelles was examined. While both direct and triplet-sensitized (employing a predominantly micelle-bound sensitizer) photolysis results in the formation of phenyl cations, the product mixtures indicate that the intermediate is formed, and subsequently reacts, in different micro-environments in the two cases. Thus phenol is formed as the almost exclusive product upon direct photolysis of the diazonium salt in dodecyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide micellar solution, while phenanthrene-sensitized photolysis yields bromobenzene as the major product together with phenol and benzene. The formation of benzene is believed to result from short-chain processes involving phenyl radicals, perhaps formed by competing electron transfer by the sensitizer. This is substantiated by using anthracene, which is a good electron donor, as the sensitizer; this leads to the predominant formation of benzene. The addition of relatively large amounts of chloride ion to the mixtures does not affect significantly the product ratios, illustrating the known higher binding constant of bromide to cationic micelles.
Developmental biology of olfactory sensory neurons

Proliferation, differentiation and death of olfactory neurons occur continually, even in adult animals. New data suggest that growth factors regulate the rate of cell proliferation. Early growth of olfactory axons in embryonic development is accompanied by the migration of epithelial cells from the olfactory placode toward the presumptive olfactory bulb. Maturation and ciliogenesis at the dendritic end of the cell is apparently dependent on a signal(s) from the bulb. The total life span of the neuron depends on maintenance of contact with the bulb. Olfactory life span is normally variable but is curtailed substantially in the absence of the bulb.
On the magnetic and electric dipole moment parameters of the τ-lepton

Abstract We consider the possibility of measuring the electric dipole moment parameter of the τ-lepton. We concentrate on the process e+e− → τ+τ− and use the energy asymmetry in the π− decay channel since it is uniquely sensitive to F3. We find that the optiomal CM energy for an energy asymmetry measurement is 6 GeV. at ∝s = 10 GeV, the energy asymmetry could lead to a bound of 5 × 10−3 on F3, given 106 τ+τ− pairs. Using ∝s = 6 GeV and the same beam intensity, the bound is 4 × 10−3. We also discuss the advantages of the measurement of the energy asymmetry over the measurement of the total cross-section.
Teachers’ Discussions Of Students’ Thinking: Meeting The Challenge Of Attending To Students’ Thinking

The purpose of this article is to describe findings from a study of teachers’ social interaction during discussions about students’ thinking. The goal of the discussions was for the teachers to interpret their students’ thinking as revealed from work on non-routine, thought-revealing mathematical tasks, known as model-eliciting activities. The research reported in this article focuses on instances during the discussions when the teachers engaged in what the researcher termed ‘mini-inquiries’, occasions during which the teachers inquired into why their students thought about the associated model-eliciting activities as they did or when the teachers inquired into the underlying mathematical complexities associated with the model-eliciting activities. During these mini-inquiries, the teachers typically engaged in one of four types of interaction patterns that enabled them to meet some of the challenges of attending to students’ thinking that are described in United States reform documents.
Paley-Wiener Approximations and Multiscale Approximations in Sobolev and Besov Spaces on Manifolds

An approximation theory by bandlimited functions (≡ Paley-Wiener functions) on Riemannian manifolds of bounded geometry is developed. Based on this theory multiscale approximations to smooth functions in Sobolev and Besov spaces on manifolds are obtained. The results have immediate applications to the filtering, denoising and approximation and compression of functions on manifolds. There exists applications to problems arising in data dimension reduction, image processing, computer graphics, visualization and learning theory.
Quantifying environmental DNA signals for aquatic invasive species across multiple detection platforms.

The use of molecular surveillance techniques has become popular among aquatic researchers and managers due to the improved sensitivity and efficiency compared to traditional sampling methods. Rapid expansion in the use of environmental DNA (eDNA), paired with the advancement of molecular technologies, has resulted in new detection platforms and techniques. In this study we present a comparison of three eDNA surveillance platforms: traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) in which water samples were collected over a 24 h time period from mesocosm experiments containing a population gradient of invasive species densities. All platforms reliably detected the presence of DNA, even at low target organism densities within the first hour. The two quantitative platforms (qPCR and ddPCR) produced similar estimates of DNA concentrations. The analyses completed with ddPCR was faster from sample collection through analyses and cost approximately half the ex...
On Cesari's property (Q)

In the present paper, we generalize, within the family of convex-valued multifunctions, a selection theorem of Cole (Ref. 1). This then leads us to prove some new results concerning Cesari's property (Q) and to the introduction of the Cesari limit of sets, which is then compared to the Kuratowski-Mosco limit.
PRAS40 Regulates mTORC1 Kinase Activity by Functioning as a Direct Inhibitor of Substrate Binding

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) functions in two distinct signaling complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. In response to insulin and nutrients, mTORC1, consisting of mTOR, raptor (regulatory-associated protein of mTOR), and mLST8, is activated and phosphorylates eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein (4EBP) and p70 S6 kinase to promote protein synthesis and cell size. Previously we found that activation of mTOR kinase in response to insulin was associated with increased 4EBP1 binding to raptor. Here we identify prolinerich Akt substrate 40 (PRAS40) as a binding partner for mTORC1. A putative TOR signaling motif, FVMDE, is identified in PRAS40 and shown to be required for interaction with raptor. Insulin stimulation markedly decreases the level of PRAS40 bound by mTORC1. Recombinant PRAS40 inhibits mTORC1 kinase activity in vivo and in vitro, and this inhibition depends on PRAS40 association with raptor. Furthermore, decreasing PRAS40 expression by short hairpin RNA enhances 4E-BP1 binding to raptor, and recombinant PRAS40 competes with 4E-BP1 binding to raptor. We, therefore, propose that PRAS40 regulates mTORC1 kinase activity by functioning as a direct inhibitor of substrate binding.
Thermal Tolerance of Two Species of Gammarus

Abstract Gammarus pseudolimnaeus Bousfield, acclimated at 18 C, had a 96-hr TL50 of 26 C and a 30-day TL50 of 22–24 C depending upon the test method. Gammarus lacustris Sars, acclimated at 18 C, had a 96-hr TL50 of 26 C and a 30-day TL50 of 25 C. Both species reproduced most successfully at 18 C; the numbers of young produced were reduced at temperatures above 18 C. Simulated winter chill was not required to stimulate reproduction in either species.
Prokaryotic DNA polymerase I: evolution, structure, and "base flipping" mechanism for nucleotide selection.

Abstract Accurate transmission of DNA material from one generation to the next is crucial for prolonged cell survival. Following the discovery of DNA polymerse I in Escherichia coli , the DNA polymerase I class of enzymes has served as the prototype for studies on structural and biochemical mechanisms of DNA replication. Recently, a series of genomic, mutagenesis and structural investigations have provided key insights into how Pol I class of enzymes function and evolve. X-ray crystal structures of at least three Pol I class of enzymes have been solved in the presence of DNA and dNTP, thus allowing a detailed description of a productive replication complex. Rapid-quench stop-flow studies have helped define individual steps during nucleotide incorporation and conformational changes that are rate limiting during catalysis. Studies in our laboratory have generated large libraries of active mutant enzymes (8000) containing a variety of substitutions within the active site, some of which exhibit altered biochemical properties. Extensive genomic information of Pol I has recently become available, as over 50 polA genes from different prokaryotic species have been sequenced. In light of these advancements, we review here the structure-function relationships of Pol I, and we highlight those interactions that are responsible for the high fidelity of DNA synthesis. We present a mechanism for “flipping” of the complementary template base to enhance interactions with the incoming nucleotide substrate during DNA synthesis.
Compressive Optical MONTAGE Photography Initiative: Noise and Error Analysis

High resolution images are calculated from sub-Nyquist sampled data. The COMP-I program uses focal plane coding to set sub-bandlimited sampling. An analysis of this approach to noise and alignment errors is presented.
Simulating the all-order hopping expansion II: Wilson fermions

Abstract We investigate the extension of the Prokof'ev–Svistunov worm algorithm to Wilson lattice fermions in an external scalar field. We effectively simulate by Monte Carlo the graphs contributing to the hopping expansion of the two-point function on a finite lattice to arbitrary order. Tests are conducted for a constant background field i.e. free fermions at some mass. For the method introduced here this is expected to be a representative case. Its advantage is that we know the exact answers and can thus make stringent tests on the numerics. The approach is formulated in both two and three space–time dimensions. In D = 2 Wilson fermions enjoy special positivity properties and the simulation is similarly efficient as in the Ising model. In D = 3 the method also works at sufficiently large mass, but there is a hard sign problem in the present formulation hindering us to take the continuum limit.
A titanium nitride based metamaterial for applications in the visible

Epitaxially grown TiN/Al 0.6 Sc 0.4 N superlattice behaves as a hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM) in the visible range. Since HMMs enhance photonic-density-of-states and reduce lifetime of an emitter, we observed nine times decrease in lifetime of a dye molecule placed close to this HMM.
Behavior of FRP Jacketed Concrete Columns under Eccentric Loading

This paper describes a study on the behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) jacketed square concrete columns subjected to eccentric loading. The effect of strain gradient on the behavior of concrete columns confined by the FRP jacket was investigated through experimental and numerical analysis methods. Nine (108 x 108 x 305 mm) square concrete column stubs with zero, one, and two plies of unidirectional carbon FRP fabric were tested under axial compressive loading. In addition to the FRP jacket thickness, the effects of various eccentricities were examined. The nonlinear finite-element analysis results were compared and validated against the experimental test results. The results show that the FRP jacket can greatly enhance the strength and ductility of concrete columns under eccentric loading and that the strain gradient reduces the retrofit efficiency of the FRP jacket for concrete columns. Therefore, a smaller enhancement factor should be used in designing FRP-jacketed columns under eccentric loading. Furthermore, the nonlinear finite-element models established in this study can be used as templates for future research work on FRP-confined concrete columns.
The effect of aging on epidermal mass in Balb/c female mice

Abstract Epidermal mass of the skin of Balb/c female mice of 2, 6, 12, and 20 months of age was determined by measuring epidermal wet weight, RNA, DNA, and protein per unit area (100 cm2) of skin. Epidermal wet weight is significantly decreased in 20-month-old mice compared to 2-month-old mice. This represents a real decrease in epidermal mass, because associated with the decrease in epidermal wet weight there is a significant decrease in protein and RNA per 100 cm2 of epidermis. DNA per 100 cm2 of epidermis is not significantly reduced, and the total number of epidermal nuclei per mm of interfollicular epidermis is only slightly reduced, the latter due entirely to a decrease in the number of basal cells per mm of interfollicular epidermis. It appears that aging results in a decrease in epidermal mass in Balb/c female mice, and that this decrease is probably primarily due to a decrease in epidermal cell size.
SOME TERNARY OXIDES OF NEPTUNIUM AND PLUTONIUM WITH THE ALKALI METALS

Abstract Crystal data and thermal stabilities are reported for ternary oxides formed by potassium, rubidium and cesium with neptunium and plutonium(VI). The compounds characterized include M2NpO4, M2Np2O7 and M2PuO4 (where M = K, Rb and Cs), Cs4Np5O17 and Cs2Np3O10. A reinvestigation of the lithium-neptunium(VI) oxide system has demonstrated the existence of Li2NpO4.
Cocharacters ofZ/2Z-graded algebras

We define aZ/2Z-graded cocharacter forZ/2Z-graded algebras with graded identities. We relate this cocharacter to the ordinary cocharacter and use it to study graded tensor products and a graded version of the Capelli identity.
Photogrammetric Analysis of Front Range Rock Glacier Flow Rates

Flow rates for rock glaciers in the European Alps have been monitored using photogrammetric techniques; however, a program has not been initiated for similar Front Range, USA, rock glaciers. Horizo...
The Liebermann–Burchard Reaction: Sulfonation, Desaturation, and Rearrangment of Cholesterol in Acid

In the Liebermann–Burchard (LB) colorimetric assay, treatment of cholesterol with sulfuric acid, acetic anhydride, and acetic acid elicits a blue color. We studied the reactivity of cholesterol under LB conditions and provide definitive NMR characterization for approximately 20 products, whose structure and distribution suggest the following mechanistic picture. The major reaction pathways do not involve cholestadienes, i-steroids, or cholesterol dimers, as proposed previously. Instead, cholesterol and its acetate and sulfate derivatives undergo sulfonation at a variety of positions, often with skeletal rearrangements. Elimination of an SO3H group as H2SO3 generates a new double bond. Repetition of this desaturation process leads to polyenes and ultimately to aromatic steroids. Linearly conjugated polyene cations can appear blue but form too slowly to account for the LB color response, whose chemical origin remains unidentified. Nevertheless, the classical polyene cation model is not excluded for Salkowski conditions (sulfuric acid), which immediately generate considerable amounts of cholesta-3,5-diene. Some rearrangements of cholesterol in H2SO4 resemble the diagenesis pathways of sterols and may furnish useful lipid biomarkers for characterizing geological systems.
Remote sensing of suspended sediments : the lake Chicot, Arkansas project

Abstract Landsat-MSS satellite data and corresponding water quality measurements of suspended sediment concentration for Lake Chicot, Arkansas, were used to evaluate several possible models For the relation between these two data types. Satellite data were converted to physical values of radiance and reflectance using both the NASA standard curve and the spectrum recommended by the World Radiation Center. Incorporation of an orbital eccentricity correction factor into the computation of solar spectral irradiance was also tested. Results of the analyses, which involved 310 observations suggest that a theoretically-derived expontential curve best characterizes the relation between exo-atmospheric reflectance and suspended sediment concentration. Based on the strength of the model relations and the range of data tested, it is concluded that temporal and spatial variability in the concentration of suspended sediments within lakes and reservoirs can be inventoried and monitored from space-based sensor systems.
In vivo evaluation of reuterin and its combinations with suramin, melarsoprol, DL-α-difluoromethylornithine and bleomycin in mice infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei

Abstract 1. Trypanosoma brucei brucei -infected mouse models treated with a new antibiotic, reuterin, showed reduction of the levels of parasitemia and prolonged survival of the mice. 2. Cures of the parasitemia were observed in groups of mice treated with combinations of reuterin and suramin or melarsoprol. 3. Reuterin administered in combination with bleomycin or dl -α-difluoromethylornithine showed temporary remission of the parasitemia in groups of mice.
Steady‐state process optimization with guaranteed robust stability under parametric uncertainty

Interest in chemical processes that perform well in dynamic environments has led to the development of design methodologies that account for operational aspects of processes, including flexibility, operability, and controllability. In this article, we address the problem of identifying process designs that optimize an economic objective function and are guaranteed to be stable under parametric uncertainties. The underlying mathematical problem is difficult to solve as it involves infinitely many constraints, nonconvexities and multiple local optima. We develop a methodology that embeds robust stability constraints to steady-state process optimization formulations without any a priori bifurcation analysis. We propose a successive row and column generation algorithm to solve the resulting generalized semi-infinite programming problem to global optimality. The proposed methodology allows modeling different levels of robustness, handles uncertainty regions without overestimating them, and works for both unique and multiple steady states. We apply the proposed approach to a number of steady-state optimization problems and obtain the least conservative solutions that guarantee robust stability. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Effects of indapamide on endothelium-dependent relaxations in isolated canine femoral arteries

Abstract Indapamide is an effective antihypertensive agent in humans and in experimental hypertensive animals. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether indapamide affects endothelium-dependent and independent relaxations in canine femoral arteries. Rings (with or without endothelium) were contracted with prostaglandin F 2α (2 × 10 −6 mol/liter) before the addition, in a cumulative fashion, of relaxing agents. Indapamide (10 −7 to 10 −4 mol/liter) had no direct effect on unstimulated or prostaglandin-stimulated preparations; it did not alter relaxations of preparations with endothelium induced by acetylcholine, bradykinin, adenosine diphosphate or the calcium ionophore A23187. Similarly, it did not affect relaxations induced by sodium nitroprusside, prostacyclin or forskolin in preparations with or without endothelium. Indomethacin shifted the concentration-response curve to bradykinin to the right and did not alter that to the other relaxing drugs. The reduced relaxation to bradykinin was reversed in a concentration-dependent manner by indapamide (10 −7 to 10 −5 mol/liter). In the presence of indomethacin, indapamide shifted the concentration response curve to prostacyclin (in rings with endothelium) and to forskolin (in rings with and without endothelium) to the left. Thus, indapamide does not directly affect endothelium-dependent and independent relaxations. However, when prostanoid production is impaired, indapamide facilitates the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor(s), and to a lesser extent, the direct action on vascular smooth muscle of prostanoids (prostacyclin) released from the endothelium.
Constructing a statistical atlas of the radii of the optic nerve and cerebrospinal fluid sheath in young healthy adults

Optic neuritis is a sudden inflammation of the optic nerve (ON) and is marked by pain on eye movement, and visual symptoms such as a decrease in visual acuity, color vision, contrast and visual field defects. The ON is closely linked with multiple sclerosis (MS) and patients have a 50% chance of developing MS within 15 years. Recent advances in multi-atlas segmentation methods have omitted volumetric assessment. In the past, measuring the size of the ON has been done by hand. We utilize a new method of automatically segmenting the ON to measure the radii of both the ON and surrounding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sheath to develop a normative distribution of healthy young adults. We examine this distribution for any trends and find that ON and CSF sheath radii do not vary between 20-35 years of age and between sexes. We evaluate how six patients suffering from optic neuropathy compare to this distribution of controls. We find that of these six patients, five of them qualitatively differ from the normative distribution which suggests this technique could be used in the future to distinguish between optic neuritis patients and healthy controls
Propagation of the Nth-Order Coherence Function in a Random Medium. The Governing Equations

In this paper, we use modified diagrammatic techniques to derive equations for all the statistical moments of the radiation field in a random medium. These equations are completely uncoupled, in the sense that the Nth-order moment is determined by the solution of a single equation and can be found independently of any other moment. In the case of the fourth-order moment, our results agree with those of Beran and Ho and of Shishov, which were derived by other methods.
FIBROUS DISEASE OF THE BREAST, THYROIDITIS, AND CHEIROARTHROPATHY IN TYPE I DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract Fibrous breast lumps were noted in 12 women with longstanding type I diabetes mellitus who had multiple diabetic complications including cheiroarthropathy (11 of 12). 5 of the 12 women also had thyroid microsomal antibodies (>1:1000). The coexistence of cheiroarthropathy and fibrosis of the breasts raises the possibility of a common link related to the connective-tissue abnormalities observed in diabetes. Although autoimmunity may also be a factor, HLA histocompatibility typing did not indicate that these patients formed a distinct subgroup of type I diabetics.