cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nitric oxide- and nitric oxide donor-induced relaxation.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses some of the unique characteristics of nitric oxide (NO)- and NO donor-induced coronary vasorelaxation. Similar responses can be extrapolated to other blood vessels and different animal species, including humans. The NO donors discussed in the chapter include an example of the nitrosothiol derivatives, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), and an example of the nitrovasodilators, sodium nitroprusside. The chapter discussed the vasorelaxant effects of peroxynitrite, an intermediate metabolic degradation product of NO and superoxide anion that is capable of producing a nitrosothiol derivative and/or direct interaction with vascular smooth muscle cells in the activation of guanylate cyclase and production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP). The vasorelaxation effect of NO and NO donors on coronary arteries is discussed because of their importance in various cardiovascular syndromes, and because of the familiarity with this blood vessel system, particularly with the epicardial conduit arteries of adult dogs. The extent of NO- and NO donor-induced vasorelaxation effects is enhanced with low oxygen tension and superoxide dismutase and inhibited by hemoglobin. The exact role of these NO and NO donors in the treatment of various clinical and pathophysiological conditions requires further study.
Superresolution direction finding with rotating arrays

The rotation of an antenna array will degrade the accuracy and precision of superresolution algorithms used to estimate the directions of arrival of the signals present. The degradation is caused by the apparent motion of the signals during the period that the spatial covariance matrix is being estimated. In this paper a new method which compensates for the apparent motion is presented. The technique succeeds in reducing both the bias and variance of the direction finding results. Performance examples are shown for the popular root-MUSIC algorithm.
Analysis of ESD protection components in 65nm CMOS technology: Scaling perspective and impact on ESD design window

A scaling analysis of fundamental ESD components (low voltage transistors, N-well diodes, interconnects and thin dielectrics) for the last three CMOS technology nodes (130 nm, 90 nm and 65 nm) targeting the same low-power applications is presented. The impact of technology scaling on the ESD design window will be discussed.
Can a Computer Listen for Fluctuations in Reading Comprehension

The ability to detect fluctuation in students' comprehension of text would be very useful for many intelligent tutoring systems. The obvious solution of inserting comprehension questions is limited in its application because it interrupts the flow of reading. To investigate whether we can detect comprehension fluctuations simply by observing the reading process itself, we developed a statistical model of 7805 responses by 289 children in grades 1-4 to multiple-choice comprehension questions in Project LISTEN's Reading Tutor, which listens to children read aloud and helps them learn to read. Machine-observable features of students' reading behavior turned out to be statistically significant predictors of their performance on individual questions.
The Influence of Amicus Curiae Briefs on U.S. Supreme Court Opinion Content

Scholars have dedicated substantial research efforts to investigating whether interest group amicus curiae briefs influence the behavior of Supreme Court justices. Despite this, there has been little systematic attention devoted to exploring what is arguably the most important aspect of the Court’s policy outputs – its majority opinions. We remedy this state of affairs by using plagiarism detection software to assess the ability of amicus briefs to shape the content of judicial opinions. Our findings indicate that the justices incorporate language from amicus briefs into their opinions based primarily on the extent to which amicus briefs contribute to their ability to make effective law and policy. These results add fresh insight into how interest groups influence the development of federal law by the Supreme Court.
Polyethylene Glycol-Modified Liposome-Encapsulated Hemoglobin: A Long Circulating Red Cell Substitute

A major obstacle in the development of red cell substitutes has been overcoming their short circulation persistence. In this study, distearoyl phosphoethanolamine polyethylene glycol 5000 (PEG-PE) (10 mol%) was added to the formulation of liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH) to decrease reticuloendothelial system uptake and prolong LEH circulation persistence. PEG-LEH was radiolabeled with technetium-99m, infused into rabbits (25% of blood pool at 1 ml/min) (n = 5), and monitored by scintigraphic imaging at various times out to 48 h. At 48 h, animals were sacrificed, and tissue samples were collected for counting in a scintillation well counter. Tissue distribution data at 48 h revealed that 51.3 +/- 3.4% of the technetium-99m-PEG-LEH remained in circulation, a greater than 3-fold increase in the circulation half-life compared with circulation half-lives previously reported for non-PEG-containing LEH formulations. The liver had the greatest accumulation at 48 h (12.7 +/- 0.7%), followed by bone marrow (6.2 +/- 0.1%), whereas the spleen had only 1.4 +/- 0.2%. The addition of PEG-PE to the LEH formulation greatly prolongs the circulation persistence of LEH and represents a significant step in the development of red cell substitutes with prolonged oxygen delivery.
Laboratory measurement and modeling of coal permeability with continued methane production: Part 1 – Laboratory results

Abstract In this paper, second of the two-part series, pressure-permeability trend established in the laboratory was compared with modeled results using two analytical models, Shi and Durucan and Palmer et al., developed to predict changes in permeability of coalbed methane reservoirs with continued production. The experimental results did not match the modeled results very well for either of the two models. Also, there appeared to be several uncertainties, primarily the constancy of cleat compressibility and estimation of certain input parameters. A modification of the Shi and Durucan model was then proposed to increase the impact of the shrinkage effect on permeability. With this modification, the measured and modeled results matched perfectly, with the modeled permeability of coal increasing continuously, just as observed in the laboratory and supported by field data, and the rate of increase accelerating at low pressures. The phenomenon was explained by analyzing the permeability as a function of reservoir pressure.
Evidence of the camera perspective bias in authentic videotaped interrogations: Implications for emerging reform in the criminal justice system

Objective. Numerous previous experiments have established the existence of a camera perspective bias in evaluations of videotaped interrogations/confessions: videotapes that make the suspect more visually conspicuous than the interrogator(s) by virtue of focusing the camera on the suspect yield assessments of voluntariness and judgments of guilt that are greater than those found when alternative presentation formats are used. One limitation of this body of research is that all the interrogations/confessions used to date were simulations; therefore, no evidence currently demonstrates that the camera perspective bias importantly generalizes to authentic videotapes recorded by police and depicting actual suspects and interrogators. Two experiments addressed this issue. Methods. Experiment 1 compared judgments of voluntariness based on viewing two authentic videotaped confessions – one recorded with the camera focused on the suspect, the other with the camera focused equally on the suspect and interrogator – with those based on listening only to the audio or reading only a transcript. Experiment 2 compared judgments of voluntariness and guilt of an originally equal-focus videotaped confession that was edited to produce suspect-focus and interrogator-focus versions. Results. In Experiment 1, participants judged the videotape version of the confession to be more voluntary than either the audio only or transcript versions, but only for the suspect-focus videotape. In Experiment 2, participants viewing the suspect-focus version of the confession (relative to the interrogator-focus version) judged it to be more voluntary and the suspect more likely to be guilty. Conclusion. The present research further strengthens the policy implications of the literature on camera perspective bias by providing evidence that the bias manifests with authentic interrogations/confessions as well as with simulations.
Weak Behavioral Subtyping for Types with Mutable Objects

Abstract This paper studies the question of when one abstract data type (ADT) is a behavioral subtype of another, and proposes a model-theoretic notion of weak behavioral subtyping. Weak behavioral subtyping permits supertype abstraction to be a sound and modular reasoning principle in a language with mutation and limited forms of aliasing. The necessary restrictions on aliasing can be statically checked. Weak behavioral subtyping allows types with mutable objects to be subtypes of types with immutable objects.
Consolidation of nanocrystalline powders

Blended elemental Ti-24Al-11Nb (at.%) and Ti-55A1 (at.%) powders were mechanically alloyed and consolidated to full density by hot isostatic pressing (HIPing), Ceracon processing, and shock consolidation methods. Nanometer-sized grains were observed in all the samples, the finest size achieved in the shock-consolidated samples. The grain size was larger at higher HIPing temperatures. In comparison with conventional coarsegrained material, theHIP temperature for full consolidation could be brought down by about 400°C for the nanostructured titanium aluminides.
Spatial modeling of extraction and enforcement in developing country protected areas

Budget constraints prohibit protected area managers (PAMs) in developing countries from completely deterring extraction and the resulting resource degradation. Because benefits from extraction are a function of distance, PAMs have an opportunity to patrol in a spatial pattern that minimizes degradation for a given budget level. This paper develops a spatial model of a game between a PAM and neighboring villagers to determine the optimal patterns of extraction and enforcement under various constraints. It demonstrates the importance of spatial aspects of PA management, reveals the inefficiency of many PA policies, and supports explicitly spatial management schemes such as extraction zones. The framework underpins a discussion of incomplete enforcement, rural welfare, budgetary tradeoffs between PA size and enforcement costs, and PA shape decisions with human-induced edge effects.
Beta-adrenergic stimulation of cyclic AMP and protein kinase activity in the thyroid.

THE demonstration that the sympathetic nervous system can have a direct effect on the thyroid1, and the increasing clinical use of adrenergic blocking agents in thyrotoxicosis have reawakened interest in the effects of catecholamines on the thyroid. We have therefore compared the effects of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and isoproterenol, a β-adreneirgic stimulator, on the activation of protein kinase within the thyroid by cyclic AMP. We have also compared the inhibitory effects of the β-blocker propranolol, and the α-blocker phentolamine in this system. We found that isoproterenol is stimulatory at concentrations as low as 10−8 M, and that l-propranolol, but not d-propranolol blocks this effect.
Full text database retrieval performance

Complete texts of many journals are now available for online searching. Most of these full text databases have been made available on the same or similar search systems that provide access to bibliographic information. The systems use inverted files that retain limited context information (e.g., paragraphs and location of words within paragraphs). The retrieval techniques used are simply those that were developed earlier for bibliographic databases. Retrieval relies on Boolean logic, word stem searching with truncation, and word proximity specification. Minor adjustments have been made for the display of full text databases, allowing words resulting in retrieval to be displayed in context; but changes have not been made in retrieval techniques. This is due to the reliance on search systems that provide access to many types of databases, all of which are by‐products of improved techniques for creating printed publications.
Applications of a necessary and sufficient condition for OLS to be BLUE

Abstract This paper considers three examples from the statistics and econometrics literature where OLS is BLUE and demonstrates the easiness of verifying this result with the necessary and sufficient condition (NSC) derived by Zyskind (1967) and more recently Milliken and Albohali (1984). In particular, the third example is extended to a more general model where OLS is still BLUE. Once again this result is verified by the Milliken and Albohali NSC.
Study of solid-liquid interfaces during solidification, using ultrasonic waves.

We have studied the onset and evolution of instabilities at the solid-liquid interface of tin undergoing directional solidification, as a function of growth velocity, temperature gradients, and impurity content. The initiation of an instability that we identify as "cellular" growth, and its passage to pseudosteady state, have been investigated. Within this steady state a new oscillatory phenomenon has been found, indicative of changes in the interface configuration that are quasiperiodic in time.
Effect of rill erosion during early vegetative growth on winter wheat yield

The long-term effect of soil erosion on lowering soil productivity is well documented, but little is known about how rill erosion occurring during the crop growing season affects yield. Rill erosion effects on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and yield were determined in six fields where rill erosion occurred during early vegetative growth. Soils were Walla Walla (coarse silty, mixed mesic Haploxeroll) or Athena (fine silty, mixed mesic Haploxeroll) silt loams at least 2 m deep. Rills were followed across landscape positions on slopes ranging from 1 to 15%. Rills paralleled rows in all six studies, and traversed rows in two of the six (...)
Monte Carlo Simulation of Neutral Xenon Flows in Electric Propulsion Devices

Numerical simulations of neutral xenon flow in three different electric propulsion configurations are presented. Flows through an ion thruster, a plasma contactor, and a Hall thruster are considered. The computations are performed using a Monte Carlo method. The ion thruster configuration chosen for study is the UK-10 engine. Comparisons of the simulations are made with a simple analytical model that has been used in previous computations of backflow from ion thrusters. Both sets of theoretical results are compared with number density measurements. The Monte Carlo simulations provide closer agreement with the experimental data and the analytical model is found to overpredict density in the backflow plume region. The Monte Carlo simulation of the plasma contactor plume also compares well with experimental measurements. For the Hall thruster, the simulations reveal detailed structures of the fluid flow in the annual anode chamber. Comparison with a measured data point for velocity indicates that the experiment is compromised by a relatively high facility back pressure. Inclusion of the back pressure in the simulation leads to excellent agreement with the datum.
Automated detection of alarm sounds

Two approaches to the automated detection of alarm sounds are compared, one based on a change in overall sound level (RMS), the other a change in periodicity, as given by the power of the normalized autocorrelation function (PNA). Receiver operating characteristics in each case were obtained for different exemplars of four classes of alarm sounds (bells/chimes, buzzers/beepers, horns/whistles, and sirens) embedded in four noise backgrounds (cafeteria, park, traffic, and music). The results suggest that PNA combined with RMS may be used to improve current alarm-sound alerting technologies for the hard-of-hearing.
Porcine pancreatic lipase related protein 2 has high triglyceride lipase activity in the absence of colipase

Efficient dietary fat digestion is essential for newborns who consume more dietary fat per body weight than at any other time of life. In many mammalian newborns, pancreatic lipase related protein 2 (PLRP2) is the predominant duodenal lipase. Pigs may be an exception since PLRP2 expression has been documented in the intestine but not in the pancreas. Because of the differences in tissue-specific expression, we hypothesized that the kinetic properties of porcine PLRP2 would differ from those of other mammals. To characterize its properties, recombinant porcine PLRP2 was expressed in HEK293T cells and purified to homogeneity. Porcine PLRP2 had activity against tributyrin, trioctanoin and triolein. The activity was not inhibited by bile salts and colipase, which is required for the activity of pancreatic triglyceride lipase (PTL), minimally stimulated PLRP2 activity. Similar to PLRP2 from other species, PLRP2 from pigs had activity against galactolipids and phospholipids. Importantly, porcine PLRP2 hydrolyzed a variety of dietary substrates including pasteurized human mother's milk and infant formula and its activity was comparable to that of PTL. In conclusion, porcine PLRP2 has broad substrate specificity and has high triglyceride lipase activity even in the absence of colipase. The data suggest that porcine PLRP2 would be a suitable lipase for inclusion in recombinant preparations for pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.
Measured and calculated airloads on a transport wing model

Wind tunnel measurements of steady and unsteady pressures for a high-aspect-ratio supercritical wing model are compared with calculations by the linear unsteady aerodynamic lifting-surface theory, known as the doublet lattice method, at Mach numbers of 0.60 (subsonic) and 0.78 (transonic). The steady-pressure data comparisons are made for incremental changes in angle of attack and control-surface deflection. The unsteady-pressure data comparisons are made for oscillating control-surface deflections. Some differences between the measured and calculated aerodynamics are attributed to viscous and transonic effects not accounted for in the doublet lattice analysis. Comparisons of the transonic unsteady-pressure data for the oscillating control surfaces are improved by applying empirical corrections, based on the steady-pressure measurements, to the unsteady doublet lattice calculations.
Capacity utilization in the USA and inflation: testing for cointegration and Granger causality

This paper investigates the long-run and short-run dynamics between capacity utilization and inflation in the USA by using cointegration and error-correction models. It employs monthly data from January 1984 to December 1994. Although each variable in level is found non-stationary by unit root tests, ADF tests and error-correction models fail to confirm any long-run association between capacity utilization and inflation. Despite a lack of cointegration, error-correction models have been utilized to identify Granger causality that has been found to run from total industrial capacity utilization to inflation.
Erratum to: Susceptibility weighted imaging depicts retinal hemorrhages in abusive head trauma

Author error during the proof stage resulted in an incorrect statement. Please note: In the results section the sentence, "Compared with DFE, the MRI standard protocol showed a sensitivity of 75% which increased to 83% for the orbits SWI protocol" should be changed to: "Compared with DFE, the MRI standard protocol showed a sensitivity of 62% which increased to 80% for the orbits SWI protocol". The remaining data, including the table, appears to be correct.
The Asymptotic Behavior of Certain Birth Processes

We describe a connection between discrete birth process and a certain family of multivariate interpolation polynomials. This enables us to compute all asymptotic moments of the birth process, generalizing previously known results for the mean and variance.
Highly water-soluble, OFF–ON, dual fluorescent probes for sodium and potassium ions

Abstract Fluorescent probes 1 and 2 were conveniently synthesized from 4-sulfo-1, 8-naphthalic anhydride, potassium salt, and 4′-aminobenzo-15-crown-5 and also from 4′-aminobenzo-18-crown-6. These sensors exhibit dual emission and ratiometric absorption, are water soluble, and show good selectivity for sodium and potassium ions.
Time-temperature responses of tomato cells during high- and low-temperature inactivation

Precise time and temperature dependences of the decrease of metabolism of cultured cells of tomato (Lysopersicon esculentum (L.) Mill. L. peruvianum (L.) Mill.) resulting from exposures to high and low temperatures were determined. Equations of the form Ln (activity)= C +1 [A+(T-Tm)N+B] describe thermal inactivation and allow prediction of activity loss following any thermal excursion beyond limits of temperature stability. The experimental parameters A, B, C and N derived from these equations allow precise comparison of temperature sensitivities of cells. Analysis of metabolic heat rates, O2-consumption rates and CO2-evolution rates demonstrated simultaneous shifts in metabolic pathways and metabolic activities towards more anaerobic metabolism below about 12° C and at high temperatures that stress growth of tomato cells.
Pilot Weather Assessment: Implications for Visual Flight Rules Flight Into Instrument Meteorological Conditions

Visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) account for over 10% of the fatalities in general aviation. Evidence suggests that pilots' assessments of weather conditions are related to their decision to continue. This study investigated pilots' ability to assess ceiling and visibility in a flight simulator. Assessment accuracy did not differ between instrument- and non-instrument-rated pilots for ceiling accuracy, but visibility accuracy was better for non-instrument-rated pilots. The data indicated pilots allowed their estimates of ceiling and visibility to influence each other. That is, pilots tended to judge a ceiling to be higher than it actually was when it was paired with a high visibility. This interaction may play a significant role in pilots' decisions to continue into IMC.
Groups in Workplace 2000: A Multicultural Perspective

In this article, the author begins with the assumptions that 1) groups are becoming an increasingly popular way of dealing with organizational challenges and problems and 2) organizations are becoming increasingly multicultural in their membership. Dr. Proehl seeks to demonstrate that the traditional ways of working with groups are not effective when the membership is multicultural. To support this contention, she identifies six commonly accepted assumptions about how to develop high performing groups and then challenges each assumption from a crosscultural perspective. The author closes the article by offering suggestions for working effectively with multicultural groups.
High-precision U-Pb geochronology in the Minnesota River Valley subprovince and its bearing on the Neoarchean to Paleoproterozoic evolution of the southern Superior Province

High-precision U-Pb ages have been obtained for high-grade gneisses, late-kinematic to postkinematic granitic plutons, and a crosscutting mafic dike of the Archean Minnesota River Valley tectonic subprovince, at the southern ramparts of the Superior craton of North America. The antiquity of the Minnesota River Valley terranes is confirmed by a high-precision U-Pb zircon age of 3422 ± 2 Ma for a tonalitic phase of the Morton Gneiss. Voluminous, late-kinematic monzogranites of the Benson (Ortonville granite) and Morton (Sacred Heart granite) blocks yield identical crystallization ages of 2603 ± 1 Ma, illustrating the synchrony and rapidity of deep crustal melting and plutonism throughout the Minnesota River Valley terranes. Postkinematic, 2591 ± 2 Ma syenogranites and aplitic dikes in both blocks effectively constrain the final penetrative deformation of the Minnesota River Valley subprovince. Monazite growth from 2609 to 2595 Ma in granulitic paragneisses of the Benson and Montevideo blocks is interpreted to record prograde to peak granulite facies metamorphic conditions associated with crustal thickening and magmatism. Neoarchean metamorphism and plutonism are interpreted to record the timing of collisional accretion and terminal suturing of the Mesoarchean continental Minnesota River Valley terranes to the southern margin of the Superior Province, along the western Great Lakes tectonic zone. Subsequent Paleoproterozoic rifting of this margin is recorded by voluminous basaltic dike intrusion, expressed in the Minnesota River Valley by major WNW-trending tholeiitic diabase dikes dated at 2067 ± 1 Ma, only slightly younger than the structurally and geochemically similar 2077 ± 4 Ma Fort Frances (Kenora-Kabetogama) dike swarm of northern Minnesota and adjoining Canada.
Electronic structure of pure and K-doped C60 clusters

Abstract The electronic structure of a C 60 cluster, the soccer ball-shaped structure determined from the recent X-ray study by Hawkins et al., and of its endohedral complex KC 60 were calculated using the self-consistent-field discrete variational (DV) method in the local density theoretical framework. The calculated C 60 cluster energy levels were found in excellent agreement with the recent X-ray photoemission spectra (XPS) of Weaver et al. The ionization potential and electron affinity calculated using the transition state method are in good agreement with the experimental data. It was found that electronic structure of the endohedral complex KC 60 cluster is the same as the C 60 except that K donates one electron into the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of C 60 . The electronic charge density of C 60 was found to lie within a spherical shell of ≈8.0 au thickness surrounding the C nuclei. A cage of ≈2.0 au radius at the center of the C 60 cluster was found nearly free of electrons ( p ⪡ 10 −3 e / a 3 0 ). The 29 eV plasma energy loss calculated approximately from the dielectric function of C 60 explains the broad satellite feature seen ≈28 eV to the higher energy side from the C 1s core line in the XPS experiment.
T-Cell Lines Derived from Lesional Skin of Lichen Planus Patients Contain a Distinctive Population of T-Cell Receptor γδ-Bearing Cells

Abstract Lichen planus is characterized by a dense infiltrate of T lymphocytes at the dermoepidermal junction. To determine the phenotypic and functional characteristics of the infiltrating lymphocytes, T-cell lines from normal and lesional skin from the same patients with lichen planus were established by culture with interleukin 2 followed by stimulation every 14 d with phytohemagglutinin and irradiated allogeneic feeder cells. Resultant T-cell lines were immunophenotyped by staining with monoclonal antibodies and their reactivity tested by determining their cytolytic activity to selected targets. T-cell lines from 13 lesional and nine normal biopsy specimens were studied. T-cell lines from normal skin were 61% CD4 + and 32% CD8 + , whereas lines from lesional skin had significantly fewer CD4 + cells (13%) and more CD8 + cells (62%). T-cell lines from lesional skin contained a distinctive population of γδ T cells that was rarely present in lines derived from normal skin. We were able to culture γδ T cells out of the lesional skin of 12 of 13 patients. In these 12 patients, lesional T-celt lines were 17% γδ + (range 2% to 47%). Only one T-cell line from normal skin contained significant numbers of γδ T cells. The γδ population from lesional skin was commonly V δ 1J δ 1 + . These results suggest that CD8 + and TCR γδ + T lymphocytes may be involved in the development or the maintenance of lichen planus.
Living in a Material World

As delegates gathered in Tampa, Florida, for the 2012 Republican National Convention, the uncertain threat of Tropical Storm Isaac threw a monkey wrench into the carefully choreographed events and eventually cut the convention short by one day. The Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank wondered whether God had “forsaken the Republican Party,” but when Isaac shifted course, veering west, others affirmed that the grace of God was indeed on the Republican party’s side. Eerily hitting New Orleans within one day of the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Isaac thankfully failed to evolve into the type of storm that in 2005 had wrought tragedy upon a city and a nation, and had proved an embarrassment to an American presidency that was too slow in responding. As Isaac passed, the media refocused its attention on the convention. On the last evening of the meeting, the Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney took the platform to deliver one of the most memorable lines of his acceptance speech: “President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and heal the planet. My promise . . . is to help you and your family.” The audience roared with laughter, as if global warming was a joke they were all in on. Only four years before, however, in the run-up to both the Republican and Democratic conventions, both presidential nominees had stated their belief in the realities of climate change and their commitment to some form of cap-and-trade policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote clean energy. How could the mood of a nation swing so quickly and so dramatically? The shift was as pronounced as when, in 1986, Ronald Reagan removed the solar panels installed by his predecessor, Jimmy Carter, on the roof of the White House.
Ionic liquids are useful contact angle probe fluids.

Contact angle behavior of four relatively high surface tension ionic liquids (1,3-dimethylimidazolium methyl sulfate, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium fluoroborate, and bis(hydroxyethyl)dimethylammonium methane sulfonate) was studied on seven hydrophobic surfaces and compared with water contact angle behavior. Smooth surfaces of various chemical compositions exhibit contact angles with ionic liquids that are lower than values obtained with water and that scale with liquid surface tension values. Contact angles of ionic liquids on rough perfluoroalkyl surfaces exhibit the highest contact angles reported for liquids other than water and are indistinguishable from those of water and not dependent on liquid surface tension. Superhydrophobic methylsilicone surfaces that exhibit high water contact angles and low hysteresis exhibit very low receding contact angles with ionic liquid probe fluids and high hysteresis. The potential for ionic liquids as probe fluids is argued be...
Simplifying the extracellular matrix for 3‐D cell culture and tissue engineering: A pragmatic approach

The common technique of growing cells on tissue culture plastic (TCP) is gradually being supplanted by methods for culturing cells in two-dimensions (2-D) on matrices with more appropriate physical and biological properties or by encapsulation of cells in three-dimensions (3-D). The universal acceptance of the new 3-D paradigm is currently constrained by the lack of a biocompatible material in the marketplace that offers ease of use, experimental flexibility, and a seamless transition from in vitro to in vivo applications. In this Prospect, I argue that the standard for 3-D cell culture should be bio-inspired, biomimetic materials that can be used "as is" in drug discovery, toxicology, cell banking, and ultimately in medicine. Such biomaterials must therefore be highly reproducible, manufacturable, approvable, and affordable. To obtain integrated, functional, multicellular systems that recapitulate tissues and organs, the needs of the true end-users-physicians and patients-must dictate the key design criteria. Herein I describe the development of one such material that meets these requirements: a covalently crosslinked, biodegradable, simplified mimic of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that permits 3-D culture of cells in vitro and enables tissue formation in vivo. In contrast to materials that were designed for in vitro cell culture and then found unsuitable for clinical use, these semi-synthetic hyaluronan-derived materials were developed for in vivo tissue repair, and are now being re-engineered for in vitro applications in research.
Analyzing Responses of Mouse Olfactory Sensory Neurons Using the Air-phase Electroolfactogram Recording

Animals depend on olfaction for many critical behaviors, such as finding food sources, avoiding predators, and identifying conspecifics for mating and other social interactions. The electroolfactogram (EOG) recording is an informative, easy to conduct, and reliable method to assay olfactory function at the level of the olfactory epithelium. Since the 1956 description of the EOG by Ottoson in frogs1, the EOG recording has been applied in many vertebrates including salamanders, rabbits, rats, mice, and humans (reviewed by Scott and Scott-Johnson, 2002, ref. 2). The recent advances in genetic modification in mice have rekindled interest in recording the EOG for physiological characterization of olfactory function in knock-out and knock-in mice. EOG recordings have been successfully applied to demonstrate the central role of olfactory signal transduction components3-8, and more recently to characterize the contribution of certain regulatory mechanisms to OSN responses9-12. Odorant detection occurs at the surface of the olfactory epithelium on the cilia of OSNs, where a signal transduction cascade leads to opening of ion channels, generating a current that flows into the cilia and depolarizes the membrane13. The EOG is the negative potential recorded extracellularly at the surface of the olfactory epithelium upon odorant stimulation, resulting from a summation of the potential changes caused by individual responsive OSNs in the recording field2. Comparison of the amplitude and kinetics of the EOG thus provide valuable information about how genetic modification and other experimental manipulations influence the molecular signaling underlying the OSN response to odor. Here we describe an air-phase EOG recording on a preparation of mouse olfactory turbinates. Briefly, after sacrificing the mouse, the olfactory turbinates are exposed by bisecting the head along the midline and removing the septum. The turbinate preparation is then placed in the recording setup, and a recording electrode is placed at the surface of the olfactory epithelium on one of the medial turbinates. A reference electrode is electrically connected to the tissue through a buffer solution. A continuous stream of humidified air is blown over the surface of the epithelium to keep it moist. The vapor of odorant solutions is puffed into the stream of humidified air to stimulate the epithelium. Responses are recorded and digitized for further analysis.
Pricing data center demand response

Demand response is crucial for the incorporation of renewable energy into the grid. In this paper, we focus on a particularly promising industry for demand response: data centers. We use simulations to show that, not only are data centers large loads, but they can provide as much (or possibly more) flexibility as large-scale storage if given the proper incentives. However, due to the market power most data centers maintain, it is difficult to design programs that are efficient for data center demand response. To that end, we propose that prediction-based pricing is an appealing market design, and show that it outperforms more traditional supply function bidding mechanisms in situations where market power is an issue. However, prediction-based pricing may be inefficient when predictions are inaccurate, and so we provide analytic, worst-case bounds on the impact of prediction error on the efficiency of prediction-based pricing. These bounds hold even when network constraints are considered, and highlight that prediction-based pricing is surprisingly robust to prediction error.
Characteristics and prognosis of acute myocardial infarction by discharge diagnosis: the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study

Purpose To compare the characteristics and prognosis of acute myocardial infarctions (AMIs) that were not the primary reason for hospitalization, and thus not primary discharge diagnosis, to AMIs that were the primary reason for hospitalization.
On discrete Morse functions and combinatorial decompositions

Abstract This paper relates the recent theory of discrete Morse functions due to Forman (Adv. in Math. 134 (1998) 90–145) and combinatorial decompositions such as shellability, which are known to have many useful applications within combinatorics. First, we present the basic aspects of discrete Morse theory for regular cell complexes in terms of the combinatorial structure of their face posets. We introduce the notion of a generalized shelling of a regular cell complex and describe how to construct a discrete Morse function associated with such a decomposition. An application of Forman's theory gives us generalizations of known results about the homotopy properties of shellable complexes. We also discuss an application to a set of complexes related to matroids.
MO‐D‐L100J‐02: Automated Propagation of Region‐Of‐Interest Contours Between 4DCT Images Using a Regional Deformable Model

Purpose: To develop a regional algorithm for contour propagation between difference phases of 4D CT and show its impact on 4D radiation therapy simulation. Methods and materials: The ROI contours were manually delineated on a selected phase of 4D CT on one of the breathing phases by a physician. A narrow band encompassing the ROI boundary was created on the image and used as a compact representation of the ROI boundary. A free form B‐Spline deformable registration was carried out to map the band to other phases of 4D CT. A Mattes mutual information function was used as the metric function and the limited memory Broyden‐Fletcher‐Goldfarb‐Shanno algorithm (L‐BFGS) was employed to optimize the multidimensional metric function. Upon successful registration, the deformation field was extracted and utilized to transform the manual contours to other phases. A bi‐directional contour mapping method was introduced to evaluate the success of the proposed technique. Three thoracic patients with 4D CT scans were used to test the proposed algorithm. Results: A formalism of automated contour mapping has been developed based on a regional narrow band deformable registration. Application of the algorithm to three thoracic patients indicates that clinically satisfactory results are achievable with a spatial accuracy better than 2mm for ROI mappings between adjacent phase, and 3mm between opposite phase mapping. As compared to the conventional whole image‐based registration, the computation here was found to be two orders of magnitude more efficient, in addition to the much reduced requirements in computer memory. Conclusions: A regional deformable registration is an efficient and accurate way for contour mapping and should find widespread application in 4D simulation and treatment planning in the future to maximally utilize the available spatial‐tempo information.
The Decerebrate Cat Generates the Essential Features of the Force Constraint Strategy

Cats actively respond to horizontal perturbations of the supporting surface according to the force constraint strategy. In this strategy, the force responses fall into two groups oriented in either rostral and medial directions or caudal and lateral directions, rather than in strict opposition to the direction of perturbation. When the distance between forelimbs and hindlimbs is decreased, the responses are less constrained and directed more in line with the perturbation. We have recently shown that electromyographic responses from limb muscles of the decerebrate cat resemble those obtained in the intact animal. Our objectives here were to determine whether the decerebrate cat preparation would also exhibit the force constraint strategy and whether that strategy would exhibit the characteristic dependence on limb position on the strategy. Horizontal support surface perturbations were delivered and three-dimensional exerted forces were recorded from all four limbs. Clustered force responses were generated by all four limbs and were found to be statistically indistinguishable between animals decerebrated using two different levels of transection. The directionality of the force responses was preserved throughout successive time epochs during the perturbations. In addition, the clustering of force responses increased with distance between forelimbs and hindlimbs. These results indicate that the force constraint strategy used by terrestrial animals to maintain stability can be generated without the assistance of the cerebral cortices and without prior training. This suggests an important role for the lower brain stem and spinal cord in generating an appropriate strategy to maintain stability.
Polymerization of 1,2:5,6‐di‐O‐isopropylidene‐α‐D‐glucofuranose and 1,2‐O‐isopropylidene‐α‐D‐glucofuranose

A new method for preparing D-glucose polymers is described. Isopropylidene derivatives of D-glucofuranose, particularly the 1,2-mono-O-derivative, are treated with Lewis acids, such as boron trifluoride, to eliminate acetone and produce a highly branched polymer with a molecular weight of 12,700. Approximately one isopropylidene unit remains, possibly on the potential reducing end of the glucan. Up to 95% of the polymer units are D-glucopyranoside units indicating that ring expansion occurs during the condensation.
Measurement and modeling of multiuser multiantenna system in aircraft in the presence of electromagnetic noise and interference

This article evaluates the accuracy with which the performance of a multiuser multiantenna system can be predicted with and without considering cochannel interference and noise (Gaussian, α-stable, and Cauchy) using a site-specific three-dimensional (3D) ray tracing algorithm as well as with statistical models with Gaussian and Nakagami-m channel models in small to medium sized aircraft. These models expand on previous statistical channel models such as the hyper-Rayleigh model by including the simultaneous effects of cochannel and adjacent channel interference, antenna matching, efficiency, directivity and polarization as well as (for the 3D model) site-specific multipath effects. Measurements and comparisons are made in a metallic-bodied Beech Baron BE 58P and a composite structure Rockwell T-39 Sabreliner. It was found that the 3D ray tracing model provides a mean capacity within 1% of those measured in the two aircraft in the presence of interference and noise. This was closely followed by the Nakagami-m distribution (m = 1.4), which was within 1–3% of measured capacity in the presence of interference and within 6% for a combination of interference and noise and the Gaussian model which was within 6% of measured capacity in the presence of interference and within 11% for a combination of interference and noise. The Cauchy noise degraded the capacity more than the other types of noise in the aircraft, providing a lower bound for capacity in an aircraft system. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:1137–1144, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.25939
Simultaneous production of hydrogen and sulfuric acid from aqueous sulfur slurry

Abstract The addition of amorphous sulfur powder to aqueous inorganic electrolytes resulted in the formation of sulfuric acid at the anode while pure hydrogen gas was observed to evolve in the cathode compartment. Experimental data indicate HCl acid to be the most suitable electrolyte for sulfur-assisted water electrolysis. Electrolysis conducted at a potential of 1.2 V vs SCE (saturated calomel electrode) is found to proceed via the following nonpolluting reaction pathway: Anode: S + 4H 2 O→8H 2+ + SO 4 2− + 6e − Cathode:6H + + 6e − →3H 2 Overall:S + 4H 2 O→H 2 SO 4 +3H 2 Thermodynamic considerations reveal that reaction (3) can proceed at overall cell voltages of 0.36 V and above. The influence of temperature, electrode potential, sulfur slurry concentration and Fe(II) mediator on the rates of reaction were thoroughly investigated. Anodic current density, hydrogen evolution and coulometric efficiency for hydrogen production as a function of electrolysis time have been determined. Preliminary investigations indicate that sulfur-assisted water electrolysis has the potential of becoming a viable economic process for cogeneration of hydrogen and sulfuric acid.
Liquid chromatographic–mass spectrometric determination of endogenous γ-hydroxybutyrate concentrations in rat brain regions and plasma

Abstract A new liquid chromatographic–mass spectrometric (LC–MS) method for determining trace concentrations of γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) in biological samples has been developed. This method utilizes solid-phase extraction for separation, deuterated GHB as an internal standard (IS) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in the negative ion mode to detect the parent and product ions (103 and 57 for GHB, and 109 and 61 for D6-GHB, respectively). The assay produces excellent linearity and reproducibility, with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of about 0.1 μg/ml. The method has been applied for the determination of endogenous GHB in various rat brain regions.
Stability of cognitive vulnerabilities to depression: a short-term prospective multiwave study.

The levels of depressive mood and symptoms as well as prevalence rates of depressive disorder increase from childhood through adolescence (Hankin & Abela, 2005). Adolescent-onset depression is associated strongly with risk for recurrence in adulthood (Rutter, Kim-Cohen, & Maughan, 2006). Studying whether vulnerability factors for depression are enduring risks over time and elucidating the patterning of when depression vulnerabilities stabilize can inform developmental psychopathological models of depression. The primary focus of this study was to examine the stabilization of various cognitive vulnerabilities to depression from early through middle/late adolescence. Rutter et al. (2006) highlighted that cognitive risks may explain the continuity of depression over the life span, but “the degree of stability of cognitive vulnerability from childhood to adulthood is unknown” (p. 283). The present study seeks to fill this important gap.
Yes, neurostimulation has a role in the management of epilepsy.

The treatment of epilepsy involves 4 modalities: medications, neurostimulation, diet, and surgery. The proportion of medically refractory patients remains around 30%, despite new medications, justifying the need for nondrug treatments. In fact, the use of nondrug treatments is one of the key roles of a comprehensive epilepsy center. Acknowledgment: Data on VNS and epilepsy surgery cases were provided by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC). These data were self-reported by NAEC level IV epilepsy centers, reflecting services provided in 2012. The authors thank Henian Chen, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, for assistance with the statistical analysis; and authors of the opposing side for defending the skeptics' position.
Microbaroms on a Northern Quarter of the Earth's Surface

MICROBAROMS1 have been studied for about twenty years. Gutenberg and Benioff2 noticed a seasonal variation in the amplitudes of their observations on the west coast of the US, and Daniels3–5 has suggested a possible mechanism for their production by ocean waves. More recently Donn and his co-workers6–9 have examined these waves and their sources in more depth and have shown8 that, in addition to the seasonal variation in amplitude, there is a diurnal variation which is independent of the source. They have also shown8,9 that the long range propagation of these waves to an array of detectors on the east coast of the US is controlled, in the winter, by the winds and temperature at an altitude of 115 km and, in the summer, by these properties at an altitude of 50 km.