cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential Localization of Vesicular Acetylcholine and Monoamine Transporters in PC12 Cells but Not CHO Cells

Previous studies have indicated that neuro-endocrine cells store monoamines and acetylcholine (ACh) in different secretory vesicles, suggesting that the transport proteins responsible for packaging these neurotransmitters sort to distinct vesicular compartments. Molecular cloning has recently demonstrated that the vesicular transporters for monoamines and ACh show strong sequence similarity, and studies of the vesicular monoamine transporters (VMATs) indicate preferential localization to large dense core vesicles (LDCVs) rather than synaptic-like microvesicles (SLMVs) in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. We now report the localization of the closely related vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT). In PC12 cells, VAChT differs from the VMATs by immunofluorescence and fractionates almost exclusively to SLMVs and endosomes by equilibrium sedimentation. Immunoisolation further demonstrates colocalization with synaptophysin on SLMVs as well as other compartments. However, small amounts of VAChT also occur on LDCVs. Thus, VAChT differs in localization from the VMATs, which sort predominantly to LDCVs. In addition, we demonstrate ACh transport activity in stable PC12 transformants overexpressing VAChT. Since previous work has suggested that VAChT expression confers little if any transport activity in non-neural cells, we also determined its localization in transfected CHO fibroblasts. In CHO cells, VAChT localizes to the same endosomal compartment as the VMATs by immunofluorescence, density gradient fractionation, and immunoisolation with an antibody to the transferrin receptor. We have also detected ACh transport activity in the transfected CHO cells, indicating that localization to SLMVs is not required for function. In summary, VAChT differs in localization from the VMATs in PC12 cells but not CHO cells.
Trajectories of Cigarette Smoking among African Americans and Puerto Ricans from Adolescence to Young Adulthood: Associations with Dependence on Alcohol and Illegal Drugs

This study predicts that heterogeneous smoking trajectories covering four time points pose differential risks for dependence on alcohol and illegal drugs in young adulthood in an African American and Puerto Rican community sample (N = 475). The trajectory analysis yielded four smoking groups: nonsmokers, maturing out smokers, late-starting smokers, and early-starting continuous smokers. The early starting continuous group was more likely to become both alcohol- and drug-dependent in young adulthood than the other groups. Late-starting smokers were at higher risk than nonsmokers for drug dependence. Interventions are necessary from preadolescence through late adolescence to reduce the numbers of early and late smokers and their specific risks for substance dependence.
Functional and Trafficking Defects in ATP Binding Cassette A3 Mutants Associated with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Members of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) protein superfamily actively transport a wide range of substrates across cell and intracellular membranes. Mutations in ABCA3, a member of the ABCA subfamily with unknown function, lead to fatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the newborn. Using cultured human lung cells, we found that recombinant wild-type hABCA3 localized to membranes of both lysosomes and lamellar bodies, which are the intracellular storage organelles for surfactant. In contrast, hABCA3 with mutations linked to RDS failed to target to lysosomes and remained in the endoplasmic reticulum as unprocessed forms. Treatment of those cells with the chemical chaperone sodium 4-phenylbutyrate could partially restore trafficking of mutant ABCA3 to lamellar body-like structures. Expression of recombinant ABCA3 in non-lung human embryonic kidney 293 cells induced formation of lamellar body-like vesicles that contained lipids. Small interfering RNA knockdown of endogenous hABCA3 in differentiating human fetal lung alveolar type II cells resulted in abnormal, lamellar bodies comparable with those observed in vivo with mutant ABCA3. Silencing of ABCA3 expression also reduced vesicular uptake of surfactant lipids phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, and cholesterol but not phosphatidylethanolamine. We conclude that ABCA3 is required for lysosomal loading of phosphatidylcholine and conversion of lysosomes to lamellar body-like structures.
Development of high-k dielectric for antimonides and a sub 350°C III–V pMOSFET outperforming Germanium

In x Ga 1−x Sb pMOSFETs with SS of 120mV/decade, I ON /I OFF >104 and Gm,max of 140/90 mS/mm (L G =5µm), fabricated using a self-aligned gate-first process are demonstrated for the first time. Table 2, summarizes the key transistor results. ALD Al 2 O 3 with Dit of 3×1011/cm2eV and strain engineering has enabled a high-mobility In x Ga 1−x Sb pMOSFET an important step toward the implementation of III–V CMOS in future technology nodes.
Effects of lumbopelvic joint manipulation on quadriceps activation and strength in healthy individuals

Lumbopelvic joint manipulation has been shown to increase quadriceps force output and activation, but the duration of effect is unknown. It is also unknown whether lower grade joint mobilisations may have a similar effect. Forty-two healthy volunteers (x+/-SD; age=28.3+/-7.3 yr; ht=172.8+/-9.8 cm; mass=76.6+/-21.7 kg) were randomly assigned to one of three groups (lumbopelvic joint manipulation, 1 min lumbar passive range of motion (PROM), or prone extension on elbows for 3 min). Quadriceps force and activation were measured using the burst-superimposition technique during a seated isometric knee extension task before and at 0, 20, 40, and 60 min following intervention. Collectively, all groups demonstrated a significant decrease (p 0.05) at all time intervals following intervention. The group that received a lumbopelvic joint manipulation demonstrated a significant increase in quadriceps force (3%) and activation (5%) (p<0.05) immediately following intervention, but this effect was not present after the 20 min interval. Since participants in this study were free of knee joint pathology, it is possible that they did not have the capacity to allow for large changes in quadriceps muscle activation to occur.
Problems of French Investment in Italian Railways: A Document of 1868

French investors, their undertakings in Italy oppressed by “an unbelievable mixture of ignorance, government anarchy, and bad faith,” appealed for intervention by their government. The controversy gave rise to a remarkable report depicting the condition of Italian railroads and giving vital evidence about government-business relationships of the day.
A reconfigurable bandpass filter for RF/microwave multifunctional systems

A network prototype suitable for reconfigurable filters with imaginary-axis transmission zeros is presented. The prototype is synthesized using classical cascade synthesis. Reconfiguration of the transmission zeros is implemented entirely by tunable capacitors. The measured performance of a narrow-band reconfigurable bandpass filter realized in a planar combline using varactor diodes demonstrates the principle.
ABCA4 disease progression and a proposed strategy for gene therapy

Autosomal recessive retinal diseases caused by mutations in the ABCA4 gene are being considered for gene replacement therapy. All individuals with ABCA4-disease show macular degeneration, but only some are thought to progress to retina-wide blindness. It is currently not predictable if or when specific ABCA4 genotypes will show extramacular disease, and how fast it will progress thereafter. Early clinical trials of focal subretinal gene therapy will aim to arrest disease progression in the extramacular retina. In 66 individuals with known disease-causing ABCA4 alleles, we defined retina-wide disease expression by measuring rod- and cone-photoreceptor-mediated vision. Serial measurements over a mean period of 8.7 years were consistent with a model wherein a normal plateau phase of variable length was followed by initiation of retina-wide disease that progressed exponentially. Once initiated, the mean rate of disease progression was 1.1 log/decade for rods and 0.45 log/decade for cones. Spatio-temporal progression of disease could be described as the sum of two components, one with a central-to-peripheral gradient and the other with a uniform retina-wide pattern. Estimates of the age of disease initiation were used as a severity metric and contributions made by each ABCA4 allele were predicted. One-third of the non-truncating alleles were found to cause more severe disease than premature truncations supporting the existence of a pathogenic component beyond simple loss of function. Genotype-based inclusion/exclusion criteria and prediction of the age of retina-wide disease initiation will be invaluable for selecting appropriate candidates for clinical trials in ABCA4 disease.
Reversal of Acute Ischemic Hypodense Lesions on Computed Tomography

Hypodense ischemic lesions on computed tomography (CT) are usually associated with cerebral infarction and permanent tissue injury. We describe three cases of acute ischemic lesions detected by CT that rapidly resolved following therapy. In two cases, the appearance of hypodense lesions was associated with the onset of vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage, and resolution correlated with successful treatment. In the third case, multiple acute hypodense lesions in a patient with eclampsia improved following treatment with diuretic agents.
Ca2+ transport pathways in brush-border membrane vesicles of crustacean antennal glands

Calcium uptake by brush-border membrane vesicles of Atlantic lobster (Homarus americanus) kidneys (antennal glands) in independent experiments was stimulated by outwardly directed Na or H gradients. In the absence of external amiloride, 45Ca uptake was strongly stimulated by an outwardly directed Na gradient, and this stimulation was enhanced by the addition of an inside-negative membrane potential. External amiloride (2 mM) reduced 45Ca uptake sixfold and lowered sensitivity to membrane potential. 45Ca influx kinetics (2.5-s uptake) in the presence of an outwardly directed H gradient and inside-negative membrane potential were composed of three components: 1) an amiloride-sensitive carrier system, 2) an amiloride-insensitive carrier system, and 3) a verapamil- and membrane potential-sensitive process that may represent diffusional transfer through a calcium channel. It was concluded that 45Ca entry by the amiloride-sensitive process occurred by a previously described electrogenic 2 Na-1 H antiport mechanism [Ahearn, G., and L. Clay. Am. J. Physiol. 257 (Regulatory Integrative Comp. Physiol. 26): R484-R493, 1989; Am. J. Physiol. 259 (Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol. 28): F758-F767, 1990; Ahearn, G., P. Franco, and L. Clay. J. Membr. Biol. 116: 215-226, 1990]. 45Ca influx by the amiloride-insensitive mechanism occurred by an apparent electroneutral 1 Ca-2 Na exchange. Transport stoichiometry of the latter mechanism was tentatively established by experiments determining intravesicular Na binding properties and by its apparent lack of response to a membrane potential. At physiological Na, Ca, and H concentrations in the antennal gland lumen and epithelial cytosol, these three calcium transport pathways individually may make significant contributions to net calcium reabsorption to the blood.
Integrated small cell and Wi-Fi networks

The current 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) telecommunication standards support core-network based interworking between Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) at the Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW). Using the PDN-GW as the integration point causes a bottleneck in the mobile core network and results in inefficient inter-system handover procedure between the long term evolution (LTE) and Wi-Fi air interfaces. In this paper, we propose three new LTE-WLAN integrated architectures which enable more efficient inter-system handover mechanisms. The new architectures propose moving the integration point closer to the local integrated LTE/Wi-Fi network. In doing so, we introduce new logical network entities, reference points, and messages to the current 3GPP LTE-WLAN integrated architecture. Unlike existing user-initiated intersystem handover mechanisms, the proposed handover mechanisms may also be network-initiated to dynamically adapt to the conditions in the local LTE/Wi-Fi network (e.g., load balancing).
Acting Under Duress

The plea that one acted under duress can alter completely the reaction to one's behaviour. Suppose, for example, that a cashier had given all the money in her register to a total stranger. If she could show that he had demanded the cash at gunpoint, she would change from an object of criticism to one of sympathy. Or imagine instead a witness who had committed perjury. If he turned out to have done so in response to dire threats from the defendant's fellow-gangsters, perhaps we should not be as entirely forgiving and sympathetic as we are with the cashier who faced the robber. But we should not be as hard on him as we should if he had lied for money, or for fun. In other circumstances the plea that one acted under duress would fail entirely, neither eliminating nor mitigating criticism. Not every threat impresses us, and some impress us more than others. What ought to make these differences? And can only a threat put someone under duress, or could an offer do so: say, an offer of something very badly needed? And what are we to say about mixed motivation: for example, about a cashier who handed over the money partly in order to avoid being shot, but also partly in hopes of bankrupting her detested employer? These questions are connected, and call for a general account of duress. I will review two such accounts, then offer a third.
Potentiometric Sensors for the Determination of Valdecoxib in Pharmaceutical Preparation

Valdecoxib (VALD) selective electrodes based on VALD-5,6-diamino-2-thiouracil hydrochloride (DTUH) (VALD-DTUH) ion pair in PVC matrix membrane were constructed. The plasticizers used were dibutylphthalate (DBP) (Electrode B) tri-n-butylphosphate (TBP) (electrode C), or dioctylphthalate (DOP) (electrode) A. The electrodes gave the linear range between 6.0×10 −6 - 17.9×10 −3 , 2.5×10 −5 -8.3×10 −3 M, M and 2.5×10 −6 -2.0×10 −2 M respectively. The slopes for linear range ranged from 39.29 to 58.76mV/decade with correlation coefficients lying between 0.997, 0.989 and 0.999 respectively. The best detection limit was 1.50×10 −6 M for the electrode based on DOP. Selectivity coefficients of VALD related to a number of interfering cation and some organic compounds and excipients were studied using matched potential method (MPM(, and there were negligible interference caused by most of the investigated species. The pH and life time of the electrodes were also studied. The direct determination of VALD shows an average recovery of (100.08-100.61 and 99.75-101.00)% and a mean relative standard deviation of (2.70-0.61 and 2.39- 0.56)% for sensor A and B respectively. The results obtained by determination of VALD in tablets using the proposed sensors which comparable favorably with those obtained by spectrophotometric method. Validation of the method shows the suitability of the electrodes for the determination of VALD in pharmaceutical formulation.
Maturational changes in respiratory control through creatine kinase in heart in vivo.

The role of creatine kinase in regulation of myocardial respiration was studied in vivo as a function of maturation. Unidirectional creatine kinase flux (JCK), phosphocreatine to gamma-ATP, was mea...
Improvements in psychological dysfunction after endoscopic sinus surgery for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Background Psychological dysfunction is highly prevalent among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Previous study has identified various measures of anxiety and depression as predictors of quality-of-life outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Psychological dysfunction scores, as measured by the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), have been found to influence treatment decision making in CRS. This study aims to further elucidate improvement in discrete psychological symptoms following ESS for CRS. Methods Adult patients with medically recalcitrant CRS electing to undergo ESS were prospectively enrolled into a multi-institutional, observational cohort. Psychological-related symptom severity and postoperative outcomes were assessed using psychological domain items of the SNOT-22, including subgroup analysis of patients with and without comorbid depression. Results A total of 374 participants met inclusion criteria and were followed postoperatively for a mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 14.6 ± 5.0 months. Total mean psychological domain scores improved from 15.9 ± 8.2 to 8.5 ± 8.4 (p < 0.001). Significant relative mean improvements were reported in “waking up tired” (23%; p < 0.001), “fatigue” (25%; p < 0.001), “reduced productivity” (28%; p < 0.001), “reduced concentration” (27%; p < 0.001), “ frustrated/restless/irritable” (27%; p < 0.001), “sad” (15%; p < 0.001), and “embarrassed” (8%; p < 0.001) scores. A total of 64% to 66% of participants reported improvement in “reduced productivity,” “waking up tired,” “fatigue,” and “frustrated/restless/irritable,” compared to 46% and 38% reporting improvement in “sad” and “embarrassed,” respectively. Conclusion Patients with CRS report significant improvement in common mental health–related symptoms following ESS. Despite these improvements, some degree of persistent postoperative psychological dysfunction was reported. Further study is necessary to determine which factors are associated with persistent psychological dysfunction after ESS in order to optimize treatment outcomes.
Effect of Microbial Fertilizers on Quality of Vegetables with Green Degree

A selected experiment of different microbial fertilizers in eggplant, pepper, cabbage fields was conducted in Shuncheng District, Fushun Municipality. The effect of three types of microbial fertilizers on quality of vegetables with Green Degree (eggplant, pepper, cabbage) was evaluated in this paper. The results showed that the microbial C was more efficient than others in decreasing the contents of -N, and increasing that of Vc in pepper and cabbage.
Patterns of lymph node metastasis identified following bilateral mandibular and medial retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy in 31 dogs with malignancies of the head

Variable pathways of lymphatic drainage have been described in the dog head and neck. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the patterns of lymph node metastasis in dogs with malignancies of the head following bilateral mandibular and medial retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy. Thirty-one dogs were included. Median age at surgery was 10 years (range: 5 months to 14 years) and mean bodyweight was 21.4 ± 11.9 kg. Lymph node metastasis occurred in 14 dogs (45%), with spread to mandibular lymph nodes in 14 dogs and medial retropharyngeal metastasis in 11 dogs. Eight of 13 dogs (62%) with lymphatic metastasis and a lateralised lesion showed contralateral dissemination, while 12/13 (92%) showed ipsilateral metastasis. Of 13 dogs with oral malignant melanoma, four showed metastasis to all four lymph centres. Contralateral metastasis may occur in dogs with malignancies of the head and should be considered during staging and management.
The second generation of nasal continuous positive airway pressure devices. Are they created equal

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) is considered the preferred medical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Because NCPAP exerts its beneficial effects by maintaining positive airway pressure, we proposed to test the ability of the newer "second generation" NCPAP machines to maintain a constant airway pressure during simulated breathing on a lung model. Each of the seven new NCPAP devices tested were examined under conditions of changing inspiratory flow, end expiratory pressure (EEP) and resistance added to the patient end of the NCPAP hose. During inspiration airway pressure fell and in expiration it increased relative to the EEP in all machines. Using the standard NCPAP hose and a breathing pattern consistent with normal breathing during sleep, the maximum decline in pressure during simulated inspiration and excess pressure during simulated expiration was -0.5 cm H2O and 0.6 cm H2O, respectively. Adding resistance, increasing inspiratory flow but not EEP exaggerated this effect. All of the machines behaved similarly in this regard. Further, the performance of the NCPAP devices did not deteriorate after 6 hours of uninterrupted operation. We conclude that the second generation NCPAP machines may be interchanged without another laboratory trial to readjust the EEP.
Cicatricial pemphigoid diagnosed by the use of indirect immunofluorescence.

Antecedents : On ne saurait trop insister sur l'importance d'une investigation technique approfondie dans le diagnostic des lesions erosives de la bouche. Objectifs : Presenter un cas de pemphigoide avec resultat negatif a l'immunofluorescence directe mais positif a l'immunofluorescence indirecte. Methodes et resultats : Evaluation du cas d'un homme de 77 ans presentant des erosions des muqueuses buccale et balanique avec stenose de l'œsophage. L'examen histologique a montre une mucosite non specifique. Les resultats de l'immunofluorescence indirecte etaient caracteristiques d'une pemphigoide. Conclusion: Ce cas illustre l'importance d'une investigation diagnostique complete dans l'evaluation des patients ptesentant des lesions buccales erosives.
Building Diversity Initiatives in Academic Medicine

The changing landscape in the healthcare environment has presented unique challenges for Academic Medical Centers (AMCs) to transition to “value-based” health services. Shifting demographics with increased ethnic, religious, and gender diversity have made the need for enhancing programs focused on diversity essential in academic medicine. Identifying and replicating effective programs of this nature will be of vital importance as we move into the next generation of healthcare delivery. The value proposition of enhanced diversity in healthcare and academic medicine has been outlined in previous chapters. This overview will focus on initiatives that promote diversity within and associated with AMCs and their ultimate objective of addressing the needs of the present day community. In this chapter, we will explore the importance of diversity in modern healthcare, review the innovative role of pipeline programs in helping to create a diverse healthcare workforce, and discuss the vital impact diversity mentoring in AMCs can have on the development of future healthcare trainees and practitioners.
Electron elastic scattering and low-frequency bremsstrahlung on A @ C 60 : A model static-exchange approximation

Electron elastic-scattering phase shifts and cross sections as well as total cross sections of low-frequency bremsstrahlung and its angular-asymmetry and polarization parameters upon low-energy electron collision with endohedral fullerenes $A@{\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ are theoretically scrutinized versus the nature, size, and spin of the encapsulated atom $A$. This is achieved by choosing Ar, Xe, Ba, Cr, Mn, and Eu as the case-study atoms $A$. The aim is to uncover the variety of effects which might occur in the above processes rather than to make thorough predictions for one particular spectrum. To that end, the study makes use of a simple model static-exchange approximation. There, both the encapsulated atom $A$ and the ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ cage are regarded as nonpolarizable targets and the ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ cage itself is modeled by an attractive spherical annular potential well. Calculated results identify the most interesting and/or useful future measurements or more rigorous calculations to perform.
Gene Therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Abstract Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that impacts approximately 1:10,000 live births. SMA is caused by deletion or loss-of-function mutations in the Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. A second gene called SMN2 is alternatively spliced and yields only 10% of full-length SMN protein. As complete loss of SMN protein is embryonic lethal, patients must rely on the low levels of protein derived from SMN2. SMA is well-suited for viral-based gene therapy as it is a monogenic loss-of-function disorder, the SMN cDNA is relatively small, and the presence of vector-mediated full-length SMN protein will not likely elicit an immune response. Further, SMN2 is found in every patient and provides a strong potential therapeutic target for a myriad of gene therapy strategies. While vector-based gene therapy research has been confounded by a variety of setbacks over the past three decades, recent therapeutic developments have generated a wave of optimism. Based on an extremely solid foundation of compelling preclinical work, SMA gene therapy is now being translated into the clinic and is on the cusp of ushering in a new era of molecular medicine.
The Perspective of Library and Information Science (LIS) Professionals Toward Knowledge Management in University Libraries

This study explores the general perspectives of library and information science (LIS) professionals on knowledge management in the university libraries of Pakistan. The study specifically examines the perceptions, understandings, role and responsibilities of Pakistani LIS professionals toward knowledge management. A questionnaire was used as an instrument to evaluate the perceptions, understandings, role and responsibilities of LIS professionals toward knowledge management. The questionnaires were administered to subject librarians who were included in the sample at the universities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Generalising the findings of this study over the population of LIS community in Pakistan reveals that knowledge management is for the improvement of library services and productive purposes. Accordingly, the Pakistani LIS professionals use knowledge management practices for the improvement of their respective library service. The LIS community is also very familiar with the term “knowledge manageme...
Decreasing Patient Stress and Physician/Medical Workforce Burnout Through Health Care Environments: Uncovering the Serious Leisure Perspective at Mayo Clinic's Campus in Rochester, Minnesota

Health care environments are places of high stress for both patients and medical professionals. Although organizational efforts of workload and efficiency are often implemented to decrease both patient and physician/medical workforce stress, what is often overlooked is how leisure opportunities and programs located in day-to-day experiences and in physically built environments can increase both patient and medical staff enjoyment and pleasure, thus lowering patient stress and physician/medical staff burnout. Combining historical research on the leisure pursuits of Drs William J. Mayo and Charles H. Mayo, literature on leisure, stress, and burnout, and a case study methodology of Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, the purpose of this study was to describe how the Serious Leisure Perspective (SLP) exists at Mayo Clinic and contributes to relieving stress among patients and preventing burnout among physicians.
Endothelial Cells Exposed to Fluid Shear Stress Support Diffusion Based Maturation of Adult Neural Progenitor Cells.

The neural stem cell (NSC) niche is a highly complex cellular and biochemical milieu supporting proliferating NSCs and neural progenitor cells (NPCs) with close apposition to the vasculature, primarily comprised of endothelial cells (ECs). Current in vitro models of the niche incorporate EC-derived factors, but do not reflect the physiologically relevant hemodynamic state of the ECs or the spatial resolution observed between cells within the niche. In this work, we developed a novel in vitro model of the niche that (1) incorporates ECs cultured with fluid shear stress and (2) fosters paracrine cytokine gradients between ECs and NSCs in a spatiotemporal configuration mimicking the cytoarchitecture of the subventricular niche. A modified cone and plate viscometer was used to generate a shear stress of 10 dynes cm−2 for ECs cultured on a membrane, while statically cultured NPCs are 10 or 1000 μm below the ECs. NPCs cultured within 10 μm of dynamic ECs exhibit increased PSA-NCAM+ and OLIG2+ cells compared to progenitors in all other culture regimes and the hemodynamic EC phenotype results in distinct progeny phenotypes. This co-culture regime yields greater release of pro-neurogenic factors, suggesting a potential mechanism for the observed progenitor maturation. Based on these results, models incorporating ECs exposed to shear stress allow for paracrine signaling gradients and regulate NPC lineage progression with appropriate niche spatial resolution occurring at 10 μm. This model could be used to evaluate cellular or pharmacological interactions within the healthy, diseased, or aged brain.
Optiwave Refractive Analysis may not work well in patients with previous history of radial keratotomy

Abstract Purpose To report a case of significant hyperopic outcome (both eyes) following Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA) intraocular lens (IOL) power recommendation in a cataract patient with history of 8 cut radial keratotomy (RK) in each eye. Observations It is hypothesized that increased intraocular pressure (IOP) from phacoemulsification could make the RK cuts swell, and change cornea shape intraoperatively. In this unique scenario, the corneal curvature readings from ORA could be quite different from preoperative readings or from stabilized postoperative corneal measurements. The change in corneal curvature could also affect the anterior chamber depth and axial length readings, skewing multiple parameters on which ORA bases recommendations for IOL power. Conclusions and importance ORA has been widely used among cataract surgeons on patients with history of RK, but it's validation, unlike for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), has yet to be established by peer reviewed studies. Surgeons should be cautious when using ORA on RK patients.
The effects of blocked and random practice on the learning of three variations of the golf chip shot

The current study investigated the acquisition of three variations of a golf chipping task using either a blocked or random practice schedule. Twenty-four individuals performed a 5.5 m chipping tas...
Ficción y erotismo. La reubicación del cuerpo en la ficción Española contemporánea

Es apropiado que un ensayo sobre el erotismo empiece con una consideracion en tomo al cuerpo. El cuerpo entendido no como un recipiente o receptor pasivo de un con­ tenido extemo (una idea, un alma) y, por tanto, un elemento secundario de Ia signifi­ cacion, sino como un generador de significado, un signo primordial de Ia discursividad (Foucault, 20). Poner, ademas, el cuerpo en relacion con la narracion ficcional implica que ese concepto del cuerpo esta realizado concretamente dentro de una estructura dinamica, en progresion articulada y coherente y en interconexion con otros cuerpos. Ubicar el cuerpo dentro de un contexto diferencial-el espanol-conlleva, ademas, el que ese cuerpo actua y se visualiza de una manera especifica, determinada por unos parametros culturales. Tres son, por consiguiente, los presupuestos preliminares de mi ensayo. Es una reflexion en tomo a los modos de significacion del cuerpo y sus ramificaciones (deseo, sexualidad, afectividad); esa reflexion se hace dentro de la ficcion; y con el referente especifico de la ficcion (novela y cine) espanola contemporanea.a.
Constraints on Phonological Representations

This chapter discusses the constraints on phonological representations. In generative studies, phonological rules have been motivated by alternations. In all languages, there are numerous aspects of phonological structure that are not involved in alternations. The chapter discusses how to account for such constraints on possible feature combinations within a segment and on possible sequences of segments that are not directly involved in alternations. It discusses (1) the relation of these constraints to rules expressing alternations, (2) the domain for which these constraints hold, (3) the level at with these constraints are to be stated, and (4) the form in which these constraints are to be stated. In any given language, certain features of pronunciation are distinctive—that is, unpredictable and capable of distinguishing between lexical items in underlying representations. The remaining features are nondistinctive—that is, predictable and incapable of distinguishing one underlying form from another. Such nondistinctive features may, in some instances, function to distinguish words in pronunciation even though never doing so in the lexicon itself. Given that the non-distinctive features are predictable, and in many cases demonstrably rule-governed, it has been assumed that a grammar will omit any specification of such features in the underlying structure.
Public Policies Intended to Influence Adult Mortality

In the late 1970s, Dr. Bernice Neugarten and Dr. Robert Havighurst from the Department of Human Development at the University of Chicago organized a scientific conference around a single question: is it appropriate to focus government resources on a concerted effort to use our expanding knowledge of basic biology to extend the longevity of the human species? The views expressed by those attending the conference ranged from the idea that we organize a Manhattan-type project with life extension as the primary goal, to the recommendation that an effort focused exclusively on extending life is ill advised because limited resources would better be used to reduce existing inequalities in health and longevity. Since then, the scientific study of aging has advanced so far that some scientists believe that modulating our basic biology for the purpose of extending the period of healthy life is plausible and inevitable. Some even suggest that extreme life extension is on the horizon. Others still believe it would be unethical to pursue life extension for some while others are struggling to live to the statistical average. Is it premature to initiate a concerted effort to extend human longevity without knowing in advance whether it is technically feasible, and what the social, economic, and ethical consequences might be? In this chapter we examine the range of viewpoints on this issue from the time of the Neugarten/Havighurst conference to the present.
Microscopic Relativity: The Basic Theory

In effort to investigate how quantum physics might modify Einstein's Theory of Relativity at speeds v→c, the relationship between space-time coordinates of different reference frames is revisited by introducing only one new parameter xo, a fundamental constant for the quantization of space. The starting point is three criteria: (a) real space-time data are conditioned by standard quantum effects on measurements; (b) since currently used apparatus are only capable of probing the aggregate behavior of these quanta the relevant model is one which maximizes the Entropy subject to certain defining constraints; and (c) the constraints simply involve fixed ensemble averages in the case of an inertial frame, or boundary conditions on running averages in the case of an accelerated frame. In this context it is found that both the Lorentz transformation and a simple scheme for the quantization of space-time which resembles identically Planck's photon picture of radiation are a direct consequence of the Principle of Relativity. Non-inertial behavior corresponds to local Entropy maxima, obtainable by solution of a diffusion equation which gives gradually varying ensemble averages across space-time, as demonstrated by the example of a profile which connects a central region of highly agitated quanta with an asymptotic ambient environment—the outcome is the Schwarzschild metric of General Relativity. Apart from the above, a new feature emerges from the theory: the space-time data of an observer, when referred to the frame of his moving partner, are subject to extra quantum fluctuations which increase indefinitely in severity as v→c, with the Lorentz transformation providing only the mean data values. Thus for fast moving bodies like cosmic rays or matter at the horizon of a black hole, physical processes which affect them may not always be perceived by us to occur at the expected length or time scales.
Effects of local environment on the ultra-fast carrier dynamics of photo-excited 2D transition metal dichalcogenides

Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) represent a diverse, emerging source of two-dimensional (2D) nanostructures with broad application in optoelectronics and energy. In particular, tungsten disulfide (WS2) is an efficient visible light absorber with relatively high carrier mobilities and catalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution. While explanation of the quantum confinement and excitonic effects governing TMD optoelectronic properties has progressed in recent years, less is known about the ultra-fast photoresponse and carrier dynamics following light excitation. This work utilizes transient absorption spectroscopy, with pump tunability and broadband visible probing, to monitor the carrier dynamics of both CVD-grown monolayer and solution exfoliated WS2. Picosecond-scale features include simultaneous bleaching of excitonic states and a red-shifted absorption spectrum attributed to bandgap renormalization, while free carriers, defect trapped carriers, and recombination signatures are apparent at increasing pico- to nanosecond lifetimes. Features associated with excitons, trions, and photo-excited carriers exhibit strong dependence on local environmental factors. Moisture, oxygen, chemical dopants, and dielectric environment strongly affect the strength and decay lifetimes of these photo-excited species. These results highlight the importance of understanding and controlling these local environmental factors to the rational design and implementation of 2D TMDs optoelectronic device platforms.
Determination of thermal degradants in e-cigarette fluid via direct sample introduction (DSI) gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Electronic cigarettes (EC) and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have recently become popular choices for nicotine consumption due to the lower perceived harm compared to conventional tobacco products. Currently, only nicotine levels in EC fluids are regulated by the FDA. Besides nicotine and solvents such as propylene glycol and glycerin, the heating of EC fluids may produce thermal degradants that could impact a user's health. We proposed to use direct sample introduction (DSI) GC-MS/MS as a fast and reliable instrumental method to analyze EC fluid components and their thermal degradants generated in a simulated ENDS-like environment within the DSI enclosure. DSI GC-MS/MS separates and detects the target analytes even in the presence of a complex, viscous, and often “dirty” sample matrix. DSI utilizes a programmable-temperature vaporization (PTV) injector in conjunction with a ChromatoProbe accessory, in which a solid or liquid sample in a disposable glass vial can be heated and vapors introduced into the GC column for separation. DSI was used to mimic the heating behavior of an EC atomizer and introduce the EC vapors and degradants into GC-MS/MS in almost real-time. Subsequently, through tandem mass spectrometry, signature ion fragments for thermal breakdown components (e.g. aldehydes) were detected and quantified. Relative peak ratios of those thermal breakdown products and an internal standard were employed to study the effects of temperature ramp rate, maximum heating temperature, and maximum temperature hold time on the outcomes of thermal degradation.
A volume-conserving balanced-force level set method on unstructured meshes using a control volume finite element formulation

Abstract The level set method for modeling multi-fluid interfaces gives a simple approach for the simulation of multiphase flow problems. However, many of the components of this method, such as the redistancing of the level set function and discretization of the singular surface tension force, become more difficult on unstructured meshes in a control volume framework; furthermore, these operations are shown to lead to errors in conservation of mass of the individual phases, as well as unphysical currents near the interface. This paper presents a novel formulation for the level set method combined with a balanced-force algorithm using a control volume finite element method (CVFEM) for unstructured grids. A diffuse interface description is used, allowing a straightforward inclusion of surface tension forces; we show that by consistently evaluating the pressure gradient and surface tension, we are able to discretely balance these two forces and suppress any parasitic currents given a prescribed curvature. By converting the redistancing equation to a form that is suitable for CVFEM and enforcing a constraint directly linked with the phase fraction in each cell, we are able conserve mass and preserve the shape of the interface to a high degree of accuracy in multiphase flow problems with high density and viscosity ratios. The accuracy of the of our proposed method is assessed by comparing with benchmark results from the literature.
Optimization and design of a low-cost, village-scale, photovoltaic-powered, electrodialysis reversal desalination system for rural India

Abstract This paper presents the cost optimization of a photovoltaic-powered electrodialysis reversal (PV-EDR) system for village-scale applications in rural India based on current component costs and performance. A PV-EDR alternative was explored because it requires half the specific energy (and thus half the power system cost), and reduces water wastage from 60% to less than 10%, compared to small-scale reverse osmosis (RO) systems for groundwater salinity levels commonly found in India. Through co-optimization of the PV and EDR subsystems, the optimal system was predicted to cost $23,420 (42% less than a system designed using conventional engineering practice). A key to the cost reduction was flexible water production that accommodates daily changes in solar irradiance with overproduction on sunny days and water buffer storage tanks. A sensitivity analysis revealed that the capital cost of the total system is most sensitive to membrane area; reducing membrane cost by 87% would half the system capital cost. The optimization method presented here, as well as the cost saving strategies of time-variant operation and load matching with solar irradiance availability, provide design strategies that are relevant to other PV-EDR architectures and general off-grid desalination applications.
Meanwhile, Back at the Items…

An approach to test interpretation which involves the selected use of scale items is presented. Examples are given of situations for which such item utilization could have appreciable effects upon ...
Cosmological test using the Hubble diagram of high-z quasars

It has been known for over three decades that the monochromatic X-ray and UV luminosities in quasars are correlated, though non-linearly. This offers the possibility of using high-z quasars as standard candles for cosmological testing. In this paper, we use a recently assembled, high-quality catalogue of 1598 quasars extending all the way to redshift ∼6, to compare the predictions of the R_h = ct and Lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM) cosmologies. In so doing, we affirm that the parameters characterizing the correlation depend only weakly on the chosen cosmology, and that both models account very well for the data. Unlike ΛCDM, however, the R_h = ct model has no free parameters for this work, so the Bayesian Information Criterion favours it over ΛCDM with a relative likelihood of |$\sim 88{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| versus |$\sim 10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$|⁠. This result is consistent with the outcome of other comparative tests, many of which have shown that R_h = ct is favoured over the standard model based on a diverse range of observations.
Tick-TOX, it's time for T cell exhaustion.

The transcription factor TOX epigenetically reprograms CD8+ T cells to drive T cell exhaustion during chronic infection and cancer. Although they are necessary for T cell persistence, these changes contribute to diminished anti-tumor function in exhausted cells.
Thermal conductance of aluminum oxy-fluoride passivation layers

The thermal properties of plasma-generated aluminum oxyfluoride passivation layers at the surface of aluminum thin films are measured. The oxyfluoride layers are generated using plasmas produced in mixtures of NH3 and SF6 to simultaneously remove oxygen and add fluorine to the aluminum surface, an alternative approach to the more conventional two-step methods that utilize HF treatments to remove the native oxide followed by metal-fluoride (e.g., MgF2, LiF, and AlF3) thin film deposition that serves to protect the aluminum surface from further oxidation. Here, the change in thermal properties of the layers as a function of plasma processing time is determined. A significant reduction in thermal boundary conductance is measured with the increasing treatment time, which can be related to the increasing fluorine content in the layers. Acoustic reflection measurements indicate this reduced thermal boundary conductance is associated with lower bonding strength to aluminum with increasing fluorine.
The ecology of incidental exposure to news in digital media environments

The profusion of information about current events in digital media makes it likely that individuals are exposed to news through the course of everyday life, even when they are not motivated to do s...
6 – Data Processing

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses data processing. The first widespread use of the computer was in business. The manipulation of numbers, when used in reference to computers, is called data processing. In the business world, this was keeping accounting books and inventory lists. The focus of such tasks is accountability, or maintaining a record of what has been done. Accountability is a word that has steadily crept into the everyday vernacular of the profession. The chapter discusses two major categories of data processing, namely, electronic spreadsheets and electronic file management systems. Both the concepts of data processing have been thoroughly tested and have histories dating back to the beginning of business per se. The computer does not so much change the system, as it makes the system more efficient to use through the electronic manipulation of information. It concludes that as society in general moves forward into the information age, professions will find it necessary to have means of obtaining, processing, and interpreting data. The computer neither change the data, nor determine what changes will be needed in a profession. It is merely a vehicle which permits the accumulation and organization of data on a scale that has never been possible before.