cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methylene blue inhibits GABAA receptors by interaction with GABA binding site.

Abstract Methylene blue (MB) is commonly used in diagnostic procedures and is also used to treat various medical conditions. Neurological effects of MB have been reported in clinical observations and experimental studies. Thus the modulation of GABA A receptor function by MB was investigated. Whole-cell GABA-activated currents were recorded from HEK293 cells expressing various GABA A receptor subunit configurations. MB inhibition of GABA currents was apparent at 3 μM, and it had an IC 50 of 31 μM in human α1β2γ2 receptors. The MB action was rapid and reversible. MB inhibition was not mediated via the picrotoxin site, as a mutation (T6′F of the β2 subunit) known to confer resistance to picrotoxin had no effect on MB-induced inhibition. Blockade of GABA A receptors by MB was demonstrated across a range of receptors expressing varying subunits, including those expressed at extrasynaptic sites. The sensitivity of α1β2 receptors to MB was similar to that observed in α1β2γ2 receptors, indicating that MB's action via the benzodiazepine or Zn 2+ site is unlikely. MB-induced inhibition of GABA response was competitive with respect to GABA. Furthermore, mutation of α1 F64 to A and β2 Y205 to F in the extracellular N-terminus, both residues which are known to comprise GABA binding pocket, remarkably diminished MB inhibition of GABA currents. These data suggest that MB inhibits GABA A receptor function by direct or allosteric interaction with the GABA binding site. Finally, in mouse hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, MB inhibited GABA-activated currents as well as GABAergic IPSCs. We demonstrate that MB directly inhibits GABA A receptor function, which may underlie some of the effects of MB on the CNS.
Eliminating glutaraldehyde from crosslinked collagen films using supercritical CO2

Collagen has received considerable attention as a biomaterial for tissue engineering because of its low immunogenicity, controllable biodegradation, and ability to influence cell growth and proliferation. Frequently, collagen scaffolds require crosslinking to improve mechanical strength, requiring agents like glutaraldehyde that have high residual cytotoxicity. A novel method for extracting residual glutaraldehyde from crosslinked collagen films with supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2 ) is presented. CO2 is a nontoxic, nonflammable substance that is relatively inert and can be used to process biomaterials at mild pressures and physiologic temperatures. In this work, it was first determined that type I collagen is chemically compatible with both liquid and supercritical CO2 . Treated collagen showed minimal changes in physicochemical properties as determined by differential scanning calorimetry, gel electrophoresis, and circular dichroism. CO2 was subsequently used to extract residual glutaraldehyde from crosslinked collagen films. Glutaraldehyde concentration was reduced by over 95%, from over 20 ppm before treatment to about 1 ppm, in only 1 h. CO2 treatment caused negligible alteration of thermal stability but did significantly increase film stiffness and tensile strength. However, these changes were minor compared to heat-based removal of glutaraldehyde. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 86-94, 2018.
Muscarinic receptor signaling contributes to atypical antipsychotic drug reversal of the phencyclidine-induced deficit in novel object recognition in rats:

Enhancement of cholinergic function via muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 agonism improves cognition in some schizophrenia patients. Most atypical antipsychotic drugs, including clozapine and its active metabolite, N-desmethylclozapine, and lurasidone, enhance the release of acetylcholine in key brain regions involved in cognition (e.g. hippocampus). We determined the effect of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 stimulation on novel object recognition and its contribution to the ability of atypical antipsychotic drugs to reverse the novel object recognition deficit in rats withdrawn from subchronic phencyclidine, a rodent model of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. In control rats, the non-specific muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, scopolamine, and the M1 selective antagonist, VU0255035, induced a novel object recognition deficit, which was reversed by the M1 agonist, AC260584. Scopolamine fully blocked the effect of clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine, but not lurasidone, to restore novel object recognition in subchronic phencyclidine-treated rats. VU0255035 also blocked these effects of clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine, but not lurasidone; however, the blockade was not as complete as that achieved with scopolamine. Furthermore, subchronic phencyclidine increased hippocampal M1 mRNA expression. These data suggest that M1 agonism is required for clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine to ameliorate the phencyclidine-induced deficit in novel object recognition, additional evidence that M1 agonism is a potential target for treating cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.
Modular Approach to Kekulé Diradicaloids Derived from Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbenes

A modular approach for the synthesis of Kekule diradicaloids is reported. The key step is the insertion of a carbene, namely, a cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC), into the C–H bonds of two terminal alkynes linked by a spacer. Subsequent hydride abstraction, followed by two-electron reduction of the corresponding bis(iminium) salts, affords the desired diradicaloids. This synthetic route readily allows for the installation of communicating spacers, featuring different degrees of aromaticity and lengths, and gives the possibility of generating unsymmetrical compounds with two different CAACs. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), NMR, UV–vis, and X-ray studies in combination with quantum-chemical calculations give insight into the electronic nature of the deeply colored Kekule diradicaloids. They feature a singlet ground state with varying degrees of diradical character in combination with small singlet/triplet gaps. Upon lengthening of the spacer, the properties of the compounds approach those of monora...
Stepping It Up: Walking Behaviors in Children Transitioning from 5th to 7th Grade

The purpose of this study was to (1) describe children's walking behaviors in 5th to 7th grade and change over time and (2) examine associations between walking behaviors and Walk Score®. Participants consisted of n = 586 students from the Transitions and Activity Changes in Kids (TRACK) Study. Children reported any walking behavior (e.g., exercise and transportation) over the past five days. Walk Score was calculated based on children's home address. Descriptive statistics summarized walking behaviors by gender and time, and repeated measure mixed models examined the relationship between walking behaviors and Walk Score. Approximately 46.8% and 19.2% of 5th grade children reported walking for exercise and transportation, respectively, and these percentages declined through 7th grade. Girls reported higher levels of total walking behavior and walking for exercise than boys (p < 0.001). Girls with a higher Walk Score had 63% higher odds of reporting walking for transportation than girls with a lower Walk Score (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.02, 2.62). Walking behaviors among children were infrequent with significant declines over time, and of the nine associations examined with Walk Score, only one was significant. Efforts should prioritize frequent walking behavior and community design to increase children's physical activity.
Materials and Physics Aspects of Quantum Heterostructures

Quantum heterostructures have evolved over the last two decades to become a prominant, multi-disciplinary field in Condensed matter science. We provide, in this work, an overview of both the materials and physics aspects. Structure processing in terms of deposition and characterizatiuon is described. The introduction of a heterostructure potential is shown to resuit in fundamental modifications of the materials, leading to prescribed electronic properties. The most extensively studied System of GaAs-AlAs is used for this illustration. Other heterostructure systems are discussed to the extent that they exhibit specific features.
DEVS-Flood: A Cellular DEVS Approach to Flood Inundation Modeling (WIP)

Flood models are primarily valuable to governments, civil engineers, aid organizations, insurance companies, research groups, and specific individuals. There are existing discrete event models and time step models for flooding that these groups use to generate static and dynamic flood inundation maps. When simulating the models to generate these maps, the scalability, accuracy, and performance are just some of parameters analyzed for how good the simulation is. Here, we are focusing on the scalability of specific flood prediction systems. A simple flood inundation model titled DEVS-Flood is proposed in this work. DEVS-Flood is described using the discrete event system specification formalism. Random terrain and synthesized river terrain were simulated to validate the model. The experiemental results show that the proposed DEVS-Flood approach has the potential for scalable, effective and efficient simulation.
The origin of mucous cells inHydra viridis : II. Mid-gastric regeneration and budding.

The origin of hypostomal mucous cells during regeneration and budding has been studied inHydra viridis. NormalHydrae were transected at two levels along their body column — sub-hypostomal and mid-gastric — and the cells which participated in hypostome regeneration were identified histologically and with the electron microscope. An earlier paper in this series (Rose and Burnett, 1968b) showed that zymogen cells transformed to mucous cells in sub-hypostomal regenerates. The work reported in the present paper demonstrates that gastrodermal basophilic cells are the primary source of new mucous cells in animals cut in the mid-gastric region. Evidence is presented to support the thesis that these basophilic cells are derived from epidermal interstitial cells. This choice between zymogen cell versus basophilic cell reflects the distribution of these cells along the parent body column at the sites of the transections. Bud morphogenesis inHydra viridis was also studied because budding provides conditions similar to those of regeneration, and yet, no injury is inflicted on the animal to be studied—that is, a new hypostome must be formed at the distal end of the bud and it must be populated with new mucous cells. The origin of these cells is not from pre-existing mucous cells. The results supported the conclusion that interstitial cells migrate from the epidermis into the gastrodermis of the developing hypostome and differentiate into mucous secretory cells.
Types of Circulatory Support Devices

There are many conceptual ways to consider the devices intended to support the circulation: the indication for implantation, type of device, the ventricles supported, the anticipated duration of support and the acuity of patient need. For example, devices used to support a patient in cardiogenic shock following an acute myocardial infarction are different from those used to treat a patient in chronic advanced heart failure who will live permanently on a device. In the remainder of this chapter, mechanical circulatory support devices will be presented as those intended for either short- or long-term support.
Insider trading and accounting reform: The Comstock case

This paper examines the hypothesis that major episodes of insider trading and business fraud promote accounting reforms. During the 1860s and 1870s, the markets for Comstock mining shares reeled from one scandal after another. Eventually these scandals emerged as a leading political issue in California. The frauds contributed significantly to the passage of accounting and financial reporting reforms in 1880. The Comstock episode has implications for modern day instances of insider trading.
A Systems Approach to Validating and Analyzing Improvements to Real-Time Image Classification Utilizing Machine Learning

This paper delves into the generation and use of image classification models in a real-time environment utilizing machine learning. The ImageAI framework is used to generate a list of models from a set of training images and also for classifying new images using the generated models. Through this paper, previous research projects and industry programs are analyzed for design and operation. The basic implementation results in models that classify new images correctly the majority of the time with a high level of confidence. However, almost a quarter of the time the models classify images incorrectly. This paper attempts to improve the classification accuracy and improve the operational efficiency of the overall system as well.
Hypochlorous acid-generating electrochemical scaffold eliminates Candida albicans biofilms

AIMS Wound infections involving Candida albicans can be challenging to treat because of the fungus' ability to penetrate wound tissue and form biofilms. The goal of this study was to assess the activity of a hypochlorous acid (HOCl)-generating electrochemical scaffold (e-scaffold) against C. albicans biofilms in vitro and on porcine dermal explants (ex vivo). METHODS AND RESULTS C. albicans biofilms were grown either on acrylic-bottom six-well plates (in vitro) or on skin tissue excised from porcine ears (ex vivo), and the polarized e-scaffold was used to generate a continuous supply of low concentration HOCl near biofilm surfaces. C. albicans biofilms grown in vitro were reduced to undetectable amounts within 24 h of e-scaffold exposure, unlike control biofilms (5·28 ± 0·034 log10 (CFU cm-2 ); P < 0·0001). C. albicans biofilms grown on porcine dermal explants were also reduced to undetectable amounts in 24 h, unlike control explant biofilms (4·29 ± 0·057 log10 (CFU cm-2 ); P < 0·0001). There was a decrease in the number of viable mammalian cells (35·6 ± 6·4%) in uninfected porcine dermal explants exposed to continuous HOCl-generating e-scaffolds for 24 h compared to explants exposed to nonpolarized e-scaffolds (not generating HOCl) (P < 0·05). CONCLUSIONS Our HOCl-generating e-scaffold is a potential antifungal-free strategy to treat C. albicans biofilms in chronic wounds. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Wound infections caused by C. albicans are difficult to treat due to presence of biofilms in wound beds. Our HOCl producing e-scaffold provides a promising novel approach to treat wound infections caused by C. albicans.
Functional Interrogation of HOXA9 Regulome in MLLr Leukemia via Reporter-based CRISPR/Cas9 screen

Aberrant HOXA9 expression is a hallmark of most aggressive acute leukemias, including human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). HOXA9 overexpression not only predicts poor diagnosis and outcome but also plays a critical role in leukemia transformation and maintenance. However, our current understanding of HOXA9 regulation in leukemia is limited, hindering development of therapeutic strategies to treat HOXA9-driven leukemia. To mitigate these challenges, we generated the first HOXA9-mCherry knock-in reporter in an MLL-rearranged (MLLr) B-ALL cell line to dissect HOXA9 regulation. By utilizing the reporter and CRISPR/Cas9 mediated screens, we identified transcription factors controlling HOXA9 expression, including a novel regulator, USF2 and its homolog USF1. USF1/USF2 depletion significantly down-regulated HOXA9 expression and impaired MLLr leukemia cell proliferation. Ectopic expression of HOXA9-MEIS1 fusion protein rescued the impaired leukemia cell proliferation upon USF2 loss. Cut&Run analysis revealed the direct occupancy of USF2 onto HOXA9 promoter in MLLr leukemia cells. Collectively, the HOXA9 reporter facilitated the functional interrogation of the HOXA9 regulome and has advanced our understanding of the molecular regulation network in HOXA9-driven leukemia.
Degrees of contrast: Detection of latent bloodstains on fabric using an alternate light source (ALS) and the effects of washing

Blood is often a piece of evidence of violent crimes and will often be on the perpetrator's clothing. If the perpetrator is wearing dark clothing, it can be easily identified by chemical means such as Bluestar®, but this can destroy the pattern, which may be evidentiary itself. This study explores the use of alternate light source (ALS) to photograph bloodstains on dark and/or patterned fabrics to provide an alternate, noninvasive tool before the use of chemical detection techniques. Sixty-nine (69) unwashed fabrics, of various dark colored and dark patterns, were photographed in monochrome under ambient light and subsequently with and without a filter under ultraviolet (UV), violet, blue, green, and infrared light. This study used ImageJ to measure the contrast between the bloodstain and the fabric and thus the effectiveness of each wavelength. Each fabric was washed, photographed, and analyzed five times or until the bloodstain was no longer visible under ALS. Results indicated photography with ALS was a viable method for blood detection on fabrics and should be used prior to chemical means. Further, infrared, followed by violet light with no filter, was the most effective light source for viewing bloodstains on dark fabrics without the use of chemicals. However, these wavelengths were not effective on military uniforms. This study also described one effect fabric manufacturer chemical treatments have on bloodstains and the effect of washing fabrics with bloodstains.
MOJAVE: Monitoring of Jets in AGN with VLBA Experiments - II. First-Epoch 15 GHz Circular Polarization Results

We report first-epoch circular polarization results for 133 active galactic nuclei in the MOJAVE program to monitor the structure and polarization of a flux limited sample of extra-galactic radio jets with the VLBA at 15 GHz. We found strong circular polarization ($\geq 0.3$%) in approximately 15% of our sample. The circular polarization was usually associated with jet cores; however, we did find a few strong jet components to be circularly polarized. The levels of circular polarization were typically in the range of $0.3-0.5$% of the local Stokes-$I$. We found no strong correlations between fractional circular polarization of jet cores and source type, redshift, EGRET detections, linear polarization, or other observed parsec-scale jet properties. There were differences between the circular-to-linear polarization ratios of two nearby galaxies versus more distant quasars and BL Lac objects. We suggest this is because the more distant sources either have (1) less depolarization of their linear polarization, and/or (2) poorer effective linear resolution and therefore their VLBA cores apparently contain a larger amount of linearly polarized jet emission. The jet of 3C 84 shows a complex circular polarization structure, similar to observations by Homan & Wardle five years earlier; however, much of the circular polarization seems to have moved, consistent with a proper motion of 0.06$c$. The jet of 3C 273 also has several circularly polarized components, and we find their fractional circular polarization decreases with distance from the core.
Simulation of hardened cement degradation and estimation of uncertainty in predicted failure times with peridynamics

Abstract Modeling the degradation of cement-based infrastructure due to aqueous environmental conditions continues to be a challenge. In order to develop a capability to predict concrete infrastructure failure due to chemical degradation, we created a chemomechanical model of the effects of long-term water exposure on cement paste. The model couples the mechanical static equilibrium balance with reactive–diffusive transport and incorporates fracture and failure via peridynamics (a meshless simulation method). The model includes fundamental aspects of degradation of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) paste, including the observed softening, reduced toughness, and shrinkage of the cement paste, and increased reactivity and transport with water induced degradation. This version of the model focuses on the first stage of cement paste decalcification, the dissolution of portlandite. Given unknowns in the cement paste degradation process and the cost of uncertainty quantification (UQ), we adopt a minimally complex model in two dimensions (2D) in order to perform sensitivity analysis and UQ. We calibrate the model to existing experimental data using simulations of common tests such as flexure, compression and diffusion. Then we calculate the global sensitivity and uncertainty of predicted failure times based on variation of eleven unique and fundamental material properties. We observed particularly strong sensitivities to the diffusion coefficient, the reaction rate, and the shrinkage with degradation. Also, the predicted time of first fracture is highly correlated with the time to total failure in compression, which implies fracture can indicate impending degradation induced failure; however, the distributions of the two events overlap so the lead time may be minimal. Extension of the model to include the multiple reactions that describe complete degradation, viscous relaxation, post-peak load mechanisms, and to three dimensions to explore the interactions of complex fracture patterns evoked by more realistic geometry is straightforward and ongoing.
CONCEALING-Gate: Optical Contactless Probing Resilient Design

Optical probing, though developed as silicon debugging tools from the chip backside, has shown its capability of extracting secret data, such as cryptographic keys and user identifications, from mo...
Neighborhood Disadvantage, Environmental Justice, Mental Well-Being and Epigenetic Markers of Biological Aging Across Urban and Rural Context

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Recently neighborhood disadvantage research shows increasing evidence for a potential link of altered age-related patterns of between place and health. However, the mechanisms, ...
Nonlinear Network Modes in Cyclic Systems with Applications to Connected Vehicles

In this paper, we propose a novel technique to decompose networked sys- tems with cyclic structure into nonlinear modes and apply these ideas to a system of connected vehicles. We perform linear and nonlinear transformations that exploit the network structure and lead to nonlinear modal equations that are decoupled. Each mode can be obtained by solving a small set of algebraic equations without deriving the coefficients for any other mode. By focusing on the mode that is loosing stability, bifurcation analysis can be carried out. The techniques developed are applied to eval- uate the impact of connected cruise control on the nonlinear dynamics of a connected vehicle system.
3D Printed Programmable Release Capsules

The development of methods for achieving precise spatiotemporal control over chemical and biomolecular gradients could enable significant advances in areas such as synthetic tissue engineering, biotic–abiotic interfaces, and bionanotechnology. Living organisms guide tissue development through highly orchestrated gradients of biomolecules that direct cell growth, migration, and differentiation. While numerous methods have been developed to manipulate and implement biomolecular gradients, integrating gradients into multiplexed, three-dimensional (3D) matrices remains a critical challenge. Here we present a method to 3D print stimuli-responsive core/shell capsules for programmable release of multiplexed gradients within hydrogel matrices. These capsules are composed of an aqueous core, which can be formulated to maintain the activity of payload biomolecules, and a poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA, an FDA approved polymer) shell. Importantly, the shell can be loaded with plasmonic gold nanorods (AuNRs), wh...
Muscle Repair after Injury and Disease

Muscle injuries can greatly impair an individual's function and ability to participate in recreational and occupational activities. While differing mechanisms of muscle injury affect different aspects of skeletal muscle structure, the phases of muscle healing among the varying types of injury are remarkably preserved. The overall interrelated and overlapping phases of muscle repair involve: 1) degeneration of injured muscle fibers, 2) inflammation, 3) regeneration and, finally, 4) the development of fibrosis. In this chapter we will discuss the natural processes occurring in skeletal muscle healing, and we will provide a summary of current biological treatment techniques being investigated to restore skeletal muscle function after injury.
From the Royal Mathematical School: Charles Page, 1825

Charles Page was born in 1810, and between 1818 and 1825 he was a student at the Royal Mathematical School within Christ’s Hospital, London. Over his final two years as a “mathemat” (i.e., student in the Royal Mathematical School) he prepared the 671-page navigation cyphering book which is the subject of analysis in this chapter. Throughout the manuscript the standard of penmanship, calligraphy, artwork, and mathematics is at a very high level—indeed, much of the mathematics in this cyphering book is at a higher level than the mathematics in any of the other extraordinary cyphering books considered in this volume. Careful examination of the entries in Charles Page’s manuscript suggests, however, that many of them were taken down from dictation. In the section on quadratic equations there are unchecked errors, and we were left with the impression that although the appearance of pages was invariably impressive, the quality of Charles’ learning about mathematics and about navigation may have been less than impressive. Details in this chapter provide a glimpse of the expectations on mathemats in the 1820s.
George Martin Richter, Andrea dal Castagno

(1944). George Martin Richter, Andrea dal Castagno. The Art Bulletin: Vol. 26, No. 3, pp. 201-202.
Interdomain Cross Talk

This chapter defines four signaling categories that describe the different interdomain signaling mechanisms. These mechanisms are: (i) one-way sensing—one organism senses and responds to a diffusible signal produced by a second organism; (ii) co-opting of a signal—one organism uses the signal produced by another to regulate its own gene expression; (iii) modulation of a signal—one organism alters the production or stability of a signal from another organism; and (iv) two-way communication—multiple signals are exchanged between organisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces two acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs) signals, 3-oxo-C12-homoserine lactone (3-O-C12- HSL) and C4-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL). The increased virulence in the presence of dynorphin is due to induction of the pqs biosynthetic operon, which leads to an increased production of hydroxy-alkylquinolones, including the P. aeruginosa quinolone signal (PQS) quorum-sensing molecule, which regulates a number of cytotoxic factors. Genetic and biochemical experiments indicated that P. aeruginosa 3-O-C12-HSL, described for its role in quorum sensing, is sufficient to suppress C. albicans hypha formation. Although the chapter has focused on signaling interactions that involve molecules whose primary role appears to be the transmission of information, there are likely many other signals, such as metabolites or pH and oxygen gradients, that may play equally important roles in the regulation of processes important during interdomain interactions. Physical interactions between organisms may also be important for communication within mixed species communities.
Nonstructural Flood Damage Reduction Within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Flood damage reduction basically consists of two approaches: structural and nonstructural. Structural flood damage reduction projects are those that focus on altering the characteristics of the flood, leaving the structures in the floodplain that could be damaged by floods unaltered. Nonstructural flood damage reduction projects are those that focus on altering the characteristics of the structures that could sustain flood damages, leaving the characteristics of the flood unaltered. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has long been a major force in flood damage reduction within the United States. Corps involvement began in the early part of the 19th century when Congress gave the Corps authority to improve navigation on inland river systems. This involvement continued to evolve during the remainder of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century. The Flood Control Act of 1917 was the first official legislation that authorized the Corps to have a significant role in flood damage reduction activities across the nation. Subsequent to that time, the Corps has constructed and currently operates 383 major lake and reservoir projects, constructed and maintains over 8,500 miles of levees and dikes, and built hundreds of smaller local flood damage reduction projects that have been turned over to non-federal authorities for operation and maintenance. Historically, most flood damage reduction projects within the Corps have been considered structural, with a rather narrowly defined focus of removing the threat of flooding from existing floodplain development. This rather narrow focus ultimately led to increased flood damages. In many areas the floodplains that sustained less frequent flooding due to Corps projects were actually developed more extensively than they would have been without the flood damage reduction project. However, this began to change in the Corps in the early 1960’s.
Entropy theory for derivation of infiltration equations.

[1] An entropy theory is formulated for modeling the potential rate of infiltration in unsaturated soils. The theory is composed of six parts: (1) Shannon entropy, (2) principle of maximum entropy (POME), (3) specification of information on infiltration in terms of constraints, (4) maximization of entropy in accordance with POME, (5) derivation of the probability distribution of infiltration, and (6) derivation of infiltration equations. The theory is illustrated with the derivation of six infiltration equations commonly used in hydrology, watershed management, and agricultural irrigation, including Horton, Kostiakov, Philip two-term, Green-Ampt, Overton, and Holtan equations, and the determination of the least biased probability distributions of these infiltration equations and their entropies. The theory leads to the expression of parameters of the derived infiltration equations in terms of measurable quantities (or information), called constraints, and in this sense these equations are rendered nonparametric. Furthermore, parameters of these infiltration equations can be expressed in terms of three measurable quantities: initial infiltration, steady infiltration, and soil moisture retention capacity. Using parameters so obtained, infiltration rates are computed using these six infiltration equations and are compared with field experimental observations reported in the hydrologic literature as well as the rates computed using parameters of these equations obtained by calibration. It is found that infiltration parameter values yielded by the entropy theory are good approximations.
FLUORINATED PYRIMIDINES. XIX. SOME BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF 5-TRIFLUOROMETHYLURACIL AND 5-TRIFLUOROMETHYL-2'-DEOXYURIDINE ON ESCHERICHIA COLI AND BACTERIOPHAGE T4B.

Biochemical effects of two new fluorinated pyrimidine analogs, 5-trifluoromethyluracil and 5-trifluoromethyl-2′-deoxyuridine, have been studied in Escherichia coli and its bacteriophage T4B. 5-Trifluoromethyluracil weakly inhibits the growth of E. coli B, substitutes very poorly for thymine in thymineless E. coli 15T−, but strongly inhibits the average viable burst size of bacteriophage T4B. 5-Trifluoro-methyl-2'-deoxyuridine induces forward mutations at the r locus in phage T4B to about the same extent as does 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine, and also causes reversion induction in three point-mutants of this phage. The DNA isolated from the phage grown in the presence of 5-trifluoromethyl-2′-[14C2]deoxyuridine had an increased buoyant density in cesium chloride and cesium sulfate. In preparative CsCl density gradient centrifugation, the radioactivity coincided exactly with the DNA. Hydrolysis revealed that the compound was incorporated into the DNA as such, the replacement of thymine amounting to up to 10%. The melting temperature of this DNA was lower than that of normal phage T4B DNA.
Relativistic Particle Mechanics

Newton’s mechanics is not Lorentz-invariant. According to the program of special relativity, therefore, it was necessary to construct a new mechanics-even before any serious empirical deficiencies of the old mechanics had become apparent. The new mechanics is known as “relativistic” mechanics. This is not really a good name,1 since, as we have seen, Newton’s mechanics, too, is relativistic, but under the “wrong” (Galilean) transformation group. Newton’s theory has excellently served astronomy (e.g., in foretelling eclipses and orbital motions in general), it has been used as the basic theory in the incredibly delicate operations of sending probes to the Moon and some of the planets, and it has proved itself reliable in countless terrestrial applications. Thus it cannot be entirely wrong. Before the twentieth century, in fact, only a single case of irreducible failure was known, namely the excessive advance of the perihelion of the planet Mercury, by about 43 seconds (!) of arc per century. Since the advent of modern particle accelerators, however, vast discrepancies with Newton’s laws have been uncovered, whereas the new mechanics consistently gave correct descriptions. (Of course, Newton’s mechanics has undergone two “corrections,” one due to relativity and one due to quantum theory. We are here concerned exclusively with the former.)
The role of water in electrorheological fluids

The role of water in ER (electrorheological) fluid systems is investigated by correlating its physical state with the rheological properties of the fluid. In particular, the suitability of the water bridging model of the ER effect is evaluated. The electrorheology of three model fluids was studied as a function of electric field strength, moisture content, and placement under dynamic oscillatory shearing. It has been demonstrated that an ER fluid with a porous hydrophilic dispersed phase may behave very similarly to one with a nonporous hydrophobic dispersed phase. A novel ER fluid was prepared using a microencapsulated dispersed phase containing an abundance of water. It was found that although water was present in large amounts, as long as it was segregated from the continuous interparticle environment, the ER effect was greatly diminished from what one would expect based on this criterion alone. The results are in agreement with the idea that interparticle bridging by water may be an important aspect of the ER effect. >
Modeling the effects of EGR and injection pressure on soot formation in a high-speed direct-injection (HSDI) diesel engine using a multi-step phenomenological soot model

Low-temperature combustion concepts that utilize cooled EGR, early/retarded injection, high swirl ratios, and modest compression ratios have recently received considerable attention. To understand the combustion and, in particular, the soot formation process under these operating conditions, a modeling study was carried out using the KIVA-3V code with an improved phenomenological soot model. This multi-step soot model includes particle inception, surface growth, surface oxidation, and particle coagulation. Additional models include a piston-ring crevice model, the KH/RT spray breakup model, a droplet wall impingement model, a wall heat transfer model, and the RNG k-{var_epsilon} turbulence model. The Shell model was used to simulate the ignition process, and a laminar-and-turbulent characteristic time combustion model was used for the post-ignition combustion process. A low-load (IMEP=3 bar) operating condition was considered and the predicted in-cylinder pressures and heat release rates were compared with measurements. Predicted soot mass, soot particle size, soot number density distributions and other relevant quantities are presented and discussed. The effects of variable EGR rate (0-68%), injection pressure (600-1200 bar), and injection timing were studied. The predictions demonstrate that both EGR and retarded injection are beneficial for reducing NO{sub x} emissions, although the former has a more pronounced effect. Additionally, higher sootmore » emissions are typically predicted for the higher EGR rates. However, when the EGR rate exceeds a critical value (over 65% in this study), the soot emissions decrease. Reduced soot emissions are also predicted when higher injection pressures or retarded injection timings are employed. The reduction in soot with retarded injection is less than what is observed experimentally, however.« less
Primary IgA nephropathy in elderly patients

Aim Data on clinicopathological features, treatment and outcomes of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in elderly patients are limited. Methods Native kidney biopsies with a pathological diagnosis of IgAN (n = 1084) from Mayo Clinic Rochester in the years 1994–2013 were examined. After exclusion of the secondary IgAN, 45 elderly IgAN patients (age ≥65 years) were identified. One hundred sixty-two younger adults (age 18–64 years) with IgAN were randomly selected for comparison. Results Compared with younger adults, elderly patients showed a higher rate of chronic hypertension (62.2 vs 27.2%), higher pulse pressures (65 ± 17 vs 51 ± 15 mmHg), requiring greater number of antihypertensive medications (2.5 ± 1.2 vs 1.7 ± 0.7) and lower blood haemoglobin (11.1 ± 2.3 vs 12.7 ± 2.1 g/dL) at time of kidney biopsy, all P < 0.001. Pathologically, elderly kidneys showed a higher degree of tubulointerstitial fibrosis (P = 0.04) and vascular sclerosis (P < 0.001). Treatments (including the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) inhibitor, angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) and immunosuppressants) were similar in the two cohorts. Elderly patients had more end-stage renal disease at 6 months (HR 5.51; 95% CI 1.46–22.3, P = 0.01) and higher 6-month and 5-year mortality (HR 2.31; 95% CI 1.04–5.17, P = 0.04) after adjusting the age and comorbidities. Conclusion IgAN diagnosed at age >65 years tends to have a faster renal disease progression and higher patient mortality.
Long-term bone marrow IgM-producing plasmablasts are derived during acute infection and are maintained by active proliferation (LYM6P.767)

We have previously characterized a population of IgM-secreting B cells in the bone marrow (BM) of mice infected with the intracellular bacterium Ehrlichia muris (J. Immunol. 186:1011). The BM cells are responsible for IgM production, which is sufficient to maintain long-term immunity to fatal infection. In the present study, we have investigated the ontogeny and maintenance of the B cell population. We utilized AID-Cre-ERT2 X Rosa26loxP-EYFP mice (Nat. Immunol. 10:1292) to irreversibly mark activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID)-expressing B cells. Following tamoxifen administration on day 10 post-infection, the time of peak spleen CD11c-positive plasmablast response, we detected EYFP+ CD138+ IgM+ BM cells for at least as long as 100 days post-infection; the EYFP+ cells were maintained at frequencies as high as 25% of the BM IgM+ B cells. These data indicated that the BM B cells were likely derived from T cell-independent spleen plasmablasts, and constituted a long-lived population. BrdU incorporation studies also demonstrated that the majority of the IgM+ cells were actively proliferating, indicating that B cells were plasmablasts. Finally, antibody-mediated blocking of CD40:CD40L signaling during acute infection did not impact the generation of the BM plasmablasts, indicating that the plasmablasts were likely generated in the absence of T cell help. These findings underscore the importance of BM IgM plasmablasts in long-term humoral immunity and host defense.
Peripheral and intra-dorsolateral striatum injections of the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 impair consolidation of stimulus–response memory

Abstract The endocannabinoid system plays a major role in modulating memory. In the present study, we examined whether cannabinoid agonists influence the consolidation of stimulus–response/habit memory, a form of memory dependent upon the dorsolateral striatum (DLS). In Experiment 1, rats were trained in a cued platform water maze task in which animals were released from different start points and in order to escape had to find a cued platform which was moved to various spatial locations across trials. Immediately following training, rats received an i.p. injection of the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 (1 or 3 mg/kg) or a vehicle solution. In Experiment 2, rats were trained in a forced-response version of the water plus-maze task in which a consistent body-turn response was reinforced across trials. Immediately following training, rats received an i.p. injection of WIN 55,212-2 (3 mg/kg) or vehicle. In Experiment 3, rats were trained in the cued platform task and after training received bilateral intra-DLS WIN 55,212-2 (100 ng/.5 μL or 200 ng/.5 μL) or vehicle. In Experiments 1–3, the higher doses of WIN 55,212-2 were associated with significant memory impairments, relative to vehicle-treated controls. The results indicate that peripheral or intra-DLS administration of a cannabinoid receptor agonist impairs consolidation of DLS-dependent memory. The findings are discussed within the context of previous research encompassing cannabinoids and DLS-dependent learning and memory processes, and the possibility that cannabinoids may be used to treat some habit-like human psychopathologies (e.g. posttraumatic stress disorder) is considered.
Virus-based Photo-Responsive Nanowires Formed By Linking Site-Directed Mutagenesis and Chemical Reaction

Owing to the genetic flexibility and error-free bulk production, bio-nanostructures such as filamentous phage showed great potential in materials synthesis, however, their photo-responsive behaviour is neither explored nor unveiled. Here we show M13 phage genetically engineered with tyrosine residues precisely fused to the major coat protein is converted into a photo-responsive organic nanowire by a site-specific chemical reaction with an aromatic amine to form an azo dye structure on the surface. The resulting azo-M13-phage nanowire exhibits reversible photo-responsive properties due to the photo-switchable cis-trans isomerisation of the azo unit formed on the phage. This result shows that site-specific display of a peptide on bio-nanostructures through site-directed genetic mutagenesis can be translated into site-directed chemical reaction for developing advanced materials. The photo-responsive properties of the azo-M13-phage nanowires may open the door for the development of light controllable smart devices for use in non-linear optics, holography data storage, molecular antenna, and actuators.
Spectral behavior of Hercules X-1 - Its long-term variability and pulse phase spectroscopy

Results are presented of the analysis of the broad-energy-band Her X-1 spectra obtained by HEAO 1. Data from 13 pointed observations covered three 35-day cycles in February, August, and September of 1978. The pulse phase-averaged spectrum did not show any apparent variation during the main-on state, except for the overall intensity. The pulse phase-resolved spectrum, on the other hand, showed a moderately strong phase dependence in each of the main-on state pointings. This may imply that the orientation of the emission region is not changing on a monthly time frame, but the geometry of that region may evolve with time.
Grothendieck's pairing for Jacobians and base change

Abstract We explicitly describe Grothendieck's pairing on the component group of the Neron model of the Jacobian of a curve using the intersection matrix of a regular proper model of the curve in some new cases where the curve does not have a K -rational point.
N2-, O2-, and air-broadened half-widths, their temperature dependence, and line shifts for the rotation band of H216O

Abstract Complex Robert–Bonamy (CRB) calculations of the half-width, its temperature dependence, and the line shift have been made for the rotation band transitions of H 2 16 O for N 2 or O 2 , as the bath molecule. First the atom–atom component of the intermolecular potential was adjusted to reproduce the half-widths of the 22 and 183 GHz transition determined by Payne et al. (IEEE Trans. Geosci. Remote Sensing 46 (2007) 3601–3617). Then the line shape parameters were determined at seven temperatures (200, 225, 275, 296, 350, 500, and 700 K) for the H 2 O–N 2 and H 2 O–O 2 systems. The air-broadened values were determined at each temperature by the standard method. The half-widths, their temperature dependence, and the line shifts were studied as a function of the rotational quantum numbers. Estimating line shape parameters by scaling from one perturbing gas to another was investigated. The calculations were compared with measurement.
Controllable nanofabrication of aggregate-like nanoparticle substrates and evaluation for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

The development of new and better substrates is a major focus of research aimed at improving the analytical capabilities of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Perhaps the most common type of SERS substrate, one consistently exhibiting large enhancements, is simple colloidal gold or silver nanoparticles in the 10−150 nm size range. The colloidal systems that are used most for ultrasensitive detection are generally aggregated clusters that possess “hot spot(s)” within some of the aggregates. A significant limitation of these synthetic substrates is that the “hot” aggregates are extremely difficult to create consistently or predict. Electron beam lithography (EBL) along with combinatorial spectral mapping can be used to overcome this limitation. Our previous work, and that of other researchers, invokes the special capabilities of EBL to design and fabricate periodic, highly ordered nanoparticle arrays for SERS. Building on this work, EBL, in conjunction with ancillary fabrication steps, can be used ...
VALVE ABNORMALITIES IN DIATOM CLONES MAINTAINED IN LONG-TERM CULTURE

The valves of three diatom species (Achnanthes brevipes, Nitzschia palea and Synedra ulna) maintained in long-term culture were studied with scanning electron microscopy. Abnormalities observed included fragmented and duplicated raphe systems, disrupted orientation of areolae and fibulae, and obscure areolae. It is recommended that investigators use caution when reporting data based on work with long-established clones where metabolic and nutritional anomalies might accompany morphological aberrations associated with small cell size.
The Effects of Training on the Development of the Ability to Control Variables.

Based on a criterion test 27 fifth and sixth grade students were selected who could not control variables. Three groups were formed. The control group received no training; a second group received training relying upon external reinforcement, and the third group, training designed to induce internal cognitive conflict. The groups receiving training did only slightly better than the control group on the posttest. On the retention test one month later, all three groups had almost identical scores. The mean combined retention test score was found to be significantly greater than the pretest score. The improvement of the control and conflict groups supports Smedslund's8 finding that external reinforcement may not always be necessary for behavioral changes to occur. A further analysis of test scores led to the classification of students according to Piaget's developmental stages. During the course of the study a significant number of students improved in their stage placement. Based on retention test performance nearly half of the students having a mean age 11.8 years could be classed in late formal operations with regard to their ability to control variables. Inhelder and Piaget12 reported that this level was not normally reached until 14 or 15 years of age. In conclusion, the results support the possibility that while development of the ability to control variables can be accelerated by training at the fifth and sixth grade level some children are surprisingly unaffected regardless of whether the training is based on external reinforcement or cognitive conflict procedures.