cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applications of Benchtop NMR in the Organic Chemistry Instructional Laboratory

The instructional organic chemistry laboratory has been substantially improved through the implementation of benchtop NMR analysis. When used in conjunction with unknown reaction components in multi-outcome experiments, NMR analysis transforms the laboratory exercise into an investigative inquiry wherein students elucidate structures for their products and thereby deduce their unknown reaction components. This analytical approach closely models the research laboratory and is a valuable preparatory tool for undergraduate researchers. Three newly developed multi-outcome experiments based upon the Diels-Alder cycloaddition, the synthesis of carboxylic amides, and the Friedel-Crafts alkylation are herein described to illustrate the utility of benchtop NMR analysis in the instructional laboratory.
Spatial localization of SOCE channels and its modulators regulate neuronal physiology and contributes to pathology

Ca2+ function as second messenger and changes in cytosolic Ca2+ levels dictate neuronal physiology. Although several Ca2+ entry channels are present in neuronal cells, release of Ca2+ from intracellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores modulates store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) that restore ER Ca2+ levels and maintains Ca2+ homeostasis in organelles such as: mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes and associated vesicles, and nucleus. Members of the Orai and canonical TRPC channels that are gated by ER Ca2+ sensor STIM1 induces SOCE in neuronal and associated cells. Similarly, mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter is essential for mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake; whereas two-pore Ca2+ channels and the mucolipin are essential for lysosomal functions. Interestingly, spatiotemporal compartmentalization of Ca2+ in various organelle modulate diverse and opposing functions. Thus, interplay between organelle Ca2+ and Ca2+ influx provide the spatial resolution that is imperative for executing the precise neuronal responses and alterations in Ca2+ signaling leads to neuronal loss.
An Examination of COVID-19 Outbreaks in South American Prisons and Jails

This article highlights intra-regional variation in the extent of the COVID-19 outbreaks in South America generally and then provides an assessment of the nature and extent of outbreaks in South Am...
The Effects of the sphragis on male and female genitalia in Acraea (Nymphalidae) butterflies

Male mating plugs have been used in many species to prevent female re-mating and sperm competition. One of the most extreme examples of a mating plug is the sphragis, which is a large, complex and externalized plug found only in butterflies. This structure is found in many species in the genus Acraea (Nymphalidae) and provides an opportunity for investigation of the effects of the sphragis on the morphology of the genitalia, which is poorly understood. This study aims to understand morphological interspecific variation in the genitalia of Acraea butterflies. Using specimens from museum collections, abdomen dissections were conducted on 19 species of Acraea: 9 sphragis bearing and 10 non-sphragis bearing species. Genitalia imaging was performed for easier comparison and analysis and measurements of genitalia structures was done using ImageJ software. Some distinguishing morphological features in the females were found. The most obvious difference is the larger and more externalized copulatory opening in sphragis bearing species, with varying degrees of external projections. Females of the sphragis bearing species also tend to have a shorter ductus (the structure that connects the copulatory opening with the sperm storage organ) than those without the sphragis. These differences may be due to a sexually antagonistic coevolution between the males and females, where the females evolve larger and more difficult to plug copulatory openings and the males attempt to prevent re-mating with the sphragis.
From Outsider to Advocate: The Experience of Shame as a Minority Student in Engineering Education

This full research paper presents the findings of an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study of a student’s experience of shame in an engineering program. Our overarching research question is: How do students from underrepresented gender and racial backgrounds psychologically experience shame in the context of engineering education? This paper presents the findings from the IPA study of an American Indian, female student who majored in computer engineering at a faith-based, teaching-focused university. We carefully delineate her experience in order to maximize her voice throughout the findings. The findings demonstrate that the participant, pseudonym Mano, interprets current events within her engineering experience in relation to messages and events associated with her community prior to entering the space. As she begins to process, she experiences the phenomenon of shame and begins to question her belonging in engineering. However, Mano’s education is also impacted by messages that empower her to persist as a minority. From this perspective, she makes choices to be a representative and advocate for other underrepresented minority students. Mano’s case presents a powerful example of the experience of a minority student within engineering and the underlying structures that shape the path that she had to navigate in order to be an engineer.
Steam-Assisted Cracking of n-Dodecane in a Packed-Bed Reactor for Hypersonic Thermal Management

Heat removal capacity of catalytically cracked supercritical n-dodecane as a jet fuel analogue in a cylindrical packed-bed reactor is examined. Fuel cracking is endothermic, and can be used in desi...
Professionalism: Instincts Below the Surface and Environmental Influences

Professionalism in a healthcare environment involves not only the skills for job performance but also expectations of compliance with ethical guidelines for interactions with patients, colleagues, and society at large. Special expertise can be helpful in supporting physicians whose actions negatively impact the work environment to identify underlying drivers of problematic behaviors. It has been recognized that “hidden curricula” in the educational setting can sometimes provide favorable role models but at other times enable microaggressions that can be discriminatory and lead to larger structural inequities. Physicians should be aware that they will be judged by patient and peers on the persona projected publicly on various social media platforms.
Single-particle elemental analysis of vacuum bag dust samples collected from the International Space Station by SEM/EDX and sp-ICP-ToF-MS

Air quality on board the International Space Station (ISS) is a significant concern for the long-term health of astronauts living on the station. Aerosolized particles are generated from a variety ...
Destructive Messages: How Hate Speech Paves the Way For Harmful Social Movements

I Historical Lessons about the Dangers of Hate Speech 2 The Heart of German Anti-Semitism 3 Endearing Racism in American Minds 4 The Politics of Savagery and Indian Removal 5 A Glance at Contemporary Hate Speech Mauritanian Slavery Bigotry in Contemporary United States Society II Hate Propaganda's Socially Destructive Force 6 The Social Psychology of Scapegoating 7 Spreading Group Hatred III Legal Response to Hate Speech 8 United States Jurisprudence The Roots of First Amendment Jurisprudence Contemporary Formulations of First Amendment Doctrine 9 Reconsidering Supreme Court Precedents "Marketplace of Ideas" Doctrine Imminent Threat of Harm Content Regulations 10 Out of the Quagmire The Reciprocal Duty of Humanity Equality of Right 11 Destructive Messages' Threat to Justice and Equality 12 But Will It Work? Regulation of Hate Propaganda in Other Countries 13 Regulating Hate Speech Developing a Policy Dealing with Hate Speech Five Policy Considerations Delimiting Restrictions on Hate Speech
Identification of human melanoma peptides recognized by class I restricted tumor infiltrating T lymphocytes

Using a newly described pH 3.3 acid elution technique, peptides were extracted by denaturation of class I molecules on the surface of human melanomas. HPLC fractionation of this material revealed six T cell epitopes (termed P1-P6) recognized by HLA-A2-restricted, melanoma-specific tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) lines. Three of these fractions (P1, P2, and P4) appeared to represent shared/immunodominant melanoma Ag recognized in the context of HLA-A2 because they were expressed by 4/4 HLA-A2+ melanoma cell lines and were each recognized by all four oligoclonal HLA-A2-restricted TIL lines examined. Interestingly, P1 and P2 (but not P3-P6) could also be recognized by these same TIL when presented by the HLA-Aw69 class I molecule, which is closely related to HLA-A2. P3, P5, and P6 displayed more restricted expression and were differentially recognized by the four oligoclonal TIL lines. These results suggest that synthetic peptide derived from P1, P2, and P4 sequences (when deduced) may form the basis of effective prophylactic or therapeutic melanoma vaccines by stimulating CD8+ CTL in HLA-A2+ individuals. This approach of identifying T cell epitopes presented by class I molecules should prove generally applicable to the study of other tumors recognized by class I-restricted CTL.
The reaction of carbazole with carbohydrates: II. Effect of borate and sulfamate on the ultraviolet absorption of sugars☆

Abstract Hexuronic acid and hexose can be independently estimated in mixture with each other by the carbazole reaction in the presence of borate and sulfamate.
Hsu, Francis L. K

Francis L. K. Hsu was born in 1909 in Liaoning Province (Manchuria) in China and immigrated to the United States not long before World War II. A graduate of the University of Shanghai, he went on to the London School of Economics and Political Science where he completed a doctoral degree in anthropology. He taught at Columbia University in New York City and Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, before moving in 1947 to Northwestern University (becoming the first non-white faculty member), where he remained for 31 years. Following his retirement Hsu served as director of the Center for Cultural Studies in Education at the University of San Francisco, and as senior specialist at the East-West Center of the University of Hawaii. He was president of the American Anthropological Association in 1978. Keywords: anthropology
Analysis of the stimulated Raman spectrum of the ν16ν2 + ν18 Fermi dyad of benzene

Abstract Ionization-detected stimulated Raman spectroscopy was used to obtain high-resolution recordings of the two perpendicular bands of the benzene molecule centered at 1591.327 and 1609.518 cm−1. The effective resolution was further enhanced by deconvolving the spectrum to a linewidth 0.003 to 0.004 cm−1. Fine-tuning of the ionizing radiation made it possible to record the transitions belonging to each band separately, thus greatly simplifying the spectrum in the region of overlap. The strong sS and oO branches were, for the most part, completely resolved as were many lines in the weaker oP and sR branches and even in the central oQ and sQ branches. The observed bands belong to the E2g fundamental ν16 in nearly exact Fermi resonance with the combination ν2 + ν18. A detailed rovibrational analysis of the spectrum is reported. A perturbation detected in the sSk branches of the lower-frequency band for K = 19 to 23 was identified as a quintic anharmonic resonance with the third overtone, 4ν20, of the lowest lying fundamental ν20, which is infrared- and Raman-inactive (species E2u). Deperturbed spectroscopic constants for the interacting states are reported which reproduce the observed line positions with a standard deviation of 0.0013 cm−1. The unperturbed origins of the ν16 and ν2 + ν18 states are only 1.106 cm−1 apart. The fundamental ν16 was identified with the higher-frequency state with origin at 1600.976 cm−1.
Proposed Optimal Orthogonal New Additive Model (POONAM)

In this paper, the proposed optimal orthogonal new additive model (POONAM) is shown to remain more efficient than the recent additive model introduced by Gjestvang and Singh (2009). Several situations where the POONAM estimator shows efficiency over the Gjestvang and Singh (2009) model are simulated and investigated.
Early weight gain predicts outcome in two treatments for adolescent anorexia nervosa.

Objective Determine whether early weight gain predicts full remission at end-of-treatment (EOT) and follow-up in two different treatments for adolescent anorexia nervosa, and to track the rate of weight gain throughout treatment and follow-up.
Oblique Wave Propagation in Drifting Isotropic Warm Plasma

The electromagneto-plasma-gas-dynamics equations for small signal theory are summarized for the warm, isotropic, drifting electron gas plasma, by using tensor notation. Taking oblique plasma wave propagation, we derive a detenninantal equation for the corresponding refractive index. This is an extension for oblique incidence of a previous paper (Unz, 1966).
Service Blueprinting: Shifting From a Storyboard to a Scorecard

Service blueprinting has been an important tool in operations analysis for several decades as a primary method for outlining service processes. The current form of the service blueprint, however, is deficient in its incomplete depiction of the complete service process. This article proposes revisions to the service blueprint, specifically regarding the depth of the blueprint and of its pairing with service decomposition, which will enable its more effective use in service process analysis.
Parental Investment and Parent-Offspring Conflict.

Not all species engage in parental care. As researchers have noted, investment by parents in offspring is investment that cannot be directed elsewhere, into either somatic effort or other mating opportunities. Which parental and offspring factors influence the degree of parental investment is one of the focuses of this chapter. An additional focus is conflict between parents and offspring. At first glance, the relationship between parent and child seems to begin in perfect harmony. The image of parents' devotion to their infant is one that has been depicted in art for thousands of years and sometimes seems like a sharp contrast to the modern portrayal of the typical adolescent-parent relationship as full of strife. But is either image really accurate? What factors shape the degree of conflict between parent and child? An adaptationist perspective provides useful insight into these questions. Keywords: parental investment; parent-offspring conflict; genetic relatedness; kin selection; reproductive success; siblings
F2-isoprostanes mediate high glucose-induced TGF-β synthesis and glomerular proteinuria in experimental type I diabetes

F 2 -isoprostanes mediate high glucose-induced TGF-β synthesis and glomerular proteinuria in experimental type I diabetes. Background The recently discovered arachidonic acid derivatives, isoprostanes, are increased in pathological conditions associated with oxidative stress, such as diabetes. No role has yet been described for isoprostanes during the development of diabetic nephropathy. Cell culture in high ambient glucose has been used as a model in elucidating cellular mechanisms underlying diabetic nephropathy. Among the growth factors involved in the effect of high glucose, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been described as playing a key role in the development of nephropathy. Methods Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were supplemented in their diet with the antioxidant vitamin E (1000 U/kg diet). Blood and urine samples were taken to determine renal function and isoprostane concentration, as determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Glomerular mesangial and endothelial cells were cultured in high ambient glucose to determine the synthesis of isoprostanes and the role of isoprostanes in high glucose-induced synthesis of TGF-β. Results Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats had marked increases in plasma levels and urinary excretion rates of F 2 -isoprostanes. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E normalized (plasma) and reduced (urine) isoprostane levels and, surprisingly, improved proteinuria and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. High ambient glucose increased F 2 -isoprostane synthesis in glomerular endothelial and mesangial cells in culture. Incubation of glomerular cells with F 2 -isoprostanes stimulated the production of TGF-β. Conclusions Increased F 2 -isoprostane synthesis during diabetes appears to be responsible in part for the increase in renal TGF-β, a well-known mediator of diabetic nephropathy.
The anterior inferior angle fracture of a lower cervical vertebra

Thirty-eight cases of a “tear drop” fracture of the lower cervical spine treated in our department during the last 20 years are reported. They represent 8.3% of all cervical injuries. We classified our cases into four types with regard to the extent of the bony lesion and the resulting posterior displacement of the vertebral body. Posterior displacement is of paramount importance. Neurological lesions were present in 52.6% of the patients, and they were related to the type of injury. Five patients died, and 33 were followed up for a mean period of 10 years. Five patients were operated on. All patients with a complete neurological lesion remained unchanged irrespective of the type of treatment. Incomplete neurological lesions showed a better tendency to recover after surgical treatment. Types III and IV are the more serious lesions, and they represent an absolute indication for surgical treatment. Type I is more benign and, if treated properly, has a good prognosis similar to type II.
On a fourth-order unconditionally stable scheme for damped second-order systems

We consider the damped second-order system Mu + C/.u + Ku = F(t) (M, C, K symmetric, positive definite n × n matrices) by conversion to an equivalent first-order system IOOMddtO−KI−Cuu+oF(t) We demonstrate that an algorithm proposed by Fairweather for the implementation of the (2, 2) Pade approximation of the exponential matrix for approximating the solution of homogeneous first-order systems extends advantageously to this case, yielding an unconditionally stable fourth-order scheme with the feature that the approximating equations decouple. As a result we are required only to solve one symmetric complex n × n system of linear algebraic equations at each time step, with a fixed matrix which may be decomposed into triangular factors at the outset. We also consider iterative schemes involving only real, positive definite, symmetric n × n matrices. Numerical results are included.
Resource brokering service: timely and efficient information resource allocation

We address supporting unanticipated users and uses of limited information resources (sensors, databases, weapons - any resource intrinsically tied to digital information) in a timely and efficient fashion. Platform-centric systems often preclude users and uses not identified when the system was developed and deployed. Net-centric approaches, however, can address these problems by allowing services and information to be discovered and accessed at run-time. We have developed a resource brokering service that uses net-centric principles and semantic metadata to enable multi-domain information and resource sharing and support for unanticipated users and uses. The resource brokering service uses federated brokering agents and a modular software component framework for dynamically composing and tasking heterogeneous resources including sensors, data feeds, processors, archived data, networks, and even analysts into resilient, mission-oriented workflows. The resource brokering service is applicable to multiple sense-decide-act military domains including missile defense, space situation awareness, ISR, border protection, and cyber defense. In this paper we present a concept and architecture for resource brokering and describe current applications. Our architecture is aligned with the U.S. DoD's NCES (Net-Centric Enterprise Services).© (2010) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Modeling Techniques of Best Management Practices: Rain Barrels and Rain Gardens Using EPA SWMM-5

It is well established that the excess storm-water runoff volume from impervious areas can lead to impairments and water pollution originating from the sewer system overflow and combined sewer systems overflow. This redirection of the runoff into wastewater treatment plants and stream channels can also deprive shallow groundwater tables with recharge, as an impervious surface prevents water from infiltrating to aquifers. The runoff from impervious areas and, in particular, directly connected impervious areas, has been proven to cause the majority of the problem. Controlling the runoff at its source and disconnecting the impervious area from the sewer system is a way to resolve and reduce the impact of excess runoff. This is achieved by implementing specialized detention technologies for runoff reduction. This paper builds on new modeling techniques of two best management practices, rain gardens and rain barrels, implemented in the EPA storm-water management model Version 5 (SWMM-5). The behaviors of a con...
HNCO-based measurement of one-bond amide 15N-1H couplings with optimized precision.

A pair of 3D HNCO-based experiments have been developed with the aim of optimizing the precision of measurement of 1JNH couplings. Both pulse sequences record 1JNH coupling evolution during the entire constant time interval that 15N magnetization is dephasing or rephasing with respect to the directly bonded 13C′ nucleus, with 15N13C′ multiple quantum coherence maintained during the 13C′ evolution period. The first experiment, designed for smaller proteins, produces an apparent doubling of the 1JNH coupling without any accompanying increases in line width. The second experiment is a J-scaled TROSY-HNCO experiment in which the 1JNH coupling is measured by frequency difference between resonances offset symmetrically about the position of the downfield component of the 15N doublet (i.e. the TROSY resonance). This experiment delivers significant gains in precision of 1JNH coupling measurement compared to existing J-scaled TROSY-HNCO experiments. With the proper choice of acquisition parameters and sufficient sensitivity to acquire a 3D TROSY-HNCO experiment, it is shown that 1JNH couplings can be measured with a precision which approaches or exceeds the precision of measurement with which the frequency of the TROSY resonance itself can be determined.
Finding a minimal cover for binary images: An optimal parallel algorithm

Given a black-and-white image, represented by an array of źn × źn binary-valued pixels, we wish to cover the black pixels with aminimal set of (possibly overlapping) maximal squares. It was recently shown that obtaining aminimum square cover for a polygonal binary image with holes is NP-hard. We derive an optimal parallel algorithm for theminimal square cover problem, which for any desired computation timeT in [logn,n] runs on an EREW-PRAM with (n/T) processors. The cornerstone of our algorithm is a novel data structure, the cover graph, which compactly represents the covering relationships between the maximal squares of the image. The size of the cover graph is linear in the number of pixels. This algorithm has applications to problems in VLSI mask generation, incremental update of raster displays, and image compression.
Depth-resolved ultra-violet spectroscopic photo current-voltage measurements for the analysis of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor epilayer deposited on Si

We have demonstrated that the depth-dependent defect distribution of the deep level traps in the AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) epi-structures can be analyzed by using the depth-resolved ultra-violet (UV) spectroscopic photo current-voltage (IV) (DR-UV-SPIV). It is of great importance to analyze deep level defects in the AlGaN/GaN HEMT structure, since it is recognized that deep level defects are the main source for causing current collapse phenomena leading to reduced device reliability. The AlGaN/GaN HEMT epi-layers were grown on a 6 in. Si wafer by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The DR-UV-SPIV measurement was performed using a monochromatized UV light illumination from a Xe lamp. The key strength of the DR-UV-SPIV is its ability to provide information on the depth-dependent electrically active defect distribution along the epi-layer growth direction. The DR-UV-SPIV data showed variations in the depth-dependent defect distribution across the wafer. As a result, rapid feedback on the depth-dependent electrical homogeneity of the electrically active defect distribution in the AlGaN/GaN HEMT epi-structure grown on a Si wafer with minimal sample preparation can be elucidated from the DR-UV-SPIV in combination with our previously demonstrated spectroscopic photo-IV measurement with the sub-bandgap excitation.
Evolution of magnetism of Cr nanoclusters on Au(111): First-principles electronic structure calculations

We have carried out collinear and noncollinear electronic structure calculations to investigate the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of isolated Cr atoms, dimers, and compact trimers. We find that the Cr monomer prefers to adsorb on the fcc hollow site with a binding energy of $3.13\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ and a magnetic moment of $3.93{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}$. The calculated Kondo temperature of $0.7\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ for the monomer is consistent with the lack of a Kondo peak in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments at $7\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. The compact Cr dimer orders antiferromagnetically and its bond length contracts to $1.72\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{\AA{}}$ close to the value for the free-standing Cr dimer. The very low magnetic moment of $0.005{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}$ for the Cr atoms in the dimer is due to the strong $d\text{\ensuremath{-}}d$ hybridization between the Cr adatoms. Thus, these calculations reveal that the absence of the Kondo effect observed in STM experiments is due to the small local moments rather than the Kondo quenching of the local moments suggested experimentally. The Cr compact trimer exhibits noncollinear coplanar magnetism with vanishing net magnetic moment in agreement with experiment.
Polyphenol Qxidase of Kiwifruit

Polyphenol oxidase in kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis planch) was extracted and purified through (NH4)2SO4 fractionation, dialysis and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose column. Polyacrylamide disc-gel electrophoresis showed eight bands with oxidase activity. The molecular weight of the dominant isozyme was 25,000 as determined by gel electrophoresis. The cresolase fraction appeared in the first peak (FA1P) and catecholase in the fourth peak (FA4P) when eluted from a DEAE-cellulose column. The optimum pH of the FA4P fraction was 7.3. The Km value was 50 mM (+) catechin for FA1P and 8.7 mM for FA4P. Ascorbic acid delayed enzymic browning in kiwi fruit. The activation energy with (+) catechin as substrate was 4.0 Kcal/mole for FA1P and 7.0 Kcal/mole for FA4P.
The Cardiomyopathy of Progressive Muscular Dystrophy

A prospective study was undertaken in order to examine the histories, physical signs, phonocardiograms, electrocardiograms, vectorcardiograms, X-rays, serum enzymes, pulmonary ventilatory findings, and hemodynamics in a group of 55 patients selected solely on the basis of one of the major types of progressive muscular dystrophy (table 9). The classification included: (1) the classic Duchenne type, (2) the limb girdle type, (3) the facioscapulohumeral type, and (4) a group of patients in whom clinical distinction between benign Duchenne dystrophy and limb girdle dystrophy with pseudohypertrophy could not be made. No patient had recognized heart disease prior to selection. Follow-up periods ranged from a few months to 5 years. The pertinent literature was extensively reviewed. In all groups clinical evidence of heart disease had to be interpreted in the context of the influence of the somatic musculoskeletal defects on "cardiac" symptoms, cardiovascular physical signs, and radiological appearance of the heart. On the other hand, convincing evidence of intrinsic heart disease-subtle to overt-was found in each of the major categories of progressive muscular dystrophy. Detection of cardiomyopathy was simplest and most frequent in the classic Duchenne group because of the highly characteristic features of the scalar electrocardiogram which might direct attention to the systemic myopathy prior to its clinical recognition. However, the presence of heart disease in patients with forms of dystrophy other than the classic Duchenne deserves particular emphasis. Evidence of cardiomyopathy in these latter forms varied from subtle quadruple gallop rhythms in the limb girdle and facioscapulohumeral groups to cardiomyopathic death in the benign Duchenne and limb girdle-pseudohypertrophic group. Currently available information on the heart in muscular dystrophy has as a rule depended upon retrospective studies, upon reviews of published reports of incompletely classified cases, upon discussions of individual cardiovascular features, or upon observations of individual types of dystrophy. The present prospective study was undertaken to obviate some of these shortcomings. Comprehensive assessment of a large and carefully classified group of dystrophic subjects has provided additional information regarding the clinical spectrum of dystrophic cardiomyopathy.
Proprioception: A Channel for Body Sense in the Worm

A TRP family cation channel has been found to be critical for proprioception in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. This is a starting point for understanding conserved mechanotransduction mechanisms in proprioceptor neurons, and for deciphering how sensory feedback can function within a defined neural circuit to produce coordinated patterns of motor activity.
Chemokine receptor-8 (CCR8) mediates human vascular smooth muscle cell chemotaxis and metalloproteinase-2 secretion

The response of the arterial vascular wall to injury is characterized by vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration, a process requiring metalloproteinase production. This migration is induced by cytokines, however the agonists involved are not fully defined. The CC chemokine receptor 8 (CCR8) is expressed on monocytes and T lymphocytes and is the sole receptor for the human CC chemokine 1 (CCL1, I-309) and for the viral chemokine, vCCL1 (viral macrophage inflammatory protein 1 [vMIP-1]). We have reported that CCR8 is expressed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mediates chemotaxis induced by CCL1. The conditioned medium from incubation mixtures of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and HUVECs (LCM) contained CCL1 and stimulated both monocyte and HUVEC chemotaxis, providing novel mechanisms for the atherogenicity of Lp(a). We now report that CCL1, vCCL1, and LCM stimulate chemotaxis of human VSMCs that is blocked by murine monoclonal antibody against CCR8 and by the G-protein inhibitor pertussis toxin. The effect of anti-CCR8 was specific, as this antibody failed to effect the chemotaxis of VSMCs in response to CCL3 or by platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB). VSMCs contained CCR8 mRNA and CCR8 antigen coprecipitated with VSMC membranes. Antibodies against metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) inhibited the CCL1-induced chemotaxis of VSMCs, whereas anti–MMP-9 was less effective. CCL1 induced VSMC pro–MMP-2 mRNA and protein secretion. Poxvirus MC148 inhibited the increase in MMP-2 induced by CCL1, documenting that CCR8 was the receptor responsible. In mouse femoral arteries, CCR8 and TCA3 antigen colocalized with VSMCs and were up-regulated after injury. The induction of CCR8 and CCL1/TCA3 under conditions associated with VSMC proliferation and migration raises the possibility that CCR8 may play an important role in vessel wall pathology.
DNA methylation, genomic silencing, and links to nutrition and cancer.

DNA methylation is a heritable epigenetic feature that is associated with transcriptional silencing, X-chromosome inactivation, genetic imprinting, and genomic stability. The addition of the methyl group is catalyzed by a family of DNA methyltransferases whose cosubstrates are DNA and S-adenosylmethionine, the latter being derived from the methionine cycle. Aberrant DNA methylation is linked to numerous pathologies, including cancer. The purpose of this review is to describe DNA methylation and its functions, to examine the relationship between dietary methyl insufficiency and DNA methylation, and to evaluate the associations between DNA methylation and cancer.
Phase equilibria in mixtures of block copolymer and homopolymer

Abstract Phase diagrams were constructed experimentally for mixtures of a polystyrene-block-polyisoprene-block-polystyrene (SIS) copolymer and a homopolymer polystyrene. For the study, two SIS triblock copolymers having spherical and cylindrical microdomain structures, respectively, and a series of homopolymer polystyrenes were synthesized via anionic polymerization. In constructing phase diagrams, we combined the results of dynamic viscoelastic measurement (i.e. logarithmic plots of dynamic storage modulus versus dynamic loss modulus), which allowed us to determine the boundary between the mesophase and homogeneous phase, and turbidity measurement, which allowed us to determine cloud point curves for liquid-liquid (macrophase) separation. Experimental results are compared with predictions made by the theory of Hong and Noolandi. We have found that predicted results are at variance with experimental results.
Development of Power-Based Fan Airflow Stations

Airflow measurements are critical for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system operations, energy conservation and fault detection. A fan-head-based fan airflow station, which determines airflow using measured fan head and speed, has been developed. However, the fan-head-based fan airflow station cannot measure the airflow associated with a flat fan head curve. To solve this problem, a motor-power-based fan airflow station is developed in this paper. The motor-power-based fan airflow station determines fan airflow using motor power and speed. Since both the motor power and speed can be directly obtained from the motor Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), no additional sensors are required for implementing a motor-power-based fan airflow station. A motor-power-based fan airflow station was implemented in a laboratory exhaust system. This paper presents the fundamental theory of the motor power-based fan airflow station and the experiment results.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Volatile oil from foliage of Sequoiadendron giganteum: change in composition during growth☆

Abstract The composition of volatile oil from foliage of Sequoiadendron giganteum changes considerably during growth of the foliage. The new foliage contains none of the allyl phenylethers safrole, eugenol, O -methyl eugenol and elemicin which constitute ca. 10% of the oil from the mature foliage. These components appear and increase in concentration in the new foliage as the growing season progresses. In the mature foliage there is a slight decrease in the concentration of these allyl phenylethers at the start of the growing season and a significant increase later on. These data suggest that the allyl phenylethers may be involved in plant metabolism other than as passive metabolic end products. In both the old and new foliage, α-pinene decrease as the growing season progresses and fluctuations in the α-pinene concentrations are accompanied by fluctuations in the opposite direction in α-terpineol concentrations.
A new expenditure function

Abstract The usual expenditure function exploits the duality of expenditure and direct utility; a new expenditure function is proposed which exploits the duality of expenditure and indirect utility. The derivative of the new expenditure function is the inverse demand or willingness-to-pay. The new expenditure function offers the easiest way to value quantity changes.
Thrombin-induced endothelin-1 synthesis and secretion in retinal pigment epithelial cells is rho kinase dependent.

Abstract Purpose: The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a major source for endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoactive peptide, at the outer blood–retinal barrier. Factors that regulate ET-1 synthesis at this site may help identify its normal function and its role in pathologic states accompanying retinal injury. Thrombin is one such factor that might act on the RPE after injury and breakdown of the blood–retinal barrier. The present study was conducted to identify signaling intermediates in thrombin-induced ET-1 synthesis and secretion in primary human RPE (hRPE) and transformed RPE cells (ARPE-19) and a possible pharmacological strategy to block excess release of ET-1. Methods: Cultured hRPE cells were treated with different concentrations of thrombin and thrombin receptor agonists, and a time course to measure levels of preproET-1 (ppET-1) mRNA and secreted mature ET-1 was performed. Levels of secondary messengers [Ca2+]i and RhoA were measured and pharmacologically inhibited to determine how receptor-m...
Spontaneous evolution of structural modularity in robot neural network controllers: artificial life/robotics/evolvable hardware

In order to evolve large robot controllers for increasingly complex tasks, fully connected neural networks are not feasible. However, manually designing sparse neural connectivity is not intuitive, and thus should be placed under evolutionary control. Here I show how spontaneous structural modularity can arise in the connectivity of evolved robot controllers if the controllers are boolean networks, and are selected to converge on point attractors that correspond to successful robot behaviors.
Procedural preferences, perceptions of fairness, and compliance with outcomes: A study of alternatives to the standard adversary trial procedure.

Mental health professionals (N=198) read a vignette describing malpractice case and were asked to imagine themselves in the role of defendant. Using a between-subjects design, each subject was offered two possible trial procedures for resolving the case, the standard adversary procedure (ADVERS) and one of five possible hybrid procedures. Using scales that juxtaposed these two procedures, subjects provided judgments on 12 procedural justice dimensions. A series of regression analyses examined the most important determinants of PREFERENCE judgments, FAIRNESS ratings, and ratings of imagined COMPLIANCE with trial outcomes. PREFERENCE raings were significantly influenced by perceived FAIRNESS of the procedures and by OUTCOME CONTROL. Perceived ACCURACY of the available trial procedures contributed most of the unique variance explained for dependent measures of FAIRNESS AND COMPLIANCE. Results are discussed in terms of the procedural justice attributes of alternatives to the standard adversary process for resolving medical malpractice cases.
The importance of the hydrophobic interaction in the mutagenicity of organic compounds

Abstract The derivation of new QSAR and the review of published QSAR for the mutagenicity of a variety of chemicals acting on a variety of bacterial systems uncovers two classes of equations. 12 examples include a term for hydrophobicity and these 12, 11 require activation either by S9 or cytosolic enzymes for the reduction of nitro compounds. There are 4 examples of direct-acting mutagens which do not require activation. Of these 4, 3 do not contain a term for hydrophobicity. The odd example is that of the sulfonate esters which do not require activation, but contain a term in log P. The hydrophobicity factor is not correlated with the type of bacteria used for the test.
SU‐GG‐I‐80: Overcoming the Angle Dependence of a Solid State Dosimeter in Direct Measurement of CT Dose

PURPOSE: This paper presents a new approach to correct for the angle dependence of a small volume solid state dosimeter. Because of its significant angle dependence, the current dosimeter is inappropriate in measuringCT dose. METHODS & MATERIALS: A solid state dosimeter has been evaluated and demonstrated significant angle dependence. To overcome the angle dependence, multiple sensors of the device have been combined into one single detector, with each sensor positioned in such a way that the angular sensitivities compensate with one another. The device has been verified using a variety of phantoms, including anthropomorphic adult head and body phantoms as well as pediatric head and body phantoms. In addition, cylindrical acrylic phantoms are utilized with varying diameters from 6 cm to 32 cm. The CTscanners tested include a 64 slices VCT and a 320‐detector row volume scanner. RESULTS: The angular sensitivity of the detector combined from multiple sensors shows steady angle responses with averages of 85% to 87% of the maximum for kVp stations of 120 kVp down to 80 kVp. This is a significant improvement in angle dependence considering the angular sensitivity of a single sensor at 90 degree is only 12% of that at 0 degree. Therefore, the detector made of multiple sensors is much more appropriate in CT dose measurements as the radiations incident upon the detector in all directions. The ion chambermeasurement is used as a gold standard and the results from the solid state detector are verified with cylindrical acrylic phantoms and anthropomorphic phantoms. Conclusion: With the approach presented here, the angle dependence of the solid state detector can be minimized and the device provides a useful tool for direct and instantaneous measurement of CT dose. This allows individualized CT dose reporting that considers the patient size, tissue composition and scan protocol.
SPARC Regulates the Expression of Collagen Type I and Transforming Growth Factor-β1 in Mesangial Cells

The matricellular protein SPARC is expressed at high levels in cells that participate in tissue remodeling and is thought to regulate mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix production in the kidney glomerulus in a rat model of glomerulonephritis (Pichler, R. H., Bassuk, J. A., Hugo, C., Reed, M. J., Eng, E., Gordon, K. L., Pippin, J., Alpers, C. E., Couser, W. G., Sage, E. H., and Johnson, R. J. (1997) Am. J. Pathol. 148, 1153–1167). A potential mechanism by which SPARC controls both cell cycle and matrix production has been attributed to its regulation of a pleiotropic growth factor. In this study we used primary mesangial cell cultures from wild-type mice and from mice with a targeted disruption of the SPARCgene. SPARC-null cells displayed diminished expression of collagen type I mRNA and protein, relative to wild-type cells, by the criteria of immunocytochemistry, immunoblotting, and the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The SPARC-null cells also showed significantly decreased steady-state levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA and secreted TGF-β1 protein. Addition of recombinant SPARC to SPARC-null cells restored the expression of collagen type I mRNA to 70% and TGF-β1 mRNA to 100% of wild-type levels. We conclude that SPARC regulates the expression of collagen type I and TGF-β1 in kidney mesangial cells. Since increased mitosis and matrix deposition by mesangial cells are characteristics of glomerulopathies, we propose that SPARC is one of the factors that maintains the balance between cell proliferation and matrix production in the glomerulus.
Evaluation of left ventricular contractility indexes for the detection of symptomatic and silent myocardial ischemia

Abstract This study evaluated the role of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction and systolic blood pressure (BP) to end-systolic volume ratio to detect symptomatic and silent myocardial ischemia. The sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of these contractility indexes were compared with angina and ST depression during exercise. Thirty consecutive patients referred for chest pain performed symptom-limited bicycle exercise and had coronary angiography within 3 months. Twenty-two had angiographically significant coronary artery disease and 8 had normal coronary anatomy. Systolic BP was measured by sphygmomanometry; LV ejection fraction and end-systolic volume were obtained by nuclear ventriculography. Normal values for contractility indexes were defined as LV ejection fraction >52% at rest and increment of ≥5% during exercise, and systolic BP to end-systolic volume ratio >2.2 mm Hg/ml at rest and >3.0 mm Hg/ml during exercise. The sensitivity of systolic BP to end-systolic volume ratio to identify patients with coronary artery disease at rest was 71 vs 33% for LV ejection fraction. During exercise, each contractility index had a sensitivity of 95% and there was a combined sensitivity of 100%. This compares with 71% for ST depression and 48% for exercise-induced angina. Thus, 52% had no angina and 36% of them were also silent by electrocardiography. Among the patients with symptomatic ischemia, 20% had no ST-segment depression. Measurement of contractility indexes enhanced the detection of silent myocardial ischemia and provided information on LV function vital to prognosis and management of patients with coronary artery disease.
Forty years of the Crouzeix-Raviart element

Since the nonconforming P1 finite element method for the Stokes equations was introduced by M. Crouzeix and P.A. Raviart in 1973, there have been many advances in the finite element methodologies for nonconforming methods. This article, which is based on the Babuska Lecture at MAFELAP 2013, surveys some of these developments. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 367–396, 2015
The Implications of Schema Theory Reading Research to Technology Transfer in Developing Countries

Little research has been done on the information processing of technology transfer in developing countries (Gonod, 1981). This paper discusses information processing, using the well-researched area of English as a Second Language (ESL) reading and schema theory. In particular, it describes a reading study with Egyptian students who read 4 pairs of matched readings, 4 Egyptian and 4 American readings. Students recalled (i.e. learned) significantly more from the Egyptian readings. The implications of these results to the transfer of technology are discussed.
Depression in adolescents with diabetes.

TOPIC Prevalence and interventions for depression in youth with type 1 diabetes. PURPOSE To explore the co-morbidity of youth with diabetes and psychiatric conditions, and evaluate the relationship of youth with co-morbid depression and diabetes on glycemic control, quality of life, family support, behavioral problems, attributional style, and self-esteem. SOURCES Relevant literature in both child and adolescent populations of psychiatry, psychology, and nursing. CONCLUSIONS Youth with type 1 diabetes have significantly higher rates of depression over the general population. Seratonin reuptake inhibitors, cognitive behavioral treatment, interpersonal therapy, improving family communication and problem-solving skills, and diabetes education hold promise as treatment that can decrease depression in youth with diabetes. Advanced practice nurses are positioned to provide these interventions and treatments.