cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mixed phononic and non-phononic transport in hybrid lead halide perovskites: glass-crystal duality, dynamical disorder, and anharmonicity

In hybrid materials, a high-symmetry lattice is decorated by low-symmetry building blocks. The result is an aperiodic solid that hosts many nearly-degenerate disordered configurations. Using the perovskite methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) as a prototype hybrid material, we show that the inherent disorder renders the conventional phonon picture of transport insufficient. Ab initio molecular dynamics and analysis of the spectral energy density reveal that vibrational carriers simultaneously exhibit features of both classical phonons and of carriers typically found in glasses. The low frequency modes retain elements of acoustic waves but exhibit extremely short lifetimes of only a few tens of picoseconds. For higher frequency modes, strong scattering due to rapid motion and reconfiguration of the organic cation molecules induces a loss of definition of the wave vector. Lattice dynamics shows that these carriers are more akin to diffusons – the nonwave carriers in vitreous materials – and are the dominant contributors to thermal conduction near room temperature. To unify the framework of glassy diffusons with that of phonons scattered at the ultimate limit, three-phonon interactions resolved from first-principles expose anharmonic effects two orders of magnitude higher than in silicon. The dominant anharmonic interactions occur within modes of the PbI6 octahedral framework itself, as well as between modes of the octahedral framework and modes localized to the MA molecules. The former arises from long-range interactions due to resonant bonding, and the latter from polar rotor scattering of the MA molecules. This establishes a clear microscopic connection between symmetry-breaking, dynamical disorder, anharmonicity, and the loss of wave nature in MAPbI3.
Nonmedical prescription drug use among Hispanic youths: An emerging problem

Nonmedical prescription drug (NMPD) use is a significant public health issue among Hispanic youths. Limited information on risk and protective factors for NMPD use among Hispanic youths is ...
Using Single-Molecule Chemo-Mechanical Unfolding to Simultaneously Probe Multiple Structural Parameters in Protein Folding

While single-molecule force spectroscopy has greatly advanced the study of protein folding, there are limitations to what can be learned from studying the effect of force alone. We developed a novel technique, chemo-mechanical unfolding, that combines multiple perturbants-force and chemical denaturant-to more fully characterize the folding process by simultaneously probing multiple structural parameters-the change in end-to-end distance, and solvent accessible surface area. Here, we describe the theoretical background, experimental design, and data analysis for chemo-mechanical unfolding experiments probing protein folding thermodynamics and kinetics. This technique has been applied to characterize parallel protein folding pathways, the protein denatured state, protein folding on the ribosome, and protein folding intermediates.
Bigheaded carp-based meal as a sustainable and natural source of methionine in feed for ecological and organic poultry production.

SUMMARY High-quality protein feeds are needed in ecological and organic poultry production. Feeds that are rich in methionine (MET) are particularly important because synthetic amino acids are generally prohibited in organic livestock production. Bigheaded carp present an opportunity as feed because they are an invasive fish species that are high in protein and MET. A carp-based meal (CBM) was prepared using innovative dry extrusion, and proximate analysis and nutritional analyses were conducted. The digestible amino acids and true metabolizable energy (TMEn) of the CBM were determined using a colony of cecetomized adult roosters. Starter and grower diets were formulated with CBM and tested in a broiler feeding trial. Diets were high overall in protein, but formulated without synthetic MET. Day-old chicks were randomly assigned to pens of 30 chicks belonging to 1 of 2 treatments (CBM or control containing synthetic MET), with 8 replications. Body weights, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) for starter (0–21 d), grower (22–42 d), and overall periods (0–42 d) were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA. The weight gains, feed intake, and FCR did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05) for the overall period (0–42 d). The results indicate that invasive bigheaded carp can be harvested and dry extruded into a novel meal, providing not only a natural and sustainable source of MET, but also an environmental service for damaged aquatic ecosystems in the U.S.
Stereoelectronic and Resonance Effects on the Rate of Ring Opening of N-Cyclopropyl-Based Single Electron Transfer Probes

N-Cyclopropyl-N-methylaniline (5) is a poor probe for single electron transfer (SET) because the corresponding radical cation undergoes cyclopropane ring opening with a rate constant of only 4.1 × 104 s-1, too slow to compete with other processes such as radical cation deprotonation. The sluggish rate of ring opening can be attributed to either (i) a resonance effect in which the spin and charge of the radical cation in the ring-closed form is delocalized into the phenyl ring, and/or (ii) the lowest energy conformation of the SET product (5•+) does not meet the stereoelectronic requirements for cyclopropane ring opening. To resolve this issue, a new series of N-cyclopropylanilines were designed to lock the cyclopropyl group into the required bisected conformation for ring opening. The results reveal that the rate constant for ring opening of radical cations derived from 1'-methyl-3',4'-dihydro-1'H-spiro[cyclopropane-1,2'-quinoline] (6) and 6'-chloro-1'-methyl-3',4'-dihydro-1'H-spiro[cyclopropane-1,2'-quinoline] (7) are 3.5 × 102 s-1 and 4.1 × 102 s-1, effectively ruling out the stereoelectronic argument. In contrast, the radical cation derived from 4-chloro-N-methyl-N-(2-phenylcyclopropyl)aniline (8) undergoes cyclopropane ring opening with a rate constant of 1.7 × 108 s-1, demonstrating that loss of the resonance energy associated with the ring-closed form of these N-cyclopropylanilines can be amply compensated by incorporation of a radical-stabilizing phenyl substituent on the cyclopropyl group. Product studies were performed, including a unique application of EC-ESI/MS (Electrochemistry/ElectroSpray Ionization Mass Spectrometry) in the presence of 18O2 and H218O to elucidate the mechanism of ring opening of 7•+ and trapping of the resulting distonic radical cation.
FASTER: Fast and Safe Trajectory Planner for Flights in Unknown Environments

High-speed trajectory planning through unknown environments requires algorithmic techniques that enable fast reaction times while maintaining safety as new information about the operating environment is obtained. The requirement of computational tractability typically leads to optimization problems that do not include the obstacle constraints (collision checks are done on the solutions) or use a convex decomposition of the free space and then impose an ad-hoc time allocation scheme for each interval of the trajectory. Moreover, safety guarantees are usually obtained by having a local planner that plans a trajectory with a final “stop” condition in the freeknown space. However, these two decisions typically lead to slow and conservative trajectories. We propose FASTER (Fast and Safe Trajectory Planner) to overcome these issues. FASTER obtains high-speed trajectories by enabling the local planner to optimize in both the free-known and unknown spaces. Safety guarantees are ensured by always having a feasible, safe back-up trajectory in the free-known space at the start of each replanning step. Furthermore, we present a Mixed Integer Quadratic Program formulation in which the solver can choose the trajectory interval allocation, and where a time allocation heuristic is computed efficiently using the result of the previous replanning iteration. This proposed algorithm is tested extensively both in simulation and in real hardware, showing agile flights in unknown cluttered environments with velocities up to 3.6 $\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}$.
Multi-human Management of Robotic Swarms

Swarm robotics is an emerging field that is expected to provide robust solutions to spatially distributed problems. Human operators will often be required to guide a swarm in the fulfillment of a mission. Occasionally, large tasks may require multiple spatial swarms to cooperate in their completion. We hypothesize that when latency and bandwidth significantly restrict communication among human operators, human organizations that promote individual initiative perform more effectively and resiliently than hierarchies in the cooperative best-m-of-n task. Simulations automating the behavior of hub-based swarm robotic agents and simulated groups of human operators are used to evaluate this hypothesis. To make the comparisons between the team and hierarchies meaningful, we explore parameter values determining how simulated human operators behave in teams and hierarchies to optimize the performance of the respective organizations. We show that simulation results generally support the hypothesis with respect to the effect of latency and bandwidth on organizational performance.
Long-Term Safety of Tolvaptan in ADPKD: Where Do We Stand?

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inheritable kidney disorder, with a prevalence of one in 1000 individuals ([1][1]). Approximately 50% of patients with ADPKD progress to ESKD by the age of 60. Prior to the approval of tolvaptan, management of ADPKD was limited
Optimal power allocation strategy for black start in VSC-MTDC systems considering dynamic impacts

Abstract The ability of voltage source converters (VSCs) to restore blackout grid has been widely accepted based on their abilities in flexible and independent power control. However, the traditional literature only studied the case of a two-terminal hybrid system in which all required black start (BS) power is provided by a single healthy AC grid. Meanwhile, the dynamic changes at the sending end, including AC grid and converter, are not considered. In this paper, an optimal power allocation strategy is proposed to perform BS in the VSC-based multi-terminal direct current (VSC-MTDC) systems. The new strategy ensures that all the healthy AC grids can cooperate to transfer BS power together to the blackout grid. Thus, each grid only needs to provide a proportion of the required power. Furthermore, since the grids and converters in practical VSC-MTDC projects are generally limited to small sizes, the capacities together with main dynamic characteristics are also considered in the new strategy. By reasonably setting the optimization objective and constraints, the overall dynamic impacts can be significantly reduced, and the stability of AC grids and converters can be guaranteed. Finally, the comparison tests on a typical four-terminal system verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
'Outing' Otherization: A Means to Enable Cooperation in a Post-Truth Era

This essay explores the symbiotic relationship between ‘otherization,’ which is the engine of identity politics, and ‘post truth,’ as well as their combined power as cooperation inhibitors. In particular, they impede resolution of pressing legal problems by reducing our capacity for logical problem-solving and obscuring the root causes of the challenges our nation faces.
'Visual' cortices of congenitally blind adults are sensitive to response selection demands in a go/no-go task.

Abstract Studies of occipital cortex plasticity in blindness provide insight into how intrinsic constraints interact with experience to determine cortical specialization. We tested the cognitive nature and anatomical origins of occipital responses during non-verbal, non-spatial auditory tasks. In a go/no-go task, congenitally blind (N=23) and sighted (N=24) individuals heard rapidly occurring (
Megahertz Bandwidth Bulk Micromachined Optomechanical Accelerometer With Fiber Optical Interconnects

We present the design, fabrication, and initial characterization of a CMOS compatible, ultra-high bandwidth, bulk-micro machined, optomechanical accelerometer. Displacement detection is achieved via a SiN integrated photonics Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) fabricated on the surface of the device that is optomechanically coupled to acceleration-induced deformation of the accelerometer's proof mass tethers. The device is designed to measure vibrations at microsecond timescales with high dynamic range for the characterization of shock dynamics.
Incidence and survival trends in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: an analysis of SEER 9 and SEER21 registries

Objectives: To describe incidence and survival of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) with respect to age, race, tumor histology, stage, and survival outcomes using data from the SEER registries from 1975-2016. Methods: SEER*STAT 8.3.6 software was used to capture data from the SEER9 (1975-2016) and SEER21 (2000-2016) data resources on GTN including histology, stage, age, race/ethnicity, and survival. Stata/IC 16.0 software was used to extract age-adjusted rates overall and according to race, period of diagnosis, and tumor histology. For analyses of tumor stage at diagnosis and survival, we used only data from SEER9 as survival data is not available in the SEER21 resource. We captured absolute survival to one and five years following diagnosis. Survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier and Ederer II methods. Results: There were 748 and 1,230 women with primary GTN registered in the SEER9 and 21 registries, respectively. Age-specific incidence of GTN, overall and according to race, ethnicity, and calendar period of diagnosis was calculated for each SEER registry (Figure 1). Overall, age-adjusted incidence was 1.31 per million woman-years (SEER21). The age-adjusted incidence among non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native women was 2.31 and 2.45 per million woman-years (SEER21) respectively, and was significantly higher than that seen for the other races/ethnicities. White women had the lowest age adjusted incidence of 0.88 per million woman-years (SEER21). A younger peak incidence of disease was noted among non-Hispanic Black (20-24 years) and American Indian/Alaska Native women (20-29 years) when compared to other races/ethnicities (SEER21). Prognosis is generally very good for patients with GTN and has remained stable over this 41-year period. However, older age at diagnosis was associated with a lower absolute five-year survival regardless of tumor stage at diagnosis with notably worse outcomes in women 40 years or older. Absolute and relative 5-year survival was lower in non-Hispanic Black compared with White women for every stage of disease. Even among women with localized disease, relative survival of non-Hispanic Black women was lower than that of non-Hispanic White women, 87.6% (95% CI 69.7-95.2%) versus 96.1% (95% CI 90.1-98.5%). Download : Download high-res image (338KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: Compared to White women, American Indian/Alaska Natives and Black women have a higher incidence of GTN, and adolescents and young adults are more likely to be affected within these high-risk racial and ethnic groups. Non-Hispanic Black women have worse prognosis at every stage of disease compared to White women. These differences may provide insight into the etiology and determinants of outcomes, which warrant further investigation.
Default Correlation in Reduced-Form Models

Reduced-form models have proven to be a useful tool for analyzing the dynamics of credit spreads. However, some have recently questioned their ability to match the level of empirical default correlation. The key concern appears to be the assumption that defaults are independent conditional on the state variables driving the default intensity. In this paper, I use a "thought experiment" as well as numerical examples calibrated to recent studies to show that the model-implied default correlation can be quite sensitive to the common factor structure imposed on the default intensity. Therefore, the "inability" of reduced-form models to generate sufficient default correlation has more to do with a restrictive common factor structure than the assumption of conditional independence.
Phosphorylation of the AMPA Receptor Subunit GluR2 Differentially Regulates Its Interaction with PDZ Domain-Containing Proteins

PSD-95, DLG, ZO-1 (PDZ) domain-mediated protein interactions have been shown to play important roles in the regulation of glutamate receptor function at excitatory synapses. Recent studies demonstrating the rapid regulation of AMPA receptor function during synaptic plasticity have suggested that AMPA receptor interaction with PDZ domain-containing proteins may be dynamically modulated. Here we show that PKC phosphorylation of the AMPA receptor GluR2 subunit differentially modulates its interaction with the PDZ domain-containing proteins GRIP1 and PICK1. The serine residue [serine-880 (Ser880)] in the GluR2 C-terminal sequence (IESVKI) critical for PDZ domain binding is a substrate of PKC and is phosphorylated in vivo . In vitro binding and coimmunoprecipitation studies show that phosphorylation of serine-880 within the GluR2 PDZ ligand significantly decreases GluR2 binding to GRIP1 but not to PICK1. Immunostaining of cultured hippocampal neurons demonstrates that the Ser880-phosphorylated GluR2 subunits are enriched and colocalized with PICK1 in the dendrites, with very little staining observed at excitatory synapses. Interestingly, PKC activation in neurons increases the Ser880 phosphorylation of GluR2 subunits and recruits PICK1 to excitatory synapses. Moreover, PKC stimulation in neurons results in rapid internalization of surface GluR2 subunits. These results suggest that GluR2 phosphorylation of serine-880 may be important in the regulation of the AMPA receptor internalization during synaptic plasticity.
Creating an Effort Tracking Tool to Improve Therapeutic Cancer Clinical Trials Workload Management and Budgeting

Quantifying data management and regulatory workload for clinical research is a difficult task that would benefit from a robust tool to assess and allocate effort. As in most clinical research environments, The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMCCC) Clinical Trials Office (CTO) struggled to effectively allocate data management and regulatory time with frequently inaccurate estimates of how much time was required to complete the specific tasks performed by each role. In a dynamic clinical research environment in which volume and intensity of work ebbs and flows, determining requisite effort to meet study objectives was challenging. In addition, a data-driven understanding of how much staff time was required to complete a clinical trial was desired to ensure accurate trial budget development and effective cost recovery. Accordingly, the UMCCC CTO developed and implemented a Web-based effort-tracking application with the goal of determining the true costs of data management and regulatory staff effort in clinical trials. This tool was developed, implemented, and refined over a 3-year period. This article describes the process improvement and subsequent leveling of workload within data management and regulatory that enhanced the efficiency of UMCCC's clinical trials operation.
Three-dimensional optical tomographic brain imaging during hypercapnia in rodents

Noninvasive examination of the hemodynamics of brain tissue is of general interest in many areas of medicine and physiology. To date, optical brain studies generate topographic maps, where signals obtained form within the brain are projected onto two-dimensional surface maps. Recently, our group has presented the first three-dimensional, volumetric reconstruction of hemodynamic changes during a Valsalva maneuver in the human forehead. To further validate our three-dimensional diffusion optical tomographic reconstruction algorithm we have turned to experimental studies involving small animals. Here we report on hypercapnia studies performed with 3-month old Sprague-Dawley rats. After anesthetizing the animal a tracheotomy was performed and the rat was artificially respirated. The head shaven and secured in a stereotaxic frame an optical probe was positioned between the bregma and lambda skull landmarks. A baseline measurement was recorded and then the inspired gas content was altered. The experimental studies verified the ability of our code to three-dimensionally visualize a global hemodynamic phenomenon in the rat head in response to perturbations in the inspired CO2 concentrations. Specifically, we incrementally increased the concentration of inspiratory CO2 (hypercapnia) and visualized the resulting hemodynamic change. We observed a global increase in blood volume and oxygenation, which was consistent with the known physiologic response to hypercapnia. A second set of experiments were designed to determine the sensitivity of the reconstruction to inaccurate probe positioning versus assumed model optrode-position mismatch. We determined that shifts on the order of 1/10 the maximum optrode separation significantly influence the reconstruction and may falsely produce lateralized effects.
Generalized ramsey theory for graphs VII: Ramsey numbers for multigraphs and networks

Ramsey problems are examined for the different varieties of graphs and digraphs, with and without loops and multiple edges, and even for networks. In every case, the resulting Ramsey number either fails to exist, or has a trivial value, or equals the value for the underlying graph or digraph. Thus it appears there are no new interesting Ramsey numbers for multigraphs and networks.
Inventory and equilibrium adjustments in international commodity markets: a multi-cointegration approach

Recent advances in cointegration tests and error correction models are applied to the analysis of commodity inventory behaviour. Multi-cointegration was considered in inventory series of seven internationally traded products. In contrast to previous works on inventory behaviour which first hypothesize a relationship and then gather empirical evidence to emulate the postulated behaviour, an error correction model was used to represent theoretical inventory relationships which are established by multi-cointegration tests. The results support the use of this approach to determine the optimal stockpiling rules of producers and consumers.
Collagen metabolism in the regenerating forelimb of Notophthalmus viridescens: synthesis, accumulation, and maturation.

Collagen metabolism was studied in the regenerating forelimbs of adult newts (Notophthalmus viridescens) with respect to the pattern of accumulation relative to total protein accretion, maturation, and rate of biosynthesis. Measurements of collagen and noncollagen protein in regenerating limbs at various stages indicate that a preferential enrichment in collagen occurs at two periods correlating with (1) the onset of differentiation and chondrogenesis and (2) the initial period of elongation and outgrowth following morphogenesis. The maturation of collagen was determined by measuring the distribution of collagen into acetic acid soluble and insoluble forms. Soluble collagen increased to 30% during the differentiative period, remained at a high level during digit-formation, and decreased progressively following morphogenesis. Tracer studies were performed to determine whether the net accumulation of collagen resulted from a preferential increase in collagen biosynthesis. Separation of collagen and noncollagen proteins labeled in vivo with [3H]proline was performed enzymatically using purified clostridial collagenase. Rates of incorporation of proline into collagen relative to noncollagen proteins did not vary significantly during regeneration, although a threefold increase in incorporation rates into both species occurs at the onset of differentiation. Collagen synthesis constitutes 7–11% of the total protein synthesis in the regenerate. Estimates of variations in the absolute rates of protein synthesis, based on endogenous levels of proline, indicate that the highest rates of protein synthesis occur during morphogenesis. The relationship between protein content and relative rates of synthesis suggests that the net accumulation is governed by variations in rates of degradation. The relationship between collagen content and solubility also suggests that the rate of insolubilization plays a role in the net accumulation of collagen.
Long-wavelength electromagnetic propagation in heterogeneous media

Existing effective-medium-type theories for the propagation of long-wavelength electromagnetic radiation in heterogeneous media are examined, and structural effects, neglected by such theories, are introduced by a multiple-scattering approach that yields an effective propagation wave vector. Results are presented for propagation through an infinite periodic array of small spheres immersed in a host of different permittivity (or permeability). The procedure is generalized to aperiodic systems to include the lowest-order corrections for small-sphere volume fill fraction $\ensuremath{\eta}$ (for arbitrary scattering strength) and for weak scattering (for arbitrary $\ensuremath{\eta}$). In all cases significant effects due to structure-induced multipole fields are seen to occur. A simple parametrization of deviations from the lowest-order result, the Maxwell-Garnett expression, is proposed in order to extract information on structural multipoles or clustering effects from experimental data. We present the results of calculations for mixtures of real dielectrics and for small metal spheres embedded quasirandomly in a dielectric host, and describe generalizations to include the effects of particle coating and size distributions on optical properties.
Inflammatory stimuli accelerate Sjögren's syndrome-like disease in (NZB x NZW)F1 mice.

Objective This study was undertaken to determine whether induction of systemic inflammation accelerates the development of Sjogren's syndrome (SS) in genetically susceptible mice. Methods Female (NZB × NZW)F1 mice were treated with either Freund's incomplete adjuvant (IFA) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at monthly intervals. Salivary gland function was monitored by measuring pilocarpine-induced saliva volume. Mice were killed at different time points and examined for sialadenitis and salivary gland–infiltrating cells. Sera were analyzed for autoantibodies to salivary gland antigens, nuclear antigens, and Ro60. Results While IFA-treated mice had significantly decreased salivary secretion 7 weeks after the initial treatment, salivary secretion did not decrease in PBS-treated controls until 17 weeks. At 7 weeks, the severity of sialadenitis and the number of T and B cells infiltrating the salivary glands did not differ between the 2 groups. However, at this time point IFA-treated mice showed significantly higher frequencies of CD11clow, B220+, Ly6C+, mouse PDCA-1+ dendritic cells (DCs) in the salivary glands. While levels of autoantibodies did not differ between the 2 groups at early time points, by late time points IFA-treated mice had higher levels. The gland dysfunction observed in IFA-treated mice at earlier time points did not correlate with the severity of sialadenitis or levels of autoantibodies. Instead, it was associated with increased frequency of plasmacytoid DCs in the gland. Conclusion Our data suggest that generalized inflammatory stimuli can accelerate the development of SS-like disease in (NZB × NZW)F1 mice, and that gland dysfunction in SS can develop prior to the generation of a robust adaptive autoimmune response.
The striatal adenosinergic modulation of ethanol-induced motor incoordination in rats: possible role of chloride flux

Previous studies from our laboratory have provided strong evidence that brain adenosine modulates acute ethanol (i.p.)-induced motor incoordination (MI) through receptor mediated mechanism(s). Recently, we have reported the involvement of the striatum in ethanol-induced MI as well as the striatal adenosinergic modulation of the ethanol-induced motor deficit. The present study was thus designed to further characterize the modulatory effect of striatal adenosine on ethanol-induced MI and to look for its functional correlation with chloride flux within the rat striatum. Intrastriatal microinfusion of adenosine A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) and antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), significantly accentuated and attenuated, respectively, the motor incoordinating effect of ethanol while having no effect on the normal motor coordination in saline-treated control animals. These data confirmed the role of striatal adenosine in ethanol-induced MI. The selectivity of interactions between adenosine A1 agonist and antagonist and ethanol was further confirmed by the study in which neither intrastriatal CHA nor DPCPX significantly altered the MI induced by sodium pentobarbital. Previously, we have shown that intrastriatal Ro15-4513 not only significantly attenuated ethanol-induced MI but also blocked its accentuation by intrastriatal CHA. It is well known that Ro15-4513 antagonizes many, but not all, CNS effects of ethanol by blocking the ethanol potentiation of GABA-stimulated uptake of chloride. Therefore, experiments using striatal microsac preparations were carried out to investigate the possible modulation of chloride conductance by CHA and its relationship to ethanol. High concentrations of CHA (10 and 100 nM) increased the total chloride uptake by the striatal microsacs. Corresponding to the ethanol-adenosine interaction observed behaviorally, a much lower concentration (1 nM) of CHA, being ineffective itself, significantly enhanced the stimulatory action of ethanol on chloride uptake. This effect was blocked by either Ro15-4513 (100 nM) or DPCPX (10 nM). The modulatory effect of GABA and/or ethanol on chloride influx was also evaluated, and the results supported the appropriateness to use striatal microsac preparations in the present study. Overall, the data suggested a functional interaction between ethanol and striatal adenosine and further supported the hypothesis that striatal adenosine might, in part, modulate ethanol-induced MI through its effect on chloride conductance through chloride channels coupled to GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex.
Insulin-based regulation of glucose-functionalized nanoparticle uptake in muscle cells

Effective regulation of nanoparticle (NP) uptake facilitates the NP-based therapeutics and diagnostics. Here, we report the use of insulin and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) to modulate the cellular uptake of glucose-functionalized quantum dots (Glc-QDs) in C2C12 muscle cells. The cellular uptake of Glc-QDs can be modulated up to almost two-fold under insulin stimulation while be down-regulated in the presence of 2-DG. These results demonstrate the use of secondary regulators to control the cellular uptake of NPs through membrane protein recognition in a specific and fine-tunable fashion.
Sequence 168 to 177 of interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) is an antigenic epitope for autoreactive CD8 T cells in the B10RIII mouse

We previously demonstrated that a significant proportion of interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP)-specific uveitogenic T cells in the C57BL/6 mouse and Lewis rat express CD8. The aims of this study were to determine whether some of the IRBP-specific T cells in the B10RIII mouse also express CD8 and whether CD8 and CD4 IRBP-specific T cells in the B10RIII mouse recognize a different or the same antigenic epitope. Our results show that autoreactive CD8 T cells were abundant in B10RIII mice immunized with the uveitogenic peptide IRBP161-180. Using multimers of recombinant H-2D(r) molecules, we also showed that the binding of the H-2D(r) fusion protein to IRBP161-180-expanded CD8 T cells was dependent on the peptide complexed with the recombinant molecules. The use of a panel of truncated peptides showed that the truncated 10-mer peptide, IRBP168-177, retained the ability to bind to, and stimulate, IRBP161-180-specific CD8 T cells after complexing with a dimeric MHC class I (H-2D(r)) molecule. Finally, adoptive transfer of IRBP161-180-specific T cells stimulated with IRBP168-177 consistently induced mild, but significant, EAU in naive B10RIII mice.
Song repertoire evolution and acoustic divergence in a population of black-capped chickadees, Poecile atricapillus

Socially learned vocalizations, such as the songs of many songbirds, commonly show repertoires and geographical variation or dialects, but we have only a limited understanding of the cultural evolutionary processes that produce these patterns. In this paper we describe the singing behaviour of populations of black-capped chickadees in Fort Collins, Colorado that represents the apparent evolution of a repertoire of song types. In contrast to most black-capped chickadee singing behaviour, which consists of a single song type that is remarkably invariant across North America, chickadees throughout Fort Collins sing three acoustically distinct song types. Individual males have an average repertoire of 2.8 song types and use all of them in dawn bouts and countersinging with neighbouring males. Two of the three song types contain novel introductory notes. These notes and the ratio between the pitches of the two whistled notes used in the song consistently define each song type. Individual birds slightly vary the pitches used during a bout of singing for a particular song type but always maintain a constant pitch ratio for that type. The song type repertoire appears to be restricted to the Fort Collins area and has persisted for several years. We outline some of the cultural evolutionary processes that may have produced this repertoire and conclude by discussing research opportunities that may yield insight into how and why socially learned traditions originate and evolve.
Artificial neural networks using MOS analog multipliers

A neural network implementation that uses MOSFET analog multipliers to construct weighted sums is described. The scheme permits asynchronous analog operation of Hopfield-style networks with fully programmable digital weights. This approach avoids the use of components that waste chip area of require special processing. Two small chips have been fabricated and tested-one implementing a fully connected (recursive) network and the other containing isolated portions of a neuron. The fully connected network chip successfully solves simple graph partitioning problems, in confirmation of network simulations performed using an analytic model of the analog neuron. This result verifies the operation of the complete network, including common-mode biasing circuits and connection weight data paths. A direct scaling of this chip would allow the complete integration of 81-neuron fully connected networks with 6-b plus sign connection weights using 1.25- mu m design rules on a 1-cm die. >
Measurement of radionuclides using ion chromatography and on-line radiation detection

A technique is presented for the relatively rapid measurement of actinide and beta-emitting radionuclides in waste streams and environmental samples. It uses ion chromatography for elemental selectivity and flow-through scintillation counting with dual parameter pulse-height and pulse-shape analysis for alpha/beta detection and discrimination. The system was tested for one surrogate sample (spiked groundwater from the southeastern U.S.) and two actual samples from the Savannah River Site (supernatant from a highactivity drain tank and sludge from a high level waste tank). For the spiked groundwater, recoveries were quantitative for all of the analytes (americium, curium, plutonium, and strontium) except uranium. For the actual samples, which contained americium, curium, plutonium, strontium, and cesium, the results using the system were within 20% of those obtained independently. Based on these tests, it is concluded that the system is capable of analyzing alpha- and beta-emitting radionuclides in samples that are representative of those encountered at contaminated former weapons sites.
Cell aggregation: properties of specific cell-ligands and their role in the formation of multicellular systems.

Abstract 1. 1. Evidence is presented for the existence of specific factors associated with the cell surface and intercellular spaces which function as cell ligands and mediate histogenetic attachment and aggregation of sponge cells. 2. 2. Observations on interspecific grafts in sponges determined that within the tissues the cells display the same affinities and sorting-out reactions as they do when aggregating in culture and which also correspond to the specificity of the effects of the aggregation-enhancing ligands isolated from the cells. 3. 3. It was demonstrated that the ligand preparation does not function by repairing “nonspecific damage” due to cell dissociation or by inactivating a hypothetical inhibitor of aggregation released by dissociation. The evidence shows that the ligands are directly involved in the mechanism of cell attachment and aggregation. 4. 4. The ligands bind more rapidly to unwashed than to washed (i.e., depleted of ligands) cells. The functional uptake of the ligands by cell surfaces has been demonstrated by a variety of tests; these included: (a) the use of formalin-killed cells, which respond to the specific aggregation-enhancing effect of the ligand preparations; (b) comparisons between the response of washed and unwashed cells; (c) recovery of ligands from cell aggregates; (d) serological tests. 5. 5. It was demonstrated that the capacity of cells to aggregate is destroyed by heating and so is the characteristic biological activity of the isolated ligands. Heat-inactivated ligands react with normal ligands to form an inactive complex. 6. 6. The activity of the ligands was not destroyed by prolonged treatment with the following enzymes: DNase, RNase, trypsin, collagenase, hyaluronidase, lysozyme; it was destroyed by α-amylase and by pronase. 7. 7. Pronase was found to dissociate sponge tissues into single-cell suspensions, thus providing an experimental situation comparable to trypsin-dissociated embryonic vertebrate cells. The pronase-dissociated cells formed aggregates after a lag period of approximately 4 hours during which they were not receptive to exogenous ligands. Some of the conclusions based on preceding experiments were tested and confirmed on the pronase-dissociated cells. 8. 8. Antiserum prepared against the purified ligand preparation from Microciona cells rapidly agglutinated these cells but not Haliclona cells; the antigenic specificities of the ligands reflected the aggregative affinities of these cells. 9. 9. The results are discussed in the general context of problems of cell contact and “recognition” in the formation of multicellular systems, and in relation to the ECM hypothesis.
Social perception and interpersonal influence: Some consequences of the physical attractiveness stereotype in a personal selling setting

Several effects of the physical attractiveness stereotype were assessed in a personal selling context. In a series of three experiments it was established that: (a) More favorable selling skills are attributed to physically attractive salespersons than to their unattractive counterparts; (b) in simulated sales scenarios, buyers treat ostensibly attractive sellers more cordially and are more likely to yield to their requests than is the case for unattractive sellers; and (c) in actual solicitations for a charitable organization, attractive persons induce a compliance rate significantly higher than that induced by unattractive solicitors. Results of the experiments, which are consistent with extant literature on physical attractiveness, are discussed in terms of commercially inspired interpersonal influence.
Mold surface temperatures during glass container forming

Abstract Measurement of the interior surface temperatures of forming implements during I.S. blow and blow bottle production is described. Special ribbon element surface thermocouples used in the experiments are discussed. Data collection was accomplished with a microcomputer based data acquisition system. Temperature traces obtained from the blank, baffle, neck ring, mold and bottom plate are presented and their features explained.
Mary Edwards Walker: the soul ahead of her time.

Mary Edwards Walker was a gallant woman who stood for women’s rights, embodied the true American spirit, and served the Union Army in the Civil War as a surgeon. She later became the first and only woman in United States history to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Current Practices in Engineering Capstone Education: Further Results from a 2005 Nationwide Survey

This work further details a survey of engineering capstone design courses nationwide conducted in 2005. The survey is a follow-up to one conducted in 1994 by Todd et al., reprising the questions of its predecessor plus requesting additional information. We implemented the 2005 survey online, with requests sent via email to representatives of all ABET-accredited engineering programs (1724 programs at 350 institutions, as of 2004). The online survey yielded a strong response, with 444 programs from 232 institutions submitting responses. This corresponds to a 26% response rate from engineering programs and a 66% response rate from institutions. This paper focuses on the additional questions in the 2005 survey that provide further insight about the current state of engineering capstone education. In particular, the paper discusses results relating to course management, student deliverables and evaluation, program funding, and perceived capstone course success.
Skeletal Metastasis as the Initial Clinical Manifestation of Metastatic Carcinoma in 19 Dogs

Although the skeleton represents a potentially important target for the metastatic spread of carcinoma, the clinicopathologic features of skeletal metastases in dogs have not been documented extensively. In particular, no reports have focused on dogs in which skeletal metastasis was the initial clinical manifestation of their malignancy. Medical records were reviewed for dogs with skeletal carcinoma and cases were subdivided into 2 groups based upon the temporal relationship between the diagnosis of carcinoma and recognition of skeletal metastases. In 19 of 24 (79%) dogs, skeletal metastasis was the initial clinical manifestation of malignancy, and these dogs were studied in detail. Most affected dogs were elderly and weighted less than 25 kg. Thirty-six skeletal lesions were identified in 19 dogs. Skeletal metastases occurred most frequently in the axial skeleton and proximal long bones. Only 4 of 36 (11%) skeletal carcinomas occurred distal to the elbow or stifle. Mammary gland, prostate, and urinary bladder were the most common primary sites. In 11 of 19 (58%), dogs, the primary tumor could not be determined, and in 6 of these dogs, the primary tumor could not be identified despite complete postmortem evaluation. Physical examination and abdominal ultrasonography were most valuable in detecting the primary tumor. Although biopsy or fine-needle aspirate of skeletal lesions was essential in the diagnosis of skeletal carcinoma, these procedures did not yield definitive information on the primary tumor site. This report documents that the majority of skeletal metastases are diagnosed in dogs without a previous diagnosis of carcinoma. Detection of the primary tumor in these cases may be challenging, and skeletal metastases are frequently attributable to carcinoma of unknown origin.
Representation varieties of arithmetic groups and polynomial periodicity of Betti numbers

We give a method of studying character varieties of arithmetic groups with an application to polynomial periodicity of Betti numbers of manifolds in congruence towers.
Mechanisms of immune tolerance relevant to food allergy.

The intestine has an unenviable task: to identify and respond to a constant barrage of environmental stimuli that can be both dangerous and beneficial. The proper execution of this task is central to the homeostasis of the host, and as a result, the gastrointestinal tract contains more lymphocytes than any other tissue compartment in the body, as well as unique antigen-presenting cells with specialized functions. When antigen is initially encountered through the gut, this system generates a robust T cell–mediated hyporesponsiveness called oral tolerance. Although seminal observations of oral tolerance were made a century ago, the relevant mechanisms are only beginning to be unraveled with the use of modern investigational techniques. Food allergy is among the clinical disorders that occur from a failure of this system, and therapies that seek to re-establish tolerance are currently under investigation.
In situ X-ray diffraction investigation of the structural characteristics of two Co/ZSM-5 catalysts

Two CoZSM-5 catalysts, one prepared by impregnation with a cobalt nitrate/water media and the other impregnated by cobalt carbonyl, were investigated employing an in situ X-ray diffraction chamber mounted on a diffractometer. X-Ray diffraction patterns were obtained following each step in a sequence of processes on each catalyst. The water media-impregnated catalyst displayed the larger particle size and all characteristics remained constant following the initial reduction. The carbonyl-impregnated catalyst showed the formation of a large amount of CoO after exposure to HCO gas of 11 composition at 200 °C. Once the CoO formed it would continue to return after subsequent calcining and reduction treatments.
Why We Need to Teach the Evolution of Morality

I present the case that the topic of the evolution of human morality is essential to any complete introductory biology course. This statement of rationale is accompanied (in complementary contributions) by: (1) a textbook-styled survey of recent literature on the topic, suitable for classroom use or as background for any teacher (Allchin 2009c); (2) a survey of current textbooks and available resources, with a brief discussion of teaching strategies (Allchin 2009d); and (3) a set of online resources (images and presentations) for classroom instruction (Allchin 2009a).
ESD protection in thin film silicon on insulator technologies

This paper reviews some of the devices and circuits which have been used to implement ESD protection networks for thin film silicon on insulator (TFSOI) technologies. The high current behavior of TFSOI MOSFETS and diodes is described for both positive and negative discharges. Next, several representative pin-protection network designs are reviewed which have all been shown to provide industry-standard levels of ESD protection. A discussion of power-supply protection networks follows, which must be used in conjunction with the pin protection schemes.
Characterization of InGaAs/AlGaAs pseudomorphic modulation-doped field-effect transistors

High-performance pseudomorphic In y Ga 1-y As/Al 0.15 - Ga 0.85 As ( 0.05 \le y \le 0.2 ) MODFET's grown by MBE have been characterized at dc (300 and 77 K) and RF frequencies. Transconductances as high as 310 and 380 mS/mm and drain currents as high as 290 and 310 mA/mm were obtained at 300 and 77 K, respectively, for 1-µm gate lengths and 3-µm source-drain spacing devices. Lack of persistent trapping effects, I-V collapse, and threshold voltage shifts observed with these devices are attributed to the use of low mole fraction Al x Ga 1-x As while still maintaining 2DEG concentrations of about 1.3 × 1012cm-2. Detailed microwave S-parameter measurements indicate a current gain cut-off frequency Of 24.5 GHz When y = 0.20 , which is as much as 100 percent better than similar GaAs/AlGaAs MODFET structures, and a maximum frequency of oscillation of 40 GHz. These superior results are in part due to the higher electron velocity of InGaAs as compared with GaAs. Velocity field measurement performed up to 3 kV/cm using the magnetoresistance method indicates an electron saturation velocity of greater than 1.7 × 107cm/s at 77 K for y = 0.15 , which is 20 percent higher than GaAs/AlGaAs MODFET's of similar structure.