cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Properties of NRR Domain from Human Notch 1 Studied by Single Molecule AFM Force Spectroscopy

For proteins in living cells forces are present from macroscopic to single molecule levels. Single molecule atomic force microscopy (AFM) in force-extension (FX) and force-clamp (FC) modes has been successfully used to investigate mechanical properties of proteins held under force with ∼ 10 pN force sensitivity. FX-AFM measures forces at which proteins (and embedded within them single bonds) undergo conformational transitions. FC-AFM studies yield kinetics of these processes.Here, we present the results of the FX-AFM experiments on a protein construct comprising the NRR domain from human Notch 1. Notch is a transmembrane cell signaling protein. It is believed that understanding its mechanical properties at the single molecule level will contribute to elucidating Notch's role in processes relevant to embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and some breast cancers. Our FX-AFM studies and further analysis (namely some maximum likelihood analysis) revealed several conformational transitions possibly related to Notch signaling processes. These results opened a path for further investigations of Notch constructs at various physiologically relevant conditions.
MicroRNA miR-308 regulates dMyc through a negative feedback loop in Drosophila

The abundance of Myc protein must be exquisitely controlled to avoid growth abnormalities caused by too much or too little Myc. An intriguing mode of regulation exists in which Myc protein itself leads to reduction in its abundance. We show here that dMyc binds to the miR-308 locus and increases its expression. Using our gain-of-function approach, we show that an increase in miR-308 causes a destabilization of dMyc mRNA and reduced dMyc protein levels. In vivo knockdown of miR-308 confirmed the regulation of dMyc levels in embryos. This regulatory loop is crucial for maintaining appropriate dMyc levels and normal development. Perturbation of the loop, either by elevated miR-308 or elevated dMyc, caused lethality. Combining elevated levels of both, therefore restoring balance between miR-308 and dMyc levels, resulted in lower apoptotic activity and suppression of lethality. These results reveal a sensitive feedback mechanism that is crucial to prevent the pathologies caused by abnormal levels of dMyc.
Ecosystem metabolism controls nitrogen uptake in streams in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Streams and rivers regulate nitrogen transport (N) to downstream ecosystems. Rates of N uptake can be high in streams, but controls on the variation in uptake rates of N among streams are not known. We measured ammonium (NH ) and nitrate (NO ) uptake velocities (Vf) and compared these with whole-reach estimates of gross primary 12 43 production (GPP) and community respiration (CR) in 11 low-nitrogen streams in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. We predicted that increased metabolism would positively relate to higher N demand because of stoichiometric N requirements associated with carbon fixation. Rates of GPP and CR explained 82% of variation in NH Vf. Nitrate Vf was controlled by GPP, not CR, with GPP explaining 75% of variation in NO Vf. Nitrate 1 2 4 3 concentrations did not increase downstream during NH addition in all streams, including streams with zero NO 1 2 4 3 uptake, suggesting low nitrification rates relative to NH uptake. Using a stoichiometric model, we show that areal 1 4 N uptake estimated from microbial and algal production was similar to measured areal N uptake. High primary production could be a prerequisite for streams exhibiting high NO uptake rates. 2 3
Jmjd3-Mediated H3K27me3 Dynamics Orchestrate Brown Fat Development and Regulate White Fat Plasticity

Progression from brown preadipocytes to adipocytes engages two transcriptional programs: the expression of adipogenic genes common to both brown fat (BAT) and white fat (WAT), and the expression of BAT-selective genes. However, the dynamics of chromatin states and epigenetic enzymes involved remain poorly understood. Here we show that BAT development is selectively marked and guided by repressive H3K27me3 and is executed by its demethylase Jmjd3. We find that a significant subset of BAT-selective genes, but not common fat genes or WAT-selective genes, are demarcated by H3K27me3 in both brown and white preadipocytes. Jmjd3-catalyzed removal of H3K27me3, in part through Rreb1-mediated recruitment, is required for expression of BAT-selective genes and for development of beige adipocytes both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, gain- and loss-of-function Jmjd3 transgenic mice show age-dependent body weight reduction and cold intolerance, respectively. Together, we identify an epigenetic mechanism governing BAT fate determination and WAT plasticity.
Three new species of Hagnagora Druce, 1885 (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Larentiinae) from Ecuador and Costa Rica and a concise revision of the genus

Three new Hagnagora Druce species (Geometridae, Larentiinae) are described: Hagnagora richardi Brehm, sp. n. from Ecuador, Hagnagora hedwigae Brehm, sp. n. from Ecuador, and Hagnagora mirandahenrichae Brehm, sp. n. from Costa Rica. A checklist of taxa assigned to Hagnagora is provided. Hagnagora is provisionally divided into six clades: the anicata clade (6 species), the buckleyi clade (3 species), the croceitincta clade (3 species), the ephestris clade (3 species), the mortipax clade (4 species) and Hagnagora subrosea (1 species). Two taxa are revived from synonymy: Hagnagora catagrammina Druce, stat. rev. and Hagnagora luteoradiata Thierry-Mieg, stat. rev. Two taxa are reinstated from subspecies to species level: Hagnagora acothysta Schaus, stat. rev. and Hagnagora jamaicensis Schaus, stat. rev. Four taxa are provisionally removed from Hagnagora: "Hagnagora" ignipennis, "Hagnagora" mesenata, "Hagnagora" vittata, and "Hagnagora" ceraria. After these changes, the genus Hagnagora now comprises 20 valid species.
OCCLUSION DU GRELE AU POINT D'INTRODUCTION DU TROCART: UNE COMPLICATION INHABITUELLE DE LA LAPAROSCOPIE

A 65 year old healthy female developed a small bowel obstruction after laparoscopic unroofing of a large, symptomatic, right renal cyst. After failure of conservative management, exploratory laparotomy revealed a very localized herniation of small intestine at a trocar site as suggested by CT scan. The hernia was reduced at the time of laparotomy and no bowel resection was necessary. The patient had an uneventful recovery. Although uncommon, bowel herniation at the site of trocar insertion should be recognized as part of the possible morbidity of laparoscopic surgery. The mechanism of development of such a complication and possible preventive measures are reviewed. A "preventive" fascial closure technique is suggested.
Effects of Various Temperature Regimes on the Time Required for Emergence of Diapausing Heliothis zea

Diapausing Heliothis zea pupae, held at initial temperatures of 3, 8, 13, or 18°C for 7, 38, 75, or 111 days, were exposed to either 18 or 23°C until adult emergence. At 23°C, time until emergence (measured from date of transfer to 23°C) ranged from 27.5-70.0 days and was influenced by both the initial temperature and the exposure time. At 18°C most individuals had not emerged after 201 days; however, following transfer to 23°C they emerged in a mean of 20.7 days. Other diapausing pupae were held under outdoor conditions until late winter. Beginning Feb. 8, subsamples of these were transferred to 23°C at about weekly intervals. Mean days until emergence (measured from date of transfer to 23°C) was inversely related to the length of outdoor exposure and ranged from 20.9-41.4 for pupae which had not terminated diapause before transfer to 23 °C.
Food-related practices and beliefs of rural US elementary and middle school teachers

Introduction Childhood obesity disproportionately affects rural populations; therefore, promoting healthy eating among rural children is essential. Teachers are important role models for children and can influence children's eating behaviors through their own behaviors and beliefs about food. This study examined the food-related practices and beliefs of rural elementary and middle school teachers. Methods Data were used from the SNACZ study, a school- and community-based trial conducted in rural Oregon. Kindergarten through eighth-grade teachers (n=87), teaching students usually aged 5-14 years, from eight rural school districts completed a baseline survey in November 2012 concerning their classroom food practices, eating behaviors at school, beliefs about the school food environment, and nutrition knowledge. Frequencies of responses to each item were calculated. Results Nearly all teachers (97.6%) agreed that a healthy school food environment is important, but fewer agreed that teachers' behaviors and the foods available at school influence students' eating behaviors (71.0% and 67.0%, respectively). Nearly 86% of teachers used candy as a reward for students, while 78.2% consumed unhealthy snacks and 42.5% consumed sweetened beverages in the classroom. Conclusions The results suggest that most rural teachers recognize that having a healthy school food environment is important, but are less aware of factors within the school that influence students' eating behaviors - including their own eating behaviors and classroom food practices - and, perhaps for this reason, many rural teachers engage in classroom practices and behaviors that do not promote healthy eating. Teacher training and expanded school policies that focus on teacher behavior may be needed to ensure a healthier rural school food environment.
Clinical equivalency of cardiopulmonary bypass and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for pediatric tracheal reconstruction.

Objective Pediatric surgery for congenital tracheal stenosis continues to be a therapeutic challenge, and it often requires cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for intra-operative extracorporeal cardiorespiratory support. The purpose of this study was to compare the peri-operative outcomes of CPB with ECMO in pediatric tracheal reconstruction.
The first fifty eight orthonormal modes of the TI-POAM Hilbert space

Previous work has shown that there is an identifying mode of distributed volume turbulence. In this work, we present the first fifty eight modes of the Hilbert space to which the previously identified mode belongs.
The party effect: prediction of future alcohol use based on exposure to specific alcohol advertising content.

AIMS: To test whether exposure to party-related alcohol advertising is associated with drinking behavior in a national US sample of adolescents and young adults, independently of exposure to other alcohol advertising. DESIGN: Longitudinal telephone- and web-based surveys conducted in 2011 and 2013. SETTING: All regions of the United States, participants selected via mixed-mode random-digit-dial landline and cellphone frames. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 2541 respondents with a mean age of 18.1 years (51.6% female) of which 1053 (41%) never had a whole drink of alcohol and 1727 (67%) never had six or more drinks during one drinking occasion. MEASUREMENTS: Outcome measures were onset of alcohol use and binge drinking during the study interval. Primary predictor was exposure to television alcohol advertising, operationalized as contact frequency and brand recall for 20 randomly selected alcohol advertisements. Independent post-hoc analyses classified all ads as "party" or "non-party" ads. Sociodemographics, sensation seeking, alcohol expectancies, and alcohol use of friends and family were assessed as covariates. FINDINGS: Onset rates for having the first whole drink of alcohol and for first binge drinking were 49.2% and 29.5%, respectively. On average, about half (M = 10.2) of the 20 alcohol advertisements in each individual survey were "party" ads. If both types of exposures ("party" and "non-party") were included in the regression model, only "party" exposure remained a significant predictor of alcohol use onset (AOR = 19.17; 95%CI 3.72-98.79) and binge drinking onset (AOR = 3.87; 95%CI 1.07-13.99) after covariate control. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents and young adults in the USA appear to have higher rates of alcohol use and binge drinking onset if they have higher exposure to alcohol advertisements using a partying theme, independently of the amount of exposure to alcohol advertisements with non-party themes.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Language: en
Jewish Magic Tales

This chapter’s explorations of Jewish magic tales rest on Hebrew manuscript books that are traceable to specific geographic locations or particular historical eras, and sometimes to both. Biblical histories from the Torah, the first five books of the canonical Bible, underlay centuries of Jewish tellings of magic tales and also provided plot outlines or characters for later expansions of those tales. A close consideration of Moses’ supernaturally powerful exploits as they exist in the Torah opens the chapter, and is followed by an examination of magic tales from the Babylonian exile, the period of revolts against Roman authority, and ancient and medieval diasporic narratives.
A Comparison of the Saw Velocity for Thin Film Aluminum Nitride on Silicon by Line Focus Beam Acoustic Microscopy and Direct Transducer Measurements

Piezoelectric aluminum nitride (A1N) films have been deposited as transducers for the development of bulk acoustic wave (BAW) and surface acoustic waves (SAW) components for electronic device applications over the past 30 years. These acoustic wave devices, such as filters, resonators, and delay lines in the 100 MHz to 10 GHz region, occupy dimensions that are orders of magnitude smaller than their electronic counterparts. In evaluating the properties of thin film AIN, it has been particularly helpful to look at the SAW velocity characteristics and to compare them to the velocity characteristics of the bulk single crystal material. If the SAW velocity characteristics of the film compare favorably with the single crystal, it normally follows that the elastic, piezoelectric, dielectric, and loss constants of the film closely match the bulk properties. In this investigation a comparison is made between SAW velocities of sputtered thin-film AIN on four silicon wafers with buffer layers measured by line-focus-beam scanning acoustic microscopy (LFBSAM) and interdigital transducer (IDT) aluminum metal electrode patterns photolithographically replicated directly on the surface of the AIN film.
The effect of distribution of second phase on dynamic damage

For ductile metals, dynamic fracture occurs principally through void nucleation, growth, and coalescence at heterogeneities in the microstructure. Previous experimental research on high purity metals has shown that microstructural features, such as grain boundaries, inclusions, vacancies, and heterogeneities, can act as initial void nucleation sites. In addition, other research on two-phase materials has also highlighted the importance of the properties of a second phase itself in determining the dynamic response of the overall material. However, previous research has not investigated the effects of the distribution of a second phase on damage nucleation and evolution. To approach this problem in a systematic manner, two copper alloys with 1% lead materials, with the same Pb concentration but different Pb distributions, have been investigated. A new CuPb alloy was cast with a more homogeneous distribution of Pb as compared to a CuPb where the Pb congregated in large “stringer” type configurations. These m...
Letter to the Editor regarding Friedman-Brodsky Tonsil grading scale: a proposal for grades 0-4.

Dear Editor:Over the years, various scales have been proposed for grading tonsils. A recent article by Kumar et al. titled ‘The Reliability of Clinical Tonsil Size Grading in Children’1 and the rec...
Network-on-Chip based MPSoC architecture for k-mean clustering algorithm

Data and image segmentation plays pivotal role in the application of machine learning. k-means, as a tool for unsupervised clustering, is a widely used algorithm for segmentation due to its inherent simplicity and efficiency. k-means partitions datasets into subsets based on their fitness value. As such k-means is a well suited algorithm for implementation on hardware platform such as Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) but requires high computation time. Hardware accelerators can help in reducing the computation complexity of the algorithm. In this paper, we present a simplified multicore based scalable hardware architecture for implementation of k-means. Mean and fitness modules in proposed architecture are further unfolded to further enhance the speed of k-means clustering algorithm. The unfolding factor has to be selected by keeping the area of the target device in check. In the proposed architecture, the cores are further connected through Network on Chip (NoC) interconnect network which allows for higher scalability while elevating the bottleneck of message passing. The performance of our MPSoC architecture has been evaluated with respect to Average Speedup, Average Throughput and Area consumption with and without use of NoC interconnect. Finally, we compare the use of different NoC interconnect models with respect to maximum Operating Frequency, average Throughput and Area overhead.
Cooperation in finite populations: Being alone helps

AbstractWe consider the evolution of cooperation in finite populations and we model a scenario where two individuals can interact only if both intend to do so with their counterpart. This feature allows a possibility for individuals to remain alone for a given round and not interact with anybody. Such an individual receives a baseline payoff rather than one based upon a matrix game. We provide sufficient conditions on the payoff matrix that will guarantee fixation probabilities to be monotone relative to the baseline payoff. We then apply the findings to the Prisoner’s Dilemma and Hawk-Dove games. In both cases, the possibility that an individual might remain alone increases the chances that cooperation or non-aggression fixes within the population. Moreover, weak selection models overlap with our model, and we consider how one can generalize our model even further.
Examination of the role of long range dipole-dipole forces on the dynamic dielectric response in liquids

To isolate the influence of long range dipole-dipole forces on dielectric relaxation (internal field effect), one seeks a system for which the microscopic response (γ, molecular dipolar auto-correlation function) is well characterized and then observes the effect on the complex dielectric permittivity (e∗) ascribable to long range dipolar interactions. Generally speaking, the theory of the internal field furnishes a relation of the form L iω (−γ) = f(e o e∗, e ∞ ) where the values of the parameters of γ are usually unknown in advance.1,2,3 In principle, for ellipsoidal molecules with nonvanishing dipole moment components along two or more symmetry axes or for mixtures of rigid molecules, the functional form of the microscopic response is known a priori or may be determined via measurements using nonpolar solvents. In practice, the models are over-parameterized with respect to the accuracy of permittivity and loss measurements in the appropriate frequency region (microwave) and no definitive separation of the internal field influence and the long range dipolar interaction free molecular reorientation [i. e., testing of the relation f = L(−γ)] has been described in the literature.
Repressive coping among British college women: A potential protective factor against body image concerns, drive for thinness, and bulimia symptoms

Repressive coping, as a means of preserving a positive self-image, has been widely explored in the context of dealing with self-evaluative cues. The current study extends this research by exploring whether repressive coping is associated with lower levels of body image concerns, drive for thinness, bulimic symptoms, and higher positive rational acceptance. A sample of 229 female college students was recruited in South London. Repressive coping was measured via the interaction between trait anxiety and defensiveness. The results of moderated regression analysis with simple slope analysis show that compared to non-repressors, repressors reported lower levels of body image concerns, drive for thinness, and bulimic symptoms while exhibiting a higher use of positive rational acceptance. These findings, in line with previous evidence, suggest that repressive coping may be adaptive particularly in the context of body image.
Comprehensive, technology-based, team approach for a patient with locked-in syndrome: A case report of improved function & quality of life.

One of the most severe types of stroke is locked-in syndrome (LIS) due to the loss of almost all voluntary motor functions and a high mortality rate. The majority of the literature regarding LIS is...
Peripapillary retinal splitting visualized on OCT in glaucoma and glaucoma suspect patients.

Purpose To identify the risk factors for development of peripapillary retinal splitting (schisis) in patients with glaucoma or suspicion of glaucoma Setting Glaucoma Clinic, Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL Methods In this institutional cross-sectional study, 495 patients (990 eyes) who had undergone spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT Spectralis HRA-OCT, Heidelberg Engineering) optic nerve head (ONH) imaging and did not have identifiable optic nerve pits, pseudopits or coloboma were included. OCT scans were reviewed by two observers. Main outcome measures Presence of peripapillary retinal splitting identified on OCT raster scans. Results Eleven of 990 glaucoma and glaucoma suspect eyes (1.1%) of 7 patients (2 females, 5 males, mean age 64.5 ± 9.2 years) had peripapillary retinal splitting. Two of these 11 eyes had extension of the splitting into the macula but none to the fovea. Of these 11 patients, 2 (28.6%) were glaucoma suspects, 3 (42.9%) had primary open-angle glaucoma, 1 (14.3%) had chronic angle-closure glaucoma and 1 (14.3%) had pigmentary glaucoma. 7/11 (63.6%) eyes had vitreous traction to the disc visualized on OCT and 6/11 eyes (54.5%) had beta-zone peripapillary atrophy. Conclusions We observed peripapillary retinal splitting in 1.1% of a series of 990 glaucoma and glaucoma-suspect eyes. Evidence of adherent vitreous with traction and peripapillary atrophy was found in a majority of the involved eyes. A comparison to an age and axial length matched cohort is required to determine if this is a condition that is associated with glaucoma.
Gene flow from single and stacked herbicide-resistant rice (Oryza sativa): modeling occurrence of multiple herbicide-resistant weedy rice

BACKGROUND Provisia™ rice (PV), a non-genetically engineered (GE) quizalofop-resistant rice, will provide growers with an additional option for weed management to use in conjunction with Clearfield® rice (CL) production. Modeling compared the impact of stacking resistance traits versus single traits in rice on introgression of the resistance trait to weedy rice (also called red rice). Common weed management practices were applied to 2-, 3-, and 4-year crop rotations and resistant and multiple-resistant weedy rice seeds, seedlings, and mature plants were tracked for 15 years. RESULTS Two-year crop rotations resulted in resistant weedy rice after two years with abundant populations (exceeding 0.4 weedy rice plants m-2) occurring after seven years. When stacked trait rice was rotated with soybeans in a 3-year rotation and with soybeans and CL in a 4-year rotation, multiple-resistance occurred after 2-5 years with abundant populations present in 4-9 years. When CL rice, PV rice, and soybeans were used in 3- and 4-year rotations, the median time of first appearance of multiple-resistance was 7-11 years and reached abundant levels in 10-15 years. CONCLUSION Maintaining separate CL and PV rice systems, in rotation with other crops and herbicides, minimized the evolution of multiple herbicide-resistant weedy rice through gene flow compared to stacking herbicide resistance traits.
Research Experiences and Exploration in Materials Science (REEMS)—A University, Professional Society and Business Partnership Model Promoting Materials Science Education for Houston Community College

In 2015 the West Houston Center for Science & Engineering (WHC), Houston Community College, was awarded funding by the National Science Foundation (DMR) to develop a pilot materials science program, Research Experiences and Exploration in Materials Science (REEMS), focused on introducing materials science to aspiring science & engineering community college students. This multifaceted program provides an opportunity for students from a broad array of interests, backgrounds and ages to gain an appreciation for materials science with respect to their academic and career pursuits. Over the approximately four-year duration of the program, REEMS introduces materials science over the academic year through a voluntary seminar series, and, for a select group of students, participation in summer research experiences at collaborating universities. Academic year activities include conferences with the WHC-REEMS transfer advisor, seminars discussing an overview of materials science, the investigation of the roles of materials science in addressing pressing societal issues, and networking with graduate students, university upper division students, materials research faculty and professionals. This paper will provide an overview of the WHC – REEMS program synergies, impacts and partnership dynamics with participating universities: Rice University, the University of Houston, and the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston.
Four Conceptions of Equal Opportunity

Equality of opportunity is widely endorsed but subject to conflicting interpretations. This article identifies four non‐equivalent interpretations of the equality of opportunity ideal. Under scrutiny, all are contestable. The suggestion is broached that equality opportunity norms are best regarded as, in some circumstances, means to further justice goals, never rather as in themselves morally desirable.
Quark Hadron Duality in Unpolarized Structure Functions

Quark hadron duality establishes an intriguing connection between medium and high energy physics by identifying, in certain cases, dual descriptions of observables either in terms of explicit quark degrees of freedom or as averages over hadronic variables. Duality has been studied extensively in inclusive electron scattering experiments at Jefferson Lab. The present talk is an overview of these results for unpolarized structure functions for proton, neutron, and nuclei.
γ-, Diastereo-, and Enantioselective Addition of MEMO-Substituted Allylboron Compounds to Aldimines Catalyzed by Organoboron-Ammonium Complexes

The first catalytic, broadly applicable, efficient, γ-, diastereo-, and enantioselective method for addition of O-substituted allyl-B(pin) compounds to phosphinoylimines (MEM=methoxyethoxymethyl, pin=pinacolato) is presented. The identity of the most effective catalyst and the optimal protecting group for the organoboron reagent were determined by consideration of the steric and electronic requirements at different stages of the catalytic cycle, namely, the generation of the chiral allylboronate, the subsequent 1,3-borotropic shift, and the addition step. Aryl-, heteroaryl-, alkenyl- and alkyl-substituted vicinal phosphinoylamido MEM-ethers were thus accessed in 57-92 % yield, 89:11 to >98:2 γ:α selectivity, 76:24-97:3 diastereomeric ratio, and 90:10-99:1 enantiomeric ratio. The method is scalable, and the phosphinoyl and MEM groups may be removed selectively or simultaneously. Utility is highlighted by enantioselective synthesis of an NK-1 receptor antagonist.
Space-Charge Layers

Space-charge layers can arise in many different kinds of physical systems. In this chapter, we shall limit the consideration to a very simple category of space-charge layers, namely those that arise in semiconductors in thermodynamic equilibrium or quasi-equilibrium. This category includes systems of considerable interest in research and technology, including semiconductor-insulator systems, p-n junctions, and Schottky barriers. In some cases, the most interesting aspect of the problem is not the space-charge layer as such but the nature of the physical mechanisms that lead to its formation. While a discussion of such mechanisms in detail is outside the scope of this chapter, we shall refer at least briefly to work bearing on such problems. Space charge layers can be detected experimentally in many different ways: by capacitance, conductance, and optical measurements, for example. The experimental methods will be described briefly in relation to particular systems.
Considerations on undergraduate computer science research

Research constitutes an intrinsic part of the intellectual activity of any faculty. Many times, however, heavy teaching loads and lack of incentives (such as institutional support and time releases) negatively affect the faculty's research work. Often, the knowledge level required in the research also limits the involvement of undergraduate students. Nevertheless, computer science faculty find innovative ways to attract the students and to extract benefits.
Effects of endothelin on cultured bovine retinal microvascular pericytes.

PURPOSE The endothelins, a recently discovered family of peptides, include endothelin-1, the most potent vasoconstrictor known. Retinal microvascular pericytes are thought to be contractile cells analogous to the smooth muscle cells of larger vessels, but the physiologic stimulus for their contraction is unknown. We hypothesized that the endothelins might serve as such stimuli. METHODS The intracellular free/bound Ca++ ratio increases rapidly immediately before muscle cell contraction. We evaluated changes in this ratio in cultured bovine retinal microvascular pericytes and, for comparison, three other types of ocular cells. We loaded the cells with the calcium-sensitive, fluorescent dye Indo-1. Using a laser cytometer, we monitored the time course of changes in fluorescence of individual cells in response to several putative vasoactive agents, including, in particular, endothelin-1, 2, and 3. RESULTS Endothelin-1 (ET-1) produced a rapid rise in the free/bound Ca++ ratio, followed by a slow decline. The response occurred at ET-1 concentrations as low as 1 x 10(-12) mol/l, and was graded in amplitude and concentration dependent. After an initial application of ET-1, repeat applications yielded no response. Endothelin-2 was less effective than ET-1, and ET-3 had no effect at all, but both agents blocked the response to ET-1. Several other agents also raised the free/bound Ca++ ratio, but were substantially less effective than ET-1. When any of these agents, except for histamine, was added after even a submaximal concentration of ET-1, no response was observed, but ET-1 applied after these agents produced a large response. Histamine could elicit a rise in the free/bound Ca++ ratio after application of ET-1 to cultured pericytes. The ET-1 response occurred in Ca(++)-free medium and in medium containing 10(-4) mol/l verapamil or nifedipine, indicating that the results we observed are due primarily to the release of free Ca++ from bound intracellular stores. Endothelin-1 produced a similar change in the free/bound Ca++ ratio in cultured bovine RPE cells, but not in retinal microvascular endothelial cells or lens epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS ET-1 is at least three orders of magnitude more effective in producing the release of free intracellular Ca++ than other agents tested. It appears to act through specific cell surface receptors, which can be blocked by prior application of other endothelin isopeptides, but not by structurally dissimilar molecules. However, with the exception of histamine, all of these agents appear to act through a common intracellular pathway, because application of ET-1 blocks the subsequent effect of the other agents tested, except histamine. Alternatively, ET-1 may be capable of desensitizing the receptors for these agents without occupying the receptor sites. Because cultured retinal pericytes are extremely sensitive to ET-1 in a response closely linked to muscle cell contraction, ET-1 must be considered a highly plausible agonist for pericyte contraction in vivo.
Computational modelling and analysis of haemodynamics in a simple model of aortic stenosis

In a study motivated by considerations associated with heart murmurs and cardiac auscultation, numerical simulations are used to analyse the haemodynamics in a simple model of an aorta with an aortic stenosis. The aorta is modelled as a curved pipe with a turn, and three different stenoses with area reductions of 50 %, 62.5 % and 75 % are examined. A uniform steady inlet velocity with a Reynolds number of 2000 is used for all of the cases and direct numerical simulation is employed to resolve the dynamics of the flow. The poststenotic flow is dominated by the jet that originates from the stenosis as well as the secondary flow induced by the curvature, and both contribute significantly to the flow turbulence. On the anterior surface of the modelled aorta, the location with maximum pressure fluctuation, which may be considered as the source location for the murmurs, is found to be located around along the aortic arch, and this location is relatively insensitive to the severity of the stenosis. For all three cases, this high-intensity wall pressure fluctuation includes contributions from both the jet and the secondary flow. Spectral analysis shows that for all three stenoses, the Strouhal number of the vortex shedding of the jet shear layer is close to 0.93, which is higher than the shedding frequency of a corresponding free jet or a jet confined in a straight pipe. This frequency also appears in the pressure spectra at the location postulated as the source of the murmurs, in the form of a ‘break frequency.’ The implications of these findings for cardiac auscultation-based diagnosis of aortic stenosis are also discussed.
Test System Design of Low Voltage Ride Through of High Altitude Photovoltaic Power Station

the photovoltaic resources are abundant in the high altitude area of northwest China, but the network frame is weak in this kind of area, and it is urgent to carry out the detection of Photovoltaic grid connected network test. It is necessary to solve the problem of system insulation safety with Low Voltage Ride Through (LVRT) test for photovoltaic power generation system at high altitude area. In this paper, the principle of LVRT test system of photovoltaic power generation is analyzed. The factors affecting transient overvoltage of the system are analyzed also. According to a 35 kV LVRT experiment, the simulation calculation is studied by using ATP, sums up the test point $0.1\mu \mathrm{F}$ grid connected capacitance and resistance of $100\Omega$ can effectively reduce the peak of the transient overvoltage, determine the effective measures for overvoltage suppression of test process.
A Fast and Robust Paradigm for Fourier Compressed Sensing Based on Coded Sampling

First-order gradient methods are commonly used for compressed sensing reconstruction. However, for Fourier sampling systems, they require computing a large number of fast Fourier transforms (FFTs), which can be expensive in real-time applications. In this paper, instead of random sub-sampling, we use a sampling scheme inspired by coding theory from a recent sparse-FFT work of Pawar and Ramchandran [1]. In particular, we show that Iterative Soft Thresholding Algorithm (ISTA) applied on the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) with the coded sampling provides an O(log n) per-iteration speedup over the standard iteration cost, where n is the signal length. Since the coded sampling operation deviates from the common randomized compressed sensing sampling, it is a priori unclear whether LASSO can recover sparse signals. We provide recovery guarantees for LASSO using the coded sampling guaranteed for an arbitrary signal-to-noise ratio. For a k-sparse signal and under a uniformly random sparsity model, we show that LASSO recovers the underlying signal from O(k log4 n) measurements through the coded sensing system, with a reconstruction error that is proportional to the sparsity level and noise energy. Moreover, we demonstrate numerically computational speedups for using this scheme as well as lower MRI acquisition times.
Commonwealth Edison Co. v. Montana

In Commonwealth Edison versus Montana, several Montana coal producing companies and their out-of-state utility company customers attacked the severance tax as being invalid under the commerce clause and the supremacy clause. These companies, appellants in the Supreme Court, argued that the tax discriminates against interstate commerce in that the majority of the coal is shipped out of Montana, shifting a disproportionate share of the state's tax burden onto out-of-state consumers. The commerce clause was also assertedly violated because the amount of the taxes collected exceeds the value of the services provided to coal extractors by the state. The decision establishes Constitutional measures of state severance tax validity and clarifies the judicial role in scrutinizing state taxes.
An Observational Study of Thermometer Use by Consumers When Preparing Ground Turkey Patties

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of an intervention for consumer thermometer use by using a randomized experimental design and direct observation of meal preparation. The study was conducted in test kitchen facilities in two locations in North Carolina (one urban and one rural). Cameras recorded participants' actions at various locations throughout the kitchen and recorded the meal preparation from beginning to end. Before preparing the meal, a randomized treatment group watched a 3-min U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food safety video "The Importance of Cooking to a Safe Internal Temperature and How to Use a Food Thermometer." Participants in the control and treatment groups were observed while cooking turkey burgers and preparing a salad to determine whether a thermometer was used to check the doneness of the turkey patties. Following meal preparation, all participants responded to a postobservation interview about food handling behaviors. Treatment group participants were also asked about the intervention. A total of 383 people participated in the study (201 in the control group and 182 in the treatment group). Participants who viewed the video were twice as likely to use a thermometer to check the doneness of the turkey patties compared with the participants who were not exposed to the video (75 versus 34%) and twice as likely to place the thermometer in the correct location (52 versus 23%). Sixty-seven percent of participants who watched the video reported that it influenced their behavior in the kitchen. This study demonstrates the importance of timing and framing of a behavioral intervention for thermometer use and highlights considerations for the development of additional messages (e.g., proper insertion). HIGHLIGHTS
Ab initio investigation of magnetic interactions in the frustrated triangular magnet NiGa 2 S 4

Triangular-layered ${\mathrm{NiGa}}_{2}{\mathrm{S}}_{4}$, contrary to intuitive expectation, does not form a noncollinear antiferromagnetic structure, as do isoelectronic ${\mathrm{NaCrO}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{LiCrO}}_{2}$. Instead, the local magnetic moments remain disordered down to the lowest measured temperature. To get more insight into this phenomenon, we have performed first principles calculations of the first, second, and third neighbors exchange interactions, and found that the second neighbor exchange is negligible, while the first and the third neighbor exchanges are comparable and antiferromagnetic. Both are rapidly suppressed by the on-site Hubbard repulsion.
Microwave ablation of cT1a renal cell carcinoma: oncologic and functional outcomes at a single center.

Abstract Purpose Percutaneous ablation is an established alternative to surgical intervention for small renal masses. Radiofrequency and cryoablation have been studied extensively in the literature. To date, series assessing the efficacy and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) are limited. We present a cohort of 110 renal tumors treated with MWA. Methods A review of the medical record between January 2015 and July 2019 was performed, retrospectively identifying 101 patients (110 tumors). All ablations were performed by a single board-certified urologist/interventional radiologist. Demographic information, intraoperative, postoperative, and follow-up surveillance data were recorded. Results Median (IQR) age was 69.7 years (60.8–77.0); 27 (24%) were female. Median (IQR) BMI was 27.0 (25.1–30.2) and Charleston Comorbidity Index was 5.0 (4.0–6.0). 82 tumors were biopsy-confirmed renal cell carcinoma/oncocytic neoplasms. Median (IQR) tumor size was 2.0 cm (1.5–2.6). Median (IQR) RENAL nephrometry score was 6.0 (5.0–8.0). Technical success was achieved in all patients and all but one patient were discharged on the same day. Median (IQR) eGFR at baseline and 1 year were 71.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 (56.5–82) and 63.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 (54.0–78.2); the difference was −5.3 (p = 0.12). Two Clavien-Dindo type-I complications, one type-II complication, and one type-III complication were experienced in this cohort. Median radiographic follow-up was 376.5 days with 2 tumors (2.4% of RCC/oncocytic neoplasms) having recurred to date. Conclusions MWA is a safe and efficacious treatment option for small renal masses with minimal adverse events and low rates of recurrence in this cohort of 101 patients. Continued follow-up is needed to assess long-term outcomes.
An Unspoken Inequity: Communication With Patients and Families With Limited English Proficiency.

“Dolor?” My ears perked up as I overheard the Spanish word for pain while prerounding on an early weekday morning. I followed the voice of my coresident and quietly observed as she continued to ask “dolor?” while pointing to various body parts on a young child. The patient’s father was communicating back by either nodding or shaking his head. As a Dominican woman fluent in Spanish, I introduced myself and gently offered to interpret. My coresident and the patient’s family offered me grateful smiles. Although I was happy to help my colleague and this patient, I also felt unsettled, likely because of experiences I had growing up. As a child, I went to doctors’ appointments with my grandparents and witnessed interpreter experiences that ranged from outstanding to absent altogether. I watched as they were put in the awkward position of trying to communicate in broken English, while simultaneously feigning understanding of the broken Spanish spoken by health care providers. In thinking about these memories, I became frustrated. Why don’t health care providers request and use an interpreter each time one is needed? However, I cannot deny that I too have taken “shortcuts.” For example, I remember quickly talking to an Arabic-speaking family without an interpreter, using a hand signal to indicate that I would be back later. Yet although providers are certainly part of the problem, the core issue at hand is not with me or my coresident as individuals. The reality is that our health care system and culture remain inadequately prepared to ensure equitable communication with patients and families with limited English proficiency (LEP). The scope …
Clinical Course of Recovery from Concussion in Children 6-12 Years of Age (P5.312)

Objective: To describe the clinical progression of young children in concussion clinic. Background: Concussion is an increasingly recognized public health concern with potential long term consequences; however, clinical descriptions of children with concussion have not been well documented. Design/Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all clinical documentation from 105 children aged 6 - 12 years (62/105 蠅 9 years) seen within 60 days of injury in a multidisciplinary concussion clinic from 2010 to 2013. Descriptive statistics explored demographic and clinical features. “Discharge” was considered the visit date where “full clearance” was provided. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were calculated for patient and medical history characteristics that affect time to discharge; Log-rank test compared survival curves. Results: Median time to initial evaluation was 15 days. Seventy percent of children were male and 21% had > 1 prior concussion. Sports related concussions (SRC) accounted for 52% of injuries; Non-sport concussion (NSC) was more common than SRC in children 6-8 years. ADHD and migraine were the most common premorbid conditions. Forty-three percent were discharged at the initial evaluation. Median time to discharge was 34 days after injury (range 5-192 days); 75% were discharged within 59 days. Survival analysis curves were similar by age and gender; however, compared to SRC, children with NSC were significantly more likely to be discharged within 60 days after injury (p = 0.001). Conclusions: While time to discharge is an imprecise measure of recovery, these findings suggest that in a clinical population, a majority of children with concussion are provided full clearance within 2 months from the time of injury. Children with NSC are more likely to be discharged earlier after injury which may signify differing pathophysiological responses based on mechanism of injury or reflect clinical judgment considering the likelihood of participating in high risk activities. Study Supported by: NIH5T32HD007414 Disclosure: Dr. Risen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Reesman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Yenokyan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Clark has nothing to disclose. Dr. Slomine has nothing to disclose. Dr. Suskauer has nothing to disclose.
Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry Monitoring of Nitrogen Volatilization from Beef Cattle Feces and 15N-Labeled Synthetic Urine

A 15-day bench-scale manure storage experiment with a slurry mixture comprising beef cattle feces and synthetic urine with 15N-labeled urea was conducted to evaluate the source of volatilized ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). Beef cattle feces was mixed daily in a 1:2.2 mass ratio with 15N-labeled urine and added for four consecutive days to 2-L storage containers and then left undisturbed for eleven days. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry was used to determine the origin of aerial NH3-N losses from the relative isotopic abundance of N in the 15N-labeled slurry mixture. On average 84% of total NH3-N losses originated from the urine portion and were highest during the first two to four days, when fresh material was added. After fresh material addition ceased, daily NH3-N emission from the urine decreased gradually, whereas emission from the feces remained relatively constant. Calculations showed that over 34% of aerial N was not captured, suggesting that other N gas emission is significant from slurry mixtures. Likely all uncaptured N losses were from urinary urea. The study verified the applicability of 15N-labeled synthetic urine for beef slurry mixtures. However, the results suggest further research to explain and model the NH3 and N release from fecal material is warranted and to determine the identity of the uncaptured N losses.