cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous force network in 3D cellularized collagen networks

Collagen networks play an important role in coordinating and regulating collective cellular dynamics via a number of signaling pathways. Here, we investigate the transmission of forces generated by contractile cells in 3D collagen-I networks. Specifically, the graph (bond-node) representations of collagen networks with collagen concentrations of 1, 2 and 4 mg ml-1 are derived from confocal microscopy data and used to model the network microstructure. Cell contraction is modeled by applying correlated displacements at specific nodes of the network, representing the focal adhesion sites. A nonlinear elastic model is employed to characterize the mechanical behavior of individual fiber bundles including strain hardening during stretching and buckling under compression. A force-based relaxation method is employed to obtain equilibrium network configurations under cell contraction. We find that for all collagen concentrations, the majority of the forces are carried by a small number of heterogeneous force chains emitted from the contracting cells, which is qualitatively consistent with our experimental observations. The force chains consist of fiber segments that either possess a high degree of alignment before cell contraction or are aligned due to fiber reorientation induced by cell contraction. The decay of the forces along the force chains is significantly slower than the decay of radially averaged forces in the system, suggesting that the fibreous nature of biopolymer network structure can support long-range force transmission. The force chains emerge even at very small cell contractions, and the number of force chains increases with increasing cell contraction. At large cell contractions, the fibers close to the cell surface are in the nonlinear regime, and the nonlinear region is localized in a small neighborhood of the cell. In addition, the number of force chains increases with increasing collagen concentration, due to the larger number of focal adhesion sites in collagen networks with high concentrations.
NMR Hydrogen Exchange and Relaxation Reveal Positions Stabilized by p53 Rescue Mutants N239Y and N235K

Inactivation of p53 is found in over 50% of all cancers; p53 disfunction is often caused by a single missense mutation localized in the DNA binding domain (DBD). Rescue mutants N235K and N239Y stabilize and restore function to multiple p53 cancer mutants. Here, we use NMR to compare protein dynamics between WT and rescue mutants to understand the mechanism of stabilization. We measured and compared folding dynamics by calculating protection factors (PFs) from NMR hydrogen exchange rates of backbone amides. We find that both rescue mutants impose a global stabilizing effect that dampens their motions compared to WT DBD, predominantly in the {beta}-sandwich. However, a few regions become more flexible in rescue mutants. Notably, positions that have increased PFs map to cancer mutants rescued by each mutant. We also compared relaxation results to obtain flexibility information in the ps to ns timescale regime. Protein sequence analysis was used to determine the occurrence of these rescue mutants in nature and showed that 235K is found in mice and rats, but there is no evidence of 239Y occurring naturally in any species. Understanding the mechanism by which stabilizing mutants rescue p53 may reveal novel avenues for the development of cancer therapeutics. Our findings suggest that cancer therapeutics aimed at restoring p53 function could consider protein dynamics as a metric of drug efficacy. Statement of SignificanceTwo mutations (N235K and N239Y) within the DNA binding domain of p53 are known to reverse the effects of multiple cancer mutants. However, the mechanism of rescue is not clear since the crystal structures of these mutants are virtually identical to that of the WT. Here we use NMR methods to show that the protein dynamics of the rescue mutants are significantly different compared to WT, allowing us to describe the stability on a per-residue basis. Although these mutations are only four residues apart, they stabilize the structure distinctly in different regions, consistent with the specific cancer mutations they to which they restore function.
Weight Management in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that clinically presents during adolescence. PCOS is associated with increased rates of overweight and obesity, as well as higher rates of metabolic disease, especially type 2 diabetes. Weight loss decreases PCOS symptoms and risk for metabolic disease. The goal of this review is to evaluate recent studies describing the hormonal, metabolic, and weight effects of different weight loss strategies: dietary, physical activity, pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery, mood modification, and sleep. Calorie restriction continues to be supported as the primary nutrition intervention to achieve weight loss in individuals with PCOS, and a dietary macronutrient composition with lower compared to higher glycemic carbohydrates may be more effective. There is limited data that vitamins, nutraceuticals, and probiotics may improve hormonal and metabolic outcomes. Most types of physical activity are effective in improving outcomes in PCOS and lowering weight. Whereas there are promising data on anti-obesity medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in adults with PCOS and adolescents with obesity, further work is needed to know if these therapies are effective in youth with PCOS. Research is lacking on the effectiveness of other anti-obesity medications in PCOS. Bariatric surgery is especially promising for decreasing weight in adults and youth, and reversing type 2 diabetes in youth, though PCOS data are lacking. Treatment of depression in adolescents with insulin resistance and women with PCOS is associated with improved weight loss. Adolescents with PCOS and obesity may have greater sleep-related risks including circadian misalignment and obstructive sleep apnea, interventions for which have not yet been conducted. Clinical trials on weight loss strategies in adolescents with PCOS remain limited, with most information inferred from studies in women with PCOS or adolescents with obesity. However, there are multiple options to optimize weight loss in dietary, activity, pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery, mood modification, and sleep domains.
Signal Conditioning for Selective OFDM SWIPT Systems

The conversion efficiency of a harvesting component can hinder device self-sustainability. Countering this inefficiency can be a rigorous task that requires either a modified input waveform at the harvesting component or an improved design of the harvesting component itself. This paper considers a selective orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system that is designed for simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT). This paper introduces an enhanced transmitter architecture designed to condition the transmit signal for improved conversion efficiency. Leveraging the structure of the OFDM signal, the cyclic prefix plus a portion of the information signal are conditioned and used for harvesting. Then, a rectifier model and prototypes are designed to further improve conversion efficiency. System performance is evaluated with the analytical derivation of the rate-energy (R-E) tradeoff and an optimized transmission strategy for system self-sustainability. Monte Carlo simulations show increased energy gains and full self-sustainability with the introduction of signal conditioning.
Contributions of social factors to disparities in prostate cancer risk profiles among Black men and Non-Hispanic White men with prostate cancer in California.

Background: Black men are more likely than Non-Hispanic White (NHW) men to be diagnosed with high-risk prostate cancer (PCa). We examined the extent to which social factors were associated with differences in PCa risk profiles between Black men and NHW men (using a modification to the original D9Amico risk groups based on prostate specific antigen (PSA), Gleason score (GS), and TNM stage (stage)), based on individual and combined clinicopathologic characteristics. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study of 23,555 Black men and 146,889 NHW men diagnosed with PCa in the California Cancer Registry from 2004 to 2017. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to examine the association of year of diagnosis, block group-level neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES), marital status, and insurance type on differences in PCa risk profiles between Black and NHW men. Results: High PSA (>20 ng/mL), GS, stage, individually and combined PCa risk profiles were more common among Black men versus NHW men. In fully-adjusted models, relative to NHW men, we observed a persistent 67% increased odds of high PSA among Black men. NSES was the factor most strongly associated with racial disparity in high PSA, accounting for 25% of the difference. Marital status was the factor that was second most associated with a racial disparity. Conclusions: NSES was the factor most strongly associated with racial disparities in high PSA PCa. Impact: The influence of nSES on racial disparities in PSA, GS, stage, and PCa risk profiles warrants further consideration.
Testing SIP call flows using XML protocol templates

A Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Call Flow is a causal sequence of messages that is exchanged between interacting SIP entities. We present a novel test system for SIP based on the notion of XML Protocol Templates, of SIP call flows. These templates can be pattern matched against incoming messages and augmented with general purpose code to implement specific protocol responses. This architecture allows test systems to be easily scripted, modified and composed. We describe these techniques in the construction of a SIP web-based interoperability tester (SIP-WIT) and comment on their potential more general use for scripting SIP services.
Polypharmacy in Heart Failure: Drugs to Use and Avoid

Polypharmacy, the use of 4 or more medications, is universal in patients with heart failure (HF). Evidence-based combination therapy is prescribed in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Additionally, treatment of the high prevalence of comorbidities presents many therapeutic dilemmas. The use of nonprescription medications is common, adding further complexity to the medication therapy regimens of patients with HF. An approach for combining evidence-based therapies in patients with HFrEF is presented. Strategies for optimizing the management of common comorbidities in patients with HF are reviewed. Both prescription and nonprescription medications to avoid or use with caution are highlighted.
Replication Process of the Parvovirus H-1 I. Kinetics in a Parasynchronous Cell System

Parasynchronous cultures of hamster embryo cells were used to study some of the events in the replication process of the parvovirus H-1. Synthesis of viral DNA, viral hemagglutinating antigen, and infectious virus were examined. It was found that initiation of DNA synthesis, on which subsequent viral hemagglutinin synthesis was dependent, occurred at a specific time in late S-phase. Production of H-1 viral protein was shown to be sensitive to inhibition by α-amanitin. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Eolian Dust and the Origin of Sedimentary Chert

This paper proposes an alternative model for the primary source of silica contained in bedded sedimentary chert. The proposed model is derived from three principal observations as follows: (1) eolian processes in warm-arid climates produce copious amounts of highly reactive fine-grained quartz particles (dust), (2) eolian processes in warm-arid climates export enormous quantities of quartzose dust to marine environments, and (3) bedded sedimentary cherts generally occur in marine strata that were deposited in warm-arid paleoclimates where dust was a potential source of silica. An empirical integration of these observations suggests that eolian dust best explains both the primary and predominant source of silica for most bedded sedimentary cherts. The Chert Problem Revisited The enigmatic source of silica contained in bedded sedimentary cherts is generally inferred from one or more of the following processes: (1) biotic extraction of silica from seawater, (2) silica derived from dissolution of volcanic ash, (3) silica expelled from submarine volcanic vents, or (4) silica deposited by post-burial fluid flow (see reviews by Hesse 1990; Carozzi 1993; and Knauth 1994). It is generally difficult, however, to account for either the temporal and spatial distribution of bedded cherts, or the enormous quantities of silica contained in massive bedded sedimentary cherts by these processes. In particular, biologically mitigated chert formation is especially intractable for Precambrian cherts that were deposited prior to the evolution of silica-secreting organisms (Knauth, 1994). Except for incidental comments (e.g., Haught 1956; Carozzi 1993; Edgar and Cecil 2003), dust has not been proposed as the primary source of silica for bedded cherts even though paleogeographic and paleoclimate reconstructions (e.g., Scotese 1998) indicate that the vast majority of Phanerozoic bedded sedimentary cherts are associated with strata that were deposited in or near warm-arid to semiarid paleoclimates. This paper, therefore, discusses quartzose dust as the primary source of silica for chert, and presents selected examples of the empirical relations among chert occurrences and warm-arid paleoclimates. The postulate developed herein suggests that quartzose eolian dust best accounts for the primary and predominant source of silica contained in most bedded sedimentary cherts.
X-ray Transients Observed with the RXTE All Sky Monitor 1996-1997

Highlights from the RXTE All Sky Monitor (ASM) during 1996 and 1997 are reviewed with particular attention to X-ray transients. The ASM has detected 117 sources. These include 12 recurrent transients and 10 new X-ray sources, some of which began their outbursts before the launch of RXTE. The majority of the outburst profiles are strikingly different from the classical form, with its fast rise and slow decay. Some of the light curves appear quasi-persistent, which suggests that they are associated with secular changes in the accretion rate from the donor star rather than with a cyclic instability in the accretion disk. The nature of the compact object is uncertain in many cases, but there is a likelihood that the majority of new sources are black hole systems, while the majority of recurrent transients contain neutron stars. There is a correlation between the gross shape of the energy spectrum, as seen in the ASM hardness ratio, HR2 (5-12 keV / 3-5 keV), and the accretion subclass. These data, with important contributions from SAX, CGRO, and Granat, provide a deeper probe of the X-ray sky than has been available previously. However, there are important systematic effects to be investigated before a meaningful evaluation of transient occurrence rates can be derived.
Late virus replication events in microglia are required for neurovirulent retrovirus-induced spongiform neurodegeneration: evidence from neural progenitor-derived chimeric mouse brains.

sionresultedina1.8-log-unitdecreaseinFB29titer.Introductionoftheseenvelope-expressingC17.2cellsinto the brains of highly susceptible IRW mice resulted in significant engraftment as integral cytoarchitecturally correct components of the CNS. Despite high-level envelope protein expression from the engrafted cells, no evidence of spongiform neurodegeneration was observed. To examine whether early virus replication events were necessary for pathogenesis, C17.2 cells expressing whole virus were transplanted into mice in which virus replication in the host was specifically restricted byFv-1to preintegration events. Again, significant C17.2 cell engraftment and infectious virus expression failed to precipitate spongiform lesions. In contrast, transplantation of virus-expressing C17.2 progenitor cells in the absence of the Fv-1 restriction resulted in extensive spongiform neurodegeneration by 2 weeks postengraftment. Cytological examination indicated that infection hadspreadbeyondtheengraftedcells,andinparticulartohostmicroglia.Spongiformneuropathologyinthese animals was directly correlated with CasBrEenvexpression in microglia rather than expression from neural progenitor cells. These results suggest that the envelope protein of CasBrE is not itself neurotoxic but that virus infectious events beyond binding and fusion in microglia are necessary for the induction of CNS disease.
Exploring the relationship between brief inpatient treatment intensity and treatment outcomes for mood and anxiety disorders

Abstract Background: Few studies have identified effective nursing interventions for today's psychiatric settings. Objectives: This article reports findings from a study that explored the relationship between brief inpatient treatment intensity (average daily frequencies of treatment activities) and treatment outcomes (symptomatology, functioning, and readmission rates up to 3 months postdischarge) among 67 inpatients treated for mood and anxiety disorders. Design: By using an evaluation design, multiple outcome measures were completed by patients, family members, and clinicians at admission and discharge. Nurses recorded all patient activities on a tool developed by the authors. Results: Spearman rank correlations and nonparametric regression models indicated that greater community/leisure treatment activities were associated with greater improvements in patient symptoms and functioning. In addition, lower admission functioning was associated with poorer functioning improvements (p Conclusions: Patients may have better outcomes when they actively engage in the inpatient treatment milieu. Further study with rigorous methods is needed to identify effective psychiatric nursing interventions. (J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc [2001]. 7, 76-83.)
Fast method dispatch and effective use of primitives for reified generics in managed X10

Two new techniques for improving performance of reified generics without specializing types are presented. With these techniques, the cost of method dispatch is reduced by 95% from the regular self dispatching based implementation, and the cost of returning primitive value is reduced by 15% from the regular boxing based implementation. These techniques are useful to implement reified generics in Java and other JVM languages.
Ability to Taste 6-n-Propylthiouracil and BMI in Low-income Preschool-aged Children

Background: Sensitivity to the bitter compound 6-n -propylthiouracil (PROP) is genetically mediated. Sensitivity to PROP has been associated with weight status in both adults and children. Objective: To determine whether there is an association between PROP sensitivity and BMI in low-income children of diverse race/ethnicity, among whom there is a high prevalence of obesity. Methods and Procedures: Eighty-one preschool-aged children attending Head Start tasted a solution of 560 μmol/l PROP and reported whether it tasted “like water” or “like something else”. Mothers reported child’s race, age, maternal education, maternal weight and height, child’s reluctance to sample new foods via the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS), and child’s dietary intake using a food frequency questionnaire. Child weight and height were measured. BMI was calculated and for children, expressed in z-scores. Regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between child’s PROP taster status and BMI z-score, testing covariates child’s age, gender, race, maternal education and BMI, and child’s FNS score. Children’s dietary intake was compared by PROP taster status. Results: PROP tasters, compared with nontasters, had significantly higher BMI z-scores (0.99 (s.d. 1.24) vs. 0.03 (1.12), P = 0.004) and had a significantly higher prevalence of overweight (31.8% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.025), but demonstrated no differences in reported dietary intake. The most parsimonious model predicting the child’s BMI z-score included only maternal BMI and the child’s PROP taster status (R 2 = 22.3%). Discussion: A genetically mediated ability to taste bitter may contribute to obesity risk in low-income, preschool-aged children.
Determination of interfacial tensions between BPA polycarbonate and styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers from capillary thread instability measurements

Abstract The interfacial tensions between BPA polycarbonate (PC) and a series of styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) blends having S/AN ratios varying between 100 0 and 60 40 (wt%) have been determined by measuring capillary thread breakup rates at 200°C. A distinct minimum in the interfacial tension is observed close to the SAN composition reported to show maximum miscibility with PC. For the case of PC/PS, the measured values are compared with those calculated from published studies on PS/poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) and PC/PMMA.
Instabilities in viscoelastic flow past a square cavity

Abstract Elastic flow transitions in viscoelastic flow past a square cavity adjacent to a channel are reported. The critical conditions for the onset of flow transitions and the qualitative and quantitative characterization of the secondary flows generated by the instability have been examined using streakline photography and instantaneous pressure measurements. Cellular type of instabilities inside the cavity is observed for flow rates beyond a critical value. Small and large scale eddies are observed at high flow rates. The flow inside the cavity and in the channel upstream and downstream of the cavity becomes weakly time-dependent for high flow rates.
Kent State University's Electronic Reserves Experience

ABSTRACT In late 1996, Kent State University Libraries began to research electronic reserves software in order to conduct a pilot project. The software chosen was ERes 2.0, developed at Santa Clara University by Philip Kesten and Slaven Zivkovic. This article describes how and why ERes was chosen and how the system was adapted for use at Kent State University. The integration with the OPAC and full-text databases, as well as the pitfalls encountered during the pilot project is detailed. Also described is the experience of learning to scan print documents efficiently.
FFT-accelerated analysis of scattering in rectangular cavities loaded with lossy dielectrics

An efficient integral-equation method is presented for analyzing scattering from arbitrarily shaped three-dimensional (3-D) lossy dielectrics in a rectangular cavity. In the proposed adaptive integral method, the computationally dominant propagation step is accelerated by decomposing the rectangular-cavity Green functions into eight components that are in convolution or correlation form in the three Cartesian directions. This results in eight types of nested block-Toeplitz or block-Hankel propagation matrices that are multiplied using 3-D FFTs.
Electrophoretic demonstration of interactions between group specific component (vitamin D binding protein), actin, and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol

Group specific component (Gc) is known to interact with both vitamin D3 metabolites and actin. The present study was undertaken to determine if analytical isoelectric focusing could form the basis of a simple and reliable method for discriminating native Gc and complexes with 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3) from those formed with actin and with both ligands. Increasing amounts of G-actin and/or 25(OH)D3 were added to purified Gc of both Gc1 and Gc2 phenotypes. Actin and 25(OH)D3 interacted independently and simultaneously with native Gc, giving rise to three different complexes of increasing acidity: Gc-25(OH)D3, Gc-actin, and actin-Gc-25(OH)D3, which were clearly resolved from the native Gc protein and from each other. In addition, the inherent differences in microheterogeneity and polymorphism between the two major phenotypes examined (Gc1 and Gc2) were also retained in their respective complexes. Similar results were obtained upon addition of 25(OH)D3 or actin to whole human serum, the bands corresponding to native or complexed Gc being recognized in this case by print immunofixation. These results indicate that complexes formed between Gc protein and both 25(OH)D3 and actin can be clearly detected and resolved by electrophoretic procedures.
Moderate intravenous sedation for office-based full face laser resurfacing using a continuous infusion propofol pump

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the anesthetic requirements and hemodynamic and oxygenation variables involved between the bolus midazolam/fentanyl intravenous sedation-analgesia technique, and the same technique combined with continuous-infusion propofol. Patients and Methods This was a retrospective chart analysis of 41 consecutive patients undergoing full-face carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with either bolus midazolam/fentanyl (n = 15) or midazolam/fentanyl with continuous propofol infusion anesthesia (n = 26) techniques. Data recorded were noninvasive baseline and intraoperative hemodynamic measurements at 5-minute intervals for systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse pressure (PP), pulse (P), and rate-pressure product (RPP), respiratory rate (RR), and oxygen saturation (SpO2). Data collected were reported as mean values with standard deviation. Statistical analyses were performed with the Student’s t test and found statistically significant for P Results Statistically significant decreases in averages were seen in SBP (P Conclusion The addition of a continuous propofol pump maintained hemodynamic and oxygenation values close to baseline, while decreasing the amount of respiratory depressing opiates administered and without affecting the length of the procedure.
Once again, the costs of urban rapid transit

Abstract This paper re-examines the question of short-run economies in the provision of rapid-rail transit. In order to satisfy the theoretical requisite that all observations show costs no less than the theoretical minimum implied by a cost function, I estimate here a frontier cost function. The results indicate decreasing returns for all properties in the sample, a change from previous results. There appears to be only a small amount of technical inefficiency in the industry. I also discuss the implications for marginal-cost pricing of these services in the absence of externalities.
Global and Regional Spillovers to GCC Equity Markets

This paper analyzes the impact of global and regional spillovers to GCC equity markets. GCC equity markets were impacted by spillovers from U.S. equity markets despite varying degrees of foreign participation. Spillovers from regional equity markets were also important but the magnitude of the effects were on average smaller than that from mature markets. The results also illustrated episodes of contagion in particular during the recent global financial crisis. The findings suggest that given the degree of openness, and open capital accounts the financial channel is an important source through which volatility is transmitted. In this regard, GCC equity markets are not immune from global and regional financial shocks. These findings refute the notion of decoupling between the GCC equity and global equity markets.
Ganciclovir chemoablation of herpes thymidine kinase suicide gene-modified tumors produces tumor necrosis and induces systemic immune responses.

ABSTRACT The goal of this work was to identify potential host immune responses to thymidine kinase (TK) suicide gene-modified tumors undergoing chemoablation induced by the prodrug ganciclovir (GCV). The aims were to measure the efficacy and specificity of immunity induced against unmodified tumor, to identify qualitative or quantitative changes in the host response to TK+ tumors undergoing chemoablation that may contribute to the induction of antitumor immunity, and to compare critically the induction of immunity by chemoablation of TK-modified tumors with that of other methods of immunization in this tumor model and in response to other well-defined model antigens. Animals treated with TK+ tumors and GCV developed specific resistance to rechallenge with unmodified tumor. GCV induced significant tumor necrosis, which was associated with a pronounced host cell infiltrate composed of polymorphonuclear cells, both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, and increased intratumoral IL-12. Cyclophosphamide-treated mice e...
Effect of spontaneous spin depopulation on the ground-state energy of a two-dimensional spintronic system

We calculate the ${r}_{s}$ expansion of the ground-state energy per particle of a two-dimensional electron gas with spin-orbit interaction induced by the Rashba coupling. At high areal electron density, we obtain the energy for noninteracting electrons, their exchange energy, and the lowest-order approximation for the correlation energy. A closed-form expression is obtained for the energy of noninteracting electrons. However, we must calculate the exchange and correlation energy numerically. As the density is increased and ${r}_{s}$ decreases, the ground-state energy changes rapidly at some value ${r}_{s}={r}_{s}^{*}$ and the Fermi energy ${E}_{F}$ changes from negative to positive. When ${E}_{F}l0$, only the lower spin subband is occupied. An interesting effect occurs in the presence of electron-electron interaction as ${E}_{F}$ increases through $E=0$ and the upper spin subband suddenly gets a finite population rather than increasing gradually.
Global innovations in materials and technologies for energy harvesting

Increasing energy demand combined with concern for the impact of fossil fuels on the environment has led to increased interest in alternative energy sources. The primary source of renewable energy resources as well as fossil fuel resources is solar radiation. The radiation from the sun powers the photosynthesis process that combines carbon dioxide and water to form oxygen and vegetation. This radiation also sustains the wind currents, ocean waves, hydroand geothermal systems, and life forms in the oceans and on land. The energy needs of modern society for electric power generation, automotive, commercial and residential use, and transportation is ~15 TW, less than 3% of the 510 TW solar radiation incident on Earth. Effi cient and economical harvesting of this renewable energy using solar cells, wind turbines, and geothermal power systems without infl uencing the wind, weather, and rainfall patterns across the world is the challenge we face as a society. The Global Innovations symposia on Materials and Technologies for Energy Harvesting, and Photovoltaics and Thermoelectrics were organized by the Materials Processing & Manufacturing Division at the TMS 2009 Annual Meeting in San Francisco to highlight energy resource assessments and key issues that need to be addressed in technologies for large-scale energy harvestGlobal Innovations in Materials and Technologies for Energy Harvesting
Chronic autoreceptor blockade and neuroleptic-induced dopamine receptor hypersensitivity.

Abstract Metoclopramide and sulpiride, two benzamide compounds, are equally potent in terms of their ability to block postsynaptic D2 dopamine receptors. However these compounds show a marked divergence in their ability to block dopamine autoreceptors, as metoclopramide is 20–25 fold more potent than sulpiride in blocking these receptors. When injected twice daily for 16 days, metoclopramide at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day will result in the development a postsynaptic dopamine receptor hypersensitivity (i.e., increased behavioral response to apomorphine upon cessation of the chronic treatment). An equivalent dose and treatment schedule with sulpiride has no apparent effect on dopamine receptor sensitivity. Because of the divergent pre- and postsynaptic potency of these two drugs it was possible to construct an autoreceptor “dose response curve” by varying the amount of these two drugs injected. Combinations of these two drugs were chosen so that the level or amount of postsynaptic dopamine receptor blockade was held constant while the amount of dopamine autoreceptor blockade was gradually increased. The results of this autoreceptor blockade “dose response curve” indicated that chronic autoreceptor blockade was involved in the increased dopamine receptor sensitivity that develops upon withdrawal from the neuroleptic drugs. These results suggest that the blockade of dopamine autoreceptors, and perhaps the resulting increase in autoreceptor sensitivity, is an integral component of the neuroleptic-induced dopamine receptor hypersensitivity.
The pathogenesis of hexachlorophene neuropathy: In vivo and in vitro studies

In rats fed hexachlorophene (HCP), hindlimb weakness developed within 2 to 3 weeks, and sciatic nerves showed widespread myelin intraperiod line-splitting, intramyelinic vacuolization, and occasional segmental demyelina-tion. Myelin was prepared from the nerves of the hexachlorophene-treated rats; in comparison to controls, the myelin yield was reduced by about 40 percent. Hexachlorophene also caused myelin disruption in vitro; when rat cerebellum tissue cultures were exposed to hexachlorophene, myelinic blebs appeared within 12 hours. When chick embryo sciatic nerves were incubated with [ 14 C]HCP, the hexachlorophene was rapidly bound to the nerves; binding was solely by hydrophobic interaction, and was not rnyelin-specific. After a latent period of 1 hour, hexachlorophene caused a profound inhibition of protein and lipid synthesis by the chick nerves. During incubation with hexachlorophene, nerve content of adenosine triphosphate fell, with consequent diminution in the rate of activation of sulfate to 39-phosphoadenosine-59-phosphosulfate.
Towards a geometry of recursion

Any mathematical theory of algorithms striving to offer a foundation for programming needs to provide a rigorous definition for an abstract algorithm. The works reported by Girard (1988) in 10 and by Moschovakis (1989, 1995) in 29?31 are among the best examples of such attempts. They both try to offer a mathematically precise and rigorous formulation of an abstract algorithm, intend to keep the algorithmic flavour present and take the notion of recursion as primary and central. The present work is motivated by Girard?s GoI 2 paper (Girard (1988) 10, which offers a treatment of recursion in terms of fixed points of linear functions. It is situated in the context of the geometry of interaction (GoI) program and is carried out in the concrete setting of the space of bounded linear maps on a Hilbert space. In this paper, we extend the work in Girard (1988) 10 to the context of traced unique decomposition categories, once again emphasizing the role of abstract trace in the theory of computing. We show that traced unique decomposition categories enriched over partially additive monoids or their variations suffice to axiomatize and hence extend the work in Girard?s GoI 2 paper. The theory developed here allows us to formulate an abstract notion of an algorithm as a pair of morphisms in a traced unique decomposition category, an abstract notion of computation as the execution formula (defined using the trace operator) applied to an algorithm, and finally a notion of deadlock-freeness for algorithms. In addition, we can treat recursive definitions, fixed points and fixed point operators in a uniform way in terms of traced unique decomposition categories.
Effect of whitening agents containing carbamide peroxide on cariogenic bacteria.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro antibacterial effects of three different carbamide peroxide products (Nitewhite®, Opalescence®, and Proxigel®) on cariogenic microorganisms (mutans streptococci [MS] and lactobacilli), and to evaluate the effects of a 10% carbamide peroxide solution (Proxigel®) on salivary levels of MS and lactobacilli clinically. Materials and Methods: Growth inhibition studies were performed to determine the concentration and exposure time of carbamide peroxide to give total inhibition of recoverable growth of MS lactobacilli. Paraffin-stimulated saliva samples were collected from subjects before and after 6 weeks of treatment with 10% carbamide peroxide in bleaching trays, and levels of MS and lactobacilli were determined. Results: The growth inhibition studies showed no visible growth of MS or lactobacilli at 24-, 48-, or 72-hour incubation, after a 2-hour exposure to 1% carbamide peroxide. Identical results were obtained with all three carbamide peroxide products. In the clinical study, the mean salivary MS levels, expressed as logarithm colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL), were 5.38 for the pretreatment samples and 5.23 for the post-treatment samples. The differences were not statistically significant (p > .05). However, there was a reduction in logarithm lactobacilli counts from a mean of 4.12 pretreatment to a mean of 2.74 post-treatment. This was statistically significant (p < .05). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This study indicates that carbamide peroxide solution is bacteriostatic for MS and lactobacilli in vitro and could reduce salivary levels of lactobacilli in vivo. Ten percent carbamide peroxide solution, when used in nightguard vital bleaching, is an antimicrobial that may be useful as an anticariogenic agent.
Surface Membrane Polypeptides Associated with Hemocytes from Schistosoma mansoni-Susceptible and -Resistant Strains of Biomphalaria glabrata (Gastropoda)

Abstract Previous studies have shown that hemocytes from inbred susceptible and resistant strains of the snail, Biomphalaria glabrata , differentially react to primary sporocysts of the blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni . It has been hypothesized that this differential reactivity may be due to differences in the expression of hemocyte surface determinants serving as parasite recognition and/or hemocyte activating factors. In order to begin addressing this hypothesis the hemodynamics and surface polypeptides of circulating hemocytes from susceptible and resistant B. glabrata strains were compared in two morphologically distinct cellular subpopulations that differed in their substrate adherence properties. When compared to a S. mansoni -resistant snail strain, two susceptible strains exhibited overall lower total circulating cell numbers and a consistently lower proportion of nonadherent hemocytes. Exposure of snails to S. mansoni miracidia induced significant increases in total circulating cell number in all strains by 2 days postexposure (PE). However, the proportion of adherent and nonadherent hemocytes remained constant in each snail strain at 2 and 4 days PE. A sensitive technique involving biotin labeling of polypeptides at the surface of living hemocytes, followed by nonreducing SDS-PAGE separation and electrotransfer to nitrocellulose, revealed a similar pattern of hemocyte surface polypeptides ranging in apparent molecular weights from 210 to 30 kDa in the three B. glabrata strains. One exception was the presence of 66-kDa polypeptide expressed at the surface of both adherent and nonadherent hemocytes in the two susceptible snail strains, which was only weakly expressed or absent from hemocytes of the resistant 13-16-R1 B. glabrata strain . In addition, exposure of snails to S. mansoni miracidia appeared to modulate (enhance) expression of the 66-kDa polypeptide in susceptible B. glabrata cell populations. Although the functional importance of this membrane polypeptide is unknown, the differential enhancement of expression in susceptible vs resistant snail hemocytes may reflect potentially important biochemical changes related to previously observed strain-specific reactivities to invading larval S. mansoni . Finally, a complex of high-molecular-weight surface polypeptides (approx 210 kDa) associated with adherent hemocytes was consistently reduced or absent in nonadherent cell preparations suggesting a possible role in substrate adhesion.
Hydraulic adjustment of maple saplings to canopy gap formation

The leaf-specific hydraulic conductivity (KL) of plant stems can control leaf water supply. This property is influenced by variation in leaf/sapwood area ratio (AL/AS) and the specific hydraulic conductivity of xylem tissue (KS). In environments with high atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD), KL may increase to support higher transpiration rates. We predicted that saplings of Acerrubrum and A.pensylvanicum grown in forest canopy gaps, under high light and VPD, would have higher KL and lower AL/AS than similar sized saplings in the understory. Leaf-specific hydraulic conductivity and KS increased with sapling size for both species. In A. rubrum, KS did not differ between the two environments but lower AL/AS (P=0.05, ANCOVA) led to higher KL for gap-grown saplings (P < 0.05, ANCOVA). In A.pensylvanicum, neither KS, AL/AS, nor KL differed between environments. In a second experiment, we examined the impact of sapling size on the water relations and carbon assimilation of A.pensylvanicum. Maximum stomatal conductance for A.pensylvanicum increased with KL (r2=0.75, P < 0.05). A hypothetical large A.pensylvanicum sapling (2 m tall) had 2.4 times higher KL and 22 times greater daily carbon assimilation than a small (1 m tall) sapling. Size-related hydraulic limitations in A.pensylvanicum caused a 68% reduction in daily carbon assimilation in small saplings. Mid-day water potential increased with A.pensylvanicum sapling size (r2=0.69, P < 0.05). Calculations indicated that small A.pensylvanicum saplings (low KL) could not transpire at the rate of large saplings (high KL) without reaching theoretical thresholds for xylem embolism induction. The coordination between KL and stomatal conductance in saplings may prevent xylem water potential from reaching levels that cause embolism but also limits transpiration. The KS of the xylem did not vary across environments, suggesting that altering biomass allocation is the primary mechanism of increasing KL. However, the ability to alter aboveground biomass allocation in response to canopy gaps is species-specific. As a result of the increase in KL and KS with sapling size for both species, hydraulic limitation of water flux may impose a greater restriction on daily carbon assimilation for small saplings in the gap environment.
Denial of illness: A reappraisal

The authors attempt to understand the nature of denial of illness by an examination of two patients with serious and disfiguring physical disorders who postponed medical treatment for over a decade. Both patients subsequently had dramatic negative reactions to the therapeutic efforts of physicians caring for them. Various social, experiential, and characterologic determinants are discussed. In addition, the authors argue that the illness served important organizing functions: it sheltered these patients from the exigencies of everyday life; it allowed them to defeat the physician's efforts to effect a cure; and, finally, the disfigured physical state appeared to correspond to their internalized defective self-image and self-esteem.
Ultralow-Density Nanostructured Metal Foams: Combustion Synthesis, Morphology, and Composition

The synthesis of low-density, nanoporous materials has been an active area of study in chemistry and materials science dating back to the initial synthesis of aerogels. These materials, however, are most often limited to metal oxides, e.g., silica and alumina, and organic aerogels, e.g., resorcinol/formaldehyde, or carbon aerogels, produced from the pyrolysis of organic aerogels. The ability to form monolithic metallic nanocellular porous materials is difficult and sometimes elusive using conventional methodology. Here we report a relatively simple method to access unprecedented ultralow-density, nanostructured, monolithic, transition-metal foams, utilizing self-propagating combustion synthesis of novel transition-metal complexes containing high nitrogen energetic ligands. During the investigation of the decomposition behavior of the high-nitrogen transition metal complexes, it was discovered that nanostructured metal monolithic foams were formed in a post flame-front dynamic assembly having remarkably low densities down to 0.011 g cm(-3) and extremely high surface areas as high as 270 m(2) g(-1). We have produced monolithic nanoporous metal foams via this method of iron, cobalt, copper, and silver metals. We expect to be able to apply this to many other metals and to be able to tailor the resulting structure significantly.
The onset of convection in fluids with strongly temperature-dependent viscosity cooled from above with implications for planetary lithospheres

The convective instability of a viscous fluid with strongly temperature-dependent viscosity cooled from above provides a basis for better understanding the thermal evolution of the Earth and other planets. The role of temperature-dependent viscosity in the initiation of thermal convection is important since thermally activated creep is strongly temperature dependent. This study introduces a criterion for convective instability based on the ratio of the Rayleigh–Taylor (R-T) growth rate of the thermal density stratification due to conductive cooling and the rate of conductive smoothing of convectively generated temperature variations. This definition of a critical boundary layer Rayleigh number that must be reached for the onset of convection is consistent with numerical experiments reported here as well as earlier theoretical and experimental studies. The length and temperature scales appearing in this Rayleigh number provide valuable physical insight into the behavior of the fluid at the onset of convection. A consistently defined viscosity ratio across the convecting thermal boundary layer leads to a characteristic temperature difference (ΔTc) across this layer. The viscosity ratio inferred from the onset times in numerical experiments reported here (≈10) is similar to that seen in laboratory experiments [Geophys. Res. 99 (1994) 19853] and is consistent with the linearized R-T analysis. Calculation of the onset time of convection and the conductive lid thickness at onset, based on laboratory-derived rheological parameters, provides a better basis to assess the convective instability of the oceanic upper mantle and the possible formation of a thick cratonic lithosphere by the cooling of continental mantle.
Steering the cybrary into the twenty‐first century: who is the leader?

One way to think of a cybrary is as a smart organizational structure in a smart building. What administrative implications does the creation of a cybrary have for its host university or institution? A cybrary leader needs always to be examining where technology is going, and how it will have an impact on the services the organization provides. The multifaceted features of the cybrary strongly suggest that leadership must come from something beyond a traditional library director position.
A probabilistic framework for autonomous proxemic control in situated and mobile human-robot interaction

In this paper, we draw upon insights gained in our previous work on human-human proxemic behavior analysis to develop a novel method for human-robot proxemic behavior production. A probabilistic framework for spatial interaction has been developed that considers the sensory experience of each agent (human or robot) in a co-present social encounter. In this preliminary work, a robot attempts to maintain a set of human body features in its camera field-of-view. This methodology addresses the functional aspects of proxemic behavior in human-robot interaction, and provides an elegant connection between previous approaches.