cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus removal by wollastonite: A constructed wetland substrate

Wollastonite, a calcium metasilicate mineral mined in upstate New York, is an ideal substrate for constructed wetland ecosystems for removing soluble phosphorus from secondary wastewater. Design parameters, required for designing a full-scale constructed wetland, were measured in vertical upflow columns with hydraulic residence times varying from 15 to 180 h. Secondary wastewater was pumped vertically upward through eleven soil columns, 1.5 m in length and 15 cm in diameter and influent and effluent concentrations of soluble phosphorus were monitored for up to 411 days. Greater than 80% removal (up to 96%) was observed in nine out of 11 columns and effluent concentrations of soluble phosphorus ranged from 0.14 to 0.50 mg:l (averaging 0.28 mg:l) when the residence time was \40 h. Columns with a decreased residence time averaged 39% removal. A direct relationship between residence time and soluble phosphorus removal was established. © 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Nonphosphorylated Human La Antigen Interacts with Nucleolin at Nucleolar Sites Involved in rRNA Biogenesis

La is a RNA-binding protein implicated in multiple pathways related to the production of tRNAs, ribosomal proteins, and other components of the translational machinery (D. J. Kenan and J. D. Keene, Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 11:303-305, 2004). While most La is phosphorylated and resides in the nucleoplasm, a fraction is in the nucleolus, the site of ribosome production, although the determinants of this localization are incompletely known. In addition to its conserved N-terminal domain, human La harbors a C-terminal domain that contains an atypical RNA recognition motif and a short basic motif (SBM) adjacent to phosphoserine-366. We report that nonphosphorylated La (npLa) is concentrated in nucleolar sites that correspond to the dense fibrillar component that harbors nascent pol I transcripts as well as fibrillarin and nucleolin, which function in early phases of rRNA maturation. Affinity purification and native immunoprecipitation of La and fluorescence resonance energy transfer in the nucleolus reveal close association with nucleolin. Moreover, La lacking the SBM does not localize to nucleoli. Lastly, La exhibits SBM-dependent, phosphorylation-sensitive interaction with nucleolin in a yeast two-hybrid assay. The data suggest that interaction with nucleolin is, at least in part, responsible for nucleolar accumulation of La and that npLa may be involved in ribosome biogenesis.
Cyclooxygenase 2 Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Early during In Vitro Infection of Target Cells Plays a Role in the Maintenance of Latent Viral Gene Expression

Infection of human dermal microvascular endothelial (HMVEC-d) cells and human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells in vitro by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) provides an excellent in vitro model system to study viral latency. KSHV infection is characterized by the induction of preexisting host signal cascades; sustained expression of the latency-associated open reading frame 73 (ORF73) (LANA-1), ORF72, and K13 genes; transient expression of a limited number of lytic genes, including the lytic cycle switch ORF50 (replication and transcription activator) gene; and reprogramming of host transcriptional machinery regulating a variety of cellular processes, including several proinflammatory responses. The cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) gene was one of the host cell genes that was highly up-regulated at 2 and 4 h postinfection (p.i.) of HMVEC-d and HFF cells (P. P. Naranatt, H. H. Krishnan, S. R. Svojanovsky, C. Bloomer, S. Mathur, and B. Chandran, Cancer Res. 64:72-84, 2004). Since COX-2 is an important mediator of inflammatory and angiogenic responses, here, using real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence assays, we characterized the COX-2 stimulation and its role in KSHV infection. KSHV induced a robust COX-2 expression, which reached a maximum at 2 h p.i. in HMVEC-d cells and at 8 h p.i. in HFF cells, and significantly higher levels were continuously detected for up to 72 h p.i. Constitutive COX-1 protein levels were not modulated by KSHV infection. Moderate levels of COX-2 were also induced by UV-irradiated KSHV and by envelope glycoproteins gB and gpK8.1A; however, viral gene expression appears to be essential for the increased COX-2 induction. High levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a COX-2 product, were released in the culture supernatant medium of infected cells. PGE2 synthase, catalyzing the biosynthesis of PGE2, also increased upon infection and inhibition of COX-2 by NS-398, and indomethacin drastically reduced the levels of PGE2 and PGE2 synthase. COX-2 inhibition did not affect KSHV binding, internalization of virus, or the trafficking to the infected cell nuclei. However, latent ORF73 gene expression and ORF73 promoter activity were significantly reduced by COX-2 inhibitors, and this inhibition was relieved by exogenous supplementation with PGE2. In contrast, lytic ORF50 gene expression and ORF50 promoter activity were unaffected. These studies demonstrate that COX-2 and PGE2 play roles in facilitating latent viral gene expression and the establishment and maintenance of latency and suggest that KSHV has evolved to utilize the inflammatory responses induced during infection of endothelial cells for the maintenance of viral latent gene expression.
Divergent Mechanisms for Passive Pneumococcal Resistance to β-Lactam Antibiotics in the Presence of Haemophilus influenzae

Otitis media (OM) is one of the leading public health problems in pediatrics, with most children experiencing at least 1 episode by 3 years of age and 40% of older children having 6 or more total episodes [1]. Common causes of OM include nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), and Moraxella catarrhalis; NTHi and pneumococcus account for ∼75% of infections [2]. In recent years, epidemiologic studies have shown that co-infections with multiple bacterial species are an important part of both acute and chronic OM, particularly co-infections with NTHi and pneumococcus [3–5]. As with many upper airway infections, treatment failure and antibiotic-resistant organisms are common problems in OM, with failure rates as high as 50% in some populations [6–9]. The majority of strains of both NTHi and M. catarrhalis produce a β-lactamase [10–12]. β-Lactam resistance among pneumococcal strains is much less common, although some strains (∼20%) have developed resistance through mutation of the penicillin-binding proteins [10]. Common theories proposed to explain OM treatment failure involving antibiotic-susceptible bacterial strains are the formation of biofilm communities and passive protection by other bacterial pathogens that produce a β-lactamase [13–16]. Bacteria in biofilms are known to be more resistant to antibiotic killing than are planktonic bacteria [17–20]. Previous studies have also shown that M. catarrhalis can passively protect pneumococcus from antibiotic killing in a mouse pneumonia model and in biofilms in vitro, which is likely mediated by β-lactamase as protection was abolished by β-lactamase inhibitor [21, 22]. In this study, we used a β-lactamase-producing strain of NTHi and an isogenic mutant deficient in β-lactamase to distinguish between the roles of biofilm formation and β-lactamase production in NTHi antibiotic resistance. In addition, these strains were utilized to determine whether NTHi provides passive protection for pneumococcus and, if so, the mechanism behind this protection.
Akt-Directed Glucose Metabolism Can Prevent Bax Conformation Change and Promote Growth Factor-Independent Survival

The serine/threonine kinase Akt is a component of many receptor signal transduction pathways and can prevent cell death following growth factor withdrawal. Here, we show that Akt inhibition of cell death is not dependent on new protein translation. Instead, Akt inhibition of cell death requires glucose hydrolysis through glycolysis. Akt was found to regulate multiple steps in glycolysis via posttranscriptional mechanisms that included localization of the glucose transporter, Glut1, to the cell surface and maintenance of hexokinase function in the absence of extrinsic factors. To test the role of glucose uptake and phosphorylation in growth factor-independent survival, cells were transfected with Glut1 and hexokinase 1 (Glut1/HK1) cells. Glut1/HK1 cells accumulated Glut1 on the cell surface and had high glucose uptake capacity similar to that of cells with constitutively active Akt (mAkt). Unlike mAkt-expressing cells, however, they did not consume more glucose, did not maintain prolonged phosphofructokinase-1 protein levels and activity, and did not maintain pentose phosphate shuttle activity in the absence of growth factor. Nevertheless, expression of Glut1 and HK1 promoted increased cytosolic NADH and NADPH levels relative to those of the control cells upon growth factor withdrawal, prevented activation of Bax, and promoted growth factor-independent survival. These data indicate that Bax conformation is sensitive to glucose metabolism and that maintaining glucose uptake and phosphorylation can promote cell survival in the absence of growth factor. Furthermore, Akt required glucose and the ability to perform glycolysis to prevent Bax activation. The prevention of Bax activation by posttranscriptional regulation of glucose metabolism may, therefore, be a required aspect of the ability of Akt to maintain long-term cell survival in the absence of growth factors.
Promoting Academic Achievement for Early Communicators of All Ages

A review of best practices and recent research efforts provide guidance for serving school-age early communicators with complex communication needs (CCN) and significant cognitive disabilities (SCD...
Alcohol abuse and the anxiety disorders: Evidence from the epidemiologic catchment area survey

This study examined the prevalence of alcohol abuse and/or dependence in a sample of patients with anxiety disorders gathered from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study. Prior research had indicated that anxiety disorders are preva- lent among alcoholics and also that alcoholism is prevalent among samples of anxiety disorder patients. The sample included 2471 individuals who met a lifetime diagnosis of agoraphobia, panic disorder, agoraphobia with panic attacks, social phobia, simple phobia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. About 12% of these individuals met criteria for a lifetime history of alcohol abuse and/or dependence. Relative odds ratios were calculated for the risk of alcohol use disorder, correcting for the effects of site, age, race, and gender. Among those individuals with a history of both anxiety and alco- holism disorders, the highest risk of alcohol use disorder was found in the agorapho- bia with panic group. Lowest risk was found among those with a single diagnosis of simple phobia or agoraphobia without panic attacks. Clinical implications of these results are discussed.
1-Monoglyceride production from lipase-catalyzed esterification of glycerol and fatty acid in reverse micelles

Glycerol-fatty acid esterification has been conducted with lipase from R. delemar in water/AOT/isooctane reverse micellar media, with the major product being 1-monoglyceride, a useful food-emulsifier. 1,3-diglyceride was also synthesized, but to a much lesser extent. For a given set of initial conditions, the reaction productivity, measured in terms of the initial product formation rate, V(0), and the final or equilibrium concentration of product, is optimal for a particular concentration of each surfactant, fatty acid, glycerol, and water. Many of these optimal values correlate well with a "critical" region on the phase diagram. Also, results indicate lipase-catalyzed esterification stops due to the achievement of kinetic equilibrium expect for a few cases where enzyme deactivation is severe. Dynamic light scattering was employed to examine the influence of water, glycerol, and fatty acid on micellar and interfacial structure. Results from this technique indicate enzyme kinetic are linked to interfacial phenomena and the presence of substrates at the interfacial region.
The Rap1-RIAM pathway prefers β2 integrins.

In vitro studies strongly implicate the talin-binding Ras-related protein 1 (Rap1) effector, Rap1-guanosine triphosphate–interacting adapter molecule (RIAM), in integrin activation. Yet, the RIAM knockout mouse is viable and fertile and exhibits no platelet adhesion or aggregation defects, casting doubt on the in vivo role of RIAM. In this issue of Blood, Su et al and Klapproth et al now show that RIAM is required for β2 integrin–dependent leukocyte adhesion and trafficking in vitro and in vivo, but apparently not for all Rap- and talin-meditated activation of β1 and β3 integrins.
Storage Systems and Policies

A storage system is an engineered system with the function to store materials, in other words to hold materials until they are needed. These materials come in an enormous variety from consumer products such as TVs in local distribution centers, emergency drug doses for battling a biological attack on a city, vertical storage silos for grain, to the strategic reserve of main battle tanks parked in the dessert. Storage systems are an essential component of virtually every supply chain. While most storage systems are stationary, some are moveable such as the truck of a repair man that holds a ready inventory of service parts, a bunker ship that resupplies a navy fleet, an intercity long-haul truck, or an ocean-going intermodal container ship. Irrespective of the type of material, the geographical location of the storage system, or the size of the storage system, storage systems have three main processes: put-away, holding, and retrieval. The first process put materials into storage; the second process holds the materials in a stationary position inside the storage system, and the third process removes materials from storage and is often also called order picking.
Capitalize Costs of Software Development

Under current law, a taxpayer may deduct the costs of development of computer software. Software development is also eligible for a 20% tax credit, an exclusion of 9% of revenue and expensing to purchasers of software. With all combined, an investment can lose over 7% of its costs per year, with the tax subsidy making the investment justifiable. The proposal would capitalize the cost of development of computer software under section 263A of the Code. It would allow recovery of the costs over 15 years, but adjust basis yearly to adapt to value determined by current revenue extend over the remaining tax life. It would replace the 20% credit given for routine software development with a National Science Foundation prize for extraordinary development. It also recommends administrative action by giving notice that software is a separate and distinct asset, and by making routine application of the computer programming skills ineligible for the credit. The proposal is made as a part of the Shelf Project, which is a collaboration among tax professionals to develop and perfect proposals to help Congress when it is ready to raise revenue. Shelf Project proposals are intended to raise revenue without raising rates because the best systems have the lowest feasible tax rates and taxes that are unavoidable. Shelf projects defend the tax base and improve the rationality and efficiency of the tax system. Given the current calls for tax stimulus, some shelf projects may stay on the shelf for a while. A longer description of the Shelf Project is found at “The Shelf Project: Revenue-Raising Proposals that Defend the Tax Base,” Tax Notes, vol. 117, p. 1077 (Dec. 10, 2007). Shelf Project proposals follow the format of a congressional tax committee report in explaining current law, what is wrong with it, and how to fix it.
Using The Corporation As A Powerful Illustration Of Ethical Issues Facing The Financial Manager

Traditional undergraduate students lack the business experience or frame of reference to enable them to understand the potential conflicts of interest that occur in every day business. In the wake of the corporate scandals that has shaken the financial world, emerged the realization that some corporate cultures are legally corrupt or at the very least, behave unethically. Students need to be made aware of the potential conflicts that lie ahead. Corporate cultures are often not transparent and may not be what they appear to be. Students need to develop skills and awareness that will allow them to personally assess the harm and benefit of business decisions, not just for the shareholder but for all stakeholders of the company. The documentary, The Corporation can be used as a valuable teaching tool to provide students with a context and imagery that allows them to, in a sense, experience the issues, thereby making the material more relevant and creating a more pronounced impression on the student. For graduate students the documentary can be used as a platform for lively discussion with regard to issues they have come across or could potentially encounter. The purpose of this article is to provide a segment breakdown of the movie with suggested discussion questions for a lively class exchange.
Affinity of Avidin for Certain Analogs of Biotin

SummaryThe avidin combinability of a number of compounds having some structural similarity to biotin was investigated. The specificity of the avidin reaction was emphasized by the finding that of the 19 compounds studied avidin possessed significant affinity only for δ- (2,3-ureylene-cyclohexyl-) valeric acid (XVII), γ- (3,4-ureylene-cyclohexyl)-butyric acid (XVIII) and δ-(3,4-ureylene-cyclohexyl )-valeric acid (XIX). The relative affinity ratio for Compound XVII was found to be about 14. Compounds XVIII and XIX, although definitely capable of combining with avidin, had affinity ratios too high for practical measurement.
II. Treatment to Flexner-Jobling carcinoma in Sprague-Dawley rats with 2,4,6-triethylenimino-s-triazine (TEM).

Summary1. The treatment of Sprague-Dawley rats bearing Flexner-Jobling carcinoma with 2,4,6-triethylenimino-s-triazine resulted in complete regression and cures of the tumor in about 70% of the animals treated. There were no spontaneous regressions among the controls. 2. This carcinoma responded to treatment with doses ranging from 0.016 to 0.046 mg/kg, injected twice daily for the entire course of treatment and the rats showed no marked symptoms of toxicity. 3. A short course of treatment with 0.230 mg/kg/D divided in 4 equal doses and given but 4 days, resulted in complete regressions of the tumors in all of the animals treated when the therapy was begun 8 days after the implantation but this method did not give equally good results in another group treated 11 days after implantation. In this case it was necessary to institute a second course of treatment with 0.052 mg/kg, twice daily for 34 days to obtain complete regression of the tumors in 50% of the animals. 4. All of the rats in which the tumor reg...
Marijuana responses in rats: influence of castration or testosterone.

SummaryFemale rats show a significantly greater behavioral response than male rats to marijuana extract. This difference in response was partially abolished through castration of males or testosterone pretreatment of females. Since castration and testosterone pretreatment may affect drug metabolism, we also studied the effects of liver microsomal enzyme induction and inhibition on responses of rats to marijuana. While enzyme inhibition increased the responses of rats to marijuana, enzyme induction did not alter behavioral responses to marijuana.
Total Synthesis of 7-Hydroxymurrayazolinine, Murrayamine D, and Mahanine via m-Nitro Group Activated Pyran Annulation

The facile total synthesis of the natural product (±)-mahanine was obtained in eight steps with an overall 52% yield from readily accessible known nitrophenol derivative 6. After a one-step, acid-catalyzed annulation, two additional natural products were formed including 7-hydroxymurrayazolinine, representing its first reported total synthesis. In the whole process, the introduction of the m-nitro group significantly enhanced the key pyran annulation reaction through inductive effects.
Catalytic Conversion of Guaiacol Catalyzed by Platinum Supported on Alumina: Reaction Network Including Hydrodeoxygenation Reactions

The conversion of guaiacol catalyzed by Pt/γ-Al2O3 in the presence of H2 was investigated with a flow reactor at 573 K and 140 kPa. Dozens of reaction products were identified, with the most abunda...
EGO CONTROL PATTERNS AND HOSTILITY EXPRESSION: CORRELATION OR TAUTOLOGY?

In a recent study (McDonald, 1967) it was found that Ss rated as sensitizers attributed more hostility to themselves than did repressors. Taken at face value, such a finding is interesting and in accord with certain psychoanalytic notions of defense preference. However, a closer look at the methodology involved suggests that the results do not represent a meaningful association between two independent variables, i.e., defense preference and expression of hostility, but may instead be tautological. The measure of defense preference employed was the MMPI Repression-Sensitization (R-S) Scale (Byrne, 1961), and the measure of self-attributed hostility was obtained from Ss' responses to the Interpersonal Check List (LaForge & Suczek, 1955). The tautological aspect of McDonald's results arises out of the fact that S's score on the R-S scale may itself largely be deterruined by the degree to which he attributes hostility to himself. To test this notion, two advanced doctoral candidates in psychology who had no MMPI training were asked to rare independently each of 156 R-S scale items as to whether or nor it seemed related to "attribution of hostility to oneself" and, similarly, whether or not it seemed related to the "employment of repressive or sensitizing defenses." The results are summarized in Table 1.
Page Us: Combining the Best of In-Person and Virtual Reference Service to Meet In-Library Patron Needs

When patron workstations are located far from the reference desk, service suffers because patrons can't easily contact staff. While in-house chat services offer a partial solution to this problem, these services fail to provide the face-to-face element that the literature shows is critical for effective reference service. This study analyzes NCSU Libraries' method for solving this problem, a hybrid service that combines features of in-person and virtual reference service.
Enantioselective Synthesis of the C(1)–C(11) Fragment of Tedanolide C

A convergent synthesis of the protected C(1)–C(11) fragment 6 of the targeted enantiomer of tedanolide C is described. The key step of the synthesis is the Felkin–Ahn addition of vinyl iodide 7 to aldehyde 8 that proceeds in 80% yield with 4:1 diastereoselectivity.
The measurement of tibiofibular torsion.

1. It is possible to measure tibiofibular torsion accurately by the roentgenographic method described. 2. The method is applicable to torsion ranging from -45 degrees of medial torsion to +75 degrees of lateral torsion. 3. The method is applicable to both adults and children.
Communicating the Value of Cartoon Art Across University Classrooms: Experiences From the Ohio State University Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum

ABSTRACTThis article is an exploration of the varying applications of comics and cartoon art as primary resources and pedagogical tools within the university setting. Following some background information on cartoon art forms including early American newspaper comics, nineteenth century humor serials, political cartoons and manga, the article explores how the perception of comics has changed and suggests ways librarians can work with academics to better utilize comics and cartoon art as educational resources. Drawing on the literature and the author's experience of working with Faculty and students at The Ohio State University, this article highlights ways to embed comics and cartoon art into the curriculum in disciplines ranging from Women's Studies to Psychology, ESL, History, Fashion, and more. The article aims to serve as a springboard for “thinking outside of the box” to maximize the value and use of library collections.
Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyle in Adolescents: A Qualitative Study to Prevent/Treat Obesity

Childhood obesity disproportionately affects specific racial and ethnic groups and households with low socioeconomic status. The Alternative Learning Center (ALC) within Rochester School District 535 provides viable educational options for students who are experiencing difficulty in regular educational systems. A greater proportion of students at ALC are ethnic minorities, qualify for free and reduced lunch and receive special education services. The prevalence of obesity in students at ALC is much greater than the national average (50% obese versus 16%). This study sought to understand barriers and facilitators to healthy …
Mechanical abuse simulation and thermal runaway risks of large-format Li-ion batteries

Abstract Internal short circuit of large-format Li-ion pouch cells induced by mechanical abuse was simulated using a modified mechanical pinch test. A torsion force was added manually at ∼40% maximum compressive loading force during the pinch test. The cell was twisted about 5° to the side by horizontally pulling a wire attached to the anode tab. The combined torsion-compression force created small failure at the separator yet allowed testing of fully charged large format Li-ion cells without triggering thermal runaway. Two types of commercial cells were tested using 4–6 cells at each state-of-charge (SOC). Commercially available 18 Ahr LiFePO4 (LFP) and 25 Ahr Li(NiMnCo)1/3O2 (NMC) cells were tested, and a thermal runaway risk (TRR) score system was used to evaluate the safety of the cells under the same testing conditions. The aim was to provide the cell manufacturers and end users with a tool to compare different designs and safety features.
Memoirs: On the Ciliary Mechanisms and Interrelationships of Lamellibranchs: Part II: Sorting Devices on the Gills

Some sorting devices on the gills of Lamellibranchs are described. These are: 1. Utilization of plicae for sorting in two ways; the one ( a ) in which the frontal currents are in opposite directions in the grooves and on the crests, and particles intended for consumption are carried in the grooves to the safe dorsal channels, e.g. in Pecten; and the other ( b ) in which the plical grooves open into the safe channel at the bottom of the deep marginal food groove, while the crests lead to a superficial path along the lobes of the marginal groove, e.g. in Pinna. 2. The deep marginal groove of the demibranchs of certain bivalves is able to open and close, thus accepting or rejecting material carried to it by the frontal cilia of the filaments, e.g. Solecurtus scopula. 3. Certain Lamellibranchs have fan-shaped groups of long cilia on the lobes of the marginal groove of the demibranchs, which prevent the entry of large particles or collections of particles, but allow that of small ones, e.g. Musculus marmoratus. 4. In certain bivalves long, stout frontal cilia are found in addition to the usual short, fine ones. The cirrus-like cilia most probably function in the removal of grains of sand and rock from the gills, e.g. Mactra corallina, Barnea parva. Small gills and large palps are characteristic of certain deposit feeding bivalves with long free siphons, and the presence of large, cirrus-like cilia on the posterior region of the gills beating obliquely forward, provide additional help to draw the current down the long inhalent siphon. Certain of the ciliary structures described in this paper are clearly adaptive, correlated with feeding difficulties incidental to the habitat. Fine guarding cilia appear to be frequently correlated with the presence of a certain amount of mud or silt in the soil; they are presumably efficient in dealing with the particles of a muddy soil, but not sufficiently robust when mainly coarse material has to be dealt with. A correlation of cirrus-like cilia with sand dwelling and rock and wood boring habits has been observed. It will be evident from the observations recorded in this paper that a preliminary sorting of material on the gills before it is passed on to the palps is far from unusual in Lamellibranchs. Further research will most probably add other examples.
Rapid onset pressor response to exercise in young women with a family history of hypertension.

NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Alterations in blood pressure control at exercise onset are apparent in older adults with established cardiovascular disease. It is currently not known whether these alterations are evident in young adults with a family history of hypertension. What is the main finding and its importance? We demonstrate that young women with a family history of hypertension display a larger change in blood pressure within the first 10 s of isometric exercise. These data suggest altered blood pressure control in young women with a family history of hypertension. Hypertensive adults demonstrate atypical increases in blood pressure (BP) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) at the immediate onset of static muscle contraction. However, it is unknown whether these abnormal responses occur in young, otherwise healthy adults at risk for developing future disease, such as those with a family history of hypertension (+FH). We tested the hypothesis that +FH young women have exaggerated increases in BP and MSNA at the onset of static muscle contraction compared with those without a family history of hypertension (-FH). We retrospectively examined beat-by-beat BP and MSNA during the initial 30 s of isometric handgrip exercise (30% of maximal voluntary contraction) in 16 +FH (22 ± 2 years old, 22 ± 3 kg m-2 ) and 16 -FH (22 ± 3 years old, 22 ± 3 kg m-2 ) women. Resting mean arterial pressure (+FH 80 ± 11 mmHg versus -FH 84 ± 13 mmHg), MSNA burst frequency (+FH 7 ± 3 bursts min-1 versus -FH 9 ± 5 bursts min-1 ) and burst incidence [+FH 12 ± 4 bursts (100 heart beats)-1 versus -FH 12 ± 8 bursts (100 heart beats)-1 ] were similar between groups (all P > 0.05). Within the first 10 s of exercise, changes in mean arterial pressure (+FH Δ8 ± 6 mmHg versus -FH Δ3 ± 2 mmHg, P < 0.05) and heart rate (+FH Δ8 ± 5 beats min-1 versus -FH Δ4 ± 4 beats min-1 , P < 0.05) were greater in +FH women. Absolute MSNA burst frequency during the first 30 s of exercise was not different between groups (-FH 7 ± 5 bursts min-1 versus +FH 9 ± 3 bursts min-1 ). Cardiovascular and sympathetic responses during the cold pressor test were not different between groups. These data demonstrate that young women at risk for developing cardiovascular disease exhibit greater changes in BP at the onset of static muscle contraction.
Time-dependent orbital stabilization of underactuated bipedal walking

In this paper, we propose to study the orbitally exponential stabilization of underactuated bipedal robotic walking with an impulse effect through time-dependent output feedback control. In gait characterization, symmetric periodic gaits are considered and defined. Input-output linearization is then utilized to synthesize an output feedback controller, which drives the directly controlled joints to track some desired time functions that are defined based on the desired periodic symmetric gait. Due to the underactuation, nonautonomous internal dynamics exists and determines the closed-loop stability of the control system. By introducing a new state, the nonautonomous closed-loop system can be transformed into an equivalent autonomous system with an augmented set of states. Stability conditions of the original nonautonomous closed-loop system are then established based on the stability analysis of the equivalent autonomous system. Finally, simulation results showed that the proposed time-dependent output feedback control can indeed realize orbitally exponential stabilization of underactuated bipedal robotic walking if the proposed stability conditions are satisfied.
Impact Resistance and Compressional Properties of Three-Dimensional Woven Carbon/Epoxy Composites

This paper evaluates 3-D orthogonal woven carbon/epoxy composites. Preforms were manufactured on an automatic 3-D weaving machine developed at N. C. State University, USA. Three different orthogonal structures were produced. Preforms were consolidated with two types of epoxy using vacuum infiltration molding. Consistent quality of consolidation proved to be very difficult. The mechanical properties were compared with traditional tape and fabric quasi-isotropic laminates. While the in-plane properties were inferior, the 3-D orthogonal woven composites offer improved damage tolerance.
Demystifying Hardware Bottlenecks in Mobile Web Quality of Experience

Mobile web page load time depends on three key factors: (1) the complexity of the Webpage, (2) the underlying network conditions, and (3) the processing capability of the device. While there are several works focusing on the Web complexity and the network, there is a little work in understanding the hardware bottlenecks in the page load process. In this poster, we analyze the effect of hardware bottlenecks of Web pages. We also analyze the effect of GPU offloading, a commonly used solution to speed up Web page loads.
CAPACITATION: SIGNALING PATHWAYS INVOLVED IN SPERM ACQUISITION OF FERTILIZING CAPACITY

Mammalian testicular spermatozoa are morphologically differentiated but are neither progressively motile nor able to fertilize an egg. Although the ability to move forward is acquired during maturation in the epididymis, sperm require a finite period of residence in the female reproductive tract before they become fertilization competent. The molecular, biochemical, and physiological changes that occur to sperm while in the female tract are collectively referred to as capacitation. Capacitation is associated with the attainment of a distinct motility pattern, namely hyperactivation. Another endpoint of sperm capacitation is the ability of spermatozoa to undergo the acrosome reaction in response to physiological stimuli such as the zona pellucida (1) and progesterone (2). During capacitation, changes in membrane properties, enzyme activities, and motility render spermatozoa responsive to stimuli that induce the acrosome reaction and prepare spermatozoa for penetration of the egg investments prior to fertilization. These changes are facilitated by the activation of cell signaling cascades in the female reproductive tract in vivo or in defined media in vitro. The purposes of this chapter are to consider some recent contributions towards our understanding of capacitation, to summarize open questions in this field, and to discuss future avenues of research.
Facultativeness Principle and Generalized Approach to the Genome and Hereditary Variability

Facultativeness in the genome structure and function reflects the general principle of the life organization and evolution: the unity of the whole and the freedom of the parts. The genome or cell hereditary system codes, maintains and transfers the hereditary information in both structurally and dynamically. Generalized genome concept presents a genome as an ensemble of both obligate and facultative elements. Template processes (Replication, Transcription and Translation) and Basic genetic processes (Repair, Recombination and Segregation) are capable of functional facultativeness and dynamic (epigenetic) alterations. It is reasonable to discriminate between three kinds of heritable changes – mutations, variations and epigenetic alterations. Structural genome facultativeness is expressed as a subdivision of cell DNA and RNA elements on two subsystems: Obligate genetic elements (OGE) and Facultative genetic elements (FGE). FGE include various kinds of repeated sequences, mobile elements, amplicons, inserted viral and foreign DNA, B-chromosomes, plasmids and cytobionts. The number and intracell topography of FGE varies from cell to cell, in different tissues and individuals. Changes in structure or order of OGE are mostly correspond to classical mutations. For diverse changes in number or cell/tissue topography of FGE (as it is well known for mobile elements) the term variations seems appropriate. Mutations and variations significantly differ on the character and mode of their occurrence. Variations may occur simultaneously in many cells/individuals and are induced by non-mutagenic factors. Spontaneous hereditary changes in nature usually occur in the system ENVIRONMENT – FGE – OGE via two-step mechanism. FGE are the first to react to both internal and external environmental challenges. Then their activation induces gene/chromosomal mutations. Both variations and epigenetic alterations (epimutations) may have non-mendelian features, occur simultaneously in many individuals, sometimes reminding phenomenon of inheritance of acquired characteristics.
Working with Hispanic Parents of Visually Impaired Children: Cultural Implications:

Teachers of visually impaired children face two types of problems in working with Hispanic families: the difficulties associated with accepting the impairment and those that involve cultural and li...
Checking the \mathfrak{p}-adic stark conjecture when \mathfrak{p}is archimedean

The \(\mathfrak{p}\)-adic Stark Conjecture makes good sense even when \(\mathfrak{p}\)is archimedean. When applied to the real subfield of a cyclotomic number field, it yields well-known information about the signs of cyclotomic units. Let k be a totally real cubic in which every unit is either totally positive or totally negative. In this case, the three conjugations σ1, σ2, and σ3 attached to the archimedean places of k are distinct in the narrow Hilbert Class Field H k + over k. Let K i be the fixed field of σi in H k + and let ei, be the Stark unit at the archimedean place \(\mathfrak{p}_\infty ^{(\mathfrak{i})} \)that splits in K i k. We show that in this situation the local \(\mathfrak{p}_\infty ^{(\mathfrak{i})} \)-Conjecture implies that e i is a square in K i . We then numerically confirm this prediction by computationally verifying that e i is a square in a large number of examples; this is done by computing e i and it's conjugates over k to a large number of decimal places and then determining its irreducible polynomial over ℚ using a standard recognizer algorithm. The method used in computing the L-series values at s=0 attached to K i k is described in [DST].
Towards Automated Extraction of Business Constraints from Unstructured Regulatory Text

Large organizations spend considerable resources in reviewing regulations and ensuring that their business processes are compliant with the law. To make compliance workflows more efficient and responsive, we present a system for machine-driven annotations of legal documents. A set of natural language processing pipelines are designed and aimed at addressing some key questions in this domain: (a) is this (new) regulation relevant for me? (b) what set of requirements does this law impose?, and (c) what is the regulatory intent of a law? The system is currently undergoing user trials within our organization.
Comparison of Indirect Calorimetry- and Accelerometry-Based Energy Expenditure during Object Project Skill Performance

ABSTRACTThis study compared the energy expenditure (EE) levels during object projection skill performance (OPSP) as assessed by indirect calorimetry and accelerometry. Thirty-four adults (female n ...
U.S. charter schools neglect promoting physical activity: Content analysis of nationally representative elementary charter school websites.

Abstract Most youths fail to meet recommended public health recommendations for physical activity (PA) and schools have been assigned a key role in mitigating this problem. Charter school growth exploded recently, but little is known about these schools' support of PA. School websites offer public windows through which they can share information about their programs, policies, and values. Thus, during spring 2018, we completed a quantitative content analysis of specific information about PA on the websites of a representative sample of U.S. charter elementary schools (n = 759). Nearly all schools (97%) had a functioning website, but most (52%) did not mention even one of five PA programs frequently offered at schools: physical education (PE), recess, intramurals, interscholastics, and PA clubs. PE, a standard part of school curricula, was mentioned on only 34% of the sites. Although public health proponents identify schools as ideal locations for promoting PA, school websites are neglected both as a means for identifying the importance of PE and PA and as a vehicle for informing students about how and when to be active during the school day.
55 Poor sleep quality assessed subjectively associated with worsening SLE disease activity

Background Poor sleep quality is commonly observed in patients with SLE. We hypothesize that poor sleep contributes to worsening SLE. The aims of this study are to evaluate the relationship between subjective sleep measures and SLE activity over time. Methods A prospective, observational study evaluated the relationship between sleep and SLE disease activity. 151 patients were enrolled. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Instrument System (PROMIS)-Sleep Related Impairment (SRI), and PROMIS-Sleep Disturbance (SD) survey instruments measured patient reported sleep quality. The population mean for the PROMIS instruments is 50. The SLEDAI-2000 Responder Index-50 (S2K RI-50) was used to define active SLE as S2K RI-50 >4 and worsening SLE at subsequent visits as an increase in S2K RI-50 ≥4. Baseline comparisons were calculated using non-parametric tests. Kaplan-Meier examined the relationship between poor sleep and worsening SLE activity over time. Results At baseline, the median age was 42, 90.7% were female, 54.3% were African American, 24.5% were on prednisone doses>7.5 mg/day, and 36.4% had active SLE. Patients with active SLE had significantly higher SRI scores (median 64.3) vs inactive SLE (median 56.6) as well as significantly higher SD scores (median 58.3 vs 52.2), whereas PSQI and ESS were not significantly different. Data from 109 patients with ≥2 visits were used for longitudinal studies. Kaplan-Meier analysis, stratified by SRI T-score of >60 vs≤60 demonstrated that worse sleep (SRI >60) at the previous visit predicted worsening SLE activity at the next visit (figure 1). Over a 12 month period, the probability of SLE activity worsening was 21.4% overall, 34.2% for SRI >60, and 15.0% for SRI ≤60 (p=0.024). Conclusions Our study reinforces that patients with SLE report worse subjective sleep compared to the general population, and patients with active SLE have worse sleep than patients with inactive SLE. Our longitudinal data demonstrate that poor sleep predicts worsening SLE disease activity. Thus, variation in subjective sleep may have an important role in SLE flares. Funding Source(s): AMH and PC: Washington University School of Medicine Mentors in Medicine Program, Rheumatology Research Foundation Resident Research Preceptorship Award. YSJ: NIH/NINDS K23NS089922, NIH/NIA R34AG056639, UL1RR024992, and KL2-TR000450. AHJK: NIH/NIAMS R21AR069833, Midwest Strategic Pharma-Academic Research Consortium, and the Doris Duke Foundation Fund for Retaining Clinical Scientists Program.
Readiness for the epidemic: The adult nonalcoholic fatty liver disease toolkit for primary care nurse practitioners.

Background and purpose Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence has reached epidemic proportions, and the severe form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, can result in cirrhosis and liver failure. The growing prevalence requires primary care (PC) providers to be adept at recognition and management; however, they experience significant knowledge gaps that can result in delayed access to interventions that could improve outcomes. This study's aim was to develop and evaluate a toolkit to improve knowledge gaps and support evidence-based practice (EBP) among PC nurse practitioners caring for patients with NAFLD in a midwestern state. Methods and intervention The Adult NAFLD Toolkit was designed using the Knowledge to Action framework and guidelines from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The success of the toolkit was evaluated by administering the NAFLD survey for general practitioners in a pre-post evaluation design. Results Pre-post survey scores (N = 11) were compared for statistically significant change using the Wilcoxon signed rank test for matched pairs and showed improvement in overall knowledge (p = .011), perceived preparedness to care for NAFLD (p = .007), intention to recommend weight loss for management (p = .008), and intention to use the NAFLD fibrosis score for patient monitoring (p = .008). Conclusions The results of this pilot study demonstrate successful implementation and positive outcomes of an EBP toolkit and support its expanded use. Continued evaluation on a larger scale is needed. Health care providers can use the process described in this article to develop and implement toolkits to support EBP of other PC issues.
Open Problem—Convergence and Asymptotic Optimality of the Relative Value Iteration in Ergodic Control

The relative value iteration scheme (RVI) for Markov decision processes (MDP) dates back to White (1963), a seminal work, which introduced an algorithm for solving the ergodic dynamic programming e...
Symmetric High Turns Ratio Stacked Transformers in 0.35 μm SiGe Technology

A simple, area efficient and symmetric stacked transformer with high turns ratio is proposed in this paper. The primary winding of the transformer is a single spiral realized on the top metal. The secondary winding is conventional symmetric inductor realized on the bottom metal. The width of the primary spiral is same as the composite width of the all the secondary spiral turns resulting in high turns ratio. A simple method to vary the turns ratio is also discussed. Prototype transformer fabricated in a 0.35 μm BiCMOS technology measured turns ratio of 4, while achieving a very low insertion loss of 0.88 dB at 3 GHz.
Associated Risk Factors for Depression and Anxiety in Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Five-Year Follow Up.

Abstract A better understanding of the factors associated with depression and anxiety in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is needed to provide guidelines for service pr...
Compassionate Care: Making It a Priority and the Science Behind It.

Background Compassion is the deep feeling that arises when confronted with another's suffering coupled with a strong desire to alleviate that suffering. Until recently, evidence was lacking as to whether compassion was innate, acquired, or modifiable. Because patients who experience compassionate health care report better clinical outcomes, an understanding of the science behind it may give rise to methods of incorporating compassion into clinical care delivery. Methods A high-level summary of the social and neuroscience research was constructed. Results Functional neuroimaging of empathy and compassion demonstrates neural networks involving the insula, cingulate, and prefrontal cortices suggesting neurological hard wiring for these emotional and cognitive experiences. Neuroscience and social science research evidence supports the presence of cognitive and/or emotional empathy in all individuals studied; that empathy and compassion can be taught; and that both internal and external factors influence their expression. Conclusions Burnout may result when clinicians know what their patients need (thereby activating the empathy/pain neural pathways) but are unable to deliver that care (therefore inactivation of the compassion/reward neural pathways). Understanding the neuroscience underlying empathy and compassion informs practical programs that mitigate burnout and creates a more compassionate workplace.