cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Greenhouse Effect, Stratospheric Ozone, Marine Productivity, and Global Hydrology: Feedbacks in the Global Climate System

The problems of greenhouse warming, ozone depletion and changes in global hydrology are inter-related through a number of feedback mechanisms. Recognized feedbacks act through two important loops involving changes in atmospheric chemistry, UV-B radiation at the earth’s surface, and marine productivity. Reliable predictions of future changes in global and regional climate require an understanding of the direction, magnitude and time constants of the various climatic and biochemical feedback processes. Changes in the amount and distribution of precipitation can also have important feedback effects on soil moisture, vegetation, cloudiness, ground and cloud albedo, ocean salinity (through changes in evaporation and runoff), bottom water formation and productivity. Model studies incorporating these and other feedbacks should be useful in determining the sensitivity of the climate system and anthropogenic changes.
Percutaneous Pericardial Resection: A Novel Potential Treatment for Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Background—People with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction develop increases in left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressures during exercise that contribute to dyspnea. In normal open-ch...
An adaptive gene-based test for methylation data

DNA methylation plays an important role in normal human development and disease. In epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS), a univariate test for association between a phenotype and each cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) site has been widely used. Given the number of CpG sites tested in EWAS, a stringent significance cutoff is required to adjust for multiple testing; in addition, multiple nearby CpG sites may be associated with the phenotype, which is ignored by a univariate test. These two factors may contribute to the power loss of a univariate test. As an alternative, we propose applying an adaptive gene-based test that is powerful in genome-wide association studies (GWAS), called aSPUw, to EWAS for simultaneous testing on multiple CpG sites within or near a gene. We show its application to the GAW20 methylation data set.
Geometry aids green carbon electrochemistry

Nanoscale texture of electrocatalysts, enabled by the tools of nanoscience, is emerging as an important lever for the control of electrochemical reaction pathways.
1985 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers National Data Collection System.

Abstract In 1983, the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) piloted a project to collect epidemiological data on poison exposures reported to poison centers nationwide. 1 Sixteen participating poison centers reported 251,012 human poison exposures during that year. Forty-seven centers participated in the National Data Collection System in 1984, reporting 730,224 human poison exposures. 2 The data presented herein reflect 900,513 human poison exposures reported in 1985 to 56 participating poison centers.
Adiponectin secretion from cardiomyocytes produces canonical multimers and partial co-localization with calsequestrin in junctional SR.

Adiponectin (ADN) is an abundant protein in serum, secreted by adipocytes, that acts as a signal for fat metabolism. It is marked by a complex molecular structure that results from processes within the secretory pathway, producing a canonical set of multimers. ADN may also be secreted from cardiomyocytes, where a unique sarcomeric endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum (ER/SR) substructure has been characterized primarily for its Ca handling. We expressed ADN in cultured primary adult cardiomyocytes and nonmuscle (COS) cells. After 48 h of ADN expression by adenovirus treatment, roughly half of synthesized ADN was secreted from cardiomyocytes, and half was still in-transit within inner membrane compartments, similar to COS cells. Cardiomyocytes and COS cells both produced ADN in the three canonical forms: trimers, hexamers, and 18-mers. Higher rates of secretion occurred for higher-molecular weight multimers, especially 18-mers. The highest levels of ADN protein, whether in transit or secreted, were present as trimers and hexamers. In nonmuscle cell lines, ADN trafficked through ER and Golgi compartments as expected. In contrast, ADN in primary adult cardiomyocytes populated ER/SR tubules along the edges of sarcomeres that emanated from nuclear surfaces. Prominent co-localization of ADN occurred with calsequestrin, a marker of junctional SR, the Ca2+-release compartment of the cell. The early steps in ADN trafficking re-trace those recently described for newly made junctional SR proteins, involving a nuclear envelope (NE) translocation into SR tubules that are oriented along sarcolemmal transverse (T)-tubules (NEST pathway).
Histone mRNA in eggs and embryos of Strongylocentrotuspurpuratus

Abstract Histone messenger RNA is detectable in both the maternal RNA which is stored in the unfertilized sea urchin egg and in the RNA species which are synthesized de novo after fertilization. Hybridization competition experiments show that sequences similar to pulse-labeled 912S RNA from morulae are present in total RNA from unfertilized eggs as well as that from later stages. The proportion of histone mRNA in cellular RNA increases after fertilization, reaching a maximum at the morula stage. Although these messengers are still present in hatched blastulae and gastrulae, they represent a smaller proportion of total RNA compared with earlier stages.
Emerging Trends in Machine Learning

In this chapter we will look at some of the emerging trends in the field of machine learning. Some of these trends represent incremental improvements to the existing techniques, while some of them may seem outright crazy and futuristic. Most of the techniques discussed here are in their infancy and need significant research efforts to mature. However, each one of these techniques represents an area of active research. Any of these techniques, if successful in delivering on the promise is likely to change the way we look at machine learning in general. I am only going to touch up on these areas to give the reader a glimpse into the future of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Radio Supernovae as Distance Indicators

Long-term monitoring of the radio emission from supernovae with the Very Large Array (VLA) shows that the radio "light curves" evolve in a systematic fashion with a distinct peak flux density (and thus, in combination with a distance, a peak spectral luminosity) at each frequency and with a well-defined time from explosion to that peak. Studying these two quantities at 6 cm wavelength, peak spectral luminosity (L6 cm peak), and time after explosion date (t0) to reach that peak (t6 cm peak - t0), we find that they appear related. In particular, based on two objects, Type Ib supernovae may be approximate radio "standard candles" with a 6 cm peak luminosity of L6 cm peak ≈ 19.9 × 1026 ergs s-1 Hz-1; also, based on two objects, Type Ic supernovae may be approximate radio standard candles with a 6 cm peak luminosity of L6 cm peak ≈ 6.5 × 1026 ergs s-1 Hz-1; and, based on 12 objects, Type II supernovae appear to obey a relation L6 cm peak 5.5 × 1023(t6 cm peak - t0)1.4 ergs s-1 Hz-1, with time measured in days. If these relations are supported by further observations, they provide a means for determining distances to supernovae, and thus to their parent galaxies, from purely radio continuum observations. With currently available sensitivity of the VLA, it is possible to employ these relations for objects further than the Virgo Cluster out to ~100 Mpc. With planned improvements to the VLA and the possible construction of more sensitive radio telescopes, these techniques could be extended to z ~ 1 for some classes of bright radio supernovae.
A Computational Model to Predict Brain Trauma Outcome in the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract Objectives To predict short-term outcomes of critically ill patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) by training machine learning classifiers on two large intensive care databases Design Retrospective analysis of observational data. Patients Patients in the multicenter Philips eICU and single-center Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care–III (MIMIC-III) databases with a primary admission diagnosis of TBI, who were in intensive care for over 24 hours. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results We identified 1,689 and 126 qualifying TBI patients in eICU and MIMIC-III, respectively. Generalized Linear Models were used to predict mortality and neurological function at ICU discharge using features derived from clinical, laboratory, medication and physiological time series data obtained in the first 24 hours after ICU admission. Models were trained, tested and validated in eICU then validated externally in MIMIC-III. Model discrimination determined by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis was 0.903 and 0.874 for mortality and neurological function, respectively. Performance was maintained when the models were tested in the independent MIMIC-III dataset (AUROC 0.958 and 0.878 for mortality and neurological function, respectively). Conclusions Computational models trained with data available in the first 24 h after admission accurately predict discharge outcomes in ICU stratum TBI patients.
Dynamics of elastic hyperbolic lattices

Abstract The hyperbolic space affords an infinite number of regular tessellations, as opposed to the Euclidean space. Thus, the hyperbolic space significantly extends the design space lattices, potentially providing access to unexplored wave phenomena. Here we investigate the dynamic behavior of hyperbolic tessellations governed by interactions whose strengths depend upon the distances between neighboring nodes. We find eigen-modes that are primarily localized either at the center or towards the boundary of the Poincare disk, where hyperbolic lattices are represented. Hyperbolic translations of the seeding polygon produce distorted lattices, leading to a redistribution of the eigen-modes akin to edge-to-edge transitions. The spectral flow associated with these deformed lattices reveals a rich behavior that is characterized by modes that are spatially asymmetric and localized. The strength of the localization can be predicted from the slopes of the corresponding spectral branches, suggesting a potential topological origin for the observed phenomena. The rich yet predictable spectral flow and the high modal density of these lattices, along with the propensity of their modes to be strongly localized, suggest potential applications of hyperbolic lattices as vibration sensors, which operate over a large range of frequencies and exploit the sensitivity of localized modes to perturbations. In addition, hyperbolic lattices can inform the design of architected structural components with strong vibration attenuation and isolation capabilities.
Peri-transfusion quality-of-life assessment for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes

Background Many patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) receive red cell transfusions to relieve symptoms associated with anemia, with transfusions triggered by hemoglobin level. It is not known if patients' quality of life (QOL) improves after transfusion, nor if peri-transfusion QOL assessment (PTQA) can guide future transfusion decisions. Study design and methods We conducted a prospective pilot study of adults with MDS at three centers. Participants, who had to have hemoglobin ≥7.5, completed an MDS-specific measure of QOL (the Quality of Life in Myelodysplasia Scale, [QUALMS]) 1 day before and 7 days after red cell transfusion. A report was sent to each patient and provider before the next transfusion opportunity, indicating whether there were clinically significant changes in QOL. We assessed the proportion of patients experiencing changes in QOL, and with a follow-up questionnaire, whether they perceived their PTQA data were used for future transfusion decisions. Results From 2018 to 2020, 62 patients enrolled (mean age 73 years) and 37 completed both pre- and post-transfusion QOL assessments. Of these, 35% experienced a clinically significant increase in QUALMS score 7 days after transfusion; 46% no change; and 19% a decrease. Among those completing the follow-up questionnaire, 23% reported that PTQA results were discussed by their provider when considering repeat transfusion. Conclusions These data suggest PTQA is feasible for patients with MDS. Moreover, while helpful for some, for many others, red cell transfusion may not achieve its intended goal of improving QOL. PTQA offers a strategy to inform shared decision-making regarding red cell transfusion.
The Pathophysiology of Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) in the GI Tract: Inflammation, Barrier Function and Innate Immunity

The Farnesoid-X Receptor, FXR, is a nuclear bile acid receptor. Its originally described function is in bile acid synthesis and regulation within the liver. More recently, however, FXR has been increasingly appreciated for its breadth of function and expression across multiple organ systems, including the intestine. While FXR’s role within the liver continues to be investigated, increasing literature indicates that FXR has important roles in responding to inflammation, maintaining intestinal epithelial barrier function, and regulating immunity within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Given the complicated and multi-factorial nature of intestinal barrier dysfunction, it is not surprising that FXR’s role appears equally complicated and not without conflicting data in different model systems. Recent work has suggested translational applications of FXR modulation in GI pathology; however, a better understanding of FXR physiology is necessary for these treatments to gain widespread use in human disease. This review aims to discuss current scientific work on the role of FXR within the GI tract, specifically in its role in intestinal inflammation, barrier function, and immune response, while also exploring areas of controversy.
Effects of polyvinyl chloride overwrap film, high-oxygen modified atmosphere packaging, or ultra-low-oxygen modified atmosphere packaging on bone marrow discoloration in beef humerus, rib, thoracic vertebra, and scapula.

Meat retailers have reported bone marrow discoloration to be a problem, especially in modified atmosphere packages (MAP). Therefore, it is important to determine the prevalence and cause(s) of bone marrow discoloration in different beef bones and packaging systems. Thirty-six beef humeri, ribs, scapulas, and thoracic vertebrae from USDA Select and Choice carcasses were obtained from a commercial abattoir, cut into 2.54-cm-thick sections at 4 d postmortem, and packaged into 1 of 3 systems: 1) polyvinyl chloride film (PVC) overwrap; 2) high-oxygen (80% O 2, 20% CO 2 ) MAP; and 3) ultra-low-oxygen (70% N 2 , 30% CO 2 ) MAP. Instrumental reflectance and visual color scores were taken on d 0, 2, and 4, and on d 0 to 4 of display, respectively. Bone marrow was extracted from humeri, ribs, and thoracic vertebrae for analysis but not from scapulas. Ribs, scapulas, and thoracic vertebrae packaged in PVC and high-oxygen MAP developed undesirable gray or black discoloration. In ultra-low-oxygen MAP, mean visual color scores were acceptable throughout the entire display period. Discoloration (darkening) was more extensive for ribs, scapulas, and thoracic vertebrae than for humeri, especially for bones packaged in PVC and high-oxygen MAP. Humeri had lower (P < 0.05) a* values (larger positive a* values indicate a redder color) than the other bones. The a* values for ribs, scapulas, and thoracic vertebrae decreased (P < 0.05) over time. Chroma showed that bone marrow discolored during display, but graying was dramatically less for all bones packaged in ultra-low-oxygen MAP and for humeri in PVC and high-oxygen MAP. Humeri marrow had lower (P < 0.05) 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) than did ribs and thoracic vertebrae marrow. Ultra-low-oxygen MAP resulted in the least amount of change in TBARS from d 0 to 4, whereas thoracic vertebrae marrow had greater (P < 0.05) TBARS values at d 4 of display than at d 0 in PVC and high-oxygen MAP. Humeri marrow had dramatically less total Fe and hemoglobin than did that of ribs and thoracic vertebrae for all packaging systems. Myoglobin was undetectable in humeri marrow. The much larger amounts of Fe and hemoglobin in ribs and thoracic vertebrae likely contribute to marrow discoloration. Bone marrow discoloration was distinct in ribs, scapulas, and thoracic vertebrae packaged in PVC or high-oxygen MAP. Bones packaged in ultra-low-oxygen MAP had minimal discoloration.
Abstract MP91: Abdominal Obesity, Independent of General Obesity, is Associated With Reduced Circadian Pattern of Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Adolescents

Introduction: Reduced cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) has been associated with metabolic syndrome and higher CVD risk in adults. However, the association between abdominal obesity and the circadian pattern of CAM has not been examined in adolescents. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that abdominal obesity is adversely associated with the circadian pattern of cardiac autonomic modulation in adolescents. Methods: We used data from the Penn State Child Cohort follow-up examination (N=421). Cardiac autonomic modulation was assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) analysis of 24-hour RR intervals, including frequency and time domain variables. We used 3-parameters from a cosine periodic regression to quantify the 24-hour HRV circadian pattern, namely, the mean levels of HRV indices (M), the amplitude of the oscillation (Â), and the timing of the highest oscillation (θ). A dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to assess abdominal obesity, as android/gynoid fat ratio, visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) fat a...
Atmospheric evidence of evolutionary processes in interacting binaries

The preceding invited paper by Sahade (1987) gave a balanced overall picture for the subject matter. I shall attempt to complement his talk in discussing two classes of atmospheric diagnostics of the evolutionary processes in interacting binary systems. These are: (I) Abnormal abundances of elements in the atmosphere resulting from the nuclear processes in the stellar interior. (II) Mass flow as a consequence of the evolution of either of the components and the Algol type binaries.
Conversion of retina glia cells into lenslike phenotype following disruption of normal cell contacts

Publisher Summary One of the dominant principles in contemporary developmental biology is that communication and interactions among cells play a crucial role in embryonic differentiation and morphogenesis. There is growing evidence that contact-mediated interactions among cells are involved in the regulation of gene expression and that, in turn, the genome controls processes determining cell contact, cell associations, and the interactions of cells. Sequences of such outside–inside regulatory reciprocities are considered to be of principal importance in driving cell differentiation and morphogenesis during embryonic development. This chapter proposes to take this concept a step further and suggest that cell contacts and contact-dependent cell interactions may function also in stabilizing the phenotype of differentiated cells. This suggestion is based on the evidence that if differentiated glial cells of the retina are removed from their normal contact relationships in the tissue, then their phenotype characteristics become altered. There are only a few well-documented experimental examples of phenotype conversion. Among the best-known classical cases are the transdetermination of imaginal discs in Drosophila and lens regeneration from the iris and from the pigment epithelium in some species of newts. The discovery of these systems drew attention to the problem of phenotype control, but their inherent complexity limited their detailed analysis. The work presented in this chapter is concerned with two other cases of phenotype modification: (1) keratogenesis in chorioallantoic membrane and (2) the modification of retina cells into lens-like phenotype.
A Review of: “Evaluation of Enzyme Inhibitors in Drug Discovery”

Numerous texts are available that discuss the kinetics of enzyme catalysis and inhibition, often providing a mathematical treatment of the subject matter rather than using a conceptual approach. Al...
Constraining the black hole mass spectrum with gravitational wave observations – II. Direct comparison of detailed models

A number of scenarios have been proposed for the origin of the supermassive black holes (SMBHs) that are found at the centres of most galaxies. Many such scenarios predict a high-redshift population of massive black holes (MBHs), with masses in the range of 10 2 ―10 5 times that of the Sun. When the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) is finally operational, it is likely that it will detect on the order of 100 of these MBH binaries as they merge. The differences between proposed population models produce appreciable effects in the portion of the population which is detectable by LISA, so it is likely that the LISA observations will allow us to place constraints on them. However, gravitational wave detectors such as LISA will not be able to detect all such mergers nor assign precise black hole parameters to the merger, due to weak gravitational wave signal strengths. This paper explores LISA's ability to distinguish between several MBH population models. In this way, we go beyond predicting a LISA-observed population and consider the extent to which LISA observations could inform astrophysical modellers. The errors in LISA parameter estimation are applied with a direct method which generates random sample parameters for each source in a population realization. We consider how the distinguishability varies depending on the choice of source parameters (one or two parameters chosen from masses, redshift or spins) used to characterize the model distributions, with confidence levels determined by one- and two-dimensional tests based on the Kolmogorov―Smirnov test.
Speech-evoked ABR: Effects of age and simulated neural temporal jitter.

The speech-evoked auditory brainstem response (sABR) provides a measure of encoding complex stimuli in the brainstem, and this study employed the sABR to better understand the role of neural temporal jitter in the response patterns from older adults. In experiment 1, sABR recordings were used to investigate age-related differences in periodicity encoding of the temporal envelope and fine structure components of the response to a /da/speech token. A group of younger and a group of older adults (n = 22 per group) participated. The results demonstrated reduced amplitude of the fundamental frequency and harmonic components in the spectral domain of the recorded response of the older listeners. In experiment 2, a model of neural temporal jitter was employed to simulate in a group of young adults (n = 22) the response patterns measured from older adults. A small group of older adults (n = 7) were also tested under the jitter simulation conditions. In the young adults, the results showed a systematic reduction in the response amplitude of the most robust response components as the degree of applied jitter increased. In contrast, the older adults did not demonstrate significant response reduction when tested under jitter conditions. The overall pattern of results suggests that older adults have reduced neural synchrony for encoding periodic, complex signals at the level of the brainstem, and that this reduced synchrony can be modeled by simulating neural jitter via disruption of the temporal waveform of the stimulus.
Crack–surface displacements for cracks emanating from a circular hole under various loading conditions

The purpose of this paper is to calculate and develop equations for crack-surface displacements for two-symmetric cracks emanating from a circular hole in an infinite plate for use in strip-yield crack-closure models. In particular, the displacements were determined under two loading conditions: (1) remote applied stress and (2) uniform stress applied to a segment of the crack surface (partially loaded crack). The displacements were calculated by an integral-equation method based on accurate stress-intensity factor equations for concentrated forces applied to the crack surfaces and those for remote applied stress or for a partially loaded crack surface. A boundary-element code was also used to calculate crack-surface displacements for some selected cases. Comparisons made with crack-surface displacement equations previously developed for the same crack configuration and loading showed significant differences near the location where the crack intersected the hole surface. However, the previous equations were fairly accurate near the crack-tip location. Herein an improved crack-surface displacement equation was developed for the case of remote applied stress. For the partially loaded crack case, only numerical comparisons were made between the previous equations and numerical integration. A rapid algorithm, based on the integral-equation method, was developed to calculate these displacements. Because cracks emanating from a hole are quite common in the aerospace industry, accurate displacement solutions are crucial for improving life-prediction methods based on the strip-yield crack-closure models.
Genetic analysis of Alzheimer's disease: A summary of contributions to GAW8

Participants in the Alzheimer's disease component of GAW8 had access to three collections of pedigrees, complete with marker data from chromosomes 19 and 21. There were a total of 94 independent pedigrees and more than 2,000 individuals. Onset of the disorder varied widely among pedigrees. These data are briefly summarized along with a discussion of the problems associated with performing genetic analyses of Alzheimer's disease. The majority of the workshop participants performed an analysis either wirh some of the data contributed to the workshop or with data simulated on pedigrees of the same structure and disease status as were contributed. There were also a few purely methodological contributions
Continuity properties of the data-to-solution map for the generalized Camassa–Holm equation

Abstract This work studies a generalized Camassa–Holm equation with higher order nonlinearities (g-kbCH). The Camassa–Holm, the Degasperis–Procesi and the Novikov equations are integrable members of this family of equations. g-kbCH is well-posed in Sobolev spaces H s , s > 3 / 2 , on both the line and the circle and its solution map is continuous but not uniformly continuous. In this work it is shown that the solution map is Holder continuous in H s equipped with the H r -topology for 0 ⩽ r s , and the Holder exponent is expressed in terms of s and r.
Interactions between the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist Ro 15-1788 (flumazepil) and the inverse agonist β-CCE: Behavioral studies with squirrel monkeys

Abstract The effects of Ro 15-1788 and ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate (β-CCE) were studied alone and in combination on the behavioral performances of squirrel monkeys. Under one procedure, performances maintained by food were suppressed by electric shock presentation (punishment or “conflict” procedure). Under a second procedure, responding was maintained either by food or electric shock delivery under a 5-min fixed-interval schedule. Doses of β-CCE between 0.1 and 3.0 mg/kg, i.m., produced graded decreases in punished responding which were reversed by pretreatment with Ro 15-1788 (1.0 – 10.0 mg/kg, i.m.). Low doses of β-CCE (0.03 – 0.3 mg/kg, i.m.) increased responding of monkeys maintained by shock presentation, but did not affect food-maintained responding; higher doses of β-CCE decreased responding under both schedules. These effects of β-CCE are opposite those produced by the benzodiazepines under this procedure. Ro 15-1788 (1.0 mg/kg i.m) antagonized the effects of β-CCE, producing a shift to the right in the dose-response curves. These findings provide further support for the view that β-CCE and Ro 15-1788 produce effects mediated by the same benzodiazepine receptor recognition site.
A soluble factor (<4000 Da) from chick spinal cord blocks slow hyperpolarizing afterpotentials in cultured rat muscle cells

The slow hyperpolarizing afterpotential (slow HAP) following an evoked action potential in cultured rat muscle cells is inhibited by coculture with spinal cord neurons, spinal cord-conditioned medium (CM) and by a low-molecular-weight fraction (less than 4000 Da) prepared from this CM. The incidence, amplitude and duration of the slow HAPs decreased significantly after 24 h of incubation. In contrast, chick retinal neuron cocultures or CM did not alter the slow HAP.
The impact of issue framing on public opinion: Toward affirmative action programs

Abstract This article elaborates on Myrdal's question regarding the systematic subordination of minorities in an egalitarian society, and keys on the methodology used to assess attitudes of whites in regard to equality for blacks. Specifically, the article addresses questions associated with reactions to equal opportunity programs and the framing of survey questions designed to measure attitudes. Evidence is elaborated which supports the contention that public reactions to equal opportunity programs are affected by how these programs are presented to the public.
Cellular targets of anti-α-enolase autoantibodies of patients with autoimmune retinopathy

Autoantibodies against alpha-enolase are often associated with visual loss in patients with autoimmune retinopathy. Anti-recoverin autoantibodies have been the most extensively studied for their pathologic association with cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR). It has been shown that anti-recoverin antibodies penetrate retinal layers corresponding to the cellular location of recoverin and cause the death of photoreceptors and bipolar cells. However, the pathogenic effects of anti-alpha-enolase antibodies have not been studied. In this study, we tested the labeling and apoptotic effects of such autoantibodies on retinal cells. Serum antibodies against alpha-enolase from patients with autoimmune retinopathy were tested ex vivo and in vivo in Sprague-Dawley rats. Autoantibodies to alpha-enolase specifically labeled the retinal ganglion cells and inner nuclear layer cells. Using ex vivo experiments and intravitreal injections, we observed that antibodies were capable of penetrating retinal tissue to target ganglion cell and inner nuclear layers and, consequently, were able to induce cell death through an apoptotic process. The apoptotic nuclei detected by a DNA fragmentation assay and caspase 3-positive cells were co-localized in the ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layer. The results showed that antibodies against alpha-enolase target antigens in these layers and induce the apoptotic death of sensitive cells. Rat retinal explants and the intravitreal injection of antibodies provide us with a good model to identify antibody pathogenic targets in the retina. Such identification may help explain the complex of clinical symptoms for autoimmune retinopathy mediated by autoantibody and may help guide treatment strategies.
ConfChem Conference on Educating the Next Generation: Green and Sustainable Chemistry—Development of Greener Laboratory Manuals for Introductory Chemistry Courses

The intent of this project was focused on designing appealing and educationally effective "greener" laboratory manuals for traditional introductory chemistry courses. Targeted courses were traditional and homeschool first-year high school chemistry courses and regular and web-based college chemistry courses for those who are not science majors. The manuals include engaging experiments that reinforce the concepts taught in the particular introductory chemistry course while eliminating the need for hazardous waste disposal. A kit was developed with eScienceLabs for the Web-based and homeschool manuals. Supplementary teachers' manuals have also been produced that include answers to pre-lab and post-lab questions in text. These include a unified materials section with an index of supplies. A web site was developed to make the Green Chemistry Laboratory Manual prepared for a traditional high school course available to high school chemistry teachers.
Superfluid density in continuous and discrete spaces: Avoiding misconceptions

We review the concept of superfluidity and, based on real and thought experiments, we use the formalism of second quantization to derive expressions that allow the calculation of the superfluid density for general Hamiltonians with path-integral methods. It is well known that the superfluid density can be related to the response of the free energy to a boundary phase twist, or to the fluctuations of the winding number. However, we show that this is true only for a particular class of Hamiltonians. In order to treat other classes, we derive general expressions of the superfluid density that are valid for various Hamiltonians. While the winding number is undefined when the number of particles is not conserved, our general expressions allow us to calculate the superfluid density in all cases. We also provide expressions of the superfluid densities associated to the individual components of multispecies Hamiltonians, which remain valid when interspecies conversions occur. The cases of continuous and discrete spaces are discussed, and we emphasize common mistakes that occur when considering lattices with nonorthonormal primitive vectors.
Theory of stability of an elastic cosserat surface

Abstract The theory of elastic stability of a Cosserat surface subjected to conservative, nongyroscopic surface and edge loading is presented. The equations of neutral equilibrium and a study of stability at the critical load is included. For the special case in which the deformation is such that the director may be identified with the unit normal to the surface, the results are shown to reduce to the generally accepted theory of stability of thin shells within the Kirchoff-Love hypothesis.
Teaching Assistant Argumentativeness and Perceptions of Power Use in the Classroom.

This study explored the relationship between TA argumentativeness and self reports of power use in the classroom. Results indicated that TA argumentativeness was positively correlated with overall TA power use. Specifically, use of referent and expert power were positively correlated with TA argumentativeness. Significant differences existed between high and low argumentatives for overall power use. Significant differences between argumentativeness levels were also found for referent and expert power.
When Do Ego Threats Lead to Self-Regulation Failure? Negative Consequences of Defensive High Self-Esteem

High self-esteem (HSE) is increasingly recognized as heterogeneous. By measuring subtypes of HSE, the present research reevaluates the finding that HSE individuals show poor self-regulation following ego threat (Baumeister, Heatherton, & Tice, 1993). In Experiment 1, participants with HSE showed poor self-regulation after ego threat only if they also were defensive (high in self-presentation bias). In Experiment 2, two measures--self-presentation bias and implicit self-esteem--were used to subtype HSE individuals as defensive. Both operationalizations of defensive HSE predicted poor self-regulation after ego threat. The results indicate that (a) only defensive HSE individuals are prone to self-regulation failure following ego threat and (b) measures of self-presentation bias and implicit self-esteem can both be used to detect defensiveness.
Synchronization reliability in CMOS technology

The synchronization performance of CMOS circuits is examined theoretically and experimentally. Criteria for maximizing CMOS gain are determined and are then compared with NMOS gain curves. The phase characteristics of metastability are identified. Experimental measurements of error rate are made on a CMOS test circuit, and the gain-bandwidth product for the circuit is determined from these data.
A note on transonic flow past a thin airfoil oscillating in a wind tunnel

Abstract The problem of a thin airfoil oscillating in a transonic flow duct is examined. Asymptotic solutions valid at high frequency are derived which suggest that the degree of interference from the tunnel walls is weaker than would be thought at first. More detailed calculations are then used to deduce the flutter characteristics of such airfoils. It is predicted that the airfoil will suffer a torsional mode instability for a range of parameters.
Person-of-interest detection system using cloud-supported computerized-eyewear

Detecting Person-Of-Interest (POI), e.g., fugitives, criminals and terrorists in public spaces is a critical requirement of many law enforcers and police officers. In realty, most law enforcement personnel cannot effectively differentiate POIs from millions of faces and thus demand a portable assistant to recognize faces, in order to take the golden opportunity taking the POIs into immediate custody. Unfortunately, current face recognition systems are stationary and limited to a small scale of POI datasets. In this paper, we investigate a wearable computerized-eyewear based face recognition system. This system is a portable device which can accompany a police officer during patrolling or other tasks. The eyewear is connected to a cloud based face recognition system via wireless networks. Facial images captured by the mounted camera are sent to the cloud for identity retrieval. When the system finds a POI, it would alert officers via overlaying a virtual identity tag on the real POI's face on the transparent screen of the eyewear. We provide approaches to greatly minimize recognition time, including leveraging the large storage and high computational capacities provided by the cloud. The cloud enables nationwide POI database and supports parallel computing for face recognition.
60 Hz ventricular fibrillation and rhythm thresholds and the nonpacing intracardiac catheter.

This paper presents fibrillation and rhythm disturbance thresholds obtained from saline-filled intracardiac catheters. Results from the endocardium and pericardium are presented and the effect of catheter cross-sectional area on threshold determination is shown.
Intracellular ion concentrations and cell volume during cholinergic stimulation of eccrine secretory coil cells.

Methacholine (MCh)-induced changes in intracellular concentrations of Na, K, and Cl ([Na]i, [K]i, and [Cl]i, respectively) and in cellular dry mass (a measure of cell shrinkage) were examined in isolated monkey eccrine sweat secretory coils by electron probe X-ray microanalysis using the peripheral standard method. To further confirm the occurrence of cell shrinkage during MCh stimulation, the change in cell volume of dissociated clear and dark cells were directly determined under a light microscope equipped with differential interference contrast (DIC) optics. X-ray microanalysis revealed a biphasic increase in cellular dry mass in clear cells during continuous MCh stimulation; an initial increase of dry mass to 158% (of control) followed by a plateau at 140%, which correspond to the decrease in cell volume of 37 and 29%, respectively. The latter agrees with the MCh-induced cell shrinkage of 29% in dissociated clear cells. The MCh-induced increase in dry mass in myoepithelial cells was less than half that of clear cells. During the steady state of MCh stimulation, both [K]i and [Cl]i of clear cells decreased by about 45%, whereas [Na]i increased in such a way as to maintain the sum of [Na]i+[K]i constant. There was a small (12–15mm) increse in [Na]i and a decrease in [K]i in myoepithelial cells during stimulation with MCh. Dissociated dark cells failed to significantly shrink during MCh stimulation. The decrease in [Cl]i in the face of constant [Na]i+[K]i suggests the accumulation of unknown anion(s) inside the clear cell during MCh stimulation. While the decrease in [K]i and [Cl]i may be instrumental in facilitating influx of ions via Na−K−2Cl cotransporters, the functional significance of MCh-induced cell shrinkage remains unknown.
Can you hear me now?: an empirical study on using social media to improve student-instructor communication

There are extensive research on the usage and effectiveness of social media in the classrooms. Many of those studies use questionnaires as main research methods. This paper conducts an empirical study on using social media, specifically Facebook and text messaging, to improve student-instructor communication in a distance learning environment. This study records the actual usage of social media tool for a treatment group and compares the students' performance of the treatment group with a control group. This study is a research-in-progress. The research design and implication of the study are discussed in details.
The Personas' New Clothes: Methodological and Practical Arguments against a Popular Method

We examine the popular Personas method and consider claims that personas can reflect empirical data and serve as an information source for development teams. We argue that there are significant methodological and practical difficulties for personas. It is difficult to determine how many, if any, users are represented by a persona, and thus is difficult to know whether a persona is relevant for intended users. Personas cannot be adequately verified or falsified and therefore have no demonstrable validity. We believe personas are likely to lead to political conflicts and to undermine the ability for researchers to resolve questions with data. We suggest potential research to evaluate the Personas method more thoroughly. Until the methodological issues are resolved, it is best not to consider personas to be a means to communicate data.
Transmission of low energy positrons and electrons through thin metallic foils

Abstract Standard coincidence technique have been used to determine the absorption of 324 keV positrons and 312 keV electrons in Al, Cu, Sn and Pb. The results were Z -dependent as expected; however, a greater transmission of electrons than positrons for low Z was observed, which is in disagreement with multiple scattering theory.
The effect of solute additions on void nucleation

Abstract In 316 stainless steel and other alloys, nickel and silicon appear to be major determinants of the radiation-induced swelling behavior. In this study it has been shown that the fast-diffusing species concept proposed by Venker and Ehrlich appears to be a viable mechanism for suppression of void nucleation by silicon atoms. While the role of silicon can be ascribed at least partially to the fast-diffusion effect, the role of nickel cannot, and its influence appears to lie in the operation of other physical mechanisms. The enhanced diffusivity of the alloy which results from the addition of silicon leads to a substantial increase in the free energy barrier to void nucleation, particularly at higher temperatures. The fast-diffusion mechanism operates in addition to the interstitial-solute binding effect, and the combined fast-diffusion/interstitial binding model dispenses with the requirement of unrealistically large interstitial-solute binding energies needed for the solute-binding concept to suppress swelling. Solute binding may account for most of the observed silicon segregation behavior while fast-diffusion accounts for the void suppression. The addition of slow-diffusing elements has an opposite but less pronounced effect on void nucleation.
Simulation and theory of abnormal grain growth: anisotropic grain boundary energies and mobilities

Abnormal grain growth has been studied by means of a computer-based Monte Carlo model. This model has previously been shown to reproduce many of the essential features of normal grain growth. The simulations presented in this work are based on a modified model in which two distinct types of grains are present. These two grain types might correspond to two components of different crystallographic orientation, for example. This results in three classes of grain boundaries: (a) between unlike types, (b) between grains of the tirst type and (c) between grains of the second type, to which different grain boundary energies or different mobilities can be assigned. Most simulations started with a single grain of the first type embedded in a matrix of grains of the second type. Anisotropic grain boundary energies were modeled by assigning a higher energy to boundaries between like type than to boundaries between grains of unlike type. For this case, abnormal grain growth only occurred for an energy ratio greater than 2 and then wetting of the matrix by the abnormal grain occurred. Anisotropic grain boundary mobilities were modeled by assigning a lower mobility to boundaries between grains of like type than to boundaries between unlike type. For this case the extent of abnormal grain growth varied with the ratio of mobilities and it is tentatively concluded that there is a limiting ratio of size of the abnormal grain relative to the matrix, A simple treatment of anisotropic grain boundary mobility was developed by modifying Hillert's grain growth model (Acta meralf. 13,227 (1965)I. This theoretical treatment also produced a limiting ratio of relative size that is a simple function of the mobility ratio. RhsumP-La croissance anormale des grains a ete u (b) entre grains du premier type; (c) entre grains due second type, auxquels peuvent @tre assignees differentes energies intergranulaires ou differentes mobilitts. La plupart des simulations concernent un seul grain du premier type entoure par une matrice de grains du second type. On a tenu compte des energies intergranulaires anisotropes en assignment aux joints separant des grains du mm entsprechend konnen diese Korngrenzarten unterschiedliche Energien und Beweglichkeiten aufweisen. Die meisten der Simulationen begannen mit einem einzigen Kom des ersten Typs, welches in einer Matrix von Kornem des zweiten Typs eingebettet war. Anisotrope Komgrenzenergien wurden im Model1 beschrieben, indem den Komgrenzen zwischen gleichen Komem eine hohere Energie als zwischen ungleichen Kiimern zugeschrieben wurde. In diesem Fall ergab sich anormales Kornwachstum nur, wenn das Verhaltnis der Energien griil3er als 2 war und dann das anormale Kom die Matrix benetzte. Anisotrope Korngrenzbeweglichkeiten wurden im Model1 beschrieben, indem Komgrenzen zwischen Kdrnem des gleichen Typs mit einer geringeren Beweglichkeit als zwischen ungleichen Kiimern versehen wurden. In diesem Fall hing der Grad des anomalen Wachstums von dem Verhaltnis der Beweglichkeiten ab; daraus kann gefolgert werden, daB es eine Grenze
Transcriptional regulation during zebrafish embryogenesis

Many zebrafish transcription factors have been isolated, and the challenge at present is to uncover the genes and pathways they regulate. The wealth of developmental mutants available for study and recent advances in zebrafish transgenic technology have allowed identification of putative transcriptional regulatory pathways, as well as characterization of promoter interactions at a molecular level.
Expanding the reach of the p53 tumor suppressor network.

Lying at the heart of most human cancers is the p53 tumor suppressor pathway.1 When functional, p53 responds to a wide array of cellular stresses by inducing cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. It also facilitates DNA repair, regulates cell metabolism, blocks angiogenesis and triggers cell senescence. Therefore, it is not surprising that when p53 is mutated an emerging tumor cell, perhaps as a result of the activation of an oncogene, can continuously divide, survive and undergo metastasis. How p53 controls such essential processes to suppress tumorigenesis is primarily based on its ability to transcriptionally regulate an ever-expanding series of downstream target genes. The study by Wang et al.2 has taken an integrative genomic approach using chromatin immunoprecipitation-coupled sequencing (ChIP-seq) and transcriptome analyses to identify an extensive panel of new target genes that may mediate established p53 activities and less well-characterized p53 functions involved in cell signaling, metabolism, motility and immunity. These findings open new opportunities for advancing our understanding of how the p53 network protects against oncogenesis.