cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control of viral immunoinflammatory lesions by manipulating CD200:CD200 receptor interaction.

Abstract Previous investigators have demonstrated that the CD200:Fc that engages CD200 receptors (CD200R) shows promise as an immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory reagent. In this report, we evaluate the use of CD200:Fc to control a viral induced immunoinflammatory reactions caused by ocular infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV). Our results show that HSV infection causes invasion of the cornea by CD200R+ cells most of which were CD11b+ cells. Systemic administration of CD200:Fc, starting at 5 days post infection (p.i.), resulted in diminished incidence and severity of lesions compared to controls. Splenocytes isolated from treated animals showed reduced IL-12 and IFN-γ responses when stimulated in vitro and ex vivo. Treated animals also had increased frequencies of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in both the cornea and draining lymph nodes perhaps contributing also to the control of the corneal immunopathology. Treatment of animals in the chronic phase was minimally effective. Our data are the first to demonstrate the use of CD200R stimulation to control lesion severity in a viral induced inflammatory disease.
Effects of gender and functional overload on plantaris muscle morphology in the dwarf (HsdOla:dw-4) Lewis rat

Abstract To investigate relationships between pituitary function and gender on skeletal muscle growth and hypertrophy, fiber cross sectional area (CSA) and type were assessed in the plantaris muscle of normal and dwarf (Dw) male and female Lewis rats after 6 weeks of functional overload (FO). Serum growth hormone levels were 70–80% less in Dw rats of both genders and body mass was 62% greater in normal rats when compared to their Dw counterparts. Muscle weight was affected by gender, dwarfism, and FO as well as a significant gender∗Dw∗FO interaction. FO increased Type I, IIA, and IIX/B fiber CSA 120%, 102%, and 75%, respectively. Only type II fibers exhibited a reduction in CSA as a function of gender or dwarfism. Both type IIA and IIX/B fibers were affected by a significant gender∗Dw∗FO interaction. Our results suggest that the growth of type II fibers is sensitive to gender and pituitary function, while hypertrophy of type II muscle fibers is a function of the interaction between mechanical load, gender and pituitary function.
Studies with thin membranes. II. Measurement of membrane potentials and evaluation of membrane fixed charge density

Membranes prepared from 5% Parlodion solution have been characterized. These and other membranes prepared from 0.38, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0% Parlodion solutions and already characterized, have been used severally to estimate the number of anionic sites present in them by two different methods. The potentiometric method, which is indirect, gave values of XP which were higher than XT, the values obtained by a direct isotopic method. The order was reversed for well-characterized ion-exchange membranes. These discrepancies were attributed to the shortcomings of the Teorell, Meyer, and Sievers theory of membrane potentials from which the potentiometric method was derived.
On‐line consolidation mechanisms in thermoplastic filament winding

The on-line consolidation process, using a single roller, in thermoplastic filament winding (tape laying) has been investigated. A one-dimensional, semi-empirical, on-line consolidation process model is proposed that describes the deformation and flow phenomena. The model is used to predict the applied load necessary to achieve a desired fiber volume content of filament wound thermoplastic composite rings consolidated at various process conditions. Composite rings are fabricated from 50 layers of 12K carbon fiber tow APC-2 tape (6 mm wide) on a 178 mm diameter mandrel. It was found that the winding speed had statistically significant effects on the void content, the fiber volume fraction, and the final thickness; whereas the applied load had a statistically significant effect on the final thickness. These results show the effect of shear thinning on the viscoelastic response of the material, facilitating faster processing speeds. The results of the experiments compared well to the consolidation model's predictions.
Getting a-head of the organizer: anterior-posterior patterning of the forebrain.

The molecular mechanisms that drive the development of embryonic tissues are being uncovered rapidly. One such fascinating example is the development of the forebrain, the most anterior part of the nervous system. In this review, we will discuss the mechanisms that induce the formation of the forebrain in multiple vertebrate systems, placing emphasis on a recent article published by Grinblat et al. ((1)) Using zebrafish as a model system, these authors combine elegant embryological manipulations with the use of early markers of the presumptive forebrain, to show that initial induction and patterning of this tissue occurs near the onset of gastrulation. In addition, their results confirm observations made in other systems that planar signals, those traveling in the plane of the ectoderm, are involved in forebrain induction and patterning.
Overexpression of a Nuclear Protein, TIEG, Mimics Transforming Growth Factor-β Action in Human Osteoblast Cells

Although transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a growth factor with many known regulatory activities in many different cell types, its intracellular signaling pathway is still not fully understood. A TGF-beta-inducible early gene (TIEG) was discovered and shown by this laboratory to be a 3-zinc finger transcription factor family member; its expression is rapidly induced in cells treated with TGF-beta. To ascertain whether TIEG plays a major role in the TGF-beta pathway, human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells were stably transfected either with an expression vector containing a TIEG cDNA or with the vector alone. Clones that contain only the vector express normal levels of TIEG mRNA and protein and display the same patterns of gene expression and levels of cell proliferation as the nontransfected, non-TGF-beta-treated parental cells. However, transfected cells that overexpress TIEG mRNA and protein (TIEG-6 and TIEG-7) display changes that mimic those of MG-63 cells treated with TGF-beta, i.e. increased alkaline phosphatase activity, decreased levels of osteocalcin mRNA and protein, and decreased cell proliferation. The degree of these changes correlated with the level of TIEG expressed in the cell lines. TGF-beta treatment of the overexpressed cells showed no added effects. These findings and other published reports support a primary role of TIEG as a transcription factor in the TGF-beta signaling pathway.
Hydrogen release from 800 MeV proton-irradiated tungsten

Tungsten irradiated in spallation neutron sources, such as those proposed for the accelerator production of tritium (APT) project, will contain large quantities of generated helium and hydrogen gas. Tungsten used in proposed fusion reactors will also be exposed to neutrons, and the generated protium will be accompanied by deuterium and tritium diffusing in from the plasma-facing surface. The release kinetics of these gases during various off-normal scenarios involving loss of coolant and after heat-induced rises in temperature are of particular interest for both applications. To determine the release kinetics of hydrogen from tungsten, tungsten rods irradiated with 800 MeV protons in the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) to high exposures as part of the APT project have been examined. Hydrogen evolution from the tungsten has been measured using a dedicated mass-spectrometer system by subjecting the specimens to an essentially linear temperature ramp from ∼300 to ∼1500 K. Release profiles are compared with predictions obtained using the Tritium Migration Analysis Program (TMAP4). The measurements show that for high proton doses, the majority of the hydrogen is released gradually, starting at about 900 K and reaching a maximum at about 1400 K, where it drops fairly rapidly. Comparisons with TMAP show quite reasonable agreement using a trap energy of 1.4 eV and a trap density of ∼7%. There is a small additional release fraction occurring at ∼550 K, which is believed to be associated with low-energy trapping at or near the surface, and, therefore, was not included in the bulk TMAP model.
Expression of a gene for a light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding protein in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: effect of light and acetate

In Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the chlorophyll a/b-binding proteins of photosystem II are encoded in the nucleus by a small family of genes. We have studied the expression of one gene, which we call cabII-1, in a green-in-the-dark strain, which can synthesize chlorophyll in the dark or light, and in a yellow-in-the-dark mutant strain, which is able to make chlorophyll only in the light. In light/dark synchronized cultures of both strains, cabII-1 mRNA abundance increases during the first 6 h of a 12-h light phase, remains high for several hours, then declines. A variety of illumination conditions have been used to analyze the cabII-1 mRNA increase: continuous or intermittent red, blue, or white light, with or without 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU), an inhibitor of photosystem II. Our results suggest that light induces increased cabII-1 transcript abundance in two ways: 1) by virtue of its role in the light reactions of photosynthesis and 2) by a blue lightstimulated mechanism which is independent of photosynthesis.
On axioms for heterogeneous continua.

Die vorliegende Veroffentlichung behandelt die Ableitung allgemeiner Erhaltungsgleichungen fur heterogene Kontinua, worunter Substanzen verstanden werden, deren diskrete Komponenten chemische und andere Wechselwirkungen ausuben konnen. Die wesentlichen Differentialgleichungen werden aus Axiomen in Integralform hergeleitet; die Axiome beruhen darauf, dass es zulassig ist, die Diffusionsbewegungen einer vorgegebenen Bewegung des heterogenen Stoffes zu uberlagern. Die Behandlung des Problems entspricht einer direkten Verallgemeinerung der klassischen Theorie fur einfache Kontinua. Die wesentlichen Resultate werden mit denen vonTruesdell verglichen. Sie stehen in vollem Einklang mit dieser Theorie.
Examining the Economic Benefits of Agritourism: The Case of New Jersey

Many small American farms struggle to remain economically viable due to a confluence of global market dynamics, rising costs, and urbanization pressure. Agritourism is an increasingly popular form of alternative agriculture enterprise development designed to expand farm income, generally through fuller employment of existing farm resources. The economic significance of agritourism within the farm community, however, is not well understood. Existing literature is inconclusive about the importance of agritourism as a component of farm income. This paper examines the economic benefits of agritourism, using data from a statewide economic impact assessment in New Jersey. Results show broad variability across farm scales in terms of the relative reliance on agritourism as a source of farm revenue. A significant percentage of farms hosting agritourism were found to earn no immediate income from such activities, suggesting that some farmers may be motivated by either nonmonetary or deferred economic benefits from hosting agritourism.
Organometallic transition metal derivatives containing fluorine—III Reactions of perfluoroalkylmetal carbonyl iodides of iron and cobalt with oligotertiary phosphines[1]

Abstract Reactions of the RfFe(CO)4I (Rf  n-C3F7 and (CF3)2CF) derivatives with chelating ditertiary phosphines give the red to brown non-ionic derivatives RfFe(CO)2I(diphos). However, reactions of the C5H5Co(CO)RfI(Rfn-C3F7 and n-C7F15) derivatives with chelating ditertiary phosphines give the yellow iodide salts [C5H5Co(diphos)Rf]I which can be converted to the corresponding hexafluorophosphate salts by metathesis with NH4PF6. The potentially tridentate ligand CH3C[CH2P(C6H5)2]3 behaves as only a bidentate ligand in its reactions with RfFe(CO)4I and C5H5Co(CO)RfI derivatives. The new compounds RfFe(CO)4I and C5H5Co(CO)RfI (Rf  (CF3)2CF and n-C7F15) are also described.
An Investigation of the Factors that Predict a Healthcare Consumer’s Use of Anecdotal Healthcare Information Available on the Internet

This paper investigates the individual characteristics of consumers who use anecdotal healthcare information available on the Internet. Secondary analysis of the data from the preliminary release of the Pew Internet & American Life Project’s September 2012 Health Tracking Survey informed this investigation. The dependent variable was the use of anecdotal healthcare information available on the Internet. The independent variables included demographics, quality of life, health status and the use of public report cards. Public report cards include performance data provided by federal agencies on healthcare providers, nursing homes, and hospitals to inform healthcare consumers on the variability of healthcare quality. A logistic model was developed to assess the characteristics of anecdotal information users. The analysis found that age, gender, educational level and health status were significant predictors of a consumer’s use of anecdotal information available on the Internet. This study also found that hea...
Underwater Pinpoint Photography

Lowering a camera to a position just above the sea floor is a critical operation. The "pinger" method of camera-to-bottom positioning has proved to be an excellent technique. A sonar transducer on the camera sends one sound signal directly to the surface, and another to the bottom. The bottom signal, reflected from the sea floor, rises to the surface where its delayed arrival time is measured against the camera signal beamed to the surface. An Alden recorder is used to record each direct or reflected signal as received.
A critical appraisal of the Abbe flap in secondary cleft lip deformity.

Summary A second look has been taken at the Abbe flap as used in 50 patients with postcleft-lip deformities. In reviewing operative revisions following Abbe flap placement in these instances, it is obvious that full-face view improvement is more difficult than that of profile view. The most common problems with the use of the flap were : notching at the flap-lip junctures, redundant vermilion, upper and lower lip scars and an overlong flap. A majority of the problems have been associated with asymmetrical lateral placement which draws attention to the most minor irregularity. Many difficulties would be eliminated if all flaps could be placed centrally. This however is not always feasible, and certainly, many laterally placed flaps have been satisfactory. The techniques of revision have been presented and suggestions made for improving the primary procedures.
Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap

There has been a gradual shift of the utilization of pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) pedicled flaps with the current advancements in the successful development of vascularized free flaps. Currently, PMMC flaps are considered a salvage mechanism after failure of a free vascularized flap or used as the reconstructive option for patients who are considered poor candidates for free flaps. This review discusses the PMMC flap for reconstruction of the oral and maxillofacial region, from preoperative considerations and anatomy to surgical technique and possible complications. Advantages and disadvantages for such flaps are also discussed.
Reduced Overestimation in Forecasting Telecommuting as a Travel Demand Management Policy

Overestimated forecasts of the impacts of new policies, that is, overprediction of the successes of the policies, are a well-known problem. Study of the effects of forecasting methods on potential bias may help modelers, planners, and policy makers better use forecasting tools. This paper addresses the overestimation of the success of telecommuting as a travel demand management policy. The research hypothesis underlying this study posits that overestimates of performance are virtually inevitable when the effects of new policies that aim to change travel behavior are forecast but that these biases eventually decline over time. The sources of overestimated forecasts are the prediction tools used and the ways in which modelers use these tools. The sources of the reduction in overestimation are the changes made to these tools and the knowledge and the data gained over time.
New substrate for micro DC-DC converter

Recently, mobile phones and PDAs (personal digital assistants) have advanced high performances and multi functions. A wide variety of devices and electrical parts are used to enhance their performance. As the consumption of electrical energy of the equipment has increased, several small-sized DC-DC converters have been used as power sources to supply suitable voltage to the device efficiently. And, further miniaturization of the DC-DC converter is demanded. The current DC-DC converter consists of an IC and several surface mounted components on a PCB, and they are modularized. The main factor in miniaturization and low profile of the DC-DC converter is the size of chip inductors. It has been difficult for chip inductor suppliers to satisfy both low profile and high inductance. We have developed the LTCC (low temperature co-fired ceramic) substrate with embedded high value inductor to achieve further miniaturization and low profile of the DC-DC converter. The substrate size is from 3 mm SQ. to 5 mm SQ. A high value inductor from 1 /spl mu/H to 10 /spl mu/H is embedded with the low temperature co-fired ferrite material using multilayer technology. Use of Ag conductor makes it possible to achieve low resistance of the inductor pattern. The DC-DC converter can be miniaturized, because the devices and the chip components can be mounted on both surfaces of the substrate. This paper describes the structure of the inductor embedded substrate, the ferrite material, the inductor design, and the electrical characteristics, and the results of reliability tests.
Electrical and computer engineering curriculum assessment via senior miniproject

Traditionally, senior capstone projects have been used for comprehensive student assessment. Other mechanisms exist for engineering course assessments, such as teacher/course evaluations, homework and test results, student office visits, and senior exit interviews. Each of these methods has weaknesses if the primary objective is curriculum improvement. The new Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Engineering Criteria 2000 (EC-2000) accreditation process requires new methods to allow for continuous program improvement. This paper discusses the six-week miniproject for senior students in the Electrical and Computer Engineering program at Bradley University. Use of the miniproject to steer the curriculum design content has been in place for eleven years. The evaluation results have been used successfully to implement course, laboratory, and curriculum modifications. The paper discusses the project, its costs, evaluation procedures, curriculum modifications and improvements, and use of the project in the EC-2000 accreditation process.
Mother-infant communication: carrying understanding to a new level.

Summary A recent study has found that carrying — not just holding — by human mothers has a specific calming effect on crying infants, inducing a coordinated physiological response that includes a reduction in heart rate. A similar response in mice has opened the door to elucidating the underlying neural mechanisms.
The Effect of Medicaid Expansion in New York State on Use of Subspecialty Surgical Procedures by Medicaid Beneficiaries and the Uninsured

Background Understanding the benefits of Medicaid is crucial as states decide whether to expand Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. We used the 2001 Medicaid expansion in New York to evaluate changes in use by Medicaid beneficiaries and the uninsured of breast cancer reconstruction, panniculectomy, and lower-extremity trauma management. Methods Data for all patients 19 to 64 years old having undergone the selected procedures between 1998 and 2006 were obtained from the State Inpatient Database. We used an interrupted time series using variance weighted least squares regression to evaluate the effect of Medicaid expansion on the probability that Medicaid beneficiaries or uninsured patients received the procedures. We also determined the predicted use had there been no expansion. New York Census data were used for population-adjusted case-volume calculations. Results Likelihood of Medicaid as the primary payer increased significantly after expansion, 0.34% per quarter (95% CI, 0.28–0.40), without a decrease in uninsured patients receiving these procedures. This resulted in a 7.2% increase in the proportion of Medicaid beneficiaries receiving these procedures, an additional 1.9 Medicaid cases per quarter per 100,000 New York residents. In subgroup analysis, the proportion of Medicaid beneficiaries increased for breast reconstruction (0.28% per quarter; 95% CI, 0.21–0.35) and panniculectomy (0.19% per quarter; 95% CI, 0.1–0.28) without a decrease for the uninsured. Lower-extremity trauma procedures had a decreasing trend in use by uninsured patients with a slight increase for Medicaid beneficiaries (not significant). Conclusions Subspecialty surgeons responded to expansion by increasing volume of procedures for Medicaid beneficiaries. This occurred without decline in care for the uninsured, suggesting that Medicaid expansion resulted in increased access for underserved patients. Although more patients received needed care once they had coverage, subgroup analysis identified persistence of additional barriers to use of certain surgical services.
Adaptive Evolution of Genes Duplicated from the Drosophila pseudoobscura neo-X Chromosome

Drosophila X chromosomes are disproportionate sources of duplicated genes, and these duplications are usually the result of retrotransposition of X-linked genes to the autosomes. The excess duplication is thought to be driven by natural selection for two reasons: X chromosomes are inactivated during spermatogenesis, and the derived copies of retroposed duplications tend to be testis expressed. Therefore, autosomal derived copies of retroposed genes provide a mechanism for their X-linked paralogs to ‘‘escape’’ X inactivation. Once these duplications have fixed, they may then be selected for male-specific functions. Throughout the evolution of the Drosophila genus, autosomes have fused with X chromosomes along multiple lineages giving rise to neo-X chromosomes. There has also been excess duplication from the two independent neo-X chromosomes that have been examined—one that occurred prior to the common ancestor of the willistoni species group and another that occurred along the lineage leading to Drosophila pseudoobscura. To determine what role natural selection plays in the evolution of genes duplicated from the D. pseudoobscura neo-X chromosome, we analyzed DNA sequence divergence between paralogs, polymorphism within each copy, and the expression profiles of these duplicated genes. We found that the derived copies of all duplicated genes have elevated nonsynonymous polymorphism, suggesting that they are under relaxed selective constraints. The derived copies also tend to have testis- or male-biased expression profiles regardless of their chromosome of origin. Genes duplicated from the neo-X chromosome appear to be under less constraints than those duplicated from other chromosome arms. We also find more evidence for historical adaptive evolution in genes duplicated from the neo-X chromosome, suggesting that they are under a unique selection regime in which elevated nonsynonymous polymorphism provides a large reservoir of functional variants, some of which are fixed by natural selection.
A new representation of condensation effects in mixed monolayers: I. Films of elaidic acid and cholesterol on aqueous glycerol substrates

Abstract A new parameter P c , the “per cent condensation,” has been defined in an attempt to better evaluate deviations from ideality in mixed monomolecular films. P c is derived at various surface pressures for the system cholesterol-elaidic acid on aqueous (pH 2) and aqueous-glycerol (30 wt %, pH 2) substrates. In contrast to the more conventional mean molecular area plots, the P c values clearly indicate the increasing nonideality of the system with increasing cholesterol content on both substrates, as well as the predominance of cholesterol-elaidic acid interactions over those between glycerol and elaidic acid. The relative insensitivity of P c to the value of π chosen should facilitate the extension of the present treatment to a variety of other systems.
Cartas y cartapacios: la crítica literaria del XVIII ante la «vana erudición» del coleccionismo

Desde que Gregorio Mayans y Siscar reunio en cinco tomos cartas de notables epistolografos bajo el titulo Cartas morales, militares, civiles y literarias (1733), las correspondencias con hombres de muchas letras y personas de autoridad experimentan un alza que se mantendra a lo largo del siglo XVIII. La agrupacion de estas obras epistolares revela un diseno de cohesion formal y una conciencia del legado critico de la carta literaria que contrastan con su fragmentacion y brevedad. De modo preferente, los escritores aprovechan la brevedad de la carta literaria para la exposicion de opiniones, alejandose con ello de las modalidades de escritura erudita vigentes y sugiriendo que no precisan insertarse en colecciones como las de Mayans y atiborrar las librerias de los particulares para adquirir sentido pleno. Las cartas literarias aqui resenadas huyen de la verborrea erudita y dirigen su andadura hacia una critica moderna en sintonia con un lector distinto. Frente al concepto de Constantini de la « vana erudicion», la carta literaria opta por desarrollar una lectura critica en el publico lector. Este ensayo explora algunas colecciones de cartas literarias que pretenden afilar la facultad critica del lector atajando o encauzando la aficion desmesurada a las letras para hacer hincapie en la formacion de la opinion propia. Esta renovacion en el gusto no podria haber ocurrido plenamente sin el importante papel que tuvieron las cartas en la gestacion de una critica literaria moderna.
Suppression of nitrosative and oxidative stress to reduce cardiac allograft vasculopathy

Oxidant injury occurs when an organ is severed from its native blood supply and then reperfused and continues during subsequent periods of immune attack. Experiments here test the hypothesis that an antioxidant given only in the peri-reperfusion period protects against not only oxidative but also nitrosative stress, leading to reduced vasculopathy long after cardiac allotransplantation. Experiments were performed using a murine heterotopic cardiac transplantation model. An antioxidant, in the form of intraperitoneal high-dose riboflavin, was given to recipients during the initial 3 days after transplantation. Antioxidant-treated mice showed significantly longer graft survival than control mice. At 4 h after transplantation, antioxidant treatment significantly reduced graft lipid peroxidation and oxidized DNA and preserved antioxidant enzyme activity. At day 6 posttransplantation, the redox-sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor-κB and inducible nitric oxide synthase were significantly reduced following antioxidant treatment, with concomitant reduction of nitrotyrosine. Despite the limited duration of antioxidant treatment, both acute and chronic rejection were significantly suppressed. In vitro experiments confirmed suppression of nitrosative and oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte damage in antioxidant-treated cardiac allografts. Collectively, antioxidant administration during the initial 3 days after transplantation significantly reduces nitrosative and oxidative stress in cardiac allografts, modulates immune responses, and protects against vasculopathy.
Political demography: Powerful forces between disciplinary stools:

The interconnections between politics and the dramatic demographic changes underway around the world have been under-attended by the two research disciplines that could contribute most to their und...
An Improved Square-Wave Oscillator Circuit

Summary form only given. The requirements for an oscillator may be met in a low-power feedback circuit rather than in the high-power output circuit. A small saturable transformer is used to supplythe transistor drive requirements in the improved squarewave oscillator circuit. The feedback transformer derives its primary power for sufficient positive feedback from the output circuit either as a voltagedependent signal, a current-dependent signal, or a combination of both. Mter a period of time, the feedback transformer core saturates and the impedance of the feedback circuit causes a reduction in feedback power. Consequent! y, the loop gain becomes less than unity and the energy stored in the feedback circuit or in the output circuit institutes reversai. With this circuit, oscillator performance can be improved and the severity of duty on the transistor appreciably reduced.
Adding reliable and self-healing key distribution to the Subset Difference group Rekeying method for secure multicast

We study two important issues related to the Subset Difference Rekeying (SDR) method [4]. First, we present a reliable key distribution scheme, called WFEC-BKR, that enables members to receive the current group key in a reliable and timely fashion inspite of packet losses in the network. Through simulation, we show that in most scenarios, WFEC-BKR outperforms previously proposed schemes for reliable rekey transport. Second, we present a group key recovery scheme that adds the self-healing property to SDR, i.e., our scheme enables a member that has missed up to a certain number m of previous rekey operations to recover the missing group keys without asking the key server for retransmission. The additional communication overhead imposed by our key recovery scheme is quite small (less than 3m additional keys).
Haptic design for digital audio

This paper describes work on a system that incorporates haptic feedback into digital sound editing software. Currently, the most common methods for navigating through digital audio are with computer keyboards and mice. Occasionally, peripheral consoles may be used that provide passive knobs. In each of these cases, the user relies on visual and aural feedback, without any haptic feedback related to the audio waveform. This work investigates the premise that the addition of relevant haptic feedback will substantially improve the user experience, including greater efficiency and gratification.
Microplasma lighting: Microcavity plasma arrays for future lighting applications

Recently, demands for the next generation lighting sources having higher efficiency and a low carbon footprint has soared. To that end we have pursued the development and commercialization of microplasma arrays capable of producing visible emission with high luminous efficacy. Technology originally demonstrated in the Laboratory for Optical Physics and Engineering at the University of Illinois 1,2 has recently advanced to the point of yield thin planar lamps having active areas of at least 200 cm2 and producing a white luminance above 10000 cd/m2.
Distributed Active Power Combiners and Splitters for Multi-Antenna UWB Transceivers

This paper presents the design of CMOS active power combiners and splitters with wideband variable gain and delay using distributed architectures. The proposed circuits are the key components for use in multi-antenna (MA) ultra-wideband (UWB) communication systems with beamforming. The proposed distributed active power combiner and splitter operate across 1?10.6GHz bandwidth. Power gain of each path of the combiner and splitter is independently controllable from ?15dB to 6dB and from ?16dB to 9.5dB, respectively. The wideband variable delay of each path of the power combiner is 32 to 42 ps, and for each path of the power splitter is 43 to 53 ps across the UWB frequency range. Both power combiner and splitter have been fabricated in a 0.13?m CMOS process. Supplied from a 1.8V power-supply, the 2-stage distributed active power combiner consumes 8.5mA, and the 3-stage distributed active power splitter draws 11.4mA.
An improved StatCom model for power flow analysis

The StatCom is traditionally modeled for power flow analysis as a PV or PQ bus depending on its primary application. The active power is either set to zero (neglecting the StatCom losses) or calculated iteratively. The StatCom voltage and reactive power compensation are usually related through the magnetics of the StatCom. This traditional power flow model of the StatCom neglects the impact of the high-frequency effects and the switching characteristics of the power electronics on the active power losses and the reactive power injection (absorption). In this paper, the authors propose a new StatCom model appropriate for power flow analysis derived directly from the dynamic model of the StatCom. The proposed model can therefore account for the high-frequency effects and power electronic losses, and more accurately predict the active and reactive power outputs of the StatCom.
The “Masters” in the Shiji

The intellectual history of the ancient philosophical “Masters” depends to a large extent on accounts in early historiography, most importantly Sima Qian’s Shiji which provides a range of longer and shorter biographies of Warring States thinkers. Yet the ways in which personal life experiences, ideas, and the creation of texts are interwoven in these accounts are diverse and uneven and do not add up to a reliable guide to early Chinese thought and its protagonists. In its selective approach to different thinkers, the Shiji under-represents significant parts of the textual heritage while developing several distinctive models of authorship, from anonymous compilations of textual repertoires to the experience of personal hardship and political frustration as the precondition for turning into a writer. L’histoire intellectuelle des “maitres” de la philosophie chinoise ancienne depend pour une large part de ce qui est dit d’eux dans l’historiographie ancienne, tout particulierement le Shiji de Sima Qian, qui offre une serie de biographies plus ou moins etendues de penseurs de l’epoque des Royaumes Combattants. Cependant leur vie, leurs idees et les conditions de creation de leurs textes se combinent dans ces biographies de facon tres inegale, si bien que l’ensemble ne saurait etre considere comme l’equivalent d’un guide de la pensee chinoise ancienne et de ses auteurs sur lequel on pourrait s’appuyer en toute confiance. Dans sa facon d’approcher selectivement les differents penseurs, le Shiji tend a sous-representer des secteurs significatifs de l’heritage textuel; en meme temps il developpe plusieurs modeles distinctifs de rapport entre texte et auteur, depuis la compilation anonyme de repertoires textuels jusqu’a l’experience du malheur et a la frustration politique posees comme conditions pour devenir ecrivain.
Involvement of Receptor Activity-Modifying Protein 3 (RAMP3) in the Vascular Actions of Adrenomedullin in Rat Mesenteric Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

CALCB, ADM, and ADM2 are potent vasodilators that share a seven-transmembrane GPCR, calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CALCRL), whose ligand specificity is dictated by the presence of one of the three receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs). We assessed the relative pharmacologic potency of these peptides in mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and the specific RAMP that mediates the effect of ADM in VSMCs. VSMCs, with or without RAMP knockdown, were treated with CALCB, ADM, or ADM2 in the presence or absence of their antagonists, CALCB8-37, ADM22-52, and ADM217-47, respectively, to assess the relative effect of peptides on cAMP production and their pharmacologic potency. Proximity ligation assay was used to assess the specific RAMP that associates with CALCRL to mediate the actions of ADM in VSMCs. All three peptides induced cAMP generation in VSMCs and the order of their potency is CALCB > ADM > ADM2. Effects of CALCB were blocked by CALCB8-37, ADM effects were blocked by CALCB8-37 and ADM217-47 but not ADM22-52, and ADM2 effects were blocked by all three antagonists. Knockdown of RAMP2 was ineffective, whereas knockdown of RAMP3 inhibited ADM-induced cAMP production in VSMCs, suggesting involvement of RAMP3 with CALCRL to mediate ADM effects. Absence of both RAMP2 and RAMP3 further increased CALCB-induced cAMP synthesis compared to control (P < 0.05). ADM increased CALCRL and RAMP3 association and RAMP3 knockdown inhibited the interaction of ADM with CALCRL.
Gas–particle partitioning and hydrolysis of organic nitrates formed from the oxidation of α -pinene in environmental chamber experiments

Abstract. Gas–particle partitioning and hydrolysis of organic nitrates (ON) influences their role as sinks and sources of NOx and their effects on the formation of tropospheric ozone and organic aerosol (OA). In this work, organic nitrates were formed from the photo-oxidation of α-pinene in environmental chamber experiments under different conditions. Particle-phase ON hydrolysis rates, consistent with observed ON decay, exhibited a nonlinear dependence on relative humidity (RH): an ON decay rate of 2 day−1 was observed when the RH ranged between 20 and 60 %, and no significant ON decay was observed at RH lower than 20 %. In experiments when the highest observed RH exceeded the deliquescence RH of the ammonium sulfate seed aerosol, the particle-phase ON decay rate was as high as 7 day−1 and more variable. The ON gas–particle partitioning was dependent on total OA concentration and temperature, consistent with absorptive partitioning theory. In a volatility basis set, the ON partitioning was consistent with mass fractions of [0 0.11 0.03 0.86] at saturation mass concentrations (C*) of [1 10 100 1000] µg m−3.
Synthesis of Functional Polypropylene Containing Hindered Phenol Stabilizers and Applications in Metallized Polymer Film Capacitors

This paper discusses a new family of polymeric stabilizers (antioxidants) containing a polypropylene backbone and several pendant hindered phenol groups (PP-HP), with both random and tapered copolymer microstructures. They are effectively prepared by Steglich esterification of the corresponding hydroxylated polypropylene (PP-OH) copolymers with the hindered phenol molecule containing a carboxylic acid moiety. Some resulting PP-HP copolymers show significantly higher thermal-oxidative stability than the pristine PP polymer and the commercial PP products that contain a small amount of organic hindered phenol stabilizers. The better oxidative stability was also observed in PP/PP-HP blends under elevated temperatures. Overall, the PP chain degradation temperature increases with the increase of HP concentration in the matrix. The effectiveness of the PP-HP stabilizer is attributed to its comparability and cocrystallization with the PP homopolymer, which result in a uniform distribution of hindered phenol moiet...
The quaternary system B2O3-PbO-SiO2-ZnO: Thermodynamics and phase diagram

We evaluated the six binary phase diagrams, B2O3-PbO, B2O3-SiO2, B2O3-ZnO, PbO-SiO2, PbO-ZnO, and SiO2-ZnO, to obtain a consistent picture for the quaternary system B2O3-PbO-SiO2-ZnO. We used all the available thermodynamic data: enthalpies of mixing, activity data, complete phase diagrams, and miscibility gaps. The agreement between the various sets of data is good. We also calculated the enthalpy of formation of the ternary compound 5PbO-B2O3-SiO2. ΔfH/R of 1/8 [5PbO-B2O3-SiO2] =-(2.104 ± 0.057) kK.
Exponential Hedging with Optimal Stopping and Application to ESO Valuation

We study the problem of hedging early exercise (American) options with respect to exponential utility within a general incomplete market model. This leads us to construct a duality formula involving relative entropy minimization and optimal stopping. We further consider claims with multiple exercises, and static-dynamic hedges of American claims with other European and American options. The problem is important for accurate valuation of employee Stock Options (ESOs), and we demonstrate this in a standard diffusion model. We find that incorporating static hedges with market-traded options induces the holder to delay exercises, and increases the ESO cost to the firm.
Theocracy in Iran: From an Ideology to an Islamic Republic

This essay seeks to answer the question of whether Islam can be an ideology. The argument is premised on Islam being a belief system which encompasses the personal, social and political aspects of the society and its adherents. It is built on the assertion that systems of beliefs can be turned into an ideology that elites can exploit for political mobilization. As in the case of Iran, this essay argues that an ideology can emerge from the fusion of religion and politics. When religious beliefs are utilized in pursuit of political power, a political ideology is formed which can bring about changes in people and the different groups that intend to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events. To illustrate this point, this essay discusses Khomeini's "Governance of Jurist" (Velayat e-Faqih) and its function in the establishment of theocracy in Iran.
Barriers and Facilitators of Adherence

Contributors to a person’s adherence or non-adherence are complex, varied, and highly individual. Yet common themes have emerged and show that barriers to and facilitators of adherence occur on multiple levels: individual, family, healthcare systems, and cultural issues. Some predictors of adherence are stable or fixed and must be considered in clinical care delivery, research, and policy, while other contributors have the potential to be modified through targeted clinical intervention strategies. This chapter will review predictors of adherence in youth with chronic conditions across these multiple levels.
On the correlation of longitudinal and latitudinal motions of sunspots

Using new measurements of positions of individual sunspots and sunspot groups obtained from 62 years of the Mt. Wilson white-light plate collection, we have recomputed the correlation between longitude and latitude motion. Our results for groups are similar to those of Ward (1965a) computed from the Greenwich record, but for individual spots the covariance is reduced by a factor of about 3 from the Ward values, though still of the same sign and still statistically significant. We conclude that there is a real correlation between longitude and latitude movement of individual spots, implying angular momentum transport toward the equator as inferred by Ward. The two thirds reduction in the covariance for individual spots as opposed to groups is probably due to certain properties of spot groups, as first pointed out in an unpublished manuscript by Leighton.
Auto-magnetizing liners for MagLIF experiments

Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF, [1]) is an inertial confinement fusion concept that includes a strong magnetic field embedded in the fuel to mitigate thermal conduction loss during the implosion. Magnetization of the target in MagLIF experiments on Sandia's 20 MA Z Machine has traditionally required an external pair of field coils in a Helmholtz-like configuration [2]. The novel AutoMag concept employs a composite liner (cylindrical tube) with helically oriented conduction paths separated by insulating material to provide both axial premagnetization of the fuel (during a slow rising current pre-pulse) and fuel compression (during a fast rising main current pulse). This integrated axial field production mechanism offers a few potential advantages when compared to the external field coils currently being used on Z. AutoMag seeks to increase drive current for MagLIF experiments by decreasing the transmission line inductance, provide higher peak axial field levels (>30 T) inside of the liner without compromising diagnostic access, and offer new mirrored magnetic field topologies within the fuel column. 3D electromagnetic simulations using ANSYS Maxwell have been completed in order to explore the current distributions within the helical conduction paths, the inter-wire dielectric strength properties, and the thermal properties of the helical conduction paths during a nominal premagnetization phase (∼1 MA in 100ns). Initial designs show a broad range of peak Bz from 20 T to 100T in single helix configurations before breakdown field levels in the dielectric become a concern due to increasing aggressiveness of the helical pitch. Stacked helix designs show capability to provide mirror field topologies with peak Bz near the top and bottom of the liner and mirror ratios (Bzmax/Bzmin) approaching 1.5. These designs will soon be tested in experiments (∼1 MA, 100ns) seeking to measure Bz(t) inside of the liner and assess failure mechanisms. Simulations of implosion dynamics for several AutoMag liner designs have been completed using the 3D MHD code Gorgon [3] to evaluate the effects of conductor/insulator material choice and the quality of implosion symmetry for this concept.
Interferon-Induced Status Epilepticus

Prolonged, refractory status epilepticus in a 22-month old girl treated with interferon for giant cell hepatitis is reported from the Depts of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX.
Managing Patients With Intermediate In-Stent Restenotic Lesions Is It “Prime Time” for Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging?

The importance of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) as an adjunctive technology facilitating optimal coronary interventional procedural technique has become increasingly evident over the past decade. IVUS is currently appreciated as an invaluable tool enabling better assessment of reference vessel size and coronary lesion morphology, including gross plaque characteristics and lesion length. Accordingly, the adjunctive use of IVUS with angiography offers distinct advantages in the setting of performing coronary interventions.1 The structural information acquired by ultrasound imaging has helped us plan and better execute the optimal coronary interventional procedures to achieve improved procedural efficiency and outcomes. These benefits have become more critical as we progressively approach more complex coronary lesions with catheter-based therapies. In addition, IVUS has shown to be a useful tool to investigate other possible structural causes relating to adverse events, including stent thrombosis. Late-acquired stent malapposition, stent fracture, inadequate lesion coverage, and excessive stent overlap are all readily detected by IVUS. Article see p 111 The most recent ACC/AHA/SCAI percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guidelines2 equivocally address the use of preinterventional IVUS for the assessment of lesion characteristics and vessel dimensions as a means to select an optimal revascularization strategy (class IIb, level of evidence C). The importance of IVUS in assessing postprocedural results appears to be more clearly defined. Appropriate stent expansion, optimal wall apposition, and detection of postdeployment stent edge issues, such as dissections, are all well assessed by IVUS.3 Evaluation of these anatomic features has possible implications regarding the safety and efficacy of PCI.4,5 Current ACC/AHA/SCAI PCI guidelines2 support IVUS use to assess postinterventional results (class IIa, level of evidence B). The role of IVUS in the long-term post-PCI management of patients with in-stent restenosis remains to be established. Once …