cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catalytic Emulsion Polymerization of Olefins: Ab-Initio Polymerization of a Family of Norbornene-Derived Monomers

The use of late transition metal catalysts for the polymerization of olefins in aqueous media has created new opportunities to produce latex particles based on ethylene and its olefinic derivatives. In this work we report on the production of water-based latices from a variety of monomers based on the strained cyclic olefin, norbornene. These have been carried out as ab-initio batch emulsion polymerizations using allylpalladium catalysts and a lithium borate activator as well as sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant. We find that the n-alkylnorbornenes can be polymerized in aqueous emulsion and that the mechanisms for latex particle formation are likely the same as that for norbornene monomer alone. The latex particles created are small, averaging about 45 nm in diameter. As in the case of norbornene, large amounts of coagulum can be formed if the catalyst and activator are allowed to reach the emulsified monomer droplets and effect polymerization in that location. As the substituents on the norbornene become...
Isotopic investigations of carbonate growth on concrete structures

Stable C andO isotope ratios were measuredin carbonate minerals, growing und er concrete structures from two locations in the United States. These locations were under a bridge in Michigan and under an overpass in New York. The d 13 C of the carbonate samples rangedfrom � 21.6 to � 31.4% (with respect to V-PDB) andclearly ind icatedprecipitation under non-equilibrium conditions. Indeed, the values in some cases were more negative than could be accountedfor by existing mod els that invoke 4 stages of kinetic fractionation. There have been suggestions that microbial activity involving C from gasoline andother fossil fuel sources might be responsible for the relatively low C isotope ratios measuredin these carbonates. To explore this possibility, 14 C measurements were made in some of the samples. All samples measuredfor 14 C containedbomb C. The range of 14 C concentrations suggesteda non-uniform growth rate, although possible fossil fuel-derived carbon in the system needs future investigation. The d 18 O values of the carbonates analyzedfrom Michigan range from 12.5 to 15.7 % (with respect to V-SMOW), with a mean value of 13.7%. The d 18 O values of the NY samples range from 11.8 to 15.2%, with a mean value of 13.1%. The nearly identical mean values at both locations favors incorporation of O from atmospheric CO2 in carbonate precipitation. Additionally, the 210 Pb radiometric technique was also attempted to explore the applicability of this technique in dating concrete derived carbonates as well as recent carbonates forming in a wide variety of environments. The results gave ages between 64 and 3.8 a and are consistent when compared with the date the bridge was constructed. # 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Genetic determinants of hearing loss associated with vestibular schwannomas.

Hypothesis: The severity of hearing loss (HL) associated with vestibular schwannomas (VSs) is influenced by genes expressed by the VSs. Background: Hearing loss is the most common presenting symptoms in patients with VSs, yet its pathophysiology remains elusive. Previous studies have suggested that VSs cause HL not only by inducing degeneration of the auditory nerve by compression but also by promoting degeneration of the inner ear. This study aimed to determine whether there is a molecular basis for differences in HL associated with VSs. Methods: Surgical specimens of VSs were collected from 13 patients and were divided into a group associated with good (word recognition >70% and pure-tone average ≤30 dB) or poor hearing. Whole-genome expression profiling of VSs was performed with the Affymetrix GeneChip Human X3P Array. The expression of select genes was validated using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Because of a small sample size, exact nonparametric tests were used to assess the association between good versus poor hearing and specific histological features of the tumors and patient demographics. Results: Using gene set enrichment analysis, the chromosomal region 3q27 was found to be significantly different between the 2 groups of tumors. This region includes peroxisomal biogenesis factor 5-like gene, which was underexpressed in VSs with poor hearing. The expression of 3 other genes from different chromosomes was significantly different between the 2 groups: RAD54B, prostate-specific membrane antigen-like, and carcinoembryonic antigen. Conclusion: This study identified several molecular alterations in VSs stratified by hearing. These alterations may determine the severity of HL associated with VSs and may represent potential therapeutic targets to prevent or reduce HL in theses patients.
Lipolytic activity of adipocyte ghosts

Abstract Adipocyte ghosts made from isolated cells pretreated with 1·10 -6 M norepinephrine and 1·10 -3 M theophylline prior to hypotoic lysis showed significantly greater lipolytic activity (tributyrin hydrolysis) than control ghost preparations, provided that the ghosts were resuspended in a substrate-containing medium. When the ghosts were taken up in buffer alone and substrate was added during the assay step, no such stimulation of lipolytic activity was seen.
Preparing for the Christmas rush: will it be icing on the cake or Boxing Day blues?

The perils of the Distribution Manager's role are never more clearly illustrated than by the Christmas rush and the January hangover. If Christmas 1988 meant seat of the pants survival, now is the time to reflect on it and plan your strategy for what the pundits say will be a tougher 1989. This article examines how centralised distribution has changed the role's emphasis from physical distribution to supply chain management, and how the successful management of stocks is the key to success.
Development and validation of a cancer-specific swallowing assessment tool: MASA-C

Objective We present data from a sample of patients receiving radiotherapy for head/neck cancer to define and measure the validity of a new clinical assessment measure for swallowing.
Noble gases from Honduras geothermal sites

The elemental and isotopic composition of noble gases in hot springs and geothermal test wells were determined as part of a collaborative project to evaluate the potential for geothermal development in Honduras, Central America. The relative abundances of the noble gases in samples from the test wells indicate recharge temperatures for the geothermal systems equivalent to mean annual temperatures. A common ratio of radiogenic 40Ar to 4He of 0.35 corresponding to a K/U ratio of 2 × 104 was found in samples from three of the studied areas: Platanares, Azacualpa, and San Ignacio. A constant ratio may imply a common reservoir rock, possibly the Valle de Angeles Group of Cretaceous to Eocene age. 3He/4He ratios are correlated in a positive sense with SO4 concentration and in a negative sense with geothermal reservoir temperatures determined from chemical geothermometers. These correlations are best explained by dilution of primary geothermal fluids with cooler sulfate-rich waters. The cooler waters inhibit deep boiling, preserving high 3He/4He ratios in the surface springs. In the El Olivar region, either the cool diluting fluid is sulfate-poor, or there is additional excess 3He provided by nearby Quaternary trachytic to basaltic volcanism of the southern Yojoa Graben.
An analysis of comparison questions in the context of auditing

Within the cognitive sciences, two taxonomies for classifying questions have been proposed (Graesser, Lang, & Horgan,1988; Lehnert, 1978). Both have neglected to include a category for comparison questions. We provide a definition of comparison questions and show how they related to the semantic categories of the two taxonomies. We present examples of comparison questions posed by auditors who are attempting to learn about a company during the initial stages of an audit. Comparison questions are particularly important to auditors because they uncover discrepencies and they focus the auditors’ search for information. Auditors are concerned with diagnosing the financial health of a company on the basis of symptoms and financial indicators of the company's performance. These critical comparisons involve comparison in performance of a company over time and comparison between a company and industrial averages. The auditor's use of comparison questions is closely linked to the diagnostic process.
Fabrication and characterization of femtosecond laser direct written volume diffractive optical elements in fused silica

We have demonstrated femtosecond laser direct written volume diffractive optical elements in a fused silica. The fabrication of a built-in coupler consisting of a direct written waveguide and a Fresnel lens has been described.
Delirium from baclofen withdrawal after suicide attempt.

Received March 23, 2004; accepted June 14, 2004. From Mayo Medical Center; and Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Auger, Sleep Disorders Center, Mayo Medical Center, Eisenberg 8G, 200 First St. Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905; auger.raymond1@mayo.edu (e-mail). Copyright 2005 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. Delirium is often observed in the setting of overdose. Although discontinuation of medications is commonly practiced in this scenario to avoid overdose toxicity, this in itself can be problematic and contribute to worsening delirium. In the case described, the abrupt cessation of baclofen resulted in psychotic symptoms and, subsequently, self-injurious behavior. The EEG obtained in this setting was clinically useful because it pointed toward drug effect and encouraged further investigation in this arena. Finally, baclofen is a c-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist, and GABA-ergic neurons have been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychosis. This report raises questions as to whether the vulnerability to psychosis in delirium and the vulnerability exhibited in primary psychotic disorders overlap pathophysiologically and/or etiologically.
Pharmacokinetics of Melamine and Cyanuric Acid and Their Combinations in F344 Rats

The intentional adulteration of pet food with melamine and cyanuric acid has been implicated in the kidney failure and death of a large number of cats and dogs in the United States. Although individually these compounds present low toxicity in a range of experimental animals, coexposure can lead to the formation of melamine cyanurate crystals in the nephrons and eventual kidney failure. Given this mode of action, a good understanding of the pharmacokinetic profiles of melamine and cyanuric acid and their combinations is essential to define properly the risk associated with different exposure scenarios. Previous studies have investigated the individual pharmacokinetic profiles of melamine and cyanuric acid. In this work, we report a comparison between the pharmacokinetic profiles of melamine and cyanuric acid administered individually, administered simultaneously as the individual compounds, and administered as a preformed melamine cyanurate complex. Although the oral coadministration of 1 mg/kg body weight of melamine and cyanuric acid did not alter significantly the pharmacokinetic profiles in relation to those determined upon individual oral administration of each compound, the administration of equal amounts of each triazine as the preformed melamine cyanurate complex significantly altered the pharmacokinetics, with reduced bioavailability of both compounds, lower observed maximum serum concentrations, delayed peak concentrations, and prolonged elimination half lives. These results indicate that in order to estimate properly the combined nephrotoxic potential of melamine and cyanuric acid, the experimental design of toxicological experiments and the evaluation of animal or human exposure scenarios should consider the detailed mode of exposure, with particular emphasis on any possible ex vivo formation of melamine cyanurate.
Caries prediction: a review of the literature

For over a decade researchers have been looking for the formula that will allow caries prediction. The purpose of this summary is to review recent multifactorial prediction models for adults and children with the aim of identifying the most successful and consistent methods. Conclusions from this review include the following: Clinical variables, especially past caries experience, are confirmed as the most significant predictors of future caries development. The status of the most recently erupted/exposed surface is the most successful measure of past caries experience. Bacterial levels are included in the most accurate prediction models. Sociodemographic variables are most important to caries prediction models for young children and older adults.
ENSO Effect on East Asian Tropical Cyclone Landfall via Changes in Tracks and Genesis in a Statistical Model

AbstractImprovements on a statistical tropical cyclone (TC) track model in the western North Pacific Ocean are described. The goal of the model is to study the effect of El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on East Asian TC landfall. The model is based on the International Best-Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) database of TC observations for 1945–2007 and employs local regression of TC formation rates and track increments on the Nino-3.4 index and seasonally varying climate parameters. The main improvements are the inclusion of ENSO dependence in the track propagation and accounting for seasonality in both genesis and tracks. A comparison of simulations of the 1945–2007 period with observations concludes that the model updates improve the skill of this model in simulating TCs. Changes in TC genesis and tracks are analyzed separately and cumulatively in simulations of stationary extreme ENSO states. ENSO effects on regional (100-km scale) landfall are attributed to changes in genesis and trac...
Concentration flux measurements in a polymer drag-reduced turbulent boundary layer

The drag-reducing action of dilute solutions of long-chain polymers in a flat-plate turbulent boundary layer is studied using particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) and planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF). The results are used to characterize and quantify the spatial distribution of the injected polymer solution and the downstream development of the DR along the flat plate. The two techniques were used simultaneously to document and study the spread of the injected polymer solution and the resulting changes in the structure and statistics of the turbulence in the boundary layer. The PLIF images provide a qualitative and quantitative measure of the dispersion of the injected polymer solution. The mean and root mean square (r.m.s.) concentration profiles obtained using PLIF showed that the polymer greatly suppressed the turbulent dispersion in the near-wall region. The quantitative concentration measurements across the boundary layer, combined with simultaneous velocity measurements, are used to obtain concentration flux measurements in the boundary layer and are used to study the effect of the turbulence on the dispersion of the injected polymer. The variation of the fluxes with concentration of the injected polymer solutions and with increasing downstream distance is also studied and documented. The action of the polymer is to reduce the streamwise fluxes in the boundary layer, the suppression increasing with concentration. Further, the fluxes are also used to estimate the turbulent Schmidt number (ScT) for the drag-reduced flow. For the polymer injection experiments, the ScT are all greater than unity with the highest magnitude measured to be around 6, with the magnitude increasing with increasing concentration of the injected solutions. However, for each experiment, the estimated ScT decreases along the length of the flat plate reflecting the loss of polymer effectiveness.
Pulmonary innate lymphoid cells regulate repair and remodeling after acute lung injury

Evaluation of: Monticelli LA, Sonnenberg GF, Abt MC et al. Innate lymphoid cells promote lung-tissue homeostasis after infection with influenza virus. Nat. Immunol. 12(11), 1045–1054 (2011).The restoration of lung-tissue architecture and a return to a homeostatic state following injury or inflammation is critical to effective pulmonary function. This article assesses the findings of a recently published study by Monticelli et al. in Nature Immunology that describes a novel population of innate lymphoid cells in the lungs of mice and humans, with a critical role in restoring epithelial airway integrity following influenza infection. The significance of this study in the context of our current knowledge of innate lymphoid cells, and its implications and potential for therapeutic manipulation, shall be evaluated within this article.
Remarriage of Women and Men After Divorce: The Role of Socioeconomic Prospects

This analysis of remarriage among the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study's cohort of high school graduates investigates the relationship between socioeconomic prospects and remarriage after divorce. This article expands on previous efforts by including multiple measures of socioeconomic prospects and considering their importance over an extended time frame. In addition, a comparative approach is taken in this analysis, with the importance of socioeconomic prospects considered for the remarriage of both women and men. Several competing hypotheses are tested, with results indicating that, for women, the appropriate model of remarriage varies with age of separation from the first husband. With few exceptions, socioeconomic prospects are not found to be related to the remarriage of men. The implications of these findings for patterns of poverty among divorced women are considered.
The present status of artisanal fisheries of extreme Southern Brazil: an effort towards community-based management☆

Abstract The continental shelf of the extreme southern Brazil is one of the most productive fishing areas in Brazil. Great part of the commercial species is related to the estuary of Patos Lagoon. The estuary serves as spawning, nursery and feeding grounds for several species. The artisanal fishery in the estuarine area exists since the end of the last century but from 1982 onwards, catches have declined sharply. Nowadays, the estuarine fishery does not exist as an economic activity, except for pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus paulensis) and mullet (Mugil platanus). The artisanal fishery involves about 3500 fishermen. Fisheries management in the Patos Lagoon and coastal area has been traditionally done in a top-down process: government decides and acts unilaterally. As a consequence, regulations exist only officially. In 1996 the Forum of Patos Lagoon, a multi-partner entity that includes political, economical and legal institutions, was established. This is the first initiative of the community to become part of the organization and regulation process of the fisheries in the area. The Forum activities initiatives range from evaluation of the present practices of fisheries management and enforcement, encouragement of co-operative and associated initiatives; to planning and development of activities that may lead to the possible recovery of the productive capacity of the Patos Lagoon. A new regulation for the area was produced considering, for the first time, the interest of the community. Although this represents a major step on fisheries management in the area, it resents the lack of a specific management for fisheries that exploit the same stocks in marine waters. The lack of a clear policy for the fishery sector in Brazil represents a major setback to achieve proposed goals in management.
Resting heart rate variability predicts self-reported difficulties in emotion regulation: a focus on different facets of emotion regulation

The Model of Neurovisceral Integration suggests that vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) represents a psychophysiological index of inhibitory control and thus, is associated with emotion regulation capacity. Over the past decade, growing empirical evidence supports this notion, showing that those with higher resting vmHRV can regulate negative emotions more adequately. However, to our knowledge, no study has previously examined how resting vmHRV may relate to everyday perceived difficulties in emotion regulation. The present study attempts to examine such relationship in 183 undergraduate students (98 female, 60 minority, mean Age = 19.34). Resting vmHRV was collected during a 5-min resting baseline period, and everyday difficulties in emotion regulation were assessed using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Controlling for potential covariates (including both trait anxiety and rumination), results revealed a negative relationship between resting vmHRV and DERS such that lower resting vmHRV was associated with greater difficulties in emotional regulation, especially a lack of emotional clarity and impulse control, as indicated by the respective subscales of the DERS. These findings provide further evidence for the Neurovisceral Integration Model, suggesting that emotion regulation and autonomic regulation share neural networks within the brain. Moreover, the present study extends prior research by highlighting two distinct facets of emotion regulation (impulse control and emotional clarity) that should be of particular interest when investigating the link between emotion regulation, resting vmHRV, and related health outcomes including morbidity and mortality.
Pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling technique for measuring CBF dynamics with high temporal resolution

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) can be measured noninvasively with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) by using arterial water as an endogenous perfusion tracer. However, the arterial spin labeling (ASL) techniques suffer from poor temporal resolution due to the need to wait for the exchange of labeled arterial spins with tissue spins to produce contrast. In this work, a new ASL technique is introduced, which allows the measurement of CBF dynamics with high temporal and spatial resolution. This novel method was used in rats to determine the dynamics of CBF changes elicited by somatosensory stimulation with a temporal resolution of 108 ms. The onset time of the CBF response was 0.6 +/- 0.4 sec (mean +/- SD) after onset of stimulation (n = 10). The peak response was observed 4.4 +/- 3.7 sec (mean +/- SD) after stimulation began. These results are in excellent agreement with previous data obtained with invasive techniques, such as laser-Doppler flowmetry and hydrogen clearance, and suggest the appropriateness of this novel technique to probe CBF dynamics in functional and pathological studies with high temporal and spatial resolution. Magn Reson Med 42:425-429, 1999.
A Dynamic Relational Infinite Feature Model for Longitudinal Social Networks

Real-world relational data sets, such as social networks, often involve measurements over time. We propose a Bayesian nonparametric latent feature model for such data, where the latent features for each actor in the network evolve according to a Markov process, extending recent work on similar models for static networks. We show how the number of features and their trajectories for each actor can be inferred simultaneously and demonstrate the utility of this model on prediction tasks using synthetic and real-world data.
A New Mesophotic Clingfish (Teleostei: Gobiesocidae) from the Bahamas

A new species of clingfish belonging to the genus Derilissus is described from a deep coral wall in the Exumas, Bahamas. The new species is distinguished from congeners by a unique pigmentation pattern and coloration, the presence of 47 total pectoral-fin rays, a strongly convex posterior margin on disk region B, and by a unique arrangement of papillae on disk region C. The new species is characterized by bright orangish-red coloration on the flank, a yellow head, and a prominent black oval marking on the caudal peduncle. Like other members of the genus, the new species appears to be restricted to the mesophotic zone, and was collected at 286 fsw.
Active Supervision and Students’ Physical Activity in Middle School Physical Education

This study examined the effects of active supervision on the moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels of middle school students during fitness instruction. Students from four separate classes, characterized as “low activity students,” and their teacher participated in the study. Students’ MVPA levels during fitness instruction served as the target behavior. Two supervisory conditions were contrasted using a reversal design. Passive supervision was characterized by low rates of teacher interaction, such as prompting, encouragement, feedback, and movement. Active supervision consisted of teaching patterns that included higher rates of interactions with students and movement. Mean MVPA levels during passive condition were 49.7% while mean MVPA levels during active supervision were 68%. Findings point to a functional relationship between specific components of teachers’ supervisory efforts and students’ MVPA levels during fitness instruction. The importance of active supervision, within die contex...
Buoyant Convection Computed in a Vorticity, Stream-Function Formulation

Model equations describing large scale buoyant convection in an enclosure are formulated with the vorticity and stream function as dependent variables. The mathematical model, based on earlier work of the authors, is unique in two respects. First, it neglects viscous and thermal conductivity effects. Second the fluid is taken to be thermally expandable: large density variations are allowed while acoustic waves are filtered out. A volumetric heat source of specified spatial and temporal variation drives the flow in a two-dimensional rectangular enclosure. An algorithm for solution of the equations in this voticity, stream-function formulation is presented. Results of computations using this algorithm are presented. Comparison of these results with those obtained earlier by the authors using a finite difference code to integrate the primitive equations show excelent agreement. A method for periodically smoothing the computational results during a calculation, using Lanczos smoothing, is also presented. Computations with smoothing at different time intervals are presented and discussed.
Coping with Toothache Pain: A Qualitative Study of Low-Income Persons and Minorities

Objectives: This study examined the behavioral impact of toothache pain as well as self-care strategies for pain relief among minority and low-income individuals. Methods: Eight focus group sessions were conducted with 66 participants drawn from low-income non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic adults over the age of 20 who had experienced a toothache during the previous 12month period and who had utilized self-care or care from a nondentist. Results: Toothache pain was described as intense, throbbing, miserable, or unbearable. Focus group participants indicated that toothache pain affected their ability to perform normal activities, such as their job, housework, social activities, sleeping, talking, and eating, as well as making them depressed and affecting their social interactions. Numerous prescription and nonprescription medications as well as home remedies and self-care strategies were used for pain relief, although these were generally of limited and uncertain benefit. While receiving care at a dental office was the most preferable option for care, most participants reported multiple barriers, including the cost of dental care that resulted in long delays in seeking dental care. The main reason for eventually seeking dental care was the severity of the pain. Conclusions: Although removing financial barriers alone may not lead to preventive dental visits, it would facilitate more timely visits to dentists to treat toothache pain. perform normal social roles, may be tolerated when individuals are faced with more pressing needs (12). Thus, underutilization of dental services may be a rational assessment of the benefits to be gained from formal care based on previous experience and group or family norms (12).
The Effect of Patellar Thickness on Intraoperative Knee Flexion and Patellar Tracking in Patients With Arthrofibrosis Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background We evaluated the intraoperative effect of patellar thickness on intraoperative passive knee flexion and patellar tracking during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with preoperative arthrofibrosis and compared them to patients with normal preoperative range of motion (ROM) documented in a prior study. Methods Routine posterior cruciate ligament–retaining TKA was performed in a total of 34 knees, 23 with normal ROM and 11 with arthrofibrosis, defined as ≤100° of passive knee flexion against gravity under anesthesia. Once clinical balance and congruent patellar tracking were established, custom trial patellar components thicker than the standard trial by 2-mm increments (2-8 mm) were sequentially placed and trialed. Passive flexion against gravity was recorded using digital photograph goniometry. Gross mechanics of patellofemoral tracking were visually assessed. Results On average, passive knee flexion decreased 2° for every 2-mm increment of patellar thickness ( P Conclusions Patellar thickness had a modest effect on intraoperative passive flexion and no effect on patellar tracking in patients with arthrofibrosis undergoing TKA. There was no marked difference in intraoperative flexion and patellar tracking between patients with arthrofibrosis and patients with normal preoperative ROM.
The potential of apolipoprotein mimetic peptides in the treatment of atherosclerosis

Medical landscape There is a clear medical need for new approaches to treat cardiovascular disease. Especially useful would be treatments that are complementary to, but function through a different mechanism than, current LDLlowering agents. Despite the widespread use of statins to control LDL cholesterol levels and lessen the burden of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis remains a leading cause of death worldwide, and mortality from cardiovascular disease is expected to increase dramatically in developing countries over the coming decades. Fortunately, some help is on the way through new agents that are under clinical investigation, especially the widely recognized PCSK9 inhibitors, although these compounds function through the same basic LDL-lowering approach as currently prescribed drugs. In this context, improving or augmenting the function of HDL represents an attractive strategy for combating atherosclerosis. HDLs facilitate the process of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and exhibit other atheroprotective properties. The relation of HDL to atherosclerosis is extremely complex, and questions remain about how best to harness the potential of HDL for medical applications. Even so, HDLs appear to confer cardiovascular protection even among patients treated with statins who have achieved very low (<50 mg/dl) LDL cholesterol levels [1]. Importantly, HDL-mediated therapeutics would offer a mechanistically distinct approach from the LDL-lowering agents to combat cardiovascular disease. Apolipoprotein mimetic peptides Short synthetic peptides with sequences that mimic those found in natural apolipoproteins have been studied since the 1980s for their potential to generate HDL-like nanoparticles and improve the function of endogenous HDLs [2]. As their name implies, apolipoprotein mimetic peptides are designed to recapitulate the behavior of apolipoproteins, most often apoA-I or apoE, in promoting the formation and functions of endogenous lipoproteins, especially HDLs. Among the reported properties of apolipoprotein mimetic peptides are lipid-associating ability, activation of enzymes involved in HDL maturation and remodeling, promotion of cholesterol efflux, binding of oxidized lipids, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and inhibition of atherosclerosis progression in a variety of animal models. To date, several small human clinical trials involving apolipoprotein mimetic peptides have been reported [2]. Among the most important recent developments in the field of apolipoprotein mimetic peptides are:
Material and Process Development of Thin Film Shape Memory Alloy for MEMS Actuator

In this work we discuss the design and fabrication of a cantilever that may be actuated by utilizing the martensite to austenite phase transformation of a sputtered thin film of equiatomic NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA). The cantilever devices were fabricated on a silicon wafer using standard micro fabrication techniques, and may therefore be applicable to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switch or actuator applications. This paper details the development of a co-sputtering process to yield a SMA film with controllable composition of Ni50Ti50 and transformation temperature around 60° C. Shape memory effects were characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), for which we demonstrated martensite-austenite phase change at 57° C for 1–3 um films, annealed at 600° C. We used wafer stress versus temperature measurements as additional confirmation for the repeatable measurement of reversible phase transformation peaking at 73° C upon heating. Up to 62 MPa was available for actuation during the thermally induced phase change. After exploring multiple approaches to a frontside wafer release process, we were successful in patterning and fabricating 10 um wide freestanding Ni50Ti50 cantilevers.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Splicing therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease.

The earliest clinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is cognitive impairment caused by synaptic dysfunction. ApoE4, the primary risk factor for late‐onset AD, disrupts synaptic homeostasis by impairing synaptic ApoE receptor trafficking. Alternative splicing of ApoE receptor‐2 (Apoer2) maintains synaptic homeostasis. In this issue, Hinrich et al ([2016][1]) show that Apoer2 splicing is impaired in human AD brains and murine AD models and that restoring normal splicing in the mouse rescues amyloid‐induced cognitive defects. [1]: #ref-3
Selecting Machine Learning Algorithms Using Regression Models

In performing data mining, a common task is to search for the most appropriate algorithm(s) to retrieve important information from data. With an increasing number of available data mining techniques, it may be impractical to experiment with many techniques on a specific dataset of interest to find the best algorithm(s). In this paper, we demonstrate the suitability of tree-based multi-variable linear regression in predicting algorithm performance. We take into account prior machine learning experience to construct meta-knowledge for supervised learning. The idea is to use summary knowledge about datasets along with past performance of algorithms on these datasets to build this meta-knowledge. We augment pure statistical summaries with descriptive features and a misclassification cost, and discover that transformed datasets obtained by reducing a high dimensional feature space to a smaller dimension still retain significant characteristic knowledge necessary to predict algorithm performance. Our approach works well for both numerical and nominal data obtained from real world environments.
Opinion: Climate policy needs more than muddling.

More than half a century ago political scientist Charles Lindblom (1) argued that a policy of “muddling through” with incremental steps is frequently superior to attempting to design and implement comprehensive policy solutions. After decades of talk the world is finally showing signs of muddling its way toward a range of policies to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide. The recent Paris accord will require nations to regularly report on their emissions and plans, and hence take more seriously the need for abatement (2). Incremental steps toward reducing emissions in the United States include the switch to natural gas and the implementation of the Clean Power Plan for existing power plants (www.epa.gov/cleanpowerplan/what-epa-doing). Outside the United States, the ongoing efforts of the European Union, the agreement between the United States and China (3), and efforts to limit emissions from aircraft and ocean shipping (4), are also promising incremental steps.
Variable Stiffness Mechanisms Using Spherical Continuously Variable Transmissions

Some robot developers are considering elasticity to provide compliance for better adaption to a changing environment, shock resistance and safer human-robotic interactions (HRI). In this study we simulate a spherical continuously variable transmission (CVT) to validate its ability as the primary mechanism in a variable stiffness device for a 1D robotic hopper. The spherical CVT has been used in many robotic applications including cobots by Peshkin et al. [1] and as the driving unit in the load sensitive mechanism by Tadakuma et al. [2].A CVT based variable stiffness/damping device intended for vibration mitigation was presented by Little [3]. That paper presented the kinematics and experiments of the CVT based variable stiffness/damping device for the specific application of vibration mitigation. This study considers the dynamics of the CVT based variable stiffness/damping device and modifies the device based on previous studies. We use ADAMS to simulate the modified system because it captures many of the real world dynamics arising from the CVT’s rolling friction dynamics. Finally we present a conceptual design of the variable stiffness CVT and briefly discuss its use in a 1D legged hopper application.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Infection and replication of human cytomegalovirus in bone marrow stromal cells: Effects on the production of IL-6, MIP-1α, and TGF-β1

We have investigated the mechanisms by which hematopoiesis is suppressed in patients suffering from human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections. Mixed populations of human bone marrow stromal and hematopoietic progenitor cells were inoculated with the Towne strain of HCMV to determine whether these populations could be infected and support HCMV replication. We found that the Towne strain of HCMV was capable of infecting and replicating in a mixed population of bone marrow stromal cells. We observed no significant alterations in bone marrow stromal cell proliferation or the production of IL-6, GM-CSF, soluble c-kit ligand and TNF-alpha following HCMV replication in either stimulated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or unstimulated conditions. In samples of culture supernatants from LPS-stimulated HCMV-infected stromal cells, significant elevations in MIP-1alpha were observed. TGF-beta1 levels on the other hand exhibited two patterns following HCMV exposure; either TGF-beta1 levels decreased regardless of LPS stimulation or there was no effect. In addition, we observed that exposure to the Towne strain of HCMV resulted in significant inhibition of both granulocytic and erythrocytic colony formation in methylcellulose progenitor assays. Thus, both the direct effect of HCMV on hematopoietic progenitors as well as altered cytokine production by bone marrow stromal cells (including MIP-1alpha and TGF-beta1, but not IL-6) could contribute to hematopoietic failure during HCMV infection.
Optic Nerve Decompression through a Supraorbital Approach.

Objective We propose a stepwise decompression of the optic nerve (ON) through a supraorbital minicraniotomy and describe the surgical anatomy of the ON as seen through this approach. We also discuss the clinical applications of this approach. Methods Supraorbital approaches were performed on 10 preserved cadaveric heads (20 sides). First, 3.5-cm skin incisions were made along the supraciliary arch from the medial third of the orbit and extended laterally. A 2 × 3-cm bone flap was fashioned and extradural dissections were completed. A 180-degree unroofing of the ON was achieved, and the length and width of the proximal and distal portions of the optic canal (OC) were measured. Results The supraorbital minicraniotomy allowed for identification of the anterior clinoid process and other surgical landmarks and adequate drilling of the roof of the OC with a comfortable working angle. A 25-degree contralateral head rotation facilitated visualization of the ON. Conclusion The supraorbital approach is a minimally invasive and cosmetically favorable alternative to more extended approaches with longer operative times used for the management of ON decompression in posttraumatic or compressive optic neuropathy from skull base pathologies extending into the OC. The relative ease of this approach provides a relatively short learning curve for developing neurosurgeons.
Integrating Immunostaining with Tissue Clearing Techniques for Whole Brain Mapping in Basal Ganglia and Drug Addiction

Traditional immunostaining techniques utilize antibodies to probe the expression of specific proteins in the brain, but this only allows for two-dimensional mapping that cannot recapitulate the complex circuit and regional interactions that occur in the brain. To achieve a more advanced level of circuitry mapping, we combine classic immunofluorescence staining with a tissue clearing technique, immunolabelling-enabled three-dimensional imaging of solvent-cleared organs (iDISCO), to map neurocircuits in the intact brain. Coupling these technologies permits analysis of neuronal circuits under a variety of conditions, including responses to visual and auditory stimuli, as well as in response to pharmacological agents or drugs of abuse. We apply these technologies to study the neuronal activity changes in the basal ganglia driven by selective dopamine-D1 receptor agonist 2-chloro-APB hydrobromide in wild type and Slc35d3 heterozygous mice and correlated behavioral changes with differences in circuit response. We also map tyrosine hydroxylase positive projection neurons in the whole brains of methamphetamine-injected rats. Based on these studies, we can target specific neuronal populations stimulated in response to these compounds to modulate circuit activation as a potential intervention in basal ganglia function and in drug abuse.
Like a swarm of angry bees...

Like a Swarm of Angry Bees... expresses a dark recess from past memory with abstract moving forms choreographed to music by Jeffrey Stolet. Software/hardware: 3ds max on Pentium III 400mhz PC, Final Cut Pro On iMAC G3, and Sony DCR900 mini-DV camcorder.
A program to perform Thurstone’s method of successive integrals

METHSUCI (METHod of SUCcessive Integrals) is a program which performs Thurstone's method of successive integrals for up to 300 stimuli, following procedures described by Guilford (1954; Pp. 237-241). The first step is to determine the proportion of ratings that fall in each rating category for each stimulus. These proportions are then used to obtain mean values for the rating categories, stated in terms of unit-normal standard deviations. Next, the category means are averaged across stimuli and used to estimate overall mean differences between adjacent rating categories. These differences are used to construct a common scale with interval scale characteristics. Each category on the scale is given a value based on its distance from the mean of the first category, as indicated by the differences. The first category's mean, of course, can be set equal to any arbitrary value; the value used by METHSUCI is I. Values for each stimulus are then calculated by the following formula:
The benefits and challenges of machinery sharing among small-scale fruit and vegetable growers

We worked with five groups of Iowa farmers who shared different pieces of machinery. Under our mentoring, each group developed sharing agreements; some groups continue to share equipment and other inputs. In this paper, we provide an overview of the project and case studies of machinery sharing as well as summarize the benefits and challenges faced by growers during the first year in machinery-sharing arrangements. Our results suggest that in addition to allowing growers to cost-effectively access specialized equipment and improve their labor efficiency, sharing can provide other benefits, including improved access to skilled labor, reduced risk, and idea sharing among peer groups of like-minded individuals. Commonly cited concerns with machinery-sharing arrangements, including having access to the equipment when most needed, can be alleviated with careful advanced planning and open communication. See the press release for this article.
Database Triggers and Alerters in an Automated Library Circulation System

Much work has been done and many systems exist for automating library circulation systems.(2) Circulation systems lend themselves quite naturally to automation, as do payroll and inventory systems in data processing, primarily because many of the tasks performed by each are highly structured and repetitious.
Insulin signalling and the stimulation of glucose transport.

676 Introduction A major effect of insulin is to stimulate glucose transport into muscle and adipose tissue. This stimulation is due largely, if not entirely, to the translocation of one isotype of the glucose transporter, GLUT 4, from an intracellular vesicular pool to the plasma membrane [ 1,2]. This article reviews the current state of knowledge about insulin signalling pathways as they relate to the translocation of GLUT 4 and the stimulation of glucose transport.
From the BBS to the Web: Tracing the Spaces of Online Romance

There are three assumptions I would like to start with: First, the Internet and its big sister, the Web, have affected and altered the shape and pace of modern society and the everyday lives of many. Second, previous technologies leave traces behind – traces of the social, cultural, and historical worlds out of which they emerged. Third, the larger cultural trajectory in which the Web exists is the postmodern condition of contemporary life.
A Microconcentrator for Sensors and Chromatography

A micromachined concentrator (referred as microconcentrator) was developed which can be integrated with sensors to enhance sensitivity [1]. Another application demonstrated here was a concentrator cum injector for a micro gas chromatography. The development and characterization of the microconcentrator was presented.
Evidence of Criterion Validity for One Pharmacy School's Progress Examination Program.

Objective. To provide evidence that the progress examination program accurately assesses student failure to demonstrate competence. Methods. A progress examination program aligned with each grade level was locally developed and administered annually to 289 PharmD students in the spring of their first year – fourth year. Correlations and linear regressions were performed to compare the examination scores to performance on national licensing examinations and cumulative didactic grade point average (GPA). Odds ratio analysis was run to determine the ability of the passing scores of the progress examination to identify students at increased risk of failing to graduate on time, earn a GPA below 3.0, and fail the licensing examinations on their first attempt. Results. Progress examination scores were strongly correlated to GPA and national licensing examination scores and weakly correlated to jurisprudence examination scores. Regression analysis indicated a significant linear relationship between examination scores and both GPA and the licensing examinations. Students who performed poorly on the progress examinations were more likely fail the national licensing examination, more likely to fail to graduate on time, and more likely to earn a cumulative didactic GPA below 3.0. Conclusions. The second-year examination program strongly predicts students at risk for failure to graduate on time or achieve a GPA below 3.0, while all four examinations identify students at risk of failing the national licensing examination on their first attempt.