cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coating Distribution in a Commercial SCR Filter

A commercial SCR filter, deployed in the USA in 2015, was sectioned and examined using techniques including mercury porosimetry, electron microscopy, and micro-X-ray computed tomography. The catalyst washcoat was found to be consistent with Cu/SSZ-13, possibly including some zirconia and alumina. Three distinct regions were observed with respect to catalyst loading and location. A region at the inlet end of the filter, comprising 15 to 21% of the total effective filter length, was relatively lightly coated. Most of the catalyst present in this region was observed inside the porous filter walls, and the catalyst concentration was generally greater near the upstream filter wall surfaces. Moving axially down the monolith toward the outlet, a second region comprising 14 to 20% of the total effective filter length was more heavily coated, with catalyst present throughout the thickness of the porous filter walls, as well as coatings on both the upstream and downstream filter wall surfaces. The final region at the outlet end of the monolith, which accounted for 65 to 70% of the filter length, had an intermediate catalyst loading. Most of the catalyst here was again observed inside the porous filter wall. Concentrations in this region were higher near the downstream filter wall surfaces. Detailed models of multi-functional aftertreatment devices, such as the one examined here, have included representations of catalyst distribution within the filter bricks and indicate that catalyst distribution may have an impact on flow distribution, soot loading patterns, local concentrations, and ultimately conversion efficiency. Previous work has also shown that catalyst distribution across the thickness of an exhaust filter wall can have significant impacts on backpressure during soot loading.
Development of a two-stage model system to investigate the mineralization mechanisms involved in idiopathic stone formation: stage 2 in vivo studies of stone growth on biomimetic Randall’s plaque

Idiopathic stone formers often form calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones that are attached to calcium phosphate (CaP) deposits in the renal tissue, known as Randall’s plaques (RP). Plaques are suggested to originate in the renal tubular basement membrane and spread into the interstitial regions where collagen fibrils and vesicles become mineralized; if the epithelium is breached, the RP becomes overgrown with CaOx upon exposure to urine. We have developed a two-stage model system of CaP–CaOx composite stones, consisting of Stage (1) CaP mineralized plaque, followed by Stage (2) CaOx overgrowth into a stone. In our first paper in this series (Stage 1), osteopontin (and polyaspartate) were found to induce a non-classical mineralization of porcine kidney tissues, producing features that resemble RP. For the Stage 2 studies presented here, biomimetic RPs from Stage 1 were implanted into the bladders of rats. Hyperoxaluria was induced with ethylene glycol for comparison to controls (water). After 4 weeks, rats were sacrificed and the implants were analyzed using electron microscopy and X-ray microanalyses. Differences in crystal phase and morphologies based upon the macromolecules present in the biomimetic plaques suggest that the plaques have the capacity to modulate the crystallization reactions. As expected, mineral overgrowths on the implants switched from CaP (water) to CaOx (hyperoxaluric). The CaOx crystals were aggregated and mixed with organic material from the biomimetic RP, along with some amorphous and spherulitic CaOx near the “stone” surfaces, which seemed to have become compact and organized towards the periphery. This system was successful at inducing “stones” more similar to human idiopathic kidney stones than other published models.
Computational analysis of alternative splicing in plant genomes

Computational analyses play crucial roles in characterizing splicing isoforms in plant genomes. In this review, we provide a survey of computational tools used in recently published, genome-scale splicing analyses in plants. We summarize the commonly used software and pipelines for read mapping, isoform reconstruction, isoform quantification, and differential expression analysis. We also discuss methods for analyzing long reads and the strategies to combine long and short reads in identifying splicing isoforms. We review several tools for characterizing local splicing events, splicing graphs, coding potential, and visualizing splicing isoforms. We further discuss the procedures for identifying conserved splicing isoforms across plant species. Finally, we discuss the outlook of integrating other genomic data with splicing analyses to identify regulatory mechanisms of AS on genome-wide scale.
Noble-Metal Substitution in Hemoproteins: An Emerging Strategy for Abiological Catalysis.

ConspectusEnzymes have evolved to catalyze a range of biochemical transformations with high efficiencies and unparalleled selectivities, including stereoselectivities, regioselectivities, chemoselectivities, and substrate selectivities, while typically operating under mild aqueous conditions. These properties have motivated extensive research to identify or create enzymes with reactivity that complements or even surpasses the reactivity of small-molecule catalysts for chemical reactions. One of the limitations preventing the wider use of enzymes in chemical synthesis, however, is the narrow range of bond constructions catalyzed by native enzymes. One strategy to overcome this limitation is to create artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) that combine the molecular recognition of nature with the reactivity discovered by chemists.This Account describes a new approach for generating ArMs by the formal replacement of the natural iron found in the porphyrin IX (PIX) of hemoproteins with noble metals. Analytical tech...
Development and Evaluation of the Stoplight Healthy Living Program

Abstract To address health disparities of adults with intellectual disability (ID), the Kansas Disability and Health Program developed the Stoplight Healthy Living program to promote good nutrition...
Comparison of a grid-based filter to a Kalman filter for the state estimation of a maneuvering target

Providing accurate state estimates of a maneuvering target is an important problem. This problem occurs when tracking maneuvering boats or even people wandering around. In our earlier paper, a specialized grid-based filter (GBF) was introduced as an effective method to produce accurate state estimates of a target moving in two dimensions, while requiring only a two-dimensional grid. The paper showed that this GBF produces accurate state estimates because the filter can capture the kinematic constraints of the target directly, and thus account for them in the estimation process. In this paper, the relative performance of a GBF to a Kalman filter is investigated. The state estimates (position and velocity) from a GBF are compared to those from a Kalman filter, against a maneuvering target. This study will employ the comparison paradigm presented by Kirubarajan and Bar-Shalom. The paradigm incrementally increases the maneuverability of a target to determine how the two different track filters compare as the target becomes more maneuverable. The intent of this study is to determine how maneuverable the target must be to gain the benefit from a GBF over a Kalman filter. The paper will discuss the target motion model, the GBF implementation, and the Kalman filter used for the study. Our results show that the GBF outperforms a Kalman filter, especially as the target becomes more maneuverable. A disadvantage of the GBF is that it is more computational than a Kalman filter. The paper will discuss the grid and sample sizing needed to obtain quality estimates from a GBF. It will be shown that the sizes are much smaller than what may be expected and is quite stable over a large range of sizes. Furthermore, this GBF can exploit parallelization of the computations, making the processing time significantly less.
Liver-first approach to stage IV colon cancer with synchronous isolated liver metastases

Background The only possibility for cure in patients with colon adenocarcinoma (CAC) with isolated liver metastases (ILM) is resection of both primary and metastatic tumors. Little is known about the implication of the sequence in which a colectomy and hepatectomy are performed on outcomes. This study analyzes whether resection sequence impacts clinical outcomes. Methods The National Cancer Database was queried for CAC cases with hepatic metastases from 2010-2015 with exclusion of extrahepatic metastases. We compared patients treated with a liver-first approach (LFA) to those treated with a colectomy-first or simultaneous approach using Kaplan Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis. Results In 21,788 CAC patients identified, the LFA was uncommon (2%), but was associated with higher rates of completion resection of remaining tumor (41% vs. 22%, P<0.001). Patients selected for LFA were younger, less comorbid, and more commonly received upfront chemotherapy (P<0.05). The LFA was associated with increased median survival [34 months, 95% CI (30.5-39.6 months) vs. 24 months, 95% CI (23.7-24.6 months), logrank P<0.001] and decreased risk of death [HR 0.783; 95% CI (0.67-0.89), P=0.001]. Conclusions The LFA to CAC with synchronous ILM is uncommon but is associated with greater likelihood of receiving chemotherapy prior to surgery and increased survival in selected candidates.
Measuring the Coefficient of Kinetic Friction by Exploring Dynamics of Rotational Motion

Measuring the coefficients of static, kinetic, and rolling friction are typical experimental tasks for physics students. These coefficients depend on many factors that are difficult to control and so results may vary depending on the method used. We present a novel method of measuring the coefficient of kinetic friction. This method is based on the exploration of the dynamics of rotational motion and makes use of standard physics lab apparatus and procedures. We will focus on the coefficient of kinetic friction and will show that there is good agreement between the values of the coefficient when measured by either the traditional linear motion method or this new rotational technique.
Sustainability of Tobacco Cessation Programs.

The cost of tobacco cessation programs and outcomes data are concerns and impediments for providers and hospital systems interested in providing services that, if successful, can support a tobacco-free lifestyle. As revealed in this issue of Respiratory Care in the article by Sweeny et al,[1][1]
What Is New in Laryngeal Dystonia: Review of Novel Findings of Pathophysiology and Novel Treatment Options

The aim of this review is to present the current literature on pathophysiology, evaluation, and management of laryngeal dystonia. Recent evidence suggests loss of cortical inhibition, and sensory dysfunction plays an important role in the pathophysiology of laryngeal dystonia. New treatments addressing these changes include electrical stimulation for neuromodulation of the larynx, vibrotactile therapy, and sodium oxybate. Preliminary investigations are promising and these may impact the future of care for laryngeal dystonia patients. The current literature emphasizes a new understanding of the pathophysiology of laryngeal dystonia which has led to investigation of novel therapies.
A broadband wavelet implementation for rapid ultrasound pulse-echo time-of-flight measurements

A broadband wavelet approach to ultrasonic pulse-echo time-of-flight measurements is described. The broadband approach significantly reduces the time required for frequency-dependent pulse-echo measurements, enabling studies of dynamic systems ranging from biological systems to solid-state phase transitions. The described broadband approach is demonstrated in parallel with the more traditional frequency stepping approach to perform ultrasound time-of-flight measurements inside a large volume Paris-Edinburgh press in situ at a synchrotron source. The broadband wavelet data acquisition process was found to be 1-2 orders of magnitude faster than the stepped-frequency approach, with no compromise on data quality or determined results.
Governance and contract choice: Theory and evidence from groundwater irrigation markets

Abstract This paper examines the role governance institutions play in the adoption of contracts. We develop a simple model of the contracting relationship in a setting where unverifiable outcomes exist and use it to interpret data on groundwater irrigation contracts in Bangladesh. A distinguishing feature of this market is the variety of village-level institutions which impose different degrees of punishment for contract violation. Consistent with the model, we find households adopt contracts that rely on unverifiable outcomes, which are not formally contractible, when punishment for contract violation is weak. Conversely, households adopt contracts that rely on formally contractible and verifiable outcomes when punishment is severe. This evidence is consistent with contract terms being chosen optimally given what is or is not formally contractible.
The NELS Curve: Replicating The Bell Curve Analyses with the National Education Longitudinal Study

This study uses the National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS) to replicate both the analysis in The Bell Curve and that of several of its previous replications. We examine the relative importance of test scores and family background in predicting dropping out of high school, starting college, arrests, and out-of-wedlock fertility. Our results relax several arbitrary assumptions made in The Bell Curve. We strongly reject The Bell Curve's conclusion that family background is almost always less important than test scores in predicting outcomes. In addition, our analysis casts doubt on some of The Bell Curve's claims concerning reverse discrimination in education.
Spontaneous Inference of Personality Traits and Effects on Memory for Online Profiles.

As users navigate online social spaces, they encounter numerous personal profiles, each displaying a unique constellation of attributes. How do users make sense of this information? In our first study, we provide evidence that users spontaneously make personality trait inferences about people from profiles they encounter online, and for certain profiles, preferentially remember this inferred trait content over actual profile content. Study 2 uses several measures of profile coherence to assess how the coherence of user profiles interacts with trait inferences to influence memory for profiles. Findings provide a better understanding of specific profile content that makes profiles memorable and the social-cognitive process utilized when extracting information from profiles.
Defining Spiritual Health: A Review of the Literature

(1991). Defining Spiritual Health: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Health Education: Vol. 22, No. 5, pp. 287-290.
Funding the Future: Meeting the Costs of Capital Replacement

JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY WATER RESEARCH & EDUCATION In 1996, significant amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) were adopted that reflected the concerns of many in the drinking water industry to define the performance of water utilities in broader terms. Prior to this time, water systems that were providing safe drinking water on a consistent basis were considered “viable,” and failing systems were termed “non-viable.” The SDWA amendments discarded this binary measurement system and formalized the idea of “capacity,” which now encompasses the technical, management, and financial aspects of delivering safe drinking water to the public. Instead of a pass-fail basis of measuring performance, capacity could be measured along a continuum. This article focuses on the measures of financial capacity that reflect the commitment of managers and boards of directors regarding the long-term funding requirements of drinking water systems. This new concept of capacity required the regulated community of water systems—as well as the regulators and other stakeholders—to develop measures of capacity to determine the point upon the capacity continuum where systems would be more likely than not to be sustainable. State drinking water programs were required to develop measures of technical, financial, and managerial capacity for proposed water systems as well as for those seeking to borrow money from the new Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) for system improvements. Many states have used those capacity measures to examine existing water systems and to search for those needing capacity building assistance. Regarding financial capacity, the Idaho Drinking Water Program uses eleven indicators that describe the fiscal capacity and financial management of water systems seeking state revolving loan funds. Among these are indicators that can be used either to compare the capabilities of water systems that are similar in size or to track financial performance of an individual system over time. From such comparisons, we can draw inferences about the financial indicators that correlate with the reliability, safety, and cost of providing safe drinking water. Experts believe that the long-term success of water systems is related to keeping their capital facilities in good shape. This means not only investing in the water system when it is built, but also anticipating the costs of replacing it when it wears out. Regulatory agencies have devoted program resources toward improving the sustainability of public water systems. In 2003, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for example, released two handbooks for water system managers addressing the topics of strategic planning and capital asset management (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2003a; 2003b).
Spin Waves in the Frustrated Kagomé Lattice Antiferromagnet KFe 3 (OH) 6 (SO 4 ) 2

The spin wave excitations of the $S=5/2$ kagom\'e lattice antiferromagnet ${\mathrm{KFe}}_{3}(\mathrm{OH}{)}_{6}({\mathrm{SO}}_{4}{)}_{2}$ have been measured using high-resolution inelastic neutron scattering. We directly observe a flat mode which corresponds to a lifted ``zero energy mode,'' verifying a fundamental prediction for the kagom\'e lattice. A simple Heisenberg spin Hamiltonian provides an excellent fit to our spin wave data. The antisymmetric Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction is the primary source of anisotropy and explains the low-temperature magnetization and spin structure.
Relationships with Grandparents and the Emotional Well-Being of Late Adolescent and Young Adult Grandchildren

We investigated whether and under what family conditions young adult grandchildren psychologically benefit from having close and supportive grandparent relations. Relying on parental absence and family systems perspectives, we hypothesized that grandparents will be most effective in reducing depressive symptoms and increasing self-esteem of grandchildren who were raised in single-parent and step-parent families, as well as those with poorer quality relations with their parents. We analyzed data from a sample of grandchildren aged 18–23 years who were surveyed in the 1992–1994 wave of the National Survey of Families and Households (n = 925). Hierarchical multiple regressions with interaction terms found that greater cohesion with grandparents decreased depressive symptoms, particularly among grandchildren raised in single-parent families. However, cohesive grandparent relations reduced depressive symptoms more in the presence of stronger ties to parents. The model partially supports the long reach of grandparents as compensatory resources for mature grandchildren whose families of origin were absent a parent. Implications for future research on the role of grandparents in family systems are discussed.
How Privatization Thinks: The Case of Prisons

Debates over contracting out government functions to private, for-profit entities often play out within a deliberative framework that can be thought of as comparative efficiency. From this perspective, the decision whether to privatize any given government function turns on which sector, public or private, would perform the relevant function more efficiently. Comparative efficiency thus has two defining features: it views the motivating question as a choice between public and private, and it treats efficiency as the sole value guiding the analysis. That comparative efficiency is the appropriate way to approach the issue of privatization tends to be taken for granted. Its value neutrality is also assumed. In this essay, I challenge these assumptions. Using the example of private prisons, I argue that comparative efficiency operates instead as a rhetorical device that keeps the debate within particular bounds, excluding some concerns altogether and reframing others in ways consistent with its own priorities. I then consider the interests and values served by the ways comparative efficiency structures the private prisons debate, and argue that it is the project of privatization itself that is the beneficiary.
Hapten inhibition of the immune response in vitro

The in vitro primary immune response of mouse spleen cells against a hapten, the 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP) group, bound to an erythrocyte carrier is inhibited by the polyvalent, but nonimmunogenic TNP17HSA (human serum albumin) when added at the same time as the immunogen. Resistance to the effect of TNP17HSA develops in 24 h after the addition of immunogen. Sensitivity to this inhibition can be quickly re-established after a mild physical dissociation of cell aggregates in the spleen cell cultures even 48 h after the start of a response. This sensitivity is rapidly lost again if the culture are incubated for a few hours before the TNP-HSA is added.
Surface and interfacial FT–IR spectroscopic studies of latexes. VI. Orientation and spatial distribution of acid functionalities at the film–substrate interface

Formation of dimeric carboxylic acid functional groups observed at the film-substrate interface of ethyl acrylate/methacrylic acid (EA/MAA) and butyl acrylate / methyl meth-acrylate / methacrylic acid (BA/MMA/MAA) latex films prepared on a high surface tension substrate, such as liquid mercury, is observed when sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate (SDOSS) is employed as the synthetic emulsifier. To address the acid species assembled at this interface due to the inability of SDOSS to effectively alleviate interfacial tension and to assess the orientation and spatial configuration of acid groups species at the interface, polarized attenuated total reflectance, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT–IR) is employed. It is found that the acid dimer rings adopt an average “on-edge” configuration at the interface with the hydrogen-bonded rings perpendicular to the film-mercury interface. This configuration serves to provide not only the necessary interfacial acid-dimer layer, but also facilitates favorable ring–ring interactions between groups of opposite polarity on adjacent rings. This study indicates that the on-edge configuration may also serve to reduce unfavorable interactions between the polar acid functionality and the less polar components present in the bulk of the coalesced latexes. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Thermal changes produced by intrahypothalamic injections of acetylcholine during hibernation and euthermia in Citellus lateralis

Abstract 1. 1. Changes in hypothalamic temperature following ACh stimulation of the preoptic/anterior hypothalamus of ground squirrels were measured during hibernation and euthermia. 2. 2. Bilateral, 1 μl injections of ACh (10–50 μg/μl) were delivered through removable stainless steel injection tubes, inserted into chronically implanted guide tubes. 3. 3. During hibernation, transient, small-magnitude thermogenic responses and full arousal from hibernation were produced. Higher dose levels elicited responses earlier in the hibernation bout, but did not affect the magnitude of the transient response. Full arousal occurred only in the 2nd half of the bout. 4. 4. During euthermia, dose-dependent decreases in temperature were produced at ambient temperatures of 22 and 5.5°C. Increases in temperature were also observed which were dose-dependent at 5.5°C, but not at 22°C. The direction of response was correlated with brain temperature at the time of injection.
Adaptive frequency windowing for multifrequency solutions in structural acoustics based on the matrix Padé‐via‐Lanczos algorithm

For many problems in structural acoustics, it is desired to obtain solutions at many frequencies over a large range in the frequency domain. A reduced-order multifrequency algorithm based on matrix Pade approximation, using the matrix Pade-via-Lanczos (MPVL) connection, has been previously used to solve both exterior and interior acoustic problems. However, the method is not guaranteed to give the correct solution across the entire frequency region of interest, but only locally around a reference frequency. An adaptive frequency windowing scheme is introduced to address this shortcoming for practical application of this method. The application of this algorithm to tightly coupled problems in interior structural acoustics is presented.
Neuroblastoma impairs chemokine-mediated dendritic cell migration in vitro

Abstract Background/Purpose Chemokine receptor (CCR7 [cysteine chemokine receptor 7]) and ligand (CCL19) interactions trigger dendritic cell (DC) recruitment from sites of antigen uptake to secondary lymphoid organs for T-cell priming and tumor lysis. Inhibition of this interaction may allow some aggressive tumors to evade immune detection. Although we have shown dysfunctional DC migration in murine neuroblastoma (NB) in vivo, the molecular mechanisms of impairment are unknown. We hypothesize that NB-induced aberrant CCR7-CCL19 signaling impairs DC migration. Methods Bone marrow–derived DCs were isolated from A/J mice (n = 24), matured, and cocultured with murine NB (TBJ) or media (control) for 7 days. CCR7 and CCL19 protein and RNA expressions by control and NB-exposed DC were measured by flow cytometry, Western blot analysis, and polymerase chain reaction. Migration assays using Transwell plates (Corning Incorporated, Corning, NY, via Fisher Scientific, Pittsburgh, Pa) were performed with matured DC and CCL19. Furthermore, to determine if these changes in DC migration could be overcome, superphysiological concentrations of CCL19 (100 ng/mL) were used. Results are reported as the average percentage ± SD. Results No significant differences in CCR7 or CCL19 protein expression between tumor and control were seen at 7 days. However, NB significantly decreased CCL19-induced migration by more than 50%: control (26.48% ± 1.52%) vs DC cocultured with TBJ (12.7% ± 0.3%) ( P Conclusions Although in vitro coculture with NB does not induce significant changes in either CCR7 or CCL19 expression, profound functional impairments in CCR7/CCL19-mediated migration occurs. These findings suggest that intracellular signal transduction pathways for these chemokines may be impaired by tumor. Targeting this chemokine-receptor pathway may provide a novel therapeutic strategy.
Mini-review: the morphology, mineralogy and microbiology of accumulated iron corrosion products

Despite obvious differences in morphology, substratum chemistry and the electrolyte in which they form, accumulations of iron corrosion products have the following characteristics in common: stratification of iron oxides/hydroxides with a preponderance of α-FeOOH (goethite) and accumulation of metals. Bacteria, particularly iron-oxidizing and sulfate-reducing bacteria have been identified in some accumulations. Both biotic and abiotic mechanisms have been used to rationalize observations for particular sets of environmental data. This review is the first to compare observations and interpretations.
Photo-chemical synthesis and deposition of noble metal nanoparticles

Highly dispersed nanoparticles of transition and noble metals are utilized for hydrocarbon reactions and rearrangements important to the chemical industry. The need to obtain 1 to 3 nm particles with narrow size distributions has prompted the development of alternative processing methods. In this paper, a novel, dry method to synthesize nanoparticles from a frozen salt solution is reported. Pd nanoparticles were synthesized by photo-chemical decomposition of palladium acetate (PdAc) within a host matrix of chloroform using an excimer laser operating at 248 nm. Frozen composite targets were ablated at fluences ranging from 0.25 J/cm2 to 0.75 J/cm2 at a processing pressure of 10 mTorr. The ejected nanoparticles were deposited on continuous carbon coated and lacey carbon transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grids at ambient temperature. Characterization was performed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS). High-resolution TEM analysis showed definitive evidence that the size distributions of the nanoparticles were narrow, exhibiting mean diameters ranging from 2.15 nm to 2.62 nm.
Fluorescence of deutero-chrome alum

Abstract Fluorescence transitions between the 2 E excited state and the 4 A 2 ground state of Cr +++ in KAI (SO 4 ) 2 ·12D 2 O:Cr +++ are observed while similar transitions do not occur in the corresponding protonated compound. This is taken as confirmation of the hypothesis that the excitation energy in the protonated compound is dissipated via radiationless processes through the OH vibrational overtones. In the case of OD, the transfer of energy from the electronic states is less efficient and hence radiative processes can occur. The temperature dependence of the fluorescence lifetime is given and evidence is presented for the lack of a center of symmetry for the trivalent cation in the low temperature form of this alum.
A rapamycin-binding protein polymer nanoparticle shows potent therapeutic activity in suppressing autoimmune dacryoadenitis in a mouse model of Sjögren's syndrome.

Sjogren's syndrome (SjS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized initially by lymphocytic infiltration and destruction of exocrine glands, followed by systemic organ damage and B-cell lymphoma. Conventional treatment is based on management of symptoms and there is a shortage of therapies that address the underlying causes of inflammation at source exocrine tissue. The aim of this study was to test a novel protein polymer-based platform consisting of diblock copolymers composed from Elastin-like Polypeptides (ELPs) fused with FKBP12, to deliver a potent immunosuppressant with dose-limiting toxicity, rapamycin (Rapa) also known as Sirolimus, and evaluate its effects on the inflamed lacrimal gland (LG) of non-obese diabetic mouse (NOD), a classic mouse model of SjS. Both soluble and diblock copolymer ELPs were fused to FKBP12 and characterized with respect to purity, hydrodynamic radii, drug entrapment and release. Both formulations showed successful association with Rapa; however, the nanoparticle formulation, FSI, released drug with nearly a 5 fold longer terminal half-life of 62.5h. The strong interaction of FSI nanoparticles with Rapa was confirmed in vivo by a shift in the monoexponential pharmacokinetic profile for free drug to a biexponential profile for the nanoparticle formulation. When acutely administered by injection into NOD mice via the tail vein, this FSI formulation significantly suppressed lymphocytic infiltration in the LG relative to the control group while reducing toxicity. There was also a significant effect on inflammatory and mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway genes in the LG and surprisingly, our nanoparticle formulation was significantly better at decreasing a proposed tear biomarker of SjS, cathepsin S (CATS) compared to free drug. These findings suggest that FSI is a promising tool for delivering Rapa for treatment of SjS in a murine model and may be further explored to meet the unmet medical challenge of SjS.
On the summer hemisphere Hadley cell

In the extreme seasons the winter hemisphere Hadley cell dominates the entire zonally averaged mean meridional circulation by extending well into the summer hemisphere, and the summer hemisphere Hadley cell practically disappears. The hypothesis that this apparent disappearance is due to the process of zonal averaging, and that a summer hemisphere Hadley cell does exist when the averaging is restricted to the longitudes not occupied by the Asiatic monsoon, is tested. Using data for 1957–1964 covering the months June-August, it is found that the summer hemisphere Hadley cell was indeed present over the longitudes 160°E-0–30°E, or two thirds of the Tropics. It is argued that some of the most interesting features of the meridional circulation and their associated transport processes are obscured by the zonal averaging process.
Applications of many beam systematic diffraction contrast in high voltage transmission electron microscopy

The increase in number of reflections that occurs as the voltage is increased above 100 to 650 kV leads to several new applications of contrast analysis and improved resolution. In systematic orientations two practical examples of contrast analysis are described. In the first, it is shown how the nature of stacking faults (intrinsic or extrinsic) can be found from the contrast of dark field images formed in 1g when the 2g systematic condition is satisfied. The contrast is high if the phase factor α = −2π/3 and considerably lower when α = +2π/3. This is a general method and does not have the limitations of current methods of analysis, unless defects are very small (≪ the extinction distance). In the second method further exploration is made of the improved resolution that can be obtained for diffraction contrast at defects such as dislocations by lowering the effective extinction distance, e.g. by dark field weak-beam, or bright field high order reflection, imaging. These methods have been applied to defects in boron implanted silicon in which for the first time, dissociated loops have been resolved. From the separation of the partials, the stacking fault energy is estimated to be (45 ± 6) erg/cm2 (isotropic elasticity) or (51 ± 7) erg/cm2 (anisotropic elasticity theory). Das Ansteigen der Zahl der Reflexionen, das auftritt, wenn die Spannung oberhalb 100 bis 650 kV gesteigert wird, fuhrt zu neuen Anwendungen der Kontrastanalyse und zu einer verbesserten Auflosung. Fur die systematische Orientierung werden zwei praktische Beispiele der Kontrastanalyse beschrieben. Im ersten wird gezeigt, wie die Natur von Stapelfehlern (gittereigenen und durch Verunreinigungen hervorgerufenen) aus dem Kontrast von Dunkelfeldbildern in 1g gefunden werden kann, wenn die systematische 2g-Bedingung erfullt ist. Der Kontrast ist hoch, wenn der Phasenfaktor α = −2π/3 ist und betrachtlich niedriger, wenn α = + 2π/3 ist. Das ist eine allgemeine Methode, die nicht die Grenzen der gegenwartigen Methoden der Analyse aufweist, wenn nicht die Defekte zu klein sind (≪ Extinktionsabstand). Bei der zweiten Methode werden weitere Untersuchungen einer verbesserten Auflosung durchgefuhrt, die fur den Beugungskontrast von Defekten, wie Versetzungen, durch Erniedrigung des effektiven Extinktionsabstandes erhalten werden kann, d. h. durch Dunkelfeld-Schwachstrahlabbildung oder Hellfeld-Reflexionsabbildung hoherer Ordnung. Diese Methoden werden auf Defekte in mit Bor implantiertem Silizium angewendet, in dem zum ersten Male dissoziierte Schleifen aufgelost werden. Aus der Trennung der Teile wird die Stapelfehlerenergie zu (45 ± 6) erg/cm2 (isotrope) oder (51 ± 7) erg/cm2 (anisotrope Elastizitatstheorie) abgeschatzt.
THE PATH TOWARDS A LONGER LIFE: ON INVARIANT SETS AND THE ESCAPE TIME LANDSCAPE

Unstable invariant sets are important to understand mechanisms behind many dynamically important phenomenon such as chaotic transients which can be physically relevant in experiments. However, unstable invariant sets are nontrivial to find computationally. Previous techniques such as the PIM triple method [Nusse & Yorke, 1989] and simplex method variant [Moresco & Dawson, 1999], and even the step-and-stagger method [Sweet et al., 2001] have computationally inherent dimension limitations. In the current study, we explicitly investigate the landscape of an invariant set, which leads us to a simple gradient search algorithm to construct points close to the invariant set. While the calculation of the necessary derivatives can be computationally very expensive, the methods of our algorithm are not as dimension dependant as the previous techniques, as we show by examples such as the two-dimensional instability example from [Sweet et al., 2001] followed by a four-dimensional instability example, and then a nine-dimensional flow from the Yoshida equations, with a two-dimensional instability.
Choice of randomization to clozapine versus other second generation antipsychotics in the CATIE schizophrenia trial

There is evidence to suggest that clozapine is underutilized in treatment-refractory schizophrenia. Data from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE), a multi-phase, randomized comparative effectiveness trial for schizophrenia, were used to identify factors associated with choosing randomization to clozapine. Two pathways were available in phase 2 of CATIE: randomization to clozapine or an untried atypical antipsychotic (2E), or randomization to an untried atypical antipsychotic (2T). We examined the proportion of entrants who chose to enter phase 2E due to the lack of efficacy of the phase 1 treatment, along with their demographic and clinical characteristics. Only 31.2% who discontinued phase 1 for lack of efficacy entered phase 2E. In multivariable analysis, males showed significantly increased odds of choosing phase 2E (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.38; confidence interval (CI) = 1.20, 4.70) as did patients with higher Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total scores (AOR = 1.01; CI = 1.00, 1.03), more inpatient days (AOR = 1.06; CI = 1.02, 1.10) and more outpatient visits, (AOR = 1.06; CI = 1.02, 1.11). More effort examining the decision-making process of patients and providers is needed in order to increase the utilization of this effective treatment.
Crag Regulates Epithelial Architecture and Polarized Deposition of Basement Membrane Proteins in Drosophila

The polarized architecture of epithelia relies on an interplay between the cytoskeleton, the trafficking machinery, and cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion. Specifically, contact with the basement membrane (BM), an extracellular matrix underlying the basal side of epithelia, is important for cell polarity. However, little is known about how BM proteins themselves achieve a polarized distribution. In a genetic screen in the Drosophila follicular epithelium, we identified mutations in Crag, which encodes a conserved protein with domains implicated in membrane trafficking. Follicle cells mutant for Crag lose epithelial integrity and frequently become invasive. The loss of Crag leads to the anomalous accumulation of BM components on both sides of epithelial cells without directly affecting the distribution of apical or basolateral membrane proteins. This defect is not generally observed in mutants affecting epithelial integrity. We propose that Crag plays a unique role in organizing epithelial architecture by regulating the polarized secretion of BM proteins.
Oral Traditions or Situated Practices? Understanding How Indigenous Communities Respond to Environmental Disasters

This article examines how indigenous fisherfolk of the western Solomon Islands survived a magnitude 8.1 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck the region in 2007. I reconstruct this cataclysmic event through local narratives, surveys, and ethnographic interviews collected in villages on Simbo Island and in Roviana and Vonavona Lagoons. I then compare the responses of the Solomon Islanders to reports and analyses of similar survivor stories among indigenous groups affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Results show that disaster analyses tend to relate effective indigenous responses with intergenerationally transmitted oral histories or culturally embedded stories and myths. These codified bodies of traditional knowledge or mental models about previous events are thought to be put into action when a disaster strikes. However, ethnographic interviews and surveys conducted with Solomon Islanders suggest that oral history was just one dimension of a response that involved an assemblage of local and global knowledges coalescing with performative and experiential practices. To more thoroughly conceptualize indigenous responses, I encourage a practice-based approach. I argue that this framework provides a more productive and inclusive analysis of the relationship between indigenous knowledge and responses to environmental hazards, while also facilitating more effective collaborations between indigenous people and disaster experts who seek participatory strategies of disaster risk reduction.
Tag-Team SUMO Wrestling

Structural and kinetic studies of a SUMO∼RanGAP1-Ubc9-Nup358/RanBP2 complex (Reverter and Lima, 2005) provide the first high-resolution view of SUMO recognition by a SUMO binding motif and also reveal a novel mechanism for E3 ubiquitin-like protein ligases, with the Nup358/RanBP2 E3 teaming up with both SUMO and the E2 (Ubc9) to stimulate tagging.
Singular fuel-optimal space trajectories based on linearization about a point in circular orbit

Singular solutions of a linearized problem of determining fuel-optimal trajectories of a spacecraft with bounded thrust near a satellite in circular orbit are investigated in detail. Mathematical results are presented which classify and discuss degeneracy of the singular solutions and which show that strictly singular and nonsingular solutions are mutually exclusive for fixed-end conditions. These results are consistent with those found using other approaches for other linear models, but they are not characteristic of the type of results obtained without linearization.
Mechanisms of immunotherapy: a historical perspective

Objective To provide a historical review of mechanisms proposed during the last century to explain the efficacy of immunotherapy. Data Sources We retrieved review articles and original research from MEDLINE, OVID, and PubMed that addressed our topic of interest. Study Selection Articles were selected for their relevance to immunotherapy and mechanisms. Results Early studies focused on the production of blocking antibodies induced by immunotherapy, with mechanistic explanations aimed at understanding a relationship between blocking antibodies and clinical response. This was followed by a period when the effects of immunotherapy on levels and function of effector cells in the allergic response were studied. Aiding in characterization of this response was the discovery of IgE and its role in allergic sensitization, which brought a renewed focus on the antibody-mediated effects of immunotherapy. In an attempt to create a unifying hypothesis to explain humoral and cellular mechanisms of immunotherapy, recent approaches have been focused on the role of the T cell and, specifically, regulatory T cells. Conclusions Although the clinical practice of immunotherapy has been refined since its introduction 100 years ago, our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie this success has awaited discoveries in basic immunology.
Neural substrates of mathematical reasoning: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of neocortical activation during performance of the necessary arithmetic operations test

Brain activation was examined using functional magnetic resonance imaging during mathematical problem solving in 7 young healthy participants. Problems were selected from the Necessary Arithmetic Operations Test (NAOT; R. B. Ekstrom, J. W. French, H. H. Harman, & D. Dermen, 1976). Participants solved 3 types of problems: 2-operation problems requiring mathematical reasoning and text processing, 1-operation problems requiring text processing but minimal mathematical reasoning, and 0-operation problems requiring minimal text processing and controlling sensorimotor demands of the NAOT problems. Two-operation problems yielded major activations in bilateral frontal regions similar to those found in other problem-solving tasks, indicating that the processes mediated by these regions subserve many forms of reasoning. Findings suggest a dissociation in mathematical problem solving between reasoning, mediated by frontal cortex, and text processing, mediated by temporal cortex.
Immunopathogenesis of hepatitis C virus infection

The interplay of viral characteristics and the host’s immunologic defense is responsible for the viral persistence and pathogenesis seen in chronic hepatitis C infection. The polyclonal and multispecific CD4 T-helper response seen in patients with chronic hepatitis C lacks the vigor and epitope specificity, compared with acutely infected patients. Although a dominant explanation for the weak antiviral response still eludes us, some potential explanations have been immunologic tolerance, not so favorable type 2 cytokine profile, and rapid replication rate. The emergence of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte escape variants, the consequence or the explanation for the high viral mutation rates, in addition to virally induced immune suppression, may be yet another explanation. However, the role of immune response in controlling viral replication disease pathogenesis, including autoimmune phenomenon, has been clearly demonstrated. Further research is required to increase our understanding of the various host and viral factors in viral persistence in order to develop successful vaccines.
Solubilization of nitrotoluenes in micellar nonionic surfactant solutions

Abstract A key factor in selecting surfactants to enhance chemical or biological transformation or physical removal of an organic pollutant from contaminated soil is knowledge of the pollutant’s solubility behavior in the surfactant solution. This study investigated the influence of nonionic surfactant structure on the solubility of 4-nitrotoluene (NT), 2,3-dinitrotoluene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, 2,6-dinitrotoluene, and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) at room temperature. For a series of alkyl phenol ethoxylates (Tergitol NP-8 to NP-40), decreasing the ethoxylate chain length increased the solubility of these nitrotoluenes by a factor of two or less in 10 g l −1 surfactant solutions, but did not significantly change their molar solubilization ratios (MSR, e.g. 0.02 for TNT) or their micelle–water partition coefficients ( K m , e.g. 3.4 for TNT). For Tergitol NP-8 solutions ranging from 1.0 to 12.4 g l −1 , no enhancement in NT solubility was found, suggesting that the cloud point was reached. The MSRs for Tween 80 were higher than those of Tween 20 and the MSRs of Brij-58 were higher than those for Brij-35. When comparing solutes, NT had the highest solubility and MSR (0.28–0.41), while TNT had the lowest solubility and MSR (0.02–0.03). A linear relationship between K m values and octanol–water partition coefficients based on Triton X-100 predicted the log K m values within 0.5 of their measured values. A linear solvation free energy correlation for K m suggested the importance of solute volume and effective hydrogen bond basicity in the partitioning process while implying that the nitrotoluenes are solubilized in a polar portion of the micelle.