cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cotton dust produces an increase in intraepithelial mucosubstances in rat airways.

Occupational exposure to endotoxin-contaminated organic dusts is associated with a variety of adverse pulmonary effects, including chronic bronchitis and sputum production. We have previously demonstrated in F344 rats that inhaled endotoxin rapidly induces an increase in the volume of stored intraepithelial mucosubstances (Vs) in the respiratory tract. The present study examined whether endotoxin-contaminated cotton dust can produce a similar increase in Vs in this animal model. Rats were exposed to air or 1.5 to 15.0 mg/m3 cotton dust for 2 h/d for 3 d. Twenty-four hours after the final exposure, the nasal cavity and lungs were fixed in formalin and the presence of Alcian blue/periodic acid-Schiff-staining mucosubstances determined by morphometry. Exposure to cotton dust produced concentration-dependent changes in Vs in the nasal septum and intrapulmonary airways. Statistically significant increases in Vs were observed in the epithelial lining of the nasal septum of animals exposed to 5.3 and 14.5 mg/m3 ...
FOUR-HOUR VOIDING OBSERVATION IN YOUNG BOYS WITH POSTERIOR URETHRAL VALVES

AbstractPurpose: We evaluated 4-hour voiding observation as a method of basic assessment of bladder dysfunction in young boys with posterior urethral valves.Materials and Methods: Voiding pattern, including number of voids, voided and residual urine volume, and bladder capacity, was determined noninvasively in 24 boys younger than 4 years with posterior urethral valves and compared to that of healthy age matched controls. Results were then compared to those of standard cystometry.Results: The number of voids was higher, voided was smaller and residual urine volume was higher in the posterior urethral valve group. There was no difference in voiding pattern before and after removal of the anatomical obstruction. Voided and residual urine volume, and bladder capacity were higher on standard cystometry than on voiding observation.Conclusions: Four-hour voiding observation is an easy noninvasive method that focuses on emptying difficulties and clearly detects differences in voiding patterns between boys with p...
Improving assimilation of SeaWiFS data by the application of bias correction with a local SEIK filter

Ocean-biogeochemical models show typically significant errors in the representation of chlorophyll concentrations. The model state can be improved by the assimilation of satellite chlorophyll data with algorithms based on the Kalman filter. However, these algorithms do usually not account for the possibility that the model prediction contains systematic errors in the form of model bias. Accounting explicitly for model biases can improve the assimilation performance. To study the effect of bias estimation on the estimation of surface chlorophyll concentrations, chlorophyll data from the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) are assimilated on a daily basis into the NASA Ocean Biogeochemical Model (NOBM). The assimilation is performed by the ensemble-based SEIK filter combined with an online bias correction scheme. The SEIK filter is simplified here by the use of a static error covariance matrix. The performance of the filter algorithm is assessed by comparison with independent in situ data over the 7-year period 1998–2004. The bias correction results in significant improvements of the surface chlorophyll concentrations compared to the assimilation without bias estimation. With bias estimation, the daily surface chlorophyll estimates from the assimilation show about 3.3% lower error than SeaWiFS data. In contrast, the error in the global surface chlorophyll estimate without bias estimation is 10.9% larger than the error of SeaWiFS data.
Synthetic Holograms and Kinoforms

One method of generating synthetic or computer-generated holograms is to first compute the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) of the desired image. The hologram is then formed by coding in some manner on photographic film the complex values of this DFT. This paper describes a method for generating synthetic binary holograms that avoids the necessity for computing the DFT of the desired image. The relationship between this new method and previously used techniques is discussed. An analogous method for generating kinoforms that does not require the calculation of the DFT is also described.
Referent tracking for treatment optimisation in schizophrenic patients: A case study in applying philosophical ontology to diagnostic algorithms

The IPAP Schizophrenia Algorithm was originally designed in the form of a flow-chart to help physicians optimise the treatment of schizophrenic patients in the spirit of guideline-based medicine. We take this algorithm as our starting point in investigating how artifacts of this sort can benefit from the facilities of high-quality ontologies. The IPAP algorithm exists thus far only in a form suitable for use by human beings. We draw on the resources of Basic Formal Ontology (BFO) in order to show how such an algorithm can be enhanced in such a way that it can be used in Semantic Web and related applications. We found that BFO provides a framework that is able to capture in a rigorous way all the types of entities represented in the IPAP Schizophrenia Algorithm in way which yields a computational tool that can be used by software agents to perform monitoring and control of schizophrenic patients. We discuss the issues involved in building an application ontology for this purpose, issues which are important for any Semantic Web application in the life science and healthcare domains.
The cognitive underpinnings of adaptive team performance in ill-defined task situations A closer look at team cognition

As the nature of work changes due to technology, organizational restructuring, and globalization, complex tasks have emerged that necessitate the use of teams. Oftentimes, teams complete tasks that have more than one plausible solution or engage in performance episodes under uncertain circumstances. Therefore, teams are called upon to be highly adaptable to these ill-defined tasks by responding to continuous changes in the task environment. We propose that dimensions of team cognition (i.e., shared mental models and transactive memory systems) help drive adaptation. In recognition of the additional cognitive demands placed upon teams who must be highly adaptable, we believe much can be gained from taking a closer look at the facets of team-level cognitive variables. The current effort aims to provide a more comprehensive explanation of emergent cognitive states, and how they interact to drive adaptive team performance, especially within the context of ill-defined problems.
Calculation of Electron Transfer Reorganization Energies Using the Finite Difference Poisson-Boltzmann Model

Abstract A description is given of a method to calculate the electron transfer reorganization energy ( λ ) in proteins using the linear or nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) equation. Finite difference solutions to the linear PB equation are then used to calculate λ for intramolecular electron transfer reactions in the photosynthetic reaction center from Rhodopseudomonas viridis and the ruthenated heme proteins cytochrome c, myoglobin, and cytochrome b and for intermolecular electron transfer between two cytochrome c molecules. The overall agreement with experiment is good considering both the experimental and computational difficulties in estimating λ . The calculations show that acceptor/donor separation and position of the cofactors with respect to the protein/solvent boundary are equally important and, along with the overall polarizability of the protein, are the major determinants of λ . In agreement with previous studies, the calculations show that the protein provides a low reorganization environment for electron transfer. Agreement with experiment is best if the protein polarizability is modeled with a low (
Decision-making associated with drug candidates in the biotechnology research and development (R & D) pipeline

This research investigated the issues and methods of analysis considered by executives when managing biotechnology drug candidates within the research and development (RD (2) sources of funding for RD (3) analytic tools used in decision-making; and (4) the use and application of pharmacoeconomics, and targeted primarily Chief Financial Officers (CFO) within 396 biotechnology firms in the United States (US). Consistent with prior research on CFOs, a response rate of 7.5 per cent was achieved and respondents generally represented smaller biotechnology companies valued below US$100m. Findings indicated that regulatory and capital requirements as well as investor expectations were important factors throughout clinical phase trials. Venture capital and capital/securities markets were the most commonly used sources of R&D capital. The most frequently cited decision-making techniques used included prior experience/intuition/human judgment, net present value (NPV), and internal rate of return (IRR). Pharmacoeconomic methods were utilised at every stage of R&D and applied to the management of R&D pipelines in addition to aspects of product pricing and reimbursement. Overall, these results reflect the nature of risk and uncertainty associated with pharmaceutical and biotechnology R&D. Although the use of past experience/intuition/human judgment was most common for decision-making, methods based upon discounted cash flow (DCF) approaches were also employed frequently, as was the use of pharmacoeconomics. The implications of this work should seek to catalyse the development and utilisation of robust methods to manage drug pipelines such that senior executives are afforded optimal recommendations when attempting to hedge risk and maximise return.
Model-based object recognition using laser radar range imagery

The combined effects of laser speckle and local oscillator shot noise degrade coherent laser radar range measurements. As a result, laser radar range imagery suffers from both uniformly-distributed range anomalies and Gaussian-distributed local range errors. Our goal in this research is to develop a target recognition system capable of recognizing military vehicles in range images provided by airborne laser radars. In particular, we will focus on using laser radar range imagery in a statistical model-based object recognition system. We shall present performance results for our object recognition system using laser radar data from the MIT Lincoln Laboratory Infrared Airborne Radar (IRAR) data release together with 3-D CAD models which account for the possible military targets that may be present on the site imaged by the laser radar.
Characterization of the temperature activation of pectin methylesterase in green beans and tomatoes

Low-temperature blanching of vegetables activates the enzyme pectin methylesterase (PME), which demethylates cell wall pectins and improves tissue firmness. This temperature activation of PME has been investigated by measuring the formation of methanol in intact tissue of green beans and tomatoes. Rates of methanol formation at temperatures of 35-65 °C were obtained by measuring the release of methanol from thin slices of tomato pericarp or green bean pod material. Activation energies of 112 and 97 kJ mol -1 were calculated for PME activity in green beans and tomatoes, respectively. These activation energies indicate that the rate of pectin demethylation at 65 °C will be nearly 100 times that at 25 °C. PME activity was also determined titrimetrically using a solubilized form of the enzyme and purified pectin at temperatures from 30 to 60 °C. Under these conditions, much lower activation energies of 37 and 35 kJ mol -1 were obtained for green beans and tomatoes, respectively. Methanol accumulation during heating of whole intact green beans was also determined and yielded an activation energy similar to that obtained with sliced beans. Whole green beans held at room temperature did not accumulate any methanol, but sliced or homogenized beans did. If whole beans were first heated to 45 °C and then cooled, methanol accumulation was observed at room temperature. These results indicate that two factors contribute to the observed high rate of pectin de-esterification during low-temperature blanching: (1) An irreversible change, causing PME to become active, occurs by heating to g45 °C. (2) The high activation energy for pectin de-esterification means that the rate of de-esterification increases substantially with increasing temperature.
High CO2 permeation flux enabled by highly interconnected three-dimensional ionic channels in selective CO2 separation membranes

Abatement of CO2 emissions from existing fossil-fueled power plants is currently the sole near-term solution to stabilize CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. Separation and capture of CO2 from process streams of these power plants is the first step toward this effort. In this paper, we report a high flux membrane consisting of highly and efficiently interconnected three-dimensional ionic channels prepared from a combined “co-precipitation” and “sacrificial-template” synthesis. The membranes exhibit remarkable CO2 permeation characteristic, achieving a CO2 flux density two orders of magnitude higher than other similar systems reported in the literature. The experimental results also have an excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions. Overall, the demonstrated dual-phase membranes show a great promise for selective pre-combustion CO2 separation.
Telomeric co-localization of the modified base J and contingency genes in the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi

Base J or b-D-glucosylhydroxymethyluracil is a modification of thymine residues within the genome of kinetoplastid parasites. In organisms known to contain the modified base, J is located mainly within the telomeric repeats. However, in Trypanosoma brucei, a small fraction of J is also located within the silent subtelomeric variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) gene expression sites, but not in the active expression site, suggesting a role for J in regulating telomeric genes involved in pathogenesis. With the identification of surface glycoprotein genes adjacent to telomeres in the South American Trypanosome, Trypanosoma cruzi, we became interested in the telomeric distribution of base J. Analysis of J and telomeric repeat sequences by J immunoblots and Southern blots following DNA digestion, reveals »25% of J outside the telomeric repeat sequences. Moreover, the analysis of DNA sequences immunoprecipitated with J antiserum, localized J within subtelomeric regions rich in life-stage-specific surface glycoprotein genes involved in pathogenesis. Interestingly, the pattern of J within these regions is developmentally regulated. These studies provide a framework to characterize the role of base J in the regulation of telomeric gene expression/diversity in T. cruzi.
Comparing the Undergraduate Experience of Engineers to All Other Majors: Significant Differences are Programmatic

Background The authors partnered with the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) to examine how persistence within the engineering major and engagement of undergraduate students in engineering compare to other majors. Purpose (Hypothesis) We explored three research questions: How do engineering students rate their college engagement compared to students in other majors? How do engineering persisters, non-persisters, and migrators compare in terms of collegiate engagement, time on task, and enriching educational experiences? What college engagement factors predict persistence in engineering? Design/Method Data are from nearly 12,000 students who completed the NSSE survey in their first and senior years as undergraduates. Surveys were analyzed using ANOVA and Chi-square calculations to determine whether differences emerged in three dimensions of student engagement based on students' self-reported major. Due to the large sample, effect size was used to determine statistical significance. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors that predict persistence among first year students and seniors in engineering. Results Results show that engineering majors are similar to non-engineering majors on most variables. However, engineering majors reported significantly higher gains in practical competence and higher order thinking, but the lowest means on reflective learning and gains in general education. Engineering majors reported significantly more time preparing for class and less time participating in educationally enriching experiences. Conclusions We conclude that different educational outcomes between majors are the result of programmatic differences. The packed engineering curriculum requires students to make trade-offs between gaining practical/marketable skills and participating in educationally enriching activities. We question this trade-off and suggest alternative approaches.
100 years of Epilepsia: Landmark papers and their influence in neuropsychology and neuropsychiatry

As part of the 2009 International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Centenary Celebration, a special symposium was dedicated to Epilepsia (100 Years of Epilepsia: Landmark Papers and Their Influence). The Associate Editors were asked to identify a particularly salient and meaningful paper in their areas of expertise. From the content areas of neuropsychology and neuropsychiatry two very interesting papers were identified using quite different ascertainment techniques. One paper addressed the problem of psychosis in temporal lobe epilepsy, whereas the other represents the first paper to appear in Epilepsia presenting quantitative assessment of cognitive status in epilepsy. These two papers are reviewed in detail and placed in historical context.
Solar, interplanetary, and magnetospheric parameters for the radiation belt energetic electron flux

[1] In developing models of the radiation belt energetic electron flux, it is important to include the states of the interplanetary medium and the magnetosphere, as well as the solar activity. In this study we choose the log flux je(t;L;E) at 2–6 MeV, as measured by the Proton-Electron Telescope (PET) on SAMPEX in the period 1993–2002, as a representative flux variable and evaluate the usefulness of 17 interplanetary and magnetospheric (IP/MS) parameters in its specification. The reference parameter is the solar wind velocity, chosen because of its known high geoeffectiveness. We use finite impulse response filters to represent the effective coupling of the individual parameters to the log flux. We measure the temporal and spatial scales of the coupling using the impulse response function and the input's geoeffectiveness using the data-model correlation. The correlation profile as a function of L is complex, and we identify its peaks in reference to the radial regions P0 (L = 3.1–4.0, inner edge of the outer belt), P1 (4.1–7.5, main outer belt), and P2 (>7.5, quasi-trapped population), whose boundaries are determined from a radial correlative analysis (Vassiliadis et al., 2003b). Using the profiles, we classify the IP/MS parameters in four categories: (1) For the solar wind velocity and pressure the correlation is high and largely independent of L across P0 and P1, reaching its maximum in L = 4.8–6.1, or the central part of P1. (2) The IMF BSouth component and related IP/MS parameters have a bimodal correlation function, with peaks in region P0 (L = 3.0–4.1) and the geosynchronous orbit region within P1. (3) The IMF BNorth and four other interplanetary or solar irradiance parameters have a minimum correlation in P1, while the highest correlation is in the slot–outer belt boundary (L = 2.5). (4) Finally, the solar wind density has a unique correlation profile, which is anticorrelated with that of the solar wind velocity for certain L shells. We verify this classification using more complex filtering methods as well as standard correlation analysis. The categories correspond to four types of solar-terrestrial interactions, namely, viscous interaction, magnetic reconnection, effects of ionospheric heating, and effects of high solar wind density. The response to these interactions produces the observed inner magnetospheric coherence. In each category the L dependence of the correlation profile helps explain why geoeffective solar wind structures are followed by electron acceleration in some L ranges but not in others.
Reasonableness and Reaction Time

When the police use deadly force, their actions are judged by the reasonableness standard. This article seeks to inform the reasonableness standard by examining the ability of police officers to respond to armed suspects. The results of a reaction time experiment are presented. In this experiment, police officers encountered a suspect armed with a gun, pointing down and not at the police officer. The police officer had his gun aimed at the suspect and ordered the suspect to drop the gun. The suspect then either surrendered or attempted to shoot the officer. The speed with which the officer fired if the suspect chose to shoot was assessed. Results suggest that the officers were generally not able to fire before the suspect. Implications for the reasonableness standard and policy are discussed.
The Discipline and I

Having had no previous experience in giving presidential addresses, I spent most of the last year on a study of such addresses, delivered before our own and other scholarly associations. The conclusion of my research was that most of those addresses could be readily classified under one of two headings. The subject matter was either “The Discipline and I” or “The Discipline, Its Past, Present, and Future.“ Faced with this alternative, I found the choice between being either frankly egotistic or grandly universalistic rather hard. Although naturally leaning toward the former, I could not quite suppress my interest in the latter. Finally, I resolved my doubts by recalling the well-known proposition that since chocolate is good and oysters are good, chocolate and oysters together must be excellent indeed. What this means is that I should like to make a number of remarks—some anticritical, but some also self-critical—about my approach to the industrial development of Europe in the nineteenth century; but in doing so I shall select those aspects of the matter which have more general significance and try to connect them with some methodological observations.
Perceived consequences of evolution: College students perceive negative personal and social impact in evolutionary theory

Evolutionary science has consequences for individuals and society, ranging from the way we interpret human behavior to our notions of spirituality and the purpose of our existence. Popular portrayals of evolution depict a paradoxical theory, a source of knowledge and human connections, but also a threat to our humanity and freedom. Us- ing quantitative and qualitative methodology, we examined how college-educated adults (n =135) from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds perceive the impact of evolution- ary theory on individuals and society. We identified a continuum of perspectives, ranging from strong creationist to strong evolutionist. Using the model of "knowledge as an ecol- ogy"(Demastes,Good,PNardi&O'Day, Information ecologies: Using technology with heart, MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 1999), we examined the relationships among participants' beliefs, their perceptions regarding the social and personal impact of evolutionary theory, their prior exposure to and knowledge of evolutionary theory, and their opinions regarding the teaching of evolution. Evolutionists and creationists differed in their prior exposure to evolutionary theory, and their opinions about some aspects of teaching, but showed striking similarities regarding perceived im- pact. All groups viewed the consequences of accepting evolutionary principles in a way that might be considered undesirable: increased selfishness and racism, decreased spiritu- ality, and a decreased sense of purpose and self-determination. From a science education perspective,thisone-sidedinterpretationistroublesomebecauseitrunscountertotheavail- able evidence and theories in evolutionary science, and we consider ways of fostering more
Cortico-cortical associations and EEG coherence: a two-compartmental model.

Abstract EEG coherence was computed from 19 scalp locations from 189 children ranging in age from 5 to 16 years. Tests of spatial homogeneity of EEG coherence were conducted by comparing EEG cogerence as a function of different interelectrode distances in the anterior-to-posterior versus posterior-to-anterior directions. Highly significant inhomogeneous were observed since greater coherence was present in the anterior-to-posterior direction than in the posterior-to-anterior directions. Greater coherence was also present in frontal derivations than in posterior derivations and from the right hemisphere in comparison to the left hemisphere. These data indicate that at least two separate sources of EEG coherence were present (1) coherence produced through the action of short length axonal connection, and (2) coherence produced through the action of long distance connections. Measures of phase delays as a function of interelectrode distance supported the development of a ‘two-compartmental’ model of EEG coherence in which different features of coherence are produced by different length fiber systems. Based on this model a number of hypotheses were developed to explain differences in connectivity between left and right hemispheres and frontal versus occipital cortex.
40-GHz optical pulse generation using strong external light injection of a gain-switched high-speed DBR laser diode

We demonstrate a compact 40-GHz repetition rate optical pulse source using a gain-switched distributed Bragg reflector laser diode with strong external light injection. The 8-ps output pulses are nearly transform-limited and the timing jitter is dominated, by the radio-frequency driving source. We experimentally demonstrate the dependence of the modulation efficiency and the chirp characteristic on the external injection power level.
Pheromone puffs suppress mating by Plodia interpunctella and Sitotroga cerealella in an infested corn store

The efficacy of pheromone mating disruption was investigated in a 7 x 6 x 3 m corn storage room harboring a high population density of Indian meal moth, Plodza ~nterpunctella (Hubner) and Angoumois grain moth, Sztotroga cerealella (Olivier) Pheromones were released from a controlled release dispenser, the metered semiochemical timed release system (MSTRS~~) at emission rates of -0 6 pg min-I (Z9,E12:14:Ac for Indian meal moth) and -0 2 pg min-I (Z7,Ell-16:Ac for Angouimois grain moth) Mating disruption efficacy was evaluated using three parameters: male capture in pheromone traps, visual examination of mating behavior, and the incidence and frequency of mating as measured by spermatophores In three trials, comparisons were made between data collected before pheromone treatment and during treatment Disruption of pheromone source location by males averaged 70% and 40% for P ~nterpunctella and S cerealella, respectively, in the three trials In addition, reduced levels of copulation by both species were recorded during pheromone treatment More importantly, significant reductions were recorded in the incidence and frequency of mating by females of both species collected during the treatment period While - 85% of P interpunctella females collected before pheromone treatment in three trials had mated at least once, only 50% of the females collected during treatment had mated The mean number of matings, as measured by spermatophores, ranged between 0 8-1 1 and 0 5-0 7 before and during pheromone treatment, respectively Similarly, a - 20-30% reduction in the proportion of mated S cerealella females was recorded during pheromone treatment In the three trials, mean number of spermatophores per S ~erealella lemale averaged 1 0 and 0 7 during the pretreatment and treatment periods, respectively Additional tests conducted in small boxes also recorded significant mating disruption of both species
Examining the Meaning of Training Animals: A Photovoice Study With At-Risk Youth

Using the photovoice method, we explored the benefits of engaging in a rescue-animal training program for at-risk youth. While participating in the community-based program, five adolescent males in residential care took pictures and shared their experiences through interview and focus groups. Six themes emerged: Gaining patience, forming an attachment to the dog, wanting to better themselves or make better choices, helping others or volunteering, teaching, and relating to the dog. Individually and collectively, the themes suggest that training rescue animals may be a meaningful occupation for at-risk youth and may provide therapeutic benefits.
Laparoscopic liver resection.

Laparoscopic surgery of the liver can be traced to wedge liver biopsies performed as part of a laparoscopic staging procedure for lymphoma.[1] The first laparoscopic nonanatomic resection of a focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) was reported by Gagner and colleagues[2] in 1992, and this was followed by the first report of laparoscopic anatomic liver resection in 1996.[3] Since this time, improvements in laparoscopic devices have significantly extended the surgeon's ability to perform these procedures safely, as reflected in recent publications.[4] A multidisciplinary Liver Tumor Clinic at the University of Washington Medical Center has been involved in the care of more than 1500 patients with benign and malignant liver tumors since 1996, with more than 200 open resections and an equal number of laparoscopic radiofrequency ablations in the experience of the senior author. We have recently started a program in laparoscopic liver resection.
Storage and Secretion of Acetylcholine and Dopamine by PC12 Cells

PC12 is a clonal line of rat pheochromocytoma cells that upon exposure to nerve growth factor extend neurites and acquire the morphology of neurons (7, 25). Both undifferentiated and nerve growth factor treated cells store and secrete dopamine and acetylcholine (9, 14, 16, 20, 23). This property makes PC12 useful for. pharmacological studies in that one can compare the effects of a particular drug on two different transmitter systems in the same cell.
The Effect of Medicare reimbursement Policies on Cancer Chemotherapy Treatment

Prior to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA), Medicare reimbursed physicians for chemotherapy drugs at rates that substantially exceeded the costs the physicians paid for those drugs. We examined the effect of physician reimbursement on chemotherapy treatment of Medicare beneficiaries over age 65 with metastatic lung, breast, colorectal, or other gastrointenstinal cancers between 1995 and 1998 (9357 patients). A physician’s decision to administer chemotherapy to metastatic cancer patients was not measurably affected by higher reimbursement. Providers who were more generously reimbursed , however, prescribed more expensive chemotherapy regimens to metastatic breast (P<0.038), colorectal (P<0.079) and lung (P<0.039) cancer patients.
Abstract B003: Developing an analytical method for second messenger cyclic GMP-AMP

The presence of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in the cytosol is a danger signal associated with microbial infections and tumor microenvironment. The cytosolic DNA surveillance pathway (CDSP) is critical for sensing such signal to elicit type I interferon response, which facilitates infection clearance and tumor rejection. Uncontrolled engagement of CDSP is also linked to autoimmune disease. The key components of CDSP are the DNA sensor—cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), the second messenger—cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), and the endoplasmic reticulum localized adaptor—stimulator of interferon inducible genes (STING). While numerous efforts, including ours, are focusing on developing STING agonists formulated cancer vaccine, an analytical method that is sensitive and reliable for cGAMP and other cyclic dinucleotides is also in high demand to enable quantitative investigations. In this work, we developed and optimized a rapid quantification workflow that integrates solid phase extraction, hydrophilic liquid chromatography and multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry. This workflow enables detection of cGAMP in cells at sub-femtomole levels and is amenable for scaling up for high throughput analysis. A biochemically synthesized nonradioactive isotope labeled cGAMP standard enables absolute quantification. As a proof of principle, this method is first applied to probe cGAMP in macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and to help establish cGAS as the innate immune sensor for the pandemic pathogen. Second, constitutive levels of cGAMP in organs of autoimmune mouse models, of Trex1 or Dnase2 deficiencies, are quantified. The result indicates a direct engagement of the cGAS-cGAMP-STING pathway in the autoimmune pathology. Finally, we show that cGAMP is produced when the apoptosis program is initiated in conjunction with pro-apoptotic caspase inhibition. This shows that mitochondria have the capacity to simultaneously expose a cell-intrinsic inducer of the IFN response and to inactivate this response in a caspase-dependent manner. Altogether, these studies demonstrated the usefulness of this analytical method for quantifying cGAMP in a high dynamic range under different biological contexts. We are currently applying this method to measure the activation of the cGAS pathway in tumor immunity and immunotherapy. Citation Format: Tuo Li, Zhijian J. Chen. Developing an analytical method for second messenger cyclic GMP-AMP. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR Inaugural International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; September 16-19, 2015; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B003.
Bringing Angel Investing Out of the Shadows

The primary ambition of this Report is to illuminate several key issues associated with angel investing that are debated, frequently misunderstood, or not widely known. In other words, this Report seeks to bring angel investing out of the shadows. Some of these issues — such as deal terms in angel investment contracts — are well understood by highly sophisticated angels, commentators, and Roundtable participants. Yet this discussion merits dissemination to a wide range of entrepreneurs and investors. Other issues — such as the aggregate performance angel investing as an asset class — are not as well understood, even by startup cognoscenti. To bring angel investing out of the shadows, then, is to attempt to catalogue some of the most important aspects and challenges of the asset class, both generally and in Colorado specifically.
DC Bus Control of Back-to-Back Connected Two-Level PWM Rectifier-Five-Level NPC Voltage Source Inverter to Torque Ripple Reduction in Induction Motor

This paper proposes a regulation method of back-to-back connected two-level PWM rectifier-five-level Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) in order to reduce the torque ripple in induction motor. First part is dedicated to the presentation of the feedback control of two-level PWM rectifier. In the second part, five-level Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) voltage source inverter balancing DC bus algorithm is presented. A theoretical analysis with a complete simulation of the system is presented to prove the excellent performance of the proposed technique.
Vibration Susceptibilities of Various Highway Bridge Types

Deflection and vibration measurements on 34 spans of 15 bridges of 3 types: simple span, continuous span, and cantilever type; data indicate that cantilever type structure is much more susceptible to larger amplitudes of vibration than are other types; methods of analysis for computing fundamental frequency of vibration for all bridge types.
Nano-lamellar Structures in a Rolled Cu-Ag Alloy

The microstructural evolution and texture development in a Cu-Ag eutectic during rolling are systematically investigated. A directionally solidified Cu-Ag alloy with a single dominant texture is deformed to several rolling reductions. At each of these strains, the microstructure and texture are characterized. Rapid divergence of local crystal orientations leads to the early development of high-angle Cu-Ag boundary/interface orientations, while less misorientation accumulation occurs within the individual copper and silver layers. With increasing deformation, orientations of the copper and silver phases in a single region are observed to diverge to two distinct textures, and within each of the single phases, there is a greater spread of orientations of individual cells while still retaining an identifiable preferred orientation.
Measurement of Exciton Transport in Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles

A novel approach is proposed for determining exciton transport parameters in conjugated polymers. Exciton dynamics of conjugated polymer nanoparticles doped with dyes were investigated by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. Highly efficient energy transfer from the polymer PFBT to the dye perylene red was evident in the fluorescence spectra and excited state kinetics. Exciton transport parameters were obtained by fitting to a model that included the effects of nanoparticle size, exciton diffusion, energy transfer, and quenching by defects. The results indicate substantial quenching by defects, owing primarily to exciton diffusion, which can greatly increase the effective quenching volume of defects. We estimated the amount of quenching by defects, and included quenching by defects in our model, yielding an estimated exciton diffusion length of 12 nm and diffusion constant of 8.0 × 10–9 m2 s–1 for nanoparticles of PFBT. The results indicate that quenching by defects can lead to substantial error in de...
Measuring the Effect of Direct Democracy on State Policy: Not All Initiatives Are Created Equal:

Numerous studies attempt to assess direct democracy's impact on state policy using measures of direct democracy based on dummy variables or the frequency with which initiatives appear on a state's ballots. We offer an alternative to these measures that accounts for how rules governing the initiative process vary among the states. We replicate several studies using different measures of direct democracy and demonstrate that the results of hypothesis tests can be contingent on how these institutions are measured. We contend that commonly used dummy variable measures of state direct democracy have validity problems and that hypothesis tests using such measures produce imprecise estimates of the initiative's effect on policy.
Experimental Measles Encephalitis in Normal and Cyclophosphamide-treated Rhesus Monkeys

Three strains of measles virus, a hamster-brain-adapted strain, a low-passage wild Edmonston strain, and an attenuated strain, were inoculated intracerebrally into susceptible measles-free rhesus monkeys. Only the hamster-brain-adapted strain produced encephalitis with morphologic findings similar to those described in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and quite unlike acute measles encephalitis in man. Severe disease developed in cyclophosphamide-treated animals, and they became moribund within a few weeks after infection. A suppressed replicative cycle in neuronal cells was considered the main factor responsible for the encephalitogenicity of measles virus in primates.
Charge renormalization in nominally apolar colloidal dispersions

We present high-resolution measurements of the pair interactions between dielectric spheres dispersed in a fluid medium with a low dielectric constant. Despite the absence of charge control agents or added organic salts, these measurements reveal strong and long-ranged repulsions consistent with substantial charges on the particles whose interactions are screened by trace concentrations of mobile ions in solution. The dependence of the estimated charge on the particles' radii is consistent with charge renormalization theory and, thus, offers insights into the charging mechanism in this interesting class of model systems. The measurement technique, based on optical-tweezer manipulation and artifact-free particle tracking, makes use of optimal statistical methods to reduce measurement errors to the femtonewton frontier while covering an extremely wide range of interaction energies.
PARTIAL REVERSAL OF ETHANOL OF ETHANOL-INDUCED MALE REPRODUCTIVE PATHOLOGY FOLLOWING ABSTINENCE

To date, no longitudinal studies have been carried out to determine the recovery of ethanol-related reproductive failure subsequent to moderate periods of abstinence. An animal model (C57B1 mouse) was utilized to examine the effectiveness of abstinence for reversal of ethanol-induced reproductive failure. After treatment with either a 5% (v/v) ethanol diet (10 weeks) or a 6% (v/v) ethanol diet (5 weeks), ethanol-treated animals and their pair-fed controls were electroejaculated and hemicastrated (right testis and accessory organs); their reproductive tracts and epididymal spermatozoa were examined Ingestion of the 5% and 6% ethanol diets resulted in significantly (P<0.05) decreased weights of testes (24% and 28%, respectively) and seminal vesicles/prostate (2040, 640 diet only), increased frequencies of germ cell desquamation (480% and 400%), inactive seminiferous tubules (186% and 567%). sperm dysmorphology (31% and 119%) and inhibition of in vitro fertilization of mouse oocytes by epididymal spermatozoa (26% and 62%), as compared to their respective pair-fed control values. Also observed were significant decreases in epidldymal sperm content (72%. 6% diet only), total motile spermatozoa (85%, 6% diet only) and seminal vesicles epithelial cell height (13% and 29%). No abnormal semen parameters were observed after treatment with the 5% ethanol diet; however, in animals treated with the 6% diet, significant decreases were noted in coagulum weight (50%), sperm count (85%) and acid phosphatase content (53%). Improvement in all parameters was observed in the contralateral half of the reproductive tract subsequent to 10 weeks abstinence. Only germ cell desquamation remained significantly elevated (100% as compared to control) in animals that ingested the 5% diet. In contrast, significant abnormalities persisting 10 weeks after treatment with the 6% ethanol diet included increased germ cell desquamation (200%), inactive seminiferous tubules (157%) and sperm dysmorphology (39%) and decreased forward progression (17%) of epididymal sperm, as compared to control values. These findings are discussed in relation to the influence of alcohol consumption on male reproductive function in man.
The Presence of Poetry, the Poetry of Presence: Meditations on Arabic Sufi Poetry Performance and Ritual in Contemporary Dakar

The composition and performance of Arabic Sufi poetry is the most characteristic artistic tradition of West African Sufi communities, and yet this tradition has yet to receive the scholarly attention it deserves. In this article, I sketch an outline of a theory of Sufi poetics, and then apply this theory to interpret a performance of a popular Arabic poem of the Senegalese Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse (d. 1975), founder of the most popular branch of the Tijāniyya in West Africa.
Architecture of a Powered Prosthesis System: Actuators, Sensors, and Control

A current strategy for providing a powered prosthesis capable of emulating the intricate features of the ankle-foot complex is through the application of the robotic architecture. The proposed robotic architecture consists of three levels: actuators, sensors, and control. An emphasis is placed upon the actuator level, for which the series elastic actuator is a subject of prosthetic research and development, and other types of actuators, such as the chemical-derived actuator and pneumatic actuator. Inclusive of the subject of actuators are advanced concepts that extend the technology of the series elastic actuator, such as the Robotic Tendon, with variable stiffness. A new perspective on muscle modeling that accommodates history dependence is featured, which is known as the Winding Filament Hypothesis. As a supplement, battery technology is discussed with a consideration of future capability. The sensor level addresses currently applied microelectronic devices, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, angular encoders, linear encoders, and footswitches. The control level focuses on the application of the finite state machine, which derives the status of gait based on the acuity of sensor feedback.
Republicans and rebels

The historical reality of traditional societies is locked together for the rest of time with the historical reality of the intruders who saw them, changed them, destroyed them. There is no history beyond the frontier, free of the contact that makes it. Greg Dening, Islands and Beaches The alliance, with its particular blending of material interests and cultural logics, always served political purposes. It excluded the British from the pays d'en haut ; it protected Canada; ideally, it preserved peace among the villages and distributed goods to Onontio's children. At one end of the spectrum, the alliance served imperial politics; at the other end, village politics. But the converse was also true. The alliance was vulnerable to changes in imperial politics, and it was vulnerable to rivalries within the villages. In the 1740s and 1750s, the direct clash of empires, largely absent for a generation, exacerbated bitter political rivalries within villages. Rebellion racked the alliance, and the result was the rise of what the French called Indian republics. For eighteenth-century French administrators, all the connotations of the word republic were pejorative. Republics destroyed hierarchy, order, and authority. The Indian republics shattered existing political arrangements, earning both British and French distrust. The republicans were a potentially volatile mix of the discontented from all over the pays d'en haut and the East. As Conrad Weiser noted of Logstown, one of the leading republican villages, the inhabitants were “very jealous at one another, they being of so many different nations. Each of them pretending to have as wise people as the rest.” They lived together as much from fear as from friendship.
Highly electrically conductive polyethylenedioxythiophene thin films for thermoelectric applications

In this study, we report the utilization of protonic acids to treat polyethylene glycol-triblock-polypropylene glycol (PP) modified polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) doped with tosylate (Tos−) counter-ion (PP-modified PEDOT:Tos) thin films. Investigations using absorption, Raman, electron spin resonance and X-ray photoemission spectroscopies indicate that nearly 100% enhanced electrical conductivity and over a 30% improved power factor observed from the PP-modified PEDOT:Tos thin films with protonic acid treatment are attributed to the increased densities of the polaron state and the stabilized densities of the bipolaron state. Further studies by grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy reveal that the crystal structure, amorphous regions, and the size of the exchanging counter ion have great influences on the electrical conductivities, the Seebeck coefficients and the power factors. Our studies provide a facile route to realize highly electrically conductive polymers for the development of effective organic thermoelectric devices.