cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensitivities in older eyes with good acuity: Cross-sectional norms

We measured several indices of foveal visual function for a large group of people aged 60 and older. The data reported in this paper are from individuals who had good acuity in each eye and met a number of other criteria for good ocular health. For each index, we described the rate of cross-sectional change with age using linear regression statistics. We found age-related change for eyes having 20/20 or better acuity to exist for several different indices. Sensitivity mediated by the blue-sensitive cones decreased with age, as expected. However, the rate of decrease was faster for females than for males. At least part of the difference was associated with different rates of lenticular change. Absolute sensitivity at long wavelengths also decreased with age, but at the same rate for each sex. Rayleigh color matches changed with age in a manner consistent with underlying age-related decreases of effective foveal cone photopigment density. However, not all indices showed age-dependent changes. For instance, the time constant describing the rate of photopic dark adaptation did not appear to change with age.
Development of a Case Study Problem in Engineering Economics Based on a Telephone Replacement Undertaking at UW-Platteville

General Engineering 2820 (GE 2820) is a course offered to all undergraduate students at the College of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science (EMS), University of Wisconsin –Platteville. A constant exercise for the instructors in this course is to update the course material with interesting case study problems which are then solved by students as an assignment. In recent days, the University of Wisconsin –Platteville, is contemplating replacement of its current Voice over IP (VoIP) phone service (catered by the local utility company “Century Link”) with a “Unified Communications” service. Current services cost the university $18,900 per month. With the new system being contemplated and the since the university has necessary infrastructure in place, the cost for the university is estimated to be approximately $7000 per month. Therefore, a breakeven analysis was undertaken for studying the economic feasibility of this undertaking by the students in this course. Part of this case study involved – defining the problem correctly, processing the interest rate data so as to calculate an appropriate effective annual rate, processing the financial data related to the phone services, and finally performing a breakeven study using the annual worth computation. Based on student performances, such case study problems have benefited the students in understanding the concepts of time value of money and various method of analysis in engineering economy.
Thinking carefully about quantum information

The development of quantum information theory over the last 20 years has produced a plethora of interesting new results and along with them a host of claims have been made by physicists and philosophers about how quantum information theory helps us understand the quantum world. When one examines such claims with any attention to detail, it is quite obvious that radically different and incompatible claims are being made about the quantum world. Christopher Timpson’s Quantum Information Theory and the Foundations of Quantum Mechanics provide a sober and thorough critical guide to these claims. Claims made about how quantum information theory can help us understand the quantum world are a motley collection, and so too are the chapters of Timpson’s book. That said, they can almost be sorted into two broad categories: those that aim to define quantum information and to understand the quantum world in terms of it, and those that aim to reconstruct quantum mechanics in terms of informationtheoretic axioms which will render the quantum world understandable to us. Timpson’s Chapter 6, on quantum computation is the exception. Oftentimes, different concepts of information are deployed in the literature associated with quantum information theory that are as much related as Michael Jackson the pop music icon and Michael Jackson the beer and whisky expert. It is strikingly ironic how much confusion has been generated by appeal to concepts of information. Timpson’s second chapter, ‘‘What is information?’’, is the antidote to such confusion. Timpson claims that there are really only two proper ways to talk about information in this context: the everyday way, which has a strong connection to knowledge, and the technical way, whose roots lie in Shannon (1948). With respect to both, Timpson’s most pressing point is to guard against a view that
Ion Transport in Polymerized Ionic Liquid–Ionic Liquid Blends

We used atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to study ion mobilities and the molecular mechanisms of transport in blends of poly(1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate) electrolytes with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquids. We characterized the structural and dynamical properties of the blend electrolyte systems through radial distribution functions, diffusivities, conductivities, and different time scales of relaxation and probed the correlations underlying such characteristics. Our results indicate that many features of ion transport in such blend systems mirror those observed in our earlier study of pure polymerized ionic liquids [Mogurampelly et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 9511]. Explicitly, we observe that the anions associated with the polymerized cation move along the polymer backbone via the formation and breakup of ion pairs involving polymerized cationic monomers of different polymer chains. Interestingly, for all blend systems excepting pure polymeric ...
Scenes and Lighting

Turning from perception, we take a look back at our world. We begin by discussing the measurement of light in our natural world, clearly differentiating the measurement of luminance and illuminance. We then explore illumination both in our natural world as well as artificial illumination we employ every day in our manmade world, comparing and contrasting daylight and artificial illumination. We conclude this chapter by discussing the reflectance of items and the implications of this reflectance on color saturation and relative luminance. We clearly illustrate that all colors are not equally-likely but that saturated colors, and especially bright, saturated colors, are rare although often important entities within our environment, whether it is artificial or manmade.
Different pitches for different stages of entrepreneurial development: the practice of pitching to business angels

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we draw upon social practice theory as a lens through which to challenge commonly held assumptions about the practice of pitching. This study presents evidence suggesting tha...
Chapter Two Hidden Patency: On the Iconic Character of Human Life

Following Pope John Paul II, Bishop McHugh argues that the sacredness of human life is an objective truth that can be known by objective means. But if knowing is a kind of seeing, what is the mode of seeing that would allow a skeptic to see the sacredness of human life? It cannot be the kind of Euclidean seeing that can grasp the steps of a geometrical proof, for then everyone of normal intelligence would easily see it. The article maintains that it can be seen either through an “insider” model, which entails practical commitment and action, or else through an “iconic” model, which allows us to see the invisible within the visible, the eternal within the temporal. In both the latter cases, a kind of inner transformation is required, as opposed to the detachment of truly objective seeing. To see this sacredness of life, one must assume it, be it, discover it within oneself. It is not empirically demonstrable, not objective, because it is not of this world. It is not based upon a fact, but upon an epiphany. It is an image of the mystery.
Rhizopogon olivaceotinctus increases its inoculum potential in heated soil independent of competitive release from other ectomycorrhizal fungi.

ABSTRACTRhizopogon olivaceotinctus is a rarely collected ectomycorrhizal fungus that has been found primarily in California and southern Oregon. Prior work has shown that it (i) is common in soil s...
The undiagnosed diseases program: Approach to diagnosis

Undiagnosed and rare conditions are collectively common and affect millions of people worldwide. The NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program (UDP) strives to achieve both a comprehensive diagnosis and a better understanding of the mechanisms of disease for many of these individuals. Through the careful review of records, a well-orchestrated inpatient evaluation, genomic sequencing and testing, and with the use of emerging strategies such as matchmaking programs, the UDP succeeds nearly 30 percent of the time for these highly selective cases. Although the UDP process is built on a unique set of resources, case examples demonstrate steps genetic professionals can take, in both clinical and research settings, to arrive at a diagnosis for their most challenging cases.
PSMA expression in the neo-vasculature of solid tumors

2181 Background: Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) is a type II transmembrane metallo-peptidase overexpressed in prostate cells. Initially thought to be highly specific for prostate and cancer, recent evidence suggest that PSMA is also expressed in endothelial cells associated with non-prostatic solid tumors. Thus far only a limited number of solid tumors have been investigated in detail for PSMA expression in the neovasculature. Because of its potential use as a vascular targeting molecule we determined the expression of PSMA in a representative collection of a variety of solid tumor entities including gastric, colo-rectal, renal-cell and urothelial carcinoma. Experimental design: PSMA expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections of 119 cases of primary gastric cancer, 130 cases of primary colorectal cancers, 19 cases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), 18 cases of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder and 23 urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis. Immunoreactivity was scored semiquantitatively based on staining intensity and distribution. Expression data were correlated with clinicopathological information. Results: PSMA expression was detected in tumor-associated neo-vasculature of 79 of 119 (66.4%) of gastric and 110 of 130 (84.6%) of colorectal cancers. Interestingly, 15 (12%) colorectal cancer samples showed also a strong epithelial PSMA staining. There was a trend for high grade tumors to higher PSMA expression (Spearman r = 0.18, P = 0.046) and men generally had higher PSMA level than women (Spearman r = 0.23, P = 0.009) in colorectal cancers. 17 of 19 (89 %) samples of RCC showed strong staining for PSMA in tumor-associated endothelial cells. Non-clearcell carcinoma samples showed no PSMA expression. Thirty-six of fourty-two (88%) urothelial carcinomas exhibited detectable PSMA expression. Conclusions: We confirm previous reports on the tumor specific expression of PSMA in neo-vasculature in a large sample collection of solid malignancies. PSMA is frequently expressed in the tumorvasculature but expression levels vary significantly within one tumor entity and between different entities. Further studies investigating the biological significance and regulation of PSMA expression are therefore needed. Because of its highly tumor-specific expression and its unique biological characteristics PSMA represents an interesting target for anti-angiogenic therapies in solid tumors.
Novel exomic rare variants associated with venous thrombosis.

Exomic rare variant polymorphisms (c. 300 000) were analysed in the Scripps Venous Thrombosis (VTE) registry (subjects aged <55 years). Besides coagulation factor V (F5) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), family with sequence similarity 134, member B (FAM134B; rs78314670, Arg127Cys) and myosin heavy chain 8 (MYH8; rs111567318, Glu1838Ala) SNPs were associated with recurrent VTE (n = 34 cases) (false discovery rate-adjusted P < 0·05). FAM134B (rs78314670) was associated with low plasma levels of anticoagulant glucosylceramide. Analysis of 50 chr17p13.1 MYH rare SNPs (clustered skeletal myosin heavy chain genes) using collapsing methods was associated with recurrent VTE (P = 2·70 ×10-16 ). When intravenously injected, skeletal muscle myosin was pro-coagulant in a haemophilia mouse tail bleeding model. Thus, FAM134B and MYH genetic variants are plausibly linked to VTE risk.
Chapter 10 – Craniofacial Bone

Craniofacial bone loss caused by trauma, cancer resection, or congenital diseases significantly impacts patients’ facial appearance. An estimated 20% of annual bone transplants in the United States occur in the craniofacial region. Tissue engineering approaches that combine cells, scaffolds, and stimulatory cues hold considerable potential for regenerating functional bone. Several modalities are suited to generating scaffolds with the complex anatomical geometries of the craniofacial bones. Of these, three-dimensional printing (3DP) is particularly attractive as it is capable of providing precise control over both the macroscopic and microscopic architecture of the scaffold. In this chapter, we review various 3DP methods and their application in craniofacial bone tissue engineering. In addition, we examine how these techniques may be combined with nanocomposites to mimic bone composition and structure, and deliver bioactive molecules for regeneration and reconstruction of craniofacial bone.
Daily Family Connection and Objective Sleep in Latinx Adolescents: The Moderating Role of Familism Values and Family Communication

Spending time with family (“family connection”) is a salient aspect of adolescents’ daily lives linked with healthy sleep. Less is known regarding the unique effects of parent and sibling connection on sleep. This study examined daily and average associations between parent/sibling connection and objective sleep (duration, efficiency) in a sample of Latinx adolescents (N = 195; Mage = 18.11, SD = 0.41; 65.6% female) and explored familism values and family communication as moderators. Adolescents slept longer on days that they spent more time with siblings, and youth who typically spent more time with parents had longer sleep durations. Family communication and familism-obligation moderated associations between family connection and sleep. These results provide support for the role of family interactions in promoting healthy sleep among Latinx adolescents.
Development and Implementation of Adaptive Learning to Engage Learners in Engineering Technology

Adaptive learning uses computers to provide personalized learning pathways for students. This project explores the use of an adaptive learning module implemented in a sophomore level course for civil engineering technology and construction management students with an instructional focus on “Pumps.” The research goal of this case study is to examine student learning and behavioral engagement when an adaptive learning module is introduced. The adaptive learning module was designed to engage students in personalized instruction and was used as a supplement to the instructor’s in-class lectures on the topic. The researchers gathered and analyzed 42 students’ learning data on learning, performance, and user pathways on the adaptive learning platform Smart Sparrow. In total, 81% of students demonstrated mastery across all modules by successfully answering all assessment questions. Furthermore, 65% interacted with at least one adaptive learning module due to assessment, and 24% had more than one interaction, suggesting students were able to efficiently resolve uncertainty within the lesson. Additionally, correct responses for students viewing adaptive content were associated with increased time spent reviewing adaptive content, demonstrating the usefulness of an adaptive learning program. Student responses to a follow-up survey reflect an overall positive experience and also highlight opportunities to improve the module in future iterations.
Undertreatment of Gallbladder Cancer: A Nationwide Analysis

Gallbladder cancer has a high mortality rate and an increasing incidence. The current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend resection for all T1b and higher-stage cancers. This study aimed to evaluate re-resection rates and the associated survival impact for patients with gallbladder cancer. Patients with gallbladder adenocarcinoma who underwent resection were identified from the National Cancer Database (2004–2015). Re-resection was defined as definitive surgery within 180 days after the first operation. Propensity scores were created for the odds of a patient having a re-resection. Patients were matched 1:2. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard methods. The study identified 6175 patients, and 466 of these patients (7.6%) underwent re-resection. Re-resection was associated with younger median age (65 vs 72 years; p < 0.0001), private insurance (41.6% vs 27.1%; p < 0.0001), academic centers (50.4% vs 29.7%; p < 0.0001), and treatment location in the Northeast (22.8% vs 20.4%; p = 0.0011). Compared with no re-resection, re-resection was associated with pT stage (pT2: 47.6% vs 42.8%; p = 0.0139) and pN stage (pN1-2: 28.1% vs 20.7%; p < 0.0001), negative margins on final pathology (90.1% vs 72.6%; p < 0.0001), and receipt of chemotherapy (53.7% vs 35.8%; p < 0.0001). The patients who underwent re-resection demonstrated significantly longer overall survival (OS) than the patients who did not undergo re-resection (median OS, 44.0 vs 23.0 months; p < 0.0001). After propensity score-matching, re-resection remained associated with superior survival (median OS, 44.0 vs 31.0 months; p = 0.0004). Re-resection for gallbladder cancer is associated with improved survival but remains underused, particularly for early-stage disease.
Matter Out of Place: The Legacy of Strange Encounters in Asian American Studies

This article takes the occasion of celebrating the theoretical long duree of Strange Encounters to think about two radically different forms of strange encounters. At the moment when Strange Encoun...
Fixed versus Mixed Effects Based Marginal Models for Clustered Correlated Binary Data: an Overview on Advances and Challenges

In a cross-sectional cluster setup, the binary responses from the individuals in a cluster become correlated as they share a common cluster effect, whereas longitudinal responses from an individual those form a cluster become correlated as the present and past responses are likely to maintain a suitable dynamic relationship. In both cluster and longitudinal setups, the marginal means may or may not be specified as the function of regression effects/parameters only. In a cluster setup, this depends on the distributional assumption of the random cluster effects and in a longitudinal setup this depends on the form such as linear or non-linear dynamic relationships used to construct a conditional model. However, over the last four decades, many studies arbitrarily pre-specified the marginal means as the function of regression effects only under both cluster and longitudinal setups and accommodated correlations also using arbitrarily selected ‘working’ correlation structures. This paper makes a thorough in-depth review of these decades long binary correlation models for consistent and efficient estimation of the regression effects. Both progress and drawbacks of these works are presented clearly showing how the inconsistency can arise if the pre-specified marginal fixed model is used when in fact such a marginal fixed effects model does not exist. This is because, some of the conditional random effects models in a cluster setup produce mixed effect models for the marginal means, and conditional non-linear dynamic models in a longitudinal setup produce history based marginal recursive/dynamic models. As the practitioners in both cluster and longitudinal setups deal with large data sets, it is demonstrated for their benefits how one can use the GQL (generalized quasi-likelihood) estimation approach both in cluster and longitudinal setups. Furthermore, there exist many studies using the Bayesisn approach where unlike the aforementioned parametric correlation structure based inferences, the marginal mixed effects models have been used for inferences for correlated binary data without specifying their correlation structures, under both cluster and longitudinal setup. We also provide a brief review on this alternative approach.
Stimulus-specific processing of the plasma membrane receptor-like kinase FERONIA in Arabidopsis thaliana

FERONIA (FER), a receptor-like kinase involved in plant immunity, cell expansion, and mechanical signal transduction, is known to be endocytosed and degraded in response to treatment with its peptide ligand RAPID ALKALINIZATION FACTOR 1 (RALF1). Using confocal fluorescence microscopy and biochemical assays, we have found that full length FER-eGFP abundance at the plasma membrane is also regulated by mechanical stimulation, but through a separate, cysteine protease-dependent pathway. Like RALF1 treatment, both mechanical bending and mechanical wounding trigger a reduction in plasma membrane-localized, native promoter-driven FER-eGFP in Arabidopsis roots, hypocotyls, and cotyledons. However, pharmacological inhibition of protein trafficking and degradation suggests that while RALF1 induces clathrin-mediated endocytosis and subsequent degradation of FER-eGFP, mechanical stimulation triggers cleavage and/or degradation of FER-eGFP in a cysteine protease-dependent, clathrin-independent manner. Despite the stimulus-dependent differences in these two pathways, we found that both require early FER signaling components, including Ca2+ signaling, FER kinase activity, and the presence of LLG1, a FER-interacting protein with an essential role in FER-dependent signal transduction.
Modeling Alternate Conformations with Alphafold2 via Modification of the Multiple Sequence Alignment

The unprecedented performance of Deepmind9s Alphafold2 in predicting protein structure in CASP XIV and the creation of a database of structures for multiple proteomes is reshaping structural biology. Moreover, the availability of Alphafold29s architecture and code has stimulated a number of questions on how to harness the capabilities of this remarkable tool. A question of central importance is whether Alphafold29s architecture is amenable to predict the intrinsic conformational heterogeneity of proteins. A general approach presented here builds on a simple manipulation of the multiple sequence alignment, via in silico mutagenesis, and subsequent modeling by Alphafold2. The approach is based in the concept that the multiple sequence alignment encodes for the structural heterogeneity, thus its rational manipulation will enable Alphafold2 to sample alternate conformations and potentially structural alterations due to point mutations. This modeling pipeline is benchmarked against canonical examples of protein conformational flexibility and applied to interrogate the conformational landscape of membrane proteins. This work broadens the applicability of Alphafold2 by generating multiple protein conformations to be tested biologically, biochemically, biophysically, and for use in structure-based drug design.
Noise Characteristics of Bragg Imaging

The effect of Brillouin scattering on the image quality of a Bragg-imaging system is analyzed in this chapter. The particular Bragg-imaging system considered here uses a cylindrically convergent illuminating light beam. The signal-to-noise ratio for an image element (that is, a resolution cell) is shown to vary with the image-plane location when the image sensor is broadband in temporal frequency. It is also shown that quantum noise due to light scattered from thermal phonons (Brillouin scattering) is the dominant limiting source of noise for a Bragg-imaging system operating in the ultrasonic band at room temperature when the best available TV camera tube is used for detecting the image. Competing noise sources which are evaluated include quantum noise due to signal photons and image sensor noise. The effects of dust particles and other inhomogeneities on scattered light are not considered.
Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Involvement in Immunodeficiencies and Systemic Disease of Childhood

Many of the primary disorders of immune deficiency (Table 5.1) are associated with gastrointestinal (GI) and, to a lesser extent, hepatic disease. Manifestations of immune deficiency in the GI tract and liver may be broadly divided into three categories: (1) increased susceptibility to infection, (2) idiopathic chronic inflammatory conditions, and (3) increased risk of neoplasia. Although many of the GI lesions related to immunodeficiency are infectious (Table 5.2), chronic inflammatory conditions resembling celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (Table 5.3) are seen in many patients with antibody deficiencies and are probably the result of the inability of dysfunctional mononuclear cells to suppress deleterious immune responses. All patients with primary immune deficiencies are at increased risk of neoplasia (Salavoura et al. 2008) (Table 5.4), most commonly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and the GI tract is often the primary site of involvement (Cunningham-Rundles et al. 2002). In addition to the risk of lymphoma, some of the primary immune deficiencies are associated with increased risk for GI carcinoma (Brosens et al. 2008; Filipovich et al. 1994; van der Meer et al. 1993).
Mode Conversion Losses in Expansion Units for ITER ECH Transmission Lines

The ITER electron cyclotron heating transmission lines will consist of 63.5-mm-diameter corrugated waveguides, each carrying 1 MW of 170 GHz microwaves. These transmission lines must include expansion units to accommodate expansion and contraction along the path from the gyrotron microwave sources to the tokamak. A numerical mode matching code has been developed to calculate power losses due to mode conversion of the operating mode, HE11, to higher order modes as a result of the radial discontinuities in a sliding joint. Two expansion unit designs were evaluated, a simple gap expansion unit and a more complex tapered expansion unit. The gap expansion unit demonstrated loss that oscillated rapidly with expansion length, due to trapped modes within the unit. The tapered expansion unit has been shown to effectively suppress these trapped modes at the expense of increased fabrication complexity. In a gap expansion unit, for a waveguide step size of 2.5 mm, loss can be kept below 0.1 % to a maximum expansion length of 17 mm. Expansion units without corrugation on interior walls were also evaluated. Expansion units that lack corrugations are found to increase mode trapping within the units, though not beyond useful application. The mode matching code developed in this paper was also used to estimate mode conversion loss in vacuum pumpouts for the ECH lines; the estimated loss was found to be negligibly small.
Effect of the all trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the differentiation, invasion and growth, in 3D culture and in vivo, of the murine mammary cell lines LM38. (FIRCA R03 TW007207)

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 3046 ATRA regulates growth, differentiation and apoptosis in different cellular types. Previously we demonstrated that ATRA treatment inhibited growth in monolayer of mammary lines LM38-HP (constituted by epithelioid cells), LM38-D2 (myoepithelial clone) and LM38-LP (containing both cellular types). Now we are evaluating the effect of ATRA in differentiation, survival and invasion of LM38 cells in three-dimensional matrigel cultures as well as in vivo growth and dissemination. For in vitro studies, cells grown for 3 days in matrigel were treated or not with 1uM ATRA for 2 additional days. Colonies were marked with different antibodies and analysed by confocal microscopy. The bicellular line LM38-LP developed polarized colonies (GM130, Golgi marker) with acinar structure. ATRA maintained the polarity and induced an increase in E-cadherin expression and reorganization. ATRA also induced a decrease of myoepithelial cells, indicated by the lower expression of the myoepithelial marker CK14 in the periphery of the colonies. Treatment with ATRA also increased the expression of activated Caspase 3 and promoted the nuclear translocation of p27 in the colony center, suggesting arrest of cellular cycle and induction of death. On the other hand, LM38-HP cells generated starry colonies without lumen and variable size, without polarized cells, even though ATRA induced an increase of activated Caspase 3. LM38-D2 cells organized in colonies with variable size and form without lumen or polarization. Treatment with ATRA showed a decrease in the expression of CK14 as well as and an increase of activated Caspase 3 together with the nuclear translocation of p27. In all cases ATRA treatment induced a reduction in colony size. In vivo studies were curried out employing LM38-LP cell line due to its ability to growth as invasive primary tumor and to metastasize lung. Cell were inoculated s.c. in Balb/c mice and when tumours were palpable, oral treatment with ATRA (2 mg/animal, twice a week) was administered for 15 days. A significant decrease in tumor growth, local invasion and the number and size of pulmonary metastasis was observed in ATRA treated mice 40 days after inoculation (p < 0,05). Besides, ATRA reduced invasion in matrigel (transwell) of all cellular lines, showing its most marked effect on the mixed LM38-LP (64% less than control, p < 0,05). Our results suggest that interactions between luminal and myoepithelial cells are necessary to accentuate the effect of ATRA in differentiation, death, invasion and metastatic dissemination.
Statistical Inferences Using Maximum Likelihood Techniques

We begin our discussion of statistical inference by describing the computer information required for making inferences about the logistic model. We then introduce examples of three logistic models that we use to describe hypothesis testing and confidence interval estimation procedures. We consider models with no interaction terms first, and then we consider how to modify procedures when there is interaction. Two types of testing procedures are given, namely, the likelihood ratio test and the Wald test. Confidence interval formulae are provided that are based on large sample normality assumptions. A final review of all inference procedures is described by way of a numerical example.
Tiger, Tiger Flickering Light

Tiger population in the wild, particularly in India, is disappearing at a rapid rate because of extensive poaching and destruction of habitats. The poaching is mainly driven by demand for tiger parts used in traditional Chinese medicine. As a result, Indian tiger products are smuggled into Tibet in contravention of the CITES treaty. This Note argues that significant changes need to be made to the legal regimes in India and China to deal with the poaching epidemic, including strengthening anti-poaching laws and legal enforcement. Additionally, the Author advocates implementing alternative economic strategies that rely on giving incentives to people and harnessing the free market to conserve the tiger. In particular, this Note suggests that eco-tourism, combined with environmental entrepreneurship, is a better strategy for conserving tigers than the current, ineffective governmental regime.
Recurrent ventricular tachycardia associated with complete heart block: Observations in a patient with the simultaneous use of a single-stimulus implanted myocardial pacemaker and a “coupled-pulse generator”

Abstract Recurrent bouts of ventricular tachyarrhythmia with Stokes-Adams episodes, in the presence of a postoperative complete heart block, represents a therapeutic challenge. This is compounded when the tricuspid valve has been replaced by a Starr-Edwards prosthesis. An attempt to control the ventricular tachycardia with an implanted myocardial pacemaker, at a fixed rate of 74 per minute, failed to abolish the arrhythmia. Temporary control of the ventricular ectopic focus with the additional use of the coupled-pulse generator was recorded. Some of the difficulties encountered in the clinical use of the new technique of paired stimulation and the hazard of complete heart block in tricuspid valve replacement should be emphasized.
Studies of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill With the UAVSAR Radar

On 22- 23 June 2010, the Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) L band radar imaged the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the effects of oil that was transported within the Gulf of Mexico. We describe the campaign and discuss the unique contributions of the UAVSAR radar to the study of the detection, migration, and impact of oil from the spill. We present an overview of UAVSAR data analyses that support the original science goals of the campaign, namely, (1) algorithm development for oil slick detection and characterization, (2) mapping of oil intrusion into coastal wetlands and intercoastal waterways, and (3) ecosystem impact studies. Our study area focuses on oil-affected wetlands in Barataria Bay, Louisiana. The results indicate that fine resolution, low-noise, L band radar can detect surface oil-on-water with sufficient sensitivity to identify regions in a slick with different types of oil/emulsions and/or oil coverage; identify oil on waters in inland bays and differentiate mixed/weathered oil from fresh oil as it moves into the area; identify areas of potentially impacted wetlands and vegetation in the marshes; and support the crisis response through location of compromised booms and heavily oiled beaches.
Glucose-dependent trafficking of 5-HT3 receptors in rat gastrointestinal vagal afferent neurons.

Background Intestinal glucose induces gastric relaxation via vagally mediated sensory-motor reflexes. Glucose can alter the activity of gastrointestinal (GI) vagal afferent (sensory) neurons directly, via closure of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, as well as indirectly, via the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) from mucosal enteroendocrine cells. We hypothesized that glucose may also be able to modulate the ability of GI vagal afferent neurons to respond to the released 5-HT, via regulation of neuronal 5-HT3 receptors.
Integrated control and switching strategy for a grid-connected modular multilevel converter

This paper presents an integrated control and switching scheme for a grid-connected modular multilevel converter (MMC). The control consists of the conventional vector control (outer PQ control, inner line current control) used in two-level voltage source converters (VSCs) and additional circulating current mitigation control. Circulating currents in a modular multilevel converter (MMC) will be eliminated using a proportional resonant controller. The generated upper and lower arm reference voltages will be sent to the switching sequence generating blocks to generate gate signals to submodules. Phase-shifted PWM scheme will be used to determine how many submodules to be turned on in an arm while the voltage balancing block will determine which submodules to be turned on. Matlab/SimPowerSystems simulation environment is used to model a grid-connected MMC with the integrated PQ control. Simulation case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. The contribution of this paper lies in the modeling and presentation of the entire control and switching procedure for a grid-connected MMC, with reference to the control of two-level VSCs. This paper will provide readers with a clear understanding of the difference between MMC control and two-level VSC control.
Estimating Correlations from Single-Sample Distributions of Measurements

The correlation coefficient between two variables (e.g., blood constituents) in normal individuals (or in patients) is usually estimated from measurements of both variables in single samples from the individuals studied. This coefficient is supposed to represent a correlation between the two variables within the average individual. However, unless all the subjects have identical mean values, the "single-sample" coefficient also reflects the correlation of mean values across individuals, generally different from the average intra-individual correlation. Even when both intra-and interindividual correlations are equal, the "single-sample" coefficient underestimates the true intra-individual correlation unless corrected for measurement errors. Using data from normal individuals, two examples are presented: in one case (calcium-total protein), the corrected single-sample coefficient appears to be an unbiased estimate of the desired correlation, whereas in the other example (albumin-globulins), it is quite misleading. These examples support the need for multiple, independent samples from each individual to assure a valid estimate of the average intra-individual correlation between two variables
Adenine nucleotide synthesis in exercising and endurance-trained skeletal muscle

Strenuous exercise leads to increased efflux of purine nucleoside and base that should necessitate recovery of adenine nucleotides by either the de novo synthesis or salvage pathway. De novo synthesis of adenine nucleotide was measured in quiescent and contracting muscle of sedentary and exercise-trained rats using an isolated perfused hindquarter preparation. Synthesis rates were assessed by measuring the incorporation of [1-14C]glycine into adenine nucleotide in muscles of both resting and stimulated hindlimbs after 1 h of either low- or high-energy demand isometric contractions. In nonstimulated sedentary and trained muscles, rates of de novo synthesis were similar. The effect of muscle contractions on de novo synthesis varied among muscle fiber types. Contracting, nonfatigued fast-twitch muscle sections showed significant declines in de novo synthesis in both sedentary and trained groups. Rates in slow-twitch red fibers and fatigued fast-twitch white fiber sections were not different from rest. Supplementing the perfusate with 5 mM ribose caused de novo synthesis to rise three- to fourfold in each of the fiber sections. However, the response in synthesis rates due to exercise was similar with or without ribose supplementation. De novo synthesis does not increase during exercise but exhibits an unchanged or reduced rate depending on the expected energy balance within the cell. This would occur if the energy state of muscle exerts significant control over de novo synthesis of adenine nucleotide.
Vascular extracellular signal-regulated kinase mediates migraine-related sensitization of meningeal nociceptors

Objective To examine changes in the response properties of meningeal nociceptors that might lead to migraine pain and examine endogenous processes that could play a role in mediating them using a clinically relevant model of migraine triggering, namely infusion of the nitric oxide (NO) donor nitroglycerin (NTG). Methods Single-unit recordings made in the trigeminal ganglion of rats were used to test changes in the activity and mechanosensitivity of meningeal nociceptors in response to administration of the migraine trigger NTG or another NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (SNAP) at doses relevant to the human model of migraine headache. Immunohistochemistry and pharmacological manipulations were used to investigate the possible role of meningeal vascular signaling in mediating the responses of meningeal nociceptors to NO. Results Infusion of NTG promoted a delayed and robust increase in the mechanosensitivity of meningeal nociceptors, with a time course resembling the development of the delayed migraine headache. A similar sensitization was elicited by dural application of NTG and SNAP. NTG-evoked delayed meningeal nociceptor sensitization was associated with a robust extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in meningeal arteries. Pharmacological blockade of meningeal ERK phosphorylation inhibited the development of NTG-evoked delayed meningeal nociceptor sensitization. Interpretation The development of delayed mechanical sensitization evoked by the migraine trigger NTG is potentially of great importance as the first finding of a neurophysiological correlate of migraine headache in meningeal nociceptors. The arterial ERK phosphorylation and its involvement in mediating the NTG-evoked delayed sensitization points to an important, yet unappreciated, role of the meningeal vasculature in the genesis of migraine pain. ANN NEUROL 2013;73:741–750
A new bis(imidazolyl)(alkylthiolate) tripodal ligand and the spontaneous formation of a disulfide-linked, hydroxo-bridged dinuclear zinc complex

The new sterically encumbered, tripodal N2S(alkylthiolate) ligand, LIm2SH, has been synthesized and used to prepare [(LIm2S)ZnCH3], which upon protonolysis under acidic conditions leads to the synthesis of a novel dinucleating ligand and a zinc dimer with an unusual structure.
Molecular fundamentals of enzyme nanogels.

The assembly of a monomer around an enzyme as the essential step in the fabrication of enzyme nanogel by in situ polymerization was illustrated by molecular dynamics simulation and evidenced by a fluorescence resonance energy transfer spectrum, using lipase/acrylamide as a model system. The subsequent polymerization generated a hydrophilic gel network which not only strengthened the protein structural integrity via multipoint linkage but also increased the number of intramolecular H-bonds of the encapsulated protein, as suggested by the blue shift of the fluorescence spectrum of the encapsulated lipase. This greatly enhanced the stability of lipase at high temperature, as experimentally demonstrated. The exclusion of polar solvent molecules from the encapsulated enzyme, in contrast to the enrichment of water molecules, due to the presence of a hydrophilic gel network was displayed. This established a hydrophilic microenvironment for the encapsulated protein and thus gave the encapsulated protein an enhanc...
Ethanol withdrawal reduces cerebellar parvalbumin expression in a manner reversed by estrogens.

Abstract Parvalbumin (PA) is a calcium-binding protein that has been implicated in neuroprotection. We examined whether the stimulus effect of ethanol withdrawal (EW) alters the expression of PA in a manner that is prevented by 17β-estradiol (E2). Ovariectomized rats implanted with E2 (EW/E2) or oil (EW/Oil) pellets received chronic ethanol (7.5%, w/v, 5 weeks) or control dextrin diets (Dex/Oil). At 24 h of EW, rats were tested for overt EW signs, and the cerebellum was prepared for immunoblotting and immunohistological assessment for PA. The EW/Oil group showed a higher EW sign score, a lower PA expression, and fewer PA-positive Purkinje neurons than the dextrin control group. In the EW/E2 group, EW sign scores, PA expression, and PA-positive Purkinje neurons were not significantly different from those in the control dextrin group. These data suggest that E2 treatment protects against the PA-suppression associated with EW toxicity.
Effects of nitrogen doping on optical properties of TiO2 thin films

The potential for extending the optical absorption range of TiO2 by doping with nonmetallic elements was examined in nitrogen-containing TiO2 thin films. Thin films of TiO2-xNx were synthesized on glass and silicon substrates by ion-beam-assisted deposition to obtain a wide range of nitrogen concentrations. The compositions of the films were determined by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The structures of the films were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The optical properties of the films were measured by UV-Vis spectroscopy and ellipsometry. A characteristic decreasing trend in band-gap values of the films was observed within a certain range of increasing dopant concentrations. As the nitrogen concentration increased, the structure of the films evolved from a well-defined anatase to deformed anatase. The reduced band gaps are associated with the N 2p orbital in the TiO2-xNx films.
Chemokine Regulation of Hematopoiesis and the Involvement of Pertussis Toxin-Sensitive Gαi Proteins

Chemokines have been implicated in regulation of various aspects of hematopoiesis, including negative regulation of the proliferation of immature subsets of myeloid progenitor cells (MPCs), chemotaxis of MPCs, and survival enhancement of MPCs after delayed growth factor addition. Since chemokine receptors are seven-transmembrane-spanning G-protein-linked receptors and the chemotactic effect in vitro of the CXC chemokine SDF-1 is pertussis toxin (PT)-sensitive, implying the involvement of G alpha i proteins as mediators of SDF-1-induced chemotaxis, we evaluated the effects of PT on other chemokine actions influencing MPCs. While the in vitro survival-enhancing effects of SDF-1 on GM-CSF and steel factor-dependent mouse bone marrow granulocyte macrophage progenitors (CFU-GM) were pertussis toxin-sensitive, the suppressive effects of the CC chemokine MIP-1 alpha and the CXC chemokine IL-8 on colony formation by GM-CSF and steel factor-sensitive CFU-GM were insensitive to pertussis toxin. These results suggest that not all chemokine-mediated effects on MPCs are necessarily mediated through pertussis toxin-sensitive G alpha i proteins.
The effects of scopolamine on preexposure to a learning apparatus

Forty-eight random-bred male mice (CFW, Carsworth Laboratory) were divided randomly into saline or scopolamine (1.0 mg/kg) treatment groups, with each of these groups being subdivided into either an exposed or a nonexposed group. The exposed group animals were given the appropriate injections (ip) 20 min prior to being allowed to explore both sides of a shuttlebox for 30 min for 10 preexposure sessions. The nonexposed group animals were injected and placed in a carrying cage for each of the 10 sessions. After these sessions, all animals were placed in the shuttlebox and given a series of signaled one-way shuttle avoidance trials. The saline exposed group required significantly fewer trials to criteria than the scopolamine exposed group. It was also found that scopolamine was capable of attenuating the normally occurring decrement in locomotor activity across exposure sessions.
Estimating economic effects of changes in climate and water availability

Social, economic, and environmental systems can be vulnerable to disruptions in water supplies that are likely to accompany future climate changes. Coupled with the challenges of tightening environmental regulations, population growth, economic development and fiscal constraints water supply systems are being pushed beyond the limits of their design and capacity for maintenance. In this paper we briefly review key economic concepts, various economic measures and metrics, and methods to estimate the economic effects on water resources from water supply changes that could accompany climate change. We survey some of the recent empirical literature that focuses on estimates developed for U.S. watersheds at both national and regional scales. Reported estimates of potential damage and loss associated with climate and water supply changes that we observe are significant, though often the metrics vary and make valid and consistent direct cross-comparisons difficult. Whether in terms of changes in GDP or in terms of estimated changes in economic welfare based on associated changes in economic costs and benefits, both national and regional estimates suggest that governments and organizations incorporate prudent steps to assess vulnerabilities to plausible future water supply and demand scenarios and develop responsive adaptation strategies.