cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analog FIR filters by switched-capacitor techniques

The implementation of general-purpose FIR (far infrared) filters by stray-insensitive SC (switched capacitor) techniques is addressed. First, a simple building block for an analog tapped delay line is introduced. The proposed cell comprises a single amplifier and is controlled by a multiphase clocking scheme. Then, it is shown how this circuit can be developed into a generic FIR filter cell without the need for additional amplifiers. The feasibility of the new building blocks is demonstrated by the example of a linear-phase low-pass filter design. >
Family cognitive behavioral therapy for child anxiety disorders

ABSTRACT Objective This study compared family-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT; the Building Confidence Program) with traditional child-focused CBT with minimal family involvement for children with anxiety disorders. Method Forty clinically anxious youth (6-13 years old) were randomly assigned to a family- or child-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Conditions were matched for therapist contact time. Both interventions included coping skills training and in vivo exposure, but the family CBT intervention also included parent communication training. Independent evaluator, parent, and child report measures with demonstrated validity and reliability were used to assess child anxiety symptom outcomes at pre- and posttreatment. The data analytic strategy involved an evaluable patient analysis. Results Compared with child-focused CBT, family CBT was associated with greater improvement on independent evaluators' ratings and parent reports of child anxiety-but not children's self-reports-at posttreatment. Conclusions Both treatment groups showed improvement on all outcome measures, but family CBT may provide additional benefit over and above child-focused CBT. These findings provide preliminary support for the efficacy of the "Building Confidence" program and encourage further research in parental participation in treatment for childhood anxiety. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 2006;45(3):314-321.
Effects of Storage Time and Temperature on the Microflora and Amine‐Development in Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus)

Microbial content was characterized and levels of three amines (histamine, cadaverine, and putrescine) were determined in Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) decomposed at PC, WC, and 30°C for varying lengths of time. Correlations were shown (1) between the levels of the histamine, cadaverine, and putrescine and the time and temperature of decomposition, (2) between the ratios of cadaverine/histamine and putrescine/histamine levels and the temperature of decomposition, and (3) between increasing total microbial counts and rising amine levels. A total of 14 bacterial species with histidine decarboxylase activity were isolated from decomposing fish, including three species (Acinetobacter lwoffi, Pseudomonas putrefaciens, and Aeromonas hydrophila) not previously reported to have the potential to produce histamine.
MiR-106b impairs cholesterol efflux and increases Aβ levels by repressing ABCA1 expression.

Abstract ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is a cholesterol transporter that transfers excess cellular cholesterol onto lipid-poor apolipoproteins. Given its critical role in cholesterol homeostasis, ABCA1 has been studied as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. Transcriptional regulation of ABCA1 by liver X receptor has been well characterized. However, whether ABCA1 expression is regulated at the posttranscriptional level is largely unknown. Identification of a novel pathway that regulates ABCA1 expression may provide new strategy for regulating cholesterol metabolism and amyloid β (Aβ) levels. Since ABCA1 has an unusually long 3′ untranslated region, we investigated whether microRNAs could regulate ABCA1 expression. We identified miR-106b as a novel regulator of ABCA1 expression and Aβ metabolism. miR-106b significantly decreased ABCA1 levels and impaired cellular cholesterol efflux in neuronal cells. Furthermore, miR-106b dramatically increased levels of secreted Aβ by increasing Aβ production and preventing Aβ clearance. Alterations in Aβ production and clearance were rescued by expression of miR-106b-resistant ABCA1. Taken together, our data suggest that miR-106b affects Aβ metabolism by suppressing ABCA1 expression.
Graph-Based Authentication Design for Color-Depth-Based 3D Video Transmission over Wireless Networks

3D video applications such as 3D-TV and 3D games have become more and more popular in recent years. These applications raised significant challenges in the media security, processing and transmissions. Especially, when 3D videos are delivered over wireless networks, the video streaming suffers the potential malicious attacks. One of the most important security challenging issues is how to guarantee the integrity of media content over error-prone wireless networks. To address this challenge, in the paper, we for the first time propose an authentication approach for 3D video transmission over wireless networks, which can improve the reconstructed media quality under error-prone wireless environment with lower authentication overheads and energy consumption. The proposed method is based on color-depth 3D video coding approach, which can save bandwidth, be tolerable to packet losses and thus satisfy the users' Quality of Experience (QoE) requirements. Our major contribution in this paper includes: (1) designing a joint source-channel-authentication coding framework for color-depth-based 3D video transmission; (2) proposing a media quality prediction model for color-depth-based 3D video transmission; (3) developing optimization for graph-based authentication on 3D video transmission to improve reconstructed media quality, reduce authentication overheads and energy consumption. Experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of our proposed solutions.
Three modulation patterns in four related [M(H2O)2(15‐crown‐5)](NO3)2 structures

The structures of [M(H2O)2(15-crown-5)](NO3)2, M = Cu, Zn, Mg and Co, and 15-crown-5 = 1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxacyclopentadecane, have been redetermined at 294 and 90 K. The four structures, and a second form of the Cu structure, have been reported in the literature, but are all incorrect in some significant way. The structures, which all have at least two independent formula units (i.e. Z′ ≥ 2), are related; each water ligand is hydrogen-bonded to two nitrate anions, while each nitrate anion is hydrogen bonded to the water ligands of two cations. In the tetragonal Co structure the hydrogen-bond pattern is three-dimensional; in the monoclinic Cu, Zn and Mg structures the hydrogen-bond patterns are two-dimensional. In the isostructural Zn and Mg structures Z′ = 3, while in the Cu structure Z′ = 5. The Cu, Zn and Mg structures are modulated variants of a basic structure, which was reported for Cu but which probably does not exist. The conformations of the 11 independent cations are remarkably similar; they all have approximate twofold symmetry and so exist as conformational enantiomers. The most important modulation is imperfect enantiomeric alternation of the cations along the longest cell axis; the independent cations are related by very good pseudotranslation and pseudoinversion operations. The diffraction patterns for all four structures have classes of weak, even very weak, reflections.
Adding Value to Policy Analysis and Advice

Editor: Louise K. Comfort University of Pittsburgh, USA Adding Value to Policy Analysis and Advice. Claudia Scott (School of Government, Victoria University of Wellington and Australia and New Zeal...
An Elementary Proof of the Kronecker-Weber Theorem

(1974). An Elementary Proof of the Kronecker-Weber Theorem. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 81, No. 6, pp. 601-607.
From Stem to Stern: A Brief Review of Ethical Issues in the Stem Cell Debate

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the ethical questions associated with each of the major sources of stem cells (cadaveric fetal tissue, live embryos, adult tissue). 2. Describe the debate over the prospective use of somatic cell nuclear transfer (“cloning”) technology to create embryos for stem cell research. 3. Delineate the guidelines for ethically sound policy for stem cell research. 4. Describe the implications of increasing global interdependence in the construction of policy governing stem cell research. In the 4 years since the announcements that human stem cells had been isolated and cultured, the United States has witnessed unprecedented public discussion and debate about the ethical and legal issues raised by this research. In the last federal congressional session alone, 10 separate bills were introduced, each of which would have variously brought about the regulation, prohibition, or promotion of stem cell research. Although only one bill was passed by the United States House of Representatives (H.R. 2505) and none was passed by the Senate, the number and diversity of these initiatives are evidence that public consensus has not been achieved in this country with regard to the isolation and use of human embryonic stem (ES) cells. Many health organizations have taken positions on human ES cell research. Some, such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, have specific policies and oversight procedures for funding research involving ES cells. Others, such as the American Heart Association, do not fund projects involving human ES cells but do encourage the use of adult stem (AS) cells. Still others, such as the American Cancer Society, the ALS Association, and the Alzheimer’s Society, have declared support or made funds available for ES stem cell research. United States federal policy is reflected in actions taken both by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), whose current guidance …
The effects of electrostatic and inertial forces on the diffusive deposition of small particles onto large disks: Viscous axisymmetric stagnation point flow approximations

Abstract Fine particles can deposit on microelectronic parts during their manufacture and cause damage. Prediction of the rates of deposition is important in planning to reduce such losses. Analytic expressions were developed and Monte Carlo simulations (Brownian dynamics) were carried out to predict deposition rates of sub-micron particles in viscous axisymmetric stagnation point flow. Diffusive, inertial and electrostatic deposition mechanisms were incorporated in the analysis. The electrostatic forces considered included the Coulombic force on a charged particle in an electric field and the image force on a charged particle near a conducting plane. Analytical solutions to the convective-diffusion equation, in the absence of inertial effects, showed that for a Boltzmann charge equilibrium, the electrostatic image force did not appreciably enhance deposition for a free-stream velocity of 50 cm s−1. However, the Coulomb electrostatic attraction of a charged particle towards a charged surface greatly enhanced deposition, assuming a field from the disk approximately equivalent to having a disk 20 cm in diameter (80 pF capacitance) at 2000 V. Some areas for future study are suggested by these results. Brownian dynamics simulations carried out for particles of the order of 1 μm in diameter at a much higher velocity (30 m s−1) demonstrated an interaction between inertial and diffusive deposition that produced inertially enhanced deposition at Stokes values below the critical value, St
Two-loop QED vertex correction from virtual heavy fermions

Abstract The O(α2) contribution of a virtual massive fermion to the electromagnetic vertex of a light fermion is calculated in perturbative QED for arbitrary external momentum transfer s. Besides the exact analytic result also the small-s and high-s expansions are presented. Virtual fermions with masses m≫ |s| decouple from the effective interaction of light fermions and photons.
Research on Peer Coaching in Preservice Teacher Education--A Review of Literature.

Abstract This study reviewed eight studies selected from the ERIC and Education Complete databases covering the years 1997 through 2007. The goals of this study were to identify similarities and differences of peer coaching and to examine its feasibility and challenges in preservice teacher education. The four similarities among the studies identified are (i) study participants, (ii) coaching relationships, (iii) coaching duration, and (iv) coaching strategies. The differences identified were in relation to the following four areas: (i) the purposes of peer coaching, (ii) the nature of the field-based experiences of the programmes, (iii) the training for peer coaching, and (iv) the effects of peer coaching. Peer coaching appears to possess unique advantages and have much value for preservice teacher education. How barriers to the comprehensive recognition of peer coaching could be eliminated in preservice teacher education is also discussed.
Utility of tonsillectomy in 2 patients with the syndrome of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis.

Objectives To review the various causes of period fever in childhood, including the syndrome of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA), and to examine the value of tonsillectomy in the treatment of PFAPA syndrome. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Urban and tertiary care referral children's hospital. Patients Two patients who underwent tonsillectomy for presumed recurrent adenotonsillitis were later diagnosed as having PFAPA syndrome. Intervention Tonsillectomy. Main Outcome Measure Frequency of PFAPA symptoms before and after tonsillectomy. Results No difference was found in the frequency of PFAPA symptoms after tonsillectomy. Conclusion Although a larger series of patients is required, our initial experience suggests that tonsillectomy is not always beneficial for patients with PFAPA syndrome.
Clinical pharmacy consultation for pharmacogenetic testing

The clinical application of pharmacogenetic testing will help to bring personalized medicine into clinical practice. Due to the complex process involved in delivering pharmacogenetic testing, optimal clinical implementation of pharmacogenetic tests will require the coordinated effort of multiple disciplines including medicine, clinical laboratory medicine and clinical pharmacy. This will help to bridge the gap between the basic and laboratory science, and the clinical application of these results. How may clinical pharmacy contribute to the clinical application of pharmacogenetic testing as a member of a multidisciplinary team? In this perspective, we propose a potential new role for pharmacists: as an interpreter of pharmacogenetic test results. Interpreting the results of pharmacogenetic tests, particularly, those intended to guide drug dosing, requires an understanding of pharmacogenetics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Pharmacists who are knowledgeable in these areas may play an important role in interpretation of the test results.
The Use of Time Domain Dielectric Spectroscopy to Characterize the Progress of Wound Repair

The electrical properties of wounded plant tissue are observed to change during the course of healing. Such changes could serve as an objective measure of the progress of repair. Time domain dielectric spectroscopy is used to rapidly measure these properties. Under microprocessor control a voltage step is applied to a stem and the resulting current-time characteristic sampled. Fourier Transformation yields the variation of stem conductance and capacitance with frequency.
Multilevel mixture Kalman filter

The mixture Kalman filter is a general sequential Monte Carlo technique for conditional linear dynamic systems. It generates samples of some indicator variables recursively based on sequential importance sampling (SIS) and integrates out the linear and Gaussian state variables conditioned on these indicators. Due to the marginalization process, the complexity of the mixture Kalman filter is quite high if the dimension of the indicator sampling space is high. In this paper, we address this difficulty by developing a new Monte Carlo sampling scheme, namely, the multilevel mixture Kalman filter. The basic idea is to make use of the multilevel or hierarchical structure of the space from which the indicator variables take values. That is, we draw samples in a multilevel fashion, beginning with sampling from the highest-level sampling space and then draw samples from the associate subspace of the newly drawn samples in a lower-level sampling space, until reaching the desired sampling space. Such a multilevel sampling scheme can be used in conjunction with the delayed estimation method, such as the delayed-sample method, resulting in delayed multilevel mixture Kalman filter. Examples in wireless communication, specifically the coherent and noncoherent 16-QAM over flat-fading channels, are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed multilevel mixture Kalman filter.
Broad-area InGaNAs/GaAs quantum-well lasers in the 1200 nm range

Broad-area InGaNAs/GaAs quantum-well (QW) edge-emitting lasers on GaAs substrates in the 1200 nm range are reported. The epitaxial layers of the InGaNAs/GaAs QW laser wafers were grown on n+-GaAs substrates by using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The thickness of the InGaNAs/GaAs QW layers is 70 A/1200 A. The indium content (x) of the In x Ga 1−x N y As 1−y QW layers is estimated to be 0.35 to 0.36, while the nitrogen content (y) is estimated to be 0.006 to 0.008. More indium content (In) and nitrogen content (N) in the InGaNAs QW layer enables the laser emission up to 1300 nm range. The epitaxial layer quality, however, is limited by the strain in the grown layer. The devices were made with different ridge widths from 5 to 50 µm. A very low threshold current density (J th ) of 80 A/cm2 has been obtained for the 50µm×500µm LD. A number of InGaNAs/GaAs epi-wafers were made into broad-area LDs. A maximum output power of 95 mW was measured for the broad-area InGaNAs/GaAs QW LDs. The variations in the output powers of the broad-area LDs are mainly due to strain the InGaNAs QW layers.
Homogeneous Vapor Nucleation Using Isothermal Multibody Dissipative Particle Dynamics

Homogeneous nucleation of a vapor bubble from a bulk metastable phase is studied here for the first time using the multibody dissipative particle dynamics model. The van der Waals equation of state is used to define a conservative force that describes the model fluid used in this study. Additional computational tools were developed to help visualize the vapor bubble formed in the system. Continuum thermodynamic ideas are used to help identify the bubble interface and separate particles that constitute the vapor bubble and bulk liquid regions respectively. Using this idea, the density variation is found to vary smoothly from the liquid to vapor regions in the system. The square-gradient term that arises from the free energy expansion of the density is found to have no significant effect on the radial local density variation.
Aflatoxin production and degradation by Aspergillus flavus in 20-liter fermentors.

Yields of from 200 to 300 mg per liter of aflatoxins B1 and G1 were produced by two strains of Aspergillus flavus in 20-liter fermentors under proper conditions of inoculum (well-dispersed growth) and aeration (0.5 volume per volume per min of air, 300 rev/min, 30 psi back pressure, baffles). Peak yields were usually attained in 72 hr, after which the aflatoxin concentration declined rapidly. Degradation of aflatoxin depended primarily on mycelial lysis and high-aeration conditions. Cultures previously reported not to degrade aflatoxin could be induced to do so under these conditions. The percentage and rate of toxin degradation were independent of toxin concentration, and appeared to be nonenzymatic and nonspecific. Degradation simulating that occurring in the fermentor was achieved by reacting aflatoxin with peroxidized methyl esters of vegetable oil; initial degradation was rapid and appeared to involve a complex series of reactions.
Primate sperm contain protein phosphatase 1, a biochemical mediator of motility.

Sperm motility initiation, capacitation, and hyperactivation are modulated by an interplay of intracellular Ca 2+ , cAMP, and pH. Mechanisms by which these mediators alter sperm function have not been elucidated but may involve reversible alterations in regulatory protein phosphorylation. Studies were designed 1) to investigate the influence of the protein phosphatase (PP) inhibitor calyculin A (CA) on human sperm motility and 2) to characterize the CA-sensitive PP and its endogenous regulators in human and rhesus monkey sperm. CA (50 nM) treatment of human sperm resulted in an increase in percentage motility and an acceleration in mean path velocity. Inhibition of either protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) or protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A) could be responsible for this motility stimulation, since both of these phosphatases are sensitive to nanomolar quantities of CA. PP activity in human In = 4) and rhesus monkey (n = 4) sperm sonicates was measured using [ 32 P1-phosphorylase-a, the preferred substrate for PP1 and PP2A, in the absence of divalent cations. Human (6.2 + 4.5 x 10 -2 mU/10 6 sperm) and monkey (4.3 + 0.8 x 10 - 2 mU/10 6 sperm) sonicates contained activity tentatively identified as PP1 on the basis of inhibition profiles in okadaic acid (OA) and CA. Western blot analysis with antibodies against various isoforms of PP1 subsequently documented the presence of PP1, 2 in human and monkey sperm. PP1 activity in most tissues is regulated by the heat-stable inhibitors 11 or 12. Sperm sonicates contained inhibitor activity similar to 12 as well as glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) activity, which is involved in the activation of the PP1-12 complex. These results indicate, for the first time, that human and rhesus monkey sperm contain PP1 and regulators of PP1 and that inhibition of PP1 activity by CA can enhance motility.
Factors affecting butterfly use of filter strips in Midwestern USA

Filter strips are areas of herbaceous vegetation planted between agricultural fields and streams. In 2002 and 2003, the butterfly community in filter strips of a variety of widths and vegetative compositions was studied. Transect surveys were used to quantify butterfly abundance and diversity and measured vegetative variables in conjunction with each butterfly survey round. Overall butterfly diversity (H 0 ) and abundance of habitat-sensitive butterflies were positively correlated with filter strip width. Using stepwise regression, the best models to explain butterfly abundance included the coverage of forbs and the number of ramets in bloom in the strips, and indicated positive relationships between forbs and the butterfly community (R 2 = 0.33 and 0.07, respectively). The models that best explained abundances of large, habitat-sensitive butterflies included the height and vertical density of vegetation. The planting of forbs in filter strips is rare, but may be useful for providing food sources to butterflies.
ASPECTS is a predictor of favorable CT perfusion in acute ischemic stroke.

Summary Background and purpose Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) is used by some stroke centers to stratify stroke patients who may potentially benefit from endovascular treatment. Our aim is to identify predictors of a favorable CTP in acute ischemic stroke patients evaluated within 8 h from symptoms onset for possible endovascular treatment. Materials and methods We reviewed records of patients who had CTP studies between August 2010 and September 2012. We included all patients with anterior circulation strokes with evidence of large vessel disease. All patients had CT head and CT angiography head and neck as part of our protocol. Favorable CTP was defined as core infarct size less than one third the middle cerebral artery distribution and penumbra > 20% of infarct size. The patients were divided into two groups based on favorable CTP or not. Baseline characteristics, time parameters, laboratory data and radiological data were compared between both groups. For statistical analysis, we used independent and Fisher's exact tests and a multivariate logistic regression model. Results During this period, 60 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients with favorable CTP were likely to be ≥ 80 years (33% vs 9%, P = 0.026), have Alberta Stroke Program early CT score (ASPECTS) > 7 (81% v. 21%, P ≤ 0.001) and lower mean time from symptom onset to CTP (234 ± 91 vs 305 ± 122, P = 0.015). On regression analysis, ASPECTS was the only independent predictor of a favorable CTP (OR = 16.2, CI: 4.3–62.2, P Conclusion ASPECT score may be used as a tool to predict a favorable CTP. Larger studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Market practices of legitimization Insights from Consumer Culture Theory

This article presents a reflexive discussion as to how new academic communities can legitimize their field of work. I integrate Abbott’s theory of professionalism and the body of consumer research ...
18F-FDG PET/CT and Colorectal Cancer: Value of Fourth and Subsequent Posttherapy Follow-up Scans for Patient Management

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the added value of a fourth and subsequent follow-up PET/CT scans to clinical assessment and impact on patient management in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: This was an institutional review board–approved, retrospective study. Eight hundred twenty-two patients with biopsy-proven colorectal cancer, who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT, were identified from 2000 to 2012. Among these, 73 (8.9%) patients underwent 4 or more follow-up PET/CT scans, with a total of 313 fourth and subsequent follow-up PET/CT scans. Median follow-up from the fourth follow-up PET/CT scan was 41.7 mo. The added value of each follow-up PET/CT scan, for clinical assessment and the treatment changes subsequent to each follow-up PET/CT scan, was established. Overall survival prediction was established using Kaplan–Meier plots with a Mantel–Cox log-rank test. Results: Of the 313 fourth and subsequent follow-up PET/CT scans, 174 (55.6%) were interpreted as positive and 139 (44.4%) were interpreted as negative for recurrence or metastases. Thirty-four (46.6%) patients died during the study period. PET/CT identified recurrence or metastasis in 40.0% of scans obtained without prior clinical suspicion and ruled out disease in 23.6% of scans obtained with prior clinical suspicion. The PET/CT scan resulted in treatment change after 34.2% (107/313) of the scans. New treatment was initiated after 24.0% (75/313) of the scans, and treatment was changed after 8.0% (25/313) scans. There was a statistically significant difference in the overall survival between patients with a positive and all negative fourth and subsequent follow-up PET/CT scans at the patient level (log-rank, P = 0.001). Conclusion: The fourth and subsequent 18F-FDG PET/CT scans obtained after primary treatment completion add value to clinical assessment and the management plan and provide prognostic information in patients with colorectal cancer.
Enhancement-mode quantum-well Ge/sub x/Si/sub 1-x /PMOS

The authors demonstrate the feasibility of a p-channel quantum-well MOSFET on a Ge/sub x/Si/sub 1-x//Si heterostructure. The advantages of the enhancement-mode p-channel MOSFET device compared to GeSi MODFETs are its high impedance, channel mobility, and channel transconductance. The device shows good saturation and cutoff behaviour. A saturation transconductance of 64 mS/mm was measured for a 0.7- mu m channel device at a drain-to-source voltage of -2.5 V. The channel mobility was found to be higher than that of a similarly processed Si p-channel MOSFET. >
Basic Properties of Coherence: Testing a Core Assumption of Relational Frame Theory

Relational frame theory contains a foundational assumption that coherence (i.e., making sense) is reinforcing for verbally competent humans. That is, it is assumed that humans relate ambiguous stimuli together because they have an extensive learning history where doing so resulted in both effective environmental action and socially mediated reinforcement (e.g., praise, positive attention). This investigation tested this core assumption of relational frame theory by analyzing response patterns to ambiguous stimuli in a matching-to-sample task (Study 1) and by assessing whether participants displayed a preference toward coherent contexts in a concurrent chains preparation (Study 2). The majority of participants responded to ambiguous stimuli in ways that were internally consistent and congruent with their previous learning histories in the absence of any programmed contingencies. Many participants also displayed a preference toward contexts where coherent responding was possible, and there was a trend toward switching away in preference when it became increasingly costly to access the coherent context. The major theoretical contributions of these findings are discussed.
Use of the Methyl Ester of a Fluorescent Unnatural Amino Acid to Facilitate Site-Specific Incorporation of Fluorescent Probes in Proteins

Fluorescent unnatural amino acids (UAAs) can be efficiently incorporated in target proteins in vivo by expressing suppressor tRNA/aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (tRNA/aaRS) pairs in the presence of target protein mRNA that contains an orthogonal stop codon in the coding sequence and adequate cellular levels of UAA. While conceptually straightforward, many technical barriers impede facile application of this technology in a broad array of eukaryotic expression systems. Cell loading of UAAs is one such obstacle since amino acids usually require specific transporters for cellular uptake. To improve UAA cell loading, the methyl ester of one fluorescent UAA, L-Anap (L-Anap-AM) was tested in eukaryotic expression systems. L-Anap-AM is soluble in ethanol and DMSO, and readily diluted into aqueous solutions. Full length GFP (containing a stop codon mutation at Y39) and AHA2 H+-ATPase (stop codon mutation at W71) were produced in yeast strains expressing a tRNA/aaRS pair for L-Anap after growth in L-Anap-AM containing media. Both expressed proteins were fluorescent and GFP showed efficient FRET between L-Anap and the protein fluorochrome. LC/MS/MS studies also showed that L-Anap was located at residue 39 in GFP. These studies demonstrated that L-Anap-AM is correctly incorporated into peptide chains during translation. Studies were also carried out in Xenopus oocytes in which nuclear injection of the tRNA/aaRS pair for L-Anap was followed by injection of cRNA for Connexin 26 (Cx26) or the Shaker KV channel containing a stop codon mutation at specific locations. Both Cx26 and K+ currents were measured in injected oocytes, using a two-microelectrode voltage clamp, only after incubation in an L-Anap-AM containing storage buffer. These studies demonstrate that L-Anap-AM can be used effectively to generate UAA-containing proteins in a variety of eukaryotic expression systems.
Vascular accumulation of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan decorin in CADASIL.

Small penetrating brain artery thickening is a major feature of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infacts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). Though affected fibrotic arteries of CADASIL have been shown to accumulate collagen, other components that compose pathological arterial walls remain incompletely characterized. We investigated the expression of decorin (DCN), the first collagen-binding small leucine rich proteoglycan identified, in CADASIL. DCN was markedly upregulated in pathologically affected leptomeningeal and small penetrating arteries in CADASIL and notably weaker in normal arteries from control brains. DCN protein was localized principally to the media and adventitia and only occasionally expressed in the intima. Immunoblotting of brain lysates showed a 3-fold increase of DCN in CADASIL brains (compared to controls). Messenger RNA encoding DCN was 5-fold increased in CADASIL. We conclude that DCN is the first identified proteoglycan to be identified in CADASIL arteries and may accumulate through transcriptional mechanisms. Additional studies are warranted to determine whether DCN localizes broadly to pathological small vessels in other cerebrovascular disorders.
New Species of the Genus Odontophotopsis Subgenus Odontophotopsis Viereck (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of North America

Fourteen new species of Odontophotopsis (Odontophotopsis) Viereck are described by the late Clarence E. Mickel.
Immunogenicity of a peptide-based anti-IgE conjugate vaccine in non-human primates

The anti-human immunoglobulin E (IgE) monoclonal antibody, omalizumab (Xolair®, Genentech, South San Fransisco, CA), is effective in the treatment of poorly controlled moderate to severe allergic asthma and chronic idiopathic urticaria. It acts by specifically binding to the constant domain (Cϵ3) of free human IgE in the blood and interstitial fluid. Although efficacious, use of omalizumab is limited due to restrictions on patient weight and pre-existing IgE levels, and frequent dosing (q2-4 weeks). A vaccine inducing anti-IgE antibodies has the potential for similar clinical benefits with less frequent dosing and relatively lower cost of goods. We developed a vaccine containing two IgE peptide-conjugates targeting the Cϵ3 domain of human IgE. As part of preclinical evaluation of the vaccine to optimize formulation and dose prior to initiating clinical studies, we evaluated the vaccine in non-human primates, and demonstrate the induction of anti-peptide antibodies that can bind to conformationally intact human IgE and are capable, at least in some animals, of substantial lowering circulating IgE levels.
Designing Small Propellers for Optimum Efficiency and Low Noise Footprint

Abstract : A topic of increasing importance in the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) community is the design and performance of open propellers used in hand launched, small UASs. The design and testing of these propellers is necessary to accurately predict UAS operation. This paper describes the design methodology used by Baylor University and the USAF Academy to design propeller blades for optimum efficiency and low noise. Propeller blade design theories are discussed as well as an overview of several of the existing design codes. Included is a discussion on geometric angle of attack, the induced angle of attack, and their impact on propeller design. The design program BEARCONTROL was developed which incorporates the programs QMIL and QPROI). Supplemental codes were also developed to work with Bearcontrol to design a propeller with a constant chord and variable twist. This resulted in the angle of attack for L/Dmax being used from the propeller hub to the tip. BEARCONTROL is a program written in MATLAB that gives a user the ability to quickly design a propeller, predict its performance, and then create a 30 model in SolidWorks. The MATLAB GUl ultimately results in a mostly automated process that is simple to use for individuals who are unfamiliar with command prompt programs and SolidWorks modeling. Also incorporated into BEARCONTROL is the program NREL AirFoil Noise (NAFNOISE) developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). This program predicts the noise of any airfoil shape and provides a comparison for optimizing/minimizing predicted noise for the propeller being designed. Construction methods and materials also have a direct impact on cost, durability and operability when using a rapid prototype process to fabricate propellers. An overview of materials and construction methods used in this research are discussed. Incorporation of a hub with interchangeable blades is also presented as a more efficient testing method.
Synthesis and electrocatalytic water oxidation by electrode-bound helical peptide chromophore-catalyst assemblies.

Artificial photosynthesis based on dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cells requires the assembly of a chromophore and catalyst in close proximity on the surface of a transparent, high band gap oxide semiconductor for integrated light absorption and catalysis. While there are a number of approaches to assemble mixtures of chromophores and catalysts on a surface for use in artificial photosynthesis based on dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cells, the synthesis of discrete surface-bound chromophore–catalyst conjugates is a challenging task with few examples to date. Herein, a versatile synthetic approach and electrochemical characterization of a series of oligoproline-based light-harvesting chromophore–water-oxidation catalyst assemblies is described. This approach combines solid-phase peptide synthesis for systematic variation of the backbone, copper(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) as an orthogonal approach to install the chromophore, and assembly of the water-oxidation catalyst in th...
Role of Mechanical Stress in Lung Repair and Regeneration

Mechanical stress stimulates a broad array of metabolic pathways to sustain lung development and maturation. Mechanical signals also re-initiate compensatory lung growth and remodeling following major loss of lung units, leading to partial to complete restoration of normal structural dimensions and function. The threshold, optimal range, and upper limit of mechanically induced adaptation have been characterized in a pneumonectomy model, and two independent though interrelated mechanical stimuli, tissue and microvascular deformation, identified. Exogenous growth promoters moderately enhance compensatory lung growth only in the presence of active mechanical signals. How to translate mechanically induced structural growth into added functional benefit at the whole organ level remains a major challenge. Here, we review the risk-benefit trade-offs of mechano-sensitive responses and discuss potential approaches to realizing the innate potential for re-growth and remodeling in native as well as bioengineered lungs.
Application of Electromagnetic Transient-Transient Stability Hybrid Simulation to FIDVR Study

This paper deals with the development of a new electromagnetic transient (EMT)-transient stability (TS) hybrid simulation platform and its application to a detailed fault-induced delayed voltage recovery (FIDVR) study on the WECC system. A new EMT-TS hybrid simulation platform, which integrates PSCAD/EMTDC and the open source power system simulation software InterPSS has been developed. A combined interaction protocol with an automatic protocol switching control scheme is proposed. A multi-port three-phase Thevenin equivalent is developed for representing an external network in an EMT simulator. Correspondingly, the external network is represented in three-sequence, and a three-sequence TS simulation algorithm is developed. These techniques allow simulation of unsymmetrical faults within the internal network without the constraint of phase balance at the boundary. The effectiveness of the proposed techniques is first tested on the IEEE 9-bus system. Subsequently, the proposed hybrid simulation approach is applied to a detailed FIDVR study on a large WECC system. The study shows that a normally cleared single-line-to-ground (SLG) fault in the transmission system could lead to an FIDVR event, with compressor motors of the air conditioning units on the faulted phases stalling first, followed by a propagation of motor stalling to the unfaulted phase. Moreover, similar events are observed in simulations with a wide range of load compositions. Lastly, the effect of the point-on-wave (POW) at which a fault is applied on the occurrence of an FIVDR event is also analyzed.
Analysis on occupational hearing loss of noise-exposed workers in an aircraft maintenance engineering company

[Objective]To investigate the noise-exposed workers in an aircraft maintenance engineering company,to analyze their hearing impairment status,and put forward suggestions for prevention of occupational hearing loss and occupational noise deafness.[Methods]A total of 1 067 noise-exposed workers were recruited as noise group and 111 without noise exposure as control group.MM-622 pure tone audiometer by the zero-level correction was adopted for pure tone air conduction checks at 0.5,1.0,2.0,3.0,4.0,6.0 kHz on ears of workers.Assessment standards of hearing impairment:speech frequency at 0.5,1.0,2.0 kHz in average25 dB,high-frequency at 3.0,4.0,6.0 kHz respectively ≥30 dB.[Results]A total of 1 067 workers(2 134 ears) were investigated,345(647 ears) had hearing impairment,the prevalence was 32.33%.High-frequency hearing loss occurred on 320 workers(614 ears),speech frequency hearing loss on 25 workers(33 ears).Of 111 workers in control group,4 workers(6 ears) had hearing impairment,all were high-frequency hearing loss,the prevalence was 3.60%.The prevalence of hearing impairment of noise group was obviously higher than that of control group,with significant difference(χ2=39.80,P0.01).[Conclusion]Noise influences the high-frequency hearing threshold of workers with exposure.And the risk of hearing loss rate inceases with the extending of service length.It is suggested to strengthen personal protection,to establish health records and control occupational noise deafness.
FAAS determination of element in microamounts in citrus changshan-huyou with microwave assisted digstion

Objective:To establish a new method for determinction Fe,Mn,Cu,Zn etc 6 elements in microamounts in Citrus changshan-huyou.Methods: The sample was digested with a mixture of cronc.HNO3,H2O2 in the ratio of 3 to 1 by volume.Microamounts of Fe,Mn,Cu,Zn,Pb,Cd and in Changshan Huyou were determined by FAAS.Results: Standard curves of the 6 elements were prepared by using the respective standard solutions,and linear regression equtions with correlation coefficients from 0.9991 to 0.9999,were obtained.Test for recovery was made by standard addition method,and the values of recovery found were in the range of 98.3%~101%.Conclusion: This method to determine the mutiple elements in the citrus changshan-huyou by microwave-assisted digestion atomic spectromety have satisfied accuracy and precision rapid and less pollution and the result is very satisfy.
Three Dimensional Computer Vision-Based Alternative Control Method For Assistive Robotic Manipulator

JACO (Kinova Technology, Montreal, QC, Canada) is an assistive robotic manipulator that is gaining popularity for its ability to assist individuals with physical impairments in activities of daily living. To accommodate a wider range of user population especially those with severe physical limitations, alternative control methods need to be developed. In this paper, we presented a vision-based assistive robotic manipulation assistance algorithm (AROMA) for JACO, which uses a low-cost 3D depth sensing camera and an improved inverse kinematic algorithm to enable semi-autonomous or autonomous operation of the JACO. The benchtop tests on a series of grasping tasks showed that the AROMA was able to reliably determine target gripper poses. The success rates for the grasping tasks ranged from 85% to 100% for different objects.
Public Opinion Regarding Whether Speaking With Patients About Firearms Is Appropriate: Results of a National Survey.

BACKGROUND: Health care providers have been encouraged to discuss firearms with patients; whether patients view these discussions as appropriate is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To estimate, in a national sample, the perceived appropriateness of provider discussions about firearms. DESIGN: Probability-based online survey conducted in April 2015. Analyses used survey weights to generate nationally representative estimates. SETTING: U.S. adults. PARTICIPANTS: 3914 English-speaking adults (55% participation rate). MEASUREMENTS: Participants were asked, MEASUREMENTS: " MEASUREMENTS: In general, would you think it is never, sometimes, usually, or always appropriate for physicians and other health professionals to talk to their patients about firearms? MEASUREMENTS: " RESULTS: A majority (66% [95% CI, 63% to 69%]) of participants said that it is at least sometimes appropriate for providers to talk to patients about firearms. Specifically, 23% (CI, 20% to 25%) said that provider discussions about firearms were always appropriate, 14% (CI, 11% to 16%) said that they were usually appropriate, and 30% (CI, 27% to 33%) thought they were sometimes appropriate; 34% (CI, 31% to 37%) felt that such discussions were never appropriate. Views varied by firearm ownership: 54% (CI, 52% to 57%) of gun owners said that provider discussions are at least sometimes appropriate, compared with 67% (CI, 62% to 71%) of nonowners living with an owner and 70% (CI, 66% to 74%) of nonowners not living with an owner. Firearm owners who were more likely to think that firearm discussions are at least sometimes appropriate included those with children at home (62% [CI, 57% to 67%]), those who thought that having a gun at home increases suicide risk (75% [CI, 67% to 83%), and those who thought that provider discussions of seat belts are at least sometimes appropriate (73% [CI, 70% to 75%]). LIMITATIONS: The provider discussion question did not specify clinical context. CONCLUSION: Two thirds of non-firearm owners and over one half of firearm owners in the United States believe that health care provider discussions about firearms are at least sometimes appropriate. The observed heterogeneity underscores the need to better understand assumptions that may underlie these views, particularly among firearm owners. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Fund for a Safer Future and Joyce Foundation. Language: en
Endothelin-induced changes of second messengers in cultured human ciliary muscle cells.

Purpose. To characterize the pharmacology of endothelin-induced changes in phospholipase C (PLC) activity, intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in cultured human ciliary muscle (HCM) cells. Methods. Changes in PLC activity of HCM cells were determined by production of [ 3 H]inositol phosphates. [Ca 2+ ] i was determined by single-cell dynamic fluorescence ratio imaging. Radioimmunoassays were used to determine cAMP and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) concentrations. Results. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulated PLC (mean EC 50 = 335 pM) and activated calcium mobilization in HCM cells. These effects were mediated by the endothelin ET A receptor subtype because an ET B receptor-selective agonist, sarafotoxin S6c, was ineffective. Additionally, effects of ET-1 were inhibited by pretreatment with a selective ET A antagonist, BQ610 (mean pK i = 9.96 for PLC). ET-1 also stimulated the production of PGE 2 (mean EC 50 = 12.0 nM) and cAMP (mean EC 50 = 5.2 nM) by these cells. PGE 2 appeared to mediate the stimulatory effect of ET-1 on adenylyl cyclase because blockade of ET-1-induced PGE 2 production by 10 μM indomethacin also completely blocked the ET-1-activated cAMP production. Conclusions. ET-1 stimulated PLC and increased [Ca 2+ ] i in HCM cells by the ET A receptor subtype. ET-1 also increased cAMP production, an effect likely mediated by the enhanced production of prostaglandins.
Tribal “remnants” or state citizens: Mississippi Choctaws in the post-removal South*

ABSTRACTThis paper explores how the Mississippi Choctaws engaged state citizenship in the years immediately following removal. I challenge the standard narrative of Choctaws’ relationships with the Mississippi legal system as one in which they were primarily victimized by unscrupulous lawyers and state officials. I argue instead that Choctaws used their new status as citizens to fight back against dispossession. I also examine how ideals of masculinity and class conflicts shaped interpretations of rights and obligations between Indians and whites.