cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A low-power receiver for simultaneous electrocardiogram and respiration rate detection

This paper presents an integrated low-power analog front end (AFE) for simultaneously detecting electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiration rate (RR). A low-power low-noise preamplifier is designed to amplify both the ECG and RR signals. A current-driven passive mixer is used in the RR path to up-convert the RR signal so that the ECG signal can be filtered out. The modulated RR signal is then down-converted to baseband to be further amplified and detected. Quadrature (I and Q) drive signals for the mixers are generated on-chip from an external 20 kHz clock signal. The receiver is fabricated on the OnSemi 0.5 μm CMOS process. Both simulation and preliminary measurement results verify the functionality of this work. The overall gain for the ECG and RR signals are 40 dB and 70 dB respectively, and the circuit draws 6.2 μA from a 3 V power supply. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first work in the literature that shows integrated RR and ECG signal detection with such low power consumption.
Abstract P193: Upregulation of Brain Renin-angiotensin System and Inflammation Mediates Leptin Sensitization of Angiotensin Ii-induced Hypertension

Leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, contributes to the increase in blood pressure (BP) associated with obesity. Obesity has also been shown to promote the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activity and inflammation in the hypothalamus that increase BP and sympathetic activity. Our previous studies using an Induction-Delay-Expression experimental design demonstrated that a central leptin pretreatment resulted in an enhanced hypertensive response to subsequent treatment with angiotensin (ANG) II. The present study tested whether this central leptin sensitization of ANG II-induced hypertension is mediated by an increase in RAS acitivity and inflammation in the brain. Male rats prepared for telemetry BP recording and were pretreated during Induction with central leptin (20 ng/kg/min, ICV) alone or with either ANG II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist irbesartan (125 μg/d) or the TNF-α synthesis inhibitor pentoxifylline (10 μg/h) for one week. After one week Delay, rats were treated during Expression with subcutaneous ANG II (120 ng/kg/min) for 2 weeks. The animals pretreated with central leptin responded with enhanced hypertension to ANG II ([[Unable to Display Character: ∆]]39.3±3.8 mmHg vs. [[Unable to Display Character: ∆]]21.2±5.2 mmHg). Central infusion of pentoxifylline or irbesartan during Induction blocked the sensitization produced by central leptin. RT-PCR analysis of tissue from the lamina terminalis indicated that leptin up-regulated mRNA expression of several components of the RAS and proinflammatory cytokines including AT1R, angiotensin converting enzyme, TNF-α and interleukin 1β. The results indicate that leptin-induced sensitization of ANG II-elicited hypertension is mediated by upregulation of central RAS and proinflammatory cytokines.
Activation of Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGF-β1) Released by Platelets Is Enhanced by Shear and Occurs in Platelet-Rich Thrombi In Vivo.

Platelets contain 40–100 times as much transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) as other cells, and release it as an inactive (latent) complex. Although several TGF-β1 activating factors have been identified in various cell types, it is still not known whether and how platelet TGF-β1 becomes activated in vivo. In the present study, cell-free human washed platelet releasates (supernatant after stimulation with thrombin 0.125U/ml for 5 min) or serum samples were subjected to either stirring (1,200 rpm) in an aggregometer or a shear stress of 1800 s −1 in a cone and plate device at 37°C. Activation of TGF-β1 was analyzed by ELISA and selectively confirmed using a cell-based plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) luciferase reporter assay. TGF-β1 was maximally released within 5 min after stimulation of platelets with thrombin (80 ± 23 ng/ml; n=3), but only 0.2% was active. TGF-β1 activity increased slowly and progressively under shear, reaching a maximum of ∼5% of total TGF-β1 (4.1 ± 1.5 ng/ml) after 1 h. In sharp contrast, in two experiments conducted without shear, active TGF-β1 constituted 0.04 and 0.2% of total at 0 time and remained nearly the same (0.1 and 0.2% of total) after 2 h. Activation of TGF-β1 in serum under shear occurred more slowly, but also reached a maximum of ∼5% of total at 2 h (4.1 ± 1.3 ng/ml active; 76 ± 14 ng/ml total; n=6). Without shear at 0 time, active TGF-β1 constituted 0.02 and 0.06% of total and at 2 h it was still only 0.05 and 0.07% of total. To asses whether TGF-β1 becomes activated in vivo during thrombosis, we induced thrombi in the carotid arteries of C57/BL mice with ferric chloride (8%) for 3 min and then removed the platelet-rich thrombi that formed after 5 or 120 min. The arteries were excised (∼4 mm) and the thrombi were removed and dispersed in buffer (200 μl) on ice for 1 h. Total TGF-β1 recovered from 5 min thrombi was 3.4 and 4.8 ng/ml and total TGF-β1 recovered from 120 min thrombi was 3.7 and 0.7 ng/ml. Active TGF-β1 could be detected in thrombi after 5 min and constituted 1.7 ± 1.1% of the total TGF-β1 recovered (n=3). After 120 min, active TGF-β1 could also be detected in thrombi and it constituted 5.1 ± 3.0% of the total recovered (p=0.14 compared to 5 min value; n=3). In sharp contrast, only 0.05% of TGF-β1 released by thrombin from mouse platelets in vitro was active without stirring or shear (n=3). These data indicate that shear can dramatically enhance TGF-β1 activation after release from platelets. Moreover, TGF-β1 activation occurs in vivo during platelet-rich thrombus formation and thus platelets may be an important source of active TGF-β1 in cardiovascular disease and wound healing.
Refractive Index Imaging of Cells with Variable-Angle Near-Total Internal Reflection (TIR) Microscopy

The refractive index in the interior of single cells affects the evanescent field depth in quantitative studies using total internal reflection (TIR) fluorescence, but often that index is not well known. We here present method to measure and spatially map the absolute index of refraction in a microscopic sample, by imaging a collimated light beam reflected from the substrate/buffer/cell interference at variable angles of incidence. Above the TIR critical angle (which is a strong function of refractive index), the reflection is 100%, but in the immediate sub-critical angle zone, the reflection intensity is a very strong ascending function of incidence angle. By analyzing the angular position of that edge at each location in the field of view, the local refractive index can be estimated. In addition, by analyzing the steepness of the edge, the distance-to-substrate can be determined. We apply the technique to liquid calibration samples, silica beads, cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells, and primary culture chromaffin cells. The optical technique suffers from decremented lateral resolution, scattering, and interference artifacts. However, it still provides reasonable results for both refractive index (~1.38) and for distance-to-substrate (~150 nm) for the cells, as well as a lateral resolution to about 1 µm.
Atrial Fibrillation: Once Again Not So Easy to Prevent.

See Article by Dewland et al The ALLHAT (Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial) was a multicenter, double-blinded, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial examining the effect of 4 different antihypertensive agents on the incidence of cardiovascular events.1 The study enrolled hypertensive patients at least 55 years old with at least 1 additional risk factor for coronary artery disease. When comparing primary outcomes of combined fatal coronary artery disease or nonfatal myocardial infarction, neither lisinopril nor amlodipine use led to a significant reduction compared with chlorthalidone. Chlorthalidone did result in a significant reduction in combined coronary artery disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and peripheral arterial disease and treated angina without hospitalization. In addition to antihypertensive randomization, patients with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were randomized to receive pravastatin or usual care. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly encountered arrhythmia and is associated with an increased risk of mortality and stroke.2,3 Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), and statins have been suggested as a potential upstream pharmacological agents for the primary prevention of AF.4 The data available suggest that ACEI or ARB therapy can lead to a reduction in the incidence of new-onset AF in patients with reduced left ventricular systolic function …
Sorting out the neuron.

Membrane proteins in the neuron are often segregated either to the soma and dendrites or to the axon. But how? It turns out that, in a region between the soma and axon called the initial segment, membrane proteins are tethered to the underlying cytoskeleton by anchoring proteins. Not only does this prevent the membrane proteins from diffusing, but it also blocks the passage of other, untethered proteins.
Visualizing consensus in human dimensions data: The potential for conflict index2

This research note used the potential for conflict index (PCI2) to visually clarify how individuals with a positive, neutral, or negative attitude toward mountain lions vary in support or oppositio...
The role of practice and habituation in Socrates’ theory of ethical development

The goal of this paper is to challenge the standard view that Socrates of the early Platonic dialogues is an intellectualist with respect to virtue. Through a detailed analysis of the educational t...
A Feasibility Study to Reduce Misclassification Error in Occupational Dose Estimates for Epidemiological Studies Using Body Size-Dependent Computational Phantoms

In the epidemiological study on the health effects of participants in the United States Radiologic Technologists study, organ dosimetry was performed based on surveys and literature reviews. To convert dosimeter readings to organ doses, organ dose coefficients were adopted. However, the existing dose coefficients were derived from computational human phantoms with International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) reference height and weight not accounting for the variation in body size. We first calculated preliminary body size-dependent organ dose coefficients using selected body size-dependent phantoms combined with Monte Carlo radiation transport method. We then tested the accuracy of these body-size dependent coefficients against the ICRP 74 reference size coefficients in comparison with five individual-specific organ dose coefficients computed from computed tomography (CT) image-based anatomical models of five adult males with different body sizes also using Monte Carlo methods. The reference size dose coefficients overall underestimate the patient-specific dose coefficients by up to 51%. Body size-dependent phantoms overall provided more accurate organ dose coefficients for the five patients. In case of the esophagus, the dose underestimation of 51% in the comparison with the reference phantom was reduced to 7%. The results confirm that potential dosimetric misclassification caused by using reference size phantom-based dose coefficients can be resolved by using the body size-dependent dose coefficients.
Effects of Crowding in General

Concern with the effects of overcrowding has been expressed for many years. Malthus warned about the danger of overpopulation in terms of natural resources in the 1800s. Benjamin Franklin once stated: “There is in short no bound to the prolific nature of plants or animals but what is made by their crowding and interfering with each other’s means of subsistence” (Franklin, 1969). Today we are expressing similar concerns (Russell, 1984). Starvation, water shortages, pollution, and “eternal” traffic jams are just a few of the obvious symptoms of population pressures in our world. Social scientists have warned about the dangers of overcrowding (Calhoun, 1970; Ehrlich & Ehrlich, 1970; Zlutnick & Altman, 1972). Crowding has been blamed for a variety of social ills such as deteriorating quality of life in cities, crime, and the breakdown of families (Zlutnick & Altman, 1972). These concerns were further stimulated by Calhoun’s (1962) widely publicized studies with rodents showing a variety of deleterious effects of crowding.
Post-Operative Pain and Comfort in Children After Heart Surgery: A Comparison of Nurses and Families Pre-operative Expectations.

Abstract Purpose Parents' and nurses' expectations about pain control and comfort in children after heart surgery were explored to contribute to evidence-based family-centered interventions. Design and Methods 20 nurses and 23 parents from a tertiary pediatric center in the Pacific Northwest, were interviewed about their expectations of children's pain control and comfort experience in the hospital after heart surgery. In this descriptive study, data were collected from semi-structured recall interviews and analyzed using content analysis. Results Most parents expected their child be medicated at a level of not feeling any pain. Many expected their child to remain in a heavily sedated state after the surgery. A few parents did not know what to expect. In contrast, nurses expected children to have controlled pain with intermittent discomfort, yet, tolerating recovery activities. Conclusions Although both parents and nurses expect to partner in the comfort care of the child, there is variation on the expectations around the nurse-parent relationship and the operational definition of pain management and comfort. Practice Implications Awareness of parents' expectations about pediatric post-operative comfort present an opportunity for the development of interventions aimed to enhance alignment of nurse and family strategies for children after heart surgery. Pre-operative preparation for families specific to post-operative recovery and pain management of children hospitalized for heart surgery is needed.
Recent progress on first-principles simulations of voltammograms

Abstract In this review article, we provide a brief summary of recent models and applications using first-principles methods to simulate cyclic voltammograms and linear sweep voltammograms. Electrochemical processes considered include hydrogen/hydroxyl adsorption, higher order anion adsorption, and electrocatalytic reactions. Reasonable agreement between experiment and theory is achieved in most systems, and we discuss approximations used and routes for improving the predictive power and accuracy of simulated voltammograms.
Does peritrochanteric fat thickness increase the risk of early reoperation for infection or wound complications following total hip arthroplasty

Abstract Background Radiographically measured subcutaneous peri-incisional tissue depth has been correlated with post-operative surgical site infection after cardiac, cervical spine, and total knee surgery. Its impact following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) has not been studied. We compare the interobserver reliability of measuring peritrochanteric fat thickness on pre-operative radiographs and hypothesize that these measurements are a reproducible way to predict acute post-operative wound complications and infection in patients undergoing THA. Methods A retrospective case-control analysis was performed at a single institution. Patients taken to the operating room within 90 days of their primary THA for a wound complication or deep infection between 2008 and 2016 were identified. Patients Results All radiographic measurements performed were found to have excellent inter-rater reliabilities (range 0.96–0.98). There was no difference in peritrochanteric fat thickness measurements between the two groups including the sourcil to skin surface (89.5 mm vs. 91.9 mm, p = 0.5), tip of greater trochanter to skin surface (52.9 mm vs. 53.7 mm, p = 0.8), and lateral greater trochanter to skin surface (36.0 mm vs. 37.8 mm, p = 0.6) measurements. Conclusion Contrary to other previously reported surgical procedures, radiographic measurement of subcutaneous depth is not a valid tool for predicting a return to the OR for wound complications in the early post-operative period following primary total hip arthroplasty.
Postpartum depression screening in the first year: A cross-sectional provider analysis in Oregon

Background and purpose Postpartum depression (PPD) has significant sequelae for mother and child. To aid diagnosis, PPD screening should continue throughout the postpartum year. In primary care, there may be a lack of consistency in how screening is applied. In Oregon, with a reported PPD rate of 18.2%, it is important to determine whether screening is reaching all women. The purpose of this study was to explore primary care provider screening practices in the postpartum year and determine if there are barriers to meeting PPD guidelines. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted with primary care providers in Oregon. Data were sought on screening practices and timing, as well as potential barriers. To aid comparison, screening was compared against both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (NAPNAP)/US Preventative Services Task Force guidelines. Data were analyzed using R statistical computing and Pearson chi-square tests. Results Of the 55 respondents, 29% followed the AAP recommendations and screened at well-child visits; 64% followed the NAPNAP recommendations and screened at least once in the postpartum year; and 31% did not meet any screening guidelines. The most common screening barriers were limited knowledge and/or availability of referral services. Physicians were more likely to meet any recommended guidelines than nurse practitioners (NPs) (p = .023). Implications for practice A notable number of women may not be receiving PPD screening. It is concerning that most of those not screening were NPs, given the focus of their practice on disease prevention and health management. Further research is warranted to confirm whether women are missing opportunities for early intervention and whether strategies can be established to standardize the approach in primary care.
Ultrafast laser ablation of graphene under water immersion

The ever-expanding array of two-dimensional materials and heterostructures susceptible to alteration in oxygen environments motivates the search for lateral confinement techniques outside conventional lithographic and etching methods. Laser ablation of such materials using a femtosecond pulsed Ti:Sapphire laser and programmable x-y stage is a single-step process that can be used as a flexible tool for device processing. However, scanning probe analysis of sub-micron graphene ribbons fabricated with this technique reveal considerable defect accumulation under ambient conditions. We show that such defects are largely alleviated by the simple change in the ablation environment from air to water.
Discussion: A Spatial Modeling Approach for Linguistic Object Data: Analyzing Dialect Sound Variations Across Great Britain, by Shahin Tavakoli et al.

Congratulations to Tavakoli et al. (2019) for their timely and interesting contribution to the emerging field of object data, as exemplified by covariance objects in the context of linguistic analy...
Effects of Glycan Structure on the Stability and Receptor Binding of an IgG4-Fc.

Abstract A series of well-defined N-glycosylated IgG4-Fc variants were utilized to investigate the effect of glycan structure on their physicochemical properties (conformational stability and photostability) and interactions with an Fc γ receptor IIIA (FcγRIIIA). High mannose (HM, GlcNAc2Man(8+n) [n = 0-4]), Man5 (GlcNAc2Man5), GlcNAc1, and N297Q IgG4-Fc were prepared in good quality. The physical stability of these IgG4-Fc variants was examined with differential scanning calorimetry and intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy. Photostability was assessed after photoirradiation between 295 and 340 nm (λ max = 305 nm), and HPLC-MS/MS analysis of specific products was performed. The size of glycans at Asn297 affects the yields of light-induced Tyr side-chain fragmentation products, where the yields decreased in the following order: N297Q > GlcNAc1 > Man5 > HM. These yields correlate with the thermal stability of the glycoforms. The HM and Man5 glycoforms display increased affinity for FcγRIIIA by at least 14.7-fold compared with GlcNAc1 IgG4-Fc. The affinities measured for the HM and Man5 IgG4-Fc (0.39-0.52 μM) are similar to those measured for fucosylated IgG1. Dependent on the mechanisms of action of IgG4 therapeutics, such glycoforms may need to be carefully monitored. The nonglycosylated N297Q IgG4-Fc did not present measurable affinity to FcγRIIIA.
Out of place: everyday forms of marginalization, racism, and resistance among Chinese migrants in Italy

This paper develops theories of place in relation to migration to argue that the diasporic population of Chinese migrants in Prato, Italy, live not only ‘out of place’ due in no small part to margi...
Combined mechanical and oral antibiotic bowel preparation is associated with prolonged recurrence-free survival following surgery for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Recent studies suggest that bacteria influence the pathogenesis of primary colorectal cancer (CRC), yet their role in recurrence after resection is largely unknown. We have discovered that collagenase-producing bacteria promote cancer recurrence in mice, and that antibiotic bowel decontamination decreases colonization of these same organisms in humans. We hypothesized that preoperative combined mechanical and oral antibiotic bowel preparation would improve disease-free survival (DFS) in patients undergoing surgery for CRC. METHODS We reviewed a cancer registry of patients treated for CRC at a tertiary center. Patients who received bowel preparation were compared to those that did not via a 1:1-propensity score matched for follow-up, age, sex, BMI, stage, location, chemoradiation, infection, anastomotic leak, and blood transfusion. RESULTS One thousand two hundred and seventy-nine patients met inclusion criteria. Following propensity score matching, 264 patients receiving bowel prep were matched to 264 patients who did not. Kaplan-Meier estimates showed that patients who received bowel prep had a significantly improved 5-year DFS compared to those that did not (76.3% vs. 64.2%; p < .01). Cox regression demonstrated that bowel prep was associated with improved DFS (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.37-0.89; p < .01). CONCLUSION Combined mechanical and oral antibiotic bowel preparation is independently associated with improved recurrence-free survival in patients undergoing surgery for CRC.
Synthesis of pH-Responsive Polymer Sponge Coatings and Freestanding Films via Vapor-Phase Deposition

Porous polymer materials are desired for a variety of applications such as catalysis, filtration, sensing, optics, and biological engineering. In this work, we present a modified initiated chemical...
An Ab initio Study on the Convergence of Electronic Properties of SiC Nanotubes

Ab initio calculations of the electronic structures of silicon carbide (SiC) nanotubes represented by clusters are presented. The nanotube clusters of chiralities (3,3) and (5,5) are studied using the hybrid density functional B3LYP (Becke’s 3-parameter and the Lee-Yang-Parr exchange-correlation) and LANL2DZ (Los Alamos National Laboratory double ?) and 3-21G* basis sets. Evolution of electronic properties of silicon carbide (SiC) nanotubes (3, 3) and (5,5) with their length is discussed. The results suggest that the electronic properties of nanotubes change for short tubes of unit cells with lengths varying from 1 to 5. However, the properties do not seem to change significantly after this. Therefore, an infinite silicon carbide (SiC) nanotube can be approximated by a nanotube cluster of 5 unit cells. The Himalayan Physics Vol. 3, No. 3, July 2012 Page : 69-73
TH-AB-204-07: Low Dose, Single-Step, X-Ray Phase Contrast Imaging with a Spectral Detection Scheme

Purpose: Widely popular x-ray interferometric x-ray phase contrast methods are known to introduce high radiation dose and require multiple measurement steps per projection to extract absorption and phase signatures from intensity measurements. A newer method like coded-aperture technique mitigates many drawbacks of an interferometric method but still requires multiple measures involving movement of the aperture masks to obtain separate absorption and phase information. This abstract explores a novel method to enable a single-step x-ray phase contrast imaging using spectral detection scheme in a coded-aperture setting. Methods: The proposed setup consists of a coded-aperture phase contrast imaging setup with a spectral detector. Spectral detection scheme allows detection of multiple energy-bin data simultaneously. We derived a new transport of intensity equation (TIE) that describes x-ray propagation and detection in such a setup. Using this new TIE equation in conjunction with a new retrieval algorithm we obtain a solution method for quantitatively accurate estimation of absorption, phase and differential phase contrast. A rigorous forward simulation was used to examine the retrieval accuracy. The phantom consisted of 5cm thick (50–50 density) breast phantom with thin tubes of PMMA, calcification spheres and cancerous tissue. An imaging dose of 1.5 mGy was used in the simulation. Results: Our results show excellent quantitative agreement for retrieved results in absorption, phase and differential phase contrast in comparison to the ground truth. Our method is the first single-step technique to achieve a low dose retrieval of multiple tissue properties. Conclusion: Our proposed method based on a non-interferometric method for spectral solutions to absorption, phase and DP has potential to mitigate existing hurdles in phase contrast imaging. Further investigations are underway in terms of bench top system development and understanding optimal choice of energy windows, detector pixel size and sensor thickness for the described method.
Microresonators and coupled resonators optical waveguides (CROWs)

I will describe the fabrication by molding in polymeric materials of resonators coupled to waveguides and of coupled resonator optical waveguides (CROWs). Experimental data and relevant theories will be presented.
Double Stars and Space Telescope

With the success of the Shuttle it seems now the Space Telescope will become a reality. The author wrote a study for the Langley Research Center in the summer of 1963 on the astronomical uses of a large space telescope which formed the basic document for the National Academy of Sciences Woods Hole study in 1965. This study recommended construction of a large space telescope scaled to use a Saturn V as the launch booster. The initial study included some astrometric applications. Among these were various double star applications which is the subject of this symposium.
The Effect Of Total Quality Management On Leadership: Case Of Nigeria

In recent years, attempts to find solutions to political, economical, and social problems of developing nations have dominated the interest of developmental researchers. This paper, in effect, has taken the approach of finding the solutions to the problems facing poor leadership in many of the African countries, especially Nigeria. The paper is significant because it emphasizes on the cultural issues, lack of leadership skills, inadequate management operation of the nations, and lack of business competitive advantage. With the view of recommending a TQM model for implementing an effective leadership skills that has potential value-added to the masses, the paper provides Nigeria leaders with reliable tools for management. In addition, some specific elements have been highlighted and analyzed. The elements are: (1) leadership effectiveness, (2) leadership and Management commitment, (3) employee and individual involvement,(4) general public input, and (5) continuous improvement. With these elements chosen, the paper analysis is based on the effect of total quality management on leadership and sustainability of programs. An effective leader is one who points the way of success, who skills individuals who are as comfortable with change as they are with uncertainty, and one who has forward-thinking visionaries to lead the masses to believe and trust that they can improve their lack of efficiency and effectiveness in productivity. The paper recommends the use of total quality management on leadership and reorganization of operational managements in Africa nations, especially Nigeria.
Activated human T cells can present denatured antigen.

Abstract The requirements for activated, Ia-positive human T cells to present antigen were examined. Although activated T cells could present allo-Ia antigens, activated T cells could not present native, soluble protein antigens. We have now shown that activated T cells can present denatured protein antigens to stimulate proliferation of antigen-specific T-cell lines. Since denatures antigen may represent a processes form of antigen, the data suggest that activated T cells can present antigen but may not be able to process antigen as efficiently as other presenting cells. We have also shown that antigen-specific T-cell lines, which are also Ia positive, are able to present antigen to themselves, if the antigen is in denatured form. Autopresentation requires a critical minimal cell number to stimulate proliferation, even with denatured antigen. The ability of activated T cells to present antigen may reflect an important amplification or feedback mechanism of immune regulation.
The relation between past exposure to fine particulate air pollution and prevalent anxiety: observational cohort study.

Objective To determine whether higher past exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with prevalent high symptoms of anxiety. Design Observational cohort study. Setting Nurses’ Health Study. Participants 71 271 women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study residing throughout the contiguous United States who had valid estimates on exposure to particulate matter for at least one exposure period of interest and data on anxiety symptoms. Main outcome measures Meaningfully high symptoms of anxiety, defined as a score of 6 points or greater on the phobic anxiety subscale of the Crown-Crisp index, administered in 2004. Results The 71 271 eligible women were aged between 57 and 85 years (mean 70 years) at the time of assessment of anxiety symptoms, with a prevalence of high anxiety symptoms of 15%. Exposure to particulate matter was characterized using estimated average exposure to particulate matter 2.5 ) and 2.5 to 10 μm in diameter (PM 2.5-10 ) in the one month, three months, six months, one year, and 15 years prior to assessment of anxiety symptoms, and residential distance to the nearest major road two years prior to assessment. Significantly increased odds of high anxiety symptoms were observed with higher exposure to PM 2.5 for multiple averaging periods (for example, odds ratio per 10 µg/m 3 increase in prior one month average PM 2.5 : 1.12, 95% confidence interval 1.06 to 1.19; in prior 12 month average PM 2.5 : 1.15, 1.06 to 1.26). Models including multiple exposure windows suggested short term averaging periods were more relevant than long term averaging periods. There was no association between anxiety and exposure to PM 2.5-10 . Residential proximity to major roads was not related to anxiety symptoms in a dose dependent manner. Conclusions Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) was associated with high symptoms of anxiety, with more recent exposures potentially more relevant than more distant exposures. Research evaluating whether reductions in exposure to ambient PM 2.5 would reduce the population level burden of clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety is warranted.
Emerging Approaches to the Conceptualization and Treatment of Personality Disorder

Personality disorders are both prevalent and debilitating, but controversies abound concerning the definition, assessment and treatment of these conditions. This review examines major approaches to conceptualizing the personality disorders, as recently emerging in DSM-5, Section III, and the research domain criteria initiative of the National Institute of Mental Health. Three prominent models for understanding these disorders (neural functioning, interpersonal model, and the cognitive-affective processing system model) are considered with their relevant empirical foundations. The implications for future psychopathology and treatment research and practice are detailed. Personality disorders (PD) are prevalent in the general popula- tion (10.56% median prevalence across studies; see Lenzenweger, 2008). They are highly debilitating, exerting a powerful impact on work functioning as well as interpersonal and intimate relations. However, there are many impediments to the assessment and treatment of patients with a personality disorder, not the least of which are the controversies in defining personality disorder, the range of severity across the disorders, the difficulties in identifying the key dimensions of personality dysfunction, the striking heter- ogeneity amongst patients that carry the same personality disorder diagnosis, and the paucity of treatment research on the majority of the personality disorder types. In this overview, which is necessarily selective and nonexhaus- tive, we explore a number of empirical developments in person- ality pathology research, with a particularly focus on the potential impact of these developments on conceptualization, assessment and treatment. While there is substantial agreement about the limitations of the PD nosology articulated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, now in its fifth edition (DSM-5; APA, 2013), there is less agreement about how to ad- vance our conceptualization. The alternative DSM-5 model for personality disorders, retained in Section 3 of the DSM-5, pro-
Neutralization of the intervocalic rhotic contrast in Northern Belizean Spanish

While it has been contended that the tap/trill intervocalic contrast has been lost in many Spanish varieties, maintenance of the normative intervocalic tap/trill contrast has been attested via segmental duration rather than the number of lingual contacts. The present paper investigates the neutralization of the intervocalic rhotic contrast in emerging, bi-dialectal speakers of Northern Belizean Spanish, an understudied variety of contact Spanish with innovative patterns of rhotic distribution. Acoustic analysis of data from 10 adolescent speakers from Orange Walk, Belize showed that in the elicited, oral production data, speakers were able to more consistently maintain their native Spanish variety's intervocalic tap/retroflex approximant phonemic contrast. However, in an effort to phonetically switch to a more standard variety of Spanish in the read-aloud task, speakers' overgeneralization of the tap led to neutralization of the tap/trill contrast and partial loss of their native Spanish variety's intervocalic phonemic contrast.
The Relationship Among Principal “Venturesomeness”, a Stress on Excellence, and the Personal Engagement of Teachers and Students

ABSTRACT We proposed a causal relationship between teachers’ perception of principal leadership behavior, school culture, and teacher and student commitment. We hypothesized that a concept we called principal “venturesomeness” would be related to a school culture that stresses accomplishment and mastery, which in turn would be related to teacher commitment, which in turn would predict student commitment to school. We define principal venturesomeness as the extent to which principals are seen as being willing to take risks, are innovative in their approach to instructional leadership, and in general display and encourage achievement‐oriented behavior. The model was tested in two different samples. The first sample was third‐ through six‐grade teachers and students from schools in Arizona. The second sample was third‐ through fifth‐grade teachers and students from Florida. The model was tested using LISREL VI. Many similarities existed between the models in the two samples. Principal Venturesomeness was a s...
Groundwater table mounding, pore pressure, and liquefaction induced by explosions: Energy‐distance relations

[1] Explosive-induced ground motion can alter well water levels and induce liquefaction in water-saturated cohesionless geological profiles. Analysis of underground detonations of chemical and nuclear explosives indicates that residual pore pressure and groundwater table mounding can be induced to maximum distances in meters equal to 0.087 J1/3 or 14 kg1/3, a zone where the estimated peak compressive strain exceeds 0.007% and peak particle velocity exceeds 0.11 m/s. Liquefaction can be induced to maximum distances in meters equal to 0.019 J1/3 or 3 kg1/3, a zone where the estimated peak compressive strain exceeds 0.07% and peak particle velocity exceeds 1.1 m/s. These relationships are linear over 11 orders of magnitude of energy (joules) or trinitrotoluene equivalent mass (kilograms). Maximum distances for residual pore pressure and liquefaction for surface explosions are about one third of those found for underground explosions.
Electrodynamics payloads for small rockets

Totally integrated design facilitates electrical cleanliness and light weight, which are necessary in subsonic parachute-borne payloads for electrodynamics investigations. 'Blunt' probes measure ion conductivity, as do Gerdien condensers. Recent finite-element computer analyses combining flow and electrodynamics have resolved problems in determining ion densities and mobilities from Gerdien data. Three-axis electric fields are measured with deployable boom-mounted electrodes from dc through VLF. Splitting the cylindrical payload with an insulator and measuring the current between halves has provided a vertical Maxwell current detector mechanically rigid enough to measure, at ELF, energy related to coupling. A nose tip 'Smith' probe turbulence measurement is usually performed on ascent. Other instrumentation, such as photo-ionization sources and X-ray detectors, can also be included. These electrodynamic measurement payloads are about one meter in length and have a mass of about 9 kg. They can be launched with an Orion-class or smaller vehicle.
Suturing Together Girls and Education: An Investigation Into the Social (Re)Production of Girls’ Education as a Hegemonic Ideology

There seems to be a global consensus that girls’ education is a commonsensical solution to issues as wide-ranging as poverty, fertility, human trafficking, and terrorism in the global south. In this article, I inquire into how this common sense about girls’ education is produced and sustained. I examine how two radically specific happenings—the shooting of Malala Yousafzai in Pakistan in 2012, and the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Chibok, Nigeria in 2014—were transformed into events of international concern and how girls’ education has come to be proposed as the solution. In doing so, I highlight the histories and the social and political realities that common sense conceals and its implications for the well-being of populations in the global south.
Beyond Bowditch: the convergence of cardiac chronotropy and inotropy

The ability of the heart to acutely beat faster and stronger is central to the vertebrate survival instinct. Released neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and epinephrine, bind to beta-adrenergic receptors (beta-AR) on pacemaker cells comprising the sinoatrial node, and to beta-AR on ventricular myocytes to modulate cellular mechanisms that govern the frequency and amplitude, respectively, of the duty cycles of these cells. While a role for sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) cycling via SERCA2 and ryanodine receptors (RyR) has long been appreciated with respect to cardiac inotropy, recent evidence also implicates Ca(2+) cycling with respect to chronotropy. In spontaneously beating primary sinoatrial nodal pacemaker cells, RyR Ca(2+) releases occurring during diastolic depolarization activate the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) to produce an inward current that enhances their diastolic depolarization rate, and thus increases their beating rate. beta-AR stimulation synchronizes RyR activation and Ca(2+) release to effect an increased beating rate in pacemaker cells and contraction amplitude in myocytes: in pacemaker cells, the beta-AR stimulation synchronization of RyR activation occurs during the diastolic depolarization, and augments the NCX inward current; in ventricular myocytes, beta-AR stimulation synchronizes the openings of unitary L-type Ca(2+) channel activation following the action potential, and also synchronizes RyR Ca(2+) releases following depolarization, and in the absence of depolarization, both leading to the generation of a global cytosolic Ca(i) transient of increased amplitude and accelerated kinetics. Thus, beta-AR stimulation induced synchronization of RyR activation (recruitment of additional RyRs to fire) and of the ensuing Ca(2+) release cause the heart to beat both stronger and faster, and is thus, a common mechanism that links both the maximum achievable cardiac inotropy and chronotropy.
The temperature dependence of the flow and fracture of Fe-40Al

In the present study, the authors set out to determine whether a peak in the yield strength occurs in Fe-40Al. In order to observe the lattice properties more clearly, they used large-grained material, for which the yield strength would be approximately the same as the lattice resistance, and they subjected the material to a long, low temperature anneal to minimize the vacancy concentration. The results clearly indicate a peak in the yield strength at a temperature similar to that observed by Chang in directionally-solidified material of the same composition.
Evidence for risk reduction among amphetamine-injecting men who have sex with men; results from national HIV behavioral surveillance surveys in the Seattle area 2008-2012.

In the Seattle area men who have sex with men and also inject amphetamines (amphetamine-injecting MSM/IDU) are disproportionately likely to be infected with HIV. To characterize their distinctive characteristics, we combined data from two Seattle-area surveys of men who have sex with men (MSM) and two surveys of injection drug users (IDU). Amphetamine-injecting MSM/IDU were compared with: male IDU, MSM and other MSM/IDU. Amphetamine-injecting MSM/IDU were older than MSM but younger than IDU, more likely to be white than either group, and had an educational level higher than IDU but below MSM. They had the highest HIV prevalence (56 vs. 4–19 %). However, reported HIV cases among them fell from 92 in 1990 to 25 in 2012. They were most likely to report ten or more sex partners (49 vs. 4–26 %), an STD diagnosis (22 vs. 1–7 %) and be tested for HIV (odds ratio 1.00 vs. 0.34–0.52), and least likely to share needles (odds ratio 1.00 vs. 6.80–10.50). While sexual risk remains high, these data suggest measurable and effective risk reduction with respect to sharing injection equipment and HIV testing among Seattle-area amphetamine-injecting MSM/IDU.
Optical properties of InAs quantum dot structures transferred to Si with oxidation lift-off technology

Homoepitaxially grown InAs quantum dot structures were transferred to Si substrates using oxidation lift-off technology accompanied by direct hydrophilic bonding with Si. Electroluminescence with injection through the substrate and photoluminescence data are presented.
ISFOLD: Structure Prediction of Base Pairs in Non-Helical RNA Motifs from Isostericity Signatures in Their Sequence Alignments

The existence and identity of non-Watson-Crick base pairs (bps) within RNA bulges, internal loops, and hairpin loops cannot reliably be predicted by existing algorithms. We have developed the Isfold (Isosteric Folding) program as a tool to examine patterns of nucleotide substitutions from sequence alignments or mutation experiments and identify plausible bp interactions. We infer these interactions based on the observation that each non-Watson-Crick bp has a signature pattern of isosteric substitutions where mutations can be made that preserve the 3D structure. Isfold produces a dynamic representation of predicted bps within defined motifs in order of their probabilities. The software was developed under Windows XP, and is capable of running on PC and MAC with Matlab 7.1 (SP3) or higher. A PC stand-alone version that does not require Matlab also is available. This software and a user manual are freely available at www.ucsf.edu/frankel/isfold.
Progesterone release of lipid second messengers at the amphibian oocyte plasma membrane: role of ceramide in initiating the G2/M transition.

Abstract Treatment with either sphingomyelinase (SMase), or soluble forms of ceramide, has been reported to induce meiosis in oocytes fromXenopus laevis,a species which can breed throughout most of the year. In this paper the sphingomyelin-derived second messenger, ceramide, is compared with progesterone for its ability to induce meiosis in oocytes from the seasonal breeder,Rana pipiens.Serum gonadotropin levels normally rise asRanafemales emerge from hibernation in the spring, stimulating follicular synthesis of progesterone and subsequent ovulation. Injection of gonadotropins can induce earlier meiosis and ovulation, effective from the previous October through the following spring. During the same period, defolliculated oocytes respond to exogenous progesterone by meiosis, as indicated by nuclear breakdown. We find that in the spring, treatment of defolliculatedRanaoocytes with exogenous C2- or C8-ceramide or SMase did induce meiosis, but not during the fall or winter. A 50% response was seen by late April and a 100% response by early May. Exposure of [3H]palmitate-labeledRanaoocytes to either exogenous progesterone or to SMase produced a rapid and comparable release of intracellular [3H]ceramide within 1-2 min in fall, winter or spring. Our results from this and from previous experiments indicate that increased ceramide is not the initiating event in meiotic induction inRana,but is associated with a subsequent pathway which depends upon a threshold level of progesterone.
Influence of ozone, hydrogen peroxide, or salt on microbial profile, TBARS and color of channel catfish fillets

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) fillets were treated with hydrogen peroxide (HP), ozonated water (OZ), and ascorbic acid plus salt (AS) or salt solution (BR). All treatments except AS decreased (p # # # # # 0.05) Aeromonas, while OZ did not decrease Staphylococcus and Acinetobacter. All treatments except 5 ppm OZ reduced (p # 0.05) initial TCC and PPC. At 0.7% HP, BR, and 10 ppm OZ fillets showed odor spoilage after 8, 10 and 10.5 d, respectively. Fillets treated with HP, OZ, and BR had higher (p # # # # # 0.05) TBARs than control fillets. HP treated fillets had lower (p # 0.05) Hunter 'L' values, while BR treated fillets had higher 'a' and lower (p # 0.05) Hunter 'L', 'b', and SI values
A laboratory investigation of potential double layers

In a triple plasma device, the injection of electron current from the source chamber to the target chamber causes the formation of a potential double layer. At a low current density, the space charge of the injected current produces a virtual cathode-type potential double layer. This double layer is stable, and various wave instabilities are observed to associate with this double layer. As the current density is increased, the double layer becomes unstable, and a moving double layer results. As the current density is increased further, the enhanced ionization causes the neutralization of the space charge of the electron beam, and the beam plasma discharge is ignited.