cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In-situ ellipsometric analysis of the photofixing of Volatile Contaminant Materials

The outgassing and deposition of Volatile Condensable Materials (VCM's) onto optically-sensitive surfaces of satellites is of significant interest to spacecraft-contamination engineers. The effluent of RTV CV-2568 has been photofixed onto a temperature controlled glass substrate with a 90 nm MgF 2 anti reflection layer deposited on the surface. The deposition/photofixing has been monitored in-situ by both quartz crystal microbalances placed near the substrate and transmission spectroscopic ellipsometry taken directly on the depositing film. We will show the deposition rate under one sun of illumination as a function of impingement rate at −40 C saturates at approximately 1nm/24 hours, for an impingement rate of approximately ten times the deposition rate. Impingement rates higher than this value place the process in the photon flux limited regime, while rates at or below this value place the process in the flux limited regime. Our results indicate deposition is driven by photons of wavelength greater than 250nm, while darkening of the film is driven by photons of wavelength shorter than 250nm. We will present the optical constants, n and k, for the photofixed film. Finally, the activation energy for the deposition process can also be extracted by measuring the deposition rate as a function of substrate temperature.
Interpreting Disturbed Minds: Donald Davidson and The White Ribbon

Thomas Elsaesser claims the late Haneke as a director of â€˜mind-gameâ€™ films, but his diagnosis of the appeal of such films fails to account for The White Ribbon .Â In this paper, I draw on the theory of radical interpretation developed by American philosopher Donald Davidson to uncover the filmâ€™s power.Â I argue that the focus on charity in Davidsonâ€™s account of the conditions under which an interpreter is able to find a foreign community intelligible illuminates the exquisite discomfort the spectator experiences as she begins to understand the disturbed community that the film portrays.Â In addition, the film exposes that Davidsonâ€™s transcendental argument that language is a condition of mindedness ought to be extended along emotional and moral dimensions.Â We should not only hold that every rational mind is a language-user, but that every rational mind is an appropriate language-user, so as to account for minds that have true, justified beliefs but which are, nevertheless, disturbed.
Total Hip Arthroplasty Functional Outcomes Are Independent of Acetabular Component Orientation When a Polyethylene Liner Is Used.

Abstract Background This study evaluated patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty with a polyethylene liner to determine the influence of cup orientation and other variables on patient-reported outcomes. Methods A total of 477 cases were prospectively monitored through average 4.7 years follow-up. Cup position was measured on pelvis radiographs. Patients completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and Short Form 12 Health Survey questionnaires. Results Average cup abduction was 43.1° ± 7.5° and anteversion was 13.3° ± 7.5°. Three hundred cups were within the target zone. All outcomes' improvement from baseline and cup position was not an independent risk factor for the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index or Short Form 12 Health Survey improvement. Conclusion Accurate cup orientation may not be critical to maximizing patient-perceived outcomes if the combined anteversion is within a normal range, the hip joint is properly balanced, and a polyethylene liner is coupled with a metal or ceramic femoral head.
Race, socioeconomic status and survival difference in cutaneous melanoma patients in California.

8023 Background: Survival data for malignant melanoma patients of various ethnic backgrounds are lacking. Furthermore, the modifying effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on survival in melanoma patients is unknown. This study was performed to analyze survival differences for cutaneous melanoma patients of each major ethnicity, including analysis of the effect of SES on outcomes, using a statewide cancer registry. METHODS: A case-only analysis of data from the California Cancer Registry database during 1992-2002 was conducted. The primary outcome measured was overall survival for each ethnic group. Univariate survival analyses were conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test; multivariate survival analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards ratios. RESULTS: 46,218 incident cases of invasive cutaneous melanoma were identified, including 39,741 Caucasians (93.47%), 2263 (5.32%) Hispanics, 331(0.78%) Asians, 172 (0.40%) African-Americans, and 12 (0.03%) Native Americans (P<0.0001). On univariate survival analysis, improved 10-year overall survival rates were noted for Hispanics (63.2%) and Caucasians (60.9%) compared to Asians (51.1%), African-Americans (39.8%), and Native Americans (30.6%) (P<0.0001). A statistically significant survival difference was observed for melanoma patients based on SES (P<0.0001), favoring those with high SES. Multivariate survival analysis revealed an increased hazard ratio (HR) for African-Americans (HR=1.594; P=0.0023) compared to Caucasians, after adjustment for age, sex, stage, Breslow depth, histologic subtype,location, and SES. Increased age, male sex, regional and remote stages, melanoma of the head/face, Breslow depth categories 2, 3, and 4, nodular melanoma, melanoma-NOS, and lowest SES quartile were independently associated with poor survival (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with invasive cutaneous melanoma, survival is significantly decreased for African-Americans compared to Caucasians. This is not explained by differences in SES, stage, Breslow depth, age, sex, histological subtype, and location. Our epidemiologic observations suggest that intrinsic differences may exist for African-American melanoma patients, adversely affecting survival. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
Retrofittable Machine Condition and Structural Excitation Monitoring From the Terminal Box

Retrofittable self-powered sensors for machine condition monitoring ease the burden of installation and decision-making for maintenance and acoustic performance assessment. Terminal box magnetic power harvesting sensors are nonintrusive. They require no special wiring and can simultaneously observe and correlate important variables for machine diagnostics, including vibration and speed. These correlated data can be used to detect and differentiate imbalances from failing structural mounts, among other possibilities. New hardware and algorithms are presented for enabling in situ vibration monitoring, with demonstrations on data sets from US Coast Guard vessels. A specific algorithmic focus of this paper is estimation of a machine’s contribution to structure-borne noise and vibration, an important consideration for ship acoustic signature.
Of microneedles and ultrasound: Physical modes of gastrointestinal macromolecule delivery.

The delivery of macromolecules via the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is one the most exciting, yet challenging frontiers in drug delivery. Over 90 y ago, the same year Banting and Macleod were awarde...
Assessment and Modification for Reynolds Stress Transport Turbulence Model Flow Prediction

The Launder-Shima 1 Reynolds stress model is implemented in an existing scalable parallel flow solver. The complexity of the dissipation equation for this model adds stiness and instability characteristics to the equation system, particularly when integrating to the wall with sub-layer resolution. In the present work, the dissipation equation from LaunderShima model was replaced by the well known k model dissipation equation in an eort to produce a more robust and stable Reynolds stress model. Computations for standard flat plate, square cylinder, backward facing step, surface mounted cube, and DARPA SUBOFF body are compared to experimental data for both models. The modified model showed a significant improvement in stability and robustness over the Launder-Shima model, while keeping the same flow prediction accuracy.
Leucocytoclastic vasculitis in severe ulcerative colitis.

AbstractUlcerative colitis may be associated with a number of extraintestinal skin manifestations including erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangrenosum. We describe an unusual case of a 26-year-old military pilot with ulcerative colitis and skin lesions diagnosed as leucocytoclastic vasculitis. The skin lesions occurred twice during the severe flare. The first occurrence was treated successfully with corticosteroids. When the lesions recurred several weeks later, concomitant with the ongoing flare, treatment with mesalamine and infliximab resolved the lesions. Ultimately, the patient required total colectomy for flare unresponsive to maximum medical therapy. The leucocytoclastic vasculitis did not recur after colectomy. We propose a potential immunopathophysiologic mechanism linking the 2 conditions based on recent biochemical and clinical research.
Situating Standard Setting within Argument-Based Validity

ABSTRACTAlthough there has been substantial work on argument-based approaches to validation as well as standard-setting methodologies, it might not always be clear how standard setting fits into argument-based validity. The purpose of this article is to address this lack in the literature, with a specific focus on topics related to argument-based approaches to validation in language assessment contexts. We first argue that standard setting is an essential part of test development and validation because of the important consequences cut scores might have for decision-making. We then present the Assessment Use Argument (AUA) framework and explain how evidence from standard setting can support claims about consequences, decisions, and interpretations. We finally identify several challenges in setting cut scores in relation to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and argue that despite these challenges, standard setting is a critical component of any claim focusing on the interpreta...
Receptor for advanced glycation end products contributes to particulate induced lung function loss and hyperreactivity: Mitigating the effects of a single intense particulate exposure

RATIONALE: Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is common in industrialized areas with high concentration of ambient particulate matter (PM). Mediators of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) predict abnormal FEV in firefighters exposed to PM while performing rescue and recovery activities at the World Trade Center (WTC). RAGE is highly expressed in the lung, a strong predictor of FEV, and a key MetSyn mediator. METHODS: Wild type (WT) and RAGE -/- mice were exposed to WTC-PM or PBS control by oropharyngeal aspiration. Lung function, MCT were quantified 24 hours after PM exposure using Flexivent. Lung stereology was assessed for biovolume to airspace ratio and mean chord length (MCL). BAL cytokine profiles were also determined with Luminex. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One day after PM exposure, WT mice had: increased neutrophilia, loss of FEV, decreased compliance, increased resistance and reactivity, and elevation of IL-1a, IL-5, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-2, IL-9, IL-10 and LIF. RAGE -/- mice are protected from these changes. PM-exposed RAGE -/- had lower BAL levels of IL-10 but higher levels of LIF when compared to WT-PM mice. Histology shows loss of alveolar space in WT-PM, but no differences in architecture between RAGE -/- PM and control. Area fraction was not different between WT-PBS and PM, but had significantly shorter MCL for WT-PM. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of PM can cause increased neutrophilia, elastance, resistance, and hyperreactivity, and decreased FEV one day after exposure. PM induced lung injury is mitigated in the absence of RAGE.
Catalytic transfer hydrogenolysis of organosolv lignin using B-containing FeNi alloyed catalysts

Abstract In this work, FeB, NiB, and FeNiB nanomaterials were examined as catalysts for catalytic transfer hydrogenolysis (CTH) using supercritical ethanol (sc-EtOH) as the hydrogen donor and reaction solvent. The earth-abundant alloys were synthesized using simple aqueous chemical reductions and characterized using ICP-OES, XRD, and STEM-EDS. Using acetophenone to model the desired catalytic reactivity, FeNiB was identified as having superior reactivity (74% conversion) and selectivity for complete deoxygenation to ethylbenzene (84%) when compared to the monometallic materials. Given its high reactivity and selectivity for deoxygenation over ring saturation, FeNiB was screened as a lignin valorization catalyst. FeNiB mediates deoxygenation of aliphatic hydroxyl and carbonyls in organosolv lignin via CTH in sc-EtOH. A combination of gel permeation chromatography, GC/MS, and NMR spectroscopy was used to demonstrate the production of a slate of monomeric phenols with intact deoxygenated aliphatic side chains. In total, these results highlight the utility of CTH for the valorization of biorefinery-relevant lignin using an inexpensive, earth-abundant catalyst material and a green solvent system that can be directly derived from the polysaccharide fraction of lignocellulosic biomass.
Helminth-induced B1 IgE is protective against allergic disease.

Helminth infection is well known for its ability to generate large amounts of non-specific IgE. This hinders the parasite-specific IgE thereby reducing mast cell (MC) degranulation and anti-helminth immunity. This study shows that the innate-like B1 cells are responsible for the substantial amounts of IgE induced during the Th2 helminth infection, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb) . We utilize a mouse model with defects in hematopoiesis that results in loss of B2 cells, but retains normal B1 development, the ADAM10 transgenic mouse. These mice have equivalent IgE production in Nb when compared to wild type (WT) controls that is T cell dependent. Utilizing the NP-KLH system, we demonstrate that these mice make no antigen-specific IgG1, either high or total affinity. They additionally make no increased overall antibody when boosted with the same antigen. In WT mice, we show a population of B1 plasma cells (CD11b + CD23 − B220 int CD138 + ) in vivo , that express secreted IgE message during Nb infection. We additionally show that B1 cells (CD11b + CD23 − B220 int ) sorted from naive and Nb infected mice make large amounts of IgE in in vitro culture with IL-4, anti-CD40, and IL-5 by ELISA and secreted IgE message by RT-PCR. These B1 cells become CD138 + after 5 days of culture. Finally and most importantly, we show that B1 IgE is first unable to induce MC degranulation in an active cutaneous anaphylaxis model and second, it can block MC degranulation in a model of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. Overall, these data represents a protective response that has evolved for the helminth, where non-specific B1 IgE blocks MC degranulation and thereby protects the helminth from damage. Excitingly, this could be harnessed as a potential protection against allergic disease.
Motivation and self-efficacy among winter outdoor exercise enthusiasts

This study examined the self-efficacy and motivations of individuals who sustain healthy exercise patterns outdoors throughout the winter season. Cross-country skiers (n = 182) at a Nordic center w...
Cancelation of Torque Ripples in PMSM via a Novel Minimal Parameter Harmonic Flux Estimator

This paper presents a novel approach for treating the harmonic torque in permanent magnet motors at selected harmonic orders. The method is based on the online estimation of the motor harmonic flux. For this purpose, a novel minimal parameter harmonic flux estimator (MPHFE) is developed. The MPHFE is formulated such that the inductance, resistance, and stator current and its derivative are not necessary for the estimation of the harmonic flux. This was achieved by forcing the harmonic current to zero through the combined action of a field-oriented controller (FOC) and a feedforward controller. Subsequently, the harmonic flux can be obtained directly from the estimated harmonic back EMF without the involvement of other motor parameters. Finally, the estimated flux is used in conjunction with a comprehensive model of the motor harmonic torque to determine the stator current compensation for eliminating the torque harmonic. Experimental results presented from a permanent magnet motor confirm the theoretical claims in this paper as well as demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method to reduce the magnitude of the harmonic torque significantly.
Resistance to Permethrin, β-cyfluthrin, and Diazinon in Florida Horn Fly Populations

Horn flies, Haematobia irritans, a major cattle pest in the USA, cause substantial economic losses and current control methods rely heavily on insecticides. Three horn fly populations were evaluated for insecticide susceptibility to permethrin, β-cyfluthrin, and diazinon. Susceptibility was variable by population, with the greatest resistance exhibited by a 66-fold resistance ratio (RR) to permethrin and >14-fold RR to diazinon. Mechanisms of resistance were determined using molecular techniques and enzymatic assays. The knockdown resistance (kdr) genotype (L150F) associated with pyrethroid resistance, and a G262A mutation in acetylcholinesterase, previously associated with organophosphate resistance, were found in all field populations evaluated. Insensitivity of diazoxon at the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) target site was significantly different in horn flies from one of the field sites. For metabolic detoxifying enzymes, cytochrome P450 nor general esterases showed a significant difference between field strains and a laboratory susceptible strain. Pyrethroid resistance was likely due to the presence of the L150F mutation in the population. In vitro studies targeting the AChE enzyme did not support the notion that the G262A mutation was the sole cause of resistance to organophosphates, and, therefore, the exact resistance mechanism to diazinon was not able to be confirmed.
Combating Bit Errors From Stuck Cells in Flash Memory Using Novel Information Theory Techniques

Recently, low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes have been successfully deployed in NAND Flash memory based Solid State Drives. As Flash memory scales and has now advanced from two-dimensional architectures to three-dimensional ones, defects in the form of stuck cells have increased. As far as algebraic codes like BCH are concerned, the errors from the stuck cells impact it just as any other errors. However, for LDPC codes, the stuck cells are three times as detrimental compared to other soft errors. In this work, we first propose to flag the bits read from stuck cells as erasures. It turns out that it is better that the LDPC code be informed that bits are lost as erasures rather than being erroneously informed with high confidence about the stuck cells’ values. This erasures and errors correction improves the performance of the LDPC code. To realize further improvements in performance, we propose a method to reduce the raw bit error rate due to stuck cells in NAND Flash memory. We propose a divide and conquer strategy whereby we do not use all the available redundancy for LDPC parity. Instead we use some redundancy to first shape the data using sectionalized Flip and Write (FNW) so that it matches with the stuck cells read with high probability. This reduces the bit errors due to stuck cells. The residual small number of errors due to stuck cells needs to be corrected by the LDPC code. Both of the proposals have been validated with simulation results based on a one kilobyte information block encoded for an LDPC code of rate 0.9. Errors and erasures decoding, and sectionalized FNW result in 1.92× and 1.94× raw bit error gains for soft-decision decoding, respectively.
AIDS: A Global Epidemic

The AIDS virus came on us like a thief in the night in the early 1980s, striking down our neighbors, patients, friends, and children in alarming numbers, spreading rapidly from community to community and from nation to nation. This crisis is a true pandemic which has now spread to every nation on earth. This morning I have chosen to call our struggle a “global epidemic” to stress that we are now one small global community separated from one another by no more than one day’s flight, connected instantaneously via satellite communication, growing more similar rather than diverse in our cultural mores and sexual practices, and united by the common threat posed to the people we serve: by the AIDS virus.
Physical and performance characteristics of nonwoven aviation wipers composed of various staple fibers including raw cotton

Several nonwoven materials were evaluated as candidates for wipe fabrics intended for sensitive applications, namely aviation maintenance. Wipes designed for this purpose must conform to specific g...
MYBPC3 truncation mutations enhance actomyosin contractile mechanics in human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Rationale Truncation mutations in the MYBPC3 gene, encoding for cardiac myosin-binding protein C (MyBP-C), are the leading cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Whole heart, fiber and molecular studies demonstrate that MyBP-C is a potent modulator of cardiac contractility, but how these mutations contribute to HCM is unresolved. Objectives To readdress whether MYBPC3 truncation mutations result in loss of MyBP-C content and/or the expression of truncated MyBP-C from the mutant allele and determine how these mutations effect myofilament sliding in human myocardium. Methods and results Septal wall tissue samples were obtained from HCM patients undergoing myectomy (n = 18) and donor controls (n = 8). The HCM samples contained 40% less MyBP-C and reduced levels of MyBP-C phosphorylation, when compared to the donor control samples using quantitative mass spectrometry. These differences occurred in the absence of changes in the stoichiometry of other myofilament proteins or production of truncated MyBP-C from the mutant MYBPC3 allele. The functional impact of MYBPC3 truncation mutations on myofilament sliding was determined using a total internal reflection microscopy (TIRFM) single particle assay. Myosin-thick filaments containing their native complement of MyBP-C, and actin-thin filaments decorated with the troponin/tropomyosin calcium regulatory proteins, were isolated from a subgroup of the HCM (n = 4) and donor (n = 5) heart samples. The maximal sliding velocity of native thin filaments was enhanced within the C-zones of the native thick filaments isolated from the HCM samples, when compared to velocity within the C-zones of thick filaments isolated from the donor samples. Analytical modeling demonstrated that the 40% reduction in MyBP-C content was sufficient to enhance the myofilament sliding velocity, as observed in the TIRFM assay. Conclusions HCM-causing MYBPC3 truncation mutations result in a loss of MyBP-C content that enhances maximal myofilament sliding velocities, only where MyBP-C is localized within the C-zone. These findings support therapeutic rationale for restoring normal levels of MyBP-C and/or dampening maximal contractile velocities for the treatment of human HCM.
CARDIAC AND SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATORY BURDEN PREDICTS CARDIAC RECOVERY IN VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE PATIENTS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

The identification of clinical and molecular predictors of Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) induced myocardial recovery before device implantation could significantly impact the management of patients with advanced heart failure (HF). Inflammation plays a central role in the pathophysiology of
Exact perturbation theory for fusion blanket design

Abstract This work presents a novel Monte Carlo methodology that calculates the response to composition perturbations in a fixed source problem. Known as exact perturbation theory (EPT), the methodology utilizes a collision history-based approach for fixed source problems implemented in the code SERPENT. EPT can calculate the tritium breeding ratio (TBR) response caused by a perturbation in the composition of the lithium-based ternary alloy. Previous Monte Carlo techniques directly simulated 231 compositions per alloy to cover the entire problem space of the ternary to be explored. SERPENT EPT only requires 25 simulations to produce a ternary with 231 TBRs using the same compositions as the previous methods. The one setback of this technique is its inability to correctly depict the behavior of the collision history found in large perturbations, which leads to high uncertainty in the results. Although results from SERPENT calculations with EPT overall predicted the correct behavior of TBR in the alloy, regions of high uncertainties created deviations throughout the ternary. This was accounted for by implementing generalized least squares (GLS) to replace highly uncertain TBRs with more accurate values and corresponding uncertainties. GLS proved to be fairly successful at reducing uncertainties greater than 0.05, to 0.03 or less. This method was unsuccessful only in regions located close to the periphery of the ternary. The CPU time to run the 25 simulations is about a third of what it takes to perform 231 individual Monte Carlo simulations, while still closely approximating the correct TBR behavior depicted with the individual Monte Carlo simulations. This manuscript also discusses using SERPENT EPT with GLS to create an optimization scheme that finds the optimal composition of a ternary alloy, given TBR and other chosen constraints.
Competition in Wireless Telecommunications: The Role of MVNOs and Cable’s Entry into Wireless

This report examines the competitive effects of Hybrid Mobile Network Operators (HMNOs) — mobile virtual network operators that rely in large part on self-deployed facilities — on the market for mobile wireless services and recommends that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broaden its now antiquated definition of the mobile telephony and broadband market to account for HMNOs. HMNOs share certain characteristics of both facilities-based carriers (Mobile Network Operators or MNOs) and non-facilities-based providers of mobile services (Mobile Virtual Network Operators or MVNOs). An understanding of MVNOs therefore partially illuminates the competitive impact of HMNOs, but HMNOs are poised to play a competitive role in the wireless marketplace that goes substantially beyond that of traditional MVNOs. The FCC’s current narrow definition of the wireless market, which includes only facilities-based MNOs, inaccurately reflects how the market is satisfying consumer demand for mobile broadband services. HMNOs — particularly cable operators that are offering mobile wireless services — are well positioned to compete aggressively in the wireless broadband market and have already begun to do so. In evaluating wireless marketplace transactions, including the proposed merger of Sprint and T-Mobile, the FCC should consider the competitive effects of HMNOs.
Changes in Use of Opioid Therapy After Colon Cancer Diagnosis: A Population-Based Study

To describe patterns of opioid use in cancer survivors. In a cohort study of colon cancer patients diagnosed during 1995–2014 and enrolled at two Kaiser Permanente regions, we constructed quarterly measures of opioid use from 1 year before cancer diagnosis through 5 years after diagnosis to examine changes in use. Measures included any use, incident use, regular use (use ≥ 45 days in a 91-day quarter), and average daily dose (converted to morphine milligram equivalent, MME). We also assessed temporal trends of opioid use. Of 2,039 colon cancer patients, 11–15% received opioids in the four pre-diagnosis quarters, 68% in the first quarter after diagnosis, and 15–17% in each subsequent 19 quarters. Regular opioid use increased from 3 to 5% pre-diagnosis to 5–7% post diagnosis. Average dose increased from 15 to 17 MME/day pre-diagnosis to 14–22 MME/day post diagnosis (excluding the quarter in which cancer was diagnosed). Among post-diagnosis opioid users, 73–95% were on a low dose (< 20 MME/day). Over years, regular use of opioids increased in survivorship with no change in dosage. Opioid use slightly increased following a colon cancer diagnosis, but high-dose use was rare. Research is needed to differentiate under- versus over-treatment of cancer pain.
Global versus Local Simulation of Geotechnical Parameters for Tunneling Projects

AbstractUrban soft-ground tunneling projects involve significant risks related to the spatial variability and uncertainty in geotechnical parameters. However, standard practice typically does not i...
Estimation of heat transfer coefficient for intermediate fluid stream in triple concentric tube heat exchanger

The design of Triple concentric tube heat exchanger (TCTHE) requires heat transfer coefficient (HTC) values for all three fluid streams as input parameters. The fluid through intermediate tube tran...
Structural and Biophysical Analysis of the Calcium-Activated Chloride Channel Regulator 1 (CLCA1) VWA Domain Suggests Mode of TMEM16A Engagement

The secreted protein calcium-activated chloride channel regulator 1 (CLCA1) utilizes a von Willebrand Factor type A domain (VWA) to bind to and potentiate the calcium activated chloride channel TMEM16A. To gain insight into this unique potentiation mechanism, we determined the 2.0 A crystal structure of human CLCA1 VWA bound to Ca2+, the first CLCA family structure reported. The structure reveals the metal ion dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) in a high-affinity "open" conformation, engaging in crystal contacts that likely mimic how CLCA1 engages TMEM16A. The CLCA1 VWA contains a disulfide bond between α3 and α4 in close proximity to the MIDAS that is invariant in the CLCA family and unique in VWA structures. Further biophysical studies indicate that CLCA1 VWA is preferably stabilized by Mg2+ over Ca2+ and that a6 atypically extends from the VWA core. Finally, an analysis of TMEM16A structures suggests residues likely to mediate interaction with CLCA1 VWA.
Vaginal progesterone for preterm birth prevention in women with arrested preterm labor.

OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that administration of vaginal progesterone in women with arrested preterm labor would result in lower rates of preterm birth <37 weeks compared to placebo. STUDY DESIGN We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled trial comparing vaginal progesterone to placebo in women with arrested preterm labor. Our trial included women with a singleton or twin gestation at 240/7-336/7 weeks' gestation who presented with preterm labor with cervical dilation ≥1 centimeter but remained undelivered. Participants were randomized to receive vaginal progesterone 200 mg daily or an identical placebo. The primary outcome was preterm birth <37 weeks. We performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials, including our results. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, Scopus, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ClinicalTrials.gov using the key terms to identify relevant trials. The risk of bias was appraised using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Data were synthesized using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using Higgins I2. RESULTS The randomized trial was prematurely terminated due to slow recruitment. There were 18 women randomized to receive vaginal progesterone who had complete follow-up data and 18 women in the placebo group. The risk of preterm birth <37 weeks was not significantly different in the groups (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.63-1.19). Secondary outcomes were also similar. Thirteen trials with 1658 women (835 in the vaginal progesterone and 823 in the control groups) were included in the meta-analysis. Risk of preterm birth <37 weeks was similar in women who received progesterone and those in the control group (pooled RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.83-1.35). Latency was significantly longer among women with arrested preterm labor who received vaginal progesterone (weighted mean difference: 9.2 d, 95% CI 3.2-15.1), but further analysis showed that prolonged latency was only observed in the subgroup of studies that were not placebo-controlled. CONCLUSIONS This randomized controlled trial and meta-analysis do not support the use of vaginal progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth in women who present in preterm labor.
EPA's Fine Particulate Air Pollution Control Program

This article discusses EPA’s program to control fine particulate (PM2.5) emissions in areas that fail to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). It covers the sources and health effects of both direct emissions of particulate matter and secondary emissions that are transformed into PM2.5 in the atmosphere. It discusses the control of fine particulates from mobile, area, and major point sources. Also discussed are the indirect control of PM2.5 through transportation planning and the program to reduce hazardous air pollutants. The article concludes that controlling PM2.5 and its precursors from mobile sources by the federal government has been successful, but control of these pollutants from area and point sources should be improved.
Shear and Time-Dependent Changes in Mac-1, LFA-1, and ICAM-3 Binding Regulate Neutrophil Homotypic Adhesion

We examined the relative contributions of LFA-1, Mac-1, and ICAM-3 to homotypic neutrophil adhesion over the time course of formyl peptide stimulation at shear rates ranging from 100 to 800 s-1. Isolated human neutrophils were sheared in a cone-plate viscometer and the kinetics of aggregate formation was measured by flow cytometry. The efficiency of cell adhesion was computed by fitting the aggregate formation rates with a model based on two-body collision theory. Neutrophil homotypic adhesion kinetics varied with shear rate and was most efficient at 800 s-1, where approximately 40% of the collisions resulted in adhesion. A panel of blocking Abs to LFA-1, Mac-1, and ICAM-3 was added to assess the relative contributions of these molecules. We report that 1) LFA-1 binds ICAM-3 as its primary ligand supporting homotypic adhesion, although the possibility of other ligands was also detected. 2) Mac-1 binding to an unidentified ligand supports homotypic adhesion with an efficiency comparable to LFA-1 at low shear rates of approximately 100 s-1. Above 300 s-1, however, Mac-1 and not LFA-1 were the predominant molecules supporting cell adhesion. This is in contrast to neutrophil adhesion to ICAM-1-transfected cells, where LFA-1 binds with a higher avidity than Mac-1 to ICAM-1. 3) Following stimulation, the capacity of LFA-1 to support aggregate formation decreases with time at a rate approximately 3-fold faster than that of Mac-1. The results suggest that the relative contributions of beta2 integrins and ICAM-3 to neutrophil adhesion is regulated by the magnitude of fluid shear and time of stimulus over a range of blood flow conditions typical of the venular microcirculation.
Melanoma revives an embryonic migration program to promote plasticity and invasion

Cancer cells must regulate plasticity and invasion to survive and metastasize. However, the identification of targetable mechanisms to inhibit metastasis has been slow. Signaling programs that drive stem and progenitor cells during normal development offer an inroad to discover mechanisms common to metastasis. Using a chick embryo transplant model, we have compared molecular signaling programs of melanoma and their embryonic progenitors, the neural crest. We report that malignant melanoma cells hijack portions of the embryonic neural crest invasion program. Genes associated with neural crest induction, delamination, and migration are dynamically regulated by melanoma cells exposed to an embryonic neural crest microenvironment. Specifically, we demonstrate that metastatic melanoma cells exploit neural crest-related receptor tyrosine kinases to increase plasticity and facilitate invasion while primary melanocytes may actively suppress these responses under the same microenvironmental conditions. We conclude that aberrant regulation of neural crest developmental genes promotes plasticity and invasiveness in malignant melanoma.
AutoPart: parameter-free graph partitioning and outlier detection

Graphs arise in numerous applications, such as the analysis of the Web, router networks, social networks, co-citation graphs, etc. Virtually all the popular methods for analyzing such graphs, for example, k-means clustering, METIS graph partitioning and SVD/PCA, require the user to specify various parameters such as the number of clusters, number of partitions and number of principal components. We propose a novel way to group nodes, using information-theoretic principles to choose both the number of such groups and the mapping from nodes to groups. Our algorithm is completely parameter-free, and also scales practically linearly with the problem size. Further, we propose novel algorithms which use this node group structure to get further insights into the data, by finding outliers and computing distances between groups. Finally, we present experiments on multiple synthetic and real-life datasets, where our methods give excellent, intuitive results.
Los latinos, los migrantes y la descolonización del imperio estadounidense en el siglo XXI

Resumen es: Este articulo analiza las marchas multitudinarias de inmigrantes en los Estados Unidos durante los meses de marzo, abril y mayo de 2006 en los Estados Un...
Achieving Tier 2 Bin 5 Emission Levels with a Medium Duty Diesel Pick-Up and a NOX Adsorber, Diesel Particulate Filter Emissions System-Exhaust Gas Temperature Management

Increasing fuel costs and the desire for reduced dependence on foreign oil has brought the diesel engine to the forefront of future medium-duty vehicle applications in the United States due to its higher thermal efficiency and superior durability. The main obstacle to the increased use of diesel engines in this platform is the upcoming extremely stringent, Tier 2 emission standard. In order to succeed, diesel vehicles must comply with emissions standards while maintaining their excellent fuel economy. The availability of technologies such as common rail fuel injection systems, low sulfur diesel fuel, NO x adsorber catalysts (NAC), and diesel particle filters (DPFs) allow the development of powertrain systems that have the potential to comply with these future requirements. In meeting the Tier 2 emissions standards, the heavy light-duty trucks (HLDTs) and medium-duty passenger vehicles (MDPVs) will face the greatest technological challenges. In support of this, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has engaged in several test projects under the Advanced Petroleum Based Fuels-Diesel Emission Control (APBF-DEC) activity. The primary technology being addressed by these projects is the sulfur tolerance of the NAC/DPF system and the durability implications of varying fuel sulfur levels. The test bed for one project in this activity is a 2500 series Chevrolet Silverado equipped with a 6.6L Duramax diesel engine certified to 2002 model year (MY) Federal heavy-duty and 2002 MY California medium-duty emission standards While NAC systems have demonstrated extremely high levels of NO x reduction in steady-state laboratory evaluations, the application of a NAC system to an actual transient engine application requires the development of an integrated engine/emissions management system [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10]. This paper discusses the integrated engine/emissions system management and regeneration control strategies that were developed. The final control strategies achieved over 98% reductions in tailpipe NO x mass emissions over the hot-start portion of the light-duty Federal Test Procedure (FTP-75). This paper discusses thermal management of exhaust gas temperature to maintain the high efficiency window for NAC operation through the use of a diesel-fueled burner. The discussion will cover cold-start strategies and low exhaust gas temperature operation.
Multi-primitive hierarchical (MPH) stereo system

A computational framework for an accurate, robust, and efficient stereo approach is developed. Most of the deficiencies prevailing in current computational models of stereo can be attributed to their use of a single, typically edge-element-based, primitive for stereo analysis and to their use of a single-level control strategy. The multi-primitive hierarchical (MPH) framework for stereo analysis presented is directed toward overcoming these deficiencies. In the MPH model, stereo analysis is performed in multiple stages, incorporating multiple primitives and utilizing a hierarchical control strategy. The higher levels of the hierarchical system are based on primitives containing more semantic information, and the results of stereo analysis at higher levels are used for guidance at the lower levels. It is shown that such a stereo system is superior to a single-level, single-primitive system. >
Sociality, temporality and locality in a contemporary Inuit community

Mauss (1906) a suggere qu’un des principes de la societe inuit veuille que la dichotomie sociale saisonniere se traduise par des mouvements de la population, d’apres la migration annuelle du gibier, soit par la concentration ou par la dispersion en petits groupes familiaux. Il supposait que ces mouvements et les differents modes sociaux ainsi crees sont indissociables quelles que soient les dimensions temporelles, spatiales, sociales, morales, legales et spirituelles dans la construction de la societe nomade inuit. Au milieu du 20e siecle, la distribution de la population inuit a radicalement change. Les groupes inuit se sont etablis de facon permanente suivant le mode de vie sedentaire occidental. Est-ce que dans ces conditions sociales et physiques, le mouvement et les variations saisonnieres de la composition en groupe, ainsi que les modes de vie, restent l’element clef de la societe inuit? Les donnees ethnographiques de Qikiqtarjuaq suggerent que les Inuit integrent des facons de vivre modernes a un style de vie nomade creant, comme dans le modele de Mauss, une continuation de la variation des modes de vie et des valeurs selon les contextes. Cet article vise a justifier et elaborer l’affirmation de la continuite. Il se sert du modele de Mauss comme moyen heuristique pour etudier le changement social concernant l’association des pratiques et des perceptions du mouvement saisonnier dans la societe inuit de nos jours. Ainsi, est-ce que les modes sociaux et les valeurs associees varient saisonnierement dans la construction de la communaute inuit aujourd’hui?
Polioviruses, Coxsackieviruses, and Echoviruses: Comparison of the Genomes by RNA Hybridization

Hybridization of single-stranded RNA from virions of human enteroviruses with denatured double-stranded RNA from infected cells indicates that a minimum of about 5% of the genome is shared by these viruses. Polynucleotide sequence relationships, furthermore, are consistent with the biologic classification into polioviruses, coxsackieviruses groups A and B, and echoviruses. In general, about 30 to 50% of the nucleotide sequences are shared by different serotypes of virus within each of these major groups, whereas among different groups less than 20% homology is observed. Coxsackievirus B4 appears to be more closely related to echoviruses than to group A coxsackieviruses, whereas polioviruses are only distantly related to any of the other agents.
Gene therapy: Recent advances and applications in gastroenterology and hepatology.

The advantages and disadvantages of viral and non-viral vectors for gene delivery are reviewed. Advances in systems for introduction of new gene expression are described, including self-deleting retroviral transfer vectors, chimeric viruses and chimeric oligonucleotides. Systems for inhibition of gene expression are also discussed including antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes and dominant-negative genes. Examples of the use of these systems in animal models and clinical trials for gastrointestinal disorders are discussed.
A glyoxysomal role for microbodies in germinating conidia ofBotryodiplodia theobromae

Microbodies increase in number during germination of conidia ofBotryodiplodia theobromae and display an intimate association with lipid bodies. Activities of the glyoxylate bypass enzymes, isocitrate lyase and malate synthase, the tricar☐ylic acid cycle enzymes, malate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase, and the enzymes of β-oxidation, crotonase and thiolase, increased during germination. In germinating conidia, isociatrate lyase, malate synthase, and catalase were localized in microbodies, which had an equilibrium density of 1.223 g cm−3 after isopycnic centrifugation on sucrose density gradients. Malate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase, together with succinate dehydrogenase, were confined to the mitochondria, which had an equilibrium density at 1.185 g cm−3. Thiolase and β-acyl-CoA dehydrogenase activities were present in both mitochondria and microbodies, but a third enzyme of β-oxidation, crotonase, was found only in the mitochondria. This distribution of enzymes between the mitochondria and microbodies (glyoxysomes) of a germinating fungal spore is different from that found in germinating seeds of vascular plants.
Exploring the Role of Home Design in Fostering Family Interaction: The Use of Programming Methods in Research

Given the increasing time pressure on parents and children, in contrast to the decreasing amount of time that families spend together at home, it is imperative that homes be designed to maximize the opportunity for family members to interact during the limited time they have together each day. This exploratory study was conducted to understand how homes can be designed to best support interaction. This issue was investigated through the use of design programming: a systematic process of creating guidelines for a building's optimal performance based on the analysis of information about the building and its users. Four requirements had to be met by the home to facilitate family interaction; the home had to (a) accommodate specific family activities, (b) accommodate multiple activities in the same location within the home, (c) facilitate household tasks, and (d) maximize the aesthetic appeal of family spaces. Activity logs, parental interviews, and a card sort method were used with 24 single parent and dual-earner families with elementary school-aged children. The findings from the activity logs indicated that families interact primarily around mealtime {dinner} and when viewing television. The primary place for interaction is the kitchen or kitchen/dining area or the living/family room. Analysis of the interviews indicated that families today value having a large kitchen area because family interaction often occurs while parents are cooking or cleaning in the kitchen area and children are doing homework or other activities immediately in the area. When asked to create their ideal place for family interaction parents most often created family/living areas. The study concluded that areas that support concurrent activities best facilitate family interaction.f
Properties of uridine diphosphoglucose dehydrogenase from pollen of Lilium longiflorum.

UDP-glucose dehydrogenase was partially purified from germinating lily pollen (Lilium longiflorum). The enzyme was associated with the particulate fraction in extracts of nongerminated pollen but could be solubilized when this fraction was treated with the detergent Tween 80. The enzyme was inhibited by UDP-galacturonic acid, UDP-glucuronic acid, and UDP-xylose. The latter was a powerful inhibitor when concentration of the substrate UDP-glucose was low and caused the normally hyperbolic UDP-glucose saturation curve to become sigmoid. These data were interpreted as indicating cooperative effects, UDP-glucose dehydrogenase being viewed as a regulatory enzyme.