cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New electromechanical instability modes in dielectric elastomer balloons

Abstract Under the actions of internal pressure and electric voltage, a dielectric elastomeric membrane mounted on an air chamber can deform to a balloon shape. Due to the nonlinear deformation, snap-through instability can happen in the balloon, which has been harnessed to achieve giant voltage-triggered deformation. In addition to the snap-through instability, with an applied voltage, a new electromechanical instability mode with a localized bulging-out in the balloon has been recently observed in experiments. However, the reported phenomenon has not been well explained. In this article, through numerical computation, we obtain the relation between the volume of the balloon and its internal pressure, when the balloon is subjected to different voltages. We find out that when the applied voltage is small, the pressure vs. volume diagram of a balloon can be represented by an N-like curve, which is similar to the conventional hyperelastic balloon only subjected internal pressure; when the voltage is larger than a critical value, new instability modes in the balloon emerge, which have a localized bulging-out, similarly to the shape observed in the experiments. We further show that the critical voltage for the new instability mode of the DE balloon is closely associated with the prestretches applied to the membrane and the hyperelastic model for the elastomer.
On the Problem of Death

Publication de la traduction anglaise de l'essai de W. Schulz consacre au probleme de la mort. A l'epoque ou la metaphysique fait place a la medecine, a la psychologie et a la sociologie, W. Schulz montre qu'au coeur des theories pre- et postmetaphysiques reside une conception de la mort comme transition, a partir de laquelle il defend une morale de la sympathie universelle.
Radical Prostatectomy in the Metastatic Setting

Multiple studies as outlined before have demonstrated a benefit of RP over ADT alone in the N1M0 setting. Thus, we would not hesitate to offer a patient radical prostatectomy with an extended PLND (including removal of the low retroperitoneal nodes in some cases) if he is healthy and interested in an aggressive approach. Preoperative counseling would be extensive, and we would emphasize that there is a high chance of a multimodal approach. Postoperative ADT will often be advocated if the number of positive nodes is three or more or if he has pT3b and one or two nodes positive. Postoperative radiotherapy to the fossa and whole pelvis will also often be delivered (again depending on the patient’s risk) when the patient has regained continence and is usually given in conjunction with ADT. Lastly, we would risk stratify his disease postoperatively and have him understand his overall prognosis based on our models detailed in this chapter.
Mummies of the Arctic regions

Mummified bodies occasionally found in the frigid regions of the world include animals, such as mammoths in Alaska and seals in Antarctica, and Eskimos and Aleuts in Alaska, Canada and Greenland. The animal and Eskimo mummies are naturally frozen, while the Aleuts practiced artificial mummification. Tissue from such remains can be examined by dissection and rehydration in Ruffer’s solution (water, alcohol and sodium carbonate) for microscopic study, providing information on the evolution and prevalence of disease in these remote areas.
Self-Reported Physical Activity Among Blacks. Estimates from National Surveys

Background National surveillance data provide population-level estimates of physical activity participation, but generally do not include detailed subgroup analyses, which could provide a better understanding of physical activity among subgroups. This paper presents a descriptive analysis of self-reported regular physical activity among black adults using data from the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System ( n =19,189), the 2004 National Health Interview Survey ( n =4263), and the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( n =3407). Methods Analyses were conducted between January and March 2006. Datasets were analyzed separately to estimate the proportion of black adults meeting national physical activity recommendations overall and stratified by gender and other demographic subgroups. Results The proportion of black adults reporting regular PA ranged from 24% to 36%. Regular physical activity was highest among men; younger age groups; highest education and income groups; those who were employed and married; overweight, but not obese, men; and normal-weight women. This pattern was consistent across surveys. Conclusions The observed physical activity patterns were consistent with national trends. The data suggest that older black adults and those with low education and income levels are at greatest risk for inactive lifestyles and may require additional attention in efforts to increase physical activity in black adults. The variability across datasets reinforces the need for objective measures in national surveys.
The selective hydrogenation of 1,5-cyclooctadiene with [PdCl2(Pφ3)2] and the formation of an π-allylic reaction intermediate

Abstract The catalytic selective hydrogenation of 1,5-cyclooctadiene to cyclooctene with soluble [PdCl 2 (P φ 3 ) 2 ] was studied in detail. The catalyst did not require the addition of SnCl 2 and the reactivity was similar to that of the corresponding heterogeneous Pd(II) polymer catalyst. The isomerization of 1,5-cyclooctadiene to 1,3-cyclooctadiene preceded the reduction to cyclooctene at 90 °C, but the isomerization was slower than the hydrogenation at room temperature. The π-allylic reaction intermediate, [PdCl(π-cyclooctenyl)(P φ 3 )], was isolated from the hydrogenation solution and was a much more active catalyst than [PdCl 2 (P φ 3 ) 2 ]; it was quite active even at room temperature. Although an excess of chloride ion did not affect the reactivities of [PdCl 2 (P φ 3 ) 2 ] and [PdCl(π-cyclooctenyl)(P φ 3 )], an excess of triphenyl-phosphine poisoned them to a remarkable degree. No hydrogenation occurred under a nitrogen atmosphere, but it took place under hydrogen chloride gas to as high a degree as under hydrogen. When both hydrogen and hydrogen chloride are present, the hydrogenation is faster than when under pure hydrogen.
AVIATION METEOROLOGY | Aircraft Emissions

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, volume 1, pp 60–68, © 2003, Elsevier Ltd.
Aneurysms of the Posterior Circulation

Posterior circulation aneurysms continue to be difficult-to-treat lesions that are ideally approached in a multifaceted fashion to craft the most effective treatment specific not only to the lesion but also to the individual patient. As neuroendovascular surgery continues to evolve, so does the role of microsurgical treatment of these lesions. Because of the relative rarity of posterior circulation aneurysms at some centers, it becomes even more imperative to avoid known pitfalls when treating patients with them.
Hormonal Control in Mammals

The hallmark of vertebrate physiology is the fine control of physiological states by negative feedback systems. For this to be effective, there must be mechanisms to turn off operating processes and to turn on dormant processes. This requires that there be bodywide communication among system components that signals the state of operating processes. The coordinated interaction of the central nervous system and hormones is one of the most important mechanisms by which negative feedback is achieved. Hormones are chemicals that are transported long distances via the blood and that are capable of turning on and off processes occurring at the site of hormone action. This chapter describes a mathematical model of one of these feedback systems that causes the level of glucose in the blood to be regulated within relatively narrow bounds.
High-Modulus Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanoplatelet Gel Electrolytes for Solid-State Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries

Solid-state electrolytes based on ionic liquids and a gelling matrix are promising for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries due to their safety under diverse operating conditions, favorable electroch...
Switchable virtual, augmented, and mixed reality system through optical cloaking

A switchable virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) system is proposed using digital optical cloaking. Optical cloaking allows completely opaque VR devices to be cloaked," switching to AR or MR while providing correct three-dimensional (3D) parallax and perspective of the real world, without the need for transparent optics. On the other hand, 3D capture and display devices with non-zero thicknesses, require optical cloaking to properly display captured reality. A simplified stereoscopic system with two cameras and existing VR systems can be an approximation for limited VR, AR, or MR. To provide true 3D visual effects, multiple input cameras, a 3D display, and a simple linear calculation amounting to cloaking can be used. Since the display size requirements for VR, AR, and MR are usually small, with increasing computing power and pixel densities, the framework presented here can provide a widely deployable VR, AR, MR design.
A Closer Look at Penicillin Allergy History: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Tolerance to Drug Challenge.

Abstract Background True allergy to penicillin is rare, despite the high frequency with which it is reported. While most patients reporting penicillin allergy are not prone to anaphylaxis, it is not currently known what percentage of these patients will tolerate dose challenges of penicillin-based antibiotics. This review aims to determine the rate of tolerance in patients reporting penicillin allergy when challenged with penicillin-based antibiotics. Methods We searched MedLine, Embase, and Cochrane Library for publications with English language translations between the years 2000 and 2017. We included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, and observational studies of participants reporting penicillin allergy who received at least one systemic dose of a penicillin in the form of a drug challenge. At least 2 independent reviewers extracted data from included studies and assessed the quality of each included study. To generate primary outcome data, we calculated a summary estimate rate of penicillin tolerance from a pooled proportion of participants receiving penicillin with no adverse effects. Results Initial literature search yielded 2945 studies, of which 23 studies were ultimately included in our review; 5056 study participants with reported history of penicillin allergy were challenged with a penicillin. After weighting for study sample size, a pooled average of 94.4% (95% confidence interval, 93.7%-95%) of participants tolerated the dose challenge without any adverse reaction. Conclusion Misrepresented penicillin allergy drives unnecessary use of alternative antibiotics, which may be less effective, more toxic, and more expensive than using penicillin. In addressing the problem of penicillin allergy over-diagnosis, evaluation should go beyond risk for type 1 hypersensitivity. Our data suggest that 94.4% of 5056 participants with reported penicillin allergy determined to be clinically appropriate for allergy evaluation tolerated repeat administration of penicillin-based antibiotics without any adverse reactions. This review generates meaningful information useful to clinical predictive analytics, in evaluating and managing patients with a reported history of penicillin allergy.
Pharmacists' impact on older adults' access to vaccines in the United States.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this systematic review was to explore pharmacists’ impact on older adults’ access to vaccines in terms of realized accessibility, financial accessibility, and vaccine availability. Methods Five databases were searched using a search strategy developed in PubMed and translated to other databases. Included studies were English-language, United States-based primary literature published between 1994 to present day. Studies were excluded if they were incomplete studies or did not focus on at least one of three dimensions of access to immunizations: realized accessibility, availability, and financial accessibility. The following data were gathered: title, authors, year published, sub-dimension of accessibility, health care setting, intervention or data source, pharmacist role, type of immunization, duration of study, sample size, and main outcome measures. Results Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Of those, the majority evaluated realized accessibility (n = 22, 88%). Eleven studies evaluated vaccine availability, and one study addressed financial accessibility. Pharmacists had a variety of roles in the immunization process, including screener, educator, immunizer, or documenter, and often played more than one role (n = 10, 40%). Pharmacists participated in the vaccination process across multiple health care settings, including in community pharmacies (n = 8, 32%) and hospitals (n = 7, 28%). In the majority (n = 21, 84%) of studies, pharmacists positively impacted older adults’ access to vaccines. The most common vaccinations studied were pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations (n = 20, 80%). Conclusion Vaccinations are important in protecting and maintaining the health of older adults. Pharmacists improved access to vaccinations and served many roles in the vaccination process. Future research should explore how pharmacists impact access to vaccines beyond vaccination rates, especially regarding the financial impact on patients.
Contrast-enhanced sonography with biomimetic lung surfactant nanodrops

Nanodrops comprising a perfluorocarbon liquid core can be acoustically vaporized into echogenic microbubbles for ultrasound imaging. Packaging the microbubble in its condensed liquid state provides distinct advantages, including in situ activation of the acoustic signal, longer circulation persistence, and the advent of expanded diagnostic and therapeutic applications in pathologies which exhibit compromised vasculature. One obstacle to clinical translation is the inability of the limited surfactant present on the nanodrop to encapsulate the greatly expanded microbubble interface, resulting in ephemeral microbubbles with limited utility. In this study, we examine a biomimetic approach to stabilizing an expanding gas surface by employing the lung surfactant replacement, Beractant. Lung surfactant contains a suite of lipids and surfactant proteins that provides efficient shuttling of material from bilayer folds to the monolayer surface. We therefore hypothesized that Beractant would improve stability of acoustically vaporized microbubbles. To test this hypothesis, we characterized Beractant surface dilation mechanics and revealed a novel biophysical phenomenon of rapid interfacial melting, spreading and re-solidification. We then harnessed this unique spreading capability to increase the stability and echogenicity of microbubbles produced after acoustic droplet vaporization for in vivo ultrasound imaging. Such biomimetic lung surfactant-stabilized nanodrops may be useful for applications in ultrasound imaging and therapy. Graphical Abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=92 SRC="FIGDIR/small/367235v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (33K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@b6b2f4org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@9eb8b7org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@71364corg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@a3c41d_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG
Recent Advances in High Power Millimeter Wave Traveling Wave Tubes

Recent work performed at Raytheon on three different types of high power millimeter wave traveling-wave tubes is outlined. The first design addresses the problem of high CW power, while the second focuses on broadband performance. The third is aimed at the non-trival subject of millimeter wave amplifier cost.
The Occasions of Law (and the Occasions of Interpretation)

When John Searle observed that there is “no remark without remarkableness,” he made a point about the pragmatics of that is importantly applicable to legal interpretation. Just as the act of remarking, according to Searle, presupposes some reason for the remark, so too does an act of legal interpretation presuppose a reason to interpret. This paper explores this phenomenon, and identifies the distinct occasions calling for an act of interpretation.
Fine-Tuning Electrokinetic Injections Considering Nonlinear Electrokinetic Effects in Insulator-Based Devices

The manner of sample injection is critical in microscale electrokinetic (EK) separations, as the resolution of a separation greatly depends on sample quality and how the sample is introduced into the system. There is a significant wealth of knowledge on the development of EK injection methodologies that range from simple and straightforward approaches to sophisticated schemes. The present study focused on the development of optimized EK sample injection schemes for direct current insulator-based EK (DC-iEK) systems. These are microchannels that contain arrays of insulating structures; the presence of these structures creates a nonuniform electric field distribution when a potential is applied, resulting in enhanced nonlinear EK effects. Recently, it was reported that the nonlinear EK effect of electrophoresis of the second kind plays a major role in particle migration in DC-iEK systems. This study presents a methodology for designing EK sample injection schemes that consider the nonlinear EK effects exerted on the particles being injected. Mathematical modeling with COMSOL Multiphysics was employed to identify proper voltages to be used during the EK injection process. Then, a T-microchannel with insulating posts was employed to experimentally perform EK injection and separate a sample containing two types of similar polystyrene particles. The quality of the EK injections was assessed by comparing the resolution (Rs) and number of plates (N) of the experimental particle separations. The findings of this study establish the importance of considering nonlinear EK effects when planning for successful EK injection schemes.
Calibration and extended validation of a virtual asphalt mixture compaction model using bullet physics engine

Abstract Studies involving the investigation of the influence of aggregate structure on the performance of an asphalt mixture are time and resource intensive in the laboratory. To efficiently conduct experimental research of this nature, computational models are highly beneficial due to their ability to execute broad parametric and probabilistic analyses. In this regard, previous study has examined the feasibility of using a Bullet physics engine based computational model to virtually compact asphalt mixtures using a simulated gyratory compactor and digitized aggregate particles. This study examines the effect of three parameters from this computational model that control the bonding or adhesive behavior, viscous damping, and mortar film thickness between discrete coarse aggregate particles. The model was calibrated based on the laboratory compaction of 15 different asphalt mixtures by developing prediction models to estimate parameters that drive the three aforementioned properties. The calibrated model was validated using three additional asphalt mixtures that were virtually compacted using the computational model. Results demonstrate that the compaction behavior from the calibrated computational model was very similar to the compaction behavior recorded from laboratory measurements.
Receptor Adaptation and Receptor Interactions: Some Results of Intracellular Recordings (Preliminary Note)

Regeneration of the light sensitive visual pigment contained in the receptor outer segments apparently can account for only a portion of the sensitivity changes observed during dark adaptation (1, 2). The remaining sensitivity changes (the “neural” adaptation) take place even under conditions in which the bleached visual pigment does not undergo regeneration (3). In the past few years it has become increasingly evident that at least a portion of even “neural” adaptation occurs at the receptor level (4–9). In this work our aim was to demonstrate directly the existence of a receptor adaptation mechanism that is independent of visual pigment regeneration. We accomplished this by recording intracellularly from individual rods in the isolated retina of the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) before and after bleaching varying amounts of the rod pigment (10). In our preparation no regeneration of the rod pigment could be detected in parallel spectrophotometric measurements (10).
4 – PLANT GENOMIC SOUTHERN BLOTTING WITH PROBES FOR LOW- AND HIGH-COPY-NUMBER GENES

This chapter presents an experiment in which plant genomic Southern blots are probed with a clone of a high-copy-number gene (for ribosomal RNA) and a clone of a low-copy-number gene (for the small subunit of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase). The rDNA clone to be used as a probe in this experiment is pBG35, an 8.7-kb fragment containing a single rDNA repeat from flax cloned into the vector pAT153. First step in the experiment is to isolate DNA from tobacco leaves using the mini-prep—a simple and rapid—procedure. With this procedure, a CsCl gradient is not needed to prepare DNA that can readily be cut with restriction enzymes. After the DNA is isolated,an aliquot of DNA is digested with restriction enzymes and that aliquot of DNA is run on a gel to check that the DNA has been digested to completion. An uncut sample of DNA is also loaded on the gel to use to estimate the DNA concentration. Further, samples of tobacco DNA are digested with EcoRI or with BamHI. The fragments are separated by gel electrophoresis. A Southern blot of the gel should be prepared. The blot can be probed either with the cloned gene for the small subunit of RUBISCO (a low-copy-number gene) or with the cloned genes of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeat unit (a very high-copy-number sequence).
J/ψ and ψ′ suppression by comovers in Pb+Pb collisions

Abstract Measurements of ψ and ψ′ production at the CERN SPS are compared to predictions based on a hadronic model of charmonium suppression. Detailed information is presented to facilitate comparison to other analyses. Sensitivity of these conclusions to the model parameters is discussed.
Complement receptor 1 and malaria

Summary Plasmodium falciparum malaria is an intracellular parasite that is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. It is responsible for approximately 1 million deaths per year. Most deaths occur as a result of complications such as severe anaemia or cerebral malaria (coma). The complement receptor 1 is a key complement regulator found on the surface of red cells and most leucocytes. A growing body of evidence suggests that this molecule plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of P. falciparum malaria. Initial reports showed that CR1 enables the binding of infected red cells to uninfected red cells to form rosettes, which can potentially obstruct small capillaries. However, further evidence suggests that CR1 is also important in the control of complement activation and immune complex formation during malaria infection. Most recently, CR1 has also been shown to be a receptor for the invasion of red cells by the parasite. Its polymorphic nature almost certainly has allowed the selection of variants that have helped humankind survive the scurge of malaria. The finding of conflicting reports about the exact role of these variants in severe disease underlies the complexity of the parasite–host interactions and highlights the need for further studies.
Applications of logic coverage criteria and logic mutation to software testing

Logic is an important component of software. Thus, software logic testing has enjoyed significant research over a period of decades, with renewed interest in the last several years. One approach to detecting logic faults is to create and execute tests that satisfy logic coverage criteria. Another approach to detecting faults is to perform mutation analysis and then find tests that distinguish the original program from each mutant. The fundamental contribution of this dissertation is the development of a new logic coverage criterion and a new logic mutation approach to improve testing in the context of logic expressions in normal form, logic expressions in general form and entire programs. In particular, testing approaches based on current logic coverage criteria and current mutation approaches share the same drawback of not guaranteeing detection of certain logic faults (even when all non-equivalent mutants are killed) and/or are costly in terms of the number of tests required. This dissertation further develops the body of knowledge in logic coverage criteria and logic mutation testing to address these problems. I show that a new logic coverage criterion can guarantee detecting the same logic faults as current criteria with fewer test cases. I also show that a new logic mutation approach can decrease the number of logic mutants generated while increasing logic fault detection capability. By doing so, a strong theoretical and empirical duality is established between the new logic coverage criterion and the new logic mutation approach.
What Controls the Star Formation Rate in Galaxies

Summary of the third discussion of the conference. Topics covered include the mechanisms controlling the star formation rate in galaxies, the source of the driving energy for interstellar turbulence, and the reasons for different star formation rates in galaxies with similar masses.
A Value-Driven System for Autonomous Information Gathering

This paper presents a system for autonomous information gathering in an information rich domain under time and monetary resource restrictions. The system gathers information using an explicit representation of the user's decision model and a database of information sources. Information gathering is performed by repeatedly selecting the query with the highest marginal value. This value is determined by the value of the information with respect to the decision being made, the responsiveness of the information source, and a given resource cost function. Finally, we compare the value-driven approach to several base-line techniques and show that the overhead of the meta-level control is made up for by the increased decision quality.
Routine (Computer System)

This article has no abstract. Keywords: routine (computer system); diagnostic routine
Which White Horse Temple? Some Difficulties in Achieving a Singular Nationalist Archaeological Narrative in Republican China

The modern academic discipline of archaeology in China was born in a period of heightened nationalism. This fact, combined with repeated pronouncements by early twentieth-century Chinese archaeologists, museum curators, and nationalist intellectuals that archaeology could ‘awaken’ the Chinese to patriotism, has led many contemporary historians to assert that archaeology was an effective tool in educating the people in nationalist ideology at the time. This research note seeks to qualify that assessment by calling for closer attention to the working of the discipline at the local level. Using archaeological activities conducted under the auspices of the Sichuan Provincial Education Office in the late 1930s and early 1940s as a case study, this essay suggests the ambiguities inherent in the discipline, as local actors used it to bolster their case for historic differences from the putative centre of Chinese civilization, thus creating a sort of provincial nationalism, which stood in contrast to the version of national history expounded by the centre.
Decreased synaptic and mitochondrial density in the postmortem anterior cingulate cortex in schizophrenia.

Abstract Schizophrenia (SZ) is a mental illness characterized by psychosis, negative symptoms, and cognitive deficits. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a structurally and functionally diverse region, is one of several brain regions that is abnormal in SZ. The present study compared synaptic organization and mitochondrial number and morphology in postmortem ACC in SZ versus normal control (NC). Total synaptic density in the combined ACC was decreased in SZ, to 72% of normal controls (NCs), due to selective decreases in axospinous synapses, both asymmetric (excitatory) and symmetric (inhibitory). These changes were present in layers 3 and 5/6. The density of mitochondria in all axon terminals combined in SZ was decreased to 64% of NC. In layer 3, mitochondrial density was decreased only in terminals forming asymmetric synapses with spines, while in layers 5/6 mitochondrial density was decreased in terminals forming symmetric synapses with spines and dendrites. The proportion of terminals making symmetric synapses that contained mitochondria was significantly lower in SZ than in NCs, especially for symmetric axospinous synapses. The number of mitochondria per neuronal somata was decreased in the ACC in SZ compared to NCs; this finding was present in layers 5–6. The size of mitochondria in neuronal somata and throughout the neuropil was similar in SZ and NCs. Our results, though preliminary, are well supported by the literature, and support an anatomical substrate for some of the altered executive functions found in SZ.
The Genie's out of the Bottle: Insiders’ Perspectives on Occupy Wall Street

A year after Occupy Wall Street (OWS)'s spectacular appearance in lower Manhattan, assessments of its impact range from the view that it was an ephemeral “flash movement” (Plotke 2012) to claims th...
In situ mossbauer effect spectroscopy of a model iron perovskite electrocatalyst

Abstract-The electrochemical properties of SrFeO,.gr dispersed on a high area carbon in alkaline media have been investigated by cyclic vohammetry and in situ Mossbauer spectroscopy. The results provide evidence that a fraction of Fe(W) sites, as monitored in situ, u-tdergo a gradual and irreversible decrease upon exposure of the material to an alkaline solution. This has been attributed to the reduction of such oxidized sites by water, generating most likely an hydroxylated ferric species. In addition it was found that the voltammetry peak observed during the first scan in the negative direction is associated with the irreversible destruction of the perovskite lattice. The only iron species formed and detected by Mossbauer spectroscopy is Fe(OH), which then undergoes reoxidation at much more positive potentials to yield a hydrated ferric oxyhydroxide. INTRODUCTION A number of perovskite-type oxides have been found in recent years to promote the rates of oxygen evolution and reduction and hydrogen peroxide de- composition[l-141. Despite their potential use in actual technological applications, little is known re- garding certain fundamental aspects associated with these materials such as the factors that control the open circuit potential and the overall redox charac- teristics. This type of information is particularly important as it could serve as a basis for establishing structure-activity relationships that may lead to the development of materials with optimized electrocata- lytic properties. The general formula of perovkite-type oxides is ABOa, where
Epileptic stimulus increases Homer 1a expression to modulate endocannabinoid signaling in cultured hippocampal neurons

Abstract Endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling serves as an on-demand neuroprotective system. eCBs are produced postsynaptically in response to depolarization or activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and act on presynaptic cannabinoid receptor-1 to suppress synaptic transmission. Here, we examined the effects of epileptiform activity on these two forms of eCB signaling in hippocampal cultures. Treatment with bicuculline and 4-aminopyridine (Bic + 4-AP), which induced burst firing, inhibited metabotropic-induced suppression of excitation (MSE) and prolonged the duration of depolarization-induced suppression of excitation (DSE). The Homer family of proteins provides a scaffold for signaling molecules including mGluRs. It is known that seizures induce the expression of the short Homer isoform 1a (H1a) that acts in a dominant negative manner to uncouple Homer scaffolds. Bic + 4-AP treatment increased H1a mRNA. A group I mGluR antagonist blocked the Bic + 4-AP-evoked increase in burst firing, the increase in H1a expression, and the inhibition of MSE. Bic + 4-AP treatment reduced mGluR-mediated Ca 2+ mobilization from inositol trisphosphate-sensitive stores relative to untreated cells. Expression of H1a, but not a mutant form that cannot bind Homer ligands, mimicked Bic + 4-AP inhibition of MSE and mGluR-mediated Ca 2+ mobilization. In cells expressing shRNA targeted to Homer 1 mRNA, Bic + 4-AP did not affect mGluR-mediated Ca 2+ release. Furthermore, knockdown of H1a prevented the inhibition of MSE induced by Bic + 4-AP. Thus, an epileptic stimulus increased H1a expression, which subsequently uncoupled mGluR-mediated eCB production. These results indicate that seizure activity modulates eCB-mediated synaptic plasticity, suggesting a changing role for the eCB system following exposure to aberrant patterns of excitatory synaptic activity.
Formation of reassortant bunyaviruses in dually infected mosquitoes.

Abstract Wild-type and temperature-sensitive ( ts ) bunyaviruses were recovered from Aedes triseriatus mosquitoes after 1–3 weeks extrinsic incubation following intrathoracic inoculation with homologous virus mixtures of Group I and II ts mutants of showshoe hare (SSH), or La Crosse (LAC) viruses (e.g., SSH I and SSH II mutants, or LAC I and LAC II mutants). Wild-type and ts viruses were also recovered from mosquitoes dually infected with heterologous virus mixtures of SSH I and LAC II ts mutants. However, only ts viruses have been obtained from mosquitoes infected with LAC I and SSH II ts mutants. RNA fingerprint analyses of one of the wild-type viruses recovered from a mosquito infected with the SSH I and LAC II ts mutants showed that it had the reassortant virus large/medium/small RNA genotype of SSH/LAC/SSH. Wild-type and ts viruses were also recovered from suckling mice on which mosquitoes that had been infected with homologous virus Group I and II SSH, or LAC, ts mutants were allowed to feed. Likewise wild-type and ts viruses were recovered from mice on which mosquitoes inoculated with SSH I and LAC II ts mutants were allowed to feed. RNA fingerprint analyses of one of these wild-type viruses indicated that it had the reassortant virus genotype of SSH/LAC/LAC. From mice on which mosquitoes infected with SSH II and LAC I ts mutants had fed, no wild-type viruses were recovered. The inability to detect reassortants having LAC/SSH/LAC and LAC/SSH/SSH genotypes from the in vivo infections expected to yield them (i.e., SSH II plus LAC I) was consistent with previous observations in which such reassortants were only recovered at very low frequencies from in vitro recombination analyses ( E. J. Rozhon, P. Gensemer, R. E. Shope, and D. H. L. Bishop, Virology, 1981 , in press).
Spectroelectrochemistry of 9-aminoacridine tetracyanoquinodimethane conducting salt electrodes. Proton transport and cation intercalation solid state redox reactions

Abstract The electrochemistry of 9-aminoacridine tetracyanoquinodimethane conducting salt electrodes has been studied in aqueous potassium bromide and potassium acetate electrolyte solutions. Proton transport, electron transport and ion intercalation are involved in the electrode processes. UV-visible spectroelectrochemistry was used to establish the nature of the thin film redox processes. Proton loss occurs upon oxidation of thin films of the 9-aminoacridinium salt of the mixed-valent (tetracyanoquinodimethane) 2 − dimer anion coupled to formation of a charge-transfer complex in the solid state. The cyclic voltammetric behavior of the TCNQ/K 2 + (TCNQ − ) 2 couple, which is made electrochemically accessible by this reaction, is indicative of a very sharp redox phase transformation.
Aromatic Polyesters of p-Hydroxybenzoic Acid

Abstract In this paper I would like to first review the background to the commercial development of the aromatic polyesters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid and then describe some of our recent work on 1) elucidating their structure-property relationships, 2) the effect of the synthetic route, and 3) the role of processing in optimizing properties.
Forecasting monthly earnings per share—Time series models

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to compare the accuracy of five forecasting models for monthly earnings per share data, a seasonal time series. The five models are Holt-Winters exponential smoothing model (HW), Box-Jenkins ARIMA Model (BJ), linear regression of data deseasonalized by the Census II-X11 method (X11), linear regression of data deseasonalized by the X11-ARIMA method (X11ARIMA), linear regression of data deseasonalized by the ratio-to-moving-average method. Study of earnings per share data is important because (1) these data exhibit all the systematic components of a time series, (2) earnings per share forecasts are important for purposes of financial decision making and strategic planning, and (3) previous studies of earnings per share data did not compare these five forecasting models.
Evidence of structural and functional adaptation in epilithon exposed to zinc

Artificial streams were used to study the effect of chronic zinc dosing (0.00,0.05 or 1.00 mg Zn 1- ') on epilithic communities during summer and early fall, 1984 and 1985. Following zinc addition, epilithon was periodically measured for '4C-glucose and 14C-glutamate respiration, ash-free dry weight (AFDW), protein, carbohydrate, chlorophyll a (Chl a), pheophytin a (pheo a), and colony forming units (CFU) on zinc amended and unamended media. Transient peaks in glucose respiration rates mg- ' protein and AFDW occurred within 5 to 10 days in streams dosed with 1.0 mg Zn 1- ' and coincided with decreases in AFDW, protein, carbohydrate, Chl a, and pheo a. Respiration of glutamate did not show a significant response to dosing (a = 0.05). Epilithic plate counts demonstrated more total and zinc-tolerant CFU in dosed than in control epilithon after 20 days. After 30 days, greater biomass and lower protein: carbohydrate ratios were evident in epilithon dosed with 1.0 mg Zn 1- ' compared to unamended treatments. Peaks in glucose respiration suggested the presence of zinc-tolerant heterotrophs transiently capable of increased respiration of glucose but not glutamate. Concurrently, minimal but measurable biomass inferred the persistence of zinc-tolerant microorganisms in zinc-dosed epilithon. By the end of the studies, results indicated that metal-tolerant populations replaced metal-sensitive organisms under conditions of elevated zinc concentration. These zinc adapted communities had lower potential value as a food source to grazers (low protein: carbohydrate ratio) and were no longer distinctive with respect to glucose respiration.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Highly Virulent Aeromonas hydrophila AL09-71 Isolated from Diseased Channel Catfish in West Alabama

ABSTRACT Aeromonas hydrophila AL09-71 was isolated from diseased channel catfish in west Alabama during a 2009 disease outbreak. The full genome of A. hydrophila AL09-71 is 5,023,861 bp. The availability of this genome will allow comparative genomics to identify genes involved in pathogenesis or immunogens for the purpose of vaccine development.
Cigarette Staining and Cleaning of a Maxillofacial Silicone

In this study, a maxillofacial silicone elastomer was stained with cigarette smoke. The stain was then removed by solvent extraction using 1,1,1-trichloroethane. The cigarette smoke produced large color changes in the elastomer as measured from spectrophotometric reflectance curves. The solvent was totally effective in removing the cigarette stain without changing the color of the silicone base.
A crossflow filtration system for constant permeate flux membrane fouling characterization

Membrane fouling is often characterized using a crossflow filtration apparatus. Typically, the transmembrane pressure (TMP) difference is fixed, and the flux is allowed to decline as the membrane fouls and the resistance to mass transfer increases. However, as flux varies, so too does the rate at which foulants are brought to the membrane surface, so the observed fouling behavior is not solely the result of membrane/foulant interactions. Constant flux experiments, where the permeate flux is fixed and the TMP difference varies, minimize such variations in the hydrodynamic conditions at the membrane surface, but constant TMP difference experiments dominate the fouling literature because they are more straightforward to execute than constant flux experiments. Additionally, most industrial water purification membrane installations operate at constant flux rather than at constant TMP. Here, we describe the construction and operation of a constant flux crossflow fouling apparatus. System measurement accuracy was validated by comparison of pure water permeance measurements to values specified by the membrane manufacturer, reported elsewhere, and measured by another technique. Fouling experiments were performed with two membrane/foulant systems: polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes with a soybean oil emulsion foulant and PVDF microfiltration membranes with a polystyrene latex bead suspension foulant. Automatic permeate flux control facilitated flux stepping experiments, which are commonly used to determine the threshold flux or critical flux of a membrane/foulant pair. Comparison of a flux stepping experiment with a literature report yielded good agreement.
Covalency effects on O--O interactions in NiO

The effect of covalency in NiO was investigated as a function of the O–O internuclear separation. A spin‐dependent effective‐core potential for Ni++ and a charge compensated array of point charges representing the ions in NiO have been used to stabilize O= and obtain the electronic potential energy curve. Ab initio SCF calculations were performed on the 1Σ+g state of both the purely ionic [O4−2] system and the covalent system [Ni1004−2]. Covalency effects have strong influence on the pair potential obtained; parameters for both models are compared with estimates used in the modeling of oxides.
Intracellular calcium does not appear to be essential for arachidonic acid release from stimulated macrophages as shown by studies with Quin-2.

Abstract The present investigation was undertaken to study the potential role of intracellular calcium on the release of arachidonic acid from mouse peritoneal macrophages activated by inflammatory stimuli. The intracellular calcium concentration, as measured using fluorescent probe Quin-2, was 112 ± 8.4 nM. The chelation of intracellular calcium with Quin-2 did not affect the release of arachidonic acid from macrophages upon stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate, opsonized zymosan or calcium ionophore A23187. However, the removal of calcium from the extracellular medium resulted in a 30–50% decrease in arachidonic acid release from phorbol myristate acetate- and zymosan-stimulated macrophages and also the stimulation of arachidonic acid release from calcium ionophore-stimulated cells were nullified. These studies indicated the existence of calcium-dependent and independent mechanisms modulating the release of arachidonic acid from macrophages subjected to inflammatory stimuli.
Increased Hexokinase Activity, of Either Ectopic or Endogenous Origin, Protects Renal Epithelial Cells against Acute Oxidant-induced Cell Death *

Glucose (Glc) metabolism protects cells against oxidant injury. By virtue of their central position in both Glc uptake and utilization, hexokinases (HKs) are ideally suited to contribute to these effects. Compatible with this hypothesis, endogenous HK activity correlates inversely with injury susceptibility in individual renal cell types. We recently reported that ectopic HK expression mimics the anti-apoptotic effects of growth factors in cultured fibroblasts, but anti-apoptotic roles for HKs have not been examined in other cell types or in a cellular injury model. We therefore evaluated HK overexpression for the ability to mitigate acute oxidant-induced cell death in an established epithelial cell culture injury model. In parallel, we examined salutary heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (HB-EGF) treatment for the ability to 1) increase endogenous HK activity and 2) mimic the protective effects of ectopic HK expression. Both HK overexpression and HB-EGF increased Glc-phosphorylating capacity and metabolism, and these changes were associated with markedly reduced susceptibility to acute oxidant-induced apoptosis. The uniform Glc dependence of these effects suggests an important adaptive role for Glc metabolism, and for HK activity in particular, in the promotion of epithelial cell survival. These findings also support the contention that HKs contribute to the protective effects of growth factors.
Transforms which almost vanish at infinity

Let be the circle group, M ( ) the set of bounded Borel measures on and ℤ the additive group of integers. If μ ∈ M ( ) and n ∈ ℤ, define A well-known result of Rajchman states that The following quantitative generalization of this result has been given in (2) by K. de Leeuw and Y. Katznelson.
Microstructure and Elemental Distribution in a Cast Austenitic Steel

Casting of austenitic stainless steels offers the possibility of directly producing large and/or complex structures, such as the first wall shield module or the diverter cassette for the International Tokomak Experimental Reactor. However, the resulting mechanical properties and the corrosion resistance of such cast components can be inferior compared to conventionally forged components because of the larger grain size, lower dislocation density and extensive segregation inherent in the cast material. This study examines the microstructural and compositional heterogeneities of a large casting of 316N stainless steel, as well as the possibility of improving the homogeneity and mechanical properties of such a cast material.
Probing Chemical Interactions at the Single-Molecule Level in Mesoporous Silica Thin Films

Single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy is used to study dye molecule diffusion and surface interactions in mesoporous silica thin films. Three different dyes (nile red, DiI, and a sulfonated perylene diimide (SPDI)), selected for their hydrophobicity and charge characteristics, are employed. As-synthesized (surfactant-containing) and calcined (surfactant-free) mesoporous films that are either dry or have been hydrated by exposure to high-humidity environments are studied. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is used to assess the relative importance of diffusion and reversible binding in each material, to measure the dye diffusion coefficients, and to determine the duration of reversible adsorption events. In CTAB-containing as-synthesized materials, SPDI is found to be immobile under all conditions explored, while Nile Red is always mobile. The mobility of DiI is dramatically dependent on the level of film hydration. In SDS-containing materials, DiI is immobile in dry films while SPDI and Nile ...
The bile acid composition of crane gallbladder bile

Abstract 1. 1. The biliary bile acids of the whooping crane ( Grus americana ) and the Florida sandhill crane ( G. canadensis pratensis ) have been examined. 2. 2. Cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDOCA) and lithocholic acid were found in bile from both species of these North American cranes. 3. 3. CDOCA and CA were the primary bile acids in both species, together constituting 70% or more of the bile acids by weight. 4. 4. The primary bile acids of cranes appear to be the same as those that have been identified in other avian species.