cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid derivatization of mesoporous thin-film materials based on Re(I) zinc-porphyrin ‘molecular squares’: selective modification of mesopore size and shape by binding of aromatic nitrogen donor ligands

Abstract Molecular materials based on thin films of the zinc-containing tetraporphyrinic square assembly, 1, can be rapidly and, in many cases, completely functionalized by exposure to aqueous or alkane solutions of good N-donor ligands such as pyridine and imidazole. Modification can also be achieved via direct vapor-phase exposure of films to volatile ligands. In both experiments modification is a consequence of simple Zn(II) coordination chemistry and is facilitated by the exceptional mesoporosity of the parent material. Vapor-phase quartz crystal microbalance experiments indicated an average ligand/component square binding stoichiometry of 2.5, in fair agreement with the stoichiometry of 4 implied by absorbance measurements and expected from the number of Zn(II) sites per assembly. Systematic studies with 9 of the more than 40 total ligands examined, show that ligand binding strength is controlled by both ligand basicity (σ electron donating ability) and ligand solvophobic phenomena. In several instances the film modification chemistry was found to be reasonably persistant; in a few instances the modification was demonstrably permanent. For modified mesoporous films in contact with liquid environment, kinetic stability could be qualitatively correlated with thermodynamic stability, as indicated by binding constants. Kinetic stability under these conditions, therefore, is a function of both ligand–N/Zn(II) bond strength and ligand solvophobic character. For films in contact with an inert atmosphere (air), kinetic stability could be correlated successfully with simply the ligand–N/Zn(II) bond strength (as inferred from the ligand pKa). The combined results support the notion that mesopore derivatization—leading to systematic alteration of component cavity size, shape, and chemical affinity—can be usefully achieved via axial ligation of metalloporphyrins. We suggest that the ready availability of an extended array of derivatized thin film materials could be useful in membrane-based transport applications, catalyst applications, and/or chemical sensing applications.
Recent Advances in Blueberry Transformation

Although Vaccinium cultivars have been generated exclusively through the traditional methods of controlled hybridization and deliberate selection, genetic transformation could provide a powerful ap...
Thermomechanical simulations for microbeam reduction lithography

A novel ion projection lithography (IPL) technique called Maskless Micro-ion-beam Reduction Lithography (MMRL) is currently being developed at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. This system completely eliminates the first stage of the conventional IPL system that contains the complicated beam optics design in front of the stencil mask. The MMRL system employs an RF-driven multicusp source, a universal pattern generator in place of the conventional stencil mask, and an accelerator column for beam reduction and scanning. The pattern generator is much thicker (40 micrometer) than conventional stencil masks and therefore can provide considerable mechanical stability. Positive hydrogen or helium ions generated in the multicusp source will impinge on the pattern generator with energy on the order of 40 eV and produce minimal heat load and sputtering effects. Ultra-low thermomechanical distortions are predicted by the finite element heat transfer simulations. Additional distortion minimization has also been demonstrated by optimizing the membrane geometry with respect to the pattern area. Descriptions of the MMRL ion-beam source and results for each modeling activity are presented.
Path integral Monte Carlo on a lattice: extended states.

The equilibrium properties of a single quantum particle (qp) interacting with a classical gas for a wide range of temperatures that explore the system's behavior in the classical as well as in the quantum regime is investigated. Both the qp and atoms are restricted to the sites of a one-dimensional lattice. A path integral formalism is developed within the context of the canonical ensemble in which the qp is represented by a closed, variable-step random walk on the lattice. Monte Carlo methods are employed to determine the system's properties. For the case of a free particle, analytical expressions for the energy, its fluctuations, and the qp-qp correlation function are derived and compared with the Monte Carlo simulations. To test the usefulness of the path integral formalism, the Metropolis algorithm is employed to determine the equilibrium properties of the qp for a periodic interaction potential, forcing the qp to occupy extended states. We consider a striped potential in one dimension, where every other lattice site is occupied by an atom with potential e, and every other lattice site is empty. This potential serves as a stress test for the path integral formalism because of its rapid site-to-site variation. An analytical solution was determined in this case by utilizing Bloch's theorem due to the periodicity of the potential. Comparisons of the potential energy, the total energy, the energy fluctuations, and the correlation function are made between the results of the Monte Carlo simulations and the analytical calculations.
Early Expression of GABA-containing Neurons in the Prefrontal and Visual Cortices of Rhesus Monkeys

Light and electron microscopic immunohistochemistry was used to examine the time of emergence and distribution of GABA-containing cells in an association (prefrontal) and primary sensory (visual) region of the telencephalon at progressive fetal and postnatal stages of cortical maturation in the rhesus monkey. Thirty fetuses and six postnatal monkeys were examined beginning at embryonic day 41 (E41), the start of cortical neurogenesis, to birth (E165) and proceeding to maturity (greater than 5 years of age). The emergence and major developmental modifications in the distribution of immunoreactive neurons in both areas examined were nearly identical. GABA-immunolabeled neurons were present throughout the full thickness of the cerebral wall, including the cortical plate and the developmentally transient marginal, subplate, and ventricular zones, as early as E41. An important and surprising result was that a subset of bipolar migrating neurons in the subplate zone also contained GABA at these early stages. GABA-containing neurons in the ventricular and subventricular zones disappeared after E100, when neurogenesis is completed. In contrast, the number of immunoreactive multipolar and bipolar neurons within the subplate zone diminished between E100 and E131. By the first postnatal week, the distribution and density of GABA-containing neurons in the cortex appeared qualitatively similar to that observed in mature monkeys. The early appearance of GABA in cortical neurons and its expression by a population of migrating neurons suggest that a subset of cortical neurons may be committed to a transmitter phenotype independent of synaptic interactions and prior to attaining their adult positions in the maturing cerebral cortex.
CO (J = 4 → 3) and 650 Micron Continuum Observations of the z = 0.93 Hyperluminous Infrared Galaxy FSC 15307+3252

We report the results of our CO J = 4 ? 3 line and rest-frame 650 ?m continuum observations of the z = 0.93 hyperluminous infrared galaxy FSC 15307+3252 using the Owens Valley Millimeter Array. No line or continuum emission was detected, but the derived limits provide a useful constraint on the temperature, emissivity, and mass of the cold dust associated with FSC 15307+3252 and its molecular gas content. The 3 ? upper limit on the velocity-integrated CO (4-3) line flux is 1.6 Jy km s-1 (for ?V = 300 km s-1). This corresponds to a surprisingly small total molecular gas mass limit of 5 ? 109 h-2 M? for this galaxy with infrared luminosity LFIR > 1013 L?. Combined with existing photometry data, our 3 ? upper limit of 5.1 mJy for the 239 GHz (650 ?m rest wavelength) continuum flux yields a total dust mass of 0.4-1.5 times 108 M?. The CO luminosity (thus molecular gas content) and the resulting gas-to-dust ratio are lower than the values typical for the more gas-rich infrared galaxies, but they are within the observed ranges. On the other hand, FSC 15307+3252 has a dust content and infrared luminosity 40 and 200 times larger than the infrared bright elliptical-like galaxies NGC 1275 and Cygnus A. The far-infrared (FIR) luminosity to dust mass ratios, LFIR/Mdust, for all three galaxies hosting a powerful active galactic nucleus (FSC 10214+4724, FSC 15307+3252, and Cygnus A) are larger than reasonably expected for a galaxy dominated by a starburst and 4 times larger than Arp 220. Therefore the bulk of the observed FIR luminosity in these galaxies is likely powered by their luminous active nuclei.
Effective high-capacity gutless adenoviral vectors mediate transgene expression in human glioma cells.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common subtype of primary malignant brain tumor. Although serotype 5 adenoviral vectors (Ads) have been used successfully in clinical trials for GBM, the capacity of Ads to infect human glioma cells and the expression of adenoviral receptors in GBM cells have been challenged. In this report, we studied the expression of three molecules that have been shown to mediate adenoviral entry into cells, i.e., coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR), integrin αvβ3 (INT), and major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI), in rodent glioma cell lines and low-passage primary cultures and cell lines from human GBM. We correlated levels of expression of CAR, INT, and MHCI with transduction efficiency elicited by several high-capacity helper-dependent adenoviral vectors (HC-Ads). Expression levels of adenoviral receptors were variable among the different GBM cells studied. HC-Ad-mediated therapeutic gene expression was efficient, ranging between 20 and 80% of the total target cells expressing the encoded transgenes. Our results show no correlation between the levels of CAR, INT, or MHCI molecules and the levels of transgene expression or the number of GBM cells transduced. We conclude that expression levels of adenoviral receptors do not predict their transduction efficiency or biological function.
Precise simultaneous determination of zirconium and hafnium in silicate rocks, meteorites and lunar samples

A precise, sensitive and rapid analytical technique has been developed for the simultaneous determination of Zr and Hf in natural silicate matrices. The technique is based on radiochemical neutron activation analysis and employs a rapid fusion dissolution of the sample and simultaneous precipitation of the Zr−Hf pair with p-hydroxybenzene arsonic acid in an acidic medium. The indicator radionuclides,95Zr and181Hf, are counted with a pair of high resolution Ge(Li) detectors and the95Zr activity is corrected for the contribution from U fission. The chemical yields of the radiochemical separation are based on Hf carrier, which quantitatively carries both Zr and Hf. The yield is determined by reactivation of the processed samples and standards with a252Cf isotopic neutron source and by counting the 18.6 sec half-life179mHf. The sensitivity, precision and accuracy of the procedure are demonstrated by replicate analyses of several standard rocks, meteorites and lunar samples which exhibit a wide range of Zr and Hf abundances.
Splittings of Abelian groups by integers

Throughou t this pape r M will deno te a finite set of non-ze ro integers and G a finite Abe l i an group, wri t ten addit ively. Fo r m e M, g e G, mg denotes g + • • • + g, m t imes if m is posi t ive, and t m l g if m is negat ive, W e shall say that M s p l i t s G if there is a set S ~_ G such that each non-zero e lement in G can be expressed uniquely in the form m s where m e M and s e S and 0 is not of the form ms. M is a mul t ip l i e r set and S a spl i t t ing set. Spli t t ings of groups arise in a geometr ic context which we descr ibe briefly. Let k be a posi t ive integer and let M = {+1, ± 2 . . . . . ±k}. A s s u m e that M splits a group G of o rde r 2 k n + 1 with spli t t ing set S = {sl . . . . . s,}. Then it is poss ible to tile Eucl idean n -space with t ranslates of the cross fo rmed by a t taching an arm of length k on to each of the 2n faces of the unit cube. (The crosses consist of 2 k n + 1 unit cubes.) In fact the tiling consists of those crosses whose centers a re at the integer points (xl . . . . . x~) such that x l s l + • • • + x , sn = 0 in G. (See [3] or [7] for details.) In this pape r we shall cont inue the examina t ion of spl i t t ings begun in [8], [3], and [4], explor ing the exis tence or nonexis tence of spli t t ings for cer tain types of mul t ip l ie r sets M and groups G.
Cryptosporidium-Malnutrition Interactions: Mucosal Disruption, Cytokines, and TLR Signaling In A Weaned Murine Model

Abstract Cryptosporidiosis is a leading cause of persistent diarrhea in children in impoverished and developing countries and has both a short- and long-term impact on the growth and development of affected children. An animal model of cryptosporidial infection that mirrors closely the complex interaction between nutritional status and infection in children, particularly in vulnerable settings such as post-weaning and malnourishment, is needed to permit exploration of the pathogenic mechanisms involved. Weaned C57BL/6 mice received a protein-deficient (2%) diet for 3–12 days, then were infected with 5 × 107 excysted C. parvum oocyts, and followed for rate of growth, parasite stool shedding, and intestinal invasion/morphometry. Mice had about 20% reduction in weight gain over 12 days of malnutrition and an additional 20% weight loss after C. parvum challenge. Further, a significantly higher fecal C. parvum shedding was detected in malnourished infected mice compared to the nourished infected mice. Also, hi...
Design of prismatic cube modules for convex corner traversal in 3D

The prismatic cube style of modular robot is a promising design for realizing self-reconfigurable 3D lattices. Cubic lattices with prismatic transitions simplify many aspects of the hardware and planning control needed for reconfiguration. Despite much research on how cubic modules can coordinate to reconfigure, until now these transitions have not been fully demonstrated in hardware.We describe our movement primitives for both orthogonal and convex corner transitions with prismatic cube modules. We discuss the design of a hardware module capable of performing these transitions, as well as assess the performance of this hardware in an initial demonstration of these transitions.
Experimental optimization of an anisotropic etching process for random texturization of silicon solar cells

A multifactor experimental investigation of silicon surface texturing was conducted using aqueous potassium-hydroxide (KOH) solutions with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) added as a complexing agent. Czochralski, magnetic-Czochralski, and float-zone silicon wafers of different resistivities with both polished and lapped surfaces were included in the experiment. Process variables considered were solution temperature, time in solution, degree of mechanical mixing, KOH concentration, and IPA concentration. Using hemispherical reflectance as the primary gauge of success, process variables that resulted in an effective surface texture with reflectance less than 12% prior to antireflection coating were identified. Of particular interest was a low-temperature (70 degrees C) process with less than 2% concentration of both KOH and IPA and wide process variable tolerances. >
Modeling of Cathodoluminescence and Photoluminescence Properties of Pulsed Laser-Deposited Europium-Activated Yttrium Oxide Thin Film Phosphors

Europium-activated yttrium oxide (Eu:Y2O3) thin films were deposited on (100) silicon and (0001) sapphire substrates using 248 nm KrF pulsed laser. To investigate the effect of the Eu:Y2O3 film roughness on cathodoluminescence (CL) and photoluminescence (PL) properties, the substrate surfaces with various roughnesses were used. The roughness was found to play an important role in determining CL and PL brightness of the Eu:Y2O3 films. The improvement in brightness by increasing the film roughness is due to increase in total portion of light that escapes from the surface of the phosphor film. A model has been proposed which supports strongly this explanation. Our results show that depositions with slower growth rate and lower laser energy are more important parameters than increasing the roughness to improve CL brightness of the Eu:Y2O3 thin film phosphors.
Estimating the total number of protein folds.

Many seemingly unrelated protein families share common folds. Theoretical models based on structure designability have suggested that a few folds should be very common while many others have low probability. In agreement with the predictions of these models, we show that the distri- bution of observed protein families over different folds can be modeled with a highly-stretched expo- nential. Our results suggest that there are approxi- mately 4,000 possible folds, some so unlikely that only approximately 2,000 folds existing among naturally- occurring proteins. Due to the large number of ex- tremely rare folds, constructing a comprehensive data- base of all existent folds would be difficult. Constructing a database of the most-likely folds representing the vast majority of protein families would be considerably easier. Proteins 1999;35:408-414. r 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
ZEN-4/MKLP1 Is Required to Polarize the Foregut Epithelium

Abstract Background: Epithelial tubes are a key component of organs and are generated from cells with distinct apico-basolateral polarity. Here, we describe a novel function during tubulogenesis for ZEN-4, the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of mitotic kinesin-like protein 1 (MKLP1), and CYK-4, which contains a RhoGAP (GTPase-activating protein) domain. Previous studies revealed that these proteins comprise centralspindlin (a complex that functions during mitosis to bundle microtubules), construct the spindle midzone, and complete cytokinesis. Results: Our analyses demonstrate that ZEN-4/MKLP1 functions postmitotically to establish the foregut epithelium. Mutants that lack ZEN-4/MKLP1 express polarity markers but fail to target these proteins appropriately to the cell cortex. Affected proteins include PAR-3/Bazooka and PKC-3/atypical protein kinase C at the apical membrane domain, and HMR-1/cadherin and AJM-1 within C. elegans apical junctions (CeAJ). Microtubules and actin are disorganized in zen-4 mutants compared to the wild-type. Conclusion: We suggest that ZEN-4/MKLP1 and CYK-4/RhoGAP regulate an early step in epithelial polarization that is required to establish the apical domain and CeAJ.
Down-regulated in adenoma Cl/HCO3 exchanger couples with Na/H exchanger 3 for NaCl absorption in murine small intestine.

Background & Aims Electroneutral NaCl absorption across small intestine contributes importantly to systemic fluid balance. Disturbances in this process occur in both obstructive and diarrheal diseases, eg, cystic fibrosis, secretory diarrhea. NaCl absorption involves coupling of Cl − /HCO 3 − exchanger(s) primarily with Na + /H + exchanger 3 (Nhe3) at the apical membrane of intestinal epithelia. Identity of the coupling Cl − /HCO 3 − exchanger(s) was investigated using mice with gene-targeted knockout (KO) of Cl − /HCO 3 − exchangers: Slc26a3, down-regulated in adenoma (Dra) or Slc26a6, putative anion transporter-1 (Pat-1). Methods Intracellular pH (pH i ) of intact jejunal villous epithelium was measured by ratiometric microfluoroscopy. Ussing chambers were used to measure transepithelial 22 Na 36 Cl flux across murine jejunum, a site of electroneutral NaCl absorption. Expression was estimated using immunofluorescence and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Basal pH i of DraKO epithelium, but not Pat-1KO epithelium, was alkaline, whereas pH i in the Nhe3KO was acidic relative to wild-type. Altered pH i was associated with robust Na + /H + and Cl − /HCO 3 − exchange activity in the DraKO and Nhe3KO villous epithelium, respectively. Contrary to genetic ablation, pharmacologic inhibition of Nhe3 in wild-type did not alter pH i but coordinately inhibited Dra. Flux studies revealed that Cl − absorption was essentially abolished (>80%) in the DraKO and little changed ( + absorption was unaffected. Immunofluorescence demonstrated modest Dra expression in the jejunum relative to large intestine. Functional and expression studies did not indicate compensatory changes in relevant transporters. Conclusions These studies provide functional evidence that Dra is the major Cl − /HCO 3 − exchanger coupled with Nhe3 for electroneutral NaCl absorption across mammalian small intestine.
Effects of Teacher Self-Monitoring on Implementation of Curriculum-Based Measurement and Mathematics Computation Achievement of Students with Disabilities:

This study examined the effects of combining curriculum-based measurement in mathematics computation with teachers' self-monitoring of instructional changes on academic progress of elementary students with learning disabilities and mild mental disabilities. Participating teachers were assigned to a control group that did not use curriculum-based measurement, a curriculum-based measurement-only group, or a curriculum-based measurement with self-monitoring group. In the curriculum-based measurement group, teachers assessed their students' progress by administering, graphing, and analyzing short, biweekly probes. Teachers in the curriculum-based measurement with self-monitoring group also used this monitoring system; in addition, they used a self-monitoring procedure that was structured to guide them in analyzing student progress and the instructional plan they had been using with an individual student. Results indicated that teachers who self-monitored their use of curriculum-based measurement revised their...
Multivariate analyses of the profile stability of intelligence tests: high for IQs, low to very low for subtest analyses

Abstract Profile stability involves the consistency of a set of scores over time. That is, does a profile of scores change on retesting and does this change affect clinical decisions? While psychologists routinely examine the reliability of individual scores, little research has examined the stability of a profile or set of scores. The first study described in this paper examined potential measures of profile stability using a simulation computer program. The results suggest that several measures show promise in this context, particularly Cattell’s coefficient of pattern similarity ( r p ), salient variable similarity index ( S ), and the D 2 coefficient. In the second study, selected measures of profile stability were applied to Wechsler test–retest data. The results suggest that profiles composed of IQ and index scores demonstrate acceptable stability and can be usefully interpreted in clinical and research situations. However, subtest score profiles are inherently less stable and provide little useful clinical information.
Multinomial logit models comparing consumers' and producers' risk perception of specialty meat

There is a dichotomy of risk perception between consumers and processors of specialty meats. Studies show that consumers continue to resist these meats and perceive them as somewhat unsafe while processors perceive them to be safe. This study uses survey data from 401 consumers and 22 bison processors to evaluate the determinants of food safety risk perception gaps. Results indicate that significant food safety risk perception gaps exist between consumers and producers of bison meat. Outrage, among other factors, accounts for consumer risk perception while the number of years in business is a major determinant of producer risk perception. Consumers' food safety risk perception affects the frequency of consumption of bison meat. This creates difficulties in formulating marketing strategies and policy initiatives aimed at moving specialty meats beyond niche markets. [EconLit citations: Q180, D190, C140.] © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Agribusiness 21: 375–390, 2005.
The defeat of heartbreak: problems and solutions for Stump's view of the problem of evil concerning desires of the heart

Eleonore Stump insightfully develops Aquinas's theodicy to account for a significant source of human suffering, namely the undermining of desires of the heart. Stump argues that what justifies God in allowing such suffering is benefits made available to the sufferer through her suffering that can defeat the suffering by contributing to the fulfilment of her heart's desires. We summarize Stump's arguments for why such suffering requires defeat and how it is defeated. We identify three problems with Stump's account of how such suffering is defeated and offer solutions to each. We defend and strengthen Stump's response to the hardest cases for her view, and explain what her view demands of God.
Pancreatic stellate cell activation and MMP production in experimental pancreatic fibrosis

Abstract Background. The early events in pancreatic fibrosis are poorly understood. We examined the production of collagen and matrix metalloproteinases as well as the activation of pancreatic stellate cells in a rodent model of pancreatic fibrosis. Materials and methods. Pancreatitis was induced in rats by hyperstimulation with cerulein (50 μg/kg/day ip) and concurrent pancreatic duct obstruction (SHOP model) for 96 h (n = 48). Sham animals were injected with saline and underwent laparotomy and manipulation of the pancreas with no duct obstruction (n = 28). Rats were sacrificed daily for 18 days. Serial pancreatic sections were stained with H&E [histology], trichrome [collagen], and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) antibodies [activated stellate cells]. Total pancreatic matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and 9 were determined by gelatin zymography. MMP-1 production was examined using Western blotting. Results. There were occasional α-SMA-positive cells in the pancreatic parenchyma of normal and sham animals. Within 48 h of pancreatitis induction in SHOP animals, histologic evidence of pancreatic inflammation was present, and stellate cells (α-SMA-positive cells) appeared surrounding pancreatic acini. The appearance of these cells was followed by collagen deposition in the same area. MMP-1 and 2 proteins increased significantly during pancreatitis while MMP-9 did not. The pancreatic architecture returned to normal by 18 days after the induction of pancreatitis. Conclusion. Acute pancreatic inflammation results in stellate cell activation and collagen deposition in the same area. Collagen is then resorbed at a time when MMP-1 and 2 peak. The fibrosis of acute pancreatic inflammation in this model completely resolves with restoration of normal architecture.
Lessons learned from the front lines of the aerospace industry - balancing complexity and risk

The demand for C4I services to support interagency coordination and cooperation is growing at all levels of government. In meeting this growing need, we face challenges in interoperability, complexity, unity of effort, and affordability. To compound the effort, our operating environment is characterized by significant annual growth in information, communications, and computing capabilities. The challenge of providing the right balance of C4I services to a complex set of customers is immense and potentially very costly. System engineers and system architects must play a fundamental role in: (1) understanding and reducing the complexity of systems operation with the end user in mind, (2) enabling the integration of multiple, complex systems to maximize interoperability, (3) identifying risks and developing sound mitigation plans for systems integration, (4) identifying risks and developing sound mitigation plans for new systems development, (5) conducting analysis for service solutions that may not involve system development.
K.I.S. or M.I.S.

Once in a while I have to nag! And I'm not alone. Consider Oxford University professor Richard Dawkins: “Obscur-antism in a … subject expands to fill the vacuum of its intrinsic simplicity.” Or, comedian George Carlin (Napalm and Silly Putty, 2002): “People add extra words when they want things to sound more important than they really are.” Finally, writing guru William Zinsser (adapted from On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction, 25th anniversary edition, 2001)
Pulse sense: a method to detect a busy medium in pulse-based ultra wideband (UWB) networks

This paper proposes a new MAC scheme for pulse-based UWB ad hoc networks. The proposed scheme provides distributed medium access through pulse sense, which is similar to carrier sense in narrowband systems, and it is suitable for low power applications with light traffic. The key idea of the pulse sense mechanism is to examine spectral power components of the received signal, which avoids searching for narrow pulses in the time domain. Simulations show that the proposed pulse sense method achieves high probability of detection with low probability of false alarm. Further, the pulse sense circuit detects pulses in a short time, is moderate in hardware complexity, and is insensitive to timing jitter, interference, and varying channel conditions.
Is left bundle branch block related to the mechanism of left ventricular dyssynchrony

1714 Objectives Among patients who fulfill selection criteria for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), those with a left bundle branch block (LBBB) are thought to derive the greatest benefit. While CRT is presumed to induce favorable left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling by ameliorating left ventricular dyssynchrony (LVD), the relative contribution of LBBB to LVD remains unknown. Methods We identified 137 consecutive patients (106 men; mean age: 63+12) with an LV ejection fraction (LVEF) 2 standard deviations above the mean normal published values. Results The mean LVEF of the cohort was 27+6% and LBBB was present in 59 patients (43%). LVD was present in 123 patients (90%). There were no difference in prevalence of LVD (93% vs. 87%, p=0.23), though it was more severe among those with LBBB when compared to those without (PSD: 45+17 vs. 37+18, p=0.009; HBW: 143+64 vs. 120+74, p=0.05). Infarct size, as assessed by the summed rest score (SRS), LVEF and female gender were the only significant predictor of LVD in a multivariable logistic regression analysis (table). LBBB and QRS duration did not predict LVD Conclusions Among patients with severe LV systolic dysfunction, the presence of LBBB is related to the severity of LVD but not the presence of LVD.
Overview of Material Fabrication

This chapter provides an overview of hardware and previous algorithms for material fabrication. Basic considerations in deciding on a fabrication scheme are discussed, and the mechanisms of each hardware solution are then described, including common practices and practical constraints of using these devices. After this introduction, various techniques for fabricating different appearance effects, such as diffuse shading, surface reflectance, subsurface scattering, and deformations, are reviewed.
Red cells from glutathione peroxidase-1-deficient mice have nearly normal defenses against exogenous peroxides

The role of glutathione peroxidase in red cell anti-oxidant defense was examined using erythrocytes from mice with a genetically engineered disruption of the glutathione peroxidase-1 (GSHPx-1) gene. Because GSHPx-1 is the sole glutathione peroxidase in the erythrocyte, all red cell GSH peroxidase activity was eliminated. Oxidation of hemoglobin and membrane lipids, using the cis-parinaric acid assay, was determined during oxidant challenge from cumene hydroperoxide and H(2)O(2). No difference was detected between wild-type red cells and GSHPx-1-deficient cells, even at high H(2)O(2) exposures. Thus, GSHPx-1 appears to play little or no role in the defense of the erythrocyte against exposure to peroxide. Simultaneous exposure to an H(2)O(2) flux and the catalase inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole supported this conclusion. Hemoglobin oxidation occurred only when catalase was depleted. Circulating erythrocytes from the GSHPx-1-deficient mice exhibited a slight reduction in membrane thiols, indicating that high exposure to peroxides might occur naturally in the circulation. (Blood. 2000;96:1985-1988)
Junction capacitance and related characteristics using graded impurity semiconductors

The transition capacitance of a junction of semiconductors with constant impurity density is well-known and varies inversely with the square root of the bias voltage. This paper analyzes the variation of transition capacitance with bias voltage of a junction of semiconductors with graded impurity densities; i. e., densities which are an arbitrary function of position. It is found that the transition capacitance can be simply related to a depletion width and that, in turn, depletion width can be related to the bias voltage. An analysis is also carried out for the impurity grading to produce a specified transition capacitance variation, as for instance, a linear variation of capacitance with bias voltage. It is also possible to determine impurity gradings to satisfy certain special conditions. An example of this type that is considered in some detail is the determination of the impurity grading which will produce avalanche breakdown simultaneously throughout the semiconductor. An important result of the analysis is that the capacitance vs bias voltage relation can be favorably modified by suitable choice of impurity grading (see Fig. 7). The practical realization of the various characteristics considered in this article is contingent upon techniques for fabricating semiconductors with specified impurity gradings.
Water Oxidation Catalysis Beginning with Co4(H2O)2(PW9O34)210– When Driven by the Chemical Oxidant Ruthenium(III)tris(2,2′-bipyridine): Stoichiometry, Kinetic, and Mechanistic Studies en Route to Identifying the True Catalyst

Stoichiometry and kinetics are reported for catalytic water oxidation to O2 beginning with the cobalt polyoxometalate Co4(H2O)2(PW9O34)210– (Co4POM) and the chemical oxidant ruthenium(III)tris(2,2′-bipyridine) (Ru(III)(bpy)33+). This specific water oxidation system was first reported in a 2010 Science paper (Yin et al. Science 2010, 328, 342). Under standard conditions employed herein of 1.0 μM Co4POM, 500 μM Ru(III)(bpy)33+, 100 μM Ru(II)(bpy)32+, pH 7.2, and 0.03 M sodium phosphate buffer, the highest O2 yields of 22% observed herein are seen when Ru(II)(bpy)32+ is added prior to the Ru(III)(bpy)33+ oxidant; hence, those conditions are employed in the present study. Measurement of the initial O2 evolution and Ru(III)(bpy)33+ reduction rates while varying the initial pH, [Ru(III)(bpy)33+], [Ru(II)(bpy)32+], and [Co4POM] indicate that the reaction follows the empirical rate law: −d[Ru(III)(bpy)33+]/dt = (k1 + k2)[Co4POM]soluble[Ru(III)(bpy)33+]/[H+], where the rate constants k1 ∼ 0.0014 s–1 and k2 ∼ 0.004...
Computationally Aware Switching Criteria for Hybrid Model Predictive Control of Cyber-Physical Systems

This paper describes hybrid model predictive controllers that switch between two predictor functions based on the uncontrollable divergence metric. The uncontrollable divergence metric relates the computational capabilities of the model predictive controller, to the error of the system due to model mismatch of the predictor function during computation of the solution. The contribution of this paper is in its treatment of the model predictive controller to permit optimization to take multiple timesteps to occur, but still rely on the uncontrollable divergence metric. The results demonstrate the approach for control of a vertical takeoff-and-landing aerial vehicle.
The Folk Economy of Rural Mexico with Special Reference to Marketing

Editor's Note: This is an interesting article which has to do largely with marketing in a primitive society. The article has particularly important implications at this time because of the discussi...
Unusual presentation of chylothorax secondary to a giant abdominal mass

Chylothorax is an under recognized cause of pleural effusion, especially when not associated with trauma or malignancy or whenthe fluid is not milky in appearance. Without proper recognition, chylothorax can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.We present the case of a 77-year-old female with a large intra-abdominal cystic mass. A right pleural effusion was presenton a pre-operative computed tomography scan. After laparotomy and resection, the mass was identified as a benign ovariancystadenoma, and a small-bore chest tube was placed. The effusion was initially exudative, but transitioned to a transudate.Further workup revealed the presence of chylomicrons and a diagnosis of chylothorax was made. The patient had secondarycomplications including severe lower extremity lymphedema, right hemi-diaphragm elevation, and stenosis of the intrahepaticinferior vena cava. She also had cirrhosis, anasarca, and concomitant severe aortic stenosis. The patient opted to be discharged onhospice care and passed away a week later. Chylothorax should be considered in any patient despite clear pleural effusion. Largeabdominal masses may cause chylothorax and should be part of the differential diagnosis.
Race and Youth Crime Why Isn’t the Relationship Stronger?

Criminologists have devoted much effort to explaining why African American youth have higher rates of serious offending than Whites. But data suggest that African American youth have similar rates of minor offending than Whites and that the large share of African American youth are no more likely to engage in serious crime than Whites. This is the case even though African American youth are much more likely than White youth to be exposed to many of the leading causes of crime, including discrimination, poverty, and residence in very poor communities. This raises a major question that has been neglected by criminologists: Why isn’t the relationship between race and youth crime stronger? Drawing on limited criminological research and several literatures outside criminology, this article describes a range of protective factors that may reduce the likelihood that African American youth respond to discrimination and its negative consequences with crime. These factors fall into four groups: skills in coping, st...
Analysis on Measurement Calibration Specifications for Light-scattering Airborne Particle Counter

As the main equipment to monitor the clean space,the light-scattering airborne particle counter has been widely used and caught more attention on its capability.In recent years,many kinds of measurements of the airborne particle counter have been made,which brings troubles to the manufacturing corporations and measurement organizations.This paper introduces the domestic and international counter measurement standards,and focuses on the comparison and analysis of domestic standards JJF 1190 and GJB/J 5416.
Microbial modulation of behavior and stress responses in zebrafish larvae

The influence of the microbiota on behavior and stress responses is poorly understood. Zebrafish larvae have unique characteristics that are advantageous for neuroimmune research, however, they are currently underutilized for such studies. Here, we used germ-free zebrafish to determine the effects of the microbiota on behavior and stress testing. The absence of a microbiota dramatically altered locomotor and anxiety-related behavior. Additionally, characteristic responses to an acute stressor were also obliterated in larvae lacking exposure to microbes. Lastly, treatment with the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum was sufficient to attenuate anxiety-related behavior in conventionally-raised zebrafish larvae. These results underscore the importance of the microbiota in communicating to the CNS via the microbiome-gut-brain axis and set a foundation for using zebrafish larvae for neuroimmune research.
Palliative cardiac surgery in the infant.

With the growing enthusiasm for total repair with hypothermia or cardiopulmonary bypass in infants, it would be wise to keep clearly in mind the purpose of all cardiac care in infants – to keep them alive, healthy, and active, either by repairing their defect or by improving them with a low risk procedure, so that the infants will be alive when their lesion joins the group of those that can be completely repaired at low risk.
Arlington's cairn : Constructing the commemorative foundation for united states' terrorist victims

National sites of commemoration provide visual representations of a nation's metanarrative; official memorials and monuments engrave important people and events in the nation's memorial landscape. Although memorials and monuments purport to depict community consensus regarding an event or person, in actuality these public representations reflect the perspective of those who gain control of the commemorative process. In order to fully understand the value and intent of any memorial, it is essential to examine those who produce and receive the memorial as well as the social context of both the commemorated event and the production of that memorial. The significance of the social context of commemoration is especially evident in the commemoration of American victims of terrorism. Until the September 11, 2001 attacks, the majority of Americans did not incorporate vulnerability to terrorism in their personal narratives. The September 11 attacks were not the first time that United States civilians were targets of terrorism; they were preceded by the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center and the 1988 bombing of Pan American Airways Flight 103. This paper creates an analytic framework ("Memorial Worlds") that describes the conflicting intentions of various groups involved in commemorative activity. This framework is then utilized to examine the construction of the Memorial Cairn in Arlington National Cemetery, the first national memorial to American victims of terrorism.
Price Co-Movements, Information Asymmetry and Investment Funds

This paper discusses price co-movements between independent financial markets populated by risk neutral global funds and specialized funds. The investment decisions are delegated to risk neutral fund managers who are informed or uninformed of the state of the world and have reputational concerns. I show that in equilibrium, prices of the risky assets co-move with each other following shocks to ex-ante probabilities of default. The mechanism that generates this co-movement relies on two sources: the information asymmetry between fund managers and the reputational concerns of uninformed fund managers facing the threat of dismissal. The reputational channel reinforces the co-movement but it is not necessary to generate it; information asymmetry induces co-movement even in the absence of reputational concerns.
Modeling of both shared and distinct interactions between MIF and its homologue D-DT with their common receptor CD74.

D-dopachrome tautomerase (D-DT) shares amino acid sequence similarity, structural architecture and biological activity with the cytokine MIF. Recent studies show that the two protein homologs also bind to the same cell surface receptor, CD74, to activate the ERK1/2 pathway that ultimately leads to pro-inflammatory and pro-survival gene expression. We recently showed that RTL1000 and DRa1-MOG-35-55, two biological drugs with potent anti-inflammatory properties that treat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice, bind to the cell surface receptor CD74 with high affinity and compete with MIF for binding to the same regions of CD74. Computational modeling of MIF and RTL1000 binding interactions with CD74 predicted the presence of three CD74 binding regions for each MIF homotrimer. Through a similar approach we have now expanded our work to study the D-DT (MIF-2) interaction with CD74 that is mainly defined by three elements scattered throughout the disordered regions of the interacting molecules. The model predicted: (a) a hydrophobic cradle between CD74 and D-DT consisting of N-terminal tyrosine residues of three CD74 monomers arranged in a planar alignment interacts with aromatic amino acid residues located in the disordered D-DT C-terminus; (b) a triad consisting of the E103 residue on one D-DT monomer in close contact with R179 and S181 on one chain of the CD74 trimer forms an intermolecular salt bridge; and (c) amino acid residues on the C-terminus random coil of CD74 chain C form a long interacting area of ∼500A2 with a disordered region of D-DT chain B. These three binding elements were also present in MIF/CD74 binding interactions, with involvement of identical or highly similar amino acid residues in each MIF homotrimer that partner with the exact same residues in CD74. Topologically, however, the location of the three CD74 binding regions of the D-DT homotrimer differs substantially from that of the three MIF binding regions. This key difference in orientation appears to derive from a sequence insertion in D-DT that topologically limits binding to only one CD74 molecule per D-DT homotrimer, in contrast to predicted binding of up to three CD74 molecules per MIF homotrimer. These results have implications for the manner in which D-DT and MIF compete with each other for binding to the CD74 receptor and for the relative potency of DRa1-MOG-35-55 and RTL1000 for competitive inhibition of D-DT and MIF binding and activation through CD74.
Social participation of families with children with autism spectrum disorder in a science museum

ABSTRACTThis article describes a qualitative research study undertaken as a collaboration between museum and occupational therapy (OT) researchers to better understand museum experiences for families with a child or children impacted by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Inclusion for visitors with ASD is an issue that museums are increasingly considering, and the social dimension of inclusion can be particularly relevant for this audience. The construct of social participation, used in OT, provides a promising avenue for museum professionals to think about inclusion. Social participation situates social and community experiences within the context of peoples’ diverse motivations and the strategies they use to navigate environments. This study took these multiple factors into account when observing families’ museum visits—including analysis of their motivations for visiting, environmental features that influenced their visit, family strategies used before and during the visit, and the families’ definitions o...
Hypertrophic olivary degeneration: Case series and review of literature

Hypertrophic Olivary Degeneration (HOD) is a rare neurological condition caused by trans-synaptic degeneration in the brainstem and cerebellum, resulting in varied clinical symptoms, classical being palatal tremors, along with characteristic imaging presentation. Large number of pathologic lesions can cause this condition, ranging from ischemic stroke to neoplasm. The most common conditions include hemorrhage, vascular malformations and infarct. Magnetic resonance scan (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice which shows signal changes with hypertrophy of the inferior olivary nucleus, as well as the primary underlying pathology. Through this pictorial essay, we present the imaging and clinical findings in a number of patients with HOD secondary to varied causes and explain the mechanism behind the changes.