cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trypanosoma cruzi infection suppresses nuclear factors that bind to specific sites on the interleukin-2 enhancer

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene expression, a critical early event during T lymphocyte activation, is severely suppressed in mice infected with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of human Chagas' disease. Our previous observation that reduction of IL-2 mRNA in T cells from T. cruzi-infected mice is not due to an increased degradation of the mRNA suggests a repression of the IL-2 gene at the transcriptional level. In this study, we have measured the level of nuclear factors that bind to specific sites on the IL-2 enhancer. Splenocytes and splenic T cells from acutely infected mice show a marked decrease in the level of AP-1, and a modest decrease in the level of NF-kappa B and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF-AT). DNA-binding activity of Oct-1 was least affected in T cells from infected mice. Although the basal level of AP-1 activity is comparable in cells from uninfected and infected mice, mitogen-induced AP-1 activation is absent in the cells from T. cruzi-infected mice. Sodium deoxycholate treatment slightly enhances NF-kappa B-binding activity in splenocyte nuclear and whole-cell extracts from infected mice, suggesting that a blockage of the activation of NF-kappa B is only partially responsible for the decrease in the level of NF-kappa B in T cells from T. cruzi-infected mice. These data identify the molecular basis of IL-2 gene regulation in T. cruzi infection and suggest that T cells are anergized as a result of the infection.
Palliative care for persons with dementia.

Home care and hospice nurses provide invaluable care for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders. Often these patients have advanced disease and may be approaching the end of life. This article describes a palliative care approach to providing comprehensive assessment, care planning,
COMPARISON OF FARMERS' MARKET, AND SUPERMARKET PRODUCE: TOMATOES AND BELL PEPPERS

Undergraduate students made flavor and appearance ratings of tomatoes and bell peppers purchased from certified farmers' market suppliers and from supermarkets in the same cities. Tomatoes from the farmers' markets were less expensive, those from the supermarkets were more attractive, and there was no difference in flavor preference in double-blind taste trials. Bell peppers from a certified farmers' market were preferred in double-blind flavor trials over bell peppers from supermarkets.
Smart pixels with smart illumination for memory applications

ABSTRACT The simple and compact optical design ofthe recently proposed smart pixels with smart illumination (SPSI) conceptallows an integrated emitter and detector array to dynamically and efficiently illuminate and sense remote objects withenhanced functionality. Each pixel can control its associated photodetector(s) illumination level or modulationcharacteristics through electronic feedback from the pixel's photodetector(s) to its emitter. Features include intensitycompression and background subtraction on every pixel. The SPSI concept has several potential applications in sensorarray technology including edge detection; focus and tracking sensors; dynamic spotlight tracking systems; tracking ofobjects in manufacturing; and ranging.The features of SPSI can be exploited in the writing and reading interfaces ofpage-oriented optical memorysystems. The simple optical design coupled with the electrically integrated array of emitters and detectors allows forsimultaneous sensing of all elements of a two dimensional array, with each pixel adjusting to maximize its sensitivity. Theopto-electronic feedback in each pixel allows for adjustment for variation in reflectivity (or emission) across a memorymaterial and maximization of each photodetectors' dynamic range. Differential sensing capabilities allow for precisedetection of dual rail digital or analog signals. Pixel-by-pixel background subtraction can reduce the effects of scatteringand crosstalk between pixels. The dynamic spatial structure of the illumination could play an integral role in adaptive errorcorrection and encryption algorithms.Keywords: smart pixels, sensor arrays, structured illumination, optoelectronic feedback, neural networks, page-orientedmemory, error correction, encryption, tracking
Strengthening the Academic Pipeline Leading to Careers in Math, Science, and Technology for Latino Students

Because Latino students begin school far behind their non-Hispanic peers, moving more of them into the math and science pipeline will require a broad strategy that begins with preliteracy skills. T...
Measurements of peroxyacyl nitrates (PANS) in Mexico City: implications for megacity air quality impacts on regional scales

Abstract Peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs) were measured using gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC/ECD) in north central Mexico City during February–March of 1997. Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) was observed to exceed 30 ppb during five days of the study, with peroxypropionyl nitrate (PPN) and peroxybutryl nitrate (PBN) reaching 6 and 1 ppb maximum, respectively. Levels of total PANs typically exceeded 10 ppb during the period of measurement and showed a very strong diurnal variation with PANs maximum during the early afternoon and falling to less than 0.1 ppb during the evening hours. These levels of PANs are the highest reported values in North America (and the world) for an urban center, since levels of approximately 30 ppb were reported during the late 1970s in the Los Angeles area (South Coast Air Basin, Tuazon et al., 1978). Hydrocarbon measurements indicate that the levels of olefins, specifically butenes are significant in Mexico City. A time series taken of source indicator hydrocarbons taken before and during a Mexican National Holiday with reduced automobile traffic clearly show that mobile sources of butenes are as important as liquefied petroleum gas. Observations of 10–40 ppb C methyl-t-butyl ether (MTBE) are consistent with MTBE/gasoline fuel usage as a source of isobutene and formaldehyde. Both these reactive species can lead to increased oxidant and PAN formation. The strong diurnal profiles of PANs are consistent with regional clearing of the Mexico City air basin on a daily basis. Estimates are given using a simple box model calculation for a number of key primary and secondary pollutant emissions from this megacity on an annual basis. These calculations indicate that megacities can be important sources of both primary and secondary pollutants, and that PANs produced in megacity environments are likely to contribute strongly to regional scale ozone and aerosol productions during long range transport.
Effects of ionizing radiation on ion-bombarded MNOS

The radiation hardness for charge retention (memory) in MNOS capacitor structures under60Co γ-ray irradiation is increased ∼25 percent by an ion-bombardment thermal-anneal (700°C) process. Ohmic transport in MNOS is observed for carriers produced by 5.4-eV photons, and a previously proposed model based upon ohmic transport adequately describes the decay rate for accumulated charge in both bombarded and nonbombarded structures under60Co γ-ray irradiation for zero applied bias. The model does not, however, adequately describe the effect of applied bias during ionizing radiation of bombarded structures, possibly because an assumption of planar accumulated charge is invalid. Applying the model to the decay rate obtained with zero bias gives a µr product of 1.5 to 2 × 10-13cm2/V, and an inferred 10-20-A mean transport distance for ionization produced charge carriers at low fields (∼106V/cm). This result suggests that ion-bombardment-produced gradients in transport properties are too broad to be resolved in low-field experiments. Furthermore, if hot carrier transport dominates, as previously suggested, then neither the decay rate nor the applied bias effects will be strongly dependent upon trap densities within Si 3 N 4 .
Consistent estimation of the urban land value function

Abstract Previous studies have found that the urban land value function became flatter during the 19th century, apparently due to declining transportation costs and increasing income. Estimates from these studies imply that housing demand became less elastic over the same period (from elastic to unit elastic). This paper demonstrates that the latter conclusion is rejected when the area of the city is defined correctly and consistent estimation procedures are used. By combining urban and non-urban data, previous studies underestimated the degree to which the slope of the land value function declined over time. When only urban data are used, the decline is even greater, and the price elasticity of demand for housing is uniformly unit elastic. In addition, the commonly used Box-Cox transformation is found to be an imprecise method of generalizing functional form and subject to substantial small-sample bias which, if ignored, leads to an underestimate of standard errors.
Feasibility issues in linear model predictive control

The problem of infeasibility caused by inconsistent hard state constraints in model predictive control is considered. The difficulties that may arise are analyzed, and the inherent trade-off a controller must address at times of infeasibility is shown. From a multiobjective viewpoint, it is demonstrated that the two approaches for handling infeasibility documented in the literature have significant limitations. Two new techniques for handling infeasibility that overcome the difficulties encountered with current approaches are presented.
An In Vivo Method to Quantify Lymphangiogenesis in Zebrafish

Background: Lymphangiogenesis is a highly regulated process involved in the pathogenesis of disease. Current in vivo models to assess lymphangiogenesis are largely unphysiologic. The zebrafish is a powerful model system for studying development, due to its rapid growth and transparency during early stages of life. Identification of a network of trunk lymphatic capillaries in zebrafish provides an opportunity to quantify lymphatic growth in vivo. Methods and Results: Late-phase microangiography was used to detect trunk lymphatic capillaries in zebrafish 2- and 3days post-fertilization. Using this approach, real-time changes in lymphatic capillary development were measured in response to modulators of lymphangiogenesis. Recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C added directly to the zebrafish aqueous environment as well as human endothelial and mouse melanoma cell transplantation resulted in increased lymphatic capillary growth, while morpholino-based knockdown of vegfc and chemical inhibitors of lymphangiogenesis added to the aqueous environment resulted in decreased lymphatic capillary growth. Conclusion: Lymphatic capillaries in embryonic and larval zebrafish can be quantified using late-phase microangiography. Human activators and small molecule inhibitors of lymphangiogenesis, as well as transplanted human endothelial and mouse melanoma cells, alter lymphatic capillary development in zebrafish. The ability to rapidly quantify changes in lymphatic growth under physiologic conditions will allow for broad screening of lymphangiogenesis modulators, as well as help define cellular roles and elucidate pathways of lymphatic development.
Maximal ATPase activity and calcium sensitivity of reconstituted myofilaments are unaltered by the fetal troponin T re-expressed during human heart failure

Re-expression of a fetal isoform of troponin T (TnT(4)) has been demonstrated in failing human ventricular myocardium and associated with a decrease in myofibrillar ATPase activity. In order to elucidate the regulatory role of the re-expressed TnT(4) in the failing human heart, we measured ATPase activity in reconstituted cardiac myofilaments prepared with recombinant human TnT(4) or the adult human isoform of troponin T (TnT(3)). Neither the maximal calcium-activated ATPase activity nor the calcium sensitivity of this biochemical assay was significantly different between reconstituted myofilaments containing adult TnT(3) or fetal TnT(4). Our results suggest that the re-expressed fetal TnT(4) is not responsible for the depressed ATPase activity of failing ventricular myofibrils. The increased expression of the fetal isoform of this thin filament regulatory protein in the failing ventricle may be a consequence of a programmed change in gene expression occurring in response to hemodynamic stress, but probably does not contribute to depressed ventricular function characteristic of dilated cardiomyopathies.
A tutorial on wavelets from an electrical engineering perspective .2. The continuous case

The wavelet transform is described from the perspective of a Fourier transform. The relationships among the Fourier transform, the Gabor (1946) transform (windowed Fourier transform), and the wavelet transform are described. The differences are also outlined, to bring out the characteristics of the wavelet transform. The limitations of the wavelets in localizing responses in various domains are also delineated. Finally, an adaptive window is presented that may be optimally tailored to suit one's needs, and hence, possibly, the scaling functions and the wavelets.
Conformational and structural studies of 2,2-difluoroethylamine from temperature dependent infrared spectra of xenon solution and ab initio calculations

Abstract Variable temperature (−55 to −100 °C) studies of the infrared spectra (4000–400 cm−1) of 2,2-difluoroethylamine, F2CHCH2NH2 dissolved in liquid xenon have been carried out. From these data three of the five possible conformers have been identified and their relative stabilities obtained. The enthalpy differences have been determined among the most stable Tt conformer and the second stable conformer, Gg, to be 83 ± 8 cm−1 (0.99 ± 0.10 kJ/mol), the third stable conformer, Gt, to be 235 ± 11 cm−1 (2.81 ± 0.13 kJ/mol). The percentage of each conformer at ambient temperature is estimated to be with Tt (34 ± 1%), Gg (45 ± 1%), Gt (22 ± 1%). The first indicator is the NCCH dihedral angle (G = gauche or T = trans) and the second one (g = gauche or t = trans) is the relative position of the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom with respect to the β-carbon atom. The conformational stabilities have been predicted from ab initio calculations utilizing several different basis sets up to aug-cc-pVTZ for both MP2(full) and density functional theory calculations by the B3LYP method. By utilizing previously reported microwave rotational constants along with ab initio MP2(full)/6-311+G(d,p) predicted structural values, adjusted r0 parameters have been obtained for the two most stable conformers. The determined heavy atom structural parameters for the Tt[Gg]{Gt} conformers are: the distances (A) C1–C2 = 1.514(3) [1.507(3)] {1.512(3)}, C2–N3 = 1.452(3) [1.458(3)] {1.453(3)}, C1–F4 = 1.368(3) [1.370(3)] {1.369(3)}, C1–F6 = 1.368(3)[1.365(3)]{1.366(3)} and angles in (°) ∠N3C2C1 = 115.0(5)[108.8(5)]{114.8(5)}, ∠F4C1C2 = 110.3(5) [109.3(5)] {109.7(5)}, ∠F6C1C2 = 110.3(5) [110.0(5)] {109.9(5)}, ∠F4C1F6 = 106.5(5) [107.0(5)] {107.1(5)} and τF4C1C2N3 = 58.6(5) [64.5(5)] {61.2(5)}. Vibrational assignments have been provided for most of the observed bands which have been supported by MP2(full)/6-31G(d) ab initio calculations to predict harmonic force fields, frequencies, infrared intensities, Raman activities and depolarization ratios for the three conformers. The results are discussed and compared to the corresponding properties of some similar molecules.
KamLAND: A Reactor Neutrino Experiment Testing the Solar Neutrino Anomaly

Abstract KamLAND is a 1000 ton liquid scintillation detector currently under construction in the Kamioka mine in Japan. This underground site, with its large overburden of 2700 mw.e., is conveniently located at a distance of 150–210 km to several Japanese nuclear power stations. A measurement of the flux and energy spectrum of the electron anti-neutrinos, emitted by those reactors, will allow us to test the Large Mixing Angle Solution of the solar neutrino anomaly by performing a disappearance search for anti-neutrino oscillations. We will hence, for the first time, provide a completely solar model independent test of this particle physics solution of the solar neutrino problem. Data taking is expected to commence in 2001.
Effects of surfactant subfractions on preterm rabbit lung function.

ABSTRACT: Surfactant isolated from adult rabbits was separated into large aggregate forms (LA) and small aggregate forms (SA) by centrifugation at 40 000 X g. LA contain SP-A and the surfactant lipophilic proteins SP-B and SP-C and are surface-active in vitro, whereas SA lack the surfactant proteins and have poor surface properties. Premature rabbits were treated with LA or SA and ventilated to evaluate the effects of LA and SA in vivo. There were dose-response effects of LA at doses between 10 and 50 mg total lipid/kg: dynamic compliances increased from 0.4 to 0.8 mL/cm H2O/kg and pressure-volume curves improved significantly, whereas SA did not improve any of the measurements at any dose. Organic solvent extracts of SA made up into LA also did not improve in vivo function. When 1.5% SP-B and SP-C isolated from calf surfactant was added to organic solvent extracts of SA, the surfactant had good in vitro surface properties and increased maximum lung volumes. However, this surfactant did not improve dynamic compliances or lung stability on pressurevolume curves. Because the lipids from SA seemed to limit the compliance response, we tried to identify differences in lipids from LA and SA. Phospholipids from SA reconstituted with SP-BC did not function well in vivo, whereas phospholipids from LA with SP-BC were similar to LA surfactant. The neutral lipid fractions from LA or SA did not contribute very much to or inhibit function. Fatty acid composition of the phospholipids and phosphatidylcholine from LA and SA were not remarkably different. We conclude that subtle compositional differences in the phospholipids or difficulties with reconstriction of the lipids with SP-BC prevents in vivo function of SA surfactant.
A very short, functionally constrained sequence diagnoses cone snails in several Conasprella clades.

Abstract The traditional taxonomy of ca. 700 cone snails assigns all species to a single genus, Conus Linnaeus 1758. However, an increasing body of evidence suggests that some belong to a phylogenetically distinct clade that is sometimes referred to as Conasprella. Previous work ( Kraus et al., 2011 ) showed that a short (259 bp) conserved intronic sequence (CIS) of the γ-glutamyl carboxylase gene (intron 9) can be used to delineate deep phylogenetic relationships among some groups of Conus. The work described here uses intron 9 (338 bp) to resolve problematic relationships among the conasprellans and to distinguish them from Conus proper. Synapomorphic mutations at just 39 sites can resolve several groups within Conasprella because the informative region of intron 9 is so well conserved that the phylogenetic signal is not obscured by homoplasies at conflicting sites. Intron 9 also unambiguously distinguishes Conasprella as a whole from Conus because the conserved regions that are so well conserved within each group are not alignable and clearly not homologous between them. This pattern suggests that expression of the γ-glutamyl carboxylase gene may have undergone a functionally significant change in Conus or Conasprella shortly after they diverged.
Varied Reward Magnitude Effects in the Rat: Patterning and Resistance to Extinction

3 groups of 10 rats were trained for 6 trials per day for 34 days on one of the following reward schedules: 2 pellets on odd trials and 4 pellets on even trials (Group 2–4), 2 pellets on odd trials and 8 pellets on even trials (Group 2–8), and 2 pellets on odd trials and 16 pellets on even trials (Group 2–16). Following acquisition, extinction training was given at 6 trials per day for 6 days. In acquisition, the 2–16 group learned to run fast on the even trials and slow on the odd trials (patterned running). In extinction, Groups 2–4 and 2–16 ran similarly but both ran significantly more slowly than the 2–8 group. These results were interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that the increased resistance to extinction usually provided by large variation in reward depends upon the absence of patterned running in acquisition.
Magnetism of Fe clusters in YBa2(Cu1−xFex)3Oy

Abstract Reducing atmosphere preparations (RP) of title compounds with subsequent reoxigenations produce more extended Fe clustering on Cu(1) sites and an increase of the relative occupations on Cu(2), by comparison with conventional oxygenating atmosphere preparations (OP). Within a microscopic model for RP we discuss their increased magnetic and superconducting transition temperatures, local Fe magnetic moments and valence states. Data from Mossbauer spectroscopy indicate a distinction of local coordinations between bulk and surface of clusters and a likely Fe clustering also on Cu(2). Superconducting pair breaking per random Fe on Cu(2) is shown to be one order of magnitude stronger than for Zn. Fe clustering has the potential to increase the flux pinning, and influence the mode of magnetic order.
A many sorted algebra based signal processing data flow language

Abstract A many sorted algebra is developed for digital signal processing. It provides a rigorous setting for specifying various discrete signal processing operations. The algebra is the framework for a digital processing data flow language.
Pressure-Induced Sintering Of ZnS

Pressure-induced sintering of ZnS compacts was shown to require much lower temperatures than those used in conventional sintering processes. The hardness of the ZnS compacts was found to be directly proportional to the initial densification pressure. Micrographs of the ZnS compacts showed that trapped air causes pores and produces spring-back effects hindering densification and leading to cracking. Initial studies were carried out in a miniature diamond anvil high pressure cell. More recent work involved the preparation of much larger samples utilizing large volume hydraulic presses. Hardness and toughness were measured by the microindentation technique. Fracture toughness, as well as hardness, was shown in some cases to be superior to those obtained by conventional sintering of ZnS. It was also shown that the addition of NiS to the ZnS markedly improved the fracture toughness of the material. Pore pressure is a critical factor in pressure-induced sintering.
Differential expression of prostaglandin E2 and interleukin-6 in occlusive and aneurysmal aortic disease.

Abstract Background: Both aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) and abdominal aortic aneurysm disease (AAA) are traditionally considered degenerative conditions that are caused by atherosclerosis. Although it is becoming apparent that the pathophysiology of each condition has its own determinants, inflammation is thought to play a role in each. The purpose of this study was to analyze the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prostaglandin E 2 (PGE2) in aortic disease and compare AAA with AIOD, as well as to compare both with normal aorta. Methods: Aortic tissue was harvested at the time of aortic reconstructive surgery for AAA (n = 13) and AIOD (n = 14) or at time of organ harvest for normal (n = 16) aortic specimens. Whole organ cultures were immediately established, and the culture medium was collected after 72 hours. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assay for PGE2 and a lymphoproliferative assay was used to quantitate IL-6. Statistical analysis was performed using paired 2-tail t tests. Results: Normal aorta expressed much less PGE2 (384 ± 67 ng/mL) than either AAA (11,093 ± 7,411 ng/mL) ( P P P = .44). The IL-6 assay also showed that normal aorta had very little expression (1,861 ± 334 U/mL) compared with either AAA (14,329 ± 4,159 U/mL) ( P = .02) or AIOD (39,805 ± 8,426) ( P P = .03). Conclusions: AAA and AIOD are associated with increased expression of the proinflammatory cytokines PGE2 and IL-6. However, AIOD is associated with a much higher level of IL-6 expression than is AAA, although the level of PGE2 expression is the same. This differential expression of IL-6 may help explain the pathogenesis of these 2 distinct aortic diseases. (Surgery 1999;126:624-8.)
Observing total solar eclipses from near the edge of the predicted path

Suitable observations from various locations in the predicted path of a total solar eclipse can provide information about the relative positions and shapes of the Sun and Moon to about ±0″.02. The total solar eclipse of 1972, July 10 was observed from locations near the edges of its predicted path. The durations of the limb phenomena were greatly enhanced. Preliminary analysis of the observations shows that the eclipse shadow passed 3 km northeast of its predicted path.
Critical fields of (La.925Ba.075)2CuO4−y

Abstract We have measured the upper critical field of (La .925 Ba .075 ) 2 CuO 4-y in the range from 0 to 30 Tesla in the hybrid magnet at the Francis Bitter National Magnet Lab. The resistive transition in zero field onsets above 3 OK, with .9R n at 29K, .1R n at 27K and 0 below 24K (R n = R(3 4K). Following the II-T curves for different fractions of R n we find substantial differences in the temperature dependence of the apparent critical field. However, for (H,T)=.9R n there is good agreement with simple pairbreaking behavior with an extrapolated H c2 (0) of 46 Tesla. At 4K there is no measurable resistance to 30 Tesla.
Vitamin D Deficiency Masquerading as Metastatic Cancer: A Case Series

Patients with vitamin D deficiency can present with nonspecific bone pain and findings on radionuclide bone scanning that may suggest metastatic malignancy. In this report, we present 4 such cases, in which clinicians initially pursued diagnoses of metastatic malignancy and did not consider vitamin D deficiency and osteomalacia in the differential diagnosis. Eventual recognition of vitamin D deficiency and provision of supplementation resulted in prompt resolution of symptoms for each patient. In appropriate cases, timely consideration of a diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency can mitigate the anxiety associated with undergoing an evaluation for cancer.
Posterior Sternoclavicular Dislocations: A Brief Review and Technique for Closed Management of a Rare But Serious Injury

Posterior sternoclavicular dislocations are rare but serious injuries. The proximity of the medial clavicle to the vital structures of the mediastinum warrants caution with management of the injury. Radiographs are the initial imaging test, though computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are essential for diagnosis and preoperative planning. This paper presents an efficient diagnostic approach and effective technique of closed reduction of posterior sternoclavicular dislocations with a brief review of open and closed reduction procedures.
Active silica-gel films for hydrogen sulfide optical sensor application.

We have developed a novel H2S-sensitive film by immobilizing thionine in a silica matrix by means of the solgel process. The film is stable, reversible, and sensitive to dissolved H2S to as low as parts-per-billion levels. The photochemical instability of thionine in basic solution has been improved dramatically by use of this immobilization technique and silica substrate. Based on the developed new films, sensors for monitoring H2S may be prepared either by a fiber-optic approach or by integrated optical circuit techniques.
Chemoenzymatic production of 1,5-dimethyl-2-piperidone

Abstract A chemoenzymatic process for the preparation of 1,5-dimethyl-2-piperidone (1,5-DMPD) from 2-methylglutaronitrile (MGN) has been demonstrated. MGN was first hydrolyzed to 4-cyanopentanoic acid (4-CPA) ammonium salt using the nitrilase activity of immobilized Acidovorax facilis 72W cells. The hydrolysis reaction produced 4-CPA ammonium salt with greater than 98% regioselectivity at 100% conversion, and at concentrations of 170–210 g 4-CPA/l. Catalyst productivities of at least 1000 g 4-CPA/g dry cell weight (dcw) of immobilized cells were achieved by recycling the immobilized-cell catalyst in consecutive stirred-batch reactions. After recovery of the immobilized cell catalyst for reuse, the 4-CPA ammonium salt in the aqueous product mixture was directly converted to 1,5-DMPD by low-pressure catalytic hydrogenation in the presence of added methylamine.
Enzymatic Fabrication of DNA Nanostructures: Extension of a Self-assembled Oligonucleotide Monolayer on Gold Arrays

Nucleic acid nanostructures are useful as templates for bionanofabrication of composite molecular nanostructures in materials science, molecular electronics, and biosensing. Here, we demonstrate that terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase, which repetitively adds mononucleotides to the 3' end of a short DNA initiator, can be used to rapidly fabricate DNA nanostructures up to 121 nm high with lateral dimensions from 0.1 to 4 mum in 2 h. These programmable scaffolds can potentially be employed to build more complex nanostructures consisting of natural or unnatural nucleotides with selective docking sites along the single-stranded DNA.
An on-chip partial drop wavelength selective broadcast network

A wavelength selective 1-by-8-port optical broadcasting system is proposed and demonstrated utilizing partial drop adiabatic microring tunable filters, achieving a 92.7GHz filter bandwidth, 36.2nm Free-Spectral-Range, low power-variation (0.11dB), and aggregate excess loss of only 1.1dB.
Nonequilibrium Planar Interface Model for Solidification of Semitransparent Radiating Materials

A nonequilibrium solidie cation model for semitransparent materials is presented. Consideration is given to a planar layer of emitting, absorbing, and scattering medium subject to radiative and convective cooling. The enthalpy method is used to formulate the phase-change problem together with radiative transfer equation taking into account internal emitting, absorbing, and scattering. A planar interface nonequilibrium solidie cation is assumed with crystalline phase nucleated on the surface at a given nucleation temperature, which may be signie cantly lower than the equilibrium melting temperature of the material. A linear kinetics relationship is introduced to correlate the unknown solidie cation temperature to the interface velocity. A fully implicit e nite volume scheme is used to solve the problem with the solidie cation interface tracked by a modie ed interface tracking method. Theradiative transfer equation issolved using the discreteordinates method. Internal radiation enhances the latent heat removal and thus leads to a higher interface velocity and a larger melt undercooling. Optical thickness and the conduction-radiation parameter are two important parameters that affect the solidie cation process. In the presence of external convective cooling, effect of internal radiation is small in the early stage of solidie cation.
Ontogeny of histochemical fiber types and muscle function in the masseter muscle of miniature swine.

In this study of masticatory maturation, the ontogeny of the histochemical fiber type composition of musculus masseter is examined in the omnivorous miniature swine (Sus scrofa). Fiber type characteristics are interpreted by comparison with electromyography (EMG) recorded during feeding behavior. Similar to locomotion studies, the results suggest a correspondence between the composition and arrangement of motor units and their recruitment pattern. Serial sections of masseter muscles from 10 minipigs, ranging from 2 weeks to slightly over 1 year of age, were stained for myosin adenosine triphosphatase (mATPase) activity to distinguish slow-twitch from fast-twitch fibers, and for nicotinamide adenosine dehydrogenase-tetrazolium reductase to assess the aerobic capacity of the same fibers. Although maintaining a uniformly high aerobic capacity throughout ontogeny and in adult animals, a transition is observed in the relative proportions of fast- and slow-twitch fibers. The primarily fast-twitch neonatal pig masseter eventually comprises approximately 25-30% slow-twitch fibers in adults, with a higher predominance of slow fibers in the deep (vs. superficial) and anterior (vs. posterior) regions of the muscle. Furthermore, while individual fibers of adult masseters generally stain for either alkaline- or acid-stable mATPase activity, a substantial proportion of cells in developing animals exhibits the presence of both isozymes. EMG results indicate functional heterogeneity within the masseter of adult pigs. During chewing, when pig chow is replaced by cracked corn, EMG activity in the deep portion of the muscle either decreases or increases slightly. In the superficial portion, however, muscle amplitudes become dramatically higher for corn, surpassing levels generated for chewing the less obdurate chow. These results are consistent with a behavioral transition from neonatal suckling to sustained mastication of foods of more complex textures eaten by adult pigs. The relationship between these fiber type and EMG results for pig masseter corresponds to those pertaining to motor unit recruitment in the extensor muscles of locomotion. Implications of this work for the evolutionary morphology of mastication also are discussed.
Deep greenhouse gas reduction scenarios for California – Strategic implications from the CA-TIMES energy-economic systems model

Abstract California has taken a leading role in regulating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, requiring that its economy-wide emissions be brought back down to the 1990 level by 2020. The state also has a long-term, aspirational goal of an 80 percent reduction below the 1990 level by 2050. While the steps needed to achieve the near-term target have already been clearly defined by California policy makers, the suite of transformational technologies and policies required to decarbonize the energy system over the long term have not yet been explored. This paper describes an effort to fill this important gap, introducing CA-TIMES, a bottom-up, technologically-rich, integrated energy–engineering–environmental–economic systems model that has been developed to guide the long-term policy planning process. CA-TIMES is useful for exploring low-carbon scenarios, and the analyses described here focus on the potential evolution of the transportation, fuel supply, and electric generation sectors over the next several decades in response to various energy and climate policies. We find that meeting California’s 80% emission reduction goal can be achieved through a combination of mitigation strategies, including managing the growth in energy service demand, increasing investments in efficiency and low-carbon energy supply technologies, and promoting demand technologies that facilitate end-use device electrification and a decrease in the direct use of hydrocarbon fuels through efficiency improvement and fuel switching. In such deep emission reduction scenarios, we estimate that energy system costs (accounting for investments on the energy supply side and in transportation demand technologies, as well as fuel and O&M costs) could be around 8–17% higher than in a reference case. Meanwhile, average abatement costs could range from $107 to $225/tCO 2 . These estimates are very much dependent on a range of socio-political and technological uncertainties, for instance, the availability and cost of biomass, nuclear power, carbon capture and storage, and electric and hydrogen vehicles.
Early Posttraumatic Seizures in the Pediatric Population

Early posttraumatic seizure is a paramount clinical issue in pediatric traumatic brain injury patients as it is a common occurrence, yet an understudied entity at present. Recent literature recognizes several posttraumatic seizure subtypes based on time of presentation and the underlying pathophysiology: impact, immediate, delayed early, and late/posttraumatic epilepsy. Appropriate classification of pediatric posttraumatic seizure subtypes can be helpful for appropriate management and prognosis. This review will focus on early posttraumatic seizures, and the subtypes of early posttraumatic seizure. Incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, seizure semiology, status epilepticus, management, risk of recurrence, and prognosis were reviewed. The integration of continuous electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring into pediatric traumatic brain injury management may hold the key to better characterizing and understanding pediatric early posttraumatic seizures. Topics for future research pertaining to pediatric early posttraumatic seizure are identified.
The Analytical Preconditions for Keynes' Theory of Money

Evaluating Keynes' belief that the "general theory" would create a revolution in economics, depends, in part, on what defines the key elements of the general theory. This paper presents the analytical preconditions for one of these key elements, his liquidity preference theory of money. It is argued here that Keynes's liquidity preference theory of money was both a result of his own intellectual development and a theoretical necessity, given the rest of the theoretical structure of the general theory. Specifically, this paper argues that there were two analytical preconditions for the theory of money contained in the general theory. The first was Keynes' rejection of the quantity theory of money as the basis for conducting monetary policy, a theory he inherited from his English predecessors and he himself had embraced and to which he contributed earlier in his professional career. The second was his rejection of the neoclassical loanable funds theory of interest rate determination.
Identifying glaucoma with multi-fractal features from optical coherence tomography (OCT)

We propose a novel technique that exploits multi-fractal features for classifying glaucoma from ocular normal patients using retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurement data. We apply a box-counting (BC) method, which utilizes pseudo 2D images from 1D RNFL data, and a multi-fractional Brownian motion (mBm) method, which incorporates both fractal and wavelet analyses, to analyze optical coherence tomography (OCT) data from 136 study participants (63 with glaucoma and 73 ocular normal patients). For statistical performance comparison, we compute the sensitivity, specificity and area under receiver operating curve (AUROC). The AUROCs in identifying glaucoma from ocular normal patients were 0.81 (BC), 0.87 (mBm), and 0.89 (BC+mBm), respectively.
An application of optimization-by-simulation to discrete variable systems

An algorithm is being developed for optimization of discrete variable stochastic systems that are modeled by computer simulation. The algorithm is basically a complex type search method that interacts with the simulation model. The capabilities built in the procedure allows it to take into account the stochastic nature of the responses of the simulation model and arrive at a reasonable solution with a certain level of confidence. This paper reports preliminary results obtained from this procedure which is undergoing its final stages of development. An application of this procedure to optimization of operation of a manufacturing cell is also presented.
Challenges in providing family-centered support to families in palliative care

Background:Supporting the family-as-a-whole presents challenges in palliative care, although family meetings are increasingly used in routine practice. The Family Focused Grief Therapy (FFGT) Model...
Paleo-immunology: evidence consistent with insertion of a primordial herpes virus-like element in the origins of acquired immunity.

Background The RAG encoded proteins, RAG-1 and RAG-2 regulate site-specific recombination events in somatic immune B- and T-lymphocytes to generate the acquired immune repertoire. Catalytic activities of the RAG proteins are related to the recombinase functions of a pre-existing mobile DNA element in the DDE recombinase/RNAse H family, sometimes termed the “RAG transposon”. Methodology/Principal Findings Novel to this work is the suggestion that the DDE recombinase responsible for the origins of acquired immunity was encoded by a primordial herpes virus, rather than a “RAG transposon.” A subsequent “arms race” between immunity to herpes infection and the immune system obscured primary amino acid similarities between herpes and immune system proteins but preserved regulatory, structural and functional similarities between the respective recombinase proteins. In support of this hypothesis, evidence is reviewed from previous published data that a modern herpes virus protein family with properties of a viral recombinase is co-regulated with both RAG-1 and RAG-2 by closely linked cis-acting co-regulatory sequences. Structural and functional similarity is also reviewed between the putative herpes recombinase and both DDE site of the RAG-1 protein and another DDE/RNAse H family nuclease, the Argonaute protein component of RISC (RNA induced silencing complex). Conclusions/Significance A “co-regulatory” model of the origins of V(D)J recombination and the acquired immune system can account for the observed linked genomic structure of RAG-1 and RAG-2 in non-vertebrate organisms such as the sea urchin that lack an acquired immune system and V(D)J recombination. Initially the regulated expression of a viral recombinase in immune cells may have been positively selected by its ability to stimulate innate immunity to herpes virus infection rather than V(D)J recombination Unlike the “RAG-transposon” hypothesis, the proposed model can be readily tested by comparative functional analysis of herpes virus replication and V(D)J recombination.
Chemical Additives for Dust Control What We Have Used and What We Have Learned

The Pacific Northwest region of the USDA Forest Service has been using chemical additives for dust abatement for many years. The traditional additives include dust oils, lignin sulfonate, and chlorides. Increased product costs, environmental concerns, and the continual quest for improved performance has led to consideration of other additives, including synthetic polymer emulsions, tall oil emulsions, clay additives, and penetrating asphalt emulsions. Some road tests have been performed to evaluate their suitability and cost-effectiveness. From these tests and experience, it has been learned that lignin sulfonate, chlorides, and clay additives, when properly matched to the site, have a consistent and predictable performance; polymer and tall oil emulsions, based on limited use, have provided inconsistent performance. The reason for this inconsistency has not been addressed other than the speculation that in some situations the additive did not completely cure, that the cured additive may be water soluble, or there might be variability in the quality of the manufactured product.
Fast optimization of nano-CMOS mixed-signal circuits through accurate metamodeling

Design optimization methodologies for AMS-SoCs with analog, digital, and mixed-signal portions have not received significant attention, due to their high complexity. In mixed-signal circuit design, optimization and simulation are still important issues as they make the design cycle longer. This paper presents a new approach to reduce design optimization time. The approach relies on the fact that optimization carried out over a metamodel (which is an abstracted representation of the circuit model) instead of the actual circuit will allow fast design space exploration and reduce the design cycle time. In this paper three different optimization algorithms are compared: exhaustive search, tabu search and simulated annealing algorithms are analyzed to determine their suitability for metamodeling-based optimization. A ring oscillator is designed for a 45 nm nano-CMOS technology and the post-layout parasitic netlist is used as a test case for a comparative study. It is observed that the metamodel-based simulated-annealing optimization algorithm achieved ∼9000× speed-up over the actual circuit-based optimization.
The genetics of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

The increasing prevalence of obesity in Western countries has led to a significant increase of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) over the past decades. Being part of the metabolic syndrome, NAFLD is thought to be the most frequent cause of elevated liver enzymes in the United States affecting up to one third of the population. NAFLD is also proposed to be the major cause for cryptogenic cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer of unknown etiology, and thus, represents one of the most important problems for hepatologists in the future. However, the natural course of NAFLD is highly variable and is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Polymorphisms in specific genes have been proposed to increase the risk of fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. The present review article summarizes currently available data from genotype-phenotype studies and defines candidate genes that deserve future investigation.
Formation, Structure and Properties of Freeze‐Cast Kaolinite–Silica Nanocomposites

This study is focused on understanding the effects of kaolinite content and freezing rate on the microstructure, surface area, and flexural strength of freeze-cast kaolinite–silica nanoparticle composites. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the bulk of the composites contain interconnected pores and that the size of the pores increases with kaolinite concentration. Lowering the freezing rate from 2.0 to 0.05 K/min produces much larger pores on the outer surface of the sample and only minor effects on the bulk morphology. BET measurements indicate that the specific surface area (area/mass) of the composites is controlled primarily by the relative amounts of kaolinite and silica in the sample and not by the freezing rate. Equibiaxial flexural strength tests show that the strength of the composites is substantially higher than freeze-cast samples produced using either kaolinite only or silica only, indicating that the two components work cooperatively. The strength is slightly higher for composites produced at the lower freezing rate. Adsorption tests indicate that during gel formation, the silica nanoparticles strongly adsorb to the much larger kaolinite platelets, which could be the primary cause for the increased strength of the composites.
A new paradigm: Diagnosis and management of HSCT-associated thrombotic microangiopathy as multi-system endothelial injury

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is now a well-recognized and potentially severe complication of HSCT that carries a high risk of death. In those who survive, TA-TMA may be associated with long-term morbidity and chronic organ injury. Recently, there have been new insights into the incidence, pathophysiology, and management of TA-TMA. Specifically, TA-TMA can manifest as a multi-system disease occurring after various triggers of small vessel endothelial injury, leading to subsequent tissue damage in different organs. While the kidney is most commonly affected, TA-TMA involving organs such as the lung, bowel, heart, and brain is now known to have specific clinical presentations. We now review the most up-to-date research on TA-TMA, focusing on the pathogenesis of endothelial injury, the diagnosis of TA-TMA affecting the kidney and other organs, and new clinical approaches to the management of this complication after HSCT.
On the noisy interference regime of the MISO Gaussian interference channel

In this work, we consider the two-user Gaussian MISO interference channel. We derive a criterion for sum-rate optimality of treating interference as noise at the receivers, which generalizes recent results for the SISO case [1]-[3]. In contrast to those results, however, the criterion is not in closed form. For the case where single-mode beamforming is applied at the transmitters, we propose a practical decision algorithm that will decide whether optimality holds for a given channel.