cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Patient-Reported Reflux After Esophagectomy.

Background Patient-reported reflux is among the most common symptoms after esophagectomy. This study aimed to determine predictors of patient-reported reflux and to ascertain whether a preserved pylorus would protect patients from symptomatic reflux. Methods A prospective clinical study recorded patient-reported reflux after esophagectomy from August 2015 to July 2018. Eligible patients were at least 6 months from creation of a traditional posterior mediastinal gastric conduit, had completed at least 1 reflux questionnaire, and had the pylorus treated either temporarily (≥100 IU Botox [onabotulinumtoxinA]) or permanently (pyloromyotomy or pyloroplasty). Results Of the 110 patients meeting inclusion criteria, the median age was 65 years, and 88 of the 110 (80%) were male. Botox was used in 15 (14%) patients, pyloromyotomy in 88 (80%), and pyloroplasty in 7 (6%). A thoracic anastomosis was performed in 78 (71%) patients, and a cervical anastomosis was performed in 32 (29%). Esophagectomy was performed for malignant disease in 105 of 110 (95%), and 78 of 110 (71%) patients were treated with perioperative chemoradiation. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that patient-reported reflux was significantly worse in patients with shorter gastric conduit lengths (P = .02) and in patients who did not undergo perioperative chemoradiation (P = .01). No significant difference was found between patients treated with pyloric drainage and those treated with Botox. Conclusions The absence of perioperative chemoradiation therapy and a shorter gastric conduit were predictors of patient-reported reflux after esophagectomy. Although few patients had Botox, preservation of the pylorus did not appear to affect patient-reported reflux. Further objective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Abstract 84: E2F8 tumor suppressive role in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is the aggressive form of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is the accumulation of extra fat in liver cells, most commonly known as fatty liver. Some of the main conditions that distinguish NAFLD from NASH are severe liver inflammation, increased lipid accumulation and fibrosis. NASH is caused by an excess of fat in the liver which is linked to obesity and diet. Diets high in fats and sugars, typical of a Western diet, have been shown to induce NASH. Approximately 25% of NASH cases progress to Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Currently, there is no approved therapy for NASH and complications due to NASH is estimated to be the main reason for liver transplant. E2F8, a member of a family of transcription factors that are well known for regulating the cell cycle, has been shown to promote hepatic steatosis in a zebrafish model. Previous research from our lab has demonstrated that E2F8 has a tumor-suppressive role and loss of E2F8 leads to HCC in a carcinogen-induced model. Here, we use a mouse model to conditionally delete E2f8 in hepatocytes to sensitize to liver cancer and evaluate the effects of E2F8 on NASH development. Mice were fed with a low-fat diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD), choline-deficient high-fat diet (CDHFD) or Western diet (WD). Our results show that control mice in a LFD maintained a normal liver and E2F8 had a tumor-suppressive role for all diets including LF. However, a HFD induced NAFLD while a CDHFD and WD caused NASH by inflammation and fibrosis, respectively. We demonstrate that E2f8 ablation influences collagen deposition, lipid accumulation, and E-cadherin expression. Additionally, experimental mice fed a HFD had an incidence of less than 40% of spontaneous HCC, while experimental mice fed a WD had an incidence of more than 50% of spontaneous HCC; demonstrating that E2F8 tumor-suppressive role is essential to prevent progression to HCC in a NASH model. We hypothesize, that E2F8 has a role in the regulation of liver metabolism. Collectively, our study demonstrates that a WD and E2F8 hepatocyte deletion leads to an increase in lipid and collagen accumulation and HCC occurrence. Citation Format: Shaaron L. Ochoa-Rios, Lindsey N. Kent, Gustavo Leone. E2F8 tumor suppressive role in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 84.
Positive Tc-99m Pyrophosphate Scintigraphy Predicts Thromboembolic Risk in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation

Background Tc-99m pyrophosphate scintigraphy (PYP) has unmasked a high community prevalence of wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRwt-CA), which is an increasingly recognized etiology of congestive heart failure (CHF) in the elderly. CHF is a known component of the CHA2DS2-VASc score that predicts thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the impact of ATTRwt-CA on thromboembolic risk in AF is unknown. Hypothesis We hypothesized that ATTRwt-CA independently predicts thromboembolism in CHF patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods We studied patients with underlying CHF who underwent PYP between 6/2015 and 6/2019. Positive PYP was defined as Perugini grade ≥2 along with heart-to-contralateral lung ratio of ≥ 1.5 on planar image, and diffuse myocardial tracer uptake on the SPECT. Those with positive PYP, negative serum studies for AL amyloidosis and no transthyretin gene mutation were diagnosed with ATTRwt-CA. We compared the prevalence of AF in patients with and without ATTRwt-CA and the incidence of thromboembolism (stroke, transient ischemic attack or systemic embolism) in AF patients with ATTRwt-CA (AF-ATTR) and without (AF-controls). Results Of 277 patients referred for PYP, 77 (28%) had ATTRwt-CA. The prevalence of AF was markedly higher in patients with ATTRwt-CA (n=68, 88%) compared to patients with negative PYP (n=77, 39%, p Conclusion ATTRwt-CA is a strong predictor of thromboembolism in patients with AF, independent of CHA2DS2-VASc score, septal thickness or left atrial size.
A Test in Context: Interpretation of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Assays in Different Clinical Settings

High-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays have the ability to detect minute troponin concentrations and resolve minor changes in biomarker concentrations. Clinically, this allows for the ability to rapidly identify or exclude acute myocardial injury in the setting of acute chest discomfort-thus providing more rapid evaluation for acute myocardial infarction-but the improvements in troponin assays also create avenues for other applications where troponin release from the cardiomyocyte might confer prognostic information. These situations include cardiovascular risk assessment across a wide range of clinical circumstances, including apparently-well individuals, those at risk for heart disease, and those with prevalent cardiovascular disorders. The optimal hs-cTn threshold for each circumstance varies by the assay used and by the population assessed. This review will provide context for how hs-cTn assays might be interpreted depending on the application sought, reviewing results from studies leveraging hs-cTn for applications beyond "acute myocardial infarction diagnostic evaluation."
Tacrolimus Neurotoxicity Masked by Daily Cannabis Use (5153)

Objective: N/A Background: Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor that is commonly used in renal transplantation. Given its narrow therapeutic window, drug interactions and established neurotoxicity, careful consideration of its effects on patients with neurologic concerns is necessary. We present a case of partial status epilepticus in a patient on chronic tacrolimus who had subsequent encephalopathy persistent throughout hospitalization that improved when tacrolimus was discontinued. Design/Methods: N/A Results: A 67-year-old man with a history of daily cannabis use and renal transplant on tacrolimus with no prior seizures presented to an outside hospital with shoulder pain. Soon after receiving morphine sulfate injection in the emergency department, he became unresponsive and had right-sided limb jerking with right sided eye deviation. Electroencephalogram (EEG) revealed focal status epilepticus originating from the left temporal region. He was intubated and transferred for higher level of care. During hospitalization, the patient remained encephalopathic and underwent workup including computed tomography of the head, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and serum studies, which were negative for any pathology for seizure. Tacrolimus dose was increased due to competing phenytoin administration and the patient subsequently had another seizure. Tacrolimus was switched to cyclosporine and the patient began to show improvement clinically and on EEG. However, due to sub-therapeutic cyclosporine levels, he was switched back to tacrolimus and had another seizure. As a result, tacrolimus was discontinued again and the patient remained seizure free with continued improvement in mentation until his 3 month follow up. Conclusions: This case highlights the neurotoxic potential of tacrolimus in patients with no prior seizures when administrating pro-convulsant agents such as morphine. Of note, abrupt discontinuation of cannabis during hospitalization probably unveiled the tacrolimus neurotoxicity. Disclosure: Dr. Ueng has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ravichandran has nothing to disclose. Dr. Varade has nothing to disclose. Dr. Varade has nothing to disclose.
STEWARDSHIP AND RESPONSE: John Wesley’s Moral-Theological Economics

This article examines Wesley's moral-theological economy as a hermeneutical circle that moves from stewardship to response through the structure of our moral psychology that responds to God's gracious initiative manifest throughout creation. The first part describes Wesley's Economics of Stewardship, followed by Wesley's Moral Psychology of Response and Perfect Love. While the final part, responding to the Poor as Stewards of God's Grace. The conclusion of this article is that stewardship is God's sole proprietor who requires the use of responsibility made possible through God's free initiative and ongoing throughout Creation means establishing a relationship with him, starting with our relationship with the poor. Wesley's wisdom of stewardship is thus embodied in his moral theological dynamics of response as stewards, called to use ourselves wisely in the trust of what has been entrusted to us.
The effect of the Standard American Diet on Iba-1 immunoreactivity in the spinal cord before and after peripheral inflammatory injury in rats

Abstract Background A poor-quality diet may contribute to chronic levels of inflammation and alter susceptibility to pain via activation of immune cells. Methods Here we examined the effect of a human-relevant Standard American Diet (SAD) prior to and following peripheral inflammatory injury. Results SAD consumption significantly increased Iba-1 staining in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in rats in the presence and absence of peripheral inflammatory injury. Conclusions These data suggest that diet may predispose animals to an exacerbated immune response in the both presence and absence of injury. Diet may extend recovery times as a consequence of persistent immune cell activation and enhanced responses to injury.
Preferential Attraction of Oviposition-Ready Oriental Fruit Flies to Host Fruit Odor over Protein Food Odor

Olfaction plays a key role in the location of food and oviposition resources by tephritid fruit flies. Adult females, including oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, can sustain egg production throughout their lives provided they obtain sufficient protein. Thus, preferential attraction to food or oviposition sites (host fruit) will depend on a fly’s particular physiological state. In this study, laboratory bioassays were conducted with mature, mated B. dorsalis (provisioned protein and sugar ad libitum) to evaluate attraction to traps baited with torula yeast versus six host fruit sources (guava, guava juice, mango, orange, Surinam cherry, or white sapote). Females that preferred fruit laid a significant number of eggs around the trap entrance (average 405 eggs/fly), while almost no eggs were laid by females that preferred yeast (0.5 and 1.3 eggs/fly on two occasions). Similar results were observed in a bioassay using headspace extracts of guava juice and torula yeast, supporting olfactory-mediated responses. When individual females were allowed to oviposit in guava juice traps 0–24 h after a choice test, 45.8% of females that chose guava juice laid eggs (average 14.7 eggs/fly), compared with 27.5% that chose yeast (average 6.5 eggs/fly). Dissections indicated that females with a preference for guava juice had an egg load 2.4 times greater than females that preferred yeast. These results suggest there is an olfactory-based behavioral switch in preference from protein to host odors when female B. dorsalis are oviposition-ready. We discuss the implications of our findings for practical behavioral management and detection programs for B. dorsalis.
The mechanism of activation of factor X. Kinetic control of alternative pathways leading to the formation of activated factor X.

Abstract The initial step in the activation of Factor X by a tissue factor-Factor VII complex has been shown to involve hydrolysis of the same peptide bond as is hydrolyzed by Russell's viper venom. The product, designated α-Xa, undergoes autocatalytic conversion to a lower molecular weight form of equal coagulant activity, β-Xa. The rate of this conversion is markedly enhanced by phospholipid which is present as the lipid component of tissue factor. An alternative pathway of activation, initiated by Xa, has been demonstrated. This involves the conversion of Factor X to an enzymically inactive intermediate, designated I1. This intermediate may then be activated directly to β-Xa at rates identical with the activation of Factor X, by either the tissue factor-Factor VII complex or Russell's viper venom. A third, apparently minor, pathway of activation of Factor X to β-Xa has been demonstrated that is catalyzed entirely by Xa. This involves the conversion of Factor X to I1, which is then converted to β-Xa. A second intermediate appears during this reaction, but whether it is an obligatory intermediate is not known. NH2-terminal amino acid sequence data suggest that the conversion by Xa of Factor X to I1, and of α-Xa to β-Xa, probably involve the release of COOH-terminal peptides. The forms of β-Xa produced from I1 and α-Xa are apparently identical. These pathways are under kinetic control; at high rates of activation the direct pathway to α-Xa and β-Xa predominates, whereas at low rates the Xa formed initially by the direct pathway feeds back and converts Factor X to I1, thus initiating an alternative set of reactions. The final yield of Xa is also shown to be a function of the concentration of the tissue factor-Factor VII complex. It is shown that this complex is rapidly inactivated by its product, Xa, and we propose this as a mechanism of control of the tissue factor pathway.
Maturation of embryonic tissues in a lymph node: a new approach for bioengineering complex organs

Given our recent finding that the lymph node (LN) can serve as an in vivo factory to generate complex structures like liver, pancreas, and thymus, we investigated whether LN could also support early development and maturation from several mid-embryonic (E14.5/15.5) mouse tissues including brain, thymus, lung, stomach, and intestine. Here we observed brain maturation in LN by showing the emergence of astrocytes with well-developed branching processes. Thymus maturation in LN was monitored by changes in host immune cells. Finally, newly terminally differentiated mucus-producing cells were identified in ectopic tissues generated by transplantation of lung, stomach and intestine in LN. Thus, we speculate the LN offers a unique approach to study the intrinsic and extrinsic differentiation potential of cells and tissues during early development, and provides a new site for bioengineering complex body parts.
Photosynthesis and Oxygen Balance in Streams

The equation expressing the dissolved oxygen balance in a flowing stream is formulated to include a time-varying photosynthetic oxygen source. The solution to this equation is compared to diurnal dissolved oxygen data obtained from five streams for which the algal oxygen source is the primary cause of the diurnal dissolved oxygen fluctuation. The importance of the nitrogenous component of BOD is also evident. The resulting agreement between the theoretical solution and the data indicates that the equation presented is an adequate representation of the dissolved oxygen balance in a time-varying as well as spatially varying situation.
On the size of the search space of join optimization

A fundamental issue when we deal with the analysis of the join optimization problem in database systems is: How large is the search space? This paper presents a complete answer to this question. The result shows that the size of the search space is far beyond exponential, which poses a great challenge for finding an e_cient polynomial time algorithm for solving the join optimization problem. On the other hand, it prompts attempts to prove that the join optimization problem is NP-complete. Our work is the initial step for further study on the join optimization problem.
Probability for linguists

Nous presentons une introduction a la theorie des probabilites pour les linguistes. A partir d'exem-ples choisis dans le domaine de la linguistique, nous avons pris le parti de nous focaliser sur trois points : la difference conceptuelle entre probabilite et frequence, l'utilite d'une evaluation de type maximum de vraisemblance dans l'evaluation des analyses linguistiques, et la divergence de Kullback-Leibler.
Perceptions of On- The-Job Discrimination and Employees With Disabilities

This study examines factors that predict perceptions of workplace discrimination by employees with disabilities. Individual level variables are combined with organizational level variables in a single model of perceived inequality. Data came from surveys administered to employees with disabilities and their respective employers. Individual and organizational variables together provide a better understanding of perceived discrimination than either set alone. Despite the predominance of studies that demonstrate inequality in compensation, this study shows that employees experience discrimination over most terms/conditions of employment.
Negligence-Based Proportional Liability: How More Lenient Sanctions Lead to Higher Compliance

Over the past four decades, in an effort to help plaintiffs, US tort statutes have expanded strict liability, and courts have relaxed the causation requirement in negligence liability by often resolving factual doubts about causation in the plaintiff’s favor.This Article argues that this trend not only contributes to phenomena such as defensive medicine and overly high health care costs but, more surprisingly, also to more people and property being harmed due to negligent treatment and environmental disasters. This is true in the quite common scenarios in which courts suffer from hindsight bias or injurers lack sufficient assets to satisfy judgments against them. Both problems pervade important areas of tort law.This Article not only cautions against the use of strict liability but also argues for restoring a robust causation requirement in negligence liability. Specifically, this Article proposes a new default regime in torts called “negligence-based proportional liability.” This rule would account for causation in probabilistic terms. It would hold a negligent injurer liable for harm discounted by the probability that the harm was caused by the defendant’s breach of a duty. As a more lenient liability rule than what is generally contemplated by many US courts, negligence-based proportional liability reduces defensive behavior and increases compliance relative to all other liability regimes.
A talent development framework: tackling the puzzle

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a concise, robust talent development framework for summarizing and guiding the organizational activities pertaining to having the right people, at the right time, getting the right type of talent development experiences.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is the result of over 40 combined years of advising and working with executive education corporate clients on the assessment of talent development needs and plans.Findings – Four challenges underpin any approach taken to develop an organization's talent. Talent building endeavors should be business driven, future focused, integrated, and deliver measurable results. In response to these challenges, and based on our work with a number of corporate clients, we have created the talent development framework (TDF). It provides a lens through which to view, organize, and monitor talent development activities.Practical implications – The experience‐based framework presented here is immediately useful to thos...
Dismissal Law in the United States: The Past and Present of At-Will-Employment

This article, written for the International Collaborative Project on Social Europe, discusses the contract of employment in the United States, focusing on developments in the employment at will doctrine and the state of dismissal protection. This article begins by noting that in the employment area, there is a particularly wide disjunction between the law as it is written and articulated by judges, and the actual practice of labor relations. The author argues that in the area of dismissal, both the law on the books and the law in action are in flux at the present time. Moreover, she demonstrates that although each is changing, they are both changing in opposite directions. Some recent judicial developments involve the imposition of terms and on-going obligations on the heretofore at-will relationship, thereby transforming the at-will employment contract into a contract with some fixed rights and obligations. However, at the same time, there have been changes in human resource practices by which firms have repudiated long-term attachment, embraced a free agency model of employment, and sought to change employee expectations of job security. The article concludes with some observations about how courts might bridge these two opposing trends.
Versatile ciliary behaviour in capture of particles by the bryozoan cyphonautes larva

Cyphonautes larvae of a bryozoan, Membranipora membranacea, used several ciliary mechanisms to capture algal cells upstream from the lateral band of cilia that produces a feeding current. (1) Lateral cilia changed beat and a backcurrent occurred at the time and place that particles were retained. (2) Algal cells were sieved and held stationary at the upstream (frontal) side of a row of laterofrontal cilia that were not beating. (3) Localized extension of cilia toward the inhalant chamber, coincident with particle captures, indicated that laterofrontal cilia flick toward the inhalant chamber. These flicks may aid transport of captured particles toward the mouth. Thus my earlier report that larvae only sieve, in contrast to the adults (which have an active ciliary response) was in error. The similar ciliary bands in adult and larval bryozoans and in other lophophorates (brachiopods, and phoronids) suggest that these animals share a core repertoire of ciliary behaviours in the capture and concentration of suspended food particles.
The absence of concordant population genetic structure in the black-tailed prairie dog and the flea, Oropsylla hirsuta, with implications for the spread of Yersinia pestis.

Abstract The black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) is a keystone species on the mid-and short-grass prairies of North America. The species has suffered extensive colonyextirpations and isolation as a result of human activity including the introduction of anexotic pathogen, Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of sylvatic plague. The prairie dogflea, Oropsylla hirsuta, is the most common flea on our study colonies in north-centralMontana and it has been shown to carry Y. pestis. We used microsatellite markers toestimate the level of population genetic concordance between black-tailed prairie dogsand O. hirsuta in order to determine the extent to which prairie dogs are responsible fordispersing this potential plague vector among prairie dog colonies. We sampled fleas andprairie dogs from six prairie dog colonies in two regions separated by about 46 km. Thesecolonies were extirpated by a plague epizootic that began months after our sampling wascompleted in 2005. Prairie dogs showed significant isolation-by-distance and a tendencytoward genetic structure on the regional scale that the fleas did not. Fleas exhibitedhigher estimated rates of gene flow among prairie dog colonies than the prairie dogssampled from the same colonies. While the findings suggested black-tailed prairie dogsmay have contributed to flea dispersal, we attributed the lack of concordance betweenthe population genetic structures of host and ectoparasite to additional flea dispersal thatwas mediated by mammals other than prairie dogs that were present in the prairiesystem.Keywords: Cynomys ludovicianus, ectoparasite, host, plague, vector, zoonotic diseaseReceived 30 November 2009; revision received 19 February 2010; revision accepted 10 March 2010
A discretization algorithm for uncertain data

This paper proposes a new discretization algorithm for uncertain data. Uncertainty is widely spread in real-world data. Numerous factors lead to data uncertainty including data acquisition device error, approximate measurement, sampling fault, transmission latency, data integration error and so on. In many cases, estimating and modeling the uncertainty for underlying data is available and many classical data mining algorithms have been redesigned or extended to process uncertain data. It is extremely important to consider data uncertainty in the discretization methods as well. In this paper, we propose a new discretization algorithm called UCAIM (Uncertain Class-Attribute Interdependency Maximization). Uncertainty can be modeled as either a formula based or sample based probability distribution function (pdf). We use probability cardinality to build the quanta matrix of these uncertain attributes, which is then used to evaluate class-attribute interdependency by adopting the redesigned ucaim criterion. The algorithm selects the optimal discretization scheme with the highest ucaim value. Experiments show that the usage of uncertain information helps UCAIM perform well on uncertain data. It significantly outperforms the traditional CAIM algorithm, especially when the uncertainty is high.
Temperature dependence of transport properties of InN films

The temperature dependence of Hall mobility, µ, and carrier density, Ne, for thin InN films grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy and Plasma Source Molecular Beam Epitaxy have been investigated. For temperature up to 300 K, a large temperature-independent Ne is observed in films grown by the above two techniques. However, for higher temperatures, carrier density (Ne) increases with temperature. The characteristic behavior of the mobility for the films with low carrier density is different from that of the high carrier density film, particularly at low temperatures. The low carrier density film shows a peak ~250 K in mobility as a function of temperature which is contrast to the temperature independent mobility observed for the high density film for T < 300 K. We have investigated theoretically the effect of concentration of donor, acceptor, and threading dislocations on the carrier mobility in these films. Various electron-scattering mechanisms for the mobility in these films have been discussed.
The impact of targeted outreach for parking mitigation on the UC Berkeley campus

Abstract Universities with urban campuses and constrained budgets such as the University of California at Berkeley (UC Berkeley) often find that repurposing parking facilities is more cost effective than obtaining new land for expansion. In spring 2013, UC Berkeley began closing off parking sites for building construction. However, rather than exploring the construction of new parking the campus began to explore targeted outreach encourage mode-shift for drivers whose travel patterns have been directly impacted. This study, conducted by campus researchers, analyzes change in commute patterns of UC Berkeley permit holders after targeted marketing campaign that not only provided customized information on their commute alternatives, but that delivered it in a softer, more personal, manner – taking advantage of one-on-one contact. The overall findings show that campus commuters did shift away from driving alone when they receive targeted outreach, although at a low rate when compared to other transportation demand management tools. We conclude that while such a program can fill an information gap, providing better or ‘curated’ information, it is just one of many practices that need to be used by urban campuses. Campuses, as such, should consider bundling it with more comprehensive policy and programs to reduce parking demand.
Endocytosis and signalling: intertwining molecular networks

Cell signalling and endocytic membrane trafficking have traditionally been viewed as distinct processes. Although our present understanding is incomplete and there are still great controversies, it is now recognized that these processes are intimately and bidirectionally linked in animal cells. Indeed, many recent examples illustrate how endocytosis regulates receptor signalling (including signalling from receptor tyrosine kinases and G protein-coupled receptors) and, conversely, how signalling regulates the endocytic pathway. The mechanistic and functional principles that underlie the relationship between signalling and endocytosis in cell biology are becoming increasingly evident across many systems.
Control of a battery system to improve operation of a microgrid

This paper investigates the control strategies for a Li-Ion battery to operate in a microgrid. At the grid-connected mode, the battery follows real and reactive power commands while at the autonomous mode the battery provides voltage and frequency control. The contribution of this work is two-fold: (i) application of a detailed model of a Li-ion battery using a circuit based model with state of charge (SOC) included in modeling and control of a microgrid; and (ii) development of effective control strategies for a battery system to operate at both grid-connected and autonomous modes while monitoring its SOC. A test microgrid consisting of a converter interconnected battery, passive loads and an induction machine is built in PSCAD/EMTDC. Dynamic responses of the microgrid demonstrate the effectiveness of the control strategies.
Recombinant fibrinogen Vlissingen/Frankfurt IV. The deletion of residues 319 and 320 from the γ chain of fibrinogen alters calcium binding, fibrin polymerization, cross-linking, and platelet aggregation

Abstract We synthesized a variant, recombinant fibrinogen modeled after the heterozygous dysfibrinogen Vlissingen/Frankfurt IV, a deletion of two residues, γAsn-319 and γAsp-320, located within the high affinity calcium-binding pocket. Turbidity studies showed no evidence of fibrin polymerization, although size exclusion chromatography, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering studies showed small aggregates. These aggregates did not resemble normal protofibrils nor did they clot. Fibrinopeptide A release was normal, whereas fibrinopeptide B release was delayed approximately 3-fold. Plasmin cleavage of this fibrinogen was not changed by the presence of calcium or Gly-Pro-Arg-Pro, indicating that both the calcium-binding site and the “a” polymerization site were non-functional. We conclude that the loss of normal polymerization was due to the lack of “A-a” interactions. Moreover, functions associated with the C-terminal end of the γ chain, such as platelet aggregation and factor XIII cross-linking, were also disrupted, suggesting that this deletion of two residues affected the overall structure of the C-terminal domain of the γ chain.
Interleukin-18 enhances IL-18R/Nox1 binding, and mediates TRAF3IP2-dependent smooth muscle cell migration. Inhibition by simvastatin

We investigated the role of TRAF3 interacting protein 2 (TRAF3IP2), a redox-sensitive adapter protein and an upstream regulator of IKK and JNK in interleukin (IL)-18 induced smooth muscle cell migration, and the mechanism of its inhibition by simvastatin. The pleiotropic cytokine IL-18 induced human coronary artery SMC migration through the induction of TRAF3IP2. IL-18 induced Nox1-dependent ROS generation, TRAF3IP2 expression, and IKK/NF-κB and JNK/AP-1 activation. IL-18 induced its own expression and that of its receptor subunit IL-18Rα. Using co-IP/IB and GST pull-down assays, we show for the first time that the subunits of the IL-18R heterodimer physically associate with Nox1 under basal conditions, and IL-18 appears to enhance their binding. Importantly, the HMG-coA reductase inhibitor simvastatin attenuated IL-18-induced TRAF3IP2 induction. These inhibitory effects were reversed by mevalonate and geranylgeranylpyrophosphate (GGPP), but not by farnesylpyrophosphate (FPP). Interestingly, simvastatin, GGPP, FPP, or Rac1 inhibition did not modulate ectopically expressed TRAF3IP2. These results demonstrate that the promigratory effects of IL-18 are mediated through TRAF3IP2 in a redox-sensitive manner, and this may involve IL-18R/Nox1 physical association. Further, Simvastatin inhibits inducible, but not ectopically-xpressed TRAF3IP2. Targeting TRAF3IP2 may blunt progression of hyperplastic vascular diseases in vivo.
A new method for the singularity analysis of simple six-link manipulators

This paper presents a new method for identifying conditions governing all singular configurations of simple six-link ma nipulators whose inverse kinematic position problems have closed-form solutions. The method is developed based on the concepts of service sphere, free service region, and dextrous wrist. For a simple six-link manipulator, we identify its singular state with finite internal degrees of freedom by using the conditions that cause the manipulator's inverse solutions to be indeterminate. Meanwhile its singular state with infini tesimal internal degrees of freedom can be identified by examining the determinant of the Jacobion of the first three links. This simple and straightforward method is illustrated by three examples.
A modified percolation approach to simulating three-fluid capillary pressure-saturation relationships

Abstract A computational model was developed for simulating capillary pressure-saturation relationships for porous media systems containing two or three mobile fluids. The model is based on describing fluid displacement on a pore-by-pore basis over a large number of pores to produce bulk saturations in the medium. The computational approach utilizes percolation and network theories to describe fluid movement within the pore space. Percolation theory calls for a set of displacement rules to determine the movement of the fluids under capillary-driven transport. A comprehensive set of rules appropriate for either two-fluid or three-fluid systems is described. These rules account for a variety of processes affecting displacement, such as wetting films, hysteresis, trapping of fluids, and gravity. The model is shown to reproduce the basic characteristics of a two-fluid capillary pressure-saturation curve, and model predictions are shown to agree with both two- and three-fluid experimental data.
The insoluble carbonaceous material of CM chondrites: A possible source of discrete organic compounds under hydrothermal conditions

We report on the molecular analyses of the water- and solvent-soluble organic compounds released from the insoluble organic material (IOM) of the Murray meteorite upon treatment with weight-equivalent amounts of water and under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure. A varied suite of compounds was identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). C3-C17 alkyl dicarboxylic acids and N- and O-containing hydroaromatic and aromatic compounds were found in the water extracts. The solvent extracts contained N-, O-, and S-containing aromatic compounds, a large number of their isomers and homologs, and a series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of up to five rings, together with noncondensed aromatic species such as substituted benzenes, biphenyl, and terphenyls as well as their substituted homologs, and hydrated PAHs. Isotopic analyses showed that residue IOMs after hydrothermal treatment had lower deuterium and 15N content than the untreated material (?D = -833‰ and Δ15N = -24.1) but did not differ from it in 13C composition. The effect of the hydrothermolytic release was recorded in significant differences between the NMR spectra of untreated and residue IOM. A possible relation to common precursors for the dicarboxylic acids found in the IOM and bulk extracts is discussed.
Network Dynamics in Sustainable: a robotic sound installation

The network serves as a conceptual, metaphorical, practical and musical force that drives Sustainable, a dynamic robotic sound installation. The piece is comprised of seven autonomous water gong nodes that are networked together by water tubes to distribute water throughout the system. A water resource allocation algorithm guides this distribution process and produces an ever-evolving sonic and visual texture. A simple set of behaviours govern the individual gongs, and the system as a whole exhibits emergent properties that yield local and large-scale forms in sound and light that are visually and musically compelling.
Finite element modeling of porous titanium

The porous microstructures of metallic foams cause microscopic stress and strain localization under deformation which reduces the damage tolerance and therefore limits application of the materials. In this paper, the deformation of a relatively low porosity porous titanium is examined using two-dimensional (2D) plane strain and three-dimensional (3D) finite element models to identify the accuracy and limitations of such simulations. To generate the finite element models, a simulated microstructure was created based on micrographs of an experimental material. Compared to the 2D models, the 3D models require smaller model size to obtain convergent results. The macroscopic responses predicted by the 3D models are in reasonable agreement with experimental results while the 2D models underestimated the response. In addition, 3D models predicted more uniform microscopic field variable distributions. 2D models predicted higher probability of Von Mises stress and equivalent plastic strain exceeding a certain value and therefore overestimate the failure probability of the material.
Modeling dam-break flows in channels with 90 degree bend using an alternating-direction implicit based curvilinear hydrodynamic solver

Abstract This paper presents a combined numerical and experimental investigation of dam break induced free-surface flows in channels with 90 degree bend. These types of flows are best described by the two-dimensional shallow water equations (SWE) representing the conservations of mass and horizontal momentums. In this study, the governing equations are solved numerically by means of an alternating-direction implicit (ADI) finite-difference scheme in a curvilinear coordinate and contravariant velocity system. This model is tested by simulating for various flow conditions including dam-break flows onto dry beds in a converging–diverging channel and a channel with 45 degree bend. Good fits of the present model predictions with published laboratory measurements are achieved. To further the validation of the model, a series of physical model tests for dam-break flows in a channel with 90 degree bend were conducted. The predicted time-varying water depths downstream of the dam face are shown to have a fairly good agreement with recorded data from model tests. The present ADI solver is found to be capable of capturing the formation and movement of steep wave fronts.
The Function of the Yeast Molecular Chaperone Sse1 Is Mechanistically Distinct from the Closely Related Hsp70 Family

The Sse1/Hsp110 molecular chaperones are a poorly understood subgroup of the Hsp70 chaperone family. Hsp70 can refold denatured polypeptides via a C-terminal peptide binding domain (PBD), which is regulated by nucleotide cycling in an N-terminal ATPase domain. However, unlike Hsp70, both Sse1 and mammalian Hsp110 bind unfolded peptide substrates but cannot refold them. To test the in vivo requirement for interdomain communication, SSE1 alleles carrying amino acid substitutions in the ATPase domain were assayed for their ability to complement sse1Δ yeast. Surprisingly, all mutants predicted to abolish ATP hydrolysis (D8N, K69Q, D174N, D203N) complemented the temperature sensitivity of sse1Δ and lethality of sse1Δsse2Δ cells, whereas mutations in predicted ATP binding residues (G205D, G233D) were non-functional. Complementation ability correlated well with ATP binding assessed in vitro. The extreme C terminus of the Hsp70 family is required for substrate targeting and heterocomplex formation with other chaperones, but mutant Sse1 proteins with a truncation of up to 44 C-terminal residues that were not included in the PBD were active. Remarkably, the two domains of Sse1, when expressed in trans, functionally complement the sse1Δ growth phenotype and interact by coimmunoprecipitation analysis. In addition, a functional PBD was required to stabilize the Sse1 ATPase domain, and stabilization also occurred in trans. These data represent the first structure-function analysis of this abundant but ill defined chaperone, and establish several novel aspects of Sse1/Hsp110 function relative to Hsp70.
MO‐F‐BRC‐05: Minimization of the Total Inter‐Segment Time for the Real‐Time Tumor Tracking with Step & Shoot IMRT

Purpose: We developed an algorithm to minimize total inter‐segment time (TIST) for the MLC‐based real‐time tumor tracking with step‐and‐shoot IMRT. This algorithm optimizes a starting phase of tumor motion for each segment to minimize TIST. Methods: The optimizing algorithm consists of four steps: (1) implementation of feathering motion for the closed leaves that will be opened at the next segment, (2) calculation of inter‐segment time for all segments, (3) reordering segments to minimize TIST, and (4) optimization of the starting phase of tumor motion for each segment to minimize TIST. Thirty step‐and‐shoot IMRT fields from five patients with lung and abdominal cancer were used to test the algorithm. Tumor motion was varied with a period (2.0 to 4.0 s) and a peak‐to‐peak distance (0.5 to 4.0 cm). TIST and duty cycle for each field were compared to those from the strategy of starting each segment at end‐of‐exhale. Results: The TIST was reduced by 54.0% on average (from 30.2 ± 16.9 to 13.9 ± 10.6 s) and, the effective duty cycle was increased from 32 ± 10% to 52 ± 15% for a tumor motion with 4 s and 1.0 cm peak‐to‐peak. More reduction in the TIST was observed from 45.1 to 72.1% with an increase of the period from 2 to 8 s; effect of reduction was degraded by 54.5 to 46.2% when the peak‐to‐peak increased from 0.5 to 4.0 cm. The TIST increased when a field size formed by x‐jaws increased (correlation coefficient: 0.7). Conclusions: : Total treatment time was reduced noticeably with the algorithm presented in this study so that real‐time tumor tracking can be delivered with step‐and‐shoot IMRT with an increased duty cycle. This research was supported in part by a NIH grant 1R01CA133539‐01A2 and in part by the Intramural Research Program of the NIH, NCI.
Light extinction by fine atmospheric particles in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire and its relationship to air mass transport

Abstract Chemical, optical, and physical measurements of fine aerosols (aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm) have been performed at a mountaintop location adjacent to the White Mountain National Forest in northern NH, USA. A 1-month long sampling campaign was conducted at Cranmore Mountain during spring 2000. We report on the apportionment of light extinction by fine aerosols into its major chemical components, and relationships between variations in aerosol parameters and changes in air mass origin. Filter-based, 24-h integrated samples were collected and analyzed for major inorganic ions, as well as organic (OC), elemental (EC), and total carbon. Light scattering and light absorption coefficients were measured at 5-min intervals using an integrating nephelometer and a light absorption photometer. Fine particle number density was measured with a condensation particle counter. Air mass origins and transport patterns were investigated through the use of 3-day backward trajectories and a synoptic climate classification system. Two distinct transport regimes were observed: (1) flow from the north/northeast (N/NE) occurred during 9 out of 18 sample-days; and (2) flow from the west/southwest (W/SW) occurred 8 out of 18 sample-days. All measured and derived aerosol and meteorological parameters were separated into two categories based on these different flow scenarios. During W/SW flow, higher values of aerosol chemical concentration, absorption and scattering coefficients, number density, and haziness were observed compared to N/NE flow. The highest level of haziness was associated with the climate classification Frontal Atlantic Return, which brought polluted air into the region from the mid-Atlantic corridor. Fine particle mass scattering efficiencies of (NH4)2SO4 and OC were 5.35±0.42 m2 g−1 and 1.56±0.40 m2 g−1, respectively, when transport was out of the N/NE. When transport was from the W/SW the values were 4.94±0.68 m2 g−1 for (NH4)2SO4 and 2.18±0.91 m2 g−1 for OC. EC mass absorption efficiency when transport was from the N/NE was 9.66±1.06 m2 g−1 and 10.80±1.76 m2 g−1 when transport was from the W/SW. Results from this work can be used to predict visual air quality in the White Mountain National Forest based on a forecasted synoptic climate classification and its associated visibility.
Progress of research in cardiomyopathy and myocarditis in the USA

Research in cardiomyopathy and myocarditis is currently proceeding along several lines in the United States. Cardiomyopathy is becoming much better recognized on a clinical basis, and the various forms of myocardial disease are probably much more common than was ever before realized. Likewise, a great deal of interest has been kindled in the topic of myocarditis. A relative clarification of nomenclature and gradual adoption of the international terminology and classification of the cardiomyopathies is also occurring in the USA. Research into the possible etiologies of cardiomyopathies is most intense in the theory of infectious-immune causation of dilated cardiomyopathy. But also of great interest are studies into the role of vasculopathy, toxins, and the autonomic nervous system in the development of myocardial disease. Investigations into the infectious-immune theory involve both animal and human studies. Animal studies include viral infections with different strains to try and obtain a more suitable model for the human disease. Basic research in animals has also advanced our understanding of immunologic mechanisms of tissue injury in postinfectious phases, including the discovery of possible myocardial neoantigens eliciting an immune response. Human research continues in immunologic reactions in dilated cardiomyopathy patients, genetic makeup, and familial predispostions. Suppressor and natural killer cell function both appear abnormal in dilated cardiomyopathy patients. Endomyocardial biopsy is perhaps now more used and accepted than ever. Its use in research is pivotal from the standpoint of the elucidation of possible progression from myocarditis to cardiomyopathy, the biochemical and enzymatic constitution of diseased myocardium, beta receptor density, and immunologic reactions.