cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TRPA1 and CGRP antagonists counteract vesicant-induced skin injury and inflammation.

Abstract The skin is highly sensitive to the chemical warfare agent in mustard gas, sulfur mustard (SM) that initiates a delayed injury response characterized by erythema, inflammation and severe vesication (blistering). Although SM poses a continuing threat, used as recently as in the Syrian conflict, no mechanism-based antidotes against SM are available. Recent studies demonstrated that Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), a chemosensory cation channel in sensory nerves innervating the skin, is activated by SM and 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), an SM analog, in vitro, suggesting it may promote vesicant injury. Here, we investigated the effects of TRPA1 inhibitors, and an inhibitor of Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP), a neurogenic inflammatory peptide released upon TRPA1 activation, in a CEES-induced mouse ear vesicant model (CEES-MEVM). TRPA1 inhibitors (HC-030031 and A-967079) and a CGRP inhibitor (MK-8825) reduced skin edema, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, CXCL1/KC), MMP-9, a protease implicated in skin damage, and improved histopathological outcomes. These findings suggest that TRPA1 and neurogenic inflammation contribute to the deleterious effects of vesicants in vivo, activated either directly by alkylation, or indirectly, by reactive intermediates or pro-inflammatory mediators. TRPA1 and CGRP inhibitors represent new leads that could be considered for validation and further development in other vesicant injury models.
The non-linear, interactive effects of population density and climate drive the geographical patterns of waterfowl survival

Abstract On-going climate change has major impacts on ecological processes and patterns. Understanding the impacts of climate on the geographical patterns of survival can provide insights to how population dynamics respond to climate change and provide important information for the development of appropriate conservation strategies at regional scales. It is challenging to understand the impacts of climate on survival, however, due to the fact that the non-linear relationship between survival and climate can be modified by density-dependent processes. In this study we extended the Brownie model to partition hunting and non-hunting mortalities and linked non-hunting survival to covariates. We applied this model to four decades (1972–2014) of waterfowl band-recovery, breeding population survey, and precipitation and temperature data covering multiple ecological regions to examine the non-linear, interactive effects of population density and climate on waterfowl non-hunting survival at a regional scale. Our results showed that the non-linear effect of temperature on waterfowl non-hunting survival was modified by breeding population density. The concave relationship between non-hunting survival and temperature suggested that the effects of warming on waterfowl survival might be multifaceted. Furthermore, the relationship between non-hunting survival and temperature was stronger when population density was higher, suggesting that high-density populations may be less buffered against warming than low-density populations. Our study revealed distinct relationships between waterfowl non-hunting survival and climate across and within ecological regions, highlighting the importance of considering different conservation strategies according to region-specific population and climate conditions. Our findings and associated novel modelling approach have wide implications in conservation practice.
Line-Expansion Routing

The previous 3 chapters discussed our formulation of the analog device-level placement problem. We will now turn to discussing the formulation of the corresponding analog routing problem. This chapter describes the basic routing methodology (line-expansion) used in ANAGRAM II and important details of its implementation. Specifically, topics discussed include the spatial representation, data structures for path representation and expansion, and the extension of the basic two-pin path-finding algorithm to multi-terminal nets.
Immunity to LuloHya and Lundep, the salivary spreading factors from Lutzomyia longipalpis, protects against Leishmania major infection.

Salivary components from disease vectors help arthropods to acquire blood and have been shown to enhance pathogen transmission in different model systems. Here we show that two salivary enzymes from Lutzomyia longipalpis have a synergist effect that facilitates a more efficient blood meal intake and diffusion of other sialome components. We have previously shown that Lundep, a highly active endonuclease, enhances parasite infection and prevent blood clotting by inhibiting the intrinsic pathway of coagulation. To investigate the physiological role of a salivary hyaluronidase in blood feeding we cloned and expressed a recombinant hyaluronidase from Lu. longipalpis. Recombinant hyaluronidase (LuloHya) was expressed in mammalian cells and biochemically characterized in vitro. Our study showed that expression of neutrophil CXC chemokines and colony stimulating factors were upregulated in HMVEC cells after incubation with LuloHya and Lundep. These results were confirmed by the acute hemorrhage, edema and inflammation in a dermal necrosis (dermonecrotic) assay involving a massive infiltration of leukocytes, especially neutrophils, in mice co-injected with hemorrhagic factor and these two salivary proteins. Moreover, flow cytometry results showed that LuloHya and Lundep promote neutrophil recruitment to the bite site that may serve as a vehicle for establishment of Leishmania infection. A vaccination experiment demonstrated that LuloHya and Lundep confer protective immunity against cutaneous leishmaniasis using the Lu. longipalpis—Leishmania major combination as a model. Animals (C57BL/6) immunized with LuloHya or Lundep showed minimal skin damage while lesions in control animals remained ulcerated. This protective immunity was abrogated when B-cell-deficient mice were used indicating that antibodies against both proteins play a significant role for disease protection. Rabbit-raised anti-LuloHya antibodies completely abrogated hyaluronidase activity in vitro. Moreover, in vivo experiments demonstrated that blocking LuloHya with specific antibodies interferes with sand fly blood feeding. This work highlights the relevance of vector salivary components in blood feeding and parasite transmission and further suggests the inclusion of these salivary proteins as components for an anti-Leishmania vaccine.
Exploring safe disposal of CO2 and wastewater in saline aquifers

Abstract Process safety has taken the spotlight in recent years for both carbon sequestration and wastewater disposal operations. We present a systematic approach to monitoring injection-well performance in saline aquifers for both wastewater disposal and CO2 injection with required well surveillance and injection data. Uncertainty assessment formed the cornerstone of understanding the fundamental variables impacting the injection performance with numerical modeling. Among the variables studied, aquifer heterogeneity and injection parameters, rock compressibility, and fracture gradient have a significant influence on total cumulative injection and safe-volume injection. The modified-Hall analysis turned out to be the critical diagnostic tool for identifying the abnormal injection behavior and real-time disposal process for both fluids. We estimated the safe pore-volume injection for disposal of wastewater and CO2 to be 1.6% and 1.5%, respectively, in saline aquifers at 80% probability. Of the CO2 trapping mechanisms studied here, critical gas saturation turned out to be the most dominant in residual trapping mechanism, whereas porosity and brine salinity appeared dominant in solubility trapping mechanism.
Recognition of Facial Affect Cues by Adolescents with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders.

This study explored the ability of adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders to recognize facial affect cues. The questions addressed in this study were (a) would adolescents with emotion...
Temporal Response of Terbium Glass Scintillator Used for X-Ray Tomography and Radiography

An important characteristic of any scintillator is its temporal response to an impulse of radiation. Ideally, the response time for the induced luminescence is much shorter than the time interval between data acquisitions. As the response time approaches this time interval blurring results in the acquired images. The presence of a long secondary decay component is typically referred to as afterglow. In order to avoid conditions under which such blurring may occur, a study of the scintillator’s temporal characteristics is required. This is especially important for x-ray computerized tomography where an object is constantly in motion.
Simulating Entrepreneurial Opportunity Recognition Processes: An Agent-Based and Knowledge-Driven Approach

This chapter describes how we abstract a complex phenomenon– opportunity recognition–and build a simulation model for studying strategic entrepreneurship in a knowledge-based economy. We develop an agent-based simulation tool that enables researchers to explore entrepreneurial strategies, their associated financial payoffs, and their knowledge creation potential under different environmental conditions. Opportunity recognition processes can be analyzed in detail both on a micro- and macro-level. To illustrate the modeling capabilities of the tool, we conduct some basic simulation runs and model three distinct entrepreneurial strategies–the innovator, the inventor, and the reproducer–and compare their knowledge progression and financial performance profiles. The software allows us to study the individual and the societal level effects that arise from competitive agent behavior in both national and international settings. It can account for international knowledge spillovers that occur in a globalized knowledge economy. The simulation can be used to conduct innovative research that will result in theory-driven hypotheses that can inform corporate and public-sector decision makers, which would be difficult to derive from empirical analyses.
VENTILATION-PERFUSION INHOMOGENEITY AND EFFICIENCY OF ALVEOLAR GAS EXCHANGE

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses ventilation–perfusion inhomogeneity and efficiency of alveolar gas exchange. Methods have been developed for deriving a great deal of information about the distributions of ventilation–perfusion ratios, which must be present in life in both the normal and diseased lung. One way of approaching a distribution of ventilation–perfusion ratios is to build it up from separate distributions of ventilation and blood flow. Various indices such as the alveolar–arterial PO2 difference, physiologic dead space, and physiologic shunt have been used very successfully to assess the impairment of gas exchange caused by ventilation–perfusion inequality in normal and diseased lungs. The effect of this pure ventilation–perfusion inequality is to decrease both the oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide output of the lung. Analysis of the behavior of gases of different solubilities in lung models with ventilation–perfusion inequality indicates that gases of moderate solubility always have their transfer impaired most by ventilation–perfusion inequality and that gases of very low or very high solubility are less affected.
Privacy-Preserving Distributed Learning via Obfuscated Stochastic Gradients

Distributed (federated) learning has become a popular paradigm in recent years. In this scenario private data is stored among several machines (possibly cellular or mobile devices). These machines collaboratively solve a distributed optimization problem, using private data, to learn predictive models. The aggressive use of distributed learning to solve problems involving sensitive data has resulted in privacy concerns. In this paper we present a synchronous distributed stochastic gradient descent based algorithm that introduces privacy via gradient obfuscation in client-server model. We prove the correctness of our algorithm. We also show that obfuscation of gradients via additive and multiplicative perturbations provides privacy to local data against honest-but-curious adversaries.
Slew Rate Control of High-Voltage SiC MOSFETs using Gate Resistance vs. Intermediate Voltage Level

High-voltage silicon carbide (SiC) power devices offer a variety of benefits for power electronic systems including high power density, reliability at high temperature, and low losses. However, fast switching results in high dv/dt and di/dt that interact with parasitics and generate electromagnetic interference (EMI) as well as voltage overshoot. The multi-level turn-off (MLTO) active gate driver is proposed as a solution to address the EMI issues by actively balancing the switching speed and power losses. This paper provides a comparison between the MLTO and the conventional turn-off (CTO) drivers and gives guidance for optimizing the design for the MLTO driver. The comparison is carried out through analyzing the switching model of SiC MOSFET under MLTO and CTO. Additionally, the experimental double pulse tests (DPTs) are performed to compare the performance of the two drivers.
Single-step, low temperature and integrated CO2 capture and conversion using sodium glycinate to produce calcium carbonate

Abstract Our unabated reliance on carbonaceous fuel sources and the rising concentration of atmospheric CO2 motivate the design of integrated thermodynamically downhill CO2 capture and conversion pathways. Carbon mineralization which involves converting CO2 to inorganic carbonates is a representative example. In this study, we investigate the integrated CO2 capture and conversion to produce calcium carbonate with CaO and CaSiO3 as the precursors. To overcome the rate limiting step of CO2 hydration, sodium glycinate is used for CO2 capture. Bicarbonate ions resulting from CO2 capture accelerate carbon mineralization. Carbon mineralization behavior in coupled capture and conversion processes is sensitive to the concentration of Na-glycinate, temperature, and reaction time. In this single step CO2 capture and mineralization pathway, highest conversions of CaO and CaSiO3 were achieved in 1.0 M Na-glycinate at 75 °C and with a reaction time of 3 h in a system comprising 15 wt% solid and at a stirring rate of 300 rpm. Extents of carbon mineralization with CaO and CaSiO3 are 94.2% and 31.0%, respectively. These data suggest that Na-glycinate undergoes multiple CO2 capture and regeneration cycles in the aqueous phase facilitating greater availability of aqueous carbon species for carbonate precipitation. Calcite is the dominant crystalline phase with CaO as the precursor, while aragonite, calcite and vaterite are present in materials with CaSiO3 as the precursor. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of Na-glycinate as a CO2 capture agent for integrated capture and mineralization with inherent regeneration in the aqueous phase.
Analysis of performance degradation during steady-state and load-thermal cycles of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis cells

Abstract A membrane-electrode assembly based on a 90 μm short-side-chain Aquivion® proton exchange membrane and containing low catalyst loadings, 0.4 mg IrRuOx cm−2 and 0.1 mg Pt cm−2 at anode and cathode, respectively, is investigated for combined thermal and load cycling at high current density (3 A cm−2) in water electrolysis cell. Durability tests under steady-state and load-thermal cycles are compared to evaluate the efficiency losses under specific operating conditions. Ac-impedance spectra and post-operation analyses are carried out to investigate the degradation mechanism. Catalyst degradation occurs more rapidly under cycled operation whereas mass transfer issues are relevant especially under steady-state mode. Membrane thinning appears to be affected by the uptime hours at high current density. The overall cell voltage increase is slightly larger for the cycled operation compared to the steady-state mode. However, this is essentially related to a compensation effect associated to a larger decrease of series resistance during the steady-state durability test. The dynamic electrolysis mode at high current density does not exacerbate significantly the degradation issues of low catalyst loading MEAs compared to a steady-state operation. This confirms the proper dynamic characteristics of the polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyser.
Fluorescent Detection of Vestibular Schwannoma Using Intravenous Sodium Fluorescein In Vivo.

Background Vestibular schwannoma (VS) are intracranial tumors caused by merlin deficiency. Sodium fluorescein (SF) is a fluorescent compound that accumulates in various intracranial tumors, causing tumors to emit green fluorescence after blue light excitation. Hypothesis Intravenous SF preferentially deposits in VS, helping surgeons differentiate tumor from surrounding tissue. Methods Merlin-deficient Schwann cells were grafted onto cochleovestibular nerves of immunodeficient rats. Rats were randomized to receive SF (7.5 mg/kg; n = 5) or saline (n = 3). Tissues were harvested at 1 hour and photographed in white and blue light. Sixteen surgeons identified and marked the tumor-tissue interfaces on images. Fluorescence was measured on tissue specimens using the IVIS imaging system and on tissue cross-sections obtained with confocal microscopy. Western blot was performed to measure levels of organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP), a drug transporter specific for SF. Results Under blue light, tumors from SF rats demonstrated bright green fluorescence under direct visualization, higher fluorescence measurements on tissue specimens (p Conclusion In a xenograft model of VS, intravenous SF preferentially deposits in tumors, compared with normal surrounding tissue. Under blue light, tumors emit an intense green fluorescence that can help surgeons differentiate tumor from critical structures nearby, which may improve clinical outcomes in complicated VS surgery.
Changing state interest group systems: replicating and extending the ESA model

The ESA model adapted for interest group research by Gray and Lowery (1996) based on population ecology theory has become perhaps the most widely used framework for studying interest groups in the American states. Yet though replication is a hallmark of scientific research, and while it is important to verify a model’s fundamental assumptions before expanding on it, there has been little replication of the energy-stability-area (ESA) model with new, but comparable, data. Using new data on state interest groups from 2006 to 2017, I replicate their early analyses. While some of their findings do not hold up, many do, including the density dependence effect, which I further explore with new variables. I then extend ESA by exploring interactions between its component variables. Finally, I propose a new term for the model, the government’s capacity to support new policies as an influence on group formation and find it is empirically supported.
Near-field photonic thermal diode based on hBN and InSb films

A thermal diode is a two-terminal device that allows heat to transfer more easily in one direction (forward bias) than in the opposite direction (reverse bias). A photonic thermal diode operates in a contactless mode and may afford a large operating temperature range. Here, a near-field photonic thermal diode based on hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and indium antimonide (InSb) films is theoretically demonstrated. The temperature dependence of the interband absorption of InSb is used to couple (or decouple) with the hyperbolic phonon polaritons in hBN. The numerical analysis predicts a rectification ratio greater than 17 for a 10 nm vacuum gap, when operating at an average temperature of 300 K and a temperature difference of 200 K. The calculated rectification ratio exceeds 35 at higher average temperatures with larger temperature differences.
The superfamily of "regulator of g-protein signaling" (rgs) proteins

Publisher Summary A large family of seven transmembrane-domain receptors for hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors, chemoattractants, light, odorants, and other extracellular stimuli promote intracellular signaling responses by activation of heterotrimeric G proteins. This discrepancy between the rates of GTP hydrolysis measured in vitro and in vivo presaged the existence of proteins that accelerate the deactivation of GTP-bound Gα subunits. In the standard model of GPCR signaling, the duration of heterotrimeric G-protein signaling through effectors is thought to be controlled by the lifetime of the Gα subunit in its GTP-bound form. Regulator of G-protein Signaling (RGS) proteins promote the deactivation step in the heterotrimeric G-protein regulatory cycle, catalyzing GTPase rates in vitro that are consistent with the rates of deactivation of G-protein signaling in vivo. The physiological functions of these proteins continue to be investigated and, in the case of many RGS proteins, include additional functionalities beyond their hallmark capacity to act as GAPs for Gα subunits.
Reverse Transformation, Genome Exposure, and Cancer

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the new developments in the reverse transformation (redifferentiation) and the theoretical formulation of the role of genome exposure in cancer. The reverse transformation reaction of malignant cells is restored to a more normal phenotype. The change in morphology accompanying the reverse transformation of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells is also demonstrated in the chapter. The primary causative action is ascribed to the genome exposure reaction, in which a peripheral nuclear DNA region is restored to high sensitivity to DNase I as in normal cells. Various aspects of genome exposure around the nucleoli and the nuclear periphery are discussed in the chapter. The special role of the cytoskeleton in regulating exposure resulting in normal differentiation and malignant transformation is discussed in the chapter. An intact cytoskeleton is essential for the reverse transformation reaction, including the restoration of genome exposure. The action of the two-level system for regulation of the mammalian genome is reviewed in the chapter in relation to the normal differentiation and malignancy with indication of roles played by various metabolites, transcription factors, protooncogenes, cell organelles, and processes—such as specific phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. Possible implications for cancer therapy and prevention and for the fields of genetic disease and toxicology are described in the chapter.
Delinquency Interrupted: Research into and Inside of Juvenile Correctional Facilities

Incarcerated juveniles are a largely invisible population in the United States. Research into training schools and other juvenile correctional facilities has uncovered a sordid history of good intentions and bad practices. Juvenile correctional facilities are generally considered a less harmful environment for serious delinquents than adult prisons but a much more severe sanction than alternative community programs or treatment would be. Studies have shown that juveniles in confinement face similar deprivation and many of the same pains of imprisonment (Sykes 1958) as adult prisoners, but the more pressing threat to adolescent inmates may be to their psychological selves rather than their physical being. New research on adolescent brain development is garnering attention and sparking questions about the culpability and punishment of juvenile offenders, even as public opinion research suggests that there is fairly widespread support for rehabilitation and a social-welfare oriented juvenile justice system. By listening and giving voice to incarcerated youth and their “keepers,” investigating the conditions of confinement, and continuing to evaluate programs and outcomes, researchers are positioned to play a key role in the future of juvenile justice and juvenile correctional facilities.
Children’s Orthopedics

Children are different! This statement has been presented in many different ways; but it is critically important that this central fact be recognized, if one is to successfully diagnose and treat disease in this age group. Even within this rather broad range of ages there are dramatic differences among specific subsets: neonate, child, and adolescent.
Hoarseness and laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Hoarseness is a common presenting complaint to generalist physicians. Symptoms include altered vocal quality, pitch, or loudness.1 The lifetime prevalence of hoarseness is approximately 30%, and it is more common in women, middle age, and specific professions (singers and teachers) and is associated with repeated upper airway infections and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).2 Recent neck operations (eg, carotid endarterectomy and thyroid surgery), radiation treatment, endotracheal intubation, tobacco abuse, and neurologic disorders (such as Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke) are also associated with hoarseness.1 Among patients presenting to primary care clinicians, the most common cause of hoarseness is viral laryngitis, which should resolve with symptomatic treatment in 2 to 3 weeks. If hoarseness persists for a longer time, a referral to a specialist is appropriate, but there is no consensus regarding when this should be done. The Table summarizes the main causes for hoarseness and their associated clinical features.3 Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)maycausehoarsenessandwas reviewed by Ford.3 Laryngopharyngeal reflux occurs when gastroesophageal reflux is severe enough to have gastric contents reflux to the vocal cords, causing their irritation. Establishing a diagnosis of LPR is difficult because its presentation is similar to other causes ofhoarseness, including smoking, allergens, andviral infections.Diagnostic tests such as laryngoscopy and pHmonitoringmay not be helpful because findings from these tests are not very specific.3 It is then reasonable to treat patientswith suspected LPR empirically withproton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for3months.3About50% to 75%of patientswith both hoarseness andGERD (heartburn and regurgitation) will improve.4-6 When empirical treatment fails, referral to a specialist is appropriate. InJAMAOtolaryngology,Ruizetal7reportedtheresultsofastudy in which 2241 academic primary care clinicians were surveyed regardinghowthey treatLPR.Only314physicianscompleted thesurvey (12.9%). This response rate is below the minimally acceptable responseratesuggestedbysomejournals.8Nevertheless,Ruizetal7 made 3 observations: 201 (64%) respondents empirically treated GERD for 6 weeks before referring patients with chronic hoarsenessofunclearorigin tospecialists, 269(85.8%)prescribedempirical antireflux therapy, and 249 (79.2%) would start empirical PPI therapy without evidence of concurrent GERD. Based on these results, most primary care clinicians empirically treat suspected LPR when patients first present with these JAMAOTOLARYNGOLOGY–HEAD&NECK SURGERY
Fast Identification of Approximately Matching Substrings

Let two strings S, T over a finite alphabet Σ be given, and let M be an arbitrary relation on Σ×Σ. Define an approximate match (x,y) of two length m subwords (substrings) x ⊑ S, y ⊑ T when M(x i ,y i , for all 1≤i≤m. A match implies all the local alignments (without insertions and deletions) which are pairings of specific occurrances of x and y. A match (x,y) is maximal if there exists no longer match (u, v) such that all of the local alignments implied by (x,y) are contained in a local alignment implied by (u,v). We give an efficient algorithm for finding all maximal matches between S and T. The algorithm runs in time bounded by the sum of the lengths of the maximal matches, at worst. O(¦Σ¦2n2). The main application is identifying homologous regions of protein sequences.
myo-Inositol Metabolism in the Neonatal and Developing Rat Fed a myo-Inositol-free Diet

Neonatal rats of the Holtzman strain, 6 days of age, were fed a myo-inositol restricted liquid formula by gastric intubation for 10 days, after which they were fed a purified myo-inositol-free diet until they were 72 days old. No differences in weight gain were observed between myo-inositol/100 ml of formula or 150 mg myo-inositol/100 g diet. Most tissues examined from rats fed the myo-inositol deprived formula and diet had lower free myo-inositol levels than the controls with the exception of the liver. Despite reduced free and lipid-bound myo-inositol in the liver, there was no evidence of fatty liver in the young rats at any age. The cerebrum and cerebellum of myo-inositol deprived rats had normal myelination and mitochondriogenesis as judged by the levels of 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide-3'-phosphohydrolase (EC 3.1.4.1) and fumarase (EC 4.2.1.2) activity, respectively.
Making Conversational Structure Explicit: Identification of Initiation-response Pairs within Online Discussions

In this paper we investigate how to identify initiation-response pairs in asynchronous, multi-threaded, multi-party conversations. We formulate the task of identifying initiation-response pairs as a pairwise ranking problem. A novel variant of Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) is proposed to overcome a limitation of standard LSA models, namely that uncommon words, which are critical for signaling initiation-response links, tend to be deemphasized as it is the more frequent terms that end up closer to the latent factors selected through singular value decomposition. We present experimental results demonstrating significantly better performance of the novel variant of LSA over standard LSA.
Abstract A08: CADM1 is a TWIST1 regulated suppressor of melanoma invasion

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer; however, with early detection prior to metastatic dissemination, patients generally have a good prognosis. Recently, our lab has implicated the transcription factor TWIST1 in the progression of melanoma towards metastasis. In melanoma cells, we found that RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK (ERK1/2 pathway) signaling increases TWIST1 expression, which promotes invasive properties in the dermal microenvironment at least in part by enhancing levels of the matrix metalloproteinase, MMP1. Other TWIST1 regulated targets are poorly described. In this study, we compared expression profiling data from cells expressing shRNA against TWIST1 or cells overexpressing TWIST1 in order to determine TWIST1 regulated genes. KEGG and GO analysis revealed that TWIST1 is responsible for regulating a number of genes involved in cellular adhesion. We found that TWIST1 levels inversely correlate with levels of cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) (NECL-2, IGSF4, TSLC1, SynCAM). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) studies and promoter assays demonstrate that TWIST1 physically interacts with CADM1 promoter and this is associated with reduced CADM1 levels. Additionally, CADM1 expression is inversely associated ERK1/2 signaling and TWIST1 expression. Modulation of cellular CADM1 levels does not seem to affect proliferations rates however, overexpression of CADM1 augments cell-cell interaction, and cell aggregation. Furthermore, exogenous CADM1 inhibited serum directed migration and invasion through matrigel coated boyden chambers, while knockdown of CADM1 was associated with an enhancement in the migratory and invasion properties. Taken together, these data provide evidence that CADM1 is negatively regulated by TWIST1, and may act as a suppressor of melanoma invasion. Citation Format: Edward J. Hartsough, Michele B. Weiss, Curtis H. Kugel, Sheera R. Rosenbaum, Andrew E. Aplin. CADM1 is a TWIST1 regulated suppressor of melanoma invasion. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4089. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4089
The Color of Blood-Containing Feces Following the Instillation of Citrated Blood at Various Levels of the Small Intestine

Summary 1.Observations have been made on the color of the stools passed after a given amount of citrated blood was instilled at various levels of the human small intestine. 2.The results indicate that under the conditions of the experiment the color of the feces depends on the length of time the blood remains in the small intestine rather than on the level at which the bleeding occurs. The longer this time, the more likely is the stool to be black.
The Phosphorylation State of KCC3 Encodes a Potent Molecular Switch of Transporter Activity, Cell Volume, and K+ Content

Defense of cell volume against excessive shrinkage or swelling is a requirement for multiple essential cellular functions and organismal survival. Cell swelling triggers a homeostatic counter-respo...
Neural Network Based Seasonal Predictions of Lake-Effect Snowfall

In the case of the city of Buffalo (New York, United States), located on the eastern shore of Lake Erie and, therefore, strongly influenced by the lake-effect, total monthly snowfall was predicted one to six months in advance. For this, neural network (NN) techniques, specifically a multi-layer perceptron, as well as a multiple linear regression (LR) model were applied. The period of analysis comprised 28 years from January 1982 to December 2009. Input data included surface air temperature; the temperature difference between the lake surface water temperature (LSWT) and the 850 hPa air temperature; the u-component of the wind (u-wind) and the v-component of the wind (v-wind), geopotential height (GPH) over Lake Erie and the surrounding regions at the 1000, 925, 850 and 700 hPa levels as well as the surface pressure; the 500 hPa GPH over James Bay, Canada; the surface pressure over the Great Plains; and the mean water temperature and LSWT of Lake Erie, as well as the amount of ice cover. Moreover, several ...
DC Capacitor-Less Inverter for Single-Phase Power Conversion With Minimum Voltage and Current Stress

Single-phase power conversion such as pulse width modulation rectifier, grid connected PV inverter system, static synchronous compensator all can be implemented by an H-bridge inverter and a large electrolytic dc capacitor to absorb the ripple power pulsating at twice the line frequency (2ω ripple power). This paper proposed a dc capacitor-less inverter for H-bridge with minimum voltage and current stress. By adding another phase leg to control an ac capacitor, the 2ω ripple power can be absorbed by the capacitor and theoretically 2ω ripples to the dc capacitor can be eliminated completely. The H-bridge and the addition phase leg can be analyzed together as an unbalanced three phase system. By adopting space-vector pulse width modulation control and choosing the optimum ac capacitance and the voltage reference, the voltage and current stress of the switches can be minimized to the same as the conventional H-bridge. The size of capacitor is reduced by ten times compared to the conventional H-bridge system. Simulation and experimental results are shown to prove the effectiveness of the proposed dc capacitor-less inverter and active power decoupling method.
Investigation of Design Parameters in Partially Premixed Compression Ignition Combustion Using Adaptive Injection Strategies

Premixed combustion strategies have been shown to yield very low NOx and soot emissions, while maintaining diesel-like efficiency; however, several issues must be addressed before they can gain widespread acceptance. This paper provides guidelines for solving problems with premixed combustion strategies, viz.: lack of combustion phasing control, excessive pressure rise rate, and spray wall impingement due to early injections. Cooled EGR and a multiple injection concept is used to control combustion phasing and reduce the peak pressure rise rate. To address spray-wall impingement, an Adaptive Injection Strategy (AIS) is employed. This strategy uses two injection pulses at different injection pressures to prepare an optimal in-cylinder mixture. The first injection is early in the cycle and utilizes a low injection pressure to minimize spray-wall impingement and create a well mixed charge. The second injection is near TDC and uses a high injection pressure in order to promote air entrainment and droplet dispersion. This study uses a multi-dimensional CFD code coupled with detailed chemistry, the KIVA-CHEMKIN code, to investigate the effects of several influential design parameters and identify emissions and performance tradeoffs. The combustion process considered is at a light load operating condition (nominal IMEP of 5.5 bar and high speed, 2000 rev/min). The parameters studied were: first and second pulse injection pressure and timing, IVC timing, EGR rate, fuel split, swirl ratio, and spray targeting. The investigation showed that the use of low pressure injections early in the cycle allows improved flexibility in fuel quantity and injection timing. An improved solution was found with near zero NOx and soot, a net ISFC of only 175 g/kW-hr, and a peak pressure rise rate of ∼8 bar/deg.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Optimization of ink composition based on a non-platinum cathode for single membrane electrode assembly proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract Non-Pt based oxygen reduction catalyst H 2 -air fuel cell performance is reported for various electrode compositions. Ink formulations for pyrolyzed Co porphyrin based cathode electrocatalysts were evaluated in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) configuration and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was performed on the MEA catalyst layers. The effect of cooling time trajectories of the catalysts after pyrolysis as well as Nafion content in the ink formulation were studied. By building statistical structure-to-property relationships between XPS and MEA performance using multivariate analysis we have determined that the higher stability of fast-cooled containing inks is mainly associated with better preserved graphic carbon from the carbon black and C–F moieties of the Nafion, while better MEA performance is a result of the presence of these moieties as well as pyridinic nitrogen and nitrogen associated with metal in the pyropolymer. Optimal Nafion content is determined at 1:1 catalyst:Nafion weight ratio, while higher Nafion concentrations causes oxidation of the Nafion backbone itself as well as leaching of the Co x O y particles from the catalyst and formation of oxidized species of Co, O, C and F. Further, we report 1500 h of continuous fuel cell operation for two different non-platinum cathode catalysts in the optimized MEA.
Efficiency aspects of the differential tax treatment of market and household economic activity

Abstract Recasting the traditional concern over the failure to tax items such as the imputed income from owner-occupied housing and housewives' time in general equilibrium terms, we estimate a rough lower bound on the welfare cost of the reallocation of capital and labor between the home and market induced by the current tax system. Even without accounting for intrasector and intertemporal substitution possibilities, the current U.S. tax system induces a welfare cost on the order of $20–40 billion. Analysis of the second-best optimal tax structure when household labor cannot be taxed reveals that neither equal taxation of capital nor a market sector value-added tax – two common prescriptions to improve resource allocation — is optimal. Finally, substituting a market value-added tax for the property tax dramatically worsens the allocation of resources.
Effects of domperidone and thyrotropin-releasing hormone on secretion of luteinizing hormone and prolactin during the luteal phase and following induction of luteal regression in sheep.

Effects of domperidone, a peripheral dopamine receptor antagonist, on secretion of LH and prolactin were studied during the luteal phase and following administration of PGF2α. Since hyperprolactinemia has been reported to inhibit secretion of LH in ewes, effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) also were examined. Ewes 8–10 days post-estrus were assigned to be treated with: 1) vehicle (n=5); 2) 0.3 mg domperidone (n=6); 3) 1.0 mg domperidone (n=6); 4) 3 μg TRH (n=6); or 5) 10μg TRH (n=6) every 4 hours for 60 hr. Luteal regression was induced with PGF2α at 12 hr after initiation of treatments. During the luteal phase, pulses of LH were more frequent (P<.05) and the amplitudes of these were higher (P<.05) in ewes treated with domperidone or TRH than in control ewes. These changes in LH occured even though each treatment elevated markedly concentrations of prolactin in plasma. After induction of luteal regression, mean of LH and frequency of LH discharges were similar in all groups. However, in ewes treated with the 1.0 mg/4 hr dose of domperidone the pulse amplitude was greater than in the other groups (2.3 vs 1.1 ng/ml). Dose-response relationships and the magnitude of the prolactin release following domperidone or TRH varied with time. Treatments did not affect the timing of the LH surge or the increase in progesterone associated with the subsequent cycle. Based on these data we conclude that: 1) endogenous hypothalamic dopamine mediates some of the inhibitory effects of progesterone on secretion of LH and prolactin; 2) dopamine limits the extent of the usual follicular phase increase in prolactin; 3) acute hyperprolactinemia does not inhibit the secretion of LH; and 4) administration of TRH can increase the frequency and amplitude of LH pulse frequency and amplitude in sheep in the luteal phase of LH in sheep.
Spontaneous hydrolysis reactions of cis- and trans-beta-methyl-4-methoxystyrene oxides (Anethole oxides): buildup of trans-anethole oxide as an intermediate in the spontaneous reaction of cis-anethole oxide.

Rates and products of the reactions of trans- and cis-β-methyl-4-methoxystyrene oxides (1 and 2) (anethole oxides) and β,β-dimethyl-4-methoxystyrene oxide (3) in water solutions in the pH range 4−12 have been determined. In the pH range ca. 8−12, each of these epoxides reacts by a spontaneous reaction. The spontaneous reaction of trans-anethole oxide (1) yields ca. 40% of (4-methoxyphenyl)acetone and 60% of 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,2-propanediols (erythro:threo ratio ca. 3:1). The spontaneous reaction of cis-anethole oxide is more complicated. The yields of diol and ketone products vary with pH in the pH range 8−11, even though there is not a corresponding change in rate. These results are interpreted by a mechanism in which 2 undergoes isomerization in part to the more reactive trans-anethole oxide (1), which subsequently reacts by acid-catalyzed and/or spontaneous reactions, depending on the pH, to yield diol and ketone products. The buildup of the intermediate trans-anethole oxide in the spontaneous react...
What's True about Hume's ‘True Religion’?

Despite his well-known criticisms of popular religion, Hume refers in seemingly complimentary terms to ‘true religion’; in Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, his character Philo goes so far as to express ‘veneration for’ it. This paper addresses three questions. First, did Hume himself really approve of something that he called ‘true religion’? Second, what did he mean by calling it ‘true’? Third, what did he take it to be? By appeal to some of his key doctrines about causation and probability, and to some key features of the characters and content of the Dialogues, I argue, contrary to important recent interpretations by Immerwahr and Falkenstein, that Hume's ‘true religion’ is a doctrine, enunciated by Philo, that he regarded as true in an epistemic sense.
Protein similarity from knot theory: geometric convolution and line weavings.

Shape similarity is one of the most elusive and intriguing questions of nature and mathematics. Proteins provide a rich domain in which to test theories of shape similarity. Proteins can match at different scales and in different arrangements. Sometimes the detection of common local structure is sufficient to infer global alignment of two proteins; at other times it provides false information. Proteins with very low sequence identity may share large substructures, or perhaps just a central core. There are even examples of proteins with nearly identical primary sequences in which α-helices have become β-sheets. Shape similarity can be formulated (i) in terms of global metrics, such as RMSD or Hausdorff distance, (ii) in terms of subgraph isomorphisms, such as the detection of shared substructures with similar relative locations, or (iii) purely topologically, in terms of structure preserving transformations. Existing protein structure detection programs are built on the first two types of similarity. The t...
An exploratory investigation of problematic online auction behaviors: Experiences of eBay users

Abstract eBay hosts more than 12.5 million auctions per day in more than 1000 categories across 28 global markets and attracts more than 43 million unique visitors per month. This paper explores online auction users problematic behaviors that could potentially lead to an addiction. Specifically, we examine the following research questions: what consumer behaviors could be construed as problematic and potentially addictive; do these behaviors generally reflect the core components of addiction; and what are the implications for online auction retailers, managers, and society? Using qualitative methods, the authors identify four key themes that capture problematic behaviors that could lead to online auction addiction. These themes include psychological distress; habitual usage; negative consequences; and dependence, withdrawal and self-regulation.
The morphology of smoke inhalation injury in sheep.

Pulmonary injury resulting from inhalation of chemical and particulate products of incomplete combustion is one of the principal determinants of mortality following burn injury. In this study, the histopathology of inhalation injury was examined in sheep. Mild, moderate, or severe smoke injury was p
Hormonal regulation of 3α-hydroxysteroid/dihydrodiol dehydrogenase in rat liver cytosol

Abstract In rat liver, dihydrodiol dehydrogenase and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities are catalyzed by the same protein. This study shows that estrogen and growth hormone can induce the enzyme in hypophysectomized rats. This implies that estrogen can exert an effect on hepatic steroid and carcinogen metabolism in the absence of the anterior pituitary.
Chain Packing in Linear Phenol−Polycarbonate by 13C{2H} REDOR

Interchain packing in [carbonyl-13C, phenol-2H]phenol-substituted bisphenol A polycarbonate (a totally amorphous polymer by X-ray powder diffraction) has been characterized by 13C{2H} rotational-echo double-resonance (REDOR) NMR measurements on a 10 A distance scale. Differences in the REDOR dephasing rates of the centerband and spinning sidebands of the carbonyl carbon resonance prove the presence of local orientational order. Approximately 70% of the repeat units are locally ordered. For the most tightly packed pairs of chains, the phenol 2H of one chain is 4−5 A from the carbonate 13C of the other chain, and the interchain 2H−13C dipolar vector has an orientation of approximately 30° (azimuthal) and 70° (polar) in the carbonyl carbon chemical shift tensor reference frame. The REDOR determination of these packing parameters is model-independent. Both random and chain-pair models were generated to describe the chain packing, but only the chain-pair model was consistent with the REDOR distance and orienta...
Optical pathlength control in the nanometer regime on the JPL phase B interferometer testbed

This paper describes experimental research being performed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to develop and validate control concepts arising out of NASA's Control Structure Interaction program. The facility is meant to be a ground testbed with relevance to a broad class of future precision optical space systems. The objective of the experimental program is to investigate a multi-layer control approach to the maintenance of nanometer level optical pathlength control in the presence of external disturbances and multiple structural resonances. A brief overview of the experimental facility is presented. The control design methodology is discussed, and several experimental results are presented.