cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electric Vehicle Powertrain Multiphysics NVH Simulation

This paper presents in-depth understanding and approach to simulate NVH performance of electric vehicle powertrain. The powertrain assembly contains two main components - a synchronous motor and a gearbox. Excitations in motor's casing comes from vibration of stator and rotor, while excitation of gear box casing comes from vibration due to transmission error, gear backlash and misalignments. Motor excitation are solved in time domain using electromagnetic analysis and transferred to structure of motor to perform harmonic analysis in frequency domain. Similarly, gear vibrations are calculated using transient gear multibody dynamics (gear whine excitations)and then gear box vibration are applied in frequency domain in harmonic analysis. At the end combined motor and gearbox casing's vibration induced noise is measured at receiver location in frequency domain using Harmonic acoustic analysis. This process requires multiphysics capability and ability of accurate data mapping from time domain to frequency domain. The work presented here is an enhancement to the previous work [1]. The study presented in [1] is enhanced by; 1. 3D electromagnetic analysis to increase accuracy of load transfer from electromagnetics to harmonic analysis over 2D method mentioned earlier; 2. Including gear-train transmission error induced excitations on the gear box housing using full 3D transient multibody dynamics simulation. Study is going to address major requirements of analysts to design electric vehicle powertrain for NVH performance at constant RPM of motor. Further enhancements are underway to incorporate multiple RPM of motor without increasing manual effort of analysts.
FOURTH VERSUS FIFTH GENERATION TROPONIN IN THE PREDICTION OF IN-HOSPITAL MORTALITY

Cardiac Troponin (cTn) is the most commonly used cardiac biomarker for assessment of myocardial injury with each subsequent iteration becoming more sensitive at the cost of specificity for acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Elevated cTn has been associated with increased all-cause mortality in non-ACS
The Role of Modeling in Monarch Butterfly Research and Conservation

Models are an integral part of the scientific endeavor, whether they be conceptual, mathematical, statistical, or simulation models. Models of appropriate complexity facilitate comprehension and improve understanding of the variables driving system processes. In the context of conservation planning decision-making or research efforts, a useful model reduces statistical noise by including only essential elements. Models can serve two related, but different purposes: understanding and prediction of future system behavior. Predictive models can require several iterations of refinement and empirical data gathering to be useful for conservation planning. Models with less predictive ability can be used to enhance understanding of system function and generate hypotheses for empirical evaluation. Modeling monarch butterfly systems, whether it be landscape-scale movement in breeding habitats, migratory behavior, or population dynamics at monthly or yearly timeframes, is challenging because the systems encompass complex spatial and temporal interactions across nested scales that are difficult, if not impossible, to empirically observe or comprehend without simplification. We review mathematical, statistical, and simulation models that have provided insights into monarch butterfly systems. Mathematical models have provided understanding of underlying processes that may be driving monarch systems. Statistical models have provided understanding of patterns in empirical data, which may represent underlying mechanisms. Simulations models have provided understanding of mechanisms driving systems and provide the potential to link mechanisms with data to build more predictive models. As an example, recently published agent-based models of non-migratory eastern North American monarch butterfly movement and egg-laying may provide the means to explore how different spatial patterns of habitat, habitat quality, and the interaction of stressors can influence future adult recruitment. The migratory process, however, has not been addressed with agent-based modeling. Using western monarch migration as an example, we describe how modeling could be used to provide insights into migratory dynamics. Future integration of migratory models with non-migratory and population dynamics models may provide better understanding and ultimately prediction of monarch butterfly movement and population dynamics at a continental scale.
Chronic Hepatitis B Prevalence Among Foreign-Born and U.S.-Born Adults in the United States, 1999-2016.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global health problem, exacerbated by poor linkage to care. We aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV infection, exposure, self-reported vaccination, vaccine-induced immunity, disease awareness, and treatment in the United States by birthplace and race/ethnicity during 1999-2016. A total of 47,628 adult participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who completed HBV core antibody (anti-HBc) and surface antigen (HBsAg) tests and 47,618 adults who completed HBV surface antibody (anti-HBs) and anti-HBc tests were included in the analysis. HBV infection was defined by positive HBsAg and past exposure by positive anti-HBc. Vaccine-mediated immunity was defined by positive anti-HBs and negative anti-HBc. No significant change in the prevalence of HBV infection was observed between 1999 and 2016 (P = 0.442), affecting 0.35% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28-0.45) or 0.84 million adults. In contrast, a significant decrease in HBV exposure and increase in vaccine-mediated immunity was observed. U.S.-born persons had significantly lower prevalence of HBV infection and exposure as well as higher prevalence of vaccine-mediated immunity and self-reported vaccination than foreign-born persons. Prevalence of HBV infection was highest in non-Hispanic Asians in both foreign- (3.85%; 95% CI, 2.97-4.97) and U.S.-born (0.79%; 95% CI, 0.17-3.59) persons during 2011-2016. Among infected persons, liver disease awareness was only 15.19%, and treatment rate was only 4.60%. Conclusion: This study revealed disparities of HBV infection among ethnic/racial groups and between U.S.-born and foreign-born persons. Awareness of liver disease and treatment rate among infected persons was dismal.
Fokker-Planck analysis of optical near-field traps

The motion of a nanoparticle in the vicinity of a near-field optical trap is modeled using the Fokker-Planck equation. A plasmonic C-shaped engraving on a gold film is considered as the optical trap. The time evolution of the position probability density of the nanoparticle is calculated to analyze the trapping dynamics. A spatially varying diffusion tensor is used in the formulation to take into account the hydrodynamic interactions. The steady-state position distribution obtained from the Fokker-Planck equation is compared with experimental results and found to be in good agreement. Computational cost of the proposed method is compared with the conventionally used Langevin equation based approach. The proposed method is found to be computationally efficient (requiring 35 times less computation time) and scalable to more complex lab-on-a-chip systems.
Estimating the daily pollen concentration in the atmosphere using machine learning and NEXRAD weather radar data

Millions of people have an allergic reaction to pollen. The impact of pollen allergies is on the rise due to increased pollen levels caused by global warming and the spread of highly invasive weeds. The production, release, and dispersal of pollen depend on the ambient weather conditions. The temperature, rainfall, humidity, cloud cover, and wind are known to affect the amount of pollen in the atmosphere. In the past, various regression techniques have been applied to estimate and forecast the daily pollen concentration in the atmosphere based on the weather conditions. In this research, machine learning methods were applied to the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) data to estimate the daily Ambrosia pollen over a 300 km × 300 km region centered on a NEXRAD weather radar. The Neural Network and Random Forest machine learning methods have been employed to develop separate models to estimate Ambrosia pollen over the region. A feasible way of estimating the daily pollen concentration using only the NEXRAD radar data and machine learning methods would lay the foundation to forecast daily pollen at a fine spatial resolution nationally.
Structural and functional differences between decay-accelerating factor and red cell acetylcholinesterase.

The abnormal erythrocytes in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, both PNH II (the moderately abnormal cells) and PNH III (the markedly abnormal cells), lack both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and decay-accelerating factor (DAF) activity. Both of these activities are found on glycoprotein molecules with a molecular weight of about 70 Kd. To demonstrate that these two activities are in fact on different proteins, we have shown that binding to normal red cells of antibody to DAF does not inhibit the subsequent binding of monoclonal antibody to AChE nor AChE activity. Inhibition of DAF activity by polyclonal antibody increases the susceptibility of normal erythrocytes to lysis by complement but inhibition of AChE activity by antibody does not. The rate of decay of the C3 convertase complex of the classical pathway of complement activation was inhibited by DAF added in the fluid phase but not by AChE. When DAF was exhaustively immunoprecipitated from a solution of the erythrocyte membrane proteins, AChE remained and vice versa. These studies indicate that acetylcholinesterase and decay- accelerating factor are two different proteins, both of which are lacking on PNH II and PNH III erythrocytes.
Queer space and alternate queer geographies: LBQ women and the search for sexual partners at two LGBTQ-friendly U.S. universities.

The postgay era – marked by decreased stigmatization of non-heterosexual identities and increasing assimilation of gays and lesbians into the heterosexual mainstream – may be indicative of a broade...
Extra-axial Cerebrospinal Fluid Relationships to Infant Brain Structure, Cognitive Development, and Risk for Schizophrenia

Background Increased volume of extra-axial cerebrospinal fluid (EA-CSF) is associated with autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in young children. However, little is known about EA-CSF development in typically developing (TD) children or in children at risk for schizophrenia (SCZHR). Methods 3T magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained in TD children (n = 105) and in SCZHR children (n = 38) at 1 and 2 years of age. EA-CSF volume and several measures of brain structure were generated, including global tissue volumes, cortical thickness, and surface area. Cognitive and motor abilities at 1 and 2 years of age were assessed using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning. Results In the TD children, EA-CSF volume was positively associated with total brain volume, gray and white matter volumes, and total surface area at 1 and 2 years of age. In contrast, EA-CSF volume was negatively associated with average cortical thickness. Lower motor ability was associated with increased EA-CSF volume at 1 year of age. EA-CSF was not significantly increased in SCZHR children compared with TD children. Conclusions EA-CSF volume is positively associated with overall brain size and cortical surface area but negatively associated with cortical thickness. Increased EA-CSF is associated with delayed motor development at 1 year of age, similar to studies of children at risk for autism, suggesting that increased EA-CSF may be an early biomarker of abnormal brain development in infancy. Infants in the SCZHR group did not exhibit significantly increased EA-CSF, suggesting that increased EA-CSF could be specific to neurodevelopmental disorders with an earlier onset, such as autism.
Structure of the Native Muscle-type Nicotinic Receptor and Inhibition by Snake Venom Toxins

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel, converts the free energy of binding of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into opening of its central pore. Here we present the first high-resolution structure of the receptor type found in muscle-endplate membrane and in the muscle-derived electric tissues of fish. The native receptor was purified from Torpedo electric tissue and functionally reconstituted in lipids optimal for cryo-electron microscopy. The receptor was stabilized in a closed state by the binding of α-bungarotoxin. The structure reveals the binding of a toxin molecule at each of two subunit interfaces in a manner that would block the binding of acetylcholine. It also reveals a closed gate in the ion-conducting pore, formed by hydrophobic amino acid side chains, located ∼60 A from the toxin binding sites. The structure provides a framework for understanding gating in ligand-gated channels and how mutations in the acetylcholine receptor cause congenital myasthenic syndromes.
Women's sexual experiences as a side effect of contraception in low- and middle-income countries: evidence from a systematic scoping review.

Contraception is essential to preventing unintended pregnancy. While contraceptive use has increased significantly over the past decade, discontinuation and gaps in use remain common. Although wome...
Comparison of Dual-Offset Gregorian Antennas with Varying Subreflector Angles

This paper presents analysis of dual-offset Gregorian antennas with varying subreflector angles. Compatible feed designs are shown. Simulated antenna patterns, aperture efficiency and off-axis performance are compared.
Decontamination of Livestock

This chapter focuses upon the sources of chemicals and toxins that commonly cause violative residues in livestock, and recommended procedures for decontamination of exposed animals. Suggestions are presented for the prevention of such residues through feeding and management techniques. Case histories of two actual incidents of livestock contamination are presented, together with the methods employed for decontamination of the herds. Chronic exposures may be more difficult to diagnose than acute ones. Appropriate samplings of blood, urine and feces, and biopsies of fat and other tissues may be indicated. Animals that have been contaminated by lipid soluble compounds, such as chlorinated pesticides and some industrial chemicals, may have violative residues in their body fat. Decontamination of the animal can be accelerated by promoting the loss of body fat through limited feeding, or increased butterfat production in milk, depending upon the management circumstances.
Dopamine receptor D3 agonist (Pramipexole) reduces morphine-induced cardiac fibrosis.

Morphine is routinely used for pain management in heart failure patients. However, extended morphine exposure associates with major adverse cardiovascular events. Reports link the dopamine receptor D2-family with morphine-induced nociception modulation. This study first assessed whether morphine induces cardiac remodeling in healthy mice, then whether DRD3 agonist (DRD3ag, D2-family member) adjunct therapy prevents morphine-induced cardiac remodeling. Mice received morphine (2 mg/kg/day i. p.) for 7 days (D7) and were either euthanized at D7 or kept 7 more days without morphine (i.e. withdrawal period, D8-D14): G1, morphine; G2, morphine/DRD3ag; G3, morphine + withdrawal; G4, morphine/DRD3ag + withdrawal; G5, morphine + withdrawal/DRD3ag. A separate cohort of animals were used as naive tissues. We evaluated functional and molecular parameters of cardiac remodeling. Although we did not observe significant differences in systolic function, morphine induced both interstitial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Interestingly, DRD3ag abolished these effects. Compared to naive tissues, collagen 1 increased after withdrawal in G3 and G4 and collagen 3 increased in G1-G4 but at higher levels in G1 and G2. Only G5 did not show collagen differences compared to naive, suggesting DRD3ag treatment during withdrawal may be beneficial and prevent morphine-induced fibrosis. Smad2/3 phosphorylation increased during withdrawal, indicating a likely upstream pathway for the observed morphine-induced fibrosis. Overall, our data suggest that DRD3ag adjunct therapy decreases morphine-induced adverse cardiac remodeling.
Repair Systems and Inducible Defenses against Oxidant Stress

Thankfully we are not defenseless against oxygen radicals, and other activated oxygen species, to which we are constantly exposed. All aerobic organisms, including human beings, utilize a series of primary antioxidant defenses in an attempt to protect against oxidant damage, and numerous damage removal and repair enzymes to remove and/or repair molecules that do get damaged (Davies, 1986; Davies, 1993). This chapter will concentrate on damage removal/repair systems and on genes that are inducible during adaptation to oxidative stress.
Synthesis of ultrasound-compatible embryonic heart tube phantom using water-soluble 3D printed model for 3D ultrasound flow velocimetry

Recent advances in 3D printing allow the generation of tissue models that provide a unique in vitro platform to recapitulate and analyze complex cardiovascular anatomies, including the developing human heart. While it is challenging to quantify the 3D blood flow dynamics in the developing fetal heart, with spatial resolution on the order of a millimeter or less, printed tissue constructs allow such 3D measurements by reconstructing multiple 2D measurements under constant flow conditions. Such functional phantoms can offer critical insights into hemodynamics in healthy and diseased states, including complicated flow conditions in congenital heart defects during the early stage of prenatal development. In this study, ultrasound-compatible tissue-mimicking phantoms were fabricated using water-soluble 3D printed fetal human heart models, i.e., an embryonic heart tube at day 22 and a fetal left ventricle at week 33 after fertilization. An ultrasound-based 3D velocimetry method was used to measure the flow velocity magnitude and direction in these anatomically-accurate phantom models of the linear heart tube and the left ventricle.
Rage Against the Voting Machine: Dominion’s Defamation Lawsuit Against Sidney Powell

On January 8, 2021, Dominion Voting Systems, Inc., filed a defamation lawsuit against Sidney Powell. The 124-page complaint—drafted by the law firm of noted libel attorney Tom Clare—is the result of Powell’s claims that Dominion rigged the 2020 presidential election. This Article examines the relevant issues of false statement of fact, damages, causation, and actual malice. Additionally, a unique privilege that may be available to Powell is considered. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching ramifications. For example, the discovery process could uncover damning communications between Powell and either the Trump campaign or conservative media outlets. And this lawsuit could be the first of many. Dominion is considering similar legal action against others, including Donald Trump. Dominion has already sent document-retention letters to Rudy Giuliani and Fox News. The ramifications of such subsequent lawsuits could be even greater if they reach the Supreme Court and it takes the opportunity to revisit Sullivan, as recently advocated for by Justice Thomas.
Impact of age and cyclooxygenase inhibition on the hemodynamic response to acute cognitive challenges

Structural and functional changes in the cerebral vasculature occur with advancing age, which may lead to impaired neurovascular coupling (NVC) and cognitive decline. Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitio...
Report of The Hearing Officer: Multistate Tax Compact Article IV [UDITPA] Proposed Amendments

The Uniform Law Commission (ULC) promulgated its model Uniform Division of Income for Tax Purposes Act (UDITPA) in 1957. UDITPA provides a model law for dividing the income of a multistate corporation among the states in which it is doing business. UDITPA is incorporated into the Multistate Tax Compact, which is administered by the Multistate Tax Commission. UDITPA has never been amended since its original adoption more than fifty years ago. The ULC attempted a revision in 2006 but abandoned it in response to business pressures. The MTC stepped into the vacuum and undertook its own reforms. It proposed five major changes covering the definition of business and nonbusiness income and the sales factor, changes to factor weighting, and the sourcing of intangibles and services, and changes in the rules on equitable apportionment. The Hearing Officer (who is the author of this hearing report) held a public hearing and received extensive comments to the suggested changes, especially about market-based sourcing. This exhaustive and lengthy report provides a background to the amendments, a summary of the proposals’ substantive features, a review of the public testimony, and the Hearing Officer’s comments, criticisms, and recommendations, including in many cases, his proposals for redrafting UDITPA in ways that improve upon the MTC’s draft.
Our restive selves: a collaborative autoethnography on confronting complicity in neoliberal doctoral socialization

As institutions of higher education continue to evolve and adopt neoliberal ideologies, doctoral student socialization is increasingly shaped by logic and exacerbated for students of color. In this...
Assessing Glycemic Control Using CGM for Women with Diabetes in Pregnancy.

Diabetes during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal and fetal complications. This article reviews the types of CGM currently available, the glucose metrics which correlate with pregnancy outcomes, endocrine organization recommendations, clinical considerations for CGM implementation, and anticipated directions for future research. CGM use during pregnancy is increasing, and recommendations for use have been incorporated into many organizations’ consensus guidelines. Increased time spent within a target range of 63–140 mg/dL and lower mean glucose are associated with lower risk of neonatal complications including large for gestational age infants. Use of CGM during pregnancy can detect postprandial and nocturnal hyperglycemia missed by self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) which can be used for prognosis and to guide pharmacologic interventions. The use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during pregnancies complicated by type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes has been shown to improve outcomes.
The Olfactory Organ

The vertebrate CNS acquires the morphology observed in the adult animal by selective differentiation of groups of neurons, occurring at specific times during embryogenesis, and by subsequent establishment of specific neuronal connections.1–4
Structural and Mechanical Problems Involved in Pressure (Supercharged) Cabin Design

THIS paper is a summary of the principal features of the laboratory investigations carried out at Wright Field during 1935 and 1936, on pressure cabins, the results of which formed the basis of the specifications of the first practical sub-stratosphere airplane, the Air Corps Model (Lockheed) XC-35. While these investigations have sufficient historical interest to make their presentation worth while, their principal value, however, lies in the fact that they were of a fundamental nature, and regardless of the perfection of the art, the principal results will still be applicable to the design of pressure cabin airplanes. A preliminary investigation of the general problem of supercharging an airplane cabin showed that at least one satisfactory solution must be found for each of twenty-five sub-problems. The degree of success of any pressure cabin airplane will be determined by the sum of the satisfactory solutions of these twenty-five design problems. The Wright Field investigations were successful in that at least one practical answer was obtained for each of the sub-problems. Future developments will be in the refinements of these solutions. The specific problems are:
On the Development of Apoprotein and Lipid Levels throughout Childhood

Epidemiologic and genetic studies on the evolution of cardiovascular disease in man have repeatedly supported the importance of plasma cholesterol levels in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis (1–4). These studies also emphasize the importance of distinguishing the cholesterol content of the lipoprotein fractions very low density (VLDL), low density (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL). A close correlation between increased levels of LDL known to contain the major part of the transported cholesterol, and the risk of developing coronary atherosclerosis was found (2,5). HDL, on the other hand, appeared to be negatively correlated with the occurrence of coronary heart disease (6–9).
Probabilistic sleep architecture models in patients with and without sleep apnea

Sleep fragmentation of any cause is disruptive to the rejuvenating value of sleep. However, methods to quantify sleep architecture remain limited. We have previously shown that human sleep–wake stage distributions exhibit multi-exponential dynamics, which are fragmented by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), suggesting that Markov models may be a useful method to quantify architecture in health and disease. Sleep stage data were obtained from two subsets of the Sleep Heart Health Study database: control subjects with no medications, no OSA, no medical co-morbidities and no sleepiness (n = 374); and subjects with severe OSA (n = 338). Sleep architecture was simplified into three stages: wake after sleep onset (WASO); non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep; and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The connectivity and transition rates among eight ‘generator’ states of a first-order continuous-time Markov model were inferred from the observed (‘phenotypic’) distributions: three exponentials each of NREM sleep and WASO; and two exponentials of REM sleep. Ultradian REM cycling was accomplished by imposing time-variation to REM state entry rates. Fragmentation in subjects with severe OSA involved faster transition probabilities as well as additional state transition paths within the model. The Markov models exhibit two important features of human sleep architecture: multi-exponential stage dynamics (accounting for observed bout distributions); and probabilistic transitions (an inherent source of variability). In addition, the model quantifies the fragmentation associated with severe OSA. Markov sleep models may prove important for quantifying sleep disruption to provide objective metrics to correlate with endpoints ranging from sleepiness to cardiovascular morbidity.
Solid state electronic devices

For undergraduate electrical engineering students or for practicing engineers and scientists interested in updating their understanding of modern electronics One of the most widely used introductory books on semiconductor materials, physics, devices and technology, Solid State Electronic Devices aims to: 1) develop basic semiconductor physics concepts, so students can better understand current and future devices; and 2) provide a sound understanding of current semiconductor devices and technology, so that their applications to electronic and optoelectronic circuits and systems can be appreciated. Students are brought to a level of understanding that will enable them to read much of the current literature on new devices and applications. Teaching and Learning Experience This program will provide a better teaching and learning experience-for you and your students. It will help: *Provide a Sound Understanding of Current Semiconductor Devices: With this background, students will be able to see how their applications to electronic and optoelectronic circuits and systems are meaningful. *Incorporate the Basics of Semiconductor Materials and Conduction Processes in Solids: Most of the commonly used semiconductor terms and concepts are introduced and related to a broad range of devices. *Develop Basic Semiconductor Physics Concepts: With this background, students will be better able to understand current and future devices.
Effect of O3 on Hydraulic Architecture in Pima Cotton (Biomass Allocation and Water Transport Capacity of Roots and Shoots)

Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense L. cv S-6) exhibits foliar injury and yield reduction at ambient concentrations of O3. We tested the hypotheses that O3 reduces the allocation of biomass to the root system, and that this disrupted carbohydrate allocation impairs root hydraulic capacity relative to transpiring leaf area. Both hypotheses are supported, even though leaf area development is itself reduced by O3. Seedlings were grown in pots in greenhouse fumigation chambers and exposed from planting to sinusoidal O3 profiles with peak concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 [mu]L-1 (12-h averages of 0, 0.037, 0.074, and 0.111 [mu]L L-1). At 8 weeks after planting, stem basal diameter, leaf area, and total plant dry weight decreased by 61, 83, and 88%, whereas root/shoot dry weight ratio declined from 0.16 to 0.09 g/g. Hydraulic conductance decreased per plant by 85%, and per unit leaf area by 35%. Conductance of all organs declined per plant, but only root conductance declined per leaf area by 41%. Root resistance increased from 69 to 82% of whole plant resistance, a functional consequence of reduced carbon allocation to roots. Stomatal conductance declined with root hydraulic conductance, protecting short-term leaf water status. Reduced root hydraulic efficiency may mediate O3 injury to whole plants by reducing shoot gas exchange and biomass productivity through the inhibition of water and nutrient acquisition.
Free Will, Love, And Anger

I have argued we are not free in the sense required for moral responsibility, while at the same time a conception of life without this type of free will would not be devastating to morality or to our sense of meaning in life, and in certain respects it may even be beneficial ( cf. Pereboom 2001). In this article, I explore which sorts of emotional attitudes are consistent with a denial of the sort of free will required for moral responsibility, and whether they can sustain a meaningful life. In the process, I respond to Shaun Nichols's recent criticism of my position ( cf. Nichols 2007).
Too many vessels? Not enough? The wrong kind? The VEGF debate continues.

Although angiogenic factors provide hope for patients with ischemic diseases, a whirlwind of controversy surrounds their purported involvement in development of atherosclerosis (pages 425–429).
β-GLUCOSIDASE SYSTEM OF NEUROSPORA CRASSA I. β- Glucosidase and Cellulase Activities of Mutant and Wild-Type Strains

Eberhart, Bruce (University of North Carolina, Greensboro), David F. Cross, and Lewis R. Chase. β-Glucosidase system of Neuspora crassa. I. β-Glucosidase and cellulose activities of mutant and wild-type strains. J. Bacteriol. 87:761–770. 1964.—A mutant strain, gluc-1, of Neurospora crassa was isolated and characterized by its low level of β-glucosidase activity. The mutant was selected by testing irradiated colonies for extracellular β-glucosidase activity. Strains containing the gluc-1 gene were also visibly detected by their reduced ability to destroy esculin in their growth media. The mutant strain grew at wild-type rates with cellobiose or carboxymethylcellulose as carbon sources. This auxotrophic similarity with wild type is explained by the presence of at least two β-glucosidases (and possibly two cellulases) in Neurospora that act complementarily. The thermolabile β-glucosidase was destroyed after 1 min of incubation at 60 C. This enzyme was present in mycelia but absent in conidial extracts. A second β-glucosidase that is comparatively stable at 60 C was present in both mycelia and conidia. A partial separation of these enzymes was achieved with ammonium fractionation of mycelial extracts of gluc-1 and wild-type strains. Thermolabile β-glucosidase and cellulase activity appear not to be affected by the gluc-1 mutation, whereas the thermostable glucosidase is greatly reduced in gluc-1 strains.
Age-Specific Mortality and Fertility Rates for Probabilistic Population Projections

The UN released official probabilistic population projections (PPP) for all countries for the first time in July 2014. These were obtained by projecting the period total fertility rate (TFR) and life expectancy at birth (e0) using Bayesian hierarchical models, yielding a large set of future trajectories of TFR and e0 for all countries and future time periods to 2100, sampled from their joint predictive distribution. Each trajectory was then converted to age-specific mortality and fertility rates, and population was projected using the cohort-component method. This yielded a large set of trajectories of future age- and sex-specific population counts and vital rates for all countries. In this chapter we describe the methodology used for deriving the age-specific mortality and fertility rates in the 2014 PPP, we identify limitations of these methods, and we propose several methodological improvements to overcome them. The methods presented in this chapter are implemented in the publicly available bayesPop R package.
The actomyosin engine.

Two recent advances have extended our knowledge of the actomyosin interaction considerably. The first of these is the determination of the crystal structures of the actin monomer and of the myosin ...
Pu(IV) polymer formation

Nearest-neighbor coagulation is proposed as a mechanism for Pu(IV) polymer formation. The distribution of colloids generated by this process is intuitive and easy to understand.
Role of NF-κB Transcription Factors in Antiinflammatory and Proinflammatory Actions of Mechanical Signals

Objective The mechanisms by which chondrocytes convert biomechanical signals into intracellular biochemical events are not well understood. In this study, we sought to determine the intracellular mechanisms of the magnitude-dependent actions of mechanical signals. Methods Chondrocytes isolated from rabbit articular cartilage were grown on flexible membranes. Cells were subjected to cyclic tensile strain (CTS) of various magnitudes in the presence or absence of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), which was used as a proinflammatory signal for designated time intervals. The regulation of NF-κB was measured by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and immunofluorescence. Results CTS of low magnitudes (4–8% equibiaxial strain) was a potent inhibitor of IL-1β–dependent NF-κB nuclear translocation. Cytoplasmic retention of NF-κB and reduction of its synthesis led to sustained suppression of proinflammatory gene induction. In contrast, proinflammatory signals generated by CTS of high magnitudes (15–18% equibiaxial strain) mimicked the actions of IL-1β and induced rapid nuclear translocation of NF-κB subunits p65 and p50. Conclusion Magnitude-dependent signals of mechanical strain utilize the NF-κB transcription factors as common elements to abrogate or aggravate proinflammatory responses. Furthermore, the intracellular events induced by mechanical overload are similar to those that are initiated by proinflammatory cytokines in arthritis.
Multiscale Modeling and Solution Multiplicity in Catalytic Pellet Reactors

Transport and reaction phenomena in catalytic pellet reactors are often difficult to analyze because of coupling between heat and mass transport occurring at different space and time scales. To calculate the reactor concentrations and temperatures, it is necessary to account for the species reaction and transport occurring in the reactor bulk at the macroscopic level as well as the catalyst pellets at the microscopic level. The resulting approach yields a large system of nonlinear partial differential equations with multiple scales and solutions that are difficult to find numerically. In addition, the catalyst pellets may operate in multiple steady states for identical conditions. Conventional computational methods may entirely miss the multiplicity phenomenon at the catalyst pellet level and, as a result, may not correctly predict overall reactor yields. In this paper, we introduce two numerical techniques to address multiple scales and multiplicity in heterogeneous reaction models. The first method expa...
Efficient query processing on unstructured tetrahedral meshes

Modern scientific applications such as fluid dynamics and earthquake modeling heavily depend on massive volumes of data produced by computer simulations. Such applications require new data management capabilities in order to scale to terabyte-scale data volumes. The most common way to discretize the application domain is to decompose it into pyramids, forming an unstructured tetrahedral mesh. Modern simulations generate meshes of high resolution and precision, to be queried by a visualization or analysis tool. Tetrahedral meshes are extremely flexible and therefore vital to accurately model complex geometries, but also are difficult to index. To reduce query execution time, applications either use only subsets of the data or rely on different (less flexible) structures, thereby trading accuracy for speed.This paper presents efficient indexing techniques for common spatial (point and range) on tetrahedral meshes. Because the prevailing multidimensional indexing techniques attempt to approximate the tetrahedra using simpler shapes (primarily rectangles) the query performance deteriorates significantly as a function of the mesh's geometric complexity. We develop Directed Local Search (DLS), an efficient indexing algorithm based on mesh topology information that is practically insensitive to the geometric properties of meshes. We show how DLS can be easily and efficiently implemented within modern DBMS without requiring new exotic index structures and complex preprocessing. Finally, we present a new data layout approach for tetrahedral mesh datasets that provides better performance for scientific applications.compared to the traditional space filling curves. In our PostgreSQL implementation DLS reduces the number of disk page accesses by 26% to 4x, and improves the overall query execution time by 25% to 4.
Algorithms for modeling and processing spatial information in heterogeneous plasma discharges

Abstract Procedures are described for modeling and analyzing optical phenomena in bilaterally symmetric plasma discharges. Discharge shape, emission, absorption, background subtraction, and spatial instability are considered, and provision is made for imperfect imaging properties of the observation system. Algorithms are presented for interconverting lateral, laboratory information concerning a plasma discharge and radial, chemical information concerning the discharge. Various non-idealities and non-emissive processes may be modeled. The assumptions made are that the discharge is cylindrically symmetric and is viewed in a manner which preserves this symmetry; that the optical system non-ideality is limited to depth-of-field distortions, which can be corrected; and that emission and absorption take place in concentric but segregated regions of the discharge, with emission occurring closer to the discharge core. There are known limitations to this model, and any seemingly inconsistent results in experimental applications will indicate that processes not accounted for are active.
Cyanated perylene-3,4-dicarboximides and perylene-3,4:9,10-bis(dicarboximide): Facile chromophoric oxidants for organic photonics and electronics

Cyanated perylene-3,4-dicarboximides and perylene-3,4:9,10-bis(dicarboximide)s absorb strongly in the visible spectrum and are strong oxidants. The stable radical anions of these molecules form reversibly and are also chromophores. These molecules significantly expand the library of perylene derivatives that can be employed as charge generators and carriers in molecular photonics and electronics applications, such as n-type organic semiconductors.
Bis(1‐chloro­methyl­di­aza­bi­cyclo­[2.2.2]­octane‐κN4)­bis­(tri­fluoro­pentane‐2,4‐dionato)copper(II) bis­(tetra­fluoro­borate)

The title compound, (I), [Cu(trifacac)2(DabcoCH2Cl)](BF4)2 or [Cu(C5H4F3O2)2(C7H14ClN2)2](BF4)2 (Dabco is di­aza­bi­cyclo­[2.2.2]­octane and trifacac is tri­fluoro­acetyl­acetonate) was synthesized from the reaction of Selectfluor [Selectfluor is 1-(chloro­methyl)-4-fluoro-1,4-diazo­bi­cyclo­[2.2.2]­octane bis­(tetra­fluoro­borate)] and Cu(trifacac)2. The central Cu atom is octahedrally coordinated by two N(CH2CH2)3NCH2Cl+ and two trifacac ligands in a trans conformation. The Cu atom is located on a center of symmetry. The Cu—N and Cu—O distances are 2.5514 (19) and 1.9550 (15), 1.9592 (15) A.
Structure Of Lysozyme: An X-ray Investigation of Lysozyme Chloride Crystals containing Complex Ions of Niobium and Tantalum : Three-dimensional Fourier Plot obtained from Data extending to a Minimum Spacing of 5 Å

Structure Of Lysozyme: An X-ray Investigation of Lysozyme Chloride Crystals containing Complex Ions of Niobium and Tantalum : Three-dimensional Fourier Plot obtained from Data extending to a Minimum Spacing of 5 A
Studies on Phenolic Steroids in Human Subjects. XXI. Renal Metabolism, Conjugation and Excretion of Four Androgens: A Comparison with Estriol

The present study was conducted in order to ascertain whether the human kidney can conjugate androgens to an extent similar to that of estriol (E3). Differently labeled androgens (testosterone, DHT and androstenedione) were injected simultaneously into a peripheral vein and the renal artery. The excretion of the radioactivity in the early urine collections served as an index of the ability of the kidney to conjugate and/or metabolize the various steroids administered. It was shown that the human kidney can conjugate testosterone to some extent as the 17-glucuronide of DHT, but to a much lesser degree that E3. Androstenedione was not conjugated by the kidney and the excretion DHT was paradoxically lower following its renal artery administration than following its peripheral injection. We interpret the latter to indicate that some kidney cells may contain receptors with very high affinity for DHT, thus leading to the lower excretion observed. The administration of androstenediol (into the renal artery) and E3 (peripherally) indicated that the diol was not conjugated as readily as E3. The results point to the ability of the kidney to conjugate testosterone to some extent; however, in no case was it able to conjugate an androgen with the same facility as it does E3.
Amplification of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the detection of class-specific antibodies

A modification of the standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is described which circumvents the requirement for specifically purified antibodies from which antibody-enzyme complexes are made. The assay utilizes the principle of a soluble anti-alkaline phosphatase immune complex (AP-A-AP) and has been called the amplified ELISA. Methods for preparing and evidence for the specificity of rabbit anti-rat gamma-FC, IgM (mu) and IgA (alpha) are presented. These reagents are used to measure anti-DNP antibodies belonging to classes IgG, IgM and IgA in rat serum. Using antiglobulin and anti-enzyme reagents prepared in guinea pigs, anti-ovalbumin antibodies are measured in rabbit serum. Titration curves are similar when the amplified ELISA is compared to the standard ELISA. A change in slope suggesting an effect of saturation of antigen sites, occurs at the same input antibody concentration for both assays. Determination of the anti-DNP concentration of unknown sera by extrapopulation from titration graphs of a known serum suggests that the value is overestimated, i.e., amplified when the amplified ELISA is used. In addition, the amplified ELISA has an improved ability to detect low levels of antibody. Evidence is presented which illustrates how the use of optimally conjugated DNP-proteins, age of conjugates, and optimal dilutions of secondary antiglobulins and the AP-A-AP reduce non-specific binding in the amplified ELISA. The amplified ELISA is capable of detecting 2.4 ng of antibody to ovalbumin in a one: one million dilution of rabbit serum with high reproducibility and low background.
The Rev protein of visna virus is localized to the nucleus of infected cells.

Abstract Visna virus is a lentivirus of sheep that is distantly related to the human lentivirus HIV-1. Like other lentiviruses, the genome of visna virus contains multiple small open reading frames that encode viral regulatory proteins. The product of one of these regulatory genes is the visna virus Rev protein, Rev-V. In this report, immunoprecipitation of visna virus-infected cells using a specific anti-Rev-V antibody, generated to a synthetic, carboxyl-terminal peptide of Rev-V, brings down a 22.5-kDa protein identical in size to the protein expressed from a functional Rev-V cDNA clone. Examination of the phosphorylation state of Rev-V indicates that it, unlike the Rev proteins of HIV-1 and CAEV, is not efficiently phosphorylated in infected cells, Cell fractionation and immunofluorescence analysis indicate that, in contrast to a previous report, Rev-V is strongly localized to the nucleus and concentrated in nucleoli of visna virus-infected cells. In addition, Rev-V localizes similarly in several different primary cells, in particular macrophages, infected with visna virus. These data indicate that the Rev-V protein is produced during visna virus infection and is localized to the nucleolus of the infected cell.
Understanding the Biology of Bone Sarcoma from Early Initiating Events through Late Events in Metastasis and Disease Progression.

The two most common primary bone malignancies, osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, are both aggressive, highly metastatic cancers that most often strike teens, though both can be found in younger children and adults. Despite distinct origins and pathogenesis, both diseases share several mechanisms of progression and metastasis, including neovascularization, invasion, anoikis resistance, chemoresistance and evasion of the immune response. Some of these processes are well-studies in more common carcinoma models, and the observation from adult diseases may be readily applied to pediatric bone sarcomas. Neovascularization, which includes angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, is a clear example of a process that is likely to be similar between carcinomas and sarcomas, since the responding cells are the same in each case. Chemoresistance mechanisms also may be similar between other cancers and the bone sarcomas. Since osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are mesenchymal in origin, the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation is largely absent in bone sarcomas, necessitating different approaches to study progression and metastasis in these diseases. One process that is less well-studied in bone sarcomas is dormancy, which allows micrometastatic disease to remain viable but not growing in distant sites – typically the lungs – for months or years before renewing growth to become overt metastatic disease. By understanding the basic biology of these processes, novel therapeutic strategies may be developed that could improve survival in children with osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma.
p202 self-associates through a sequence conserved among the members of the 200-family proteins.

Murine p202 is an interferon-inducible primarily nuclear phosphoprotein (52 kDa) whose expression in transfected cells inhibits colony formation. p202-binding proteins include the pocket proteins (pRb, p107 and p130), a p53-binding protein (sm53BP1), and transcription factors (e.g. NF-kappaB (p50 and p65), AP-1 (c-Fos and c-Jun), E2F-1, E2F-4, MyoD, and myogenin). p202 modulates the transcriptional activity of these factors in transfected cells. Here we demonstrate that p202 self-associates directly and a sequence in p202, which is conserved among the members of the 200-family proteins, was sufficient for self-association in vitro. Our observations reported herein raise the possibility that self-association of p202 may provide a mechanism for the regulation of its activity.