cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-volatility compounds contribute significantly to isoprene SOA under high-NO conditions

Abstract. Recent advances in our knowledge of the gas-phase oxidation of isoprene, the impact of chamber walls on secondary organic aerosol (SOA) mass yields, and aerosol measurement analysis techniques warrant re-evaluating SOA yields from isoprene. In particular, SOA from isoprene oxidation under high-NO conditions forms via two major pathways: (1) low-volatility nitrates and dinitrates (LV pathway) and (2) hydroxymethyl-methyl- α -lactone (HMML) reaction on a surface or the condensed phase of particles to form 2-methyl glyceric acid and its oligomers (2MGA pathway). These SOA production pathways respond differently to reaction conditions. Past chamber experiments generated SOA with varying contributions from these two unique pathways, leading to results that are difficult to interpret. This study examines the SOA yields from these two pathways independently, which improves the interpretation of previous results and provides further understanding of the relevance of chamber SOA yields to the atmosphere and regional/global modeling. Results suggest that low-volatility nitrates and dinitrates produce significantly more aerosol than previously thought; the SOA mass yield from the LV pathway is s 0.15. Sufficient seed surface area at the start of the reaction is needed to limit the effects of vapor wall losses of low-volatility compounds and accurately measure the complete SOA mass yield. Under dry conditions, substantial amounts of SOA are formed from HMML ring-opening reactions with inorganic ions and HMML organic oligomerization processes. However, the lactone organic oligomerization reactions are suppressed under more atmospherically relevant humidity levels, where hydration of the lactone is more competitive. This limits the SOA formation potential from the 2MGA pathway to HMML ring-opening reactions with water or inorganic ions under typical atmospheric conditions. Due to the high isoprene SOA mass yield from the LV pathway measured in this work, we now roughly estimate that the LV pathway produces moderately more SOA mass than the 2MGA pathway under typical atmospheric conditions (RH = 70 %, T = 298 K, NO 2 /NO = 6, NO = 0.05 ppb, isoprene = 5 ppb, and OH = 1.5 × 10 6 molec cm −3 ). This suggests that in the atmosphere low-volatility compounds such as organic nitrates and dinitrates may contribute to isoprene SOA under high-NO conditions significantly more than previously thought, and thus deserve continued study.
Nonimmune cell–derived ICOS ligand functions as a renoprotective αvβ3 integrin–selective antagonist

Soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR) is a circulatory molecule that activates αvβ3 integrin on podocytes, causes foot process effacement, and contributes to proteinuric kidney disease. While active integrin can be targeted by antibodies and small molecules, endogenous inhibitors haven't been discovered yet. Here we report what we believe is a novel renoprotective role for the inducible costimulator ligand (ICOSL) in early kidney disease through its selective binding to podocyte αvβ3 integrin. Contrary to ICOSL's immune-regulatory role, ICOSL in nonhematopoietic cells limited the activation of αvβ3 integrin. Specifically, ICOSL contains the arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) motif, which allowed for a high-affinity and selective binding to αvβ3 and modulation of podocyte adhesion. This binding was largely inhibited either by a synthetic RGD peptide or by a disrupted RGD sequence in ICOSL. ICOSL binding favored the active αvβ3 rather than the inactive form and showed little affinity for other integrins. Consistent with the rapid induction of podocyte ICOSL by inflammatory stimuli, glomerular ICOSL expression was increased in biopsies of early-stage human proteinuric kidney diseases. Icosl deficiency in mice resulted in an increased susceptibility to proteinuria that was rescued by recombinant ICOSL. Our work identified a potentially novel role for ICOSL, which serves as an endogenous αvβ3-selective antagonist to maintain glomerular filtration.
Reducing tectorial membrane viscoelasticity enhances spontaneous otoacoustic emissions and compromises the detection of low level sound

The mammalian cochlea is able to detect faint sounds due to the presence of an active nonlinear feedback mechanism that boosts cochlear vibrations of low amplitude. Because of this feedback, self-sustained oscillations called spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) can often be measured in the ear canal. Recent experiments in genetically modified mice have demonstrated that mutations of the genes expressed in the tectorial membrane (TM), an extracellular matrix located in the cochlea, can significantly enhance the generation of SOAEs. Multiple untested mechanisms have been proposed to explain these unexpected results. In this work, a physiologically motivated computational model of a mammalian species commonly studied in auditory research, the gerbil, is used to demonstrate that altering the viscoelastic properties of the TM tends to affect the linear stability of the cochlea, SOAE generation and the cochlear response to low amplitude stimuli. These results suggest that changes in TM properties might be the underlying cause for SOAE enhancement in some mutant mice. Furthermore, these theoretical findings imply that the TM contributes to keeping the mammalian cochlea near an oscillatory instability, which promotes high sensitivity and the detection of low level stimuli.
Leveraging First Response Time into the Knowledge Tracing Model.

The field of educational data mining has been using the Knowledge Tracing model, which only look at the correctness of student first response, for tracking student knowledge. Recently, lots of other features are studied to extend the Knowledge Tracing model to better model student knowledge. The goal of this paper is to analyze whether or not the information of student first response time of a question can be leveraged into Knowledge Tracing model and improve Knowledge Tracing’s prediction accuracy. In our experiments, we used discretized first response time data to predict students’ correctness of the next question, and leveraged the result into a Knowledge Tracing model. Our analysis confirmed the value of student first response time in modeling student knowledge.
The Triple Aim and Obesity: Are They at Odds?

Combating the obesity epidemic from the perspective of risk management means utilizing a combination of four effective strategies: (1) practicing enterprise risk management enables risk managers to understand all risks an organization faces and their potential impact. (2) Standardizing the risk assessment process facilitates rapid and consistent risk identification. (3) Applying decision analysis through the process of value-driven enterprise risk management optimizes potential risk solutions/treatment options. (4) Implementing the process of design thinking can establish uniquely appropriate and specific treatment alternatives. Together, these four methods can improve the health of various populations, the patient experience, and the ability to provide care safely and effectively.
Fall risk factors for individuals under the age of 65 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to examine self-reported falls and fall risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged under 65 years.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional an...
Ultrasonic Velocity and Attenuation in K H 2 P O 4

The velocity and attenuation of ultrasonic shear waves have been investigated at temperatures above ${T}_{C}={121.8}_{2}\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K in single-crystal KDP. An elastic Curie-Weiss law, $({{s}_{66}}^{E}\ensuremath{-}{{s}_{66}}^{P})=\frac{D}{(T\ensuremath{-}{T}_{C})}$, is obtained with an elastic Curie constant $D$ equal to 6.31\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}11}$ ${\mathrm{dyn}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ deg. The attenuation data are consistent with a cooperative relaxation time at constant stress $\ensuremath{\tau}$ which varies as $\ensuremath{\tau}=\frac{24\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}}{(T\ensuremath{-}{T}_{C})}$ sec.
Mathematical modeling and numerical simulation of nonlinearly elastic yarn in ring spinning

In this paper, yarn dynamic behavior in the ring spinning system has been studied. A new model has been proposed by considering nonlinear elastic yarn. Equations of motion were derived by Newton’s ...
Genetic risk for obesity and the effectiveness of the ChooseWell 365 workplace intervention to prevent weight gain and improve dietary choices.

BACKGROUND It is unknown whether behavioral interventions to improve diet are effective in people with a genetic predisposition to obesity. OBJECTIVES To examine associations between BMI genetic risk and changes in weight and workplace purchases by employees participating in a randomized controlled trial of an automated behavioral workplace intervention to promote healthy food choices. METHODS Participants were hospital employees enrolled in a 12-mo intervention followed by a 12-mo follow-up. Hospital cafeterias utilized a traffic-light labeling system (e.g., green = healthy, red = unhealthy) that was used to calculate a validated Healthy Purchasing Score (HPS; higher = healthier). A weighted genome-wide BMI genetic score was generated by summing BMI-increasing alleles. RESULTS The study included 397 adults of European ancestry (mean age, 44.9 y; 80.9% female). Participants in the highest genetic quartile (Q4) had a lower HPS and higher purchases of red-labeled items relative to participants in the lowest quartile (Q1) at baseline [Q4-Q1 Beta HPS, -4.66 (95% CI, -8.01 to -1.32); red-labeled items, 4.26% (95% CI, 1.45%-7.07%)] and at the 12-mo [HPS, -3.96 (95% CI, -7.5 to -0.41); red-labeled items, 3.20% (95% CI, 0.31%-6.09%)] and 24-mo [HPS, -3.70 (95% CI, -7.40 to 0.00); red-labeled items, 3.48% (95% CI, 0.54%-6.41%)] follow-up periods. In the intervention group, increases in HPS were similar in Q4 and Q1 at 12 mo (Q4-Q1 Beta, 1.04; 95% CI, -2.42 to 4.50). At the 24-mo follow-up, the change in BMI from baseline was similar between Q4 and Q1 (0.17 kg/m2; 95% CI, -0.55 to 0.89 kg/m2) in the intervention group, but higher in Q4 than Q1 (1.20 kg/m2; 95% CI, 0.26-2.13 kg/m2) in the control group. No interaction was evident between the treatment arm and genetic score for BMI or HPS. CONCLUSIONS Having a high BMI genetic risk was associated with greater increases in BMI and lower quality purchases over 2 y. The 12-mo behavioral intervention improved employees' food choices, regardless of the genetic burden, and may have attenuated weight gain conferred by having the genetic risk.
Influence of climate factors on pediatric alopecia areata flares in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Patients with alopecia areata (AA) may experience episodic disease flares characterized by increasing hair loss that follow a seasonal pattern. However, no studies have examined whether specific climate factors contribute to the seasonal pattern of AA flares. Using Spearman rank correlation analyses, we assessed the association between climate variables and AA flare frequency per month in 336 children with AA in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Region-specific monthly values for average ambient temperature, air pressure, cloudiness, hours of sunlight, relative humidity, number of days with sun, number of days with rain, volume of precipitation, wind gust, wind speed, and UV index from January 2015 to December 2017 were obtained from World Weather Online. We found significant (P < 0.05) correlations between AA flare frequency and UV index (R = − 0.66), precipitation (R = − 0.66), number of days with rain (R = − 0.70), number of days with sun (R = 0.62), and air pressure (R = 0.80). Stratified analyses showed even stronger associations with UV index and precipitation in patients with an atopic comorbidity. New significant correlations appeared with temperature, wind speed, and UV index of the prior month. However, in patients who did not have atopic comorbidities, we generally observed weaker and non-significant correlations between climate and AA flare frequency. This study suggests that certain climate factors may mediate the seasonal pattern of AA flares and may contribute to AA pathogenesis. Atopic AA patients may be more susceptible to the influence of climate compared to those with no history of atopy.
Military Modernization and Peaceful Rising: A Harmonious Transition of the PLA into the Future

This article seeks to elucidate the recent changes to the Chinese military by examining the new characteristics of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its newly adopted approaches for modernization between 2003 and 2008. It includes diachronic discussions to explore various social and political factors for the changes, domestic and international constraints on the implementation of military modernization, and the outcomes of these endeavors. The main findings indicate that the Chinese military has changed its main feature as two important transitions have emerged: first, the PLA has been transformed from a manpower intensive army to a technology oriented force; and second, from a national security army to an internationally operated force. Consequently, the high command begins to consider the PLA as a part of the global military cooperation.
As the Conference Opens

Now that we are all together at this conference on “Molecular Cytogenetics” we might consider what the subject is, or what the words mean. Everyone agrees that cytogenetics is the direct study of the hereditary apparatus of cells, as contrasted with the study of the frequency of progeny genotypes. Since most genes reside on (in or around) chromosomes, cytogenetics has been preoccupied, historically, with the study of the structure and segregational mechanics of chromosomes. The word “molecular” has a more debatable meaning, but everyone agrees that it must be modern, and since cytogenetics dates back to Balbiani and Carnoy in the last century, it’s a welcome addition to freshen up a musty subject.
How to Detect Weak Pairs

Single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy has shed light on many biological processes, from protein folding to enzyme dynamics. However, to study weakly interacting molecules, the diffraction limit of light must be overcome. In their Perspective, [Laurence and Weiss][1] review recent "superresolution" methods that achieve smaller detection volumes, a requirement for studying weak interactions. They highlight the method of [Levene][2] et al ., who achieve parallel detection of many single molecules in extremely small (zeptoliter) detection volumes. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/299/5607/667 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/299/5607/682
Cleaning Up: Equitable Considerations in the RCRA Citizen Suit Provision Controversy

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 ("RCRA") governs the generation, treatment, disposal, storage, and transport of solid and hazardous waste.' Congress designed RCRA to be a prospective act used to "prevent improper disposal of hazardous wastes in the future." Prior to enacting RCRA, Congress had devised legislation to regulate both air and water.' Without a provision regulating the disposal of waste on land, however, these programs carried additional burdens. As a House Commerce Committee Report observed, "[t]he existing methods of land disposal often result in air pollution, subsurface leachate and surface run-off, which affect air and water quality." Conversely, the Clean Water Act 6 and the Clean Air Act exacerbated the hazardous waste problems on land because much of the hazardous material removed from smoke stacks and navigable waters was distributed to public landfills and disposal sites.' By adopting RCRA, Congress recognized the need for regulating the disposal of hazardous waste on land. As originally enacted, RCRA contained two types of citizen suit provisions. First, citizens could bring suit against an EPA Administrator who failed to perform any duties made mandatory by the Act? Second, citizens could bring actions against persons in violation of any RCRA requirement.' In 1984, Congress amended the RCRA citizen suit section, and furnished an additional
Some Examples to Illustrate The Exact Convergence Theorem of A Parallel Textured Algorithm for Constrained Economic Dispatch Control Problems

A parallel textured algorithm, the sufficient conditions for the algorithm to converge to its true solution and its proof are described in our earlier papers [1]-[2]. In this paper, we provide some examples to illustrate the basic ideas behind the exact convergence conditions, and show when they will be violated and how the violations impact on the convergence.
Localization of presenilin–nicastrin complexes and γ‐secretase activity to the trans‐Golgi network

Abundant biochemical and genetic evidence suggests that presenilins are catalytic components of γ-secretase, the protease responsible for generating the Alzheimer amyloid β-protein. However, the differential localization of presenilins to early secretory compartments and γ-secretase substrates to late secretory compartments and the plasma membrane (the ‘spatial paradox’) argues against this view. We investigated this issue by studying the localization of nicastrin, another putative γ-secretase component, and its association with presenilin-1 into proteolytically active complexes. Glycosidase digests revealed that nicastrin exists in multiple glycoforms and is terminally sialylated, a modification often associated with the trans-Golgi network. Trafficking of nicastrin to the trans-Golgi network was confirmed by density gradient fractionation and immunofluorescence microscopy. In presenilin-deficient cells, however, nicastrin trafficking and maturation were abnormal, as the protein was restricted to early secretory compartments and failed to be sialylated. Mature sialylated nicastrin in trans-Golgi network fractions was complexed quantitatively with N- and C-terminal fragments of presenilin-1, whereas immature nicastrin present in early secretory compartments was not. Additionally, trans-Golgi network fractions contained the γ-secretase substrate β-amyloid precursor protein C83 and were enriched in presenilin-dependent γ-secretase proteolytic activity. The results resolve the apparent spatial paradox by demonstrating that presenilin–nicastrin complexes and presenilin-dependent γ-secretase activity are co-localized to a late secretory compartment. The findings provide further evidence that presenilin-containing complexes are the γ-secretase, and indicate that presenilins also regulate γ-secretase assembly.
The influence of various front contact materials on the performance of CdTe solar cells

The use of a resistive, or buffer, layer in the front contact structure of CdTe solar cells has been known to improve solar cell performance, in particular when the CdS thickness is relatively small. This paper reviews the performance of CdTe solar cells fabricated on various front contact bi-layer combinations. Conductive (low-/spl rho/) transparent oxides utilized for this work include SnO/sub 2/:F, Cd/sub 2/SnO/sub 4/ and ITO; resistive (high-/spl rho/) transparent oxides include SnO/sub 2/, In/sub 2/O/sub 3/, and Zn/sub 2/SnO/sub 4/. All high-/spl rho/ layers were found to be effective within a range of processing conditions and process/device characteristics. Buffer layers of Zn-Sn-O appear to be the most promising high-/spl rho/ films for the fabrication of CdTe cells with small CdS thickness without compromising the V/sub OC/ and FF.
A confidential enquiry into deaths caused by asthma in an English health region: implications for general practice.

AIM: To determine the factors contributing to death from asthma in patients aged under 65 years in East Anglia in the early 1990s. METHOD: We have performed on ongoing confidential enquiry since January 1992. For the first time a general practitioner was included in the enquiry team. RESULTS: A review of the clinical and pathological data of the 50 patients reported in the first 3 years suggested that 36 of these deaths were attributable to asthma. Thirty-one patients died out of hospital (3 en route to the hospital), 2 in the Accident and Emergency department, and only 3 in hospital. Adverse social factors were found in 25 out of 34 patients, and adverse psychological characteristics in 23 of the 31 patients where these could be assessed. Only 7 appeared to have no adverse psychological or social factors. Routine medical care was considered appropriate in 20 patients, and inappropriate in 14. Twenty-four had received appropriate advice and education. Nine of the 21 patients, where this could be assessed, and half the relatives, failed to respond appropriately to worsening asthma symptoms during the fatal attack. No potentially preventable factors were identified in two women who died of end stage asthma. CONCLUSION: This enquiry has demonstrated that inadequacies in the medical care of asthma continue to occur, although less frequently than in previous asthma-death studies. In addition, 79% of the patients had experienced psychosocial factors which appeared important in contributing to their deaths. Recommendations for identifying and managing such "at risk' patients have been circulated to all general practitioners and chest physicians in the region.
Infogrip Chordic Keyboard Evaluation

This paper presents a preliminary evaluation of a computer data entry device called Infogrip Chordic Keyboard. Learning time, typing speed and accuracy, and operator discomfort are examined. The result shows that the 30 chords can be learned in two hours. The subjects could type 49 characters per minute with the accuracy of 98.3 percent after two hours training.
An energy reading and bill generation database for use in nonintrusive load management

The Digital Telewattmeter System software package (DTS-Base) was written to provide both consumer-side load management and remote transmission of energy usage data for the utility. DTS-Base provides utilities with a database that stores customer information, reads customer telewattmeters (field units), and generates customer bills. The user friendly software package will call specific field units via the computer's modem and download energy usage information. Customer bills, generated using the downloaded information from each field unit, contain all the necessary information to allow for consumer-side, nonintrusive load management. >
Foreign Aid and Quality of Governance in Developing Countries: An Econometric Case Study of South Asia and East Asia

The paper investigates the effect of foreign aid on governance. Foreign aid’s effect on the quality of governance remains a widely debated topic. Theory provides conflicting guidance on this and the empirical record of previous research is not conclusive and often contradictory. Our research on a sample of South Asian and East Asian countries suggests that aid can have a positive effect on governance when controlling for other country factors. The estimated results also suggest that multilateral aid has a positive effect on the quality of governance, but the effect of bilateral aid on the quality of governance is either negative or insignificant. These results have important policy implications for donor countries and multilateral institutions alike.
TRIENNIAL LACTATION SYMPOSIUM: Prolactin: The multifaceted potentiator of mammary growth and function,

At face value there are clear and estab- lished roles for prolactin (PRL) in the regulation of mammary gland growth, lactogenesis, and galactopoi- esis. These actions of PRL do not occur in isolation; rather, they are fi nely attuned to and coordinated with many local, reproductive, and metabolic events in the female. Hence, to understand PRL action at the level of the mammary gland is to understand the systemic and local contexts in which it acts and functions. Herein we review the functions of PRL, its receptors, and the pathways leading to the phenotypes it evokes within the mammary glands, including growth and lactation, across a variety of species. At one level, the actions of PRL are mediated by several PRL receptor (PRLR) isoforms, including its long form and various short PRLR variants that are generated by alternative splic- ing in a species- and tissue-dependent manner. In turn, these PRLR activate a variety of intracellular signal- ing cascades. We also focus on how PRL coordinates with other endocrine cues to impart its effects on the mammary glands, where the ovarian hormones can independently and substantially modulate PRL action. Many of these effects of PRL are also realized at the local level of the mammary gland, either through the autocrine or paracrine synthesis of a multitude of mol- ecules and transcription factors or through its effects on adjacent supporting tissues, including the mammary vasculature. Taken together, it is clear that PRL directs a variety of mechanisms during growth and function of the mammary gland and is deserving of its classifi ca- tion as the master hormone.
Measuring surface diffusion in monomolecular films

Surface diffusion in stearic acid monolayers on 0.01 N HCl subsolutions was studied by a radiotracer technique utilizing 14 C-labeled compounds. The concentration profiles, relative to the initial profile, showed lateral shifts. At a surface pressure of 5 m N /m the direction of the shift was opposite to that found at 20 m N /m. Independent monolayer stability and ESP measurements showed significant differences between the properties of tagged and untagged surface films. Unequal monolayer losses, creating a surface tension gradient, would account for the observed profile behavior. Chemical purity was considered as an explanation for the differences in the film properties; however, evidence also suggests the possibility of an isotope effect.
The Resilient City: How Modern Cities Recover from Disaster, edited by Lawrence J. Vale and Thomas J. Campanella (Eds.)

Lawrence J. Vale and Thomas J. Campanella (Eds.), The Resilient City: How Modern Cities Recover from Disaster (New York: Oxford University Press, 2005).Adam Smith is credited with the aphorism, “th...
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: The Association of Grandparents’ Self‐Reported Use of Alcohol and Drugs and Their Emotional Well‐Being

The research literature on the emotional well-being of grandparents raising grandchildren has identified an array of factors that predict psychological distress among this population of caregivers. However, little is known about whether grandparents' alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) use among some grandparents may negatively affect their emotional well-being. Moreover, a synthesis of the research literature on mental health and AOD misuse suggests a plausible link between psychological distress and AOD use may exist among some grandparents raising grandchildren. Using a probability sample of grandparents raising their grandchildren, multivariate analyses conducted in this study show that grandparents who misused a drug and used alcohol had lower levels of emotional well-being compared with grandparents who did not use or misuse such substances. Clinical implications concerning the mental health needs of this underserved population of caregivers are discussed.
Localized Corrosion in Cathodically Polarized A109 Steel in Aqueous Sodium Chloride

Abstract Corrosion of ASTM A109 steel (UNS G10230) in aerated aqueous 0.5% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution was studied at the corrosion potential (Ecorr) and at different cathodic polarization (CP)...
Simulation of stall, spin, and recovery of a general aviation aircraft

A nonlinear lifting line-vortex lattice aerodynamic model has been developed for use with a computer 6-DOF vehicle motion simulation for the purpose of studying the behavior of general aviation-type aircraft at high angles of attack. The model includes the unsteady wake effects due to a discrete, nonplanar vortex system. Each lifting surface is modeled with discrete vortex segments and their associated control points. Selected lifting surface segments can have their lift-curve properties changed to simulate control deflections. This model is used to simulate the stall entry, departure, subsequent spin, and recovery of a general aviation aircraft. (Author)
Amebocytic Accumulations in Biomphalaria Glabrata: Fine Structure

Abstract Internal pathologic conditions in four stocks of Biomphalaria glabrata involve amebocytes. Most snails exhibiting these conditions are also nonsusceptible to infection with Schistosoma mansoni . Fine structure studies reveal that perisortic and atrial amebocytic accumulations show two responses that involve heart tissue: a generalized response in which amebocytes have infiltrated the myocardium and focal areas of nodules in which heart tissue is encapsulated and destroyed. In pericardial accumulations amebocytes are subspherical at the periphery with their numerous filopodia intertwining; centrally they elongate and flatten to form a nodule. Hemocoelic accumulations are similar to pericardial ones but more compact. Hyalinocytes and granulocytes were both found in the four types of amebocytic accumulations; each contained phagocytized material. Acid phosphatase reaction product was detected in the Golgi bodies, primary phagosomes, multivesicular bodies and myelin bodies of granulocytes.
Pediatric Cardiovascular Device Registries—The Need for Such Data And The Potential Impact

The use of devices to treat disorders and diseases affecting pediatric patients has increased significantly since the 1980s, particularly in the field of pediatric cardiology where interventional procedures have become viable alternatives to open heart surgery for many conditions [1, 2]. Yet as the treatment of congenital heart disease (CHD) with cardiac catheterization and device placement has evolved, there remains a lack of devices on the market that are designed for, studied in, and specifically labeled for pediatric patients and evidence-based data to guide decision making in treating these patients remains scarce. Treatment strategies instead are derived largely from expert opinion— which may not be consistent across locales or widely accessible—and off-label use is not uncommon [3]. With the emphasis on evidence-based practice in medicine today, it is important that pediatrics not be left behind. If the present situation is to change, and the quality and consistency of information about catheter-based device treatment for pediatric cardiology patients is to improve, a method of collecting, analyzing, and widely distributing procedural data becomes essential. The development of more comprehensive pediatric device registries would thus seem a critical part of the progression and of utmost importance to the public health. Registries provide opportunities to collect data from a broader population of patients and physicians than current surveillance mechanisms and could be used to monitor actual practices and practice bias for both onand off-label use of devices used in children—better defining the current clinical landscape so that unmet needs and supportive regulatory initiatives can be more easily and quickly identified. Also, collection of long-term, longitudinal data on significant events, functionality, and quality of care that are so essential to optimizing pediatric care could be attained. The limited numbers of patients with any given congenital cardiac anomaly, and the heterogeneous subpopulations, makes pediatric cardiology an especially challenging area to obtain valid and generalizable data. Thus, it is one in which high-quality registry data would be particularly suitable.
Decentralized path planning for coverage tasks using gradient descent adaptive control

In this paper we propose a new path planning algorithm for coverage tasks in unknown environments that does not rely on recursive search optimization. Given a sensory function that captures the interesting locations in the environment and can be learned, the goal is to compute a set of closed paths that allows a single robot or a multi-robot system to sense/cover the environment according to this function. We present an online adaptive distributed controller, based on gradient descent of a Voronoi-based cost function, that generates these closed paths, which the robots can travel for any coverage task, such as environmental mapping or surveillance. The controller uses local information only, and drives the robots to simultaneously identify the regions of interest and shape their paths online to sense these regions. Lyapunov theory is used to show asymptotic convergence of the system based on a Voronoi-based coverage criterion. Simulated and experimental results, that support the proposed approach, are presented for the single-robot and multi-robot cases in known and unknown environments.
Design and processing of ceramic-based analogs to the dental crown

Abstract The structure and properties of the crown of a human tooth were used as a model for the design and processing of dental restorative materials. The synthetic analog to the crown was composed of a dentin-like material (alumina-glass or alumina-polymer composite) and an enamel-like material (calcium phosphate-based coating). The dentin composites had high strength (~450 MPa and ~160 MPa for aluminaglass and alumina-PMMA composites, respectively) and good fracture toughness ( ~3.8 MPa m 1 2 and ~3.3 MPa m 1 2 for alumina-glass and alumina-PMMA composites, respectively). The calcium phosphate-based enamel region was roughly 80 μm thick, dense and fully crystalline. Bonding between the dentin and enamel in the analog was accomplished in a manner similar to the dentinoenamel junction in the natural tooth. A region of interpentrating phases from the synthetic dentin and enamel coating was created and excellent bonding was achieved using a eutectic melt in the CaO-Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 system.
Red Mangrove Seedling Survival, Growth, and Reproduction: Effects of Environment and Maternal Genotype

An adequate understanding of the nature and extent of response to stressors and resources by marine foundation plant species requires study of local adaptation and plasticity in traits. Analyses of variation among genotypes in growth and morphology and genotype × environment interactions are necessary for restoration in, for example, different combinations of tide, soil, and salinity regimes, and for assessing how foundation plant species will respond to global climate change. We conducted a field experiment to assess differences in responses among 86 half-sibling (same maternal tree) seedling families of the red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) to different environmental conditions of hydrology imposed at low- and high-intertidal settings. At 3 years, Rhizophora survival and growth varied with maternal tree genotype, elevation, and genotype × elevation. This effect was independent of size of propagules at planting. Growth also differed among the five islands planted, a main effect that is a composite of a number of microenvironmental differences stemming from island size and shape, proximity to passes (and thus fetch), and island slope. Significant genotype × island interactions for some response variables further support the hypothesis that seedlings of different maternal genotypes can perform very differently under various suites of environmental conditions. Planted seedlings reproduced at an early age, and at 3 years there were differences in reproductive output among genotypes but not an overall mean difference between plants at low or high elevation. Whether our results show adaptation to local conditions or differences in plasticity among genotypes will require further study as the plants mature further to demonstrate fitness differences. However, either adaptation or plasticity provides a basis for maintenance of Rhizophora dominance over a wider range of environmental conditions and may be important for adaptation to conditions that will vary with global climate change.
Research news: Perioperative normothermia.

ASPAN published the Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for the Promotion of Perioperative Normothermia in late 2009. In that document, the authors described key terms, risk factors for perioperative hypothermia, core versus near-core temperature measurements, and patient assessment and management guidelines. Notably, interventions include both passive and active warming measures. Active warming measures are defined as the ‘‘application of a forced-air convection warming system and circulating-water mattresses, resistive heating blankets, radiant warmers, negative-pressure warming systems, and warmed, humidified, inspired oxygen,’’ (p. 274). Passive warming measures refer to ‘‘the application of warmed cotton blankets, reflective blankets, socks, and head covering, as well as limiting skin exposure to lower ambient room temperature,’’ (p. 274). The following two studies were identified in the medical literature as recent research involving warming devices in the perioperative period, specifically the efficacy of active warming measures on thermoregulation.
Regulation of transport pathways in tumor vessels: Role of tumor type and microenvironment

Novel anti-neoplastic agents such as gene targeting vectors and encapsulated carriers are quite large (approximately 100–300 nm in diameter). An understanding of the functional size and physiological regulation of transvascular pathways is necessary to optimize delivery of these agents. Here we analyze the functional limits of transvascular transport and its modulation by the microenvironment. One human and five murine tumors including mammary and colorectal carcinomas, hepatoma, glioma, and sarcoma were implanted in the dorsal skin-fold chamber or cranial window, and the pore cutoff size, a functional measure of transvascular gap size, was determined. The microenvironment was modulated: (i) spatially, by growing tumors in subcutaneous or cranial locations and (ii) temporally, by inducing vascular regression in hormone-dependent tumors. Tumors grown subcutaneously exhibited a characteristic pore cutoff size ranging from 200 nm to 1.2 μm. This pore cutoff size was reduced in tumors grown in the cranium or in regressing tumors after hormone withdrawal. Vessels induced in basic fibroblast growth factor-containing gels had a pore cutoff size of 200 nm. Albumin permeability was independent of pore cutoff size. These results have three major implications for the delivery of therapeutic agents: (i) delivery may be less efficient in cranial tumors than in subcutaneous tumors, (ii) delivery may be reduced during tumor regression induced by hormonal ablation, and (iii) permeability to a molecule is independent of pore cutoff size as long as the diameter of the molecule is much less than the pore diameter.
High-resolution electron microscopic studies of chemical reactions in thin films

Abstract The application of HREM to the study of the mechanism of solid state chemical reactions looms as one of greatest importance to chemistry. Time-resolved studies to observe the progress of slow reactions can be made by successive application of well developed conventional procedures with or without treatment between observations. If the reactions occur over seconds or minutes, it is necessary to utilize techniques currently being developed for recording high-resolution images in real time either on video tape or digitally in the computer. These dynamically recorded images must then be further processed and analyzed. A brief survey of recent, relevant literature will be made as an introduction to studies currently being carried out in our laboratories. We have chosen to study chemical reactions that occur in thin films of one element as another diffuses into it. Specifically, juxtaposed members of diffusion couples consisting of Au-Sn and Au-In have been examined utilizing the sequential application of conventional methods of imaging and analysis. The results include the observation of compounds expected from the phase diagram as well as the formation of previously unreported phases. These new substances may be metastable or their stability credited to the thin-film configuration. It is now possible to make real-time observations of chemical reactions on a TV monitor with simultaneous recording on video tape. For example, the deposition of Au islands on thin-film grains of In resulted in the formation of Au 3 In, and a record of this reaction was preserved on video tape for replay or further processing. The processing techniques to accent the essential features of the reaction will be discussed as well as the results of this and other studies.
Trapping of Hepatitis B Virus capsid assembly intermediates by phenylpropenamide assembly accelerators

Understanding the biological self-assembly process of virus capsids is key to understanding the viral life cycle, as well as serving as a platform for the design of assembly-based antiviral drugs. Here we identify and characterize the phenylpropenamide family of small molecules, known to have antiviral activity in vivo, as assembly effectors of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid. We have found two representative phenylpropenamides to be assembly accelerators, increasing the rate of assembly with only modest increases in the stability of the HBV capsids; these data provide a physical-chemical basis for their antiviral activity. Unlike previously described HBV assembly effectors, the phenylpropenamides do not misdirect assembly; rather, the accelerated reactions proceed on-path to produce morphologically normal capsids. However, capsid assembly in the presence of phenylpropenamides is characterized by kinetic trapping of assembly intermediates. These traps resolve under conditions close to physiological, but we found that trapped intermediates persist under conditions that favor phenylpropenamide binding and strong core protein-protein interactions. The phenylpropenamides serve as chemical probes of the HBV capsid assembly pathway by trapping on-path assembly intermediates, illustrating the governing influence of reaction kinetics on capsid assembly.
Attenuation of alcohol consumption by MDMA (ecstasy) in two strains of alcohol-preferring rats.

Abstract Alcohol preference and manifestation of alcoholism are thought by many to be associated with serotonin (5-HT) dysfunction in the brain. Thus, experiments were performed to determine the effect of acute and subchronic administration of (±) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), an amphetamine analog that stimulates 5-HT release, on alcohol preference in two strains of alcohol-preferring rats, the Fawn-Hooded (FH) and alcohol-preferring (P) rats. Rats were individually housed and provided free access to a solution of 10% ethanol, food, and water. Ethanol, food, and water intakes were measured daily. After establishing a stable baseline for ethanol and water intake, each rat was injected SC with a dose of 5.0 mg/kg MDMA or an equal volume of saline for 1 or 3 consecutive days. Body temperature was recorded immediately before and 120, 240, and 360 min after MDMA treatment. Ethanol, food, and water intake were measured for the preceding 24 h. Further, to determine the effect of MDMA on alcohol metabolism rats were injected with 5.0 mg/kg MDMA or saline and 15 min later with 2.5 g/kg alcohol. Then, blood alcohol levels were determined at 1,3, and 5 h after alcohol administration. Our results show that a single administration of 5.0 mg/kg MDMA significantly decreased ethanol intake in both FH and P rats and increased water intake. Subchronic administration of 5.0 mg/kg MDMA for 3 consecutive days significantly attenuated alcohol intake in both strains but only increased water intake in P rats. Administration of MDMA induced hyper- and hypothermia in FH and P rats, respectively. This drug failed to exert any significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of alcohol, indicating a central effect. These findings suggest that MDMA exerts an inhibitory action on alcohol preference, possibly by enhancing serotonergic and/or dopaminergic systems in the CNS.
The betrayals of neoliberalism in Shyam Selvadurai's Funny Boy

In this essay I suggest that analysis of the consequences of neoliberalism is central to the representation of Arjie and his family in Shyam Selvadurai's 1994 novel Funny Boy. Not only does an examination of this relatively undiscussed phenomenon reframe our view of the novel’s thematic concerns, it also points to some important ways in which the novel intervenes in discussions in the social sciences about the relationship between neoliberal economic policies and the Sri Lankan civil war. Whereas neoliberal economists have tended to view conflicts around ethnic nationalism, homophobia, and other social forces as unfortunate, incidental factors that thwart economic progress, Selvadurai's novel exposes the complex ways in which economic policy both produces and perpetuates generations of ingrained understandings of individual and group identity.
TULIP at the University of Washington

The TULIP (The University Licensing Program) project offered the University of Washington (UW) a chance to explore document distribution enhancements to our existing campus information services. Materials science, the focus of the project, is an active research area in several engineering and physical science academic departments on campus. The core research community numbers approximately 75 faculty, 25 post‐doctoral research workers, and 250 graduate students; perhaps three times that many are working in related fields. The University Libraries subscribes to 39 of the TULIP journal titles, with holdings distributed among five campus libraries.
Comparison of the effects of four anaesthetics on biochemical blood profiles of perch

This study investigated the feasibility of using clove oil, 2-phenoxyethanol, or Propiscin as an alternative to tricaine methane sulphonate (MS 222) as a fish anaesthetic, particularly in regard to reducing fish stress. The biochemical blood profiles of perch Perca fluviatilis L. anaesthetized with either MS 222 (100 mg L⁻¹), clove oil (33 mg L⁻¹), 2-phenoxyethanol (0.40 mL L⁻¹) or Propiscin (1.0 mL L⁻¹), and a non-anaesthetized control group were compared. Biochemical profiles were determined from blood samples collected before treatment in controls. For each anaesthetic tested, fish were divided into two groups, one sampled immediately after 10-min anaesthesia and a second, sampled 24 h after 10-min anaesthesia. The values determined in the present study suggested that internal organs and tissues of perch were slightly altered by MS 222, clove oil and 2-phenoxyethanol anaesthesia, but not by Propiscin anaesthesia.
Public Lakes, Private Lakeshore: Modeling Protection of Native Aquatic Plants

Protection of native aquatic plants is an important proenvironmental behavior, because plant loss coupled with nutrient loading can produce changes in lake ecosystems. Removal of aquatic plants by lakeshore property owners is a diffuse behavior that may lead to cumulative impacts on lake ecosystems. This class of behavior is challenging to manage because collective impacts are not obvious to the actors. This paper distinguishes positive and negative beliefs about aquatic plants, in models derived from norm activation theory (Schwartz, Adv Exp Soc Psychol 10:221–279, 1977) and the theory of reasoned action (Fishbein and Ajzen, Belief, attitude, intention, and behavior: an introduction to theory and research, Addison-Wesley, Boston 1975), to examine protection of native aquatic plants by Minnesota lakeshore property owners. We clarify how positive and negative evaluations of native aquatic plants affect protection or removal of these plants. Results are based on a mail survey (n = 3,115). Results suggest that positive evaluations of aquatic plants (i.e., as valuable to lake ecology) may not connect with the global attitudes and behavioral intentions that direct plant protection or removal. Lakeshore property owners’ behavior related to aquatic plants may be driven more by tangible personal benefits derived from accessible, carefully managed lakeshore than intentional action taken to sustain lake ecosystems. The limited connection of positive evaluations of aquatic plants to global attitudes and behavioral intentions may reflect either lack of knowledge of what actions are needed to protect lake health and/or unwillingness to lose perceived benefits derived from lakeshore property.