cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variation of nitrogen oxides in the central North Atlantic lower free troposphere

[1] Measurements of NO, NO2, and NOy (total reactive nitrogen oxides) made at the Pico Mountain station, 38.47°N, 28.40°W, 2.2 km above sea level, from July 2002 to August 2005 are used to characterize the seasonal and diurnal variations of nitrogen oxides in the background lower free troposphere (FT) over the central North Atlantic Ocean. These observations reveal a well-defined seasonal cycle of nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2 and NOy), with higher mixing ratios during the summertime. Observed NOx and NOy levels are consistent with long-range transport of emissions, with significant removal en route to the measurement site. Larger summertime nitrogen oxides levels are attributed to boreal wildfire emissions and more efficient export and transport of NOy from eastern North America during that season. In addition, measurements of NOx and NOy obtained during in-cloud and cloud-free conditions are used to estimate PAN and HNO3 mixing ratios and examine the partitioning of the reactive nitrogen species. These estimates indicate that reactive nitrogen over the central North Atlantic lower FT largely exists in the form of PAN and HNO3 (∼80–90% of NOy) year-round. The composition of NOy shifts from dominance of PAN in winter-spring to dominance of HNO3 in summer-fall, as a result of changes in temperature and photochemistry over the region. A further comparison of the nitrogen oxides measurements with results from the global chemical transport model GEOS-Chem finds that simulated nitrogen oxides are significantly larger than the observations.
A proton magnetic resonance investigation of solid mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-methylammonium chlorides

Abstract The proton magnetic resonance spectrum has been measured over a wide temperature range for polycrystalline mono-, di-, tri-, and tetramethylammoniumn chlorides, which are found to exhibit a diversity of ionic motions. Only the dimethylammonium ion exhibits spectral narrowing by rotational tunnelling of the methyl groups at 4°K. At higher temperatures the other three ions exhibit methyl group reorientation. The monomethylammonium ion also shows reorientation of the N + H 3 group, the dimethylammonium ion reorients about its diad axis, and the trimethylammonium ion about its triad axis. The tetramethylammonium ion exhibits quasi-isotropic reorientation. None of the compounds shows diffusional narrowing at the highest temperatures of measurement.
Qcd enhancement of b → sγ decay for a heavy top quark

An effective five-quark hamiltonian for b → s decay processes is derived by integrating out a heavy top quark with m t 2 ≫ m w 2 from the minimal six-quark standard model. The leading strong interaction corrections to this hamiltonian are then determined in an effective field theory computation. The renormalization group running of the operators in the effective hamiltonian between a top quark scale of 250 GeV and the W-scale is found to be significant and enhances the inclusive rate for the rare weak decay B → X s γ by about 14%.
Implementation of Walrasian expectations equilibria

Abstract In an exchange economy with differentially informed traders, Non-exclusivity of information (NEI) is the condition that each trader's private information be perfectly predictable by an outside observer who has observed the private information of all other traders. NEI is one of a set of conditions which, taken together, are sufficient for the implementability of fully revealing expectations equilibria. Here we show that this condition is in fact necessary for the weak implementation of a much broader class of Walrasian equilibria, herein called expectations equilibria.
Geographies of Globalization by Warwick E. Murray

London and New York: Routledge, 2006. xxiii and 392 pp., plates, figs., tables, maps, bibliog., and index. $27.95 paper (ISBN 0-41531-800-9). Geographies of Globalization is part of the Routledge C...
The development, characterization, and cellular response of a novel electroactive nanostructured composite for electrical stimulation of neural cells

Electrical stimulation is a primary method to repair or restore neurological functions. In this regard, we describe the underlying strategy, chemical/structural design, and gifted attributes of a novel nanostructured electroactive composite electrode comprising organic (highly conducting polymer) and inorganic (carbon nanotubes) components. The electrode was characterized in terms of electrical properties, structure and neural cell response. First, the electrical probe is robust and characterized by low impedance, high charge injection capacity, and is biocompatible to facilitate cellular interactions. Second, the combination of in vitro experiments, fluorescence, and electron microscopy of electrically stimulated cells (NB-39-Nu human neuroblastoma cells) at different applied electric field strengths demonstrated that the electrochemically synthesized hybrid nanostructured coating is conducive to neurite growth. Third, the study on the effects of electrical field strength on protein synthesis and mechanism implied cell-to-cell communication based on the change in the regulation of endogenous cytoskeletal proteins, actin, vinculin, and fibronection involving cell mobility and cell adhesion. The cell-to-cell communication is of significant relevance to functional neuronal circuits in cell translational therapy. Taken together, the results also point to the potential of nanostructured composites for use as substrates to modulate cellular activity via electrical stimulation.
Stage-specific phospholipase C-mediated release of Trypanosoma cruzi neuraminidase.

Several studies indicate that the neuraminidase from Trypanosoma cruzi (TCNA) [1 ] plays an important role in infection. Trypomastigotes remove sialic acid from rat myocardial and human endothelial cells in vitro [2], and from mouse [1] and human [3] erythrocytes during infection with T. cruzi in vivo. The extent of desialylation of host cells correlates with the number of parasites and TCNA activity [3]. Inhibition of enzyme activity by polyclonal [4] and monoclonal [5] antibodies and by high [6] and low-density lipoproteins [7] augment invasion of host cells by trypomastigotes suggesting that the enzyme exerts a negative control on T. cruzi infection (reviewed in ref. 8). We have previously shown that TCNA is spontaneously released into condition medium when tissue culture trypomastigotes are incubated at 4°C [4] or 37°C [5] for several hours or days, suggesting that the enzyme is anchored to the cell surface by a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI) linkage. Release of membrane-bound proteins by PI-PLC is now regarded as convincing evidence for the involvement of GPI in membrane anchoring [9]. We therefore tested whether TCNA could be specifically removed from the surface of the Silvio X10/4
Adjusting to the fertility bust

Fertility in the United States is at an all-time low, having reached a rate of 1.86 children per woman of child-bearing age in 2013 ( 1 ). Researchers warn of the worldwide “low-fertility trap” ( 2 ), and the population of Europe is projected to decline in the next 25 years ( 3 ). Should we be worried? On page 229 of this issue, Lee et al. ( 4 ) argue that moderately low fertility and modest population decline favor a higher living standard. They are not alone in urging restraint to concerns about population aging ( 5 ) but have painstakingly assembled a new data set to make their point very clearly. Meanwhile, Gerland et al. contend on page 234 of this issue ( 6 ) that the world population will still grow substantially and is unlikely to stop growing in this century. However, almost all of the projected population increase by 2100 is confined to sub-Saharan Africa, with almost all other continents and major countries experiencing declining rates of population growth and rising ratios of elders to workers.
Definition of species-specific traits for freshwater sponges (Porifera: Spongillidae) in the genus Dosilia

Abstract Confusion in the literature over the definitive traits used to separate freshwater sponge taxa included currently in the genus Dosilia initiated this review of their taxonomic history and a re-examination of specimens to elucidate questions pertaining to determination of their identities at the species-level. A comparison was made between two North American specimens using light and scanning electron microscopy of the significant features of their gemmules and spicules. This comparison illustrated key taxonomic problems in the literature and the need for collection of additional specimens from voucher localities in order to successfully resolve questions remaining regarding inter-specific relationships in North American members of this genus.
Transient Heating with Graphite Heaters for Semiconductor Processing

Transient heating with graphite heaters has been shown to be very useful in several important semiconductor processing applications. Using stationary and/or movable heaters, we have obtained excellent results in the annealing of ion-implantation damage in Si and GaAs, preparation of epitaxial Ge1−xSix on Si substrates, and recrystallization of Si films on insulators. The advantages of graphite heaters include their ready scalability in area to commercial wafer size and their low capital cost. These heaters are also easily machinable, and their temperature can be rapidly varied. When fully developed, this heating technique should provide an inexpensive and versatile method for commercial processing of many semiconductor materials.
Reproductive state changes NADPH-diaphorase staining in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of female rats

It has been demonstrated in guinea pigs that nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity is increased in late pregnancy in some peripheral tissues and in the cerebellum. To determine whether similar changes would be observed in areas of the brain known to play a role in parturition, staining for NADPH-diaphorase, a histochemical marker of NOS synthase, in the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei (SON) was compared among ovariectomized, virgin and late pregnant rats. The number of cells showing dense staining for NADPH-diaphorase increased in both the SON and PVN in late pregnancy compared to that observed in virgin and ovariectomized females. Thus, changes in reproductive state are associated with changes in NADPH-diaphorase staining in areas of the brain that are intimately involved in the control of reproductive function.
Cloud liquid water retrievals from aqua AMSU/HSB

The aqua satellite of NASA's Earth observing system carries, among other instruments, the atmospheric infrared sounder, the advanced microwave sounding unit-A, and the humidity sounder for Brazil, which are used cooperatively to retrieve numerous geophysical parameters, including profiles of atmospheric temperature, ozone, water vapour, and cloud liquid water. This paper discusses the method of obtaining nonprecipitating cloud liquid water and some results form the first year of operation; for example, images of retrieved cloud liquid water show the positions of weather fronts. The retrieval process consists of several stages; cloud liquid water is estimated in the first stage, using the microwave channels. This algorithm seeks to minimize, by iteration, a cost function composed of quadratic functions of the differences between observed and computed brightness temperatures and the differences between the retrieved and a priori atmosphere/surface parameters. The algorithm uses internally a condensation model that relates water vapour and cloud liquid water to a single profile of a humidity variable, through which the a priori statistics of water vapour are introduced. The transition between vapour and liquid (saturation point) is a parameter found by the algorithm, thus allowing for possible error in the retrieved temperature profile. In simulations, the integrated cloud liquid water has rms errors of 50g/m/sup 2/ over water surfaces, and 150g/m/sup 2/ over land surfaces.
Reducing "Acceptable" Stigmatization Through Legislation

Substantial research has focused on stigmatized groups who are widely protected from discrimination under national legislation. In the current article, however, we focus our attention on those stigmatized groups who are relatively early in their quest for civil rights. In particular, we consider gay and lesbian individuals, and heavy individuals, for whom existing research is considerable enough to allow for a review. We summarize the discrimination these individuals face on a daily basis and how this discrimination, on some level, is socially supported. One way to reduce this discrimination is to enact legislation. We discuss the importance of such legislation and provide preliminary empirical evidence showing that such laws can serve as a symbolic and instrumental mechanism for remediating formal and interpersonal discrimination.
Hedgehog Signaling and Laminin Play Unique and Synergistic Roles in Muscle Development

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling and laminin-111, a basement membrane protein, are required for early muscle development. Hh signaling specifies different populations of muscle fibers and laminin-111 is critical for early muscle morphogenesis. However, additional requirements for Hh signaling and laminin during later phases of muscle development are not known. Furthermore, interactions between Hh signaling and laminin in this context are unknown. We used laminin gamma1 mutant zebrafish and cyclopamine to block Hh signal transduction separately and in combination to investigate their functions and interactions. We found that both Hh signaling and laminin are required for normal myosin chain expression. In addition, Hh signaling and laminin act synergistically during fast-twitch fiber elongation: fast muscle cells do not elongate in embryos deficient for both Hh signaling and laminin. Finally, we present evidence that suggests that Hh signaling is indirectly required via slow fiber specification for recovery of fast fiber elongation in laminin gamma1 mutant embryos.
Development of periodically oriented gallium nitride for non-linear optics [Invited]

Methods for growing periodically alternating polarities of GaN on GaN substrates have been developed. The resulting periodically oriented samples demonstrate feasibility of using this method to produce structures of utility in optical parametric generation.
Enucleation of renal cell carcinoma with ablation of the tumour base.

OBJECTIVE To retrospectively assess the effectiveness of cancer control with enucleation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is surgically expedient, allows preservation of maximal renal parenchyma, and makes intraoperative renal ischaemia unnecessary, by two surgeons routinely enucleating renal tumours and ablating the tumour bed with argon beam and the Nd-YAG laser. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between 1996 and 2006 at our institution, 97 patients had RCC enucleated, with ablation of the tumour base. Patients with lesions other than RCC and those with von Hippel-Lindau disease or Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome were excluded from the study. The mean follow-up was 24.9 months. Patients were evaluated for RCC recurrence with cross-sectional imaging at least every 6 months for the first 2 years and then annually thereafter. RESULTS The mean (median, range) tumour size was 2.8 (2.5, 0.8-7.0) cm. Of the 97 patients only one had disease progression after a mean follow-up of 24.9 months. This patient presented with a solitary grade 2 clear cell RCC and had a local recurrence 30 months after original surgery. CONCLUSIONS The present series and other available clinical data suggest that enucleation with cavity ablation is an oncologically sound approach that is simple, versatile and obviates the need for renal ischaemia.
Characterization of Epididymal Epithelial Cell-Specific Gene Promoters by In Vivo Electroporation

The mammalian epididymis plays a critical role in sperm maturation, a function dependent on testicular androgens. However, the function of the initial segment, the most proximal part of the epididymis, is also dependent on luminal factors of testicular origin. Efferent duct ligation (EDL), which prevents luminal testicular fluid from reaching the epididymis, results in changes in gene expression within this region. Cystatin-related epididymal spermatogenic (cres) gene and g-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) mRNA IV are highly expressed in the initial segment and are regulated by luminal testicular factors. EDL results in decreased expression of both genes. To evaluate these promoters in the context of their native physiological state, an in vivo electroporation procedure was used. Significant differences were observed in vivo compared to previous in vitro results. Whereas two C/EBP sites were necessary for transcriptional activity from a 135-base-pair (bp) cres promoter in vitro, only the 59 site displayed functional activity in the in vivo system. A 135-bp GGT promoter IV construct was sufficient for reporter gene expression in vitro. However, in vivo, substantial expression was not observed until the construct was extended to 530 bp. Three polyoma enhancer activator 3 (PEA3) sites were found to be necessary for in vivo reporter gene expression from this construct. A cis-acting negative regulatory element between 2530 and 2681 bp was also identified that was not previously recognized in the in vitro studies. These studies demonstrate the utility of in vivo electroporation for elucidating promoter elements that may not be identified when traditional in vitro methods are used. epididymis, gene regulation, male reproductive tract
Concurrent chemoradiotherapy for N2 or N3 squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck from an occult primary

Received 17 January 2003; revised 27 March 2003; accepted 8 April 2003 Background: Our aim was to explore the use of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the management of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck from an occult primary (HNCOP). Patients and methods: From 1991 to 2000, 25 patients with T0N2M0 or T0N3M0 HNCOP were entered into five sequential phase II clinical trials. Chemoradiotherapy consisted of a split course of radiotherapy with concurrent 5-fluorouracil and hydroxyurea either alone or with cisplatin, or paclitaxel. Two of the five protocols incorporated induction chemotherapy. Results: Nodal stage was N2a in five patients (20%), N2b in 13 (52%), N2c in one (4%) and N3 in six (24%). Twenty-two patients (88%) underwent neck dissection; 14 of 22 patients underwent neck dissection before initiating protocol therapy. Total radiation doses of 55–75 Gy (median 60 Gy) were delivered; radiation fields included the potential sites of mucosal primaries and the neck bilaterally. Selected patients received a radiation boost to the involved neck. With a median follow-up of 3.9 years, three patients have progressed (one local, two distant) and seven patients have died. Deaths were due to disease progression (three) or unrelated causes (four). No metachronous primaries developed. The 5-year progression-free and overall survival was 87% and 75%, respectively. Conclusion: Combined-modality treatment with intensive chemoradiotherapy results in excellent disease control and long-term survival for patients with N2–N3 HNCOP and compares favorably with traditional
Solvent crazing of “dry” polystyrene and “dry” crazing of plasticized polystyrene

The critical strain ec for crazing of polystyrene in each of a variety of organic liquids has been measured along with the degree of swelling of the polymer by the liquid and the attendant reduction in the glass transition temperature Tg of the polymer. The critical strain for the crazing in air and the Tg of each of a set of specimens molded from mixtures of o-dichlorobenzene and polystyrene have also been determined. Correlations of ec with Tg in the two cases are identical within experimental error for the first 40°C of Tg reduction; these results imply (1) that organic liquids do not exercise a significant surface energy role in solvent crazing and (2) that their only roles are associated with flow processes. Correlation of solvent crazing ec with solubility parameter of the crazing fluid is very poor for several reasons that are discussed.
Stream ecosystem responses to the 2007 spring freeze in the southeastern United States: unexpected effects of climate change

Some expected changes in climate resulting from human greenhouse gas emissions are clear and well documented, but others may be harder to predict because they involve extreme weather events or heretofore unusual combinations of weather patterns. One recent example of unusual weather that may become more frequent with climate change occurred in early spring 2007 when a large Arctic air mass moved into the eastern United States following a very warm late winter. In this paper, we document effects of this freeze event on Walker Branch, a well-studied stream ecosystem in eastern Tennessee. The 2007 spring freeze killed newly grown leaf tissues in the forest canopy, dramatically increasing the amount of light reaching the stream. Light levels at the stream surface were sustained at levels considerably above those normal for the late spring and summer months due to the incomplete recovery of canopy leaf area. Increased light levels caused a cascade of ecological effects in the stream beginning with considerably higher (two– three times) rates of gross primary production (GPP) during the late spring and summer months when normally low light levels severely limit stream GPP. Higher rates of stream GPP in turn resulted in higher rates of nitrate (NO3 ) uptake by the autotrophic community and lower NO3 concentrations in stream water. Higher rates of stream GPP in summer also resulted in higher growth rates of a dominant herbivore, the snail Elimia clavaeformis. Typically, during summer months net NO3 uptake and snail growth rates are zero to negative; however, in 2007 uptake and growth were maintained at moderate levels. These results show how changes in forest vegetation phenology can have dramatic effects on stream productivity at multiple trophic levels and on nutrient cycling as a result of tight coupling of forest and stream ecosystems. Thus, climate change-induced changes in canopy structure and phenology may lead to large effects on stream ecosystems in the future.
Segmentation of skin cancer images

An automatic method for segmentation of images of skin cancer and other pigmented lesions is presented. This method first reduces a color image into an intensity image and approximately segments the image by intensity thresholding. Then, it refines the segmentation using image edges. Double thresholding is used to focus on an image area where a lesion boundary potentially exists. Image edges are then used to localize the boundary in that area. A closed elastic curve is fitted to the initial boundary, and is locally shrunk or expanded to approximate edges in its neighborhood in the area of focus. Segmentation results from 20 randomly selected images show an average error that is about the same as that obtained by four experts manually segmenting the images.
`Cultural Deviance Theory': The Remarkable Persistence of a Flawed Term

Costello (1997) has attempted to defend Kornhauser's (1978) interpretation of Sutherland's differential association theory as a `cultural deviance theory.' In so doing, she claims that Matsueda (19...
Alterations in immune function and CYP450 activity in adult male deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) following exposure to benzo[a]pyrene, pyrene, or chrysene.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the most common classes of chemical contaminants found at hazardous waste sites. Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) exhibit a wide geographic distribution throughout North America and have been suggested as a terrestrial biomonitoring species to facilitate comparisons between superfund sites. Chemicals tested were benzo[a]pyrene (BaP; CAS number 50-32-8), pyrene (Pyr; CAS number 129-00-0), and chrysene (Chr; CAS number 218-01-9). Adult male deer mice were exposed via intraperitoneal (ip) injection every other day for 11 d to the PAHs (0.3, 1, 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg) or a corn oil carrier control. Both BaP and Chr suppressed the plaque-forming cell (PFC) response at all treatment levels. Pyr exposure (1–30 mg/kg) also resulted in suppression of this response. Macrophage pinocytosis was suppressed only by Chr (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg). Concanavalin A-induced proliferation was stimulated by BaP at all dose levels, by Pyr at 1–30 mg/kg, and by Chr at 30 mg/kg. Chr did...
Differential effects of chlorthalidone versus spironolactone on muscle sympathetic nerve activity in hypertensive patients.

Context: Previous studies in rats indicated that thiazide-type diuretics reduced blood pressure (BP) and triggered baroreflex-mediated increase in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), whereas spironolactone exerted central sympathoinhibitory action in addition to diuretic effects. Objectives: The objectives were to determine effects of spironolactone and chlorthalidone on SNA and the role of SNA on diuretic-induced insulin resistance in human hypertension. Methods: We conducted a randomized crossover study in 23 untreated hypertensive patients in which we measured muscle SNA at baseline, after 1 and 3 months of chlorthalidone (12.5–25 mg/d), and after 1 and 3 months of spironolactone (50–75 mg/d). Ambulatory BP, baroreflex sensitivity, and indices of insulin resistance were also assessed at baseline and after 3 months of each drug treatment. Results: Chlorthalidone caused a similar reduction in ambulatory BP from baseline when compared with spironolactone (11 ± 2/4 ± 2 and 10 ± 2/4 ± 2 mm Hg, respectively). However, chlorthalidone increased SNA by 23% (P < 0.01) within 1 month of treatment, whereas spironolactone had no effect in the same subjects. SNA continued to be elevated after 3 months of chlorthalidone when compared with baseline and spironolactone. Baroreflex control of SNA was unaffected by either drug. Chlorthalidone increased indices of insulin resistance, which were significantly correlated with increases in SNA from baseline, whereas spironolactone had no effect in the same subjects. Conclusions: Our data suggest that chlorthalidone, the first-line drug therapy for hypertension, causes persistent activation of sympathetic nervous system and insulin resistance in hypertensive patients. These side effects, however, are avoided by spironolactone despite similar reduction in BP.
AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF THE EVOLUTION OF VIRULENCE UNDER BOTH HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL TRANSMISSION

According to current thinking, a parasite's transmission mode will be a major determinant of virulence, defined as the harm induced by parasites to their hosts. With horizontal transmission, virulence will increase as a byproduct of a trade-off between fitness gained through increased among-host transmission (infectivity) and fitness lost through increased virulence. With vertical transmission, virulence will decrease because a parasite's reproductive potential will be maximized only by decreasing harm to the host, allowing parasite transmission to more host offspring. To test both predictions, we transmitted barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) horizontally and then vertically in its host, barley (Hordeum vulgare). After four generations of horizontal transmission, we observed a nearly twofold increase in horizontal infectivity and nearly tripled virulence. After three generations of subsequent vertical trans- mission, we observed a modest (16%) increase in vertical transmissibility and a large (40%) reduction in virulence. Increased horizontal transmission is often due to increased pathogen replication which, in turn, causes increased virulence. However, we found no correlation between within-host virus concentration and virulence, indicating that the observed changes in virulence were not due to changes in viral titer. Finally, horizontally transmitted BSMV had reduced vertical transmission and vertically transmitted BSMV had reduced horizontal infectivity. These two obser- vations suggest that, in nature, in different host populations with varying opportunities for horizontal and vertical transmission, different viral strains may be favored.
Site of action of putative lipostatic factor: hypothalamic metabolism of parabiotic rats

Studies were conducted to determine whether metabolic adaptation occurred in the hypothalamus of overfed parabiotic rats and their partners to distinguish between the adaptations caused by increased caloric intake and those caused by the production of a "lipostatic factor." The induction of overfed obesity in one parabiotic partner was employed to test the hypothesis that a putative lipostatic factor produced in the obese parabiotic elicited the hypophagic-lipid-mobilizing effect observed in the lean parabiotic via alterations in hypothalamic fatty acid and glucose metabolism. Fatty acid oxidation in the ventrolateral hypothalamus (VLH) of overfed parabiotic rats and their partners was lower than in ad libitum parabiotic rats. Net flux of glucose through the VLH gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt was elevated in overfed parabiotic rats compared with the net flux observed in their partners and ad libitum parabiotic rats, the levels being similar in these last two groups. Net flux of glucose through the ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) pentose shunt in overfed parabiotic rats and their partners was elevated relative to ad libitum parabiotic rats. The putative lipostatic factor may act to regulate energy balance through modification of VLH fatty acid oxidation and/or glucose flux via the VMH pentose shunt.
Esterase‐Sensitive Prodrugs with Tunable Release Rates and Direct Generation of Hydrogen Sulfide

Prodrugs that release hydrogen sulfide upon esterase-mediated cleavage of an ester group followed by lactonization are described herein. By modifying the ester group and thus its susceptibility to esterase, and structural features critical to the lactonization rate, H2 S release rates can be tuned. Such prodrugs directly release hydrogen sulfide without the involvement of perthiol species, which are commonly encountered with existing H2 S donors. Additionally, such prodrugs can easily be conjugated to another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, leading to easy synthesis of hybrid prodrugs. As a biological validation of the H2 S prodrugs, the anti-inflammatory effects of one such prodrug were examined by studying its ability to inhibit LPS-induced TNF-α production in RAW 264.7 cells. This type of H2 S prodrugs shows great potential as both research tools and therapeutic agents.
Violence and identity politics: 1970s lesbian-feminist discourse and Robin Morgan's 1973 West Coast Lesbian Conference keynote address

ABSTRACTThis essay examines 1970s lesbian-feminist identity rhetorics to interrogate the exclusionary logics of visibility and gender normativity. Lesbian-feminists used such logics to exclude women living “in the closet,” performing gender in nonnormative ways, or avowing a transgender identity. Those struggles form a dynamic context to situate and critically analyze Robin Morgan's keynote address at the 1973 West Coast Lesbian Conference, “Lesbianism and Feminism: Synonyms or Contradictions?” Though Morgan's address exemplifies rhetorical violence of identity politics and transphobia within lesbian-feminist communities, I explore its radically queer possibilities to shed fresh light on persistent struggles that shape contemporary queer politics.
Aerodynamic Modeling and Optimization of Sideslip Perching Maneuver

This paper discusses the aerodynamic model and optimization framework adopted to generate a threedimensional (3D) perching trajectory that ameliorates the existing 2D perching concept by eliminating the undershoot and the reliance of gravity. A 3D maneuvering technique is introduced that methodically utilizes the longitudinal and lateral drag mechanisms. Via this application, a conventional fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with thrust-to-weight ratio less than unity promptly attains over 70% velocity reduction without compromising the bearing of the final flight path. Since perching maneuver involves high rates of change in the angle of attack, the effect of moving separation point on the transient post-stall behavior is apparent. A static nonlinear aerodynamic model that is developed using empirical and analytical methods provides the basis to describe the variation of the separation point at different angles of attack. An internal variable is included as a state variable to describe flow state and address dynamic stall effects under rapid change of angle of attack and sideslip angles. The optimization procedure reveals a trajectory of sideslip perching maneuver that differs significantly with the trajectory generated without the consideration of dynamic stall effects. Comparisons in perching distance and time taken between 2D and 3D perching models further show that 3D perching is a more aggressive and efficient deceleration technique.
Resonance production in p ¯ p → π + π + π − π − π 0 at 1.6 to 2.2 GeV c

The reaction $\overline{p}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ has been studied at six incident antiproton momenta (1.63, 1.77, 1.83, 1.88, 1.95, and $2.20 \frac{\mathrm{GeV}}{c}$). The data were taken from a 150 000-picture exposure in the MURA-ANL hydrogen bubble chamber. After examining ambiguities with other final states, a low contamination sample of 12357 events distributed nearly evenly over the six energies was obtained. Cross sections were determined at each energy. The properties of ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{0}$, ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$, ${\ensuremath{\omega}}^{0}$, and ${\ensuremath{\eta}}^{0}$ mesons produced in this reaction are discussed; evidence for production of the $B$ meson is presented. The ${A}_{2}$, $f$, and $g$ mesons are seen, but are not examined in detail. The cross sections of resonance channels are examined using the maximum-likelihood method, with a likelihood function based on Breit-Wigner amplitudes and meson-decay matrix elements. Particular attention is paid to the stability of the results as the detailed form of the fitting functions is varied. The reaction is dominated by the production of the ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{0}$, ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$, and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}^{0}$ mesons, with cross sections of about 50%, 50%, and 20% of the five-pion cross section, respectively. The largest channel is found to be ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{0}{\ensuremath{\rho}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{\mp}}$, accounting for over one third of the five-pion events. Cross sections of all resonance channels are examined as a function of energy. The resonance-channel cross sections are compared to the cross sections determined in experiments at other energies. Qualitative features are found to be consistent between experiments. The cross sections show fluctuations between experiments which are larger than statistically expected.
Urban but off the grid: the struggle for water in two urban slums in greater Accra, Ghana

This paper seeks to understand the daily lived struggles for water in two slum settlements in Greater Accra, Ghana. Poor infrastructure and governance leave the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) unable to fulfill the demand for water production in the capital city Accra, thus resulting in chronic intermittency of the urban water supply, and a high percentage of households purchasing water from neighbors and alternative sources such as sachet water, water kiosks, and water tankers. Utilizing theoretical insights from informality discourse, we examine household-level water access and the impacts of water supply disruption on daily lives by analyzing the emergent themes of eight focus group discussions (FGDs) about water access that were conducted in two slum settlements in Greater Accra. We observed intricate effects of water interference on daily lives, including negative perceptions about the government’s role in improving water access. The emergent themes from the FGDs included: (1) disruptions of indiv...
A Method of Estimating Uncertainty In Simulated Transport and Dispersion of Pollutants in Complex Terrain

Accurate prediction of the transport and dispersion of atmospheric pollutants and tracers in complex terrain represents a significant research challenge. The differences between simulations and measurements are caused by model simplifications and assumptions, uncertainty in measurements, and variability of natural processes that have a random component. The uncertainties in the model and measurements could be reduced to certain extent, while the natural variability cannot be fully accounted for. In this study, we present a method of estimating uncertainties in the simulated dispersion as a residual term in the equation for the fractional error.
Management of Atypical Femoral Fractures

Atypical femoral fractures are characterized by a lateral stress-mitrated reaction, a transverse fracture line, and medial beaking. These fractures occur as a small percentage of hip and femur fracture. Prior prolonged bisphosphonate treatment is most common, usually greater than 5 years. There is a high likelihood of bilateral fractures in approaching 50 %. MRI edema and bone scan activity are usually present. The key elements of treatment initiate with diagnostic imaging to determine location and activity. All patients should cease bisphosphonates and switch to anabolic agents such as PTH 1-34 as well as correct calcium and Vitamin D. Complete fractures are best treated by intramedullary nailing or compression plating requiring ORIF if a fracture line is present. Simple stress reaction without a cortical defect may respond to medical management.
Fieldston, Sara Raising the World: Child Welfare in the American Century Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press 328 pp., $39.95, ISBN 9780674368095 Publication Date: March 2015

In Raising the World: Child Welfare in the American Century, Sara Fieldston traces the expanding activities of American international child welfare aid societies immediately following World War II ...
Sexual Assault Forensic Examination

When the survivor of a sexual assault seeks medical care, in addition to addressing their medical needs, their forensic needs must also be addressed. This is best achieved by a specialist examiner, who is trained to conduct a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE). When the examiner is a nurse, she or he is referred to as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). In designated centers, the forensic examiner and the nurse, physician, law enforcement officials, social workers, and patient advocates work together as a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART).
Circulating blood and platelets supply glycosyltransferases that enable extrinsic extracellular glycosylation

Glycosyltransferases, usually residing within the intracellular secretory apparatus, also circulate in the blood. Many of these blood-borne glycosyltransferases are associated with pathological states, including malignancies and inflammatory conditions. Despite the potential for dynamic modifications of glycans on distal cell surfaces and in the extracellular milieu, the glycan-modifying activities present in systemic circulation have not been systematically examined. Here, we describe an evaluation of blood-borne sialyl-, galactosyl- and fucosyltransferase activities that act upon the four common terminal glycan precursor motifs, GlcNAc monomer, Gal(β3)GlcNAc, Gal(β4)GlcNAc and Gal(β3)GalNAc, to produce more complex glycan structures. Data from radioisotope assays and detailed product analysis by sequential tandem mass spectrometry show that blood has the capacity to generate many of the well-recognized and important glycan motifs, including the Lewis, sialyl-Lewis, H- and Sialyl-T antigens. While many of these glycosyltransferases are freely circulating in the plasma, human and mouse platelets are important carriers for others, including ST3Gal-1 and β4GalT. Platelets compartmentalize glycosyltransferases and release them upon activation. Human platelets are also carriers for large amounts of ST6Gal-1 and the α3-sialyl to Gal(β4)GlcNAc sialyltransferases, both of which are conspicuously absent in mouse platelets. This study highlights the capability of circulatory glycosyltransferases, which are dynamically controlled by platelet activation, to remodel cell surface glycans and alter cell behavior.
An Intermittency Mechanism for Coherent and Flexible Brain and Behavioral Function

Complex biological systems must balance a universal tendency to phase - and frequency synchronize with the requirement to flexibly explore other coordinative states. We identify intermittency, a generic property of dynamical systems near tangent bifurcations, as a unifying mechanism that provides this vital mix of coherent yet flexible function.
Optimization of a solar-hybrid system: For the village of El rescate, El Salvador

While access to electricity in El Salvador is high, about 93% according to the World Bank, there are still many communities without access to power. Typically, these communities are made up of poor, small villages in remote areas. Because they're difficult to access and because the populations are not sizeable, power providers and the government are slow or unwilling to bring power to them. This paper explores the design process for a hybrid solar-diesel central power system for a remote village in El Salvador. El Rescate is a small village in Usulutan, El Salvador with a population of 56 people living in 17 homes. It's located approximately at 13.5 degrees north and 88.5 degrees west. The design aims to meet the daily load with a central solar power plant most of the time with a battery bank to get through the nighttime hours as well as rainy and cloudy days. A generator will be considered for providing backup power during extended periods of low sun. The amount of time the generator is run will be minimized to reduce fuel costs and pollution. Three different distribution system configurations will be examined to find the most economical option. The lowest cost design was composed of a central solar plant with no generator and one islanded home with all DC appliances. This design yielded a cost of $0.86/kWh over the 20-year life span of the system. Compare this with the cost of using a generator alone at $2.44/kWh for the same system setup. As solar panel technology advances and becomes more affordable, and as fossil fuels become more scarce and expensive, the best solutions for powering remote locations will include solar power and only solar power.
An Extended Guinier Analysis for Intrinsically Disordered Proteins.

Abstract Guinier analysis allows model-free determination of the radius of gyration (Rg) of a biomolecule from X-ray or neutron scattering data, in the limit of very small scattering angles. Its range of validity is well understood for globular proteins, but is known to be more restricted for unfolded or intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). We have used ensembles of disordered structures from molecular dynamics simulations to investigate which structural properties cause deviations from the Guinier approximation at small scattering angles. We find that the deviation from the Guinier approximation is correlated with the polymer scaling exponent ν describing the unfolded ensemble. We therefore introduce an empirical, ν-dependent, higher-order correction term, to augment the standard Guinier analysis. We test the new fitting scheme using all-atom simulation data for several IDPs and experimental data for both an IDP and a destabilized mutant of a folded protein. In all cases tested, we achieve an accuracy of the inferred Rg within ∼ 3% of the true Rg. The method is straightforward to implement and extends the range of validity to a maximum qRg of ∼ 2 versus ∼ 1.1 for Guinier analysis. Compared with the Guinier or Debye approaches, our method allows data from wider angles with lower noise to be used to analyze scattering data accurately. In addition to Rg, our fitting scheme also yields estimates of the scaling exponent ν in excellent agreement with the reference ν determined from the underlying molecular ensemble.
Journalists are Gatekeepers for a Reason

CNN exercised its fundamental responsibility to uphold a basic tenet of journalism—to seek the truth and report it—when it opted not to broadcast live the first official press briefing held by the ...
Old English Dictionaries

William Somner published the first Old English dictionary in 1659. This was followed by Edward Lye's edition, published posthumously in 1772 by Owen Manning. In 1823, Joseph Bosworth published the first truly comprehensive scholarly dictionary, which continued to be revised and enlarged. In 1969, the University of Toronto launched the new Dictionary of Old English. Now completed as far as the letter F, it is the first Old English dictionary to be published electronically.
The Relation of Hearing to Other Senses

This chapter discusses the relation of hearing to other senses. There is evidence that sensory deprivation or the absence of patterned sensory input leads to a breakdown in normal perceptual processing. When subjects see only a featureless white field through translucent goggles and hear only white noise, disorientation along with visual and auditory hallucinations occurs within a short time. After a few hours of such sensory deprivation, subjects experience errors in perceptual evaluation after returning to a normal environment. Calibration of the sensory input occurs continuously and is required to maintain appropriate perceptual interpretation of environmental events. In keeping with this model, it can be considered that a consistent change in sensory patterning maintained for brief periods leads to perceptual recalibration with temporary aftereffects upon return to the previous norm, while extended exposure to alteration in the sensory input leads to the adoption of more permanent perceptual norms consistent with the new conditions.
Growth Stimulation and Immunoglobulin (Ig) Secretion in Epstein-Barr Virus (Ebv)-Infected B Cells by Interleukin 6 (IL-6)

Human resting B lymphocytes infected by EBV proliferate, produce immunoglobulin and become immortalized (1). The mechanisms of B cell activation by EBV are largely unknown. Recently, attention has been focused on the observation that growth of EBV-immortalized B lymphocytes is dependent, at least in part, upon the availability of growth factors produced either by the same EBV-immortalized cells (autocrine growth factors) (2, 3) or by activated monocytes (paracrine growth factors) (4, 5). This has raised the possibility that maintenance of an immortalized state by EBV might require the establishment of an autocrine loop, and/or the expression of appropriate growth factor receptors (6).