cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generic objects in recursion theory II: Operations on recursive approximation spaces

Definition et exemples d'espace d'approximations recursif. Operations sur les espaces d'approximations recursifs engendrant des sous-structures recursivement enumerables generiques
Mechanism of interferon action: RNA-binding activity of full-length and R-domain forms ofthe RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR — Determination of KD values for VAI and TAR RNAs

The RNA-binding activity of the interferon-inducible, RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR, expressed from the human PKR cDNA, was quantitated using a gel mobility-shift assay. The N-terminal R-domain truncation Wt(1-243) and the full-length catalytic mutant K296R(21-551) were analyzed for their abilities to bind adenovirus VAI RNA, human immunodeficiency virus TAR RNA, and the synthetic homopolymer pI:pC RNA. The N-terminal 243 amino acid residue form of PKR [Wt(1-243)] bound VAI RNA with similar affinity as the 551 amino acid residue full-length catalytic mutant [K296R(1-551)]. The dissociation constant for VAI RNA was approximately 2 x 10(-9) M for both the K296R(1-551) and Wt(1-243) proteins. The K64E mutation significantly impaired the VAI RNA-binding activity as measured with the full-length double-point mutant PKR protein, K64E/K296R(1-551). Using a gel-shift competition assay, the dissociation constants of K296R(1-551) and Wt(1-243) for VAI(1-160) RNA and pI:pC RNA were comparable. By contrast, the dissociation constants of K296R(1-551) and Wt(1-243) for TAR(1-82) RNA were both about 1 x 10(-7) M. These results suggest that the RNA-binding affinity of PKR is approximately 100-fold lower for TAR RNA than for either VAI RNA or pI:pC RNA and that the full-length and N-terminal R-domain forms of PKR bind RNA with similar affinity.
A Sex-Limited Serum Protein Variant in the Mouse: Hormonal Control of Phenotypic Expression

The sex-limited protein (Slp) antigen of the mouse is first detected in the serum of strain DBA/2J males at 5–6 weeks of age and reaches full adult levels by 10 weeks. This antigen is normally absent in females. Immature DBA/2J males castrated at 3 1/2 weeks of age failed to develop Slp antigen, while DBA/2J females treated with testosterone propionate starting at 3 1/2 weeks developed normal adult male levels of Slp antigen. Similar hormone-influenced effects were demonstrated in adult males and females of the same strain. Experiments indicated that testosterone does not act directly in the serum to expose Slp antigenic sites. Testosterone treatment of both males and females of strain C57BL/10JSf, which does not carry the gene for the presence of the Slp antigen, failed to stimulate the appearance of the antigen. Thus, the presence of Slp antigen in the serum is dependent on both the proper genotype and the presence of male hormone.
Effect of histamine and methacholine on nasal airway resistance in atopic and nonatopic subjects: Comparison with bronchial challenge and skin test responses

Serial nasal, intracutaneous, or bronchial challenges were carried out with solutions containing 2- or 3-fold increments in histamine (H) or methacholine (Meth) concentration until nasal airway resistance (NAR) increased by more than 100%, a large intracutaneous reaction was elicited, or FEV1 decreased by 20% or more. Thirty nonatopic and 48 asymptomatic atopic subjects were studied, the latter group divided into rhinitic patients with and without asthma. Several types of data analysis demonstrated there was no significant difference in the nasal or cutaneous effects of H or Meth between the atopic and nonatopic groups. Comparable results were obtained in a subgroup of 39 subjects (13 normal, 13 atopic, and 13 atopic with asthma) who underwent all six test sequences (i.e., nasal, cutaneous, and bronchial with both drugs). As expected, the asthmatics showed significantly increased bronchial reactivity to both agents. In comparison with Meth, H had a much greater effect on the nasal mucosa and skin than on the bronchi. It is concluded that, contrary to bronchial responses, but in accord with cutaneous reactivity, the nasal responses of nonatopic subjects, atopic persons with allergic rhinitis alone, and subjects with both allergic rhinitis and asthma show no intergroup differences on testing with H or Meth.
Adam Smith's Ethics and the “Noble Arts” 1

Abstract Adam Smith's character-based ethical system lays the foundation for his vision of the social and economic good. Within this system, the arts perform a critical role. Smith's essays “Of the Imitative Arts” and his Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles Lettres are useful companions to The Theory of Moral Sentiments in analyzing the mechanisms whereby literature and the arts excite moral development. The arts stretch the boundaries of imagination and perspective, stimulating self-awareness and self-reflective growth. When combined with rational thought, decision-making takes place through an internal dialogue in which this wider perspective weighs upon one's “impartial spectator” and becomes the background for action. According to this view, the arts provide positive externalities for society and should be encouraged through public policy. The arts promote a conversation that becomes part of the common goods of society, including that of science.
A comparison of group‐administered and mail‐administered surveys of Alaskan village public safety officers

In order to maximize response rates, a survey of Alaskan village public safety officers was conducted using both group‐administration methods (n=32) and mail‐administration methods (n=29). Included in the survey were questions related to officer job satisfaction and stress. It was expected that officers who completed the group‐administered survey would be more satisfied with their jobs and report less stress. Non‐parametric analysis of variance techniques were used to compare the responses for each of the administration methods. No statistically significant differences between the responses of the two groups of officers were found.
GABA receptors in the region of the dorsomedial hypothalamus of rats regulate anxiety in the elevated plus-maze test. II. Physiological measures

Abstract In the previous report, we had shown that blockade and enhancement of GABAA receptors in the DMH of rats increased or decreased the level of anxiety, respectively, as measured by the elevated plus-maze test. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of enhancing GABAA neurotransmission in the DMH of rats on the physiological concomitants of anxiety such as increased in heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and plasma norepinephrine (NE) levels while the animals were placed on the elevated plus-maze. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were equipped with arterial and venous catheters and stereotaxically implanted with microinjection cannulae in the cardiostimulatory region of the DMH where injection of bicuculline methiodide (BMI) elicited increases in heart rate under anesthesia. After recovery, rats were injected with either saline or the GABAA agonist muscimol and their HR, BP and plasma NE responses were measured when confined in the open or the closed arm of the elevated plus-maze. Injection of muscimol into the DMH reduced the increases seen in HR, BP and plasma NE when the rats were confined to either the closed or the open arms in addition to decreasing ‘anxiety’ in the plus-maze. Injection of muscimol into the areas of the hypothalamus surrounding the DMH did not significantly affect the changes in HR, BP and plasma NE in the plus-maze. Blocking the changes in HR and BP elicited by microinjecting GABAergic drugs into the DMH of rats, with systemic injections of a combination of atropine and the beta-blocker atenolol, did not block the behavioral effects of the GABAergic drugs in the plus-maze test.
Steroid modulation of Mullerian duct regression in the chick embryo

Abstract The recent demonstrations that Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) is present in embryonic chick ovaries ( P. K. Hutson, H. Ikawa, and P. K. Donahoe (1981) . J. Pediatr. Surg. 16, 822–827), and that exogenous diethylstilbestrol does not significantly inhibit MIS secretion from feminized testes ( Hutson et al. (1982) J. Pediatr. Surg. 17, 953–959), suggest that ovarian estrogens protect the female left Mullerian duct from MIS-induced regression. The possibility exists, however, that ovarian MIS may be inactive. This study was designed to see if interference with estrogen action in ovo would allow MIS to cause regression of the female left Mullerian duct. The “antiestrogens,” tamoxifen and LY117018, had little effect on the female Mullerian ducts unless given in high doses or with added testosterone (>0.1 mg). Two compounds known to inhibit estrogen synthesis, aminoglutethimide and 4-hydroxyandrostenedione, had no effect on their own, even in high dose ( Y. Osawa, C. Yarborough, and V. Osawa (1982) . Science (Washington, D.C.) 215, 1249–1251) caused partial regression of the upper end of the left Mullerian duct as well as complete loss of the lower ends of both ducts in the female. These results suggest that the steroid environment is a critical factor in the response of the Mullerian ducts to MIS, and that estrogen blockage may allow endogenous MIS from the ovary to induce partial regression of the Mullerian ducts in the female chick embryo.
On the potential for vacancy annihilation as a mechanism for conditioning in Pu-1.9 at.% Ga

Abstract The δ → α ′ martensitic transformation in Pu-1.9 at.% Ga occurs when the alloy is cooled below about −100 °C. This transformation is isothermal and exhibits a remarkable susceptibility to an ambient-temperature isothermal hold (referred to as conditioning) prior to the transformation. This “conditioning” effect can dramatically increase the amount of transformation that occurs at low temperature; however, the mechanism by which conditioning affects the δ → α ′ transformation is not known. This conditioning effect may be a more general phenomenon, and thus knowledge of the mechanism responsible for conditioning is of great importance to understanding the δ → α ′ transformation itself as well as the general circumstances that can affect martensitic phase transformations. Using differential scanning calorimetry measurements, vacancy annihilation as a mechanism for the conditioning effect has been examined. While there are some characteristics of the conditioning effect that are reminiscent of vacancy annihilation, the results of these experiments suggest that vacancy annihilation is not a likely candidate description for the conditioning effect.
Degree conditions for weakly geodesic pancyclic graphs and their exceptions

Let $$G$$G be a graph on $$n$$n vertices. Let $$\sigma _2(G)=\text {min}\{d_G(u)+d_G(v):u,v\in {V(G)};uv\notin {E(G)}\}$$?2(G)=min{dG(u)+dG(v):u,v?V(G)?uv?E(G)} when $$G$$G is not complete, otherwise set $$\sigma _2(G)=\infty $$?2(G)=?. A graph $$G$$G is said to be weakly geodesic pancyclic if for each pair of vertices $$u,v\in {V(G)}$$u,v?V(G), every shortest $$u,v$$u,v-path lies on a cycle of length $$k$$k where $$k$$k is an integer between the length of a shortest cycle containing the $$u,v$$u,v-path and $$n$$n. In this paper, we will show that if $$\sigma _2(G)\ge {n+1}$$?2(G)?n+1 then $$G$$G is either weakly geodesic pancyclic or belongs to one of four exceptional classes of graphs, which are completely determined. Our results generalize some recent results of Chan et al. (Discret Appl Math 155:1971-1978, 2007).
Bail and Sentencing : Does Pretrial Detention Lead to Harsher Punishment?

Previous research on judicial decision making has shown that legal factors, such as offense severity and prior criminal record, exert a strong impact on sentencing decisions. In addition, studies have demonstrated that demographic factors, such as race and gender, also influence sentencing decisions. This study utilized a sample of (n = 975) cases collected by New Jersey’s Criminal Disposition Commission, tracked from arrest through disposition, to assess the factors that influence sentencing decisions, with a specific focus on the role of pretrial release status. The authors found that pretrial detention does not influence the decision to incarcerate; however, pretrial detention does significantly and negatively affects the length of the sentence in cases that involve a sentence of incarceration.
The composition‐dependent glass transition: Relations between temperature pressure, and composition

Theorie entropique. Comparaison de la theorie avec l'experience chaleurs de melange en exces. Approximations aux relations principales pour Tg, Pg
Activity-related changes in protein phosphorylation in an identified Aplysia neuron.

1. The relationship between long-term electrical activity and protein phosphorylation was investigated in single, identifiable neurons in the abdominal ganglion ofAplysia californica by the intracellular injection of radiolabeled ATP followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gel electrophoresis. 2. Natural and pharmacological treatments that alter the impulse activity of neurons L6 and R15 for prolonged periods did not appear to affect the phosphorylation of most of the 15 major phosphoproteins examined in these cells. 3. Long-term excitation of L6 induced by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX correlated with phosphorylation of a 29,000-dalton protein. Long-term inhibition of L6 induced by afterdischarge of peptidergic bag-cell neurons appeared to cause dephosphorylation of a 29,000-dalton protein. 4. Burst augmentation of R 15 induced by bag-cell afterdischarge did not cause detectable changes in the phosphorylation of the major proteins we examined. 5. These data are consistent with other studies of neural and nonneural tissues which have found a correlation between activity and the level of phosphorylation of a 29,000-dalton protein.
Desmoplakin is required for microvascular tube formation in culture

Desmoplakin (DP) is a key component of cellular adhesion junctions known as desmosomes; however, recent investigations have revealed a novel location for DP in junctions separate from desmosomes termed complexus adherens junctions. These junctions are found at contact sites between endothelial cells that line capillaries. Few studies have focused on the function of DP in de novo capillary formation (vasculogenesis) and branching (angiogenesis) during tumorigenesis, embryonic development, cardiovascular development or wound healing. Only recently have investigations begun to determine the effect the loss of DP has on capillaries during embryogenesis (i.e. in DP –/– mice). Evidence shows that the loss of desmoplakin in vivo results in leaky capillaries and/or capillary malformation. Consequently, the goal of this study was to determine the function of DP in complexus adherens junctions during capillary formation. To accomplish this goal, we used siRNA technology to knock down desmoplakin expression in endothelial cells before they were induced to form microvascular tubes on matrigel. DP siRNA treated cells sent out filopodia and came in close contact with each other when plated onto matrigel; however, in most cases they failed to form tubes as compared with control endothelial cells. Interestingly, after siRNA degradation, endothelial cells were then capable of forming microvascular tubes. In depth analyses into the function of DP in capillary formation were not previously possible because the tools and experimental approaches only recently have become available (i.e. siRNA). Consequently, fully understanding the role of desmoplakin in capillary formation may lead to a novel approach for inhibiting vasculo- and angiogenesis in tumor formation.
The Importance of Acute Hypertensive Response in ICH

Acute hypertensive response is the elevation of blood pressure (BP) above normal and premorbid values that initially occurs within the first 24 hours of symptom onset in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).1 The acute hypertensive response is characterized by its high prevalence, self-limiting nature, and prognostic significance. To remain consistent with the 2003 World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension statement,2 acute hypertensive response is defined as systolic BP (SBP)≥140 mm Hg demonstrated on 2 recordings taken 5 minutes apart within 24 hours of symptom onset. A total of 33 992 patients (75.0%) had an initial SBP≥140 mm Hg among 45 330 patients presenting with an ICH analyzed in the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.3 Acute hypertensive response is usually set on the platform of inadequately treated or undetected chronic hypertension. However, elevation and spontaneous reduction in the initial BP during the next few days support the role of other transient and stroke-specific mechanisms. Presumably, the primary cause of the acute hypertensive response is damage or compression of specific regions in the brain that mediate autonomic control with functional adaptation during the next few days.4,5 Hypertensive responses to other factors are exaggerated and additive because of impaired parasympathetic activity and baroreceptor sensitivity.6 This article addresses the state of knowledge about acute therapy for hypertensive response with ICH. The treatment of acute hypertensive response in ICH has been controversial for the past 3 decades. The Figure demonstrates the 4 periods of evolution in our understanding of pathophysiology and treatment. The current notion of treatment is based on the observation that one third of the subjects presenting with ICH demonstrate hematoma expansion (with subsequent deterioration and death) in the first few hours after onset.7 An initial SBP of ≥200 mm Hg is associated with …
Design and Test of a Transonic Axial Splittered Rotor

A new design procedure was developed that uses commercial-off-the-shelf software (MATLAB, SolidWorks, and ANSYS-CFX) for the geometric rendering and analysis of a transonic axial compressor rotor with splitter blades. Predictive numerical simulations were conducted and experimental data were collected in a Transonic Compressor Rig. This study advanced the understanding of splitter blade geometry, placement, and performance benefits. In particular, it was determined that moving the splitter blade forward in the passage between the main blades, which was a departure from the trends demonstrated in the few available previous transonic axial compressor splitter blade studies, increased the mass flow range with no loss in overall performance. With a large 0.91 mm (0.036 in) tip clearance, to preserve the integrity of the rotor, the experimentally measured peak total-to-total pressure ratio was 1.69 and the peak total-to-total isentropic efficiency was 72 percent at 100 percent design speed. Additionally, a higher than predicted 7.5 percent mass flow rate range was experimentally measured, which would make for easier engine control if this concept were to be included in an actual gas turbine engine.© 2015 ASME
Estimation of surface area concentration of workplace incidental nanoparticles based on number and mass concentrations

Surface area was estimated by three different methods using number and/or mass concentrations obtained from either two or three instruments that are commonly used in the field. The estimated surface area concentrations were compared with reference surface area concentrations (SAREF) calculated from the particle size distributions obtained from a scanning mobility particle sizer and an optical particle counter (OPC). The first estimation method (SAPSD) used particle size distribution measured by a condensation particle counter (CPC) and an OPC. The second method (SAINV1) used an inversion routine based on PM1.0, PM2.5, and number concentrations to reconstruct assumed lognormal size distributions by minimizing the difference between measurements and calculated values. The third method (SAINV2) utilized a simpler inversion method that used PM1.0 and number concentrations to construct a lognormal size distribution with an assumed value of geometric standard deviation. All estimated surface area concentrations were calculated from the reconstructed size distributions. These methods were evaluated using particle measurements obtained in a restaurant, an aluminum die-casting factory, and a diesel engine laboratory. SAPSD was 0.7–1.8 times higher and SAINV1 and SAINV2 were 2.2–8 times higher than SAREF in the restaurant and diesel engine laboratory. In the die casting facility, all estimated surface area concentrations were lower than SAREF. However, the estimated surface area concentration using all three methods had qualitatively similar exposure trends and rankings to those using SAREF within a workplace. This study suggests that surface area concentration estimation based on particle size distribution (SAPSD) is a more accurate and convenient method to estimate surface area concentrations than estimation methods using inversion routines and may be feasible to use for classifying exposure groups and identifying exposure trends.
The transient performance analysis of voice/data integrated networks

Quasi-birth-death (QBD) processes are used as performance models for voice/data integration schemes. It is assumed that voice and data packets of different bandwidths require different numbers of servers for service. Voice packets are lost when there are no available servers; data packets are queued in a buffer when there are not enough servers. A new approach is proposed to find the transient solutions of the QBD processes. The method is applied to a QBD model of a voice/data integration scheme to find time-dependent performance measures such as the expected number of data or voice packets in the system and the voice packet blocking probability. >
Understanding the Impact of Career Academy Attendance: An Application of the Principal Stratification Framework for Causal Effects Accounting for Partial Compliance

Background: Results from MDRC's longitudinal, random-assignment evaluation of career-academy high schools reveal that several years after high-school completion, those randomized to receive the aca...
Micro-Dynamical Effects in High Speed Loading of Porous Metals

When porous metal is loaded in compression, after initial elastic deformation early plastic flow sets in due to stress concentration around the pores. Plastic pore collapse causes a stiffening of the stress-strain curve as the material approaches the compacted state. When the loading is rapid, the closing of the pores and associated reduction in their perimeters causes acceleration of material in the neighborhood of each cavity even for constant strain-rate loading, and the associated inertia forces result in an effective rate-effect. This is a system effect due to the micro-dynamics of the porous material, and will be superposed on any material rate-effect. Specific examples of pore collapse and the associated rate effect are presented for an aluminum alloy, based on finite-element evaluations of the process.
EBV-associated plasmablastic lymphoma in a patient with Crohn's disease after adalimumab treatment.

Dear Sir, Adalimumab is a third tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor approved in the US for the treatment of Crohn's disease. However, sporadic cases of lympho-proliferative disorders have been reported in association with adalimumab therapy.1,2 In order to fully assess the long-term safety associated with adalimumab and anti-TNF in general, it is necessary to report any drug-associated malignancy, especially when these occur in unusual locations; a prompt diagnosis is crucial to start treatment and increase the chance of patient survival. Herein we report a rare case of EBV-associated plasmablastic lymphoma in a patient with Crohn's disease after treatment …
Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in College Students: The Role of Perfectionism and Rumination.

A paucity of research exists examining personality and cognitive characteristics that may contribute to nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). The purpose of the current study was to clarify the contribution of perfectionism and rumination, along with depression and anxiety, to NSSI within a sample of 170 college students. Group comparisons revealed that participants with a history of NSSI endorsed significantly more rumination and depressive and anxious symptoms then non-NSSI controls. Results regarding perfectionism were mixed, with NSSI participants differing from controls on select aspects of perfectionism. Results suggest higher levels of depression and anxiety and a ruminative cognitive style may increase vulnerability for NSSI; however, further research is needed to clarify the contribution of perfectionism.
A portable virtual reality balance device to assess mild traumatic brain injury symptoms: A pilot validation study

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) following a head impact or blast exposure can cause diffuse injury to the brain, which can affect sensorimotor, cognitive, and emotional processes. Among the most common sensorimotor symptoms of mTBI is balance impairment. A commonly used assessments of balance following mTBI is the sensory organization test (SOT). This test has shown that postural deficits following head injury may be due to visual-vestibular processing issues, but it is less sensitive to unremitting symptoms that do not spontaneously resolve within a week. Our current project involves demonstrating validity and reliability of a novel low-cost, portable virtual reality-based balance screening device that employs established principles of sensorimotor reweighting and visual-vestibular integration. The goal is to determine if it can replace existing tools that are either prohibitively expensive or lack reliability or sensitivity. Methods: Healthy adults with no known musculoskeletal or neurological injury (n=27; 17 males, 10 females; 22.1+3.9 years) were tested to establish healthy norms. Individuals with mTBI (n=8; 4 males, 4 females; 20.0+1.7 years) were compared to the healthy norms. The new VR-based balance assessment system consists of a Wii balance board (WBB), a large screen television, and a custom-designed software user interface used to collect and process data. Subjects performed six upright postural tasks (three visual conditions either standing directly on the WBB or on foam placed on the WBB). Subjects viewed a virtual reality scene displayed on a 60" television. The three visual conditions were Static Scene, Dark Scene, and Dynamic Scene (Roll at 60 deg/s). The WBB recorded COP at 100Hz for 30 sec. Dependent variables included COP velocity, root mean square, and sway area. Subjects also performed the sensory organization test (SOT), which can be used as criterion-measures for intraclass correlations with the new device. Results: Preliminary data on healthy subjects validates effectiveness of the device to reduce postural stability as sensory input reliability and availability decreases. Additionally, ur results reveal that individuals with mTBI have significantly worse balance scores on the new VR-device (p<0.001). This highlights its sensitivity to balance disturbance even if when testing a small sample. Comparison of the new device to SOT shows good criterion validity with ROC curves revealing sensitivity/specificity equal or higher than the SOT. COP sway area, velocity, and standard deviation of medial-lateral and anterior-posterior sway were all sensitive dependent variables. In conclusion, this study helps demonstrate that our new VR-based assessment tool is a valid measure for detecting balance related changes in neurologically impaired individuals and can potentially replace much more expensive equipment. Using postural control as an outcome measure of brain injury may help improve identification of individuals with sub-acute symptoms which may be used to guide rehabilitation and clinical decision-making.
Shear Measurement Techniques for Rough Surfaces

Preston's technique of using a pitot tube that touches the boundary in order to measure the local shear has been extended to rough surfaces. An analysis, assuming the logarithmic velocity distribution, provides an estimate of the relationship between the dynamic-pressure reading and the intensity of shear. Experiments with sandpaper-roughened surfaces confirm the general nature of the analytical relationship and provide correction factors that could be used for surfaces of a similar texture. For other surface types, the relationships can be used for qualitative studies, but calibration would be necessary to obtain absolute values of shear.
Fossils and Evolution

Our modern synthetic view of evolution represents the collective wisdom of investigations carried out over five centuries, beginning with the first detailed comparisons of fossils to living organisms. When adequately sampled, fossil mammals exhibit many of the patterns expected of gradually evolving species. Morphological variation in early Cenozoic mammals is comparable to that of modern mammals, and study of successive samples closely spaced in time indicates that species are dynamic, changing continuously and continually at variable rates including rates that characterize their transitions. Anagenesis is an important mode of speciation and (pseudo) extinction. Cladogenesis is also important, but more difficult to document. Species durations are more dispersed than would be expected if they were Poisson-distributed, indicating that they are interdependent and extrinsically determined. All time series can be modelled as random walks at some rate on some scale of time. Successive samples of Hyopsodus closely spaced in time are more distinct morphologically than predicted by random genetic drift, suggesting a deterministic component of change (possibly selection). Most evolutionary rates scale as a function of time. Temporal independence of evolutionary rates was previously known only in artificial selection experiments. Here the first instance is reported for evolution on a geological scale of time. Slowing molecular change in primate evolution may be due to natural selection. Repeated regularities cannot be explained by stochastic processes alone, and evolution is more than random.
Techno economic performances of a dry cooling solar power tower plant under Algerian climate

The Sahara represents more than 80% of the total area of Algeria. This region is characterised by the high level of solar energy potential. On the other hand, concentrating solar power plants represent 70% of the total power to be installed in the framework of the national plan of renewable energy and energy efficiency which consists of installing up 22,000 MW of power generating capacity from renewable sources between 2011 and 2030. In this purpose, this article presents a techno economic assessment of a 100 MW of solar power tower plant for electricity generation located in one typical site of the Saharan environment of Algeria (Tamanrasset). The NREL’s solar advisor model (SAM) software is used to evaluate the monthly energy production, annual energy output, levelised cost of energy (LCOE) and the net present value (NPV) for this study.
Control of First-generation European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Larvae in Nebraska by Applying Insecticides by Center-pivot Irrigation Systems

In whorl-stage field corn, applications of chlorpyrifos 4 emulsifiable concentrate (EC), fenvalerate 2.4EC, and permethrin 3.2EC significantly reduced numbers of first generation European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), larvae compared with the untreated check when applied through circular overhead center-pivot irrigation systems with minimal irrigation water (0.58–0.86 cm). Only chlorpyrifos was evaluated all 3 years of the experiment (1982–84). Corn yields were taken in 1983 and all insecticide-treated plots showed significantly greater yields than the untreated check plot. Experiments conducted in 1983 with chlorpyrifos showed satisfactory efficacy when water rate was increased to 2 cm and when insecticide was prediluted to a ratio of 1 part chlorpyrifos/1 part oil/14 parts water to allow use of a high volume injector pump commonly used for fertigation.
Test of the Einstein Relation in Dusty Plasmas

We test the Einstein relation $D_{p} =\mu _{p} k_{B} T_{t}$ that connects the diffusion coefficient $D_{p}$ and mobility coefficient $\mu _{p}$ , where $T_{t}$ is the temperature of particles that cause the scattering. The test is performed for a 3-D dusty plasma, using results from a Langevin-Yukawa molecular dynamics simulation. The coefficients $D_{p}$ and $\mu _{p}$ describe the motion of projectile dust particles drifting through a cloud of target particles of a different size due to a constant force. The drift is opposed by collisions with target particles and neutral atoms. The Einstein relation is found to be violated at high driving forces of order $m_{p} \omega _{t}^{2} a$ or stronger, where $m_{p}$ is the projectile mass, while $\omega _{t}$ and $a$ are the plasma frequency and Wigner-Seitz radius of the target particles. Because the Einstein relation fails at high forces, another relation is needed to describe diffusion in terms of mobility. We present a generalized Einstein relation, which we find to be satisfied over a wide range of forces.
Studies on the metabolism of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). II. Effect of tryptophan deficiency in rats.

SummaryTryptophan-deficient rats showed significant decrease of 5-HT in all their tissues analyzed. Feeding of sulfasuxidine, presumably through its antibacterial action, led to greater recovery of intestinal serotonin in tryptophan-deficient rats. Injection of PIH resulted in a statistically significant increase of 5-HT in the blood but not in the brain of deficient animals.
Teledermoscopy for Teledermatology

Teledermatology is the remote delivery of dermatologic services and clinical information using telecommunications technology. One of the main potential benefits of teledermatology is providing patients and primary care physicians, especially those in medically underserved and remote communities, access to dermatologists. Other foreseeable benefits include improving healthcare access and delivery, reducing wait times for physician visits, and increasing overall cost savings. As the field of teledermatology has continued to expand, teledermoscopy, which involves the transmission of dermoscopic images in order to obtain a remote diagnosis of pigmented or non-pigmented skin lesions and rashes, is increasingly being utilized. However, very few studies have examined how teledermoscopy affects diagnostic accuracy in teledermatology. In this comprehensive review of the literature, we provide a summary of studies involving teledermoscopy, its uses, its advantages, and some of its future barriers and challenges.
Characteristics and Outcomes of 30-Day Hospital Readmissions in Children with Pulmonary Hypertension: A Multi-Institutional Analysis

s S175 a 5-year survival of 96%. The remaining patients were not candidates for PEA due to the absence of sufficient symptoms (n= 6), comorbidities (n= 2) or distal disease (n= 2). The proportion of patients with no or borderline PH proceeding with PEA increased from 45% (n= 5/11) in 2005-2011 to 82% (n= 9/11) in 2012-2015 (p= 0.08), but remained a small percentage of all PEAs performed during the same period (7%). The age of patients undergoing PEA with no or borderline PH was similar to those undergoing PEA with PH (55±10 vs 58±14 years, p= 0.4). After a median follow-up of 27 (5-87) months, all patients with no or borderline preoperative PH are alive and well. Their NYHA functional class (1.4±0.5 vs 2.4±0.5, p< 0.0001) and RVSP (30±5 vs 35±9 mmHg, p= 0.08) improved compared to preoperative values. Conclusion: CTEPH can be detected in symptomatic patients with abnormal VQ scan despite the absence of PH on echocardiogram and benefit from PEA.
Role of the brain stem in tibial inhibition of the micturition reflex in cats.

This study examined the role of the brain stem in inhibition of bladder reflexes induced by tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) in α-chloralose-anesthetized decerebrate cats. Repeated cystometrograms (C...
The double edge of cutting edge: Explaining adoption and nonadoption of the STAR rating system and insights for sustainability indicators

Abstract STAR (Sustainability Tools for Assessing and Rating system), is a ‘cutting edge’ program that accounts for historical critiques of sustainability indicators, by responding to stakeholder demands for legitimacy, salience and credibility. Data from 37 interviews with urban planners and sustainability directors, illustrate that this sophistication largely accounts for why over 80 US communities and cities have opted to become members of STAR. The research, however, also uncovered a double edge: it is this sophistication that has also made STAR resource intensive and demanding of political support within municipal governments. High labor and resource demands make engagement difficult for some cities. Without substantial political support, STAR can be a tough sell to municipal administrations. Thus, feasibility needs to also be considered a factor in indicator relevance, usability, and in influence. There are, however, likely trade-offs between feasibility on the one hand, and legitimacy, salience and credibility on the other.
Atrial natriuretic peptide expression in rats with different pulmonary hypertensive responses to hypoxia

Mechanisms that regulate atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) expression during hypoxia are not well defined. We hypothesized that plasma immunoreactive ANP (irANP) and right heart irANP and ANP mRNA l...
Effect of tolerance versus chronic immunosuppression protocols on the quality of life of kidney transplant recipients

Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. BACKGROUND. Kidney transplant patients on tolerance protocols avoid the morbidity associated with the use of conventional chronic immunosuppressive regimens. However, the impact of tolerance versus conventional regimens on the quality of life (QOL) of kidney transplant patients is unknown. METHODS. Five patients who achieved long-term immunosuppression-free renal allograft survival after combined kidney and bone marrow transplantation (tolerant group) were compared with thirty-two comparable kidney transplant recipients on conventional immunosuppression (conventional group). QOL was compared with 16 conventional recipients using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form 36 (KDQOL SF-36) and the Modified Transplant Symptom Occurrence and Symptom Distress Scale (MTSOSD-59R). RESULTS. Patients in the tolerant group required significantly less treatment after transplant for hypertension and no medications for diabetes (P < 0.01). There was no incidence of diabetes, dyslipidemia, or malignancies in the tolerant group, while these were observed in 12.5%, 40.6%, and 11.8% of the conventional group, respectively. Tolerant patients experienced better overall health (P < 0.01) and scored higher on kidney transplant-targeted scales and healthy survey scales than patients in the conventional group according to the KDQOL SF-36 (P < 0.05). Tolerant patients were less likely to experience depression, dyspnea, excessive appetite/thirst, flatulence, hearing loss, itching, joint pain, lack of energy, muscle cramps, and lack of libido than conventional patients according to the MTSOSD-59R (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION. Kidney transplant recipients who achieved tolerance experience significantly fewer incidences of complications, improved QOL, and fewer comorbid symptoms compared with patients on conventional immunosuppression. These results support the expanded use of tolerance protocols in kidney transplantation.
Do Farmers' Markets Increase Access to Healthy Foods for All Communities? Comparing Markets in 24 Neighborhoods in Los Angeles

Problem, research strategy, and findings: Farmers' markets provide one option for remedying the startling decline in fresh vegetable and fruit consumption in the United States, particularly in low-income, non-White neighborhoods where opportunities to access these components of a healthy diet are often limited. We lack empirical research on whether farmer's markets provide fresh vegetables and fruits consistently across locations. We audited product offerings at 24 farmers' markets in Los Angeles at two points in time and interviewed a sample of market managers to compare market offerings across neighborhoods to determine whether farmers' markets alleviate disparities experienced by low-income and non-White communities. Farmers' markets in low-income and non-White communities are smaller and provide fewer fresh fruits and vegetables than markets situated in more affluent communities. Managers suggest that their first priority is to stock fresh produce, but other factors such as competition and farmer recr...
Compositional tuning of epoxide-polyetheramine "click" reaction toward cytocompatible, cationic hydrogel particles with antimicrobial and DNA binding activities.

Abstract The “click” characteristics of nucleophilic opening of epoxide have recently been exploited for the development of a functional hydrogel particle system based on commercially available bisepoxide and triamine polyetheramine monomers. Key features of these particles include high cationic charges and responsiveness to temperature, pH, and oxidation. Despite these advantages, the cytocompatibility of these particles must be considered prior to use in biomedical applications. Here we demonstrate that, by introducing a diamine polyetheramine as a comonomer in the “click” reaction, and tuning its molar ratio with the triamine monomer, cationic nanoparticles with improved cytocompatibility can be prepared. The reduced cytotoxicity is primarily due to the hydrophilic backbone of the diamine comonomer, which has polyethylene glycol as a primary component. The resulting nanoparticles formed from the diamine comonomer exhibited a lower surface charge, while maintaining a comparable size. In addition, the responsiveness of the nanoparticles to temperature, pH, and oxidation was conserved, while achieving greater colloidal stability at basic pH. Results from this study further demonstrated that the nanoparticles were able to encapsulate Nile red, a model for hydrophobic drug molecules, were effective against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, and were capable of binding DNA through ionic complexation. Based on the results from this work, the use of diamine comonomers significantly reduces the cytotoxicity of similarly developed hydrogel nanoparticles, allowing for numerous biomedical applications, including nanocarriers for therapeutic agents with poor water solubility, treatment of bacterial infection, and non-viral vectors for gene therapy. Statement of Significance In recent years significant attention has been placed on the development of nanocarriers for numerous biomedical applications. Of particular interest are cationic polymers, which contain high positive surface charges that allow binding of numerous therapeutic agents. Unfortunately, the advantages of cationic polymers for binding, are often negated by the tendency of these polymers to be cytotoxic. Previous studies have developed highly responsive cationic hydrogel nanoparticles, which meet several of the criteria for biomedical applications, but were acutely cytotoxic. In this work, cationic hydrogel nanoparticles, with significantly improved cytocompatibility, were synthesized using simple, green epoxy chemistry. In addition, the ability of these nanoparticles to maintain a small size (
Through the Looking Glass (Self): The Impact of Wearable Technology on Perceptions of Face-to-Face Interaction

Advancements in wearable technology have allowed for extradyadic social cues to be inserted directly (albeit conspicuously) into face-to-face interactions. The current study simulated a fictitious “Looking Glass” program that (a) autodetects (via facial recognition) one’s partner and (b) displays that person’s last 12 social media posts on a pair of Google Glass. In a randomized case/control experiment, nonwearers were more likely to perceive Glass wearers as physically attractive and socioemotionally close, while feeling lower self-esteem and having higher mental and physical demand with the conversation. Open-ended data suggested Glass wearers to be less attentive to the conversation, and Glass-present conversations were less on topic. These data, while preliminary and based on a small sample of users, hold implications for future application and research on cyborgic face-to-face interactions.
Exchange relations on the dark web

ABSTRACTThis article examines exchange relations on Silk Road, an anonymous online black market formerly located in a concealed portion of the Internet, the dark web. The federal court case of Ross William Ulbricht, Silk Road’s architect and executive operator, constitutes the core of my source material, along with Ulbricht’s online statements. I argue that Silk Road represented an aggressively capitalist mode of exchange, marked by an absence of state economic regulation, a lack of status codes, an ineffective reputation system, and a resulting deluge of blackmail, scam, coercion, and monopoly. Contrary to its founder’s vision of a libertarian utopia, the digital free market in contraband was plagued with fraudulent economic practices, underwritten by a market logic that exploited the site’s unique infrastructure. The salient principle of economic relationality on Silk Road was not cooperation and freedom but deception and intimidation.
Creative Collaborative Exploration in Multiple Environments

We seek to support creativity in science, engineering, and design applications by building infrastructure that offers new capabilities for creative collaborative exploration of complex data in a variety of non-traditional computing environments. We describe particular novel environments and devices, including the Allosphere and the interactive Fogscreen, the software components to support collaborative interaction in mixed-media environments, and several key application scenarios that will leverage these capabilities. Our main focus is on supporting integrated visualization, sonification, and interaction capabilities in and across novel computing environments.
WP1066 Inhibits Growth of Human Cells Carrying the JAK2 V617F Mutation.

Abstract Myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) are characterized by proliferation of one or more myeloid cell lineages in bone marrow and peripheral blood, with relatively preserved differentiation. Recent discovery of a dominant gain-of-function mutation in the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene in patients with MPDs, involving the substitution of valine for phenylalanine at position 617 of the JAK2 protein (JAK2 V617F), represents the first acquired somatic mutation in hematopoietic stem cells described in these disorders. This discovery has opened new avenues for the development of targeted therapies for MPDs. WP1066 is a small molecule, a member of a novel class of anticancer agents whose development was based upon the backbone of AG490, a tyrphostin with activity against JAK2 V617F-expressing cell lines but limited in vivo activity. We investigated the inhibitory activity of the WP1066 against the JAK2 V617F-mutant expressing erythroid leukemia HEL cell line and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with polycythemia vera (PV). WP1066 significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK2 and downstream signal transduction proteins STAT3, STAT5, and ERK1/2 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It induced a time- and dose-dependent antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects (activation of caspase 3, release of cytochrome c, and cleavage of PARP) in the JAK2 V617F-bearing HEL cell line in the low micromolar range. Pretreatment of cells with pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD abolished WP1066-induced apoptosis. The expression of apoptosis related proteins bcl-2, bax, and XIAP, however, was not changed. More important, WP1066 was effective in inhibiting cell growth in clonogenic assays of mononuclear cells harboring the JAK2 V617F mutation obtained from peripheral blood of patients with PV. We conclude that WP1066 is active both in vitro and ex vivo against cells carrying the JAK2 V617F mutation and represents a solid candidate for the treatment of JAK2 V617V-expressing MPDs.