cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TDP43-Mediated Microglial Activation through NF-κB, AP-1 and NLRP3 Inflammasome (P02.172)

OBJECTIVE: To define the effects of TDP43 on microglia and whether they contribute to the underlying mechanisms of neurotoxicity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence supports the role of microglial activation on motoneuron death and disease progression in ALS. Transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP43) has been identified as a critical disease-related protein in ALS. However, the mechanisms whereby TDP43 contribute to neurotoxicity remain unknown. DESIGN/METHODS: The effects of TDP43 on microglia were determined by using primary cultures. Microglial activation and toxicity was determined by measuring NOX2, TNF-α and IL-1β using quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA assays. Western blot was performed to detect IκBα and p65 in NF-κB pathway. Active Caspase 1 in microglia was examined using fluorescent probe FAM-YVAD-FMK. RESULTS: TDP43 proteins, either wild-type (WT), 25kD C-terminal fragments, or mutant forms, were able to activate microglia by up-regulating NOX2 (major source of superoxide free radical) and cytotoxic cytokine production (TNF-α and IL-1β). PMBS, a LPS inhibitor, did not block TDP43-induced microglial activation, indicating that potential LPS contamination in the protein preparation can be excluded. TDP43 treatment resulted in activation of NF-κB pathway in microglia by decreasing IκBα protein levels, and subsequently enhancing p65 phosphorylation. The microglial response to TDP-43 was dependent on the CD14 receptor; CD14 blocking antibodies suppressed the TDP43-mediated NF-κB activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in microglia. AP-1 transcription factor was also involved in TNF-α and IL-1β production, which appeared to contribute to translational regulation. NLRP3 was upregluated, and active Caspase 1 was increased in TDP43-treated microglia, indicating that TDP43 also activated NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia. CONCLUSIONS: TDP-43 interacted with CD14 receptor and induced microglial cytotoxic activation through NF-κB/AP-1 pathways and NLRP3 inflammasome. This study suggests that efforts to block TDP43-induced microglial cytotoxicity may offer a therapeutic option for ALS. Supported by: NIH, Muscular Dystrophy Association. Disclosure: Dr. Zhao has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bell has nothing to disclose. Dr. Beers has nothing to disclose. Dr. Liao has nothing to disclose. Dr. Henkel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Baloh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Appel has received personal compensation for activities with Neuraltus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as a member of their Scientific Advisory Board.
Systematics and Ecology of Edible Ectomycorrhizal Mushrooms

Edible ectomycorrhizal mushrooms (EEMM) and truffles belong to 34 independent lineages of fungi. Although the specific number of species is not currently known, it is clear that the vast majority of species and lineages of edible EM fungi are solely harvested from natural habitats. Many attempts have been made to cultivate EEMM. However, most successful attempts to cultivate EEMM involve species characterized by sequestrate (truffle-like) fruiting bodies, perhaps owing to the propensity of sequestrate fungi to initiate ectomycorrhizas from spores as well as other ecological preadaptations as pioneer species. Given the functional and biological differences between species of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, including key mating and life history traits, management strategies will differ between lineages and species. Nature provides the genetic resources for both cultivated and wild-collected species, so policies that conserve the natural habitats where these fungi grow and reproduce are critical to future yields of EEMM.
ICE CORE RECORDS | Antarctic Stable Isotopes

Preserved in Antarctic snow and ice, water-stable isotopes enable quantitative reconstructions of past temperature changes in Antarctica, and their measurements are essential for dating of ice cores. The spatial distribution of stable isotopes at the Antarctic surface is discussed together with the modeling of stable isotopes in the atmosphere using cloud models and three-dimensional general circulation atmospheric models, which are used to assess the persistence of spatial relationships for past climatic conditions. An overview of Holocene climate variability reconstructed with Antarctic ice cores is presented. Several deep ice cores now offer records of stable isotope fluctuations in Antarctic ice over the past climatic cycles: Vostok, Dome F, and Dome C. These records enable us to assess the range of Antarctic temperature variations between glacial and interglacial periods, to evaluate natural climate variability in the high southern latitudes over a variety of timescales, to precisely follow the sequence of events during the last glacial inception, and to compare a variety of interglacial periods of different durations and intensities under different orbital configurations. Finally, the combined analysis of deuterium and 18 O is used to reconstruct fluctuations of deuterium excess, related to changes in Antarctic moisture origin.
Poverty: Implications and Strategic Options for Applied Psychologists, Clinicians, and Service Providers

Poverty is associated with both low education and adverse health outcomes for all demographic groups. This chapter examines the federal definition of poverty and recent statistics on the incidence of poverty rates within the United States. Section I of the chapter examines statistical evidence relevant to the causes, duration, and consequences of poverty. Section II examines the question: Why is it so difficult to achieve good outcomes for individuals with low income and low levels of education? The chapter concludes with a discussion of five pathways by which system-level issues constrain individual decisions and behaviors, as well as the implications of these constraints for professionals providing services to individuals and families with low levels of income and education.
Parameter Extraction Methods of Thin Film Photovoltaic Panel using Five Enhanced Models

In this work, a comparative study of two parameter extraction methods: an iterative method based on Newton Raphson algorithm and an analytical method based on Lambert W function is presented. They are also tested on ST40 thin film photovoltaic (PV) panel. For both methods, five enhanced mathematical models are implemented to extract the parameters of this PV panel under varying environmental conditions. In order to validate the accuracy of the five models, the results of the models' simulation are compared with the measured data using the RMSE and AE. Then, the results of both methods are evaluated so as to ascertain which of them are more accurate. The results reported in this paper confirm that the models' simulation shows good agreement with the measured data. It is found that the analytical method with all five models is the most suitable for the thin film panel.
Long‐term outcomes with oral therapy in liver transplant recipients with hepatitis B

Background The long-term impact of oral hepatitis B antiviral therapy in liver transplant (LT) recipients is currently underexplored. The objective of this study was to evaluate how oral antiviral agents impact long-term renal function in this population. Methods We studied 79 patients who received a LT for hepatitis B and were placed on all-oral antiviral therapy after withdrawing from hepatitis B immune globulin therapy at the University of California, Los Angeles. Laboratory data were obtained through a retrospective chart review. Univariate analysis and two-sided t tests were performed. Results The mean (±SD [standard deviation]) age at the time of LT was 65.4 (± 8.2) years. The overall mean (±SD) follow-up from LT was 6.5 (±3.3) years. 22.8% (18/79) of recipients on all-oral therapy had worsening of their chronic kidney disease stage, and 17.7% (14/79) had an increase in creatinine of at least 0.3 mg/dL. There were no significant changes in creatinine and GFR in patients while on tenofovir alafenamide. Patient survival was decreased for recipients who developed detectable HBsAg. Conclusion Tenofovir alafenamide appears to have less of an impact on renal function in LT recipients than other antiviral agents. HBV recurrence after transplant is associated with decreased patient survival and remains an important issue to address for LT recipients on oral antiviral therapy.
DRC Hotspot Prediction at Sub-10nm Process Nodes Using Customized Convolutional Network

As the semiconductor process technology advances into sub-10nm regime, cell pin accessibility, which is a complex joint effect from the pin shape and nearby blockages, becomes a main cause for DRC violations. Therefore, a machine learning model for DRC hotspot prediction needs to consider both very high-resolution pin shape patterns and low-resolution layout information as input features. A new convolutional neural network technique, J-Net, is introduced for the prediction with mixed resolution features. This is a customized architecture that is flexible for handling various input and output resolution requirements. It can be applied at placement stage without using global routing information. This technique is evaluated on 12 industrial designs at 7nm technology node. The results show that it can improve true positive rate by 37%, 40% and 14% respectively, compared to three recent works, with similar false positive rates.
Impact of steric bulk on photoinduced ligand exchange reactions in Mn(I) photoCORMs

Abstract The investigation of ligand exchange reactions in Mn(I)-based photoactivated CO-releasing molecules, or “photoCORMs,” has largely focused on the electronic effects of the ligand set. In this work, we report the effects of sterically bulky bidentate (NN) ligands on the efficiency for CO release and the formation of photochemical intermediates in fac-[Mn(NN)(CO)3(L)]n+ photoCORMs. The vibrational and electronic absorption spectroscopy and photochemistry of two new Mn(I) photoCORMs with a sterically bulky 6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine ligand, fac-[Mn(6,6′-Me2bpy)(CO)3Br] (6,6′-Me2bpy-Br) and fac-[Mn(6,6′-Me2bpy)(CO)3(py)]+ (6,6′-Me2bpy-py), are reported in comparison to two previously reported analogues, fac-[Mn(4,4′-Me2bpy)(CO)3Br] (4,4′-Me2bpy-Br) and fac-[Mn(4,4′-Me2bpy)(CO)3(py)]+ (4,4′-Me2bpy-py) with the 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine ligand. The steric demands of the methyl substituents in the 6,6′ positions on bpy significantly distort the structure, as the crystal structure shows contraction between the equatorial CO ligands and tilting of the bidentate ligand relative to the 4,4′-Me2bpy complexes. The movement of the methyl substituents from the 4,4′ to the 6,6′ positions on bpy has little impact on the electronic properties of the complexes, as observed by FTIR and electronic absorption spectroscopy, while the steric bulk of 6,6′-Me2bpy increases the quantum yield of CO release (ΦCO) and increases the lability of the Br− and py ligands compared to the 4,4′-Me2bpy complexes with less steric bulk.
Translating Doppler Digital Holography to the Cancer Clinic

Holographic coherence gating through complex media measures ultra-low-frequency Doppler spectra from intracellular motions inside living tissue. The response of patient biopsies to anti-cancer therapies can help doctors select the most effective therapies.
Seismic petrophysics and petrophysical well curves analysis for quantitative seismic interpretation

Abstract Quantitative seismic interpretation is the skillful integration of geophysical, geological, petrophysical, reservoir engineering, and production data in the predictive determination of reservoir properties, fluids, and fluid contacts. It predicts reservoir extent and sand development away from the wellbore. It is used to optimize well placement and to support appraisal and field development planning.
Asset storability and price discovery in commodity futures markets: A new look

This article examines the price discovery performance of futures markets for storable and nonstorable commodities in the long run, allowing for the compounding factor of stochastic interest rates. The evidence shows that asset storability does not affect the existence of cointegration between cash and futures prices and the usefulness of future markets in predicting future cash prices. However, it may affect the magnitude of bias of futures markets’ estimates (or predictions) for future cash prices. These findings have several important implications for commodity production decision making, commodity hedging, and commodity price forecasting. 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 21:279–300, 2001
COVID-19 Infections and Mortality in Florida Counties: Roles of Race, Ethnicity, Segregation, and 2020 Election Results.

This study investigates the association of racial and ethnic composition, segregation, and 2020 presidential election voting results with COVID-19 infections and deaths in Florida counties. Florida county COVID-19 infection and death counts reported through March 2021 were supplemented with socioeconomic characteristics and 2020 presidential results to form the dataset employed in this ecological study. Poisson regression analysis measured the association of infection and mortality rates with county demographic and economic characteristics, then assessed the moderating role of county political preferences. Counties with higher proportions of Black residents experience disproportionately higher COVID-19 infection and mortality rates. Disparities are further inflated in counties with larger Republican vote shares. That voting effect extends to Hispanic population proportions and segregation, both of which are associated with higher COVID-19 infection and mortality rates in more Republican-leaning counties. Communities challenged by pre-existing health disparities, segregation, and economic hardship before the pandemic bear disproportionate risk of COVID-19 infection and mortality. Factors associated with voter preference for the 2020 Republican presidential candidate compound those problems, worsening consequences for all county residents, suggesting deeper structural health challenges.
Mechanism of polymorphism and curvature of HIV capsid assemblies probed by 3D simulations with a novel coarse grain model.

Abstract Background During the maturation process, HIV capsid proteins self-assemble into polymorphic capsids. The strong polymorphism precludes high resolution structural characterization under in vivo conditions. In spite of the determination of structural models for various in vitro assemblies of HIV capsid proteins, the assembly mechanism is still not well-understood. Methods We report 3D simulations of HIV capsid proteins by a novel coarse grain model that captures the backbone of the rigid segments in the protein accurately. The effects of protein dynamics on assembly are emulated by a static ensemble of subunits in conformations derived from molecular dynamics simulation. Results We show that HIV capsid proteins robustly assemble into hexameric lattices in a range of conditions where trimers of dimeric subunits are the dominant oligomeric intermediates. Variations of hexameric lattice curvatures are observed in simulations with subunits of variable inter-domain orientations mimicking the conformation distribution in solution. Simulations with subunits based on pentameric structural models lead to assembly of sharp curved structures resembling the tips of authentic HIV capsids, along a distinct pathway populated by tetramers and pentamers with the characteristic quasi-equivalency of viral capsids. Conclusions Our results suggest that the polymorphism assembly is triggered by the inter-domain dynamics of HIV capsid proteins in solution. The assembly of highly curved structures arises from proteins in conformation with a highly specific inter-domain orientation. Significance Our work proposes a mechanism of HIV capsid assembly based on available structural data, which can be readily verified. Our model can be applied to other large biomolecular assemblies.
Recovery mechanisms for semantic web services

Web service-based applications are widely used, which has inevitably led to the need for proper mechanisms for the web service paradigm that can provide sustainable and reliable execution flows. In this paper we revise recovery techniques in OWL-S and show how semantic annotations may ensure seamless web service provision in a sophisticated way, such as, exploiting the ontology-based description of processes in order to dynamically find alternative services as substitutes for failed services. We also discuss the consequences of these semantic-enabled approaches and point out required changes for integration in OWL-S.
Optimal Tree Contraction in the EREW Model

A deterministic parallel algorithm for parallel tree contraction is presented in this paper. The algorithm takes T = O(n/P) time and uses P (P ≤ n/log n) processors, where n = the number of vertices in a tree using an Exclusive Read and Exclusive Write (EREW) Parallel Random Access Machine (PRAM). This algorithm improves the results of Miller and Reif [MR85,MR87], who use the CRCW randomized PRAM model to get the same complexity and processor count. The algorithm is optimal in the sense that the product P · T is equal to the input size and gives an O(log n) time algorithm when P = n/log n. Since the algorithm requires O(n) space, which is the input size, it is optimal in space as well. Techniques for prudent parallel tree contraction are also discussed, as well as implementation techniques for fixed-connection machines.
Density assisted optofluidic fabrication of 3D shaped particles

We present a novel method of creating complex 3D particles by flow deformation and UV light polymerization. An infinite number of particle shapes can be obtained by manipulating flow and light conditions.
A Bayesian Hidden Markov Model of Daily Precipitation over South and East Asia

AbstractA Bayesian hidden Markov model (HMM) for climate downscaling of multisite daily precipitation is presented. A generalized linear model (GLM) component allows exogenous variables to directly influence the distributional characteristics of precipitation at each site over time, while the Markovian transitions between discrete states represent seasonality and subseasonal weather variability. Model performance is evaluated for station networks of summer rainfall over the Punjab region in northern India and Pakistan and the upper Yangtze River basin in south-central China. The model captures seasonality and the marginal daily distributions well in both regions. Extremes are reproduced relatively well in the Punjab region, but underestimated for the Yangtze. In terms of interannual variability, the combined GLM–HMM with spatiotemporal averages of observed rainfall as a predictor is shown to exhibit skill (in terms of reduced RMSE) at the station level, particularly for the Punjab region. The skill is lar...
Message from the Stephen S. Yau Academic Symposium Steering Committee Chair

Presents the opening message from the Stephen S. Yau Academic Symposium Steering Committee chair.
A Dialogue between Professors Frank Sander and Mariana Hernandez Crespo Exploring the Evolution of the Multi-Door Courthouse (Part One)

As a collaboration between UST School of Law and the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School, the following is the transcript of a conversation between the creator of the multi-door courthouse, Harvard Law Professor Frank E.A. Sander, and the executive director and founder of the University of St. Thomas (UST) International ADR [Alternative Dispute Resolution] Research Network, Professor Mariana Hernandez Crespo. The UST International ADR Research Network is a research program designed to create inclusive problem-solving models that utilize social capital and consensus-building techniques (i.e., dispute-resolution processes that include the voices of all stakeholders, especially the disenfranchised members of a community). In a pilot project in Brazil, participants examined the different options available to maximize the dispute-resolution process, including the multi-door courthouse conceived by Frank Sander. The multi-door courthouse is an innovative institution that routes incoming court cases to the most appropriate methods of dispute resolution, which saves time and money for both the courts and the participants or litigants. In our Brazilian pilot project, participants met in a virtual forum following the consensus-building methodology designed by Professor Lawrence Susskind of MIT and Harvard Law School. The project was implemented under the direction of Professor Hernandez Crespo, together with a team of Brazilians, global experts and collaborators.
D3 receptor ligands modulate extracellular dopamine clearance in the nucleus accumbens

An involvement of the D3 dopamine receptor in the regulation of extracellular dopamine has been suggested. However, the mechanisms mediating this effect are unclear. We have used the technique of no net flux microdialysis under transient conditions to examine the influence of the D3-preferring agonist (+)-PD128907 upon extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens of the mouse. (+)-PD 128907 (0.1 mg/kg intraperitoneally) significantly decreased extracellular dopamine. This decrease was associated with a marked increase in the extraction fraction, which suggests an increase in dopamine clearance. The ability of D3-preferring compounds to modulate dopamine uptake was investigated in vitro using rotating disk electrode voltammetry. (+)-PD 128907 (10 nm) significantly increased the initial clearance rate of 3 μm dopamine in rat nucleus accumbens tissue suspensions. Kinetic analysis revealed no change in the apparent Km of uptake but it showed a 33% increase in Vmax. In contrast, the D3 antagonist GR 103691 (10 nm) significantly decreased dopamine uptake. Consistent with the low levels of D3 receptors in the dorsal striatum, neither compound affected uptake in tissue suspensions from this brain region. These data indicate that D3 receptor activation increases dopamine uptake in the nucleus accumbens and suggest that this receptor subtype can regulate extracellular dopamine by modulating the DA transporter activity.
Staged urethroplasty in the management of complex anterior urethral stricture disease

Staged buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty has emerged as a reliable procedure for difficult anterior urethral strictures not amenable to one-stage graft or flap reconstruction. It has primarily been used for strictures and/or fistulae occurring after previous surgery for hypospadias or those related to lichen sclerosus (LS). Success rates in these patient populations have improved when compared to earlier techniques. However, prior studies have demonstrated a number of patients requiring more than two procedures to complete the reconstruction, as well as some who have been content with their voiding pattern after the first operation and therefore elected to forego second stage tubularization. In this setting, we have reviewed the surgical technique and summarized previously published work. There may be an opportunity to complete more of these repairs in two operations using additional oral mucosa at the time of tubularization.
SU‐E‐CAMPUS‐J‐03: Thermal Effusivity Changes Predict Radiation Exposure

Purpose: To evaluate an imaging technique to measure thermal effusivity changes following radiation exposure using 3‐dimensional temperature tomography (3DTT). Potential applications include early detection of skin reactions in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy or large scale monitoring following a radiation disaster. Methods: We have designed an infrared (IR) imaging system and calibrated with high emissivity materials. The system consisted of an IR camera coupled with two 5000W photographic flash lamps and a portable computer. By inducing a surface temperature change with a flash lamp and measuring the thermal response by taking a rapid set of images using an IR camera, a three dimensional effusivity image can be computed. Four to five week old female SKH‐1 hairless mice were irradiated to different doses levels (20 Gy, 10 Gy, 5 Gy and 2 Gy) to the dorsal surface of the right hind thigh in a single fraction using a 1.0 cm Leipzig applicator with an Ir‐192 source. Images were obtained 30 minutes pre‐irradiation and 0.5 and 1 hour post‐irradiation. A 1.0 cm region of interest (ROI) was drawn around the irradiated region at 400 micrometer depth. Mean and standard deviations of apparent effusivity in the ROI were calculated over different time points. A plastic phantom was placed next to mice for reference. Results: The relative effusivity was computed by taking ratios of effusivities from mouse to that from the phantom. Each mouse s relative effusivity at different time points was normalized to that from pre‐irradiation. A12% increase in relative effusivity from the 20 Gy mouse and a 5% from the 2Gy mouse was seen. Conclusion: The effusivity values are increased following radiation exposure. These preliminary data suggest application of 3DTT in early prediction of radiation exposure. More experiments are warraαααnted to confirm these findings to extend the study to human subjects. This work was supported by CMCR/NIAID/NIH.
The neurotoxicant, cuprizone, retards the differentiation of oligodendrocytes in vitro

The effects of oxalyldihydrazone (cuprizone) on weanling rodents provided an early protocol for toxic demyelination in vivo, in which degeneration of oligodendrocytes preceded disruption of the myelin sheath, and in which remyelination could take place. We administered cuprizone to oligodendrocyte-enriched glial-cell cultures and to mixed glial-cell cultures from neonatal rat brains. The cultures were treated with cuprizone for 1 h and allowed to continue differentiating on subsequent days. Treated cultures and respective control cultures were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde (w/v) and immunostained with double immunofluorescence. MAbO4 was used to mark precursors and mature oligodendrocytes, and anti-myelin basic protein (MBP) to mark mature oligodendrocytes (O4+/MBP+), as distinguished from precursors, which were O4+/MBP-. Cell counts suggested that cuprizone inhibited the maturation of oligodendrocytes without diminishing the numbers of precursors, and appeared to affect the mitochondria in those cells.
Effects of diacerhein in an accelerated canine model of osteoarthritis

Summary Object To determine whether diacerhein has a disease-modifying effect in an accelerated canine model of osteorthritis. Design Fourteen adult mongrel dogs underwent unilateral L4-S1 dorsal root ganglionectomy (DRG), followed 3 weeks later by ipsilateral anterior cruciate ligament transection. Seven dogs received diacerhein (15–20 mg/kg) daily throughout the interval between DRG and sacrifice, eight weeks after ligament transection. The other seven dogs served as OA controls. Results The mean volume of synovial fluid obtained from the OA knee of the diacerhein-treated dogs was approximately 40% less than that from the OA knee of the controls. In addition, diacerhein appeared to reduce the severity of fibrillation (femoral condyle) and full-thickness ulceration (trochlear ridge) of the articular cartilage and the level of collagenase activity in extracts of the OA cartilage, and to increase net PG synthesis in the OA cartilage, although none of the above changes were statistically significant. Conclusion The differences between the diacerhein group and untreated OA controls, even though not statistically significant, suggest that diacerhein was active in this rapidly progressive model of OA. Because changes associated with initiation of OA may be different than those associated with progression , whether diacerhein has a disease-modifying effect should be examined in a less rapidly progressive model.
Induction of autologous graft-versus-host disease: results of a randomized prospective clinical trial in patients with poor risk lymphoma.

Abstract The results of blood or marrow transplantation in patients with chemorefractory aggressive lymphoma, that is, those not responding to conventional-dose chemotherapy at the time of transplant, have been poor. The relapse rate has been high after autologous bone marrow transplant, whereas allogeneic transplantation has been associated with excessive transplant-related toxicity. Administration of cyclosporine after autologous transplantation can induce an autoreactive syndrome that resembles graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This syndrome, named autologous graft-versus-host disease, has clear antitumor activity in animal models that can be enhanced by the addition of cytokines such as γ-interferon and interleukin-2. A randomized, prospective study was conducted to evaluate the antitumor effect of autologous graft-versus-host disease induced with cyclosporine, and augmented by the administration of γ-interferon and interleukin-2 in patients with chemorefractory Hodgkin and aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Fifty-one patients were randomized, 24 to the autologous GVHD induction arm, and 27 to the noninduction arm after autologous transplant using mobilized peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts. There were no differences in treatment-related mortality, overall and event-free survival (OS, EFS) between both groups; however, in the induction arm, GVHD developed only in 4 patients. The administration of oral cyclosporine followed by interleukin-2 and γ-interferon is generally not well tolerated, and does not appear to be an effective method to induce autologous GVHD in patients receiving autologous PBSC grafts.
Sliding and abrasive wear resistance of thermal-sprayed WC-CO coatings

We studied the resistance of the coatings to abrasive and unlubricated sliding wear of 40 WC/Co coatings applied by high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF), high-energy plasma spray (HEPS), and high velocity plasma spray (HVPS), using commercial and nanostructured experimental powders. The hardness of the coatings varies from 3 to 13 GPA, which is much lower than that of sintered samples (10 to 23 GPA) because of the porosity of the coatings. Phase analysis by x-ray diffraction revealed various amounts of decarburization in the coatings, some of which contain WC, W2C, W, and η phase. The abrasive and sliding wear resistance is limited by the hardness of the samples. For a given hardness, the wear resistance is lowered by decarburization, which produces a hard but brittle phase. Nanocarb powders have the shape of thin-walled hollow spheres that heat up rapidly in the gun and are more prone to decarburization than commercial materials. The work shows that, in order to obtain the performance of nanostructured coatings, the powder and spray techniques must be modified.
Arteriosclerosis in the intramural and extramural portions of coronary arteries in the human heart.

Fifteen instances of intramural coronary arteries were observed in the dissection of 276 human hearts at consecutive unselected autopsies. All but 2 of these 15 had severe atheromata and narrowing of the lumina. It was thought important to determine whether or not the covering of the artery by cardiac muscle for a major part of its course protected the artery from atherosclerosis. From our data, one may assume that those portions surrounded by heart muscle were not protected from atherosclerotic process which occurred there as well as in extramural portions of the same arteries and in other entirely extramural coronary arteries.
The Age-Incidence of Death from Smoking

Abstract A supplementary method of demonstrating the mortality risk from smoking (or obviously from any other “risk factor”) is proposed. By subjecting cigarette smokers to two mortality risks, one the non-smokers' death rate and the other the “excessive” death rate of smokers, a multiple decrement life table for smokers can be computed. From this table, one can determine the probability of death as a direct result of cigarette smoking for a person aged 37 who continues his present cigarette habit for the remainder of his life. The probability of death from cigarette smoking before age 87 ranges from a low of 12.5 percent for females to a high of 50.7 percent for males who inhale deeply. In making such computations, it was assumed that all differences between smokers' and non-smokers' death rates derived from the mortality effect of cigarettes. The meaningfulness of the computations is completely dependent on the accuracy of this underlying premise.
Carbon isotope discrimination differences within and between contrasting populations of Encelia farinosa raised under common-environment conditions.

Previous studies of the desert shrub Encelia farinosa have shown variation of morpholological and physiological integration that appears to match environmental differences among populations. Such findings led us to ask if there is a genetic basis for such differentiation that may be related to physiological control of intercellular CO2 concentrations as indicated by carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) values, and if genetic variance for Δ is detectable within populations. Under common environment conditions, Δ values were compared between two populations of E. farinosa from desert regions with contrasting rainfall patterns: Superior, Ariz., a region with high annual rainfall and droughts of short duration, and Oatman, Ariz. a region with lower annual rainfall and longer drought periods. Superior plants had consistently greater mean Δ values than Oatman plants across a broad range of soil water potentials, indicating that there is a genetic basis for Δ variation between these populations. At the intrapopulation level only Oatman plants showed detectable genetic variance of Δ based on: (1) consistent individual-rank values for Δ among soil-drought stages, and (2) evidence of heritable genetic variance for Δ during one drought stage. No genetic variance in Δ was evident for the Superior population. It is hypothesized that the high spatio-temporal heterogeneity of water availability at Oatman may facilitate the maintenance of genetic variance for carbon isotope discrimination within this population. Both the inter- and intra-population level findings suggest that selection associated with rainfall and drought has resulted in genetic divergence of the physiological factors involved in Δ determination for these populations. There appears to be strong differences of water-use and carbon-gain strategies among populations, and broader functional breadth among plants in the habitat of greatest environmental heterogeneity.
Primary-care Clinician Perceptions of Racial Disparities in Diabetes Care

Background Primary-care clinicians can play an important role in reducing racial disparities in diabetes care.
Awakening Advocacy: How Students Helped Save A Safety-Net Hospital In Georgia

A student movement fights for a vital safety-net hospital in Georgia. Now the group is rallying to expand Medicaid in the state.
PET scans: When and how?

PET scans are almost always abnormal at diagnosis in the most common B-cell lymphomas (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma), and normalization after therapy is highly predictive of a good outcome. But how to apply PET scans to the management of these patients remains problematic. The major controversies include when (ie, for staging, after 2-4 cycles of therapy, after completion of therapy, surveillance in remission) and how (ie, we know they should always be combined with CT scanning, but the relative merits of visual interpretation and SUV [standard uptake value] calculation are debated).
The effects of neuromuscular training on the gait patterns of ACL-deficient men and women.

Background Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is the most common knee ligament injury sustained by active individuals, and the relative injury risk is sex-specific. Women not only demonstrate an increased risk for injury, but also a poorer response following ligament rupture. Perturbation training has shown positive results in healthy females, but gender-specific responses to training after injury have not been evaluated. The purpose of this investigation was to describe the effects of perturbation training on the gait characteristics of male and female non-copers.
Electrical properties of squid axon membrane. II. Effect of partial degradation by phospholipase A and pronase on electrical characteristics.

Abstract Passive electrical characteristics of perfused squid axon membrane are investigated. In a previous publication, we reported that the capacitance of intact squid axon membrane is partly frequency dependent. We extended the same measurement to perfused axons. We found that the electrical characteristics of perfused axon membrane are essentially the same as those of intact axons. In this work, we investigated the effects of phospholipase A and pronase on the membrane capacitance. Phospholipase A is known to block the sodium activation and pronase to eliminate the sodium inactivation. Phospholipase A is found to increase the frequency dependent as well as the frequency independent capacitances. Our tentative conclusion is that this enzyme perturbs the lipid structure and decreases its thickness. Pronase is found to increase the frequency dependent capacitance slightly while the capacitance of the lipid layer remains unaltered. Although voltage clamp data indicate that the pronase disrupts the excitatory mechanism extensively, this enzyme has relatively little effect on the overall membrane capacitance.
Simple approach to predict APD/PMT lidar detector performance under sky background using dimensionless parametrization

In this paper, we developed a simple approach to predict the APD/PMT (avalanche photodiode/photomultiplier) lidar detector performance in the presence of residual skylight background. By normalizing all relevant photodetector noise sources to the quantum noise, we obtain quantitative expressions for the degradation of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the increasing threshold sensitivity of and decreasing lidar operation range. To apply the formalism to any lidar photodetectors operating in the ultra violet, visible and near-infrared spectral regions and to perform a comparative analysis of PMT and APD capabilities as the best photodetectors for ultra-violet (UV), visible (Vis) and near infra-red (NIR) lidar, we utilize a set of spectral characteristics that are built from an envelope of individual PMT and APD component responses. On this basis, the general analysis of system performance under intense background conditions is developed, and practical recommendations on detector use for each spectral region are given. The dimensionless formalism and the generalized detector spectral models used allows our analysis to be applied to nearly any lidar receiver operating over very different signal/background situations.
Uptake of local anaesthetics: movement of ethanol into frog sciatic nerve.

The changes of nerve action potential with time of the excised bullfrog sciaticperoneal nerve were measured at 24° C with the nerve immersed in oxygenated mineral oil containing various concentrations of ethanol. One series of measurements was made with intact nerve and a range of about 20 to 110 millimolar ethanol. Another series was made with nerves in which the epineural sheath was cut open longitudinally and using a range of about 15 to 51 millimolar ethanol. The results were analysed by means of simple diffusion theory, and below applied ethanol concentrations of about 70 millimolar the latent periods and times to total block fitted the theoretical pattern well. Disagreements between theory and measurement of previous workers is explainable by their neglecting to recognize that nerve bundles do not extend to the nerve periphery. It was found that the minimum oil concentration of ethanol capable of producing total block is 15 millimolar. Above 70 millimolar, behaviour was observed consistent with nerve damage. It was found possible, by measuring the ratio latent period:time to total block, to separate the relative contribution of the epineural sheath and epineurium as a diffusion barrier to ethanol from that of the perineurium and perilemma.
A Dielectric-filled Cavity-backed Dipole Antenna for Microwave/Millimeter-wave Applications

A dipole antenna backed by a dielectric-filled cavity is proposed that offers reduced surface wave loss and increased air-side directive gain. These antennas are suitable for direct integration on dielectric package surfaces for system-in-a-package (SiP) implementations, and are fabricated using single-side processing. Prototype cavity-backed dipole antennas were measured at 27 GHz and demonstrated a 54% radiation efficiency and 10 dB boresight directivity. Through 3-D electromagnetic simulations, the radiation pattern is found to be mainly determined by cavity geometry while the input impedance is more sensitive to dipole parameters, and the simulations agree well with the measured antenna scattering parameters and radiation patterns.
In-stent restenosis : Contributions of inflammatory responses and arterial injury to neointimal hyperplasia

Abstract Objectives. We examined the relative contributions of inflammation and arterial injury to neointimal formation in a porcine coronary overstretch restenosis model. Background. Previous studies established that stents cause neointimal proliferation proportional to injury. Although inflammation has been postulated to be a major contributor to restenosis after angioplasty, there is a paucity of data on the relation between inflammation and subsequent neointimal formation. Methods. Twenty-one pigs underwent balloon injury followed by implantation of oversized, tubular, slotted stents (stent/artery ratio 1.2:1) in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Morphometric analysis of the extent of injury (graded as injury score 0 to 3) and inflammation (graded as inflammation score 0 to 3) 1 month later was assessed and correlated with neointimal formation. Results. An inflammatory reaction was observed in 20 of 21 pigs, and significant positive correlations were found between the degree of arterial injury and the extent of the inflammatory reaction (r = 0.80, p Conclusions. These data suggest that the inflammatory reaction plays an equally important role as arterial injury in neointimal formation after coronary stenting, and that anti-inflammatory approaches may be of value to reduce in-stent restenosis.
Preoptic area infusions of morphine disrupt-and naloxone restores parental-like behavior in juvenile rats

Abstract As in the adult lactating female, opioids disrupt (and naloxone restores), parental behavior in juvenile rats (∼25 days of age). Because the preoptic area regulates the display of parental behavior in lactating females, we examined its parental behavior role in the juvenile rat. At 21 days of age, juvenile rats were implanted with bilateral cannulae aimed at the preoptic area using a modified Kopf stereotaxic and extrapolating from a developing-rat brain atlas [58] , and divided into two groups: initiation and maintenance. On day 25, the Initiation group received bilateral infusions of either morphine (0.50 μg), saline (0.25 μl), or morphine plus naloxone (0.25 μg). Thirty minutes later, they were exposed to three 1–6-day-old pups; the maintenance group was exposed to pups until they displayed 2 consecutive days of parental behavior, then infused. Morphine disrupted parental behavior in both the Initiation and Maintenance groups, and naloxone restored the behavior to control/saline levels. Parental behavior in the juvenile animal of both sexes, therefore, is under opioid regulation that parallels the adult female.
Test results for a 32x32 PCNN array

Summary.A 32x32 electronic PCNN array was tested. It had an awkward and innefficient pulsesample rate due to the imposition of a raster scan output format, it required high levels ofillumination to initiate any pulse activity, and it had an extremely limited operating regime.Most of the pixels were inoperable even under very bright input intensities. Due to theomission of a normalization circuit it was not possible to relate the performance of the chipto its simulated performance. There was no indication of any linking activity, and so there was no pulse synchronization in the chip. In comparison to software versions of the PCNN algorithm, the experimental PCNN array gave abysmal results. It is noted that thedesign choices for the array incorporated none of the features of the Eckhorn linking fieldmodel: the coupling was additive and the pulse generator was a nonlinear version of anintegrate and fire algorithm. In the Eckhorn model5, the coupling is modulatory and thepulse generator is a neuromime6. The poor performance of the array illustrates the needand importance of careful, thoughtful design in any future implementation of the PCNNalgorithm as an electronic chip.References.
Boron: Another Form

A hitherto undescribed form of boron can be prepared by subjecting ordinary forms of boron to pressures exceeding about 100kb and temperatures between about 1500 to 2000°C. The new form has a density of about 2. 52 g/cm3 and yields a characteristic Debye-Scherrer pattern. No large crystals have been prepared.
Anomalous behavior of the electrical resistivity in alloys near the PrNi5.0 composition

Abstract The phase relationships near the PrNi5 composition at high temperatures (above 1000 °C) were determined. At 1000 °C a solid solution region, about 1 at.% wide, exists from PrNi5.0 to PrNi5.2. The electrical resistivity was measured for six alloys with compositions between PrNi4.6 and PrNi5.2 from room temperature to 4.2 K. Thermal cycling of the alloy leads to a resistance increase of 10%–20% over the initial room temperature value. Metallographic studies confirmed that this increase was due to crack formation upon cooling. The results obtained in this study suggest that PrNi4.8 and PrNi4.9 would be the best compositions of the six samples studied for use as a nuclear refrigerant to reach millikelvin temperatures.
Research in progress: the Radburn idea as an emergent concept: Henry Wright’s regional city

A member of the Regional Planning Association of America and architect on groundbreaking projects such as Sunnyside and Radburn, Henry Wright affirmed a communitarian regionalism that advocated new town development in a balanced region as an alternative to sprawling suburbs and congested cities. In his collaborative designs with Clarence Stein, he explored efficiency, aesthetics and quality of life issues, integrating superblock, hierarchical street systems, clustered housing, mixed uses and connected park systems. Yet Wright’s subsequent adaptation of the Radburn idea offered a more complex, urban vision than the greenfield, suburban alternative. Reviewing archival material, journal articles from the period and more recent assessments of Radburn, this paper is a comparative study of Wright’s interpretation of the regional city. Examination of this relatively little‐known alternative vision offers new insights into the planned community and communitarian regionalism, which are of particular relevance give...
Clathrate Hydrate Formation: Dependence on Aqueous Hydration Number

The formation of methane−ethane (C1−C2) clathrate hydrate was studied with high-resolution, solid-state 13C NMR and density functional theory techniques. The 13C NMR experiments yield a number of significant findings: (1) the hydration number of C2(aq) is 26, (2) the initial quantity of C2−51262 sI hydrate cages outnumber C1−512 cages at 274 K, (3) C1−C2 sII hydrate forms at a C1−C2 gas phase composition where only sI hydrate is thermodynamically stable, (4) the initial composition of C1−C2 sII hydrate at 268 K contains less than the original amount of C1, (5) a quasi-liquid water layer solvating both C1 and C2 exists at 268 K, (6) any C1(qll) and C2(qll) present at 253 K is too small to be detected, (7) the initial amounts of C1−C2 sI and sII hydrates formed at 253 K are much smaller than those formed at 268 and 274 K, and (8) C1(aq), C2(aq) and C1(qll), C2(qll) facilitate the formation of C1−C2 sI and sII clathrate hydrate at 268 and 274 K, respectively. On the basis of these experimental observations, ...