cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Acetylethylcholine Mustard on [3H]Quinuclidinyl Benzilate Binding and Acetylcholine Release in Rat Brain Synaptosomes

The effects of acetylethylcholine mustard and its aziridinium derivative (AMMA) on acetylcholine (ACh) release and [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) binding were studied in rat cortical synaptosomes. After incubation for 5 min at 37 degrees C, AMMA reduced [3H]QNB binding with an IC50 of 9 microM. Following incubation for 5 min with 50 microM AMMA and washing, there was a 62% reduction in the [3H]QNB binding capacity with no change in the KD value for the remaining receptors, a result indicating the irreversibility of the AMMA binding. AMMA and oxotremorine both reduced the basal and 30 mM K+-induced release of newly synthesized [3H]ACh in dose-dependent manners over a 2.5-min period. At identical 50 microM concentrations, AMMA produced a much longer inhibition of basal [3H]ACh release than oxotremorine did. The inhibition of basal and 30 mM K+-induced [3H]ACh release by AMMA (10-250 microM) was blocked by 2 microM atropine during a 2.5-min release incubation, but not during a 30-min release incubation. After synaptosomes were treated with 50 microM AMMA for 5 min and the unbound drug was washed out from the tissue, [3H]ACh release (basal and K+-induced) was reduced. AMMA (50 microM) reduced high-affinity choline uptake and ACh synthesis by greater than 90% in this tissue, but these effects did not account for the [3H]ACh release inhibition, because they were not atropine sensitive and hemicholinium-3 had no effect on [3H]ACh release under the conditions used in these studies, i.e., after extracellular [3H]choline was washed out. Taken together, these results suggest that AMMA may be an irreversible agonist at presynaptic muscarinic autoreceptors.
Evidence for bulk trap generation during NBTI phenomenon in pMOSFETs with ultrathin SiON gate dielectrics

Negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) of pMOSFETs with direct-tunneling SiON gate dielectrics was studied in detail. By investigating the effects of applying positive gate bias on pMOSFETs after exposure to NBT stress, the generation of bulk charge traps in the gate dielectrics during NBTI was clearly demonstrated. In particular, it was found that a positive charge generated by negative bias temperature stress (NBT stress) can be neutralized and that the neutralized site can return to the positive state. We consider that the bulk trap is due to hydrogen atoms released from the interface between the SiON gate dielectric and the Si substrate (and this is what has conventionally been considered a positive fixed charge). Moreover, the bulk trap generation was shown to give rise to stress-induced leakage current.
Further validation to support clinical translation of [(18)F]FTC-146 for imaging sigma-1 receptors.

Background This study aims to further evaluate the specificity and selectivity of [18F]FTC-146 and obtain additional data to support its clinical translation.
A simple one‐step synthesis of unsaturated copolyesters

Copolyesters containing pendent vinylidine groups were prepared in a one-step synthesis by reacting either chloro- or bromoacetic acid with 2-(bromomethyl)acrylic acid and triethylamine in diethyl ether. Polymers were characterized by IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR, DSC, and TGA. Copolymer formation supports a mechanism involving a triethylammonium carboxylate salt acting as an active nucleophilic species in a manner analogous to that seen in phase transfer catalysis involving carboxylate anions. Comparison of 13C-NMR spectra intensities indicates that 2-(bromomethyl)acrylic acid is much more reactive than the haloacetic acids leading to higher copolymer incorporation than in the monomer feed. Unsaturation in the copolymers provides a site for crosslinking during radical polymerization with an added vinyl monomer, similar to the way unsaturated polyesters function in commercial fiberglass formulations. This was confirmed by polymerization of both styrene and methyl methacrylate in the presence of an unsaturated copolymer giving insoluble semi-interpenetrating networks. These unsaturated copolymers are the first examples of soluble biodegradable glycolic acid polyesters containing such reactive functionality.
Carbon dioxide chemoreception and hypoventilation syndromes with autonomic dysregulation

Respiratory and autonomic disorders of infancy, childhood, and adulthood are a group of disorders that have varying presentation, combined with a range of severity of respiratory control and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Within this group, congenital central hypoventilation syndrome and rapid onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation, exhibit the greatest respiratory control deficits, requiring supported ventilation as a mainstay of care. The discovery of the key role of the paired-like homeobox 2B gene in autonomic nervous system development, along with the identification of paired-like homeobox 2B gene mutations causing congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, has led to a fruitful dialog between basic scientists and physician-scientists, producing an explosion of knowledge regarding genotype-phenotype correlations in this disorder, as well as important animal models of chemosensory regulation deficit. Though the etiology of rapid onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation is still to be determined, recent studies have begun to carefully delineate the phenotype, suggesting that it too may provide fertile ground for research that both advances our knowledge and improves patient care.
Use and analysis of saline washed red blood cells.

Data collected from SO saline washed units of red blood cells shows that units washed with one liter of 0.9 per cent NaCl on an IBM cell processor have an average hematocrit of 72.2 per cent, with 84.7 per cent of the white blood cells removed, and only 0.6 per cent of the original total protein remaining. The red blood cell recovery is 85.5 per cent. Other advantages include low extracellular potassium and reduction in supernatant hemoglobin, metabolic waste products, debris, and nonviable cells. Over 1500 washed units have been transfused, with an average of 150 per month. The clinical response has been very favorable with only one suspected reaction reported since the use of washed cells, and no reported cases of hepatitis.
Factors affecting the availability of walleye pollock to acoustic and bottom trawl survey gear

Stan Kotwicki1,2*, John K. Horne1,2, Andre E. Punt2, and James N. Ianelli1 National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115, USA School of Fishery and Aquatic Sciences, University of Washington, Box 355020, Seattle, WA 98195, USA *Corresponding author: tel: +1 206 526 6614; fax: +1 206 526 6723; e-mail: stan.kotwicki@noaa.gov
Electron correlations in stark broadening

Abstract It is shown that the previous calculations of electron correlation effects in Stark broadening are in error because of an incorrect evaluation of the electric field autocorrelation function. The corrected result involves the screening of both fields in the autocorrelation function. For hydrogen, this divides the usual Debye impact parameter cutoff by √e = 1.65.
Removal of arsenate and 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2) by iron (hydr)oxide modified activated carbon fibers

Activated carbon fibers (ACF) were modified with iron (hydr)oxide and studied to determine their suitability to remove arsenate and 17α -ethinyl estradiol (EE2) from water. Two synthesis methods, one involving aqueous KMnO4 pretreatment followed by Fe(II) treatment, and the other involving reaction with Fe(III) in an organic solvent followed by NaOH treatment, were used to produce modified ACF media containing 5.9% and 8.4% iron by dry weight, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Electron dispersion X-ray (EDX) techniques indicated slightly higher iron content near the outer edges of the fibers. Pseudo-equilibrium batch test experimental data at pH = 7.0 ± 0.1 in 5 mM NaHCO3 buffered ultrapure water containing ∼ 100 μ g(As)/L and ∼ 500 μ gEE2/L were fitted with the Freundlich isotherm model (q = K × C E 1/n ). The adsorption capacity parameters (K) were ∼ 2586 (μ gAs/gFe)(L/μ gAs)1/n and ∼ 425 (μ gAs/gFe)(L/μ gAs)1/n ), respectively, for the KMnO4/Fe(II) and Fe(III)/NaOH treated media. The...
Universal Design and Its Applications in Educational Environments

Universal design (UD), a concept from the field of architecture, is increasingly evident in discussions of approaches to enhance educational access for students with disabilities. Several emerging models of educational applications of UD—Universal Design for Learning, Universal Design for Instruction, and Universal Instructional Design—are discussed, with a call to the field for a collaborative approach to examine the efficacy of applications of UD to educational environments. Several critical areas for a research agenda are articulated, with caveats that the promise of UD for enhancing access not be undermined because of premature promotion of the concept before its validity is thoroughly examined.
Synthetic high-density lipoprotein nanoparticles: A novel therapeutic strategy for adrenocortical carcinomas

Background Chemotherapeutic strategies for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) carry substantial toxicities. Cholesterol is critical for ACC cell growth and steroidogenesis, and ACC cells overexpress scavenger receptor BI, which uptakes cholesterol from circulating high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. We hypothesize that cholesterol-free synthetic-HDL nanoparticles (sHDL) will deplete cholesterol and synergize with chemotherapeutics to achieve enhanced anticancer effects at lesser (less toxic) drug levels. Methods The antiproliferative efficacy of ACC cells for the combinations of sHDL with chemotherapeutics was tested by Cell-Titer Glo. Cortisol levels were measured from the culture media. Effects on steroidogenesis was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Induction of apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Results Combination Index (CI) for sHDL and either etoposide (E), cisplatin (P), or mitotane (M) demonstrated synergy (CI P P P Conclusion sHDL can act synergistically and lessen the amount of M/E/P needed for anticancer efficacy in ACC in part owing to cholesterol starvation. This novel treatment strategy warrants further investigation translationally.
Introduction: Singularization of History and Archaeological Framing

Microhistory and historical archaeology are important comrades, even in the broad-scale analysis of the modern world. Two scholars in Iceland have been paying close attention to the theory of microhistory. This brief introduction to their papers provides my thoughts on the linkage between historical archaeology and microhistory.
Esprit de Currency

This article examines the link between exchange rate policies and trade disputes, from the Great Depression and the Bretton Woods era to the present day. The article notes the absence of IMF and WTO rules on the issue; the interaction between exchange rates and trade policy falls in a gap between the two organizations. Unless the IMF and WTO cooperate to clarify rules and obligations in this area, exchange rate policies will be a continuing source of trade friction between countries and could lead to unilateral action outside multilateral disciplines.
The Power of Community Events for Designing Participatory Community ICTs

This research describes the development of a method for analyzing communities by focusing on community events. The theoretical framework that informs the community event research method, as it is called here, comes from the theory of social capital and from an argument based on the work of Clifford Geertz and Barry Toelken that community events are symbolic systems that capture local knowledge. By focusing on community events it is possible to know the ethos of a community and build socially inclusive community information and communication technologies (lCTs) based on an understanding of this ethos and not focus on the problems (pathos).
Learning Design with Digital Sketching

This paper examines the effectiveness of animated versus non-animated drawings as teaching tools. Data was collected by comparing how architectural design students given an animation versus those given a static, six-panel storyboard are able to learn processes in a space-planning design problem. All subjects were given an example of an expert design drawing, asked to put the design steps in order, and then to follow those steps in performing a similar design problem. Their responses were recorded with a digital penon- paper system that automatically generates vector animations. The animations can then be immediately viewed on a computer for stroke-by-stroke review. Finally, each student’s animation was analysed in terms of design process steps and compared with the expert example.
The virial expansion re-visited: A new interpretation ∗

A central topic in statistical mechanics, a research area Professor Hao Bailin devoted himself throughout the years, is the study of the state of matter. For a gas system the study begins with an understanding of the equation of state relating the pressure P, volume V and the temperature T. In 1901 Onnes introduced the virial expansion P kT = ρ + B2ρ2 + B 3ρ3 + B 4ρ4 + ⋯ as an empirical formula expressing P in a power series of particle density ρ = N/V, where N is the number of particles. A first-principle understanding of the virial expansion was provided years later by the advent of the Mayer cluster expansion in statistical mechanics in the 1930s. However, following Onnes the virial expansion has since been generally regarded as an expansion in density. Here we re-visit the virial expansion using the Mayer expansion, and show that the virial expansion should be considered as an expansion in specific volume, the ratio of the effective volume of a gas molecule and its allotted mean volume. This consideration is illustrated in the case of the hard sphere gas.
Most Monotone Functions are not Singular

(1982). Most Monotone Functions are not Singular. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 89, No. 7, pp. 466-469.
Occurrence of Perfluorinated Compounds in Raw Water from New Jersey Public Drinking Water Systems

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were previously detected (≥4 ng/L) in 65% and 30%, respectively, of 23 New Jersey (NJ) public drinking water systems (PWS) sampled in 2006. We now report on a 2009 study of the occurrence of PFOA, PFOS, and eight other perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in raw water samples from 30 intakes (18 groundwater and 12 surface water) from 29 additional NJ PWS. Between 1 and 8 PFCs were detected (≥5 ng/L) in 21 (70%) of 30 PWS samples at total PFC concentrations of 5–174 ng/L. Although PFOA was the most commonly detected PFC (57% of samples) and was found at the highest maximum concentration (100 ng/L), some of the higher levels of other PFCs were at sites with little or no PFOA. Perfluorononanoic acid was detected more frequently (30%) and at higher concentrations (up to 96 ng/L) than in raw or finished drinking water elsewhere, and it was found at several sites as the sole or predominant PFC, a pattern not reported in other drinking water studi...
Changes in foliar spectral reflectance and chlorophyll fluorescence of four temperate species following branch cutting.

Spectral reflectance and chlorophyll fluorescence are rapid non-invasive methods that can be used to quantify plant stress. Because variation in ambient light (e.g., diurnal patterns of solar radiation) may have a confounding effect on these measurements, branches are often excised in the field and then measured under controlled conditions in the laboratory. We studied four temperate tree species (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. (balsam fir), Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia (Regel) Fern. (paper birch), Picea rubens Sarg. (red spruce) and Sorbus americana Marsh. (mountain-ash)) to determine how quickly reflectance and fluorescence change following branch cutting. We hypothesized that conifer species, which have tough xeromorphic foliage, would exhibit changes more slowly than broadleaf species. Furthermore, we hypothesized that keeping broadleaf samples cool and moist would delay the onset of reflectance and fluorescence changes. In one set of experiments, we did not use any treatments to maintain the freshness of cut branches. During the first 12 h following cutting, changes in reflectance and fluorescence were slight for all species. Two or 3 days after branch cutting, the two conifers still showed only small changes in the ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence (F v /F m ) and most reflectance indices, whereas paper birch and mountain-ash showed larger and more rapid declines in F v /F m and most reflectance indices. We attribute these declines to loss of water. As a consequence of xeromorphic leaf structure, the conifers were better able to minimize water loss than the two broadleaf species. In another experiment, paper birch that had been kept cool and moist after cutting showed only slight changes in fluorescence and reflectance, even after 3 days, indicating that with careful handling the time interval between collection and measurement of reflectance and fluorescence of many broadleaf specimens can be extended to several days. We conclude that measurements of reflectance and fluorescence need not be made in situ to be accurate and reliable.
An Alternative Conceptualization of Political Tolerance: Illusory Increases 1950s–1970s

This article proposes an alternative conceptualization of political tolerance, a new measurement strategy consistent with that conceptualization, and some new findings based upon this measurement strategy. Briefly put, we argue that tolerance presumes a political objection to a group or to an idea, and if such an objection does not arise, neither does the problem of tolerance. Working from this understanding, we argue that previous efforts to measure tolerance have failed because they have asked respondents about groups preselected by the investigators. Those groups selected as points of reference in measuring tolerance have generally been of a leftist persuasion. Our measurement strategy allowed respondents themselves to select a political group to which they were strongly opposed. They were then asked a series of questions testing the extent to which they were prepared to extend procedural claims to these self-selected targets. Using this approach, we found little change between the 1950s and the 1970s in levels of tolerance in the United States, a result that contradicts much recent research on the problem.
Trace research on Salmonella enteritidis from different sources

Objective:To apply pulse-field gel electrophoresis analysis(PFGE) in the analysis Salmonella enteriditis from different soures.The results will be scientifically contributed for revising of hygiene legislation and criteria in China.Methods: PFGE with restriction enzyme Xba I was employed in the molecular subtyping of 36 strains of S.enteritidis isolated from 3 cases of food poisoning and employees engaged in food /public place in Guangzhou city and PFGE patterns were analyzed by BioNumerics Version 4.0 software to perform cluster analysis.Pattern profiles were compared by utilizing the Dice coefficient and UPGMA(unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages).Results: The relation was close among 36 strains in type of pulsotype and the similarity coefficient of 36 strains were between 88.8% and 100%.Conclusion: High homology at molecular level was found between Salmonella enteritidis strains isolated from food poisoning and employees,which indicated that healthy employees carrying S.enteritidis engaged in food /public place are pollution source of food poisoning.
Abstract A04: LINC00467 regulates the autophagy signaling pathway STK11/AMPK

Mounting evidence has established a fundamental role of autophagy (a self-digestion process) in tumor initiation and progression. Hence, targeting autophagy is a promising strategy for developing effective therapies to treat cancer. In our previous genome-wide RNA interference screen, we identified a set of genes that regulate autophagy in human chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cells. One of the candidates is LINC00467 (long intergenic noncoding RNA 00467), a long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) known for apoptosis regulation in neuroblastoma. LncRNA is a new RNA species with important role in gene expression regulation. Although the role of LncRNAs in apoptosis has been extensively studied. Whether or how LncRNA regulate autophagy has not yet been explored. Our previous work has established that LINC00467 regulates autophagy in different types of cancers. However, how LINC00467 regulates autophagy is largely unknown. To address this question, we first determined the stage of autophagy LINC00467 targets using a combination treatment of LINC00467 depletion and chloroquine and measuring the protein level of p62. We then monitored the activity of STK11/AMPK and MTOR, two autophagy signaling pathways, in K562 cells upon inhibition of LINC00467. We found that shRNA knockdown of LINC00467 in conjunction with chloroquine treatment significantly induced the formation of autophagic compartments manifested by the increase of Cyto-ID fluorescence. Moreover, LINC00467 knockdown substantially decreased the protein level of P62. These results indicate that Linc00467 suppresses the initiation of autophagy. To further probe the mechanism, we measured the activity of autophagy-promoting kinases STK11/AMPK, and autophagy-inhibiting kinase MTOR. Our results showed that Linc00467 knockdown substantially enhanced the activity/expression of STK11/AMPK while inhibiting that of MTOR, consistent with the inhibition of BCR-ABL using imatinib. Furthermore, We showed that LINC00467 inhibition led to a delayed degradation of STK11 mRNA. Taken together, our data demonstrates that LINC00467 suppresses autophagy through blocking STK11/AMPK. These results not only reveal a new LINC00467/STK11/AMPK pathway in autophagy regulation but also provide a basis for future therapeutic development. Citation Format: Sujuan Guo, Kevin Pridham, Zhi Sheng. LINC00467 regulates the autophagy signaling pathway STK11/AMPK. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer: Mechanisms to Medicines ; 2015 Dec 4-7; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(6 Suppl):Abstract nr A04.
Effect of nerve degeneration by 6-hydroxydopamine on catecholamine-stimulated adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate formation in rat cerebral cortex.

Intraventricular injection of 6-hydroxydopamine leads to two types of alterations in the effect of norepinephrine on the cyclic 39,59-AMP content of slices of rat cerebral cortex: an early-developing, presynaptic effect and a late-developing, postsynaptic effect. The early effect is attributed to the destruction of adrenergic nerve terminals by 6-hydroxydopamine and the resultant loss of presynaptic catecholamine uptake sites. This conclusion is based on three primary observations: (a) the potentiation of the effect of a threshold concentration of norepinephrine (1 µM) by 6-hydroxydopamine followed approximately the same time course as the loss of ability of the slices to accumulate [ 3 H]norepinephrine; (b) cocaine, which inhibits the presynaptic accumulation of [ 3 H]norepinephrine, potentiated the effects of low concentrations of norepinephrine in slices from control rats but did not alter the effect of norepinephrine in slices from 6-hydroxydopamine-treated animals; (c) the EC 50 for norepinephrine was reduced from 5.2 to 1.7 µM by treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine, but the EC 50 for isoproterenol (which is not accumulated presynaptically) was not altered. Also, cocaine did not potentiate the increase in cyclic AMP content induced by isoproterenol in slices from control animals. The increase in the effect (of high concentrations (30 µM) of norepinephrine did not occur until 96 hr after treatment of the rats with 6-hydroxydopamine. This late-developing increase in responsiveness would appear to be a postsynaptic phenomenon, since it occurs during a time span (72-96 hr) when there is no further change in inhibition of the uptake of [ 3 H]norepinephrine. Furthermore, there is an increase in responsiveness to isoproterenol as well as to norepinephrine. Adenosine also causes an increase in the cyclic AMP content of rat cortext slices, but its effects are not altered by prior treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine.
VTD (Velcade, Thalidomide, Dexamethasone) as Primary Therapy for Newly-Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma.

The combination of thalidomide and dexamethasone (TD) has induced disease remission in 69% of 132 newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma (MM) treated at our center, with preventable and/or manageable side effects, and represents our primary treatment of choice. By adding bortezomib (Velcade), the 3-drug combination (VTD) has induced remission in 55% of patients with myeloma resistant to standard therapies, twice the frequency observed with bortezomib alone (Zangari, Barlogie et al, 2003). From 6/03 to 6/04, we combined bortezomib with thalidomide (100–200 mg each evening) and dexamethasone (20 mg/m2 on days 1–4, 9–12, 17–20) with therapeutic anticoagulation for 25 previously untreated patients with MM. Bortezomib was given at a dose of 1.0 (n=2), 1.3 (n=11), 1.5 (n=7), 1.7 (n=4) or 1.9 (n=1) mg/m2 IV on days 1, 4, 8 and 11, every 4 weeks to patients for 2–3 cycles of VTD. Median age was 63 (39–81), median B2M 5.1 mg/L (1.7–19), Hgb 11.5 mg/dl in 17%, and high tumor mass in 32% of patients. Grade 3 or 4 toxicities included non-neutropenic infection (2), orthostatic hypotension (1), DVT (1), neutropenia (1), thrombocytopenia (1); grade 3 or 4 neuropathy was not seen. Median nadir of ANC was 2360/ul and of platelets 135,000/ul with no correlation between bortezomib dose and myelosuppression. An initial dose of bortezomib of 1.5 mg/m2 IV x 4 was safe unless age > 70 and/or drugs for hypertension were taken concurrently. Responses were confirmed (>75% reduction serum myeloma protein and/or >95% reduction Bence Jones protein) in 19 patients (76%) and when defined by less stringent Blade criteria in 21 patients (84%); median time to remission was 0.6 mo (range 0.3–1.8) by either criteria in comparison with 1.1 mo (range 0.3–8.1) after TD (p
Introduction: Balance at the Core

Here we show how each of these different modes of problem-solving tends to “balance up” its constructions. In order to unify them, we use the idea of “balancing feedback.” We draw a few simple communication diagrams for senders and receivers that show how feedback works in these compositions. In the Sender-Receiver diagrams we locate a common center of information transference located at a fulcrum on a balance beam or on a lever, at an equals sign, and at a verb. We show how each of these compositions features balancing in similar ways. The act of balancing is first and foremost a bodily action of adjustment to changing conditions in the physical world, so we feature a theory of learning sometimes called “embodied knowledge.”
A rare case of Raoultella planticola urinary tract infection in an immunocompromised patient with multiple myeloma

Abstract Introduction Raoultella planticola is a gram-negative rod associated with soil and aquatic environments that has rarely been associated with human infections. Presentation of case We present the case of a 73year old female with multiple myeloma and recurrent Clostridium difficile infection who was found to have a urinary tract infection with Raoultella planticola , which has only been reported to cause 29 cases of human infections and 2 cases of urinary tract infections. Discussion and conclusion Our case and literature review suggest that immunocompromised patients are predisposed to developing Raoultella planticola infection, and that this is a potential emerging pathogen.
Leveraging Data from Bioenergetic Experiments to Determine the Absolute Flux of ATP in Cells from Respiration and Glycolysis

Bioenergetic data, such as the instrumentation from Seahorse/Agilent, that examine cellular energy-production, in real-time, in live cells, has resulted in a wealth of new information on the balancing roles of mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis in the basic biology of cells. Knowing the rates of oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification by cells allows the assessment of metabolic flux, i.e. the flux of ATP, providing insight into the biology of health and disease. We have applied the concept of moles per cell to the rate of consumption of dioxygen (OCR) by cells in culture as well as the actual rate of cellular proton production (PPR) to determine the absolute flux of ATP in cells. Here we show how to gather information on buffer capacity, which can be used to make reliable estimates of the PPR. Then use of OCR and PPR in the same units, i.e. amol cell -1 s -1 , along with the known stoichiometries of biochemical processes, allows absolute determination of requirements for precursors and the quantitative determination of the flux of products, e.g. ATP. With this approach the flux of metabolic substrates and products in cells can be compared on an absolute basis, providing an entirely new window into information on cellular bioenergetic processes. Supported by NIH grants R01 CA169046, R01 GM073929, P30 CA086862, and P42 ES013661.
Attitudes, Political and Civic Culture

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by G.A. Almond, volume 3, pp. 1862–1865, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd., with revisions made by the Editor.
On indecomposability of βX

Abstract The following is an open problem in topology: Determine whether the Stone–Cech compactification of a widely-connected space is necessarily an indecomposable continuum. Herein we describe properties of X that are necessary and sufficient in order for βX to be indecomposable. We show that indecomposability and irreducibility are equivalent properties in compactifications of widely-connected separable metric spaces, leading to some equivalent formulations of the open problem. We also construct a widely-connected subset of Euclidean 3-space which is contained in a composant of each of its compactifications. The example answers a question of Jerzy Mioduszewski.
Stability and control of a parametrically excited rotating system. Part I: stability analysis

This paper analyses the stability of a parametrically excited double pendulum rotating in the horizontal plane. The equations of motion for such a system contain time varying periodic coefficients. Floquet theory and the method of Hill's determinant are used to evaluate the stability of the linearized system. Stability charts are obtained for various sets of damping, parametric excitation, and rotation parameters. Several resonance conditions are found, and it is shown that the system stability can be significantly altered due to the rotation. Such systems can be used as preliminary models for studying the lag dynamics and control of helicopter blades and other gyroscopic systems.
Oxygen Control Technique in Molten Lead and Lead-Bismuth Eutectic Systems

The key aspects of oxygen control technique used for steel corrosion mitigation in lead-alloy systems include the thermodynamic stability of protective oxides, oxygen concentration range, measureme...
Long Ago, in a Context Far Away

“Cut the pie any way you like, “meanings” just ain’t in the head.” With those jaunty words, Hilary Putnam may have launched nearly as many philosophical ships as Helen of Troy. Quite divergent theses can be arranged upon the frame of a gnomic aphorism and in this essay, I will suggest a new reading of Putnam’s dictum that emphasizes factors he never considered, although they spring from the same investigations of how scientific terms behave over time that originally inspired Putnam.
Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) reduction by granular zero-valent iron in continuous flow reactor

Wastewater streams containing hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) are subject to regulatory discharge regulations that require processing through industrial waste treatment. Thus, the development of easy-to-apply technologies for the treatment of RDX-laden wastewater streams is imperative. In the present study, the reduction of RDX by granular zero valent iron (GZVI) in batch and column experiments was investigated. Preliminary batch tests conducted under both oxic and anoxic conditions showed that after 3.0 h of reaction with GZVI, RDX was mainly converted to formaldehyde (CH2O), nitrate (NO3−), and ammonium (NH4+). Column filtration tests showed that pretreatment of the GZVI media with acid wash and low influent pH (4.0 ± 0.1) achieved 99% removal of RDX up to 5000 bed volume. BOD tests carried out on the post-treatment streams showed increased biodegradability of the treated wastewater, leading to a lower environmental impact for the final waste.
Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes in the heart.

Historically, subcellular organelles have been viewed as separate entities with defined compositions and organizations that furnish them with specialized functions. Today, mounting evidence indicates that intercellular organelles in close proximity can form membrane contact sites through protein-protein or protein-lipid tether complexes. At these contact sites, organelle membranes are closely apposed and tethered but do not fuse. Membrane contact sites exist in almost every type of subcellular organelle, including mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes (MAMs), mitochondria-nucleus contacts, mitochondria-lysosome contacts, and peroxisome-mitochondria contacts. Directly or indirectly through these contact sites, inter-subcellular organelles can alter each other’s shape or function by exchanging their contents [1]. This inter-organelle communication appears essential for maintaining fundamental cellular functions ranging from lipid metabolism to cell death [1]. One of the most studied subcellular organelle contacts is MAM [2]. Purification of MAMs demonstrates that ER and mitochondria are physically linked [3] with gap distances of 6–15 nm [4]. Approximately 100 mitochondria-ER contacts are estimated to exist in a yeast cell [5], and 5–20% of the mitochondrial surface is in close apposition to ER in HeLa cells [6]. Here, we briefly review recent findings on the composition of ER-mitochondria contacts and physiological roles of MAMs. The focus of this review is on the newly identified MAM protein FUN14 domain-containing protein 1 (FUNDC1) in hearts, as several excellent reviews on other MAM proteins and functions [7–9] exist for readers to acquire more information on other topics.
Trends in graphene reinforced polyamide nanocomposite for functional application: a review

This review outlines significant aspects and vital progression from polyamide – to – polyamide/graphene nanocomposite – to – technical application. Polyamide forms an important class of engineering...
Chemical-PDMS binding kinetics and implications for bioavailability in microfluidic devices

Microfluidic organ-on-chip devices constructed from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) have proven useful in studying both beneficial and adverse effects of drugs, supplements, and potential toxicants. Despite multiple advantages, one clear drawback of PDMS-based devices is binding of hydrophobic chemicals to their exposed surfaces. Chemical binding to PDMS can change the timing and extent of chemical delivery to cells in such devices, potentially altering dose–response curves. Recent efforts have quantified PDMS binding for selected chemicals. Here, we test a wider set of nineteen chemicals using UV-vis or infrared spectroscopy to characterize loss of chemical from solution in two setups with different PDMS-surface-to-solution-volume ratios. We find discernible PDMS binding for eight chemicals and show that PDMS binding is strongest for chemicals with a high octanol–water partition coefficient (log P > 1.85) and low H-bond donor number. Further, by measuring depletion and return of chemical from solution over tens to hundreds of hours and fitting these results to a first order model of binding kinetics, we characterize partitioning into PDMS in terms of binding capacities per unit surface area and both forward and reverse rate constants. These fitted parameters were used to model the impact of PDMS binding on chemical transport and bioavailability under realistic flow conditions and device geometry. The models predict that PDMS binding could alter in-device cellular exposures for both continuous and bolus dosing schemes by up to an order of magnitude compared to nominal input doses.
Studies of vegetative compatibility-incompatibility in higher plants: III. The involvement of acid phosphatase in the lethal cellular senescence associated with an incompatible heterograft

In order to elucidate the events that lead to cellular autolysis, and thus better understand the mechanism of cellular incompatibility betweenSedum telephoides andSolanum pennellii stems, we have followed the appearance and fate of the hydrolytic enzyme acid phosphatase in both the compatibleSedum autograft and the incompatibleSedum/Solanum heterograft. Acid phosphatase was localized by a modified Gomori-type reaction. Following an initial association with the endoplasmic reticulum and dictyosomes by 6–10 hours after grafting, acid phosphatase activity in the compatibleSedum autograft was associated primarily with the plasmalemma, tonoplast, and vacuole. This strict compartmentation in membranes or organelles and absence of enzyme from the cytosol was maintained throughout the development of the compatible autograft inSedum. Although acid phosphatase activity in the incompatible heterograft betweenSedum andSolanum was initially similar to the compatible autograft inSedum, a marked difference in enzyme localization occurred in the two graft partners over time.Solanum cells accumulated increased amounts of acid phosphatase, but the enzyme remained sequestered in the plasmalemma, tonoplast, and vacuole. In comparableSedum cells, however, there was a dramatic increase in acid phosphatase activity in the cytosol, often without any prior compartmentation within the vacuole. This high activity of acid phosphatase in theSedum cytosol was correlated with cellular autolysis, death, and eventual cell collapse to form the characteristic necrotic layer that insulates the stock from the scion. These results suggest that the lethal cellular senescence associated withSedum cells of the incompatible heterograft is correlated with a cytoplasmic release of acid phosphatase. A similar release of the enzyme does not occur in theSolanum stock or in the compatibleSedum autograft. Thus, while acid phosphatase synthesis and/or activation is induced in both the compatible and incompatible grafts, incompatibility betweenSedum andSolanum involves a failure ofSedum cells to isolate hydrolytic enzymes from the cytosol, which subsequently leads to cellular necrosis.
2010 Iowa Corn Silage Yield Trial and Rye Cover Crop Demonstration

Corn silage is harvested from about 1.8% of Iowa corn acres. Most corn silage is harvested in the northeast and northwest portions of the state where the majority of dairy herds are located. In these regions, corn silage is a major portion of the row-crop acres. Because no independent yield trials are being conducted on corn hybrids for silage in Iowa, a coalition consisting of Iowa State University Extension, Northeast Iowa Community College, the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation, and several seed corn representatives initiated a corn silage hybrid trial at the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation farm in 2008. This is the third year of the corn silage trial.
Standby P2P Network to Substitute for Client-Server Network in Event of Interruption of Communication with the Server

In the smartphone application market, game apps generate enormous revenue. The game app market will continue to grow. Many game apps are of client-server type, which requires synchronization of data between the client and the server. These apps have low availability because they cannot work if communication with the server is interrupted, which often occurs due to scheduled maintenance or network or server failures. This paper proposes to use a standby P2P network to ensure client-server type applications to continue to work even when communication with the server is interrupted. This is achieved by making a standby P2P network perform the server functions. Experiments were carried out to measure the response time and the application normal operation continuity rate while a client-server type app was compelled to operate in a P2P network.
Teaching forensic science under conditions of humanitarian crisis: Toward a critically-informed experiential approach

Abstract This article examines the use of critical pedagogy practices for teaching students the forensic science of migrant death and identification in the US borderland. Critical pedagogy, a philosophy of education that centers issues of social justice and human rights in the classroom, insists that teaching is inherently political, and challenges students to recognize and address power structures which perpetuate an unjust status quo. Drawing examples from qualitative data gathered during two field seasons in South Texas with the University of Indianapolis Forensic Science Team and narrative analysis of students team members' daily reflections about their work within structures designed to address the US border crisis, this article illuminates challenges and possibilities for teaching in learning in a context of mass violence.
FUZZY INFERENCE BASED STABILITY OPTIMIZATION FOR IOT DATA CENTERS DC MICROGRIDS: IMPACT OF CONSTANT POWER LOADS ON SMART GRID COMMUNICATION OVER THE POWERLINE

Direct Current (dc) microgrids due to their efficiency and energy savings are being deployed to provide power for servers in Internet of Things (IoT) data centers, in more electric aircrafts (MEA), electric ships and in rail systems round the word. In this paper, Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy inference method is used to establish a Lyapunov stability candidate for a 380 V ring bus dc microgrid modeled with Matlab. To determine suitability of using powerline communication (PLC) to monitor stability condition on the 380 V dc microgrid, impact of distortion caused by microgrid constant power loads (CPL) on signals transmitted over the dc microgrid PLC channel is examined. It is shown in this paper that while Lyapunov asymptotic stability is maintained on the dc bus, increasing CPL on the microgrid causes the dc microgrid PLC channel to experience growing signal distortion.
A look at bonds and bonding

Even after roughly a century of quantum theory, there is still debate, sometimes rather contentious, as to the nature of the chemical bond—or is it bonds, or is it bonding? In this brief overview, we summarize some of the prominent approaches to this and related issues. A key focus in any interpretation must be satisfying the two requirements that the energy of a stable molecule or complex be a minimum and that the resultant Coulombic force upon each nucleus be zero. The overall kinetic energy change in molecule formation is positive.
Steady flame streets in a non-premixed microburner

Abstract Three-dimensional simulations of a non-premixed microburner (channel height L z = 0.75 mm) are used to study flame structure and stability, for both H2–O2 and CH4–O2 mixtures, matching conditions of previously reported experiments. Thermal quenching and slow diffusive mixing lead to incomplete combustion and, for some flow rates, steady flame streets form in the channel for CH4–O2, matching experimental observations. Still smaller-scale burners, with channel heights L z = 0.375 mm and L z = 0.25 mm, are also simulated, and flame streets are seen even for H2–O2 cases due to the strong thermal quenching. A wall-chemistry model is used to assess the importance of wall quenching of H and O radicals. Wall recombination kinetics weaken the flames, reduce temperature by over 100 K, significantly reduce the length of the flame diffusion tails, and reduce overall combustion completeness. The basic mechanisms observed to be important in the microburner channel are included in an analogous one-dimensional diffusion-flame model, which includes a heat-loss factor motivated by the full burner. For similar conditions to the microburner and high heat loss, the solution oscillates sufficiently strongly to extinguish the flame, as observed in some microburner cases. For more modest thermal quenching, the oscillations persist and are analogous to the stable flame streets seen in the microburner.
Line Edge Roughness due to Oxide Rie Process : Topic: AM

The performance of a subset of the logic devices on a recent new design showed unexpected variation. Analysis showed that the nitride/oxide spacer exhibited excessive roughness in certain areas of a logic chip, causing the observed device shift. To execute the experiments required to correct the issue we developed a method to use inline measurement to quantify spacer quality. This helped to improve spacer quality without delaying availability of the product.
Tumor mutation burden and depression in lung cancer: Association with inflammation.

e23159Background: Depression and inflammation are both associated with lung cancer. Tumor Mutation Burden (TMB) can be used to predict immunotherapy response which relies on tumor immunogenicity, a...
Education, equity, and the states: how variations in state governance make or break reform

Education, Equity, and the States provides readers with the information necessary to successfully navigate the complex and varied terrain of educational governance structures and systems and ultima...
Proofs of Physical Reliability for Cloud Storage Systems

Cloud service providers (CSPs) promise to reliably store repositories outsourced by clients. Unfortunately, once files have left the client's control, he has no means to verify their redundant storage. In this article, we develop Proof of Physical Reliability (PoPR) auditing mechanisms that prove that a CSP stores an outsourced repository across multiple physical storage nodes. A PoPR complements the existing proof-of-retrievability (PoR) and proof-of-data possession (PDP) methods that are concerned with file retrievability, but without any verification of the fault-tolerance to physical storage nodes failures. A PoPR goes beyond retrievability by verifying that a file is redundantly stored across multiple physical storage nodes according to a pre-agreed layout and can, therefore, survive node failures. The verification mechanism relies on a combination of storage integrity and timing tests on the simultaneous retrieval of a collection of file symbols from multiple storage nodes. Compared to the state-of-the-art, our approach accommodates CSPs with heterogeneous storage devices (hard disks, SSDs, etc.) and does not assume constant data processing nor network delays. Instead, it can operate under any delay variance, because it relies only on (loose) delay bounds. We analytically prove the security of our construction and experimentally validate its success in heterogeneous storage settings.
Wolniewicz on Wittgenstein and Aristotle

In Process and Reality, Alfred North Whitehead characterized the European philosophical tradition as consisting in a series of footnotes to Plato. In the Philosophical Investigations, Wittgenstein declares that the concept of an object, which he used in the Tractatus, is modeled on the concept of a primary element, which Plato used in the Theaetetus, where Plato argued that there must be primary elements which are simple and therefore nondescribable but only nameable because the essence of speech is the composition of names; names become descriptive language by being compounded together. Professor Wolniewicz has argued today that Wittgenstein’s footnote to Plato is really an Aristotelian footnote.