cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytokine (IL16) and tyrphostin actions on ovarian primordial follicle development

An ovarian follicle is composed of an oocyte and surrounding theca and granulosa cells. Oocytes are stored in an arrested state within primordial follicles until they are signaled to re-initiate development by undergoing primordial-to-primary follicle transition. Previous gene bionetwork analyses of primordial follicle development identified a number of critical cytokine signaling pathways and genes potentially involved in the process. In the current study, candidate regulatory genes and pathways from the gene network analyses were tested for their effects on the formation of primordial follicles (follicle assembly) and on primordial follicle transition using whole ovary organ culture experiments. Observations indicate that the tyrphostin inhibitor (E)-2-benzylidene-3-(cyclohexylamino)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one increased follicle assembly significantly, supporting a role for the MAPK signaling pathway in follicle assembly. The cytokine interleukin 16 (IL16) promotes primordial-to-primary follicle transition as compared with the controls, where as Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4) and WNT-3A treatments have no effect. Immunohistochemical experiments demonstrated the localization of both the cytokine IL16 and its receptor CD4 in the granulosa cells surrounding each oocyte within the ovarian follicle. The tyrphostin LDN193189 (LDN) is an inhibitor of the bone morphogenic protein receptor 1 within the TGFB signaling pathway and was found to promote the primordial-to-primary follicle transition. Observations support the importance of cytokines (i.e., IL16) and cytokine signaling pathways in the regulation of early follicle development. Insights into regulatory factors affecting early primordial follicle development are provided that may associate with ovarian disease and translate to improved therapy in the future.
CRT-400.18 Use of a Self Expandable Nitinol Stent Graft as Treatment for Pre Closure Device Failure During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Access site related vascular complications (VC) following sheath removal related to pre-closure device failure during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are common and treatment options may vary. We describe our experience with the use of a self-expandable nitinol stent graft (GORE®
Long-Term Alterations in Peripheral Taste Responses to NaCl in Adult Rats Following Neonatal Chorda Tympani Transection

The peripheral taste system of the adult rodent is highly resilient against damage, with morphological, behavioral, and functional recovery evident after regeneration of a transected nerve. If chorda tympani transection (CTX) occurs at early postnatal ages however, the nerve fails to regenerate and effects on tongue morphology and behavior are more severe and longer-lasting compared to adult denervation. To examine whether neonatal CTX induces functional changes in intact nerves, whole-nerve electrophysiology was performed on the glossopharyngeal (GL) and chorda tympani (CT) nerves of adult rats that received CTX at P10. Attenuation of NaCl-elicited GL responses were observed in CTX rats 2 months after surgery, with bilateral denervation causing the largest decreases in responses. When assessed 1 year after neonatal CTX, amiloride-sensitive responses to NaCl in the contralateral CT increased while amiloride-insensitive responses decreased. Responses to other tastants were consistent with control animals. This is the first evidence of long-term functional changes to the peripheral taste system after injury in rats fed a normal diet. This study further characterizes the developing peripheral taste system as highly susceptible to change following neural injury.
Analyzing the Cause that the Qing Government Implemented the Policy of Introducing the American Funds to Develop Northeast China after the War Between Japan and Russia

After the war between Japan and Russia had ended,the imperialist powers were full of contradictions during competing for northeast China.The Qing government implemented the policy of introducing the American funds to develop northeast China.The Qing governmen tried to use American power to resist the expansion of Japan and Russia in northeast China and then maintain the sovereignty of northeast China.Because of the weak national strength,the Qing government did not reach its subjective intention,northeast China was into the deeper crisis.
Awareness of residents' mental health status in Guancheng district of Zhengzhou

Aim: To study the status of mental health awareness and related factors for residents in Guancheng district of Zhengzhou. Methods: Residents aged ≥15 years from Guancheng district were selected by stratified three-stage random sampling. They were investigated by use of the questionnaire for awareness of mental health issued by the General Office of the Ministry of Health in 2010. The data were analyzed by use of SAS 9. 1. Results: In this study,the overall correct answer rate for awareness of mental health was 56. 1%. The mean value of this questionnaire was 11. 22 ± 3. 63. The scores among residents with different age,educational level,income level,profession were statistically significant( F = 151. 840,226. 931,112. 581,161. 705,P 0. 05). The scores of 15-,65-,and 75- 98 years old residents were higher. Compared with other professions,the total scores of knowledge of mental health in migrant workers and casual workers were the lowest.And the secondary factor was the educational level,total score of residents with master's degree was higher than those in other educational levels. Besides,the total score of these residents with an income between 3 001- Yuan was higher than that of the other income level. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that educational level,income level and professions would impact the value of this questionnaire significantly. Conclusion: In general,the awareness rate of mental health may be relatively low in Guancheng district of Zhengzhou. The results also suggest that the future mental health advocacy works should focus on the residents with lower educated degree,lower income,as well as the migrant workers and temporary workers.
The Impact of Sulfur on Ethanol Steam Reforming

The effect of sulfur on the activity and selectivity of a bimetallic Rh–Pt catalyst was studied in the steam reforming of 85 % ethanol, 15 % gasoline (E85) with a sulfur concentration of 5 ppm. Tests with packed bed and monolith catalyst configurations were performed at low space velocities (22,000 h−1) and a steam to carbon ratio of 1.8. At these conditions the catalyst could achieve full conversion of the fuel to equilibrium concentrations of the main reforming products (H2, CO, CO2, and CH4), however the introduction of sulfur-containing fuel incited immediate deactivation and a drastic increase in the amount of ethylene detected. Upon removal of sulfur from the stream, selectivity shifted from ethylene to acetaldehyde, indicating that ethylene production is most impacted by the presence of sulfur. Post-reforming characterization of the catalyst indicated large deposits of increasingly graphitic coke on the surface of the catalyst. Regeneration in air resulted in a decrease in precious metal dispersion from 22 to 3 % while the surface area of the catalyst remained unaffected. The adsorption of sulfur on catalytically active sites was found to be reversible by thermogravimetric analysis. This finding was supported through reactor studies. Despite this reversibility, the sulfur-induced coke had lasting effects on catalyst performance after regeneration.
Dynamical behavior of networks of active neurons

Common features of activity are seen in biological neural networks in different species and different neural structures, such as partially synchronized oscillations. More detailed distinct categories (or modes) of biological neural network activity may be identifiable by combining traditional techniques in analyzing dynamical systems with additional techniques that are particular to parameterizing biological neural networks. Once the basic dynamical modes present in biological networks are identified, physiological data on network and multi-network scales may be more easily classified and understood in relation to behavior. Some dynamical modes might be better suited to implementing spatial filters, such as might be expected in cortical area V1 of the visual system. Other dynamical modes might be suited to replaying or identifying spatio-temporal signals, such as in the auditory cortex. Other modes might be useful for storing and retrieving associative mnemonic representations, such as those that might be found in the hippocampus.
Release of Ca2+ from intracellular organelles by peptide analogues: evidence against involvement of metalloendoproteases in Ca2+ sequestration by the endoplasmic reticulum

N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-Gly-Phe-amide (Z-Gly-Phe-NH2), a competitive substrate for metalloendoproteases, mobilizes intracellular Ca2+ and suppresses protein synthesis and processing in a Ca(2+)-dependent, reversible manner. To ascertain whether Z-Gly-Phe-NH2 acts as Ca(2+)-storing organelles, effects of the dipeptide on Ca2+ sequestration by saponin-porated GH3 pituitary cells were examined. Porated preparations sequestered Ca2+ into two compartments with different Ca2+ affinities. Ca2+ accumulation at nM concentrations of free Ca2+ was inhibited by thapsigargin and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3], enhanced by oxalate and unaffected by oligomycin. Cation accumulation at microM concentrations of free Ca2+ was sensitive to oligomycin but not to thapsigargin. Z-Gly-Phe-NH2 reduced Ca2+ sequestration by both compartments. The dipeptide mobilized Ca2+ from the high-affinity compartment within 1-2 min without affecting Ca2+ uptake. Ca2+ was mobilized more rapidly by Z-Gly-Phe-NH2 and thapsigargin together than by either agent alone. The presence of a thiol-reducing agent was required for Ca2+ mobilization by Z-Gly-Phe-NH2 but not by thapsigargin or Ins(1,4,5)P3. Ca2+ mobilization by Z-Gly-Phe-NH2 could not be attributed to effects on anion-permeability or to actions at Ins(1,4,5)P3 or ryanodine receptors. Results with assorted peptide analogues did not favour suppression of metalloendoprotease activity in the Ca(2+)-mobilizing action of Z-Gly-Phe-NH2. The more hydrophobic analogue Z-L-Tyr-p-nitrophenyl ester was 60-80-fold more potent in mobilizing Ca2+ from intact and porated cells and perturbed the high-affinity Ca(2+)-sequestering compartment selectively. Z-Gly-Phe-NH2 and Z-L-Tyr-p-nitrophenyl ester are proposed to release Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum through an ion pore with affinity for hydrophobic molecules containing internal peptide bonds.
Babesia parasitemia rebound after red blood cell exchange.

Babesiosis is an increasingly recognized disease which may benefit from therapeutic apheresis (Category II/Grade 2C). Vulnerable populations include the splenectomized, those aged >50, those with malignancies, and the immunocompromised. In the setting of parasite levels > 10%, significant anemia, renal impairment, pulmonary compromise, or hepatic dysfunction, RBC exchange can rapidly reduce parasite burdens and decrease the bioavailability of proinflammatory cytokines. No previous report has shown such a rapid rebound in parasitemia despite adequate organism removal. Herein, we report a case of severe babesiosis in a splenectomized 56 year old male with a past medical history significant for benign multiple sclerosis. Following a week of flu-like symptoms, the patient presented to an outside hospital with anemia, elevated bilirubin, thrombocytopenia, and 15% of his RBCs containing Babesia forms on a peripheral smear. Despite initiation of appropriate antimicrobials, subsequent transfer to our facility revealed worsening parasitemia (25%), tachypnea, and hypoxia. An emergent two volume RBC exchange was performed, resulting in 15% post-exchange parasitemia. Twelve hours later, the parasitic burden had climbed to 30%. A second RBC exchange reduced the parasite burden to 1.5%. His post-procedural course was significant for diminishing periodic increases in parasitemia despite continued antimicrobial therapy. Rapid increases in parasitic burden following RBC exchanges can occur and post-procedural surveillance of parasitemia should be closely monitored to expedite additional exchanges.
The Use of Rate Distortion Theory to Evaluate Biological Signaling Pathways

Cells must make decisions based on noisy measurements of their environment. One way for cells to manage this noise is to attempt to minimize its effect. However, this may not always be possible, or may prove to be costly. On the other hand, the noise may be managed so that the correct decision is made most of the time. Shannon introduced rate distortion theory to evaluate the efficiency of systems like this in which error free communication may not be possible or needed. Here, we show how rate distortion theory can be used to analyze cellular decision processes. We show how several stimulus-response curves that are frequently observed in biological signaling pathways arise naturally as the optimal decision strategy based on rate distortion theory.
Observation of Nonclassical Photon Statistics in Two-Photon Interference

We report the observation of a variety of photon statistics including antibunching and a new type of nonclassical effect in the interference between a narrow band two-photon state and a coherent state.
New graded prognostic index (GPI) for melanoma patients with brain metastasis (MBM).

9089 Background: Melanoma is the third most common cause of brain metastasis (BM) and graded prognostic assessment (GPA) is used as a prognostic index for MBM. We evaluated prognostic factors that ...
Testing the Push–Pull Hypothesis: Lewis Acid Augmented N2 Activation at Iron

We present a systematic investigation of the structural and electronic changes that occur in an Fe(0)–N2 unit (Fe(depe)2(N2); depe = 1,2-bis(diethylphosphino)ethane) upon the addition of exogenous Lewis acids. Addition of neutral boranes, alkali metal cations, and an Fe2+ complex increases the N–N bond activation (Δ νNN up to 172 cm–1), decreases the Fe(0)–N2 redox potential, polarizes the N–N bond, and enables –N protonation at uncommonly anodic potentials. These effects were rationalized using combined experimental and theoretical studies.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: An Interview with Dr. Shauna Acquavita, Assistant Professor, University of Cincinnati

In serving as editors for this special issue related to the Grand Challenge for Social Work concerned with reducing and preventing alcohol misuse and its consequences, Dr. Audrey Begun and I though...
Developmental Biology of Bone

Publisher Summary Recent advances in developmental biology, skeletal cell biology, and molecular genetics have increased the understanding of bone development significantly. The development of the vertebrate skeleton depends on the regulated differentiation, function, and interactions of its cellular components. Current understanding of the molecular pathways that control patterning, growth, and differentiation of the various skeletal elements has been derived from a combination of genetics, experimental developmental biology, and in vitro cellular and biochemical studies. Knowledge of embryonic skeletal development provides a better basis for generating strategies to repair cartilage and bone in patients with skeletal diseases such as osteoporosis. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are essential for several aspects of bone development, not only in the ossification of cranial sutures and limb bud outgrowth, but also in growth plate function, that is, longitudinal bone growth. FGFs have been shown to support the proliferation of a variety of mesenchymal and epithelial cells; regulate cell migration, differentiation, and chemotaxis; and be involved in a variety of non-skeletal and skeletal developmental processes. The roles of extracellular matrix proteins, not only as structural components, but also as modulators of signal transduction have come into sharper focus recently. However, much needs to be accomplished in skeletal biology, including a better understanding of endochondral ossification and the function of cartilage in bone remodeling and the factors that control cortical and trabecular bone thickness.
Explaining System Missing: Missing Data and Experience Sampling Method

Missing values are nearly inescapable within social science research. The problem of missing data is especially troubling in longitudinal and intensive longitudinal studies when participants miss an entire collection cycle compared to item nonresponse. The present study examines some of the contextual influences of missed study participation using unobtrusive measures of experience in conjunction with the experience sampling method (ESM). A sample of 66 participants generated 2,940 observations across a 7-day study, yielding a missing response rate of 34%. Multilevel binary logistic regression was used to estimate the probability of missing the study participation signal based upon study time and physical activity states. Results indicate that the probability of missing collection signals increases throughout the duration of the study and with high levels of physical activity. The strongest predictor of missed participation occurred when participants’ activity monitors were set to “asleep” mode. Implicati...
Sand Bed Friction Factors for Oscillatory Flows

Published data from the Carstens, Neilsen, and Altinbilek (4) oscillatory water tunnel tests are plotted as friction factor versus Reynolds number. These data, for three sand sizes and for both rippled and flat movable beds, are analyzed in a manner analogous to early treatment of flow in rough pipes that produced the Moody diagram. Laminar, transitional, and turbulent regimes are defined. The turbulent regime data are further analyzed to find the relative roughness, a combination of ripple height, grain size, and bottom particle displacement, which will predict the friction factor. The ripple heights for the 0.585mm sand increased with increasing Reynolds number while the ripple heights for the 0.297mm and 0.190mm sands decreased with increasing Reynolds number. Considering rippled beds only, the friction factor is proportional to the grain size divided by the square root of the Reynolds number. Grain roughness contributes 64% to 100% of the total bottom roughness, based on the relative roughness term.
Modified transmission eigenvalues in inverse scattering theory

We consider the scattering of an acoustic plane wave by an inhomogeneous medium of compact support. Our aim is to introduce a new class of target signatures that can be used to detect changes in the material properties of the scattering object from a knowledge of the far field pattern of the scattered field. To this end we introduce a modified far field operator depending on a parameter η and show that this operator is injective with dense range provided η is not an eigenvalue of a new problem called the modified transmission eigenvalue problem. It is explained why this class of target signatures is preferable in some ways to previously studied target signatures that are based on scattering resonances, transmission eigenvalues, or Stekloff eigenvalues.
A review of microfluidic concepts and applications for atmospheric aerosol science

Microfluidics is used in a broad range of applications, from biology and medicine to chemistry and polymer science, because this versatile platform enables rapid and precise repeatability of measur...
Post-ruminal branched-chain amino acid supplementation and intravenous lipopolysaccharide infusion alter blood metabolites, rumen fermentation, and nitrogen balance of beef steers

Steers exposed to an endotoxin may require additional branched-chain AA (BCAA) to support an increase in synthesis of immune proteins. This study evaluated effects of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and BCAA supplementation on blood metabolites and N balance of 20 ruminally-cannulated steers (177 ± 4.2 kg BW). The experiment was a randomized block design, with 14-d adaptation to metabolism stalls and diet (DM fed = 1.5% BW) and 6-d collection. Treatments were a 2 × 2 factorial of LPS (0 vs. 1.0 to 1.5 μg/kg BW; -LPS vs. +LPS) and BCAA (0 vs. 35 g/d; -BCAA vs. +BCAA). The LPS in 100 mL sterile saline was infused (1 mL/min via i.v. catheter) on day 15. The BCAA in an essential AA solution were abomasally infused (900 mL/d) three times daily in equal portions beginning on day 7. Blood, rumen fluid, and rectal temperature were collected on day 15 at h 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 after LPS infusion. Feces and urine were collected from day 16 to 20. Rectal temperatures were greater for +LPS vs. -LPS steers at 4 h and lower at 8 h after LPS infusion (LPS × h, P < 0.01). Serum cortisol and plasma urea N were greater for +LPS than -LPS steers at 2 (cortisol only), 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after LPS infusion (LPS × h, P < 0.01). Serum cortisol was greater for +BCAA than -BCAA steers at 12 h after LPS infusion (BCAA × h, P < 0.05). Serum glucose was greater for +LPS than -LPS steers at 2 h after LPS infusion (LPS × h, P < 0.01). Plasma Ile, Leu, and Val were lower, and plasma His was greater in +LPS than -LPS steers (LPS, P < 0.05). Plasma Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp of +LPS steers were lower than -LPS steers at 4 (Thr only), 8 (Lys and Trp only), 12, and 24 h after infusion (LPS × h, P < 0.05). Plasma Ile, Leu, and Val were greater (BCAA, P < 0.01), and Met, His, Phe, Thr, and Trp were lower for +BCAA than -BCAA steers at 0 and 24 h after LPS infusion (BCAA × h, P ≤ 0.05). Steers receiving +LPS had lower rumen pH at 8 h, greater total VFA at 8 h, and lower rumen NH3 at 24 h after LPS infusion compared with -LPS steers (LPS × h, P ≤ 0.04). Total tract passage rates, DM, OM, NDF, ADF, and N intake, fecal N, digested N, and retained N were lower (P < 0.05) for +LPS than -LPS steers. Total N supply (dietary plus infused) and fecal N were greater (P < 0.05) for +BCAA vs. -BCAA steers. The absence of LPS × BCAA interactions (P ≥ 0.20) for N balance indicated that post-ruminal supplementation of BCAA did not alleviate the negative effects of endotoxin on N utilization by growing steers.
Theoretical study of the benefit of long axial field-of-view PET on region of interest quantification

The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefit of long axial field-of-view (AFOV) PET scanners on region of interest (ROI) quantification. We simulated a series of PET scanners with an AFOV ranging from 22 cm to 220 cm. A theoretical framework was used to predict the contrast recovery coefficient (CRC) and the variance of ROI quantification in penalized maximum likelihood (ML) image reconstruction, in which the resolution and noise tradeoff was controlled by a regularization parameter with a quadratic penalty function. The characterization was based on the converged penalized ML reconstruction with an accurate system model. We examined quantification of a 2 mm ROI and 10 mm ROI in a clinically relevant scan range of 110 cm. Multiple bed positions with 50% overlap were used for scanners with shorter AFOV to provide a relatively uniform sensitivity across the 110 cm axial range. A uniform water cylinder of 20 cm in diameter and 230 cm in length was chosen to model the attenuation and background activity. We computed the variance reduction factor at fixed resolution. Effects of different detector capabilities, including TOF (time-of-flight) resolution (320 ps, 500 ps, and non-TOF) and DOI (depth-of-interaction) resolution (4 mm, 10 mm, and no DOI), were evaluated. The results show that at a normal activity level (370 MBq), the 220 cm AFOV scanner offers a ∼17-fold variance reduction for the 2 mm ROI and ∼26-fold variance reduction for the 10 mm ROI (both measured at CRC = 0.5) over the 22 cm AFOV scanner when both using detectors with 500 ps TOF resolution no DOI capability. The variance reduction factors of trues-only are higher than those of including scatters and randoms. Combining 320 ps TOF and 4 mm DOI, the 220 cm long scanner offers a ∼45-fold variance reduction over the 22 cm long reference scanner (500 ps TOF, no DOI) for imaging 2 mm and 10 mm ROIs. The variance reduction factors are higher at a lower activity level due to lower random fraction. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that a long AFOV scanner can greatly improve the quantitative accuracy of PET imaging compared to current state-of-the-art clinical PET scanners.
The National Context

In this chapter, we provide an empirical national context for our data on psychiatric inpatient care in general hospitals. We first inspect changes in inpatient psychiatric care in all sites in 1980 and 1985. The reader may then see the place of general hospital care as a part of the complete national de facto system. We then focus on all inpatient care in general hospitals, for both physical and mental disorders. The reader may then see the changing role of general hospital psychiatric inpatient care in the context of all care in general hospitals.
Stabilized Initiation Activity of DNA Replication in an Sdrc Mutant of Escherichia Coli

The fact that the initiation of each new round of chromosome replication in E.coli requires the de novo synthesis of protein and RNA implies that the initiation mechanism is unstable and loses activity after having been used only once. Although this is implicated in the replicon model by Jacob, Brenner and Cuzin (1963), it seemed to have escaped serious attention until several years ago when we demonstrated that under certain physiological conditions such as thymine starvation a stable replication mechanism can be synthesized and successive initiations can occur despite the absence of protein synthesis (Kogoma and Lark, 1969; 1970). This type of DNA replication in the absence of protein synthesis has been termed stable DNA replication (SDR) (Kogoma and Lark, 1975).
Coil Measurement Data Acquisition and Curing Press Control System for SSC Dipole Magnet Coils

A coil matching program, similar in theory to the methods used to match Tevatron coils, is being developed at Fermilab. Modulus of elasticity and absolute coil size will be determined at 18-inch intervals along the coils while in the coil curing press immediately following the curing process. A data acquisition system is under construction to automatically acquire and manage the large quantities of data that result. Data files will be transferred to Fermilab’s VAX Cluster for long term storage and actual coil matching. The data acquisition system will also provide the control algorithm for the curing press hydraulic system. A description of the SSC Curing Press Data Acquisition and Controls System will be reported.
Heavy Metal Transport and Detoxification by Crustacean Epithelial Lysosomes

Lysosomes are multi-functional organelles that aid in the disassembly of large organic molecules and store a variety of xenobiotics. Lysosomes, and vacuolar components of the endo-membrane system, play apparently ubiquitous sequestration and detoxification roles for heavy metals in cells of many organisms. X-ray microprobe analysis of metal-containing granules (concretions) in these organelles from many animal phyla suggest that monovalent, divalent, and trivalent metal cations can be stored in these compartments in conjunction with anionic elements such as phosphorus and sulfur. There is also evidence that thiol-containing compounds such as glutathione and metallothionein, which bind metals in the cytoplasm with high affinity, may also be translocated across lysosomal membranes for metal storage. Few studies have examined the nature of the sequestration and detoxification processes for heavy metals displayed by invertebrate lysosomes or other endo-membrane components. This review summarizes recent investigations focused on lysosomal function in crustacean hepatopancreatic absorptive epithelia. It describes the carrier-mediated transport processes that occur on lysosomal membranes for accumulating metals from the cytoplasm and how these metal transporters are linked with the uptake of multivalent anions that may precipitate concretions within the organelle at appropriate ion concentrations and pH conditions. In addition, preliminary data describing the potential role of the Organic Anion Transporter (OAT) in transporting glutathione with its associated metal load from cytoplasm to lysosomal interior are described. A model summarizing proposed coupling between cationic metal and polyvalent anion transports and how they might be linked with concretion formation and metal detoxification is presented.
Lawmaking and Law Interpreting in the Land of Oz: Using Simulations to Draw Back the Curtains of the American Legislative and Judicial Processes

Proponents of active learning recognize the value of using simulations to engage students with course material and enhance student understanding of key concepts. A related but often overlooked benefit is how simulations help students appreciate the complexities of group decision-making endeavors. Regardless of their value, instructors may be hesitant to include simulations in their courses because of concerns about “taking time away” from covering other important course material or even the preparatory time associated with planning and overseeing simulations. This paper considers how targeted, short-term simulations (a two session legislative simulation and mini-moot court) enhance student understanding of decision-making processes and outcomes in each institution without significantly adding to the course preparatory burden for instructors. I evaluate my own experiences with targeted simulations in two upper level undergraduate courses, Congress, and, the Federal Judiciary, and offer suggestions for easily adapting and incorporating simulation exercises into courses without such activities.
Relaxation of Nanometer-Scale Surface Morphology

We review recent research on the relaxation of microscopic surface roughness in ultra-high vacuum. including our scanning tunneling microscopy experiments on the smoothing of Ge(001). For nanometer-scale roughness on Ge(001), the dependence of the smoothing kinetics on the in-plane length scale of the roughness shows that the mass transport is “non-conserved, step-mobility-limited.” Step mobilities extracted from our experiments on Ge(001) are compared to data from several experiments on Si(001). The range of step-mobilities spans a factor of 1010; most of the data are consistent with an activation energy of 1.8 eV and an attempt-rate comparable to the frequency of atomic vibrations.
Afetos na Pós-modernidade: uma leitura de ‘O filho de mil homens’, de Valter Hugo Mãe

O presente artigo propoe uma aproximacao entre posturas politicas do escritor portugues Valter Hugo Mae e as que o autor comunica no romance O filho de mil homens com os afetos da pos-modernidade, caracterizada por Maffesoli (2013) como o “retorno do tragico”, momento historico em que a nocao de alteridade se contrapoe aos valores ligados ao individualismo que marcaram o periodo desenvolvimentista.
Internal photoemission spectroscopy determination of barrier heights between Ta-based amorphous metals and atomic layer deposited insulators

The energy barrier heights between two recently reported Ta-based amorphous metals (TaWSi and TaNiSi), TaN, and atomic layer deposited Al2O3 and HfO2 insulators are measured in metal/insulator/metal (MIM) structures with Au top electrodes using internal photoemission (IPE) spectroscopy. For Al2O3, the Ta-based metal barrier heights, φBn, increase with increasing metal work function, ΦM, for TaN, TaWSi, and TaNiSi, respectively. For HfO2, however, the barrier heights are relatively constant for all three metals φBn,TaNiSi ≈ φBn.TaWSi ≈ φBn.TaN. The difference between HfO2 and Al2O3 is attributed to enhanced Fermi-level pinning due to a larger dielectric constant. The slope parameter, S, was found to be roughly 0.89 and 0.44–0.69 for Al2O3 and HfO2, respectively. For devices with a TaWSi bottom electrode, a comparison was also made between Al and Au top electrodes. Significantly, smaller barrier heights were obtained with an Au top electrode than with an Al top electrode, 0.6 eV and 0.8 eV lower for HfO2 and Al2O3, respectively. IPE energy barriers are found consistent with current-voltage asymmetry of MIM diodes, whereas Schottky model predictions of barrier heights were inconsistent.
Abstract P330: Excluding Participants With Missing or Incomplete Accelerometry Data: Evaluating the Potential for Bias

Background: Investigating the effect of physical activity (PA) on health has been improved with accelerometry. However, accelerometer measurement may increase participant burden, leading some to no...
How Chicago Economics Distorts “Consumer Welfare” in Antitrust:

Since the publication of Robert Bork’s The Antitrust Paradox, lawyers, judges, and many economists have defended “consumer welfare” (CW) as a standard for decisions about antitrust goals and enforc...
Master manipulators: how herpesviruses alter immune responses to RSV.

In this commentary on “A gammaherpesvirus licenses CD8 T cells to protect the host from pneumovirus-induced immunopathologies”, the authors highlight the growing literature suggesting that herpesvirus infections shape subsequent immune responses to other pathogens, especially by broadening CD8+T-cell responses. These observations have implications for vaccine development against other important pathogens, such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
In vivo quantitative mapping of human mitochondrial cardiac membrane potential: a feasibility study

Alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) is an important feature of many pathologic processes, including heart failure, cardiotoxicity, ventricular arrhythmia, and myocardial hypertrophy. We present the first in vivo, non-invasive, assessment of regional ΔΨm in the myocardium of normal human subjects. Thirteen healthy subjects were imaged using [18F]-triphenylphosphonium ([18F]TPP+) on a PET/MR scanner. The imaging protocol consisted of a bolus injection of 300 MBq followed by a 120-min infusion of 0.6 MBq/min. A 60 min, dynamic PET acquisition was started 1 h after bolus injection. The extracellular space fraction (fECS) was simultaneously measured using MR T1-mapping images acquired at baseline and 15 min after gadolinium injection with correction for the subject’s hematocrit level. Serial venous blood samples were obtained to calculate the plasma tracer concentration. The tissue membrane potential (ΔΨT), a proxy of ΔΨm, was calculated from the myocardial tracer concentration at secular equilibrium, blood concentration, and fECS measurements using a model based on the Nernst equation. In 13 healthy subjects, average tissue membrane potential (ΔΨT), representing the sum of cellular membrane potential (ΔΨc) and ΔΨm, was − 160.7 ± 3.7 mV, in excellent agreement with previous in vitro assessment. In vivo quantification of the mitochondrial function has the potential to provide new diagnostic and prognostic information for several cardiac diseases as well as allowing therapy monitoring. This feasibility study lays the foundation for further investigations to assess these potential roles. Clinical trial identifier: NCT03265431
MDA-5 dermatomyositis complicated by interstitial lung disease and cutaneous ulcers: successful treatment with corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil and intravenous immunoglobulin.

Antimelanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5) dermatomyositis is a subtype of dermatomyositis that is associated with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD), as well as with a variety of cutaneous manifestations. Patients with MDA-5 dermatomyositis tend to have a poor prognosis that is often attributed to the high rates of concurrent RP-ILD. Given the severity of disease, early diagnosis and aggressive management is pivotal. We present a case of a 40-year-old woman diagnosed with MDA-5 dermatomyositis who presented with weakness, painful cutaneous ulcerations and interstitial lung disease. She was treated with monthly intravenous Ig (IVIg), weight-based prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). After approximately 2 years of treatment, her interstitial lung disease remains stable and she has had significant improvement in weakness and cutaneous ulcerations. Our case provides evidence for early and aggressive treatment of MDA-5 dermatomyositis with a combination of weight-based prednisone, MMF and IVIg.
Estimated U.S. Manufacturing Production Capital and Technology Based on an Estimated Dynamic Structural Economic Model

Abstract Production capital and total factor productivity or technology are fundamental to understanding output and productivity growth, but are unobserved except at disaggregated levels and must be estimated before being used in empirical analysis. In this paper, we develop estimates of production capital and technology for U.S. total manufacturing based on an estimated dynamic structural economic model. First, using annual U.S. total manufacturing data for 1947–1997, we estimate by maximum likelihood a dynamic structural economic model of a representative production firm. In the estimation, capital and technology are completely unobserved or latent variables. Then, we apply the Kalman filter to the estimated model and the data to compute estimates of model-based capital and technology for the sample. Finally, we describe and evaluate similarities and differences between the model-based and standard estimates of capital and technology reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sex Differences in Thermal Comfort, Perception, Feeling, Stress and Focus During Exercise Hyperthermia.

It is unclear whether men and women perceive thermal stress differently when changes in intestinal temperature (ΔTin) and metabolic heat production (MHprod) are matched between sexes during exercis...
Bridge-Level Optimization Module for Planning and Programming:

The paper briefly introduces an element-based multi-objective optimization (EB-MOO) methodology to support state departments of transportation with their decision-making process, asset management, ...
Time-Varying Market, Interest Rate, and Exchange Rate Risk Premia in the U.S. Commercial Bank Stock Returns

This paper examines the role of market, interest rate, and exchange rate risks in pricing a sample of the U.S. commercial bank stocks by developing and estimating a multi-factor model under both unconditional and conditional frameworks. Three different econometric methodologies are used to conduct the estimations and testing. Estimations based on NLSUR via GMM indicate that interest rate risk is the only priced factor in the unconditional three-factor model. However, based on "Pricing Kernel" approach by Dumas and Solnik (Journal of Finance 50, 1995, 445-479), strong evidence of exchange rate risk is found in both large bank and regional bank stocks, and strong evidence of world market risk is found for the regional bank stocks in the conditional three-factor model with time-varying risk prices. Finally, estimations based on the multivariate GARCH in mean approach where both conditional first and second moments of bank portfolio returns and risk factors are estimated simultaneously show strong evidence of time-varying interest rate and exchange rate risk premia and weak evidence of time-varying market risk premium for all bank portfolios. Furthermore, among the three time-varying risk premia, the interest rate risk premium is the major one in describing the dynamics of the U.S. bank stock returns.
Application of computational models to estimate organ radiation dose in rainbow trout from uptake of molybdenum-99 with comparison to iodine-131.

This study compares three anatomical phantoms for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) for the purpose of estimating organ radiation dose and dose rates from molybdenum-99 ((99)Mo) uptake in the liver and GI tract. Model comparison and refinement is important to the process of determining accurate doses and dose rates to the whole body and the various organs. Accurate and consistent dosimetry is crucial to the determination of appropriate dose-effect relationships for use in environmental risk assessment. The computational phantoms considered are (1) a geometrically defined model employing anatomically relevant organ size and location, (2) voxel reconstruction of internal anatomy obtained from CT imaging, and (3) a new model utilizing NURBS surfaces to refine the model in (2). Dose Conversion Factors (DCFs) for whole body as well as selected organs of O. mykiss were computed using Monte Carlo modeling and combined with empirical models for predicting activity concentration to estimate dose rates and ultimately determine cumulative radiation dose (μGy) to selected organs after several half-lives of (99)Mo. The computational models provided similar results, especially for organs that were both the source and target of radiation (less than 30% difference between all models). Values in the empirical model as well as the 14 day cumulative organ doses determined from (99)Mo uptake are compared to similar models developed previously for (131)I. Finally, consideration is given to treating the GI tract as a solid organ compared to partitioning it into gut contents and GI wall, which resulted in an order of magnitude difference in estimated dose for most organs.
Correlated observations of impulsive UV and hard X-ray bursts from the solar maximum mission

The spatially resolved UV observations and hard X-ray observations are analyzed in order to study the spatial structure and physical conditions in the UV and hard X-ray sources. The data reveal that impulsive UV emissions and hard X-ray bursts occur in small kernels. Individual light curves for Si IV and hard X-ray emissions are compared and it is detected that the individual peaks in the curves correspond. The dynamic evolution and density diagnostics of the transition zone plasmas are examined.
Models and Testing --- A Recipe for Improved Effectiveness?

In an ongoing effort to reduce development costs in spite of increasing system complexity, Motorola has been a long-time adopter of Model-Driven Engineering practices. The foundation of this approach is the creation of rigorous models throughout the development process, thereby, enabling the introduction of automation into the development life cycle and supporting frameworks.
A pipelined architecture to map ATM cells to 622 Mb/s SONET OC-12 payloads

The Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) and Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) form a high speed data transmission standard used to transport various types of payloads. Asynchronous Transport Mode (ATM) cells are an increasingly important payload type. This paper describes two pipelined implementations of these mapping functions. The first implementation maps a stream of ATM cells into a SONET OC-12 synchronous payload envelope (SPE). The second circuit maps distinct ATM cell streams into four SONET OC-3c SPE's, which in turn can form a SONET OC-12 signal. Both of these implementations operate at 622 Mb/s. They have been implemented on a single, Xilinx XC3195 Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and have an identical physical interface. This design is part of a system line card that can transmit and receive in the above mentioned modes. >
Massive-scale RDF processing using compressed bitmap indexes

The Resource Description Framework (RDF) is a popular data model for representing linked data sets arising from the web, as well as large scientific data repositories such as UniProt. RDF data intrinsically represents a labeled and directed multi-graph. SPARQL is a query language for RDF that expresses subgraph pattern-finding queries on this implicit multigraph in a SQL-like syntax. SPARQL queries generate complex intermediate join queries; to compute these joins efficiently, this paper presents a new strategy based on bitmap indexes. We store the RDF data in column-oriented compressed bitmap structures, along with two dictionaries. We find that our bitmap index-based query evaluation approach is up to an order of magnitude faster the state-of-the-art system RDF-3X, for a variety of SPARQL queries on gigascale RDF data sets.
Synergies Between Object-Oriented Programming Language Design and Implementation Research

By pursuing language design and language implementation research in parallel, interactions between the two research areas can be exploited to make faster, better progress in both. We report on our experiences working on the Cecil language design project and the Vortex optimizing compiler project, highlighting how each project has encouraged and challenged the other.
Performance of the DARHT first axis pulsed power system

Summary form only given, as follows. A description of the induction cell pulsed power system for the Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) linear accelerator facility with performance for the first two years of operation.
Recurrent Pol Ymicrobial Peritonitis from a Gynecologic Source as a Complication of CAPO

A 22-year-old woman on CAPD developed recurrent peritonitis with organisms suggestive of a gynecologic source. A concomitant vaginal leaking of dialysate confirmed an abnormal communication between...
Vitamin D Regulates Fatty Acid Composition in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Through Elovl3

Fatty acids (FAs) are a major energy source in the body. White adipose tissue (WAT) is a primary site where FAs are stored as triacylglycerols. Brown adipose tissue also stores and recruits FAs as a carbon source for uncoupled β-oxidation during thermogenesis. The deletion of the vitamin D nuclear hormone receptor (VDR) gene in mice (VDRKO) results in a lean WAT phenotype with increased levels of expression of the brown adipose tissue marker Ucp1 in the WAT. However, the impact of vitamin D/VDR on FA composition in WAT has not been explored in detail. To address this question, we examined the FA composition of sc and visceral white adipose depots of VDRKO mice. We found that the levels of a subset of saturated and monounsaturated FAs of C18-C24 are specifically increased in the sc adipose depot in VDRKO mice. We revealed that a specific elongase enzyme (Elovl3), which has an important role in brown fat biology, is directly regulated by VDR and likely contributes to the altered FA composition in VDRKO mice. We also demonstrate that Elovl3 is regulated by vitamin D in vivo and tissue specifically in the sc WAT depot. We discovered that regulation of Elovl3 expression is mediated by ligand-dependent VDR occupancy of a negative-response element in the promoter proximal region of the Elovl3 gene. These data suggest that vitamin D/VDR tissue specifically modulates FA composition in sc WAT through direct regulation of Elovl3 expression.
ME MANDÓ A TRAER: WEAK “STRONG TIES” IN LATINA IMMIGRANTS’ SOCIAL NETWORKS

The impact of social capital in immigrant communities is well acknowledged. However, research has heavily relied on quantitative studies and has tended to emphasize its positive impact. There has been a paucity of qualitative research that examines the complex dynamics of accessing support from social networks, especially when it entails family reunification and trauma. Twenty-eight Latina immigrant women participated in an interview focused on traumatic and stressful experiences that included questions about accessing support from informal networks. Women used the expression “me mando a traer” (I was brought in) when describing others' involvement in their immigration decision and initial settlement. This expression captured the ambivalence of receiving assistance from relatives or friends and also their challenges accessing support in a context of family reunification, scarce resources, and trauma exposure. This study contributes to the literature on immigrants' individual social capital further expanding a nuanced understanding of family reunification experiences.