cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Global Financial Services Lead Partner, Australia: Week's Time Log

This case consists of a week's time log in the life of a partner in a global financial services firm in Australia. Students can examine the time log to explore the difficulties of communication among the partners and to gain insight into the weekly time allocations and activities of the partner. Excerpt UVA-PACS-0081 Rev. Apr. 11, 2013 GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LEAD PARTNER, AUSTRALIA: WEEK'S TIME LOG This male partner was married and had two teenage children. He was born in England and lived in Australia. Among his outside interests, he included music, tennis, and dining out. He described himself as an advisor to the financial services industry. THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 Day/Time Activity . . .
Anti-inflammatory ω-3 endocannabinoid epoxides.

Clinical studies suggest that diets rich in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) provide beneficial anti-inflammatory effects, in part through their conversion to bioactive metabolites. Here we report on the endogenous production of a previously unknown class of ω-3 PUFA–derived lipid metabolites that originate from the crosstalk between endocannabinoid and cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenase metabolic pathways. The ω-3 endocannabinoid epoxides are derived from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to form epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid-ethanolamide (EEQ-EA) and epoxydocosapentaenoic acid-ethanolamide (EDP-EA), respectively. Both EEQ-EAs and EDP-EAs are endogenously present in rat brain and peripheral organs as determined via targeted lipidomics methods. These metabolites were directly produced by direct epoxygenation of the ω-3 endocannabinoids, docosahexanoyl ethanolamide (DHEA) and eicosapentaenoyl ethanolamide (EPEA) by activated BV-2 microglial cells, and by human CYP2J2. Neuroinflammation studies revealed that the terminal epoxides 17,18-EEQ-EA and 19,20-EDP-EA dose-dependently abated proinflammatory IL-6 cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokines, in part through cannabinoid receptor-2 activation. Furthermore the ω-3 endocannabinoid epoxides 17,18-EEQ-EA and 19,20-EDP-EA exerted antiangiogenic effects in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) and vasodilatory actions on bovine coronary arteries and reciprocally regulated platelet aggregation in washed human platelets. Taken together, the ω-3 endocannabinoid epoxides’ physiological effects are mediated through both endocannabinoid and epoxyeicosanoid signaling pathways. In summary, the ω-3 endocannabinoid epoxides are found at concentrations comparable to those of other endocannabinoids and are expected to play critical roles during inflammation in vivo; thus their identification may aid in the development of therapeutics for neuroinflammatory and cerebrovascular diseases.
Urodynamic Testing: Choosing Between Simple Versus Complex

The purpose of the review is to explore the utility of urodynamic testing and guide readers on how to choose the best between simple and complex urodynamic testing. The literature discussed includes clinical scenarios in which urodynamic testing is usually not necessary, when a simple urodynamic assessment provides sufficient clinical information and when complex testing is particularly helpful in clinical decision-making. The evaluation of a straightforward incontinent woman usually does not require urodynamic testing when planning initial behavioral or pharmacologic therapy. The assessment of stress urinary incontinence and prolapse without incontinence can often be accomplished with simple urodynamics. Refractory or complicated urinary incontinence often necessitates complex urodynamics.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF QUANTITATIVE PCR ASSAYS TO MEASURE CYTOKINE TRANSCRIPT LEVELS IN THE FLORIDA MANATEE (TRICHECHUS MANATUS LATIROSTRIS)

Abstract: Cytokines have important roles in the mammalian response to viral and bacterial infections, trauma, and wound healing. Because of early cytokine production after physiologic stresses, the regulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts can be used to assess immunologic responses before changes in protein production. To detect and assess early immune changes in endangered Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris), we developed and validated a panel of quantitative PCR assays to measure mRNA transcription levels for the cytokines interferon (IFN)-γ; interleukin (IL)-2, -6, and -10; tumor necrosis factor-α; and the housekeeping genes glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and β-actin (reference genes). Assays were successfully validated using blood samples from free-ranging, apparently healthy manatees from the east and west coasts of central Florida, US. No cytokine or housekeeping gene transcription levels were significantly different among age classes or sexes. However, the tra...
Symbols of Service: Oral histories of veterans tattoos as outreach

Outreach to special populations can be a sensitive endeavor, especially when the population, such as veterans, has a unique life experience in comparison to the general population. The use of oral ...
The Struggle for Justice in the Spanish Conquest of America

Spaniards differ among themselves in many ways and on many subjects. So it has always been and so it is today, as the presence in the Americas of hundreds of Spain’s best scientists, scholars, and creative artists who no longer care or dare to live in their homeland testifies. Most Spaniards, however, agree in one belief — that the discovery and colonization of the New World was their country’s greatest and most significant contribution to the world. Of course they by no means agree on what precisely that contribution was and there have been some Spaniards, during and after the conquest, who bitterly and publicly protested part or all of Spanish policy and action in America. For Spaniards have never hidden from the world their robust and penetrating criticism of Spain. The phrase “My country, right or wrong!” could never have been struck off by a Spaniard. One of those popular sayings which reveals some of the basic wisdom of Spanish character puts it this way: Si habla bien de Inglaterra, es ingles, Si habla mal de Alemania, es frances, Si habla mal de Espana, es espanol. If one speaks well of England, he is an Englishman, If one speaks ill of Germany, he is a Frenchman, If he speaks ill of Spain, he is a Spaniard.
Nietzsche and Anthropomorphism

Examen des theses de Nietzsche sur l'influence de l'anthropomorphisme sur notre conception de la verite et de la realite: langage et verite| sensation et anthropomorphisme| l'interpretation dynamique du monde.
Electrons and Energy Band Structures in Crystals

In Chap. 4, we introduced quantum mechanics as the proper alternative to classical mechanics to describe physical phenomena, especially when the dimensions of the systems considered approach the atomic scale. The concepts we learned will now be applied to describe the physical properties of electrons in a crystal. During this process, we will make use of the simple quantum mechanical systems which were mathematically treated in the previous chapter. This will lead us to the description of a very important concept in solid-state physics, namely, that of the “energy band structures.”
Medical Course and Complications After Lung Transplantation

Lung transplant prolongs life and improves quality of life in patients with end-stage lung disease. However, survival of lung transplant recipients is shorter compared to patients with other solid organ transplants, due to many unique features of the lung allograft. Patients can develop a multitude of noninfectious (e.g., primary graft dysfunction, pulmonary embolism, rejection, acute and chronic, renal insufficiency, malignancies) and infectious (i.e., bacterial, fungal, and viral) complications and require complex multidisciplinary care. This chapter discusses medical course and complications that patients might experience after lung transplantation.
Instead of Casting Stones, Develop Empathy for Our Students

Imagine a learning environment. In this learning environment, picture the educator preparing to give an engaging and interactive session aimed at providing a critical active learning experience for the students. Now imagine the students congregating in seats near the back of the room, grumbling
Hybrid Organizations: The Next Chapter in Sustainable Business

In this article, we describe how hybrid organizations are developing business models that are competitive and create positive social and environmental change. We discuss the distinctive characteristics of the hybrid business model, both conceptually and in practice. We also discuss ways in which hybrids are driving towards the alteration of long-held business norms and conceptions of the role of the firm in society, and are advancing a new meaning of corporate sustainability. Finally, we discuss the challenges that hybrid organizations face in accomplishing their social change goals, and point to ways that traditional businesses can adopt a hybrid approach.
Causes and Consequences of Monotheism in the Supply of Religion

Human history is a testament to the strong complementarities between political and religious authority in conferring upon sovereignties the legitimacy to sustain, expand, and prolong their political rule. From Charles V, who was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Clement VII in Bologna as the last emperor to receive a papal coronation, to Yavuz Sultan Selim, who conquered Mecca in 1517 to enshrine the Ottoman Sultanate with the title of Sunni Caliph, all the way to contemporary nation-states such as Iran and Saudi Arabia that are ruled by sharia law, we have countless historical examples of ecclesiastical and secular political authority being combined to bolster the sovereign legitimacy necessary for social and political order.
Participatory Research Methods – Choice Points in the Research Process

Participatory research (PR) encompasses research designs, methods, and frameworks that use systematic inquiry in direct collaboration with those affected by an issue being studied for the purpose of action or change. PR engages those who are not necessarily trained in research but belong to or represent the interests of the people who are the focus of the research. Researchers utilizing a PR approach often choose research methods and tools that can be conducted in a participatory, democratic manner that values genuine and meaningful participation in the research process. This article serves as an introduction to participatory research methods, including an overview of participatory research, terminology across disciplines, elements that make a research method participatory, and a model detailing the choice points that require decisions about which tools and methods will produce the desired level of participation at each stage of the research process. Intentional choices of participatory research methods, tools, and processes can help researchers to more meaningfully engage stakeholders and communities in research, which in turn has the potential to create relevant, meaningful research findings translated to action.
Testing for output convergence: a re-examination

This paper investigates output convergence for the G7 countries using panel time-series techniques. We consider both the null hypotheses of no convergence and convergence. It is shown that inferences on output convergence depend on which one of the two null hypotheses is considered. Further, the no convergence results reported in previous studies using the time-series definition may be attributed to the low power of the test procedures being used. Our results also highlight some potential problems on interpreting results from some typical panel unit root and stationarity tests.
Corneal Donation: Current Guidelines and Future Direction

Purpose: This review aims to outline current practices and guidelines of corneal donation and eye banking, describes the implications of COVID-19 and emerging diseases on the corneal donor pool, and discusses future trends to improve and increase the efficiency of the processes involved in corneal donation and eye banking. Summary: Corneal screening, preservation, corneal storage, and prevention of systemic disease transmission from donor to recipient have been crucial in shaping the policies of the FDA and eye banks across the world. Eye banks globally have developed varying guidelines and criteria for evaluating the viability of donor corneas. Variables such as the age of the donor, medical history, and potential disease transmission are important screening parameters. While known infectious diseases may be transmissible through the cornea, emerging infectious diseases that are not well studied may be more transmissible than other infections. In particular, coronavirus has impacted corneal transplantation as SARS-CoV-2 expression has been detected in corneal tissue and conjunctiva. In recent years, partial-thickness corneal transplantations have been introduced. Lamellar grafts and other corneal layers are now utilized for transplantation of the specific areas that are damaged.
Natural and Synthetic Repellents for Pest Management of the Storage Mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae)

The fumigant pesticide methyl bromide (MB) was used for stored products, but it is now banned for most uses in many countries as an ozone-depleting substance. MB was the only pesticide used to manage the ham mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, which is the most significant pest of dry cured hams. Effective alternatives to MB are needed to develop integrated pest management (IPM) programs for this pest. This study evaluated plant essential oils and food-safe compounds as repellents to directly protect hams from infestation. Experiments to assess the repellency to orientation, oviposition, and population growth of mites on pieces of aged country hams were conducted. Test compounds at different concentrations were dissolved in respective solvents and compared to the solvent control. Results showed that C8910, a mixture of three short-chain fatty acids, and the sesquiterpene ketone nootkatone had repellency indices of (RI) of 85.6% and 82.3%, respectively, at a concentration of 0.1 mg/cm2, when applied to a Petri dish arena. DEET and icaridin were also tested but performed poorly with RIs below 70% even at 0.1 mg/cm2.The monoterpene alcohol geraniol had the highest RI of 96.3% at 0.04 mg/cm2. Ham pieces dipped in C8910 and nootkatone at 150 ppm each had RIs of 89.3% and 82.8%, respectively. In general, as the concentrations of test compounds increased, the numbers of eggs that were laid on these treated ham cubes decreased after the 48 h exposure time. Ham pieces dipped in different concentrations of test compounds and then inoculated with 20 adult mites showed a significant decrease in mite population growth compared to control pieces after 14 days. The results of these experiments suggest that some plant secondary metabolites and synthetic food-safe compounds could serve as potential alternatives for managing mites on hams.
Climatic Impact of Natural Gas Hydrate

Gas hydrate occurrence in the sediments of the outer continental margins is sustained in place for relatively long periods by high hydrostatic pressure and low ambient temperature. Most naturally occurring hydrate is composed of molecules of methane trapped in an ice cage of water molecules. Thus, the breakdown of hydrate in response reduced hydrostatic pressure or increased bottom-water temperature can potentially introduce significant quantities of this potent greenhouse gas in the water column and atmosphere, encouraging accelerated warming. At higher latitudes hydrate also occurs in association with permafrost at depths ranging from 130 to 2000 m. Here methane is held captive in the clathrate enclosure by frigid temperatures. An increase in the mean temperature of the higher latitudes, therefore, also has the potential to dissociate the hydrate and emit methane directly into the atmosphere.
NO formation analysis of turbulent non-premixed coaxial methane/air diffusion flame

Natural gas combustion is one of the primary sources of harvesting energy for various processes and has gained a wide attention during the past decade. One of the most recent applications of natural gas combustion can be found in non-premixed combustion of methane in a coflow burner system. One of the main environmental concerns that arises from the natural gas combustion is the formation of NO produced by thermal NO and prompt NO mechanisms. Current paper is devoted on an examination of a 2D numerical simulation of turbulent non-premixed coaxial methane combustion in air enclosed by an axisymmetric cylindrical chamber to study the effects of species concentrations of reactants on NO formation, their individual contributions, and the chamber outlet temperature. A finite-volume staggered grid method is utilized to solve conservation equations of mass, energy, momentum, and species concentrations. In order to handle radiation heat transfer, discrete transfer method is used to solve radiation equation. Utilizing weighted-sum-of-gray-gases model, based on the newly obtained high-temperature molecular spectroscopic data, local variations of species absorption coefficients are taken into account. To calculate NO concentration, a single- or joint-variable probability density function in terms of a normalized temperature, mass fractions of species, or a combination of both is employed. Plus, published relevant experimental data are used to validate temperature and species concentration fields. It is shown that a decrease in N2 concentration contributes to reducing NO. More importantly for higher O2 mass fraction, thermal NO formation becomes the dominant mechanism responsible for NO emission.
Histologic features of breast capsules reflect surface configuration and composition of silicone bag implants.

The fibrous capsules that develop around silicone gel breast implants may become excessively thickened and result in painful hardened breasts. This article examines the microscopic anatomy of 80 periprosthetic breast capsules removed during a 2-year period (1990-1992), and describes the histopathologic characteristics of capsules adjacent to the more recently modified implant types. Capsules were examined by routine light microscopy, with and without polarization. Several distinctive histologic patterns were recognized, and these unique patterns could be correlated with the implant type used. All capsules were lined by a cellular membrane resembling synovium. Capsules adjacent to smooth-surfaced implants were lined by an intact histiocytic membrane of uniform thickness. In contrast, the membrane adjacent to textured implants varied in thickness, and was disrupted along its length. In addition, the inner surface of capsules adjacent to textured implants was conspicuously festooned with small (.25 to .5 mm) knob-like projections that were not seen in capsules adjacent to smooth-surfaced implants. A variety of foreign materials also were observed either within or adjacent to the capsules, and included droplets of liquid silicone, irregular solid fragments of the bag envelope, geometric crystalline fragments of polyurethane, and talc. Thus, the microanatomic features of periprosthetic breast capsules reflect the composition and surface configuration of the corresponding silicone bag type.
Advising as Inviting to Trust

One feels it is not enough just to state one's opinion; one tries at the same time to frame it in a way that does not disconcert the other person, but helps him; one is holding the truth up for him, yes, but in such a way that he can slip into it. —Max Frisch, Sketechbook, 1946
Precipitation Change and Soil Leaching: Field Results and Simulations from Walker Branch Watershed, Tennessee

To investigate the potential effects of changing precipitation on a deciduous forest ecosystem, an experiment was established on Walker Branch Watershed, Tennessee that modified the amount of throughfall at −33%, ambient (no change), and +33% using a system of rain gutters and sprinklers. We hypothesized that the drier treatments would cause: 1) disproportionate changes in soil water flux, 2) increased total ionic concentrations in soil solution that would in tum cause 3) decreased SO 4 2− /Cl− ratios, 4) decreased HCO3 − concentrations, and 5) increased ratios of Al to (Ca2+ + Mg2+) and of (Ca2+ + Mg2+) to K+. Hypothesis 1 was supported by simulation results. Hypotheses 2 and 3 were supported in part by field results, although interpretation of these was complicated by pre-treatment biases. Hypotheses 4 and 5 were not supported by the field results. Comparisons of field data and Nutrient Cycling Model (NuCM) simulations were favorable for most ions except Cl− and K+. The disparities may be due to underestimation of soil buffering in the case of Cl− and overestimation of soil buffering in the case of K+ in the model. Long-term simulations with NuCM suggest that reducing water inputs will slow the rate of soil acidification and P loss, but will not materially affect growth or ecosystem N status.
Picoplankton Ultrastructure: A Decade of Preparation for the Brown Tide Alga, Aureococcus Anophagefferen

The study of natural populations of the smallest planktonic microorganisms, that are not resolved sufficiently with light microscopy to permit differentiation to the species level [most cells less than 10 μm], requires electron microscopy. Those studying the small protists in the pico- and nano-plankton with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are usually taxonomists who use whole mounts and limit their specimens to specific taxa with well resolved external cell architecture (Thomsen, 1986), since this procedure fails to detect chloroplasts and other diagnostic organelles. A few phytoplanktologists use scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (Booth et al., 1982), but they suffer the same limitations. A sequential procedure was developed by Davis and Sieburth (1984) in which the chloroplast containing cells of the nanoplankton are mapped on a TEM grid with epifluorescence microscopy for later examination with TEM. This permitted studies of the distribution and taxonomy of nanoprotozoa (Davis, 1982) and nanoalgae (Estep et al., 1984) to be determined in a transect of the North Atlantic Ocean. Such a procedure is suitable for the nanoplankton, but the bacteria and similar-sized eucaryotes in the picoplankton require more definition than can be obtained with the TEM of whole mounts.
Probabilistic counting with randomized storage

Previous work by Talbot and Osborne [2007] explored the use of randomized storage mechanisms in language modeling. These structures trade a small amount of error for significant space savings, enabling the use of larger language models on relatively modest hardware. Going beyond space efficient count storage, here we present the Talbot Osborne Morris Bloom (TOMB) Counter, an extended model for performing space efficient counting over streams of finite length. Theoretical and experimental results are given, showing the promise of approximate counting over large vocabularies in the context of limited space.
Soft X-Ray Holography with Wavelength Resolution

We report the table-top acquisition of soft x-ray holographic images of nanostructures with a spatial resolution of 46±2 nm, nearly equal to the wavelength of the illumination. Holograms of carbon nanotubes were recorded using a compact table-top capillary discharge soft x-ray laser emitting at 46.9 nm in a high numerical aperture Gabor configuration.
Scale covariant cosmology and the temperature of the Earth.

Geological data are used as cosmological determinants in a study of the temperature of the early earth (2.3 to 4.5 billion years ago). It is known that the energy output of the sun during that period was on the order of 30-40% lower than at present, and deduced that the mean temperature of the earth should have fallen to as low as 245 K, i.e., below the freezing point of seawater. Strong evidence exists, however, to indicate that algae (therefore liquid water) was present. To reconcile the discrepancies, a model is proposed whereby terrestrial G and M vary. It is further noted that atmosphere H2 may be a better agent than NH3 for producing a greenhouse effect.
Hierarchical Deformation of Locally Rigid Meshes

We propose a method for calculating deformations of models by deforming a low-resolution mesh and adding details while ensuring that the details we add satisfy a set of constraints. Our method builds a low-resolution representation of a mesh by using edge collapses and performs an as-rigid-as-possible deformation on the simplified mesh. We then add back details by reversing edge-collapses so that the shape of the mesh is locally preserved. While adding details, we deform the mesh to match the predicted positions of constraints so that constraints on the full-resolution mesh are met. Our method operates on meshes with arbitrary triangulations, satisfies constraints over the full-resolution mesh and converges quickly.
A trench isolated SOI bipolar process

BESOI (bond and etchback silicon-on-insulator) substrates were used to create a trench isolated SOI process. The SOI substrates reduce the substrate capacitance and achieve better decoupling between digital and analog portions of the circuits. Changes were made to the process to incorporate the SOI substrates, but overall the process complexity was reduced using these substrates. The BESOI substrates, with approximately 3 mu m of thinned p-type silicon on 1 mu m of buried oxide, were processed through buried layer, epi, and N+ deep collector processes. The trench silicon etch was masked with a sandwich of LTO, nitride, and pad oxide. A 5- mu m-deep silicon trench etch was done before the etch stops on the buried oxide. After a thin sacrificial oxide was grown on the trench side walls, the thin pad oxide was stripped with a buffered HF dip. The electrical characteristics of the material were excellent. >
Images in cardiology: Radiographic appearance of a left ventricular apical aneurysm with thrombus following a large anterior myocardial infarction: "dumbbell" shaped heart.

A 71-year-old patient with prior history of anterior my-ocardial infarction (MI) underwent coronary angiography toevaluate chest discomfort symptoms. The left ventriculogram(Figs. 1 and 2) revealed a large anterolateral, apical, and infer-olateral aneurysm with a filling defect occupying one-half ofthe aneurysm, consistent with a large apical thrombus. Ven-triculography was notable for the similarity of the patient’sventricle to the appearance of a dumbbell. In a recent analysis, Tikiz et al. noted that single-vessel dis-ease, absence of previous angina prior to infarction, total occlu-sion of the left anterior descending artery, and female genderwere independent determinants for the formation of aneurysmafter anterior MI. Coronary collateral status and risk factorssuch as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia,and smoking were not found to be important determinants.
The discriminative stimulus effects of the neurotensin NTS1 receptor agonist PD149163 in rats: stimulus generalization testing with dopamine D1 and D2 receptor ligands.

Brain-penetrant neurotensin NTS1 receptor agonists produce antipsychotic drug-like effects in animal models, including inhibition of conditioned avoidance responding and reversal of psychostimulant-induced hyperactivity and stereotypy. Allosteric interactions between NTS1 receptors and dopamine D2 receptors may account for some of these antipsychotic effects. In order to determine the role that dopamine receptors may play in the behavioral effects produced by activation of NTS1 receptors, a drug discrimination approach was used in rats to evaluate the potential mediation of NTS1 receptor agonist stimulus effects by dopamine D1 and D2 receptors. Rats were trained to discriminate either the NTS1 receptor agonist PD149163, the D1 receptor agonist SKF81297, or the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole from vehicle in a two choice drug discrimination task. Full stimulus generalization occurred from PD149163 to the typical antipsychotic drug and D2 receptor-preferring antagonist haloperidol. However, stimulus generalization did not occur from SKF81297 or quinpirole to PD149163. The discriminative cue for SKF91297 and quinpirole was fully blocked the D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 and the D2/3 receptor antagonist raclopride, respectively. Cross generalization did not occur between SKF91297 and quinpirole. Based on these findings, the stimulus effects of PD149163 may be mediated, in part, through D2 receptor antagonism, but this may only be evident when PD149163 is used as the training drug.
West African Immigrant Families from Mauritania and Senegal in Cincinnati: A Cultural Primer on Children’s Health

Similar to many cities in the US, the Greater Cincinnati area has recently had an increase in immigrants from other countries. In particular, there is a small but growing population of West African immigrants especially from Senegal and Mauritania. In order to better understand children’s health of West African families in the Cincinnati area, in-depth, in-home narrative interviews were conducted with ten West African immigrant parents from Senegal and Mauritania. Four salient themes about cultural information related to children’s health were derived from the qualitative analysis: (1) health care practice and expectations including barriers; (2) cultural values and identity; (3) health beliefs and traditions/customs; and (4) quality of life. It is essential that health care providers understand the nuances of working with West African immigrants including cultural differences, strengths, challenges and perceptions in order to provide these individuals with the most effective health care services.
Crystallization of human complement component C3b in the presence of a staphylococcal complement-inhibitor protein (SCIN).

Staphylococcus aureus secretes a number of small proteins that effectively attenuate the human innate immune response. Among these, the staphylococcal complement-inhibitor protein (SCIN) disrupts the function of the complement component 3 (C3) convertase that is initiated through either the classical or the alternative pathway and thereby prevents amplification of the complement response on the bacterial surface. Recent studies have shown that SCIN may affect the activities of the C3 convertase by binding in an equimolar fashion to C3b, which is itself an integral although non-enzymatic component of the convertase. In order to better understand the nature of the C3b–SCIN interaction, the hanging-drop vapor-diffusion technique was used to crystallize human C3b in the presence of a recombinant form of SCIN. These crystals diffracted synchrotron X-rays to approximately 6 A Bragg spacing and grew in a primitive tetragonal space group (P41212 or P43212; unit-cell parameters a = b = 128.03, c = 468.59 A). Cell-content analysis of these crystals was consistent with the presence of either two 1:1 complexes or a single 2:2 assembly in the asymmetric unit, both of which correspond to a solvent content of 51.9%. By making use of these crystals, solution of the C3b–SCIN structure should further our understanding of complement inhibition and immune evasion by this pathogen.
Mixed-state Pauli-channel parameter estimation

The accuracy of any physical scheme used to estimate the parameter describing the strength of a single qubit Pauli channel can be quantified using standard techniques from quantum estimation theory. It is known that the optimal estimation scheme, with $m$ channel invocations, uses initial states for the systems which are pure and unentangled and provides an uncertainty of $O(1/\sqrt{m})$. This protocol is analogous to a classical repetition and averaging scheme. We consider estimation schemes where the initial states available are not pure and compare a protocol involving quantum correlated states to independent state protocols analogous to classical repetition schemes. We show, that unlike the pure state case, the quantum correlated state protocol can yield greater estimation accuracy than any independent state protocol. We show that these gains persist even when the system states are separable and, in some cases, when quantum discord is absent after channel invocation. We describe the relevance of these protocols to nuclear magnetic resonance measurements.
Induction of Protective Immunity Against Microbial Challenge by Targeting Antigens Expressed by Probiotic Bacteria to Mucosal Dendritic Cells

Efficient vaccines combined with adjuvants potentiate and enhance antibody avidity and increase T cell longevity, particularly in individuals with compromised immunity. The efficacy of a novel vaccine can be improved by specifically targeting its immunogenic subunits and expressing it in live probiotic vector (i.e. Lactobacillus acidophilus) that protects vaccine bioavailability and to induces not only mucosal but also systemic immunity against microbes. Accordingly, our data clearly show that specific Lactobacillus species (L. gasseri) not only optimally activate DCs but also deliver targeted antigens to mucosal DCs via 12-mer peptides derived from a phage display library resulting in robust humoral and T cell immunity against microbial challenge. This effort is accomplished via novel tools that provide "targeting" of the vaccine, evaluation of innovative vaccine effectiveness against a wide array of microbes, and controlling gene expression/presentation technologies in probiotic lactobacilli that can be orally consumed at high levels resulting in natural delivery of a "targeted" antigen to mucosal DCs. In this review I will discuss the potential benefits and efficacy of the employed vaccine strategy that may be feasible for various studies in the field.
Past, Present, and Future of Water Data Delivery from the U.S. Geological Survey

We present an overview of national water databases managed by the U.S. Geological Survey, including surface-water, groundwater, water-quality, and water-use data. These are readily accessible to users through web interfaces and data services. Multiple perspectives of data are provided, including search and retrieval of real-time data and historical data, on-demand current conditions and alert services, data compilations, spatial representations, analytical products, and availability of data across multiple agencies.
Wide-angle geocoronal telescope: a He-II 304-A plasmaspheric imager

The authors describe the wide-angle geocoronal telescope (WIDGET). The telescope is designed to image resonantly scattered solar He-II 304-[angstrom] emission from the cold plasma constituent of the magnetosphere, the plasmasphere. It is a prime-focus telescope consisting of a spherical normal incidence f/2 mirror and a microchannel plate imaging detector. The instrument has a 30-deg field of view with a 0.5- to 1-deg angular resolution and a peak sensitivity of approximately 0.5 counts s[sup [minus]1] rayleigh[sup [minus]1] bin[sup [minus]1]. The instrument was flown on a sounding rocket on 27 October 1992 to test its capabilities. Unfortunately, no useful data were recovered due to a failure in the low-voltage system. (It was scheduled for reflight in October 1993.) WIDGET was designed so that it could easily be adapted to different wavelengths (584, 834, and 1,216 [angstrom]) by means of suitable mirror coatings and filters. In this way, a series of WIDGETs could image different aspects of the inner magnetosphere simultaneously, thus providing a more unified picture of this complex region.
Low‐voltage electrochromic device for photovoltaic‐powered smart windows

We report the properties of an all‐solid‐state electrochromic (EC) device that can be switched over a useful range of optical transmissions with voltages below 1 V. This switching voltage is smaller than required by other solid‐state EC devices reported to date. We attribute the lower‐than‐normal switching voltage to the use of a thermally evaporated MgF2 thin film as the lithium ion conducting layer. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies show that high lithium ion conductivity and low interfacial barriers for lithium exchange with the adjacent electrochromic and ion storage layers make MgF2 a good choice for the ion conductor in EC devices. This reduction in switching voltage is a first step toward powering an EC device by an integrated semitransparent single‐junction photovoltaic (PV) cell. In a side‐by‐side bench test, where the EC device is connected to a semitransparent a‐SiC:H PV cell having on open circuit voltage of 0.87 V, a relative transmission change in the EC device of 40% is achieved in less than 60 s.
6. Overview of GI indications and cryo technology via flexible endoscopy

Since the mid-1960s, Cryotherapy was a technique in search of an indication for gastrointestinal diseases. In those early days, Cryotherapy although hampered by technical challenges was advocated for treating duodenal ulcers, gastric erosions, and hemorrhagic gastritis. By this time, Cryotherapy was showing great promise in other clinical areas such as dermatologic and prostatic conditions. Despite this initial enthusiasm, the results of clinical trials for these conditions were disappointing and when added to challenges of technically delivering freezing therapy to the gastrointestinal tract, Cryotherapy was soon forgotten as a modality to treat gastrointestinal disease. However the groundbreaking work by Pasricha and colleagues from Johns Hopkins in 1999 described for the first time an endoscopic device that was capable of delivering freezing therapy to the gastrointestinal mucosa. These initial experiments performed in an animal model demonstrated the feasibility of Cryotherapy with a compressed gas. This was soon followed by experiments demonstrating the feasibility of using low pressure liquid nitrogen by an endoscopic catheter. The initial clinical trials focused on diseases that would respond to ablating the superficial mucosa such bleeding arteriovenous malformations, radiation gastritis and proctitis and Barrett’s esophagus. Using Cryotherapy for palliation of advanced gastrointestinal tumors has shown success in case reports but has been less well studied. Two different techniques have evolved for delivering Cryotherapy. The initially described technique used compressed gas such as nitrous oxide and CO2. Rapid expansion of the gases results in a significant drop in local temperature enabling cryogenic damage to the mucosa. The second technique involves direct application of low pressure liquid nitrogen to the mucosa. The techniques appear to have similar efficacy. Although lacking in prospective randomized trials, endoscopic Cryotherapy is a promising modality for the treatment of gastrointestinal mucosal disease.
Troposphere-stratosphere coupling: Links to North Atlantic weather and climate, including their representation in CMIP5 models

A new dynamical metric of troposphere-stratosphere coupling is established based on extreme stratospheric planetary-scale wave heat flux events, defined as the 10th and 90th percentiles of the daily high-latitude averaged heat flux distribution at 50 hPa using European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis (ERA)-Interim reanalysis data. The stratospheric heat flux extremes are linked instantaneously to high-latitude planetary-scale wave patterns in the troposphere and zonal wind, temperature, and mean sea level pressure anomalies in the Atlantic basin. The impacts are reminiscent of different phases of the North Atlantic Oscillation. In particular, extreme positive (negative) heat flux events in the stratosphere are associated with an equatorward (poleward) jet shift in the North Atlantic basin. The metric is used to evaluate troposphere-stratosphere coupling in models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). The results show that models with a degraded representation of stratospheric extremes exhibit robust biases in the troposphere relative to ERA-Interim. In particular, models with biased stratospheric extremes exhibit a biased climatological stationary wave pattern and Atlantic jet stream position in the troposphere. In addition, these models exhibit biases in geopotential height and zonal wind extremes in the North Atlantic region. The stratospheric biases are connected to model lid height, but it is not sufficient for assessing the tropospheric impacts. Our analysis reveals that the mean bias of the stratospheric heat flux is also not sufficient for assessing the representation of troposphere-stratosphere coupling. Overall, the results suggest that a metric based on stratospheric heat flux extremes should be used in conjunction with metrics based on extreme polar vortex events in multimodel assessments of troposphere-stratosphere coupling.
Bax-induced apoptotic cell death.

Apoptosis is an ordered cascade of enzymatic events that culminates in cell death and the cleavage of DNA into characteristic nucleosomal fragments. It is operative during embryonic development and, during adult life, plays a key role in various physiological processes, such as tissue remodeling and execution and regulation of the immune response. The consequences of inappropriate apoptotic responses are profound; for example, the failure of cells to initiate apoptosis in response to DNA damage has been implicated in the development and progression of cancer, whereas inappropriate activation of apoptosis is thought to be a contributing factor in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Rigorous signaling requirements and a complex network of inhibitory molecules maintain tight control of the apoptotic process, while permitting rapid and effective responses to diverse extracellular and intracellular signals. Growth-factor withdrawal, specific peptide hormones (e.g., tumor necrosis factor α, Fas ligand, and TRAIL), changes in intracellular or extracellular calcium, drugs (e.g., staurosporine and phorbol esters), DNA damage, and mitochondrial poisons can all induce apoptosis, with each of these triggers activating a different portion of the pathway. As our knowledge of the apoptotic cell death cascade increases, it is becoming apparent that the system is more complex than first thought. In a recent issue of PNAS, Khaled and colleagues (1) have addressed how cells might accomplish this fine-tuning of the apoptosis cascade by analyzing the regulation of the proapoptotic molecule Bax in response to the withdrawal of growth factors.
Radioactive Material in the Body. Detection and Treatment

Radioactive material may enter the body by inhalation, ingestion, or through a break in the skin. Early diagnosis depends to some extent upon an environmental analysis but more directly upon measurements of the radiation from the deposits within the body or in excretions from the body. The hazard from such deposits depends upon such factors as the amount and site of deposition in organs, the half-life of its radiation and time of retention in the critical organ, the type and energy of the radiation emitted, the essentiality of the organs affected, and the sensitivity of the critical organ or tissue to radiation injury. Surface contamination may usually be removed by washing with a copious supply of water and detergent. Traumatically embedded radioisotopes will usually require surgical removal. If the radiation from such deposits is extensive and of a penetrating type, protection must be afforded medical attendants. Decontamination of the gastrointestinal tract is similar to that for inactive chemical poisons which are swallowed. ln some cases elimination of a radioactive material may be hastened by treatment with its inactive isotope. There is no effective method for increasing the elimination of insoluble isotopes from the luags. DTPA, a newly developed chelating agent,more » appears promising in increasing the elimination of plutonium from the body via the urine. Limited studies indicate that it may be similarly useful in increasing the elimination of other transuranium elements and fission products with the exception of strontium.« less
Changes and extensions in the C family of languages

Some very important current developments are taking place within the C family of programming languages. Via the ANSI C Standard, extensions to C provide for stricter type-checking, better control of portability, and improved efficiency at run-time. The C++ language has further enhanced C to support data abstraction and inheritance. This paper briefly summarizes some of the C extensions which result from the ANSI C Standard and which will become important to courses which utilize C as a programming vehicle and as the subject for the study of the block-structured programming paradigm.
Local interaction simulation approach for modeling wave propagation in composite structures

This paper presents a local interaction simulation approach (LISA) numerical method to analyze the guided wave propagation in composite structures. The method is based on recursive iterative equations, derived from the elastodynamic equilibrium equations. Derivation of the iterative equations is presented for a generalized orthotropic medium in a non-principal axis frame with non-uniform spatial discretizations. The new iterative equations have the capability to model generic laminated composite plates. The results show the validation of the numerical simulations through comparisons with experimental studies of laminated composite plates.
Scattering by a ferrite-coated conducting sphere

The theory for scattering by a perfectly conducting sphere with a coating of lossy, homogeneous, isotropic ferrite material is presented. In addition to the rigorous eigenfunction formulation, the physical optics (PO) and geometrical optics (GO) approximations are also included. Numerical results are shown in graphical form to illustrate the backscatter echo area versus the radius of the sphere, as well as the bistatic scattering patterns.
Anomalous diffusion of wall-bounded non-colloidal suspensions in a steady shear flow

We investigate the shear-induced diffusion of concentrated non-colloidal suspensions in a Couette flow. The channel is divided into four zones based on the suspension microstructure and variances of the wall-normal and spanwise displacements for the particles in each zone. Due to the strong spatial coherency induced by the density fluctuations, the suspended particles exhibit anomalous diffusion. The diffusion in the wall-normal direction changes from superdiffusion for the particles next to the wall to subdiffusion for the particles near the core of the channel. It seems that the intermittent jumps and particle entrapment in particle layers are responsible for the anomalous diffusion near the wall, while the subdiffusion in the core is related to the overall confinement by the channel walls.
Interactive multiresolution surface viewing

Multiresolution analysis has been proposed as a basic tool supporting compression, progressive transmission, and level-of-detail control of complex meshes in a unified and theoretically sound way. We extend previous work on multiresolution analysis of meshes in two ways. First, we show how to perform multiresolution analysis of colored meshes by separately analyzing shape and color. Second, we describe efficient algorithms and data structures that allow us to incrementally construct lower resolution approximations to colored meshes from the geometry and color wavelet coefficients at interactive rates. We have integrated these algorithms in a prototype mesh viewer that supports progressive transmission, dynamic display at a constant frame rate independent of machine characteristics and load, and interactive choice of tradeoff between the amount of detail in geometry and color. The viewer operates as a helper application to Netscape, and can therefore be used to rapidly browse and display complex geometric models stored on the World Wide Web. CR