cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dark matter production at the LHC from black hole remnants

We study dark matter production at CERN LHC from black hole remnants (BHR). We find that the typical mass of these BHR at the LHC is ∼5–10 TeV which is heavier than other dark matter candidates, such as axion, axino, neutralino, etc. We propose the detection of this dark matter via single jet production in the process pp → jet + BHR (dark matter) at CERN LHC. We find that for zero impact parameter partonic collisions, the monojet cross section is not negligible in comparison to the standard model background and is much higher than the other dark matter scenarios studied so far. We also find that dσ/dpT of jet production in this process increases as pT increases, whereas in all other dark matter scenarios the dσ/dpT decreases at CERN LHC. This may provide a useful signature for dark matter detection at the LHC. However, we find that when the impact parameter dependent effect of inelasticity is included, the monojet cross section from the above process becomes much smaller than the standard model background and may not be detectable at the LHC.
Operation of Parallel Grid-Connected PVs Due to an Islanding Event

The growing penetration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in power grids has increased the opportunity of these systems' exposure to different dynamics. The objective of this paper is to study and analyze the dynamics resulted from an accidental islanding event of a 30 MW grid connected PV system. The effect of voltage source converter (VSC) control switching and the influence of initial phase selection are discussed thoroughly. Different case studies are performed to test the system performance considering resistive and inductive loads. Moreover, the effect of the resulted dynamics on sensitive loads such as rotating machines is examined. Analysis are carried out based on electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation results using MATLAB/SimPowerSystems.
An assessment of the postcranial skeleton of the Paracolobus mutiwa (Primates: Colobinae) specimen KNM-WT 16827 from Lomekwi, West Turkana, Kenya

Abstract The postcranium of a large-bodied colobine monkey attributed to Paracolobus mutiwa from the site of Lomekwi, West Turkana, Kenya, is described. The partial skeleton (KNM-WT 16827) was recovered from locality LO 1, dated to 2.58–2.53 Ma, and preserves postcranial elements including fragments of scapula, humerus, proximal ulna, proximal radius, os coxae, proximal femur, astragalus, and calcaneus. KNM-WT 16827 was identified as P. mutiwa based on cranial similarities to the holotype female maxilla (KNM-ER 3843) and the holotype of Paracolobus chemeroni (KNM-BC 3), but is currently the only specimen of this taxon with associated cranial and postcranial elements. The skeleton is morphologically distinct from other large cercopithecid specimens from the Turkana Basin, including several assigned to Cercopithecoides williamsi, Cercopithecoides kimeui, Rhinocolobus turkanaensis, and Theropithecus oswaldi and differs from KNM-BC 3 in the larger cranium and shorter and more robust long bones. KNM-WT 16827 has forelimb and hindlimb features exhibiting a mixture of traits more associated with terrestrial locomotor behavior, including robust humeral deltoid tuberosity, retroflexed humeral medial epicondyle, deep ulnar trochlear notch, relatively short lower iliac height, prominent femoral greater trochanter, asymmetrical astragalar trochlea, and weak digit flexor grooves on the calcaneus. KNM-WT 16827 is also proportionally distinct from KNM-BC 3 and other Turkana Basin specimens attributed to large-bodied taxa such as C. williamsi, C. kimeui, R. turkanaensis, and T. oswaldi in having relatively shorter limbs and smaller tarsals. The traits shared with P. chemeroni and other extinct taxa are either typical for colobines, or likely due to P. mutiwa and P. chemeroni sharing adaptations for terrestrial locomotion relative to extant colobinans. Although a full cranial assessment is needed, based on its postcranial morphology KNM-WT 16827 is distinct from KNM-BC 3, C. williamsi, R. turkanaensis, Theropithecus, and extant colobines, warranting further analyses to better assess the taxonomic assignment of the specimen.
775-P: Effects of Canagliflozin (CANA) on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) by Baseline EGFR: Pooled Hispanic Subgroup Analysis from the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE

Introduction: CANA reduced the risk of MACE (cardiovascular [CV] death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke) in the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE trials of patients with type 2 diabetes with high CV risk or nephropathy, respectively, regardless of baseline eGFR. The risk of MACE by renal status had not been examined in Hispanic participants, who have a higher MACE burden. Methods: This analysis used integrated data from the CANVAS Program (N = 10,142) and CREDENCE (N = 4401). The effects of CANA versus placebo on MACE were assessed in subgroups defined by baseline eGFR ( 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) overall and in the Hispanic subgroup. Results: Of the 14,540 participants with baseline eGFR values, 3028 (21%) self-identified as Hispanic. In the overall population, CANA reduced the risk of MACE (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.75, 0.92), with consistent effects across eGFR subgroups (interaction P value = 0.22; Figure). In the Hispanic subgroup, CANA also reduced the risk of MACE (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55, 0.92) regardless of eGFR (interaction P value = 0.25). Even the highest risk Hispanic participants with baseline eGFR Conclusion: CANA reduced the risk of MACE overall and among Hispanic participants from the CANVAS Program and CREDENCE, regardless of baseline eGFR. Disclosure M. R. Weir: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Vifor Pharma Management Ltd. J. Gogate: Employee; Self; Janssen Research & Development, LLC. C. Damaraju: Employee; Self; Janssen Research & Development, LLC. R. Correa-rotter: Consultant; Self; GlaxoSmithKline plc., Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd., Novo Nordisk Inc., Speaker’s Bureau; Self; AbbVie Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. K. W. Mahaffey: Consultant; Self; Abbott, Amgen Inc., Anthos, AstraZeneca, Baim Institute for Clinical Research, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., CSL Behring, Elsevier, Inova, Intermountain Health, Johnson & Johnson, Medscape, Mount Sinai, Mundipharma International, MyoKardia, National Institutes of Health, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Novo Nordisk, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., SmartMedics, Theravance Biopharma, Research Support; Self; Afferent, AHA, Amgen Inc., Apple, AstraZeneca, Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cardiva Medical, Inc, Eidos, Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc., Gilead Sciences, Inc., Google, Johnson & Johnson, Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Medtronic, Merck & Co., Inc., National Institutes of Health, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Sanifit, Sanofi, St. Jude Medical. Funding Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC
Towards Online Continuous Reinforcement Learning on Industrial Internet of Things

Training machine learning models, such as reinforcement learning models, require a significant investment of time, and a trained model can only work on a specific system in a specific environment. When the application scenario of reinforcement learning changes, or the application environment changes, the reinforcement learning model needs to be retrained. Thus, it is critical to design techniques that can reduce the overhead of retraining reinforcement learning models, enabling them adapt to constantly changing environments. In this paper, toward improving the performance of learning models in dynamic Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), we propose an online continuous reinforcement learning strategy. In our process, when the retraining condition is triggered, our online continuous learning strategy will re-engage the training process and update the well-trained model. To evaluate the performance of our proposed approach, we categorize the entire application space for applying reinforcement learning to IIoT systems into four scenarios, namely, non-continuous learning without learning model sharing, non-continuous learning with learning model sharing, continuous learning without learning model sharing, and continuous learning without learning model sharing. For each scenario, we design a Q-learning based reinforcement learning algorithm. Via extensive evaluation, our results show that the online continuous reinforcement learning approach that we propose can significantly reduce the overhead of retraining the learning model, enabling the learning algorithm to quickly adapt to a changing environment.
Surgical management of super-super obese patients: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass versus sleeve gastrectomy.

Among morbidly obese adult patients (BMI >40 kg/m2), those who are super–super obese (BMI >60 kg/m2) present particular challenges for bariatric surgeons. Surgical management of super–super obese (SSO) patients has been associated with higher morbidity and mortality and increased surgical risk. The optimal surgical management of these patients is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare perioperative outcomes, percent excess weight loss (%EWL), and percent weight loss (%WL) in super–super obese patients who underwent either SG or RYGB. This study was a nonrandomized, controlled, retrospective review of 89 SSO patients who underwent SG or RYGB at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System from January 2008 to June 2014. Patient demographics, pre-surgical comorbidities, perioperative parameters, post-operative complications (leak, conversion to open surgery, and 30-day mortality), and post-operative outcome months were examined. Seventy-seven patients underwent SG (nine robotic sleeve and 68 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy), and 12 underwent RYGB. The mean pre-operative BMI was 63.4 kg/m2 (SD = 3.7 kg/m2). The mean operative time was 88.4 min (SD = 31.7) for the SG patients and 219.2 min (SD = 80.2) for the RYGB patients. There were no significant differences in complications or length of hospitalization between the groups. There were significant differences in %EWL and %WL at 12- and 24-month follow-up between groups (p’s < 0.05). Based on the results from this sample of patients, SG and RYGB appear to be viable procedures for the surgical management of super–super obese patients. RYGB, however, provides a significantly higher %EWL and %WL at 12 and 24 months compared to SG, which in turn, yields acceptable but lower %EWL and %WL.
Abstract 2717: DMH1, a small molecule inhibitor of BMP type I receptors, suppresses growth and invasion of lung cancer

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the TGF-β superfamily and their biological activity is mediated by the formation of heterodimeric complexes of BMP type I and type II receptors of serine/threonine kinases. BMPs play an important role in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation and migration, processes that are involved in carcinogenesis of many types of cancer. BMP-2 has been shown overexpressed in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and enhances lung tumorigenesis, suggesting that blocking the BMP signaling may be an effective therapeutic approach for NSCLC. Although previous work demonstrated that known protein-based BMP antagonists such as Noggin may reduce lung tumor growth, their clinical application could be limited by short half-lives and poor intra-tumor delivery. In a previous zebrafish embryo-based structure and activity study, we identified DMH1, a highly selective small molecule inhibitor which specifically antagonize the intracellular kinase domains of BMP type I receptors, the critical mediators of BMP signaling. In the present study, we found that DMH1 potently reduced lung cell proliferation, promoted cell death, and decreased cell migration and invasion in vitro by blocking the BMP signaling, as indicated by the reduction of Smad 1/5/8 phosphorylation and gene expression of Id1, Id2 and Id3 in A549 and H460 cells. In an in vivo study, treatment by intraperitoneal injection of DMH1 (5 mg/kg) for four weeks significantly reduced the growth of A549-derived xenograft in SCID mice. In conclusion, our study indicates that small molecule inhibitors of BMP type I receptors may offer a promising novel therapeutic strategy for lung cancer. Citation Format: Ying Huang, Rachel Lee, Andy Chang, Jeffery Fan, Chantelle Labib, Cyrus Parsa, Robert Orlando, Bradley Andresen, Jijun Hao. DMH1, a small molecule inhibitor of BMP type I receptors, suppresses growth and invasion of lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2717. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2717
THE WEALTH OF COHORTS: RETIREMENT SAVING AND THE CHANGING ASSETS OF OLDER AMERICANS

Personal retirement accounts are becoming an increasingly important form of retirement saving. Using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation, the paper considers the effect of this change on the assets of recent retirees and persons who are approaching retirement. Much of the analysis is based on comparisons of younger and older cohorts with different lengths of exposure to personal retirement saving programs. The findings suggest that personal retirement saving has already added substantially to the personal financial assets of older families. Projections imply that the personal financial assets of the cohort that will attain age 76 in 28 years will be almost twice as large as the personal financial assets of the cohort that attained age 76 in 1991. The results indicate also that to date there" has been little replacement of employer-provided pension saving with personal retirement saving. Together with evidence that personal financial saving is unrelated to changes in home equity, the results suggest that personal retirement saving will lead to an important increase in the overall wealth of the elderly.
Determination of nucleotide sequences in S-RNA

Radioactive amino acids have been attached to yeast acceptor RNA, and the labeled RNA has been digested with ribonuclease T1 enzyme at pH 5·4, at whioh the amino acyl-S-RNA bond has generally been found to be stable. Compounds with the properties of amino-acyl oligonucleotides have been isolated from the digests by means of DEAE—cellulose chromatography at pH 5·2 and high-voltage paper electrophoresis at pH 3·4. For each of the amino acids, leucine, tyrosine and phenylalanine, only one radioactive component has been isolated, whereas for valine, two radioactive components have been found. The behavior of the leucine, valine and tyrosine oligonucleotide components during DEAE—cellulose chromatography and electrophoresis suggests that each component arises from S-RNA chains with a different nucleotide sequence in the acceptor region of the molecule.
Synthesis and Molecular Structure of (Mes2C6H3)B(Br)N(H)[(i-Pr2C6H3)] and an ab initio Examination of CH3BBr2 and CH3B(Br)NH2

Reaction of (2,6-dimesitylphenyl)boron dibromide, (Mes2C6H3)BBr2. I, with [2,6-di-i-propylphenyl)amino[lithium, [(i-Pr2C6,H3)N(H)Li, affords 2,6-dimesitylphenyl](2,6-di-i-propylphenyl)amino]boron bromide, (Mes2C6H3)B(Br)N(H)[(i-Pr2C6H3)] II. II has been characterized by elemental analyses, 1H and 13C NMR, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. ab initio examination of model molecules CH3BBr2, III, and CH3B(Br)NH2, IV, supports a measure of π-bonding in the B‒Br and B‒N bonds in III and IV.
MULTIPLE RAPID SWALLOW RESPONSES SEGREGATE ACHALASIA SUBTYPES ON HIGH RESOLUTION MANOMETRY

Background Multiple rapid swallows (MRS) inhibit esophageal peristalsis and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone; a rebound excitatory response then results in an exaggerated peristaltic sequence. Multiple rapid swallows responses are dependent on intact inhibitory and excitatory neural function and could vary by subtype in achalasia spectrum disorders. Methods Consecutive subjects with incomplete LES relaxation on high-resolution manometry (HRM) (Sierra Scientific, Los Angeles, CA, USA) in the absence of mechanical obstruction were prospectively identified. Achalasia spectrum disorders were classified and HRM plots reviewed according to Chicago criteria. Esophageal peristaltic performance and LES function were assessed after 10 wet swallows and MRS (five 2 mL water swallows 2–3 s apart). Findings were compared with 18 healthy controls (28.5 ± 0.6 years, 44% women). Key Results A total of 46 subjects (57.1 ± 2.1 years, 52.2% women) met inclusion criteria. There was complete failure of peristalsis with MRS in all subjects with achalasia subtypes 1 and 2. In contrast, 80% of achalasia subtype 3 and incomplete LES relaxation (EGJ outflow obstruction) with preserved esophageal body peristalsis had a contractile response to MRS (P < 0.001 compared with subtypes 1 and 2); controls demonstrated 94.4% peristalsis. Percent decrease in LES residual pressure during MRS (compared to wet swallows) segregated achalasia subtypes; those with aperistalsis (subtypes 1 and 2) had a lesser decline (22.6%) compared to those with retained esophageal body peristalsis (40.5%) and controls (51.3%, P < 0.001 across groups). Conclusions & Inferences Multiple rapid swallow responses segregate achalasia spectrum disorders into two patterns differentiated by presence or absence of esophageal body contraction response to wet swallows. These findings support subtyping of achalasia, with pathophysiologic implications.
Use of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive under a diaper

Objective To examine the utility of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (Dermabond, Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA; an effective means of epithelial skin closure) under a diaper (i.e. constantly exposed to bodily fluids) in 25 children (not toilet-trained) undergoing inguinal surgery. Patients and methods A retrospective review of charts between July 1998 and July 2000 was used to identify children who were not toilet-trained and who had undergone inguinal surgery (e.g. orchidopexy, hernia and hydrocele repair). In addition to the type of surgery, the method of closure was also assessed; in all cases reported the subcutaneous tissues were approximated with 4/0 polyglactin suture. From July 1998 to October 1999 all epithelial skin was closed with 5/0 poliglecaprone, benzoin, sterile strips and collodion; from October 1999 to July 2000 all skin was closed with cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive. Results The chart review identified 45 boys (mean age 15.3 months, range 1–26) of whom 26 (57%) had undergone either inguinal hernia or hydrocele repair, and 19 (42%) who had undergone orchidopexy. These procedures resulted in a total of 52 incisions in the 45 children. Of the 52 incisions, 27 were closed with suture and 25 with cyanoacrylate adhesive. All patients were followed up at 2 weeks; there were no instances of infection or wound dehiscence in either group. The incisions were cosmetically identical at 3 months of follow-up. Conclusion Cyanoacrylate adhesive is a safe and effective method of skin closure that can be used under a diaper.
Identification and characterization of the maltose permease in genetically defined Saccharomyces strain.

Abstract Saccharomyces yeasts ferment several alpha-glucosides including maltose, maltotriose, turanose, alpha-methylglucoside, and melezitose. In the utilization of these sugars transport is the rate-limiting step. Several groups of investigators have described the characteristics of the maltose permease (D. E. Kroon and V. V. Koningsberger, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 204:590-609, 1970; R. Serrano, Eur. J. Biochem. 80:97-102, 1977). However, Saccharomyces contains multiple alpha-glucoside transport systems, and these studies have never been performed on a genetically defined strain shown to have only a single permease gene. In this study we isolated maltose-negative mutants in a MAL6 strain and, using a high-resolution mapping technique, we showed that one class of these mutants, the group A mutants, mapped to the MAL61 gene (a member of the MAL6 gene complex). An insertion into the N-terminal-coding region of MAL61 resulted in the constitutive production of MAL61 mRNA and rendered the maltose permease similarly constitutive. Transformation by high-copy-number plasmids containing the MAL61 gene also led to an increase in the maltose permease. A deletion-disruption of MAL61 completely abolished maltose transport activity. Taken together, these results prove that this strain has only a single maltose permease and that this permease is the product of the MAL61 gene. This permease is able to transport maltose and turanose but cannot transport maltotriose, alpha-methylglucoside, or melezitose. The construction of strains with only a single permease will allow us to identify other maltose-inducible transport systems by simple genetic tests and should lead to the identification and characterization of the multiple genes and gene products involved in alpha-glucoside transport in Saccharomyces yeasts.
Super-hot-runs management system

Our project's purpose is to reduce the cycle time of "push lots". Some lots must be pushed at a faster speed than normal lots. We refer to these lots as super-hot-runs. For example: If the customer's special requirements includes, pilot lot or FAB potential-lot, our project's purpose is to reduce the cycle times of "push lots" (Super-hot-runs, pilot, hot-lots) to ensure maximum customer satisfaction. According to our historical data, the cycle times of push lots were 1.0 days/layer before we started this project. We made a project goal : by reducing the C/T from 1.0 days/layer to 0.8 days/layer. We set the goal by analyzing the percentage of run, queue, hold. Then tuned a reasonable queue time SPEC to meet C/T target. Hold time reduction is also being dealt with in this project.
β-Carotene Modulates Human Prostate Cancer Cell Growth and May Undergo Intracellular Metabolism to Retinol

Epidemiologic and animal studies provide support for a relationship between high intakes of carotenoids from fruits and vegetables with reduced risk of several malignancies including prostate cancer. The highly controlled environments of in vitro systems provide an opportunity to investigate the cellular and molecular effects of carotenoids. The effects of beta-carotene (BC) on in vitro growth rates, p21(WAF1) and p53 gene expression, as well as the conversion of BC to retinol were investigated in three human prostate adenocarcinoma cell lines: PC-3, DU 145 and LNCaP. In these experiments, media concentrations of 30 micromol BC/L for 72 h significantly (P < 0.05) slowed in vitro growth rates in all three cell lines, independently of p53 or p21(WAF1) status or expression. (14)C-labeled retinol was detected in prostate tumor cells incubated with (14)C-labeled BC, suggesting metabolic conversion of BC to retinol. Conversely, no (14)C-labeled retinol was detected in media incubated without prostate cancer cells. These studies support a hypothesis that in vitro biological effects of BC on prostate cells may result in part from the conversion of BC to retinol or other metabolites. The possibility that prostate cancer cells in vivo locally metabolize provitamin A carotenoids to retinol and other related metabolites may have implications for our understanding of prostate cancer etiology and the design of future prevention studies.
The order parameter model for structural relaxation in glass

Abstract The order parameter model assumes that the state of a glass or liquid depends on T, P and a number of order parameters Zi. Structural relaxation is due to the kinetically impeded evolution of the order parameters following a rapid change in T or P. The linear relaxation function for the evolution of property Q (V or H) in response to a change in X (T or P) is of the form φQX = Σi giQX exp(−tτi). Expressions are derived for the qeighting coefficients giQX in terms of the dependences of V and H on the various order parameters. It is shown that giVT = giHP and that giVTgiHP/giVPgiHT = II, where II is the Prigogine-Defay ratio. The corresponding relations among the relaxation functions are φVT = φHP and φVTφHP/φVPφHT ⩽ II. The predictions of the order parameter model for structural relaxation are compared with and found generally to agree with existing literature data. A number of suggestions for future investigations to test this model are made.
“Aint Justice Wonderful” The Chicago Tribune’s Battle of Midway Story and the Government’s Attempt at an Espionage Act Indictment in 1942:

This monograph examines the government’s only attempt to prosecute a member of the mainstream press, the Chicago Tribune, for an alleged violation of the Espionage Act in World War II stemming from the newspaper’s front-page account of the Battle of Midway. Although other historians have investigated this case, this monograph draws on never-before-seen documents in eleven archives as well as documents released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Justice Department, and Navy in response to Freedom of Information Act requests to provide the fullest account of how the story came to be published and how and why the government decided to seek a grand jury indictment. The prosecution of the Tribune tested the limits of press freedom in wartime, provided an inside look at military censorship and the ethics of war correspondents, and showed the extreme eagerness of President Roosevelt to go after Robert McCormick’s newspaper.
COSMIC-RAY DIFFUSION, ENERGY LOSS, AND THE DIURNAL VARIATION.

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to consider a number of points pertaining to the origin of the observed mean diurnal variation of the cosmic ray intensity, which were not treated in the earlier papers on the subject. Following a brief review of the basic nature of the diurnal variation, the necessary diffusion across the lines of force is investigated. It is found that the values κ ⊥ κ ‖ ≅ 10 −2 deduced from the observed fluctuations inside the orbit of Earth give about the right amount of diffusion to account for the fact that the amplitude of the diurnal variation is approximately half the theoretical upper limit, which would apply if κ⊥ were much larger. The calculations show that the geometry of the spiral form of the field beyond the orbit of Earth plays an essential role in providing sufficient diffusion across the lines of force. The calculations also show that variation in outer radius R and in κ ⊥ κ ‖ due to changing wind conditions may contribute to some of the observed changes in the amplitude of the diurnal variation. The diurnal variation is rederived for steady uniform wind conditions in order to include the effect of adiabatic deceleration. The effect is the addition of a small diurnal component with an amplitude proportional to the radial cosmic ray gradient in space. The effect is only a few per cent of the total diurnal variation above 1 GeV, and so may be neglected there. The effect is large at low energies, but is not subject to observation. The principal observable steady diurnal variation is, then, the rotation of the cosmic rays with the Sun. Appendix II gives a summary of the motion of a particle in an idealized smooth spiral interplanetary field, with a discussion of the energy loss from adiabatic expansion.
Design of a semi-autonomous boat for measurements of coastal sedimentation and erosion

Measurement of sediment deposition and erosion in coastal areas is a challenge due to soft shifting sediments, but is critical to assessing loss or restoration of coastal sediments and wetlands. The aim of this project was to design and construct a semi-autonomous boat with water depth measuring capabilities. It was intended to map the depth of coastal wetlands to determine erosion rates and assess coastal restoration effects. Depth-measuring equipment was incorporated into an autonomous pontoon boat powered by solar panels. The propulsion system consisted of two paddlewheels and two-way motors to allow movement and positioning for measurements. Modifications included a lightweight, hard coating on the pontoons and powder-coating the frame to extend their usable life. A microcontroller controlled the boat and captured depth data from sensors and location data with a GPS system. The depth measuring system consisted of a pulley and counter system that completed each measurement in less than 45 seconds. This allowed the boat to take approximately 400 measurements per day. Net accuracy was approximately 3 cm in the tested configuration. The boat can continually measure the depth of specified areas in the wetlands; with this data, the change in depth can be monitored to see the effects of restoration projects.
Pan Evaporation, Potential and Actual Evapotranspiration

Abstract A formula for estimating the evapotranspiration rate from temperature and relative humidity data is given. Results of some tests of the accuracy of the equation indicate that it is better than other equations based on a similar number of variables. The accuracy was not as good as equations requiring more variables for their utilization, however. It was found from an investigation of the amount of water required for crop production that average yields of corn, soybeans and wheat were obtained when the total precipitation during the growing season averaged 72% of the maximum evapotranspiration. This average actual evapotranspiration rate may be more appropriate than potential evapotranspiration for some general purposes such as assessing the water resources of undeveloped countries, or determining the aridity indices in climatic studies.
Modeling of laminated plates containing elastic nonlinear actuators

We present a theoretical approach for investigating the response of an active composite plate system containing elastic nonlinear actuation devices undergoing small strains. the model satisfies the equations of elasticity and Maxwell's governing equation by assuming that the flux through the thickness is a constant and that Kirchhoff-Love assumptions are applicable. This yields an electric field which varies linearly through the thickness and is consistent with the results of thin plate analysis for linear actuation materials. The analysis presented here is meant to provide an initial framework for modeling generic actuation systems behaving in a elastic nonlinear fashion. The model is presently coupled with a micro solution also incorporating a general set of constitutive relations. These two modeling efforts provide a means to optimize actuator geometry and architecture for specific applications. Preliminary results are presented for optimizing a simple linear active bimorph laminated plate system.
Metal cluster topology. 21. Sigma aromaticity in triangular metal carbonyl clusters

Abstract Metal carbonyl triangles such as M 3 (CO) 12 (M=Fe, Ru, Os) are normally assumed to have three two-center two-electron (2c–2e) bonds along the edges of their M 3 triangles, which gives each of the three metal atoms the favored 18-electron rare gas configuration. However, this simple edge-localized bonding model does not account for the much greater stability of metal triangles relative to other metal polygons, e.g. the experimentally observed much greater stability of triangular Os 3 (CO) 12 relative to square Os 4 (CO) 16 . An alternative model for bonding in M 3 triangles uses the concept of σ-aromaticity first developed by Dewar and later Cremer and Schleyer to account for the stability and properties of cyclopropane derivatives. Applying this model to triangular metal carbonyls partitions the six orbitals and six electrons available for bonding within the M 3 triangle into a core 3c–2e bond of Huckel topology formed by radial hybrid orbitals and a surface 3c–4e bond of Mobius topology formed by tangential p-orbitals. Similar core bonding is also postulated for the Pt 3 (CO) 3 (μ-CO) 3 building blocks of platinum carbonyl structures including the [Pt(CO) 2 ] n 2− stacks. However, the presence of the bridging CO groups in the Pt 3 (CO) 3 (μ-CO) 3 units precludes the 3c–4e Mobius surface bonding postulated for M 3 (CO) 12 . This σ-aromaticity model for the chemical bonding in metal carbonyl triangles contains many of the features of the graph-theory derived model for the three-dimensional aromaticity in deltahedral boranes and related metal carbonyl clusters, particularly metal carbonyls containing octahedral M 6 units.
Antimutagenic activities of common vegetables and their chlorophyll content

Abstract Aqueous and acetone extractions of some common vegetables inhibited the activation of 3-methylcholanthrene and benzo[ a ]pyrene in the Ames Salmonella gene reversion mutagenesis/mammalian microsomal activation assay. The potency of the inhibitory activity was correlated with the chlorophyll content of the acetone extracts. The aqueous fractions contained sufficient histidine to interfere with the interpretation of the result. However, grouping the aqueous extracts from vegetables yielding low, medium, and high levels of histidine allowed comparison between antimutagenic activity and chlorophyll content. Increasing chlorophyll contents corresponded to increasing antimutagenic activities in all 3 groups. Sodium copper chlorophyllin demonstrated comparable inhibitory activity when compared at the same chlorophyll level.
CW Argon-ion laser initiated aluminum induced crystallization of amorphous silicon thin films

CW Argon-ion laser initiated aluminum induced crystallization (AIC) of RF magnetron sputtered amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin films has been investigated. It was found that lasers could be effectively used to initiate AIC process at very low threshold power densities. An argon-ion laser (λ=514.5 nm) was used to anneal Al/a-Si/glass structures with varying power densities ranging between 55 and 125 W/cm 2 and exposure times ranging from 10 to 120 s. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the resulting films to be polycrystalline. The crystallization rate increased both with power density and exposure time. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) analysis showed that the surface features change with increasing power density and irradiation time. A dendritic growth pattern was observed in the initial stages of interaction between the films. A strong crystalline Raman peak at around 520 cm -1 was observed in the Raman spectra of the crystallized samples.
Redundancy in Genotyping Arrays

Despite their unprecedented density, current SNP genotyping arrays contain large amounts of redundancy, with up to 40 oligonucleotide features used to query each SNP. By using publicly available reference genotype data from the International HapMap, we show that 93.6% sensitivity at <5% false positive rate can be obtained with only four probes per SNP, compared with 98.3% with the full data set. Removal of this redundancy will allow for more comprehensive whole-genome association studies with increased SNP density and larger sample sizes.
ROLE OF FIBROBLASTS AS THE PRINCIPAL FACTOR IN DIFFERENTIATION OF THE EPIDERMIS

The role of fibroblasts in the differentiation of the epidermis and its relationships with other somatic cells, specifically, keratinocytes, are studied using a skin equivalent formed from various types of fibroblasts separated from thoracic skin of a healthy donor, apparently healthy skin sites and plaques from a patient with psoriasis, keloids and upper eyelid skin of a normal subject, and keratinocytes separated from the umbilical skin of a newborn. Fibroblasts are shown to be active participants in the differentiation and formation of epidermis specificity. Various types of fibroblasts form a histologically different skin equivalent possessing the specific properties of the epidermis of the skin sites from which they were isolated.
Chemoattraction of male gametes by a pheromone produced by female gametes of Chlamydomonas.

Abstract In isogamous species of Chlamydomonas, such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Chlamydomonas eugametos, the sexual process involves the use of flagella agglutinins by which the gametes of compatible strains adhere through chance encounter and ultimately pair and fuse to form zygotes. In a newly described heterogamous species, Chlamydomonas allensworthii, the sexual process is initiated by the chemoattraction of small sperm to a sexually competent female gamete, which continues to secrete the pheromone until it has fused with one of the sperm so attracted. From bacteria-free female strains of C. allensworthii, the chemoat-tractant has been isolated and identified as a pentosylated hydroquinone (Mr = 532) whose spectral, chemical, and physical properties are in accord with the structure of a 2,3-dimethyl-5-(triprenylcarboxymethyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone-1-(beta-xyloside). A rapid bioassay of the pheromone uses DEAE-Toyopearl 650M beads to which the pheromone adsorbs. When such activated beads are placed in a suspension of sperm, they act as surrogate females and attract the small motile sperm. The purified pheromone shows activity at a concentration as low as 1 pM.
Risks for larvae mediated by plasticity in hatching

Risks associated with benthic and planktonic development can be mediated by plasticity in hatching. The ability to delay hatching while awaiting favorable planktonic conditions, combined with the ability to accelerate hatching when encapsulated offspring are at risk, should be advantageous. We tested this predicted association of hatching plasticities with a barnacle. In the winter, broods of barnacles (Balanus glandula) reached hatching-capable stages at widely varying times, but these broods hatched in the spring within about 2 weeks, consistent with a synchronizing environmental stimulus for hatching. In contrast, the same adults held subsequent broods (during later spring and summer) briefly. Either an environmental stimulus for hatching was not needed later in the season, or it was more frequently present. Dissections of brood lamellae that scattered smaller clumps of the encapsulated nauplii induced hatching. Crabs eating brooding adults had a similar effect: crabs broke the barnacles' tests, and many nauplii hatched. In contrast, when whelks ate barnacles, they left the barnacles' wall plates and opercula in place, and few nauplii were released. In some cases, numerous hatched nauplii were trapped within the test of the killed mother. At a field site with abundant whelks, many dead barnacles had opercular plates in place. Plasticity in hatching of broods adjusted risks for planktonic larvae against risks of death of the parent before release of embryos, but escape or death of brooded offspring depended on the kind of damage to the brooding mother and thus on the kind of predator. Although both predators killed brooding parents, subtle snails imposed a greater risk than crushing crabs.
Emotional expressions in online user reviews: How they influence consumers' product evaluations

Abstract This article investigates an understudied aspect of online word-of-mouth (eWOM) — the effects of emotional expressions in eWOM. Two experiments investigate how consumers interpret emotional expressions in online user reviews and the subsequent impact on their product evaluations. The findings reveal that negative emotional expressions in a single negative review tend to decrease the reviews' informative value and make consumers' product evaluations less negative because consumers attribute the negative emotions to the reviewer's irrational dispositions. However, positive emotional expressions in a single positive review do not influence consumers' product evaluations significantly even though consumers attribute the positive emotions to the product. Next, when multiple convergent emotional expressions are present in multiple user reviews, both positive and negative emotional expressions increase informative value of the reviews and polarize consumers' product evaluations in the respective direction.
Numerical solution of the Zakharov equations

A new algorithm for the numerical solution of the Zakharov equations is presented. This algorithm is explicit and it is second-order accurate. The convergence of the algorithm is demonstrated by numerically solving the Zakharov equations for several test cases.
Angiotensin type 1 receptor is linked to inhibition of nitric oxide production in pulmonary endothelial cells.

Abstract We previously demonstrated that angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulates an increase in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) mRNA levels, eNOS protein expression and NO production via the type 2 (AT2) receptor, whereas signaling via the type 1 (AT1) receptor negatively regulates NO production in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAECs). In the present study, we investigated the components of the AT1 receptor-linked signaling pathway(s) that are involved in the downregulation of eNOS protein expression in BPAECs. Treatment of BPAECs with either AT1 receptor antagonists or an anti-AT1 receptor antibody induced eNOS protein expression. Furthermore, intracellular delivery of GP-Antagonist-2A, an inhibitor of Gαq proteins, and treatment of BPAECs with U73122, a phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C (PLC)-specific inhibitor, enhanced eNOS protein expression. Treatment of BPAECs with the cell-permeable calcium chelator, BAPTA/AM, increased eNOS protein expression at 8 h, while increasing intracellular calcium with either thapsigargin or A23187 prevented Ang II-induced eNOS protein expression. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, completely prevented Ang II-stimulated eNOS protein expression at 8 h, whereas depletion of PKC by long-term treatment with PMA, induced eNOS protein expression. Treatment of BPAECs with a PKCα-specific inhibitor or transfection of BPAECs with an anti-PKCα neutralizing antibody stimulated eNOS protein expression. Conversely, rottlerin, a PKCδ specific isoform inhibitor had no effect on basal or Ang II-stimulated eNOS protein expression. Moreover, treatment of BPAECs with U73122, BAPTA/AM and PKCα-specific inhibitors increased NO production at 8 h. In conclusion, Ang II downregulates eNOS protein expression via an AT1 receptor-linked pathway involving Gαq/PLC/calcium/PKCα signaling pathway in BPAECs.
Aggregation of Trp>Glu Mutants of the Human Gamma-D Crystallin: A Model for Hereditary or UV-Induced Cataract

Cataract is a protein misfolding disorder resulting from formation of light-scattering aggregates of proteins from the crystallin family. These long-lived proteins account for 90% of all protein in the human eye lens. The γD crystallin consists of two symmetrical domains, each of which has a duplicated Greek key fold. Maintaining this topologically complex native fold of the γD crystallin is essential for lens transparency. A number of point mutants in the γD crystallin gene cause early-onset cataract. UV-B exposure accelerates cataract onset, and UV irradiation of purified wild-type γD results in aggregation in vitro. A distinctive feature of the Greek key fold is the presence of highly conserved buried tryptophans. Replacements of tryptophan by charged glutamate groups may represent a model of UV-induced photodamage -- introduction of a charged group into the hydrophobic core generating “denaturation from within.” We show that such Trp>Glu mutants can display vastly increased aggregation propensity under physiological conditions in vitro. Furthermore, a striking property of these mutants is their ability to drive the wild-type protein into the aggregated state. Domain swapping mechanisms can account for this aggregation behavior.
Air change rates of motor vehicles and in-vehicle pollutant concentrations from secondhand smoke

The air change rates of motor vehicles are relevant to the sheltering effect from air pollutants entering from outside a vehicle and also to the interior concentrations from any sources inside its passenger compartment. We made more than 100 air change rate measurements on four motor vehicles under moving and stationary conditions; we also measured the carbon monoxide (CO) and fine particle (PM(2.5)) decay rates from 14 cigarettes smoked inside the vehicle. With the vehicle stationary and the fan off, the ventilation rate in air changes per hour (ACH) was less than 1 h(-1) with the windows closed and increased to 6.5 h(-1) with one window fully opened. The vehicle speed, window position, ventilation system, and air conditioner setting was found to affect the ACH. For closed windows and passive ventilation (fan off and no recirculation), the ACH was linearly related to the vehicle speed over the range from 15 to 72 mph (25 to 116 km h(-1)). With a vehicle moving, windows closed, and the ventilation system off (or the air conditioner set to AC Max), the ACH was less than 6.6 h(-1) for speeds ranging from 20 to 72 mph (32 to 116 km h(-1)). Opening a single window by 3'' (7.6 cm) increased the ACH by 8-16 times. For the 14 cigarettes smoked in vehicles, the deposition rate k and the air change rate a were correlated, following the equation k=1.3a (R(2)=82%; n=14). With recirculation on (or AC Max) and closed windows, the interior PM(2.5) concentration exceeded 2000 microg m(-3) momentarily for all cigarettes tested, regardless of speed. The concentration time series measured inside the vehicle followed the mathematical solutions of the indoor mass balance model, and the 24-h average personal exposure to PM(2.5) could exceed 35 microg m(-3) for just two cigarettes smoked inside the vehicle.
High-order fluorescence and exciton interaction in photosynthetic bacteria

Abstract We have observed fluorescence at visible wavelengths from chromatophores of photosynthetic bacteria excited with infrared radiation which we attribute to bacteriochlorophyll of the antenna system. The fluorescence is prompt (no delay greater than 5 ns). Its spectrum shows peaks at 445, 530 (broad) and 600 nm when excited with either 694 or 868 nm. Quantum yield is of the order of 10 −9 . The dependence on intensity indicates generation by mainly third-order processes which could involve triplet states in combination with excited singlets. Second-order single-singlet fusion could also contribute. The high-order fluorescence can also be explained as arising from absorption of a second photon by singlet excited states.
Stable carbon isotope fractionation of chloroethenes by dehalorespiring isolates.

Stable carbon isotope fractionation during the reductive dechlorination of chloroethenes by two bacterial strains that dechlorinate to ethene, Dehalococcoides ethenogenes 195 and Dehalococcoides sp. strain BAV1 as well as Sulfurospirillum multivorans and Dehalobacter restrictus strain PER-K23, isolates that do not dechlorinate past DCE, are reported. Fractionation by a Dehalococcoides-containing enrichment culture is also measured for comparison to the isolates. All data adequately fit the Rayleigh model and results are presented as enrichment factors. For strain 195, the measured enrichment factors were −9.6 ± 0.4, −21.1 ± 1.8, and −5.8 ± 0.5 when degrading TCE, cDCE, and 1,1-DCE, respectively. Strain BAV1 exhibited enrichment factors of −16.9 ± 1.4, −8.4 ± 0.3, −21.4 ± 0.9, and −24.0 ± 2.0 for cDCE, 1,1-DCE, tDCE, and VC, respectively. The surprisingly large differences in enrichment factors caused by individual reductases (RDases) reducing different chloroethenes is likely the result of chemical struct...