cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The diabetic microenvironment causes mitochondrial oxidative stress in glomerular endothelial cells and pathological crosstalk with podocytes.

In the setting of diabetes mellitus, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are important pathogenic mechanisms causing end organ damage, including diabetic kidney disease (DKD), but mechanistic understanding at a cellular level remains obscure. In mouse models of DKD, glomerular endothelial cell (GEC) dysfunction precedes albuminuria and contributes to neighboring podocyte dysfunction, implicating GECs in breakdown of the glomerular filtration barrier. In the following studies we wished to explore the cellular mechanisms by which GECs become dysfunctional in the diabetic milieu, and the impact to neighboring podocytes. Mouse GECs were exposed to high glucose media (HG) or 2.5% v/v serum from diabetic mice or serum from non-diabetic controls, and evaluated for mitochondrial function (oxygen consumption), structure (electron microscopy), morphology (mitotracker), mitochondrial superoxide (mitoSOX), as well as accumulation of oxidized products (DNA lesion frequency (8-oxoG, endo-G), double strand breaks (γ-H2AX), endothelial function (NOS activity), autophagy (LC3) and apoptotic cell death (Annexin/PI; caspase 3). Supernatant transfer experiments from GECs to podocytes were performed to establish the effects on podocyte survival and transwell experiments were performed to determine the effects in co-culture. Diabetic serum specifically causes mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial superoxide release in GECs. There is a rapid oxidation of mitochondrial DNA and loss of mitochondrial biogenesis without cell death. Many of these effects are blocked by mitoTEMPO a selective mitochondrial anti-oxidant. Secreted factors from dysfunctional GECs were sufficient to cause podocyte apoptosis in supernatant transfer experiments, or in co-culture but this did not occur when GECs had been previously treated with mitoTEMPO. Dissecting the impact of the diabetic environment on individual cell-types from the kidney glomerulus indicates that GECs become dysfunctional and pathological to neighboring podocytes by increased levels of mitochondrial superoxide in GEC. These studies indicate that GEC-signaling to podocytes contributes to the loss of the glomerular filtration barrier in DKD.
Characteristics and consequences of co-experienced positive affect: understanding the origins of social skills, social bonds, and caring, healthy communities

Although affective states are typically viewed as belonging to individuals, psychological theories have begun to emphasize collective affective states or interpersonal affective systems that emerge and resonate at the level of dyads and groups. Here, we build on these theories with a focus on co-experienced positive affective states. We distinguish co-experienced positive affect from intraindividual positive affect, and highlight research suggestive that co-experienced positive affect has characteristics that are distinct from intraindividual positive affect with important implications. We review recent advances that indicate co-experienced positive affect plays critical roles in the development of social skills, social bonds, and caring communities, and consider potential implications of co-experienced positive affect for health and well-being.
Surrogate approaches to predict surface ship response to far-field underwater explosion in early-stage ship design

Abstract Numerical simulation of a far-field underwater explosion (UNDEX) and its interaction with a large ship structure is a computationally intensive task requiring the discretization of a large fluid domain. This paper explores surrogate non-numerical approaches to approximate surface ship structural response to far-field UNDEX based on a now classic shock factor approach proposed by Keil (Keil 1961). Instead of the entire time domain history, this work focuses on peak structural responses, which may provide valuable information to guide equipment arrangement in early-stage ship design to minimize shock effects. The shock factor response equation as proposed by Keil is refined to improve its performance in predicting peak structural responses at different locations in the ship. This refinement is accomplished by a regression analysis using ship structural responses obtained from numerical simulation and their corresponding shock factor values. The results show that the refined relationship between shock factor and peak structural response is promising. As a result, the shock factor may be employed to approximate peak structural response. Also, the feasibility of using an analytical model to obtain data for regression in replacement of the numerical model is assessed. Lastly, an application example using the shock factor is presented.
A protocol for the induction of experimental necrotizing enterocolitis in neonatal mice.

Summary Recapitulating human NEC using animal models has been insightful in dissecting the signaling pathways, immune-mediated mechanisms, genetic signatures, and the intestinal architecture of NEC. This protocol describes an in vivo murine NEC model, using hypoxia and formula containing lipopolysaccharide and enteric bacteria derived from an infant with NEC. With this mouse model, we aim to further dissect NEC pathogenesis and develop new therapeutic strategies. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Mihi et al. (2021) .
Quantification, Modalities, and Conditionals

In this chapter I want to begin the investigation of what happens when we combine quantifiers with subjunctive conditionals. This is a more difficult problem than might at first be supposed. It is not entirely obvious that quantification into subjunctive conditionals makes sense. Part of the problem can be seen as follows. We have seen that if our analysis is correct, then logical necessity can be defined in terms of subjunctive conditionals:
Chinese chunk identification using SVMs plus sigmoid

The paper presents a method of Chinese chunk recognition based on Support Vector Machines (SVMs) plus Sigmoid. It is well known that SVMs are binary classifiers which achieve the best performance in many tasks. However, directly applying binary classifiers in the task of Chinese chunking will face the dilemmas that either two or more different class labels are given to a single unlabeled constituent, or no class labels are given for some unlabeled constituents. Employing sigmoid functions is a method of extracting probabilities (class/input) from SVMs outputs, which is helpful to post-processing of classification. These probabilities are then used to resolve the dilemmas. We compare our method based on SVMs plus Sigmoid with methods based only on SVMs. The experiments show that significant improvements have been achieved.
Animal Models for Candidiasis

Multiple forms of candidiasis are clinically important in humans. Established murine models of disseminated, oropharyngeal, vaginal, and cutaneous candidiasis caused by Candida albicans are described in this unit. Detailed materials and methods for C. albicans growth and detection are also described.
The Use of Geophysical Survey in Archaeology

This essay aims to introduce readers to geophysical methods that are currently employed to help archaeologists study the past. Geophysical techniques exploit differences between the physical properties of buried remains and the natural soil to allow their detection and characterization without—or in advance of—digging. When successfully applied, they have the potential to dramatically enhance archaeological investigations by providing a map of buried remains that can (i) help to assess an area for its archaeological potential; (ii) guide subsequent excavation; or (iii) be used as a tool to define and test research questions in their own right. Given the relatively rapid and noninvasive nature of these methods, it is possible to examine entire sites and landscapes, in some instances detecting features as small as individual post holes. While these techniques are routinely integrated into archaeological investigations in some parts of the world, their potential in many areas is only starting to be realized. It is expected that we will see continued growth in the number of surveys being conducted, as well as in the sizes of areas encompassed and in the range of their archaeological application. This essay will briefly introduce the major geophysical techniques and types of buried features that may be detected. Recent developments in various aspects of the discipline are then summarized, before discussing ways in which the results may be applied more broadly in future archaeological and anthropological investigations. Keywords: archaeology; geophysics; magnetometry; GPR ; resistance; electromagnetic; prospection; remote sensing; landscape
Linear silicon PN junction phase modulator

We propose a method for linearizing the response of depletion-mode silicon waveguide modulator based on the engineering of modal overlap with the depletion region. Simulations show suppression of nonlinearities in index-voltage transfer function, enabling SFDR of 116 dB/Hz2/3 in MZM configuration.
A Thermotectonic Model for Preservation of Ultrahigh-Pressure Phases in Metamorphosed Continental Crust

Continental rocks subjected to ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism contain relict minerals indicating formation at mantle depths approaching or exceeding 100-125 km. Thermobarometric calculations and phase-equilibrium constraints indicate peak metamorphic conditions of approximately 700-900 °C and 28-40 kbar. These extremely high pressures and relatively modest temperarures can be explained through the deep subduction of coherent tracts of continental lithosphere, and reflect the low thermal conductivities of geologic materials. Relatively rapid return to midcrustal levels after detachment from the downgoing slab may result from buoyancy of the UHP continental crust. Incomplete prograde conversion to the ultrahigh-pressure mineral assemblage at depth could enhance the exhumation process. Adiabatic decompression of UHP metamorphic rocks would result in P-T paths that enter the granulite and pyroxene homfels metamorphic facies; under these conditions, rising. intensely metamorphosed units would remain hot enough to ensure obliteration of precursor UHP phase assemblages. Numerical experiments simulating Pacific-type subduction and continent collision followed by exhumation suggest that survival of traces of UHP metamorphic phases during ascent requires that the terranes migrate toward the surface as relatively thin sheets. Cooling during decompression may occur if (I) sulxluction continues outboard at tectonically lower levels, allowing heat conduction downward into the refrigerating subducting plate, (2) unroofing occurs along an inboard, extensional fault or shear zone, allowing heat conduction upward into the cooler hanging wall, or (3) a combination of both processes. Documented coesite ± diamond-bearing lithotectonic units from western Europe and central + eastern Asia range in thickness to a maximum of about 10 ± 5 km, but most resurrected ultrahigh-pressure complexes are substantially thinner. Thus. although large, coherent masses of relatively cold material may move down subduction zones resulting in UHP metamorphism at profound depths, ascent toward the surface of thin slabs of such complexes, with cooling across both upper and lower surfaces, may be required for the partial preservation of ultrahigh-pressure mineral assemblages.
Convexity of moment polytopes of algebraic varieties

We consider the situation of a compact irreducible subvariety of a smooth compact complex variety equipped with a Kahler form preserved by a torus action. We study the image of that subvariety under the moment map of the Kahler form.
Absorption coefficients of O3 at CO2 laser wavelengths

Abstract The O 3 absorption coefficients for the rotational lines P(12)–P(28) of the 9.4 μm emission band of the CO 2 laser are presented. Measurements were made in O 3 –air dilute mixtures (20–600 ppm) at 25°C and a total pressure of 1013.25 h Pa using a frequency stabilized cw CO 2 laser and values have been determined with greater precision than in previously reported studies.
Mechanism of Action and Initial, In Vitro SAR of an Inhibitor of the Shigella flexneri Virulence Regulator VirF

Shigella spp. are among the main causative agents of acute diarrheal illness and claim more than 1 million lives per year worldwide. There are multiple bacterial genes that control the pathogenesis of Shigella, but the virF gene may be the most important. This gene, located on the primary pathogenicity island of Shigella, encodes VirF, an AraC-family transcriptional activator that is responsible for initiating the pathogenesis cycle in Shigella. We have previously shown that it is possible to attenuate the virulence of Shigella flexneri via small molecule inhibition of VirF. In this study, we probed the mechanism of action of our small molecule inhibitors of VirF. To enable these studies, we have developed a homologous and efficient expression and purification system for VirF and have optimized two different in vitro VirF-DNA binding assays. We have determined that one of our HTS hit compounds inhibits VirF binding to DNA with a calculated Ki similar to the effective doses seen in our transcriptional activation and virulence screens. This is consistent with inhibition of DNA binding as the mechanism of action of this hit compound. We have also screened 15 commercially sourced analogs of this compound and deduced an initial SAR from the approximately 100-fold range in activities. Our four other HTS hit compounds do not inhibit DNA binding and yet they do block VirF activity. This suggests that multiple agents with different molecular mechanisms of inhibition of VirF could be developed. Pursuing hits with different mechanisms of action could be a powerful approach to enhance activity and to circumvent resistance that could develop to any one of these agents.
Simple Modification in Hexakis-Addition for Efficient Synthesis of C60-Centered Dendritic Molecules Bearing Multiple Aromatic Chromophores

In the templated hexakis-addition reaction of malonic esters with C60 to prepare dendritic macromolecules that are terminated symmetrically with 12 derivatized pyrenes, a simple modification to use a much larger excess of the bromination agent resulted in dramatic increases in the product yields.
A rapid calibration procedure and case study for simplified simulation models of commonly used HVAC systems

A rapid procedure for calibrating simplified building energy simulation models of commonly used HVAC systems has been developed. The procedure developed will allow building professionals to project annual cooling and heating energy consumption of buildings with multiple HVAC systems from short-term field measurement data. This paper describes the general calibration procedure developed, and demonstrates the use of the calibration procedure by applying it to an office building. The calibration methodology requires as little as two weeks of measured hourly heating and cooling consumption data. In the example presented, the simulation model was calibrated using only two weeks of measured heating and cooling data. After calibrating the simulation using this procedure, the RMSE is reduced significantly. The simulation calibrated to two weeks of measured data is then used to simulate the hourly consumption of the building for the year 2004. Comparison of the results of this simulation with the measured data gave monthly CV(RMSE) values of 10.3% and 3.7% for cooling and heating, respectively, which are both well below the 15% values considered acceptable in ASHRAE Guideline 14 [1]. It also shows monthly NMBE values of 2.2% and 1.4% for cooling and heating respectively.
Inflammatory mediators and immune function are altered in home parenteral nutrition patients

Abstract Objectives Patients who used home parenteral nutrition (HPN) and healthy, volunteer control subjects were examined to assess relative immune potential and inflammatory marker expression and to investigate the association between HPN and immune parameters. Methods Subjective Global Assessments were performed on all subjects. The peripheral blood concentration of C-reactive protein was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The peripheral blood concentration of systemic inflammatory mediators that included tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), soluble TNF-α receptors p55 and p75, and interleukin-6 were similarly determined. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated and the percentage of circulating CD4 + and CD8 + lymphocytes was determined by flow cytometry. In addition, peripheral blood lymphocytes were cultured in the presence of the T-cell mitogen, phytohemagglutinin, and the proliferative response of the CD3 + population was assessed by flow cytometry. Results of these experiments were obtained for 10 clinically stable patients who had used HPN longer than 2 y and these results were compared by Student’s t test with data obtained for 12 normal, volunteer control subjects. Results Of the 10 patients who used HPN and were examined, seven had short bowel syndrome, two had dysmotility, and one required HPN due to radiation enteritis. Based on Subjective Global Assessments, all patients were well nourished. No difference was observed in TNF-α level between groups and C-reactive protein levels were within normal limits (1.2 mg/L in patients, 0.99 mg/L in controls). Soluble TNF-α receptors p55 and p75 were significantly increased ( P P = 0.07). The percentage of CD8 + cells and the CD4 + /CD8 + ratio were not statistically different between groups. In contrast to this result, the percentage of CD4 + cells and the proliferative T-cell response to phytohemagglutinin were significantly depressed in patients who used HPN versus control subjects. Conclusions These data suggest the presence of an underlying inflammatory process and subsequent abnormal T-lymphocyte function in patients who use HPN.
A SIMPLIFIED APPROACH TO SHORT‐TERM INTERNATIONAL DIVERSIFICATION

Using Eurocurrency deposit interest rates, currency exchange rates, and inflation rates in a mean-variance portfolio analysis, the authors develop portfolios of interest-bearing deposits in London banks denominated in various currencies. These easily constructed multicurrency portfolios are shown to provide better risk-return positions than comparable single currency holdings.
On products of experiments

An experiment in the sense of Blackwell is a finite parameterized set of probability distributions on a sample space. The product of a parameterized set of experiments is the experiment which describes the process in which independent elements from all of the sample spaces in the set are observed. In the paper, methods are developed for computing the properties of a product of experiments from the properties of the components. In particular, asymptotic properties (as N → ∞) of the experiment describing N independent observations from a single sample space are investigated.
A comparative analysis of successful and unsuccessful information centers

Abstract Findings of a field study that examined some differences between successful and unsuccessful Information Centers (ICs) from the end-users' point of view are presented here. The study involved ten large companies representing a diverse range of industries. The research methodology consisted of Selection Phase, where ten large organizations with ICs were selected, Interview Phase, where IC managers were interviewed and detailed background information of ICs was collected, and Survey Phase, where the responses of 238 end-users were collected. Results of the interviews and the data analysis of the survey are presented and discussed. The ICs were grouped as successful and unsuccessful based upon the end-user's response to the End-User Computing satisfaction instrument. End-users from successful ICs perceived higher satisfaction and higher benefit for services under all categories of support compared with end-users from unsuccessful ICs. As the levels of end-users advanced, the satisfaction and benefit for services tend to decline for both successful and unsuccessful ICs. Support from successful ICs was perceived significantly better than from unsuccessful ICs on all six dimensions: adaptability, timeliness, availability, dependability, accesibility, and adquacy. Many other differences between the two groups have also been explored.
Convergence and stability analysis for iterative dynamics with application to compartmental networks: A trajectory distance based Lyapunov approach

Abstract This paper addresses the convergence and stability analysis for iterative processes such as numerical iterative algorithms by using a novel trajectory distance based approach. Iterative dynamics are widespread in distributed algorithms and numerical analysis. However, efficient analysis of convergence and sensitivity of iterative dynamics is quite challenging due to the lack of systematic tools. For instance, the trajectories of iterative dynamics are usually not continuous with respect to the initial condition. Hence, the classical dynamical systems theory cannot be applied directly. In this paper, a trajectory distance based Lyapunov approach is proposed as a means to tackling convergence and sensitivity to the initial condition of iterative processes. Technically the problem of convergence and sensitivity is converted into finiteness of trajectory distance and semistability analysis of discrete-time systems. A semidefinite Lyapunov function based trajectory distance approach is proposed to characterize convergence and semistability of iterative dynamics. Three examples are provided to elucidate the proposed method. Finally, the proposed framework is used to solve the convergence and stability of iterative algorithms developed for balanced resource allocation and damage mitigation problems under adversarial attacks.
Understanding the Scope of Farmer Perceptions of Risk: Considering Farmer Opinions on the Use of Genetically Modified (GM) Crops as a Stakeholder Voice in Policy

In the beginning, policy debates between critics and advocates of genetically modified (GM) crops focused on scientifically determined risks. Ten years later, the argument between environmentalists or consumers and regulators or industry has changed into a discussion about the implementation of more democratic policymaking about GM farming. A notable omission from the political debate about food biotechnology in the United States, however, is the opinion of farmers who cultivate the GM crops. Policymakers should value practical knowledge based on experiences from farmers, not only scientific industry reports or consumer product opinions. This project uses in-depth interviews to create an original mail survey that uses the practical discourse of farmers in order to explore the relationship of farmer attitudes and GM agriculture. Although national research indicates that larger yields are the most common reason for GM adoption, qualitative information suggest that the potential of GM crops to increase revenue per acre does not truly reflect all the concerns of modern farmers. For example, farmers who use GM seeds indicate that they constantly question the social impacts of their agricultural practices. As such, GM policies should be restructured as a political rationalization of both economic modeling and political theory because this research suggests that farmers’ business decisions are utility calucations that consider economics without ignoring environmental and political contexts. Farmers’ concerns about non-economic risks suggest that they need more information about GM crops and that governmental policies should respond to their interests, as they are more democratic or pluralistic than industry or consumer arguments.
Screening for small molecule inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii, the agent that causes toxoplasmosis, is an opportunistic parasite that infects many mammalian species. It is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes severe congenital neurological and ocular disease mostly in immunocompromised humans. The current regimen of therapy includes only a few medications that often lead to hypersensitivity and toxicity. In addition, there are no vaccines available to prevent the transmission of this agent. Therefore, safer and more effective medicines to treat toxoplasmosis are urgently needed. Areas covered: The author presents in silico and in vitro strategies that are currently used to screen for novel targets and unique chemotypes against T. gondii. Furthermore, this review highlights the screening technologies and characterization of some novel targets and new chemical entities that could be developed into highly efficacious treatments for toxoplasmosis. Expert opinion: A number of diverse methods are being used to design inhibitors ag...
Multispectral nanoparticle contrast agents for true-color spectroscopic optical coherence tomography

We have recently developed a novel dual window scheme for processing spectroscopic OCT images to provide spatially resolved true color imaging of chromophores in scattering samples. Here we apply this method to measure the extinction spectra of plasmonic nanoparticles at various concentrations for potential in vivo applications. We experimentally demonstrate sub-nanomolar sensitivity in the measurement of nanoparticle concentrations, and show that colorimetric imaging with multiple species of nanoparticles produces enhanced contrast for spectroscopic OCT in both tissue phantom and cell studies.
Monocyte chemotactic protein 1 upregulates IL-1beta expression in human monocytes.

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) chemoattracts and activates monocytes. The nature of the genes that are transcriptionally activated in the monocytes by MCP-1 is not well understood. To identify such genes, human blood monocytes were incubated with or without MCP-1 for periods of 1, 4, and 12 h and the RNA extracted from these monocytes was subjected to differential display. The differentially expressed transcripts were cloned and sequenced. Differential display showed that interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) gene expression was upregulated by MCP-1 treatment of monocytes for 4 to 12 h. Quantitative PCR and ELISA assays showed that MCP-1 treatment caused elevation in the levels of IL-1beta transcripts and protein, respectively. Immunoblot analysis showed that most of the protein was pro-IL-1beta. Since IL-1beta is known to induce MCP-1 synthesis, the present demonstration that MCP-1 induces IL-1beta synthesis suggests that the induction of each other would amplify the biological effects of these cytokines during inflammation.
Transition of R&D and product development procedures after mergers and acquisitions: a case study of Intermagnetics General and Philips Healthcare

This paper presents an in-depth case study of the transition of R&D and product development procedures after the acquisition of a small entrepreneurial US high-tech company, Intermagnetics General Corporation (IGC), by a leading multinational, Philips of the Netherlands. We summarise the findings of interviews conducted in 2011 of IGC and Philips researchers and managers concerning the 5-year post-merger integration process, the alignment of rewards and incentives, the effect of market life cycle and product development strategies, the redefinition of relationships and expectations, the internal and external driving forces and the successful results. We conclude with the lessons learned, the limitations of the study and possible directions of future research.
Auditory brainstem evoked responses and temperature monitoring during pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass.

Purpose: To examine the effects of temperature on auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) in infants during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass for total circulatory arrest (TCA). The relationship between ABRs (as a surrogate measure of corebrain temperature) and body temperature as measured at several temperature monitoring sites was determined. Methods: In a prospective, observational study, ABRs were recorded non-invasively at norrnothermia and at every I or 2~ change in ear-canal temperature during cooling and rewarming in I 5 infants (ages: 2 days to 14 months) that required TCA. The ABR latencies and amplitudes and the lowest temperatures at which an ABR was identified (the threshold) were measured during both cooling and rewarming. Temperatures from four standard temperature monitoring sites were. simultaneously recorded�9 Re,sults: The latencies of ABRs increased and amplitudes decreased with cooling (P < 0.01), but rewarming reversed these effects. The ABR threshold temperature as related to each monitoring site (ear-canal, nasopharynx, esophagus and bladder) was respectively determined as 23 ___ 2.2~ 20.8 --- 1.7~ 14.6 __. 3.4~ and 21.5 --- 3.8~ during cooling and 21.8 _+ 1.6~ 22�9 _+ 2.0~ 27.6 --- 3.6~ and 23.0 --- 2.4~ during rewarming. The rewarming latencies were shorter and Qi0 latencies smaller than the corresponding cooling values (P < 0.01). Esophageal and bladder sites were more susceptible to temperature variations as compared with the ear-canal and nasopharynx. Conclusion: No temperature site reliably predicted an electrophysiological threshold. A faster latency recovery during rewarming suggests that body temperature monitoring underestimates the effects of rewarming in the core-brain. ABRs may be helpful to monitor the effects of cooling and rewarming on the core-brain during pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass. Objectif: Examiner les effets de la temperature sur les rEponses du tronc cErEbral ~ des stimuli auditifs chez des enfants pendant la circulation extracorporelle hypothermique dans le cas d'un art& circulatoire total (ACT). La relation entre les r~ponses du tronc cErEbral (en rant que mesure substitutive de la temperature c&Ebrale centrale) et la temperature du corps (mesurEe ~ diff&ents points d'enregistrement)
Trends in Patient Cost Sharing for Clinical Services Used as Quality Indicators

Background Patient copayments for all medical services have increased dramatically. There are few data available regarding how copayments have changed for services commonly considered to be quality indicators.
Static and dynamic properties of a two-dimensional Wigner crystal in a strong magnetic field

Making use of an ansatz wave function for the ground state of two-dimensional electrons, which occupy only partially the lowest Landau level, we study theoretically the correlation energy, the shear modulus, and collective modes. We find that the electron lattice is locally stable for $0\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\nu}l0.45$, while the hole lattice is locally stable for $0.55l\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\le}1$, where $\ensuremath{\nu}$ is the filling factor. The melting temperature ${T}_{M}$ estimated from the shear modulus exhibits broad peaks around $\ensuremath{\nu}=0.27 \mathrm{and} 0.73$.
Spatial, bimanual, whole-arm grasping

We address the problem of synthesizing spatial, bimanual, whole-arm grasps by developing the abstractions of an open chain gripper, an open, spatial chain of rigid links and joints between the links, contacting a polyhedral object, and a generalized contact. We show that every general polyhedron can be immobilized by three generalized contacts. We leverage previous work on immobilization to construct an algorithm that synthesizes contact configurations for stable grasping. Our methodology can be applied to grasp a wide range of objects without relying on special-purpose end-effectors as shown in simulations and experiments with a PR2 humanoid robot.
Calibration and application of a sediment accumulation rate model - a case study

A mechanistic mass balance model for sediment accumulation rate (SAR) that accommodates the dry density and burial velocity of solids and the depth dependency of porosity was tested and applied to Onondaga Lake, New York, for a 130-year period. The modeling for this case study is supported by a rich history of multiple anthropogenic drivers and coupled date horizons from the paleolimnological record, characterization of physical attributes of the sediments, and long-term monitoring of the water column and lake inputs. The consistency of predictions of SAR and measurements of downward flux of suspended particulate material (DF SPM ) from a long-term sediment trap program was also evaluated. The model was demonstrated to perform well in simulating the lake’s history of SAR, which was supported by 10 different depth–date horizons. This history for 100 years was regulated by the production of soda-ash at an adjoining industry, which enhanced autochthonous formation and deposition of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ), proportional to the level of production of this chemical. The SAR was extraordinarily high (~5 kg m -2 yr -1 ) during the 40 years of peak soda-ash production. An abrupt, more than 2-fold decrease in SAR occurred when the industry closed. The contemporary SAR remains relatively high as a result of multiple drivers but is serving to enhance burial of contaminants, including mercury, as part of an ongoing rehabilitation program. A high level of consistency (within 30%) between the contemporary SAR and an annual estimate of DF SPM was documented. The utility of the model was demonstrated through applications that depict the amount of deposits contributed by the industry, the effect of compaction on burial velocity, the dilution effect of the high SAR values on the paleolimnological record, and the resolution of sediment diagenesis kinetics.
Immunization with a DNA adenine methylase over-producing Yersinia pseudotuberculosis vaccine confers robust cross-protection against heterologous pathogenic serotypes.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is a foodborne pathogen that can cause serious human illness. Although the source and route of transmission often remain obscure, livestock have been implicated in some cases. The diversity of yersiniae present on farms and their widespread distribution in animal and environmental reservoirs necessitates the use of broad prophylactic strategies that are efficacious against many serotypes simultaneously. Herein, immunization of mice with a modified, live attenuated Y. pseudotuberculosis vaccine that overproduces the DNA adenine methylase (DamOP) conferred robust protection against virulent challenge (150-fold LD50) with homologous and heterologous serotypes that have been associated with human disease (O:1, O:1a, O:3). Further, the dam gene was shown to be essential for cell viability in all (7 of 7) Y. pseudotuberculosis strains tested. Direct selection for the inheritance of dam mutant alleles in Y. pseudotuberculosis resulted in dam strain variants that contained compensatory (second-site suppressor) mutations in genes encoding methyl-directed mismatch repair proteins (mutHLS) that are involved in suppression of the non-viable cell phenotype in all (19/19) strains tested. Such dam mutH variants exhibited a significant increase in virulence and spontaneous mutation frequency relative to that of a DamOP vaccine strain. These studies indicate that Y. pseudotuberculosis DamOP strains conferred potent cross-protective efficacy as well as decreased virulence and spontaneous mutation frequency relative to those that lack Dam, which have compensatory mutations in mutHLS loci. These data suggest that development of yersiniae livestock vaccines based on Dam overproduction is a viable mitigation strategy to reduce these potential foodborne contaminants.
Single-point mutation in a conserved TPR domain of Hip disrupts enhancement of glucocorticoid receptor signaling

The Hsp70-interacting protein Hip has been identified as a transient participant in the assembly of both glucocorticoid (GR) and progesterone receptor complexes. Although it has been difficult to identify a physiological role for Hip, it is believed to have intrinsic chaperoning properties and has been identified as a potential anti-apoptotic target of Granzyme B. In vitro assays have provided evidence that Hip may interact with GR complexes in an Hsp70 independent manner and can enhance the function of GR in hormone based reporter assays. In this study, a cDNA for human Hip was used in mutational analysis to map Hip function to critical structural elements. A single amino acid substitution (L211S) resulted in a loss of Hip function. This mutation also appears to disrupt the interaction of Hip with Hsp70 in vitro. Failure to recover Hip-L211S constructs in co-immunoprecipitation assays with an Hsp70 monoclonal antibody suggests that the mutation is unlikely to result in a misfolded substrate.
Cause-Related Marketing: Factors Promoting Campaign Evaluations

Advertisers have long been interested in the persuasiveness of cause-related marketing (CRM) campaigns, and the authors extend this stream of research using two separate experiments that considers the effectiveness of the company's product versus cash donations. Findings from Study 1 indicate consumers perceive sponsoring companies of CRM campaigns less favorably when these companies make product rather than cash donations to their nonprofit CRM partners, and the level of consumer participation effort required in these campaigns does not moderate this effect. However, Study 2 introduces congruency as a potential explanation for these adverse effects and extends Study 1 by demonstrating that more (as compared to less) congruent product donations can eliminate the negative effects of product donations. Further, it confirms prior findings concerning the importance of sponsoring company–cause congruency. Campaigns designed with higher levels of both types of congruency (product donation–cause and company–caus...
Glass fiber coalescing filter media augmented with polymeric submicron fibers and modified with angled drainage channels

Abstract Glass fiber filter media are widely used in separation of droplets from liquid aerosols. In prior works two possible enhancements to the performance of the glass fiber media were studied: (1) the capture efficiencies were increased by augmenting the glass fibers with sub-micron sized electrospun polymer fibers, and (2) the pressure drop was decreased by modifying the filter media with insertion of 45° drainage channels. In this paper we report the simultaneous application of these two enhancements on the performance of the filter media. Filters were fabricated by inserting low surface energy woven polymer fiber drainage channels at various angles within non-woven glass fiber filter media augmented with Nylon sub-micron fibers. The effects of the presence and geometry of the drainage channels on the filter performance were evaluated experimentally. The sub-micron fibers gave the filter high coalescence and separation efficiencies while the drainage channels reduced the filter pressure drop. The micro glass fiber media augmented with 100 nm Nylon fibers and modified with Polypropylene fiber drainage channels at 45° downward angles had the overall best performance.
Beyond the proton collinear factorization in heavy quark production in pA collisions at low x

Abstract We consider heavy quark production in high energy pA collisions and investigate the contribution of interactions of valence quarks of proton with the nucleus. The often made assumption that valence quarks of proton can be factored out is justified only if the nucleus saturation momentum is much smaller than the heavy quark mass. This is not the case in phenomenologically relevant situations. Breakdown of factorization manifests itself in substantial decrease of the cross section at large total and small relative transverse momenta of the heavy quark–antiquark pair.
Phase Change Memory: Scaling and applications

Phase Change Memory (PCM) technology is a promising candidate for the future non-volatile memory applications. Scaling of PCM into the sub-10 nm regime has been demonstrated using novel applications of nanofabrication techniques. PCM devices using solution-processed GeTe nanoparticles of diameter range 1.8–3.4nm has been demonstrated. Highly scaled (<2nm) PCM cross-point device using carbon nanotube as the electrode is fabricated proving the scalability of PCM to ultra small dimensions. The use of PCM as a nanoelectronic synapse for neuromorphic computation is also demonstrated as an illustration of PCM application beyond digital memory.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide regulates cytosolic Ca2+ in rat gonadotropes and somatotropes through different intracellular mechanisms.

The hypothalamic factor pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) stimulates an increase in the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in GH-secreting somatotropes and LH-secreting gonadotropes of the rat anterior pituitary gland. The dynamics of the PACAP-induced Ca2+ responses and their dependence on extracellular Ca2+ are markedly different in the two cell types, suggesting separate mechanisms of action of PACAP in somatotropes and gonadotropes. The present study reports a full characterization of the Ca2+ responses seen in the two cell types over a wide range of PACAP concentrations. In addition, the involvement of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) system in the mediation of PACAP-stimulated Ca2+ was tested using the R-isomer of cAMP (RpcAMPs) as a specific inhibitor of PKA. In identified somatotropes, PACAP (10(-11)-10(-6) M) stimulated Ca2+ responses in 49% of the cells tested, with two types of Ca2+ response profile observed. The first was a slow rise in [Ca2+]i to...
Social class and political participation: A review and an explanation

This paper reviews and explains the relationship between socioeconomic status and political participation from a structural perspective; i.e., social organization influences people's range of options, producing different rates of behavior among those in varying locations in the society. There are six categories of political participation: cognitive, expressive, organizational, electoral, partisan, and governmental. In each case, the poor display the lowest and the rich the highest rate of participation. This difference reflects variations in political and psychological resources and the structure of the electoral process. As a result, political benefits also differ by social class.
Implementing a system of care: Findings from the Fort Bragg Evaluation Project

The Implementation Study of the Fort Bragg Evaluation documented how the Demonstration was executed and whether it met the expectations of the continuum of care philosophy upon which it was based. Based on the theory-driven and component approaches to program evaluation, a case study methodology was employed. First, the theories and assumptions about the Demonstration were explicated to derive a program model. Next, the program-as-implemented was compared to the program-as-planned. Barriers responsible for diluting full-scale implementation were documented. This study provides a comprehensive description of how the Demonstration was put into place and the evidence necessary to conclude that the Demonstration was executed with high fidelity, despite barriers, to provide an excellent test of the program theory.
Thermoelectric properties of Co-, Ir-, and Os-doped FeSi alloys: Evidence for strong electron-phonon coupling

The effects of various transition-metal dopants on the electrical and thermal transport properties of Fe${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$$M$${}_{x}$Si alloys ($M$ $=$ Co, Ir, Os) are reported. The maximum thermoelectric figure of merit $Z$${T}_{\mathrm{max}}$ is improved from 0.007 at 60 K for pure FeSi to $\mathit{ZT}$ $=$ 0.08 at 100 K for 4% Ir doping. A comparison of the thermal conductivity data among Os-, Ir-, and Co-doped alloys indicates strong electron-phonon coupling in this compound. Because of this interaction, the common approximation of dividing the total thermal conductivity into independent electronic and lattice components (\ensuremath{\kappa}${}_{\mathrm{total}}$ $=$ \ensuremath{\kappa}${}_{\mathrm{electronic}}$ $+$ \ensuremath{\kappa}${}_{\mathrm{lattice}}$) fails for these alloys. The effects of grain size on thermoelectric properties of Fe${}_{0.96}$Ir${}_{0.04}$Si alloys are also reported. The thermal conductivity can be lowered by \ensuremath{\sim}50% with little or no effect on the electrical resistivity or Seebeck coefficient. This results in $Z$${T}_{\mathrm{max}}$ $=$ 0.125 at 100 K, still approximately a factor of 5 too low for solid-state refrigeration applications.
Can clients with schizophrenia describe feelings and beliefs about taking medication

The medical and nursing literature suggests measurement of attitude (feelings and beliefs) of clients with schizophrenia may be possible. This paper reports a study by the author using Fishbein's expectancy-value model to measure attitude toward taking medication and reflects on significant implications of both the research reported in the literature and the author's study. How symptoms of schizophrenia affect communication, attitude toward treatment, attitude toward taking medication, and clinical implications of measuring the attitude of clients with schizophrenia toward taking medication are discussed.
Impact of carbon structure and morphology on the electrochemical performance of LiFePO4/C composites

The electrochemical performance of LiFePO4/C composites in lithium cells is closely correlated to pressed pellet conductivities measured by AC impedance methods. These composite conductivities are a strong function not only of the amount of carbon but of its structure and distribution. Ideally, the amount of carbon in composites should be minimal (less than about 2 wtpercent) so as not to decrease the energy density unduly. This is particularly important for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle applications (PHEVs) where both high power and moderate energy density are required. Optimization of the carbon structure, particularly the sp2/sp3 and disordered/graphene (D/G) ratios, improves the electronic conductivity while minimizing the carbon amount. Manipulation of the carbon structure can be achieved via the use of synthetic additives including ironcontaining graphitization catalysts. Additionally, combustion synthesis techniques allow co-synthesis of LiFePO4 and carbon fibers or nanotubes, which can act as"nanowires" for the conduction of current during cell operation.
Helicity and transport in electron MHD heat pulses.

Electrons are heated locally and temporally in a uniform magnetoplasma by applying a short current pulse to a loop antenna. The resultant heat pulse, satisfying electron MHD conditions ( ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{ce}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\ensuremath{\ll}\ensuremath{\Delta}t\ensuremath{\ll}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{ci}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$), generates helicity due to twisting of field lines by diamagnetic drifts. Heat convection and diffusion cool the pulse, which reduces its propagation to zero. The stationary temperature profile decays by cross-field transport conserving volume-integrated heat.
Late Pleistocene dune construction in the Central Sand Plain of Wisconsin, USA

Wisconsin's Central Sand Plain east of the Wisconsin River is composed of eolian sand forming high-relief dunes surrounded by sand sheets and scattered low-relief dunes. To establish a maximum age for dune formation, three samples for optical dating were taken from glacial Lake Wisconsin lacustrine sediment that underlies eolian sand. These age estimates range from 19.3 to 13.6ka. Age estimates taken from within or at the base of the dunes range from 14.0 to 10.6ka. Samples taken from < 2m of the ground surface were slightly younger, indicating dunes were stabilized between 11.8 and 5.5ka. The younger ages near the surface of some dunes were most likely the result of pedoturbation or localized problems with applying the optical dating method. The majority of the optical age estimates from dunes (18 of 21) indicated that most of the dunes were active between 14 and 10ka and that most dune activity ended by 10ka. These ages suggest that localized activity on dune crests may have occurred in the Holocene but would have been limited to < 1m of sand accumulation. The timing of dune activity and the lack of any significant Holocene reactivation suggest that dune activation in this setting cannot be attributed solely to changes in aridity. Instead, we attribute dune formation to changes in sediment availability from either sand inputs from the Wisconsin River or the melting of permafrost.