cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Renal Denervation Prevents Heart Failure Progression Via Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin System.

Abstract Background Previously, we have shown that radiofrequency (RF) renal denervation (RDN) reduces myocardial infarct size in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction (MI) and improves left ventricular (LV) function and vascular reactivity in the setting of heart failure following MI. Objectives The authors investigated the therapeutic efficacy of RF-RDN in a clinically relevant normotensive swine model of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods Yucatan miniswine underwent 75 min of left anterior descending coronary artery balloon occlusion to induce MI followed by reperfusion (R) for 18 weeks. Cardiac function was assessed pre- and post-MI/R by transthoracic echocardiography and every 3 weeks for 18 weeks. HFrEF was classified by an LV ejection fraction Results RF-RDN therapy resulted in significant reductions in renal norepinephrine content and circulating angiotensin I and II. RF-RDN significantly increased circulating B-type natriuretic peptide levels. Following RF-RDN, LV end-systolic volume was significantly reduced when compared with sham-treated animals, leading to a marked and sustained improvement in LV ejection fraction. Furthermore, RF-RDN improved LV longitudinal strain. Simultaneously, RF-RDN reduced LV fibrosis and improved coronary artery responses to vasodilators. Conclusions RF-RDN provides a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce renal sympathetic activity, inhibit the renin-angiotensin system, increase circulating B-type natriuretic peptide levels, attenuate LV fibrosis, and improve left ventricular performance and coronary vascular function. These cardioprotective mechanisms synergize to halt the progression of HFrEF following MI/R in a clinically relevant model system.
Continuous Heat Run Test of Latest Generation Power Modules for 10 kV 4H-SiC MOSFETs in Medium Voltage Power Converters

Heat run test of a power module at the rated operating conditions is an essential qualifications step before employing it in practical applications. Owing to inherent high switching frequency capability and small losses, the 10 kV 4H-SiC Power MOSFETs have potential to replace traditional high voltage silicon power devices in medium voltage power converters. Recently, a high voltage power module has been developed for packaging of these MOSFETs considering high isolation voltage requirement and high dv/dt associated during switching. Characterization of these modules for switching and conduction losses in pulse test mode has been reported earlier. In this work, the heat run test of these modules in four widely used converter topology is performed. Intrinsic body diodes of the 10 kV MOSFETs are used as anti-parallel diodes in the voltage source converter (VSC) test benches. Parasitic in the converter is modeled to validate the experimental waveform. Successful heat run qualification of these 10kV SiC MOSFET modules without any external anti-parallel diodes in the VSCs at medium voltage is demonstrated. It will pave their employment in medium voltage applications.
Robotic Fundoplication: Nissen-Rossetti

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects between 10 and 40% of the population. Surgical treatment is reserved for selected cases and Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication is considered the gold standard. Minimally invasive surgery is gaining popularity for this benign, functional disease. The use of the robotic system allows the construction of a technically adequate, floppy fundoplication with a very limited dissection.
Waveguide-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for characterizing sorbent-analyte binding (Conference Presentation)

Waveguide-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (WERS) enables the detection and identification of trace concentrations of vapor-phase analytes using a chip-scale photonic circuit coated with a sorbent material. Previous demonstrations of WERS utilized a hydrogen-bond acidic hyperbranched carbosilane fluoroalcohol-based sorbent polymer and focused on detection limits for different nerve agent simulants. In this work, we examine the Raman spectra of a number of new sorbent materials obtained using WERS. By comparing the spectra pre-exposure to the modified spectra measured during analyte exposure, the effects of hydrogen-bonding on the sorbent and analyte molecules are observed. Changes to the Raman transition strength or frequency of individual lines due to analyte binding shed light on the partitioning of vapor-phase molecular agents into the sorbent, and can be used to design sorbent materials with even higher sensitivity. We examine two new types of sorbents: Fluorinated bisphenol-based materials that increase the steric bulk of the substituents ortho- to the hydroxyl group, designed to reduce self-binding; and carbosilane fluoroalcohol polymers synthesized with a novel hydrosilylation reaction. The WERS detection limits for these new sorbents are measured for nerve-agent simulants and compared to previous generation materials.
Rational design of photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting and CO2 reduction

Solar energy has promising potential for building sustainable society. Conversion of solar energy into solar fuels plays a crucial role in overcoming the intermittent nature of the renewable energy source. A photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell that employs semiconductor as photoelectrode to split water into hydrogen or fixing carbon dioxide (CO2) into hydrocarbon fuels provides great potential to achieve zero-carbon-emission society. A proper design of these semiconductor photoelectrodes thus directly influences the performance of the PEC cell. In this review, we investigate the strategies that have been put towards the design of efficient photoelectrodes for PEC water splitting and CO2 reduction in recent years and provide some future design directions toward next-generation PEC cells for water splitting and CO2 reduction.
Pb–Graphene–Pb Josephson Junctions: Characterization in Magnetic Field

We fabricate superconductor-graphene-superconductor Josephson junctions with superconducting regions made of lead (Pb). The critical current through graphene may be modulated by the external magnetic field; the resulting Fraunhofer interference pattern shows several periods of oscillations, suggesting that the junction is uniform. Deviations from the perfect Fraunhofer pattern are observed, and their cause is explained by a simulation that takes into account the sample design.
Reconceptualizing Necessity and Opportunity Entrepreneurship: A Needs-Based View of Entrepreneurial Motivation

In their recent paper, Dencker, Bacq, Gruber and Haas (2019) reconceptualize necessity entrepreneurship—sometimes referred to as necessity-motivated entrepreneurship (McMullen, Bagby & Palich, 2008...
Toxic Chemical Releases, Health Effects, andProductivity Losses in the United States

In this paper we examine the impacts of toxic chemical releases on labor productivity. The hypothesis is that exposure to releases results in chronic or acute illnesses, which increases number of work days lost. To test the hypothesis we combine data from the National Health Interview Survey with data from US Environmental Protection Agency's Toxic Release Inventory, using an instrumental variable approach to control for endogeneity of subjective binary health status. We find that the survey respondents are significantly more likely to have increased work days lost as their exposure to toxic releases increases and that work days lost increase at an increasing rate with the decreased health status.
Formative Education Online: Teaching the Whole Person During the Global COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented public health emergency, challenged higher education and threatened students’ well-being in several ways. With the abrupt shift to online learning, were inst...
Pointers and Pitfalls in Interpreting Nutrition and Dietetics Research: The Importance of Statistical and Clinical Significance.

ABSTRACT This monograph focuses on understanding statistical and clinical significance and is one of a research and statistics series published by the statistical team of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The content covers the research questions, the definition of clinical significance, hypothesis testing, p-values, effect sizes, sample sizes, confidence intervals, power analyses, minimal clinically important differences, and validity. This monograph concludes with a summary of the importance of clinical and statistical results, for nutrition professionals to consider when assessing statistical and clinical significance. The assessment will help readers make subjective clinical judgements in the application of research findings based on their experience.
Genetic Modification of Porcine Endogenous Retrovirus (PERV) Sequences in Cultured Pig Cells as a Model for Decreasing Infectious Risk in Xenotransplantation

Xenotransplantation of porcine (pig) organs into human patients has been proposed as a solution to the shortage of transplantable organs in human medicine. A potential safety barrier to clinical im...
A Compilation Technique for Varying Communication Cost NUMA Architectures

In an earlier work, a Threshold Scheduling Algorithm was proposed to schedule the functional parallelism in a program on distributed memory systems. In this work, we address the issue of regeneration of the schedule for a set of distributed memory architectures with different communication costs. A new concept of dominant edges of a schedule is introduced to denote those edges which dictate schedule regeneration due to the changes in their communication costs. It is shown that under certain conditions, schedule on the whole or at least part of the graph can be reused for a different architecture reducing the cost of program re-partitioning and re-scheduling. The usefulness of this method is demonstrated by incorporating it in the scheduler of the compiler backend for targeting Sisal (Streams and Iterations in a Single Assignment Language) on a family of Intel i860 architectures: Gamma, Delta and Paragon which vary in their communication costs. It is shown that almost 30 to 65 % of the schedule can be reused, thereby, avoiding program re-partitioning to a large degree.
Creating Local Coherence: An Empirical Assessment

Two of the mechanisms for creating natural transitions between adjacent sentences in a text, resulting in local coherence, involve discourse relations and switches of focus of attention between discourse entities. These two aspects of local coherence have been traditionally discussed and studied separately. But some empirical studies have given strong evidence for the necessity of understanding how the two types of coherence-creating devices interact. Here we present a joint corpus study of discourse relations and entity coherence exhibited in news texts from the Wall Street Journal and test several hypotheses expressed in earlier work about their interaction.
Information and Entropy of Patterns in Genetic Switchs

To turn genes on or off, cells use special molecules that recognize patterns in the genetic material. These patterns contain about as much information as one would predict from information theory. During evolution, mutations tend to destroy genetic patterns in the same way that thermal motion tends to destroy patterns in inanimate materials. I am suggesting here that the destructive tendency for entropy to increase in isolated systems may also apply to the genetic material.
Traffic control issues in motor vehicle accident litigation

Highway accident reconstructionalists frequently may be able to reconstruct what happened during an accident event. However, the ultimate question of interest to the court may be -- why did this accident happen? Highway accidents usually have more than one contributing factor. This paper briefly discusses human factors and traffic control measures as possible causative factors which may explain why the accident occurred.
Detection of light, X-rays, and gamma rays using graphene field effect transistors fabricated on SiC, CdTe, and AlGaAs/GaAs substrates

Our work demonstrates the potential of gated graphene field effect transistors (GFETs) fabricated on a variety of undoped semiconductor substrates such as SiC, CdTe, and GaAs to sense ionizing radiation with promise of high sensitivity, low noise, low power, and room temperature operation. We exploit distinct material properties of different substrates to address different application regimes. Radiation detection with GFET is based on the high sensitivity of graphene resistivity on local electric field perturbations caused by ionized charges generated in the radiation absorbing semiconductor substrate. Light, X-rays, and gamma rays have been detected in our experiments.
Glutamine and the Bowel

Since the pioneering work of Windmueller and Spaeth, the importance of glutamine to the support of intestinal mucosal metabolic function has become generally accepted. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying this role still remain obscure. This paper explores a number of questions: 1) Is glutamine essential for intestinal function? 2) To what extent does this relate to its intermediary metabolism? 3) What is the importance of glutamine as a biosynthetic precursor? 4) Is glutamine supplementation of the nutrient mixture presented to patients of any metabolic or clinical benefit? As a result of this exploratory exercise, the following general conclusions were reached: 1) Much suggestive biochemical and physiologic evidence exists that implies that glutamine, especially systemic glutamine, supports the function of the intestinal mucosal system. 2) Despite the extensive metabolism of this amino acid by the intestinal tissues, most evidence suggests that if glutamine does play a physiologic role in the bowel, it is not compellingly related to its intermediary metabolism. 3) There is, on the other hand, evidence that the mucosal cells not only utilize extracellular glutamine but synthesize the amino acid. Given that inhibition of glutamine synthesis inhibits both proliferation and differentiation of mucosal cell cultures, this suggests some more subtle regulatory role. This notion is supported by the demonstration that glutamine will activate a number of genes associated with cell cycle progression in the mucosa. 4) Despite the accumulated evidence, the mechanisms underlying glutamine's function and the question whether glutamine supplementation uniformly benefits mucosal health remain equivocal at best.
California heat waves in the present and future

[1] Current and projected heat waves are examined over California and its sub-regions in observations and downscaled global climate model (GCM) simulations. California heat wave activity falls into two distinct types: (1) typically dry daytime heat waves and (2) humid nighttime-accentuated events (Type I and Type II, respectively). The four GCMs considered project Type II heat waves to intensify more with climate change than the historically characteristic Type I events, although both types are projected to increase. This trend is already clearly observed and simulated to various degrees over all sub-regions of California. Part of the intensification in heat wave activity is due directly to mean warming. However, when one considers non-stationarity in daily temperature variance, desert heat waves are expected to become progressively and relatively less intense while coastal heat waves are projected to intensify even relative to the background warming. This result generally holds for both types of heat waves across models. Given the high coastal population density and low acclimatization to heat, especially humid heat, this trend bodes ill for coastal communities, jeopardizing public health and stressing energy resources.
Optoelectronic properties of poly(fluorene) co‐polymer light‐emitting devices on a plastic substrate *

— The optoelectronic properties of red, green, and blue poly(fluorene) co-polymer light-emitting devices (PLEDs) on a plastic substrate having a multi-layered structure with water vapor and oxygen transmission rates of less than 10−5 g/cm2-day-atm and 10−7 cc/cm2-day-atm, respectively, is reported. A semitransparent thin metal multi-layer (i.e., Au/Ag/Au or Ag/Au/Ag) is placed between the plastic substrate and the ITO coating, achieving a low sheet resistance of 12–13 Ω/□ and an adequate optical transmission greater than 75%. A wider color gamut and a maximum emission efficiency of 0.7, 10, and 1.7 cd/A for red, green, and blue PLEDs, respectively, was obtained. Finally, a simple equivalent-circuit model was used to simulate the current-density—voltage characteristics of PLEDs.
Molecular complexes of flavins: a comparison of flavin-indole and flavin-phenol interactions.

Abstract 1. Molecular complex formation between flavins and indoles in neutral and acid solution has been studied. One to one complexes are formed, many of which can be isolated as crystalline solids. Visible spectra of complex solutions show more or less broadening of the flavin absorption and tailing into the long-wavelength region. New bands are present in the visible spectra of the solids, on the long-wavelength side of the flavin absorption. 2. Complex stabilities are in the range of 10–1000 M −1 . Charge-transfer forces do not seem to be involved in stabilizing the indole complexes, but may be involved in stabilizing the neutral naphthalenediol complexes. Measurements of thermodynamic parameters for complex formation in acid solution indicate that hydrophobic forces may be involved in stabilization. 3. Complex formation is shown to inhibit the photoproduction of flavin radicals in acid solution, probably by quenching the excited triplet state. 4. Comparisons between the flavin-indole and the flavin-phenol systems are made.
Study of Cloud Microphysics and Thermodynamics Using MODIS Atmospheric Products

MODIS cloud products and ancillary meteorological analyses are used to study the microphysical and thermodynamic properties of water clouds over the eastern North Pacific. A novel method of obtaining cloud droplet concentration is presented.
Inhibition of rabbit liver microsomal oxidative metabolism and substrate binding by tamoxifen and the geometric isomers of clomiphene.

Abstract The inhibitory effects of the triarylethylene antiestrogens tamoxifen (TAM) and enclomiphene (EC), and of the estrogenic geometric isomer of the latter compound (zuclomiphene, ZC) on the binding and metabolism of standard substrates in the presence of rabbit liver cytochrome P-450 have been studied. In the presence of microsomes at pH 7.4, the triarylethylenes interfered with the binding of β-diethylaminoethyl diphenylpropylacetate (SKF 525-A) and with the N -demethylation of ethylmorphine. Their inhibitory effects were less pronounced on the binding and metabolism (hydroxylation) of aniline. Kinetic studies showed that EC and TAM interfered with SKF 525-A binding by a mixed mechanism. These results suggest that the triarylethylenes affect preferentially the binding of ‘Type I’ substrates with cytochrome P-450.
Tumor-derived suppressor factors (TDSFs) in normal and neoplastic colon and rectum

Acid tumor-derived suppressor factors (TDSFs, isoelectric pH less than 3.0) in extracts of murine fibrosarcomas and human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines induce normal murine spleen cells to inhibit delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to the sensitizer dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). We sought to determine if TDSF from normal and neoplastic human colon and rectum also inhibited normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) responses to mitogen and to alloantigens. Collagenase-DNase digests of five freshly isolated carcinomas and paired autologous normal tissues were subjected to preparative isoelectric focusing (pIEF) over a pH range of 2.5 to 9.5. Fractions with isoelectric pH less than 3.0 from three of the five tumors induced normal C3H/HeN spleen cells to inhibit DTH to DNCB. Acid fractions from three tumors and four normal tissues also significantly inhibited the PBMC proliferative response to mitogen and alloantigens. However, the ability of acid fractions to suppress lymphocyte proliferation did not correlate with the induction of suppression of DTH to DNCB. Incubation of human PBMC with acid proliferation inhibitors did not induce suppressor cells that would inhibit the subsequent proliferative response of fresh, autologous PBMC. The acid suppressant from colorectal carcinoma was sensitive to treatment with trypsin but not RNase or DNase, whereas murine TDSF is sensitive to RNase and resistant to treatment with trypsin. The suppressive moiety from one tumor had an apparent mass of 45 kDa by gel filtration chromatography, in contrast to murine TDSF that has a mass of more than 300 kDa. Thus, the acid inhibitor in digests of human colorectal carcinoma is distinct from the TDSF that induces suppressor cells for DTH to DNCB.
PHOTOCONDUCTIVITY STUDIES OF RADIATION-INDUCED DEFECTS IN SILICON.

The annealing behavior and the uniaxial-stress responses of the radiation-induced defect causing the ${E}_{c}\ensuremath{-}0.75$-, ${E}_{c}\ensuremath{-}0.54$-, ${E}_{c}\ensuremath{-}0.42$-, and ${E}_{c}\ensuremath{-}0.18$-eV photoconductivity energy levels in $n$-type silicon were studied after 1.5-MeV electron and $^{60}\mathrm{Co}$ $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray irradiation at 300 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The results suggest that the ${E}_{c}\ensuremath{-}0.75$-eV level arises from the electronic transition of the neutral charge state of the divacancy to the conduction band. This level also occurs in heavily irradiated $p$-type silicon when the Fermi level is too high to observe the divacancy-associated 0.32-eV photoconductivity band. The ${E}_{c}\ensuremath{-}0.75$-eV level is found to be correlated with the 0.32-eV band, indicating that they are due to two different charge states of the same defect. The ${E}_{c}\ensuremath{-}0.18$-eV level arises from the $A$-center defect which exhibits only one kind of stress response, i.e., the atomic redistribution among the allowable orientations. No electronic response was observed for the $A$ center in our photoconductivity measurements. Our data fit very well with the $A$-center model derived from electron-paramagnetic-resonance studies. The ${E}_{c}\ensuremath{-}0.42$-eV level was quite complicated. Besides the radiation-induced divacancy defect located near this level, we present evidence that some additional trap center inherent as an in-grown defect in the sample also gives rise to this level. The ${E}_{c}\ensuremath{-}0.54$-eV level anneals out around 150 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. Whether it really arises from the singly charged state of the divacancy or not is still a question.
Different response of δD values of n-alkanes, isoprenoids, and kerogen during thermal maturation

Abstract This study investigates the extent of post-depositional alteration of δ D values of n -alkyl lipids, isoprenoids, and kerogen isolated from a continuous 450 m core that covers the transition from thermally immature to early mature sediments in the lacustrine Kissenda Formation, Lower Cretaceous, Gabon Basin. Large variations in δ D values (up to 40‰ for n C 17 and up to 30‰ for n C 29 alkanes as well as up to 10‰ for kerogen) in closely spaced samples are evident throughout the core and remain preserved even at the bottom of the section. δ D values of individual n -alkanes show a slight overall D-enrichment with depth, and a general trend of increasing δ D values with increasing n -alkane chain length characterizes all samples, particularly in those below 600 m depth. Hydrogen isotopic compositions of kerogen samples overlap with those of n -alkanes throughout the section. δ D values of pristane and phytane are more negative than those of n C 17 alkane by as much as 120‰ at shallow depths but increase dramatically and approach δ D values of n C 17 alkane in the samples closest to the oil window. Integration of analytical and computational results indicates that: (1) n -alkanes and isoprenoids have the potential to preserve the original biological signal before the onset of oil generation; (2) isomeric and structural rearrangements taking place at the beginning stages of oil generation do not influence significantly the δ D values of n -alkanes and kerogen. However, these processes have a major effect on the isotopic composition of isoprenoids, causing isotopic D-enrichment up to 90‰.
Living Carbocationic Polymerization of p-Methoxystyrene Using p-Methoxystyrene Hydrochloride/SnBr4 Initiating System: Determination of the Absolute Rate Constant of Propagation for Ion Pairs

The carbocationic polymerization of p-methoxystyrene (p-MeOSt) was studied in CH2Cl2 at −30 °C using 1-chloro-1-(p-methoxyphenyl)ethane (p-MeOStCl) as initiator in conjunction with different Lewis acids, BF3·O(C2H5)2, BCl3, ZnCl2, TiCl4, SnCl4, and SnBr4. The best results, moderate rates, theoretical Mns, and low polydispersities, were obtained in conjunction of SnBr4. The living nature of the polymerization was verified by linear first-order ln([M]0/[M]) vs time and linear Mn vs conversion plots in the temperature range of −60 to −20 °C. The number-average molecular weight of the polymers increased in direct proportion to monomer conversion up to Mn = 120 000 and agreed with the calculated molecular weight, assuming that one polymer chain forms per molecule of p-MeOStCl. Kinetic studies suggest that the polymerization is first order in [SnBr4], and the rate, Mn, and polydispersity index are not affected by excess proton trap, 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine. The living nature of the polymerization was further ...
Multi‐unit pricing

A price takes the form of a cost for either one unit (single-unit pricing) or multiple units (multi-unit pricing). I consider a monopolist selling units of a good to a population of homogeneous consumers to explain why one is preferred to the other. A mental cost arises if the division problem a multi-unit price causes is done. If marginal utility remains high multiple units are desired. Multi-unit pricing is preferred since it creates a cost if fewer units are purchased. If utility exhibits strong diminishing returns single-unit pricing is used to avoid the calculation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do weight and shape concerns exhibit genetic effects? Investigating discrepant findings.

Objective: Unlike twin studies of general weight and shape concerns, studies examining the heritability of the undue influence of weight and shape concerns on self-evaluation have found little evidence for genetic effects. The present study sought to resolve these discrepancies by examining the heritability of both types of weight and shape concerns in a young adult twin sample. Method: Participants included 270 female twins from the Michigan State University Twin Registry. General weight and shape concerns were assessed with subscales from the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ). Similar to previous research, the undue influence of weight and shape on self-evaluation was assessed using averaged scores from two EDEQ items. Results: The heritability of all weight and shape measures was estimated at 49–66%. Discussion: General weight and shape concerns and the undue influence of these concerns on self-evaluation are influenced by genetic factors in young adult female twins. © 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2010
Mapping of Pax-2 transcription activation domains

Pax genes encode transcription factors known to play crucial roles during the development of specific embryonic tissues. In humans and mice, several abnormalities have been linked to deficiencies in Pax gene dosage, indicating that normal development is particularly sensitive to the level of Pax gene expression. Despite these facts, relatively little is known about how these proteins act as transcriptional regulators. In this study we define the transactivation domains of murine Pax-2, an essential factor in kidney organogenesis. Within the COOH terminus of Pax-2, amino acids 279-373 are essential for transactivation. However, this region alone is insufficient for full transactivation when fused to the paired domain alone or to a heterologous DNA binding domain. Mutation or deletion of the conserved octapeptide sequence results in increased transactivation by Pax proteins. The octapeptide-mediated repression is also seen within a heterologous context using the GAL4 DNA binding domain. Thus transactivation by Pax-2 relies upon several regions within the COOH terminus and is down-modulated by the octapeptide element.
Interferon gamma inhibits inter-enterocyte communication by reducing connexin 43 phosphorylation

Abstract Introduction. Restitution of the intestinal barrier requires inter-enterocyte communication via the phosphorylated gap junction protein connexin 43. Experimental necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is characterized by elevated interferon gamma (IFN) and impaired restitution. We therefore hypothesized that IFN impairs gap junction (GJ) function and restitution by inhibiting phosphorylation of connexin43. We further sought to determine whether connexin 43 phosphorylation was altered in human NEC. Methods. Connexin 43 expression and phosphorylation was assessed in IEC-6 cells ± IFN (1000 u/ml) by SDS--PAGE and confocal microscopy. GJ function was detected by microinjecting IEC-6 cells ± IFN with the GJ tracer lucifer yellow (LY) and impermeant rhodamine dextran. GJ function was inhibited with oleamide (10 μM). In vitro restitution was assessed using time lapsed video microscopy of IEC-6 cells ± IFN migrating across a scraped wound. Small bowel mucosal scrapings were acquired from infants undergoing bowel resection for NEC and compared to specimens taken from infants without NEC. Data are mean ± SEM. Results. IFN significantly reduced phosphorylation of connexin 43 (band density relative to actin, Ctrl: 0.86 ± 0.3 versus IFNγ 0.37 ± 0.1, P P P Conclusion. IFN inhibits phosphorylation of connexin 43, leading to impaired inter-enterocyte communication and reduced restitution. The finding of decreased phosphoconnexin 43 in human NEC suggests that impaired inter-enterocyte communication may underlie the barrier dysfunction in this disease.
Processing and frozen storage effects on the iron content of cod and mackerel

Processing and subsequent frozen storage affected the iron content of cod (Gadus morhua) and mackerel (Scomber scombrus) muscle tissue. Frame mince was obtained from the bone rack, without the head or viscera remaining, after filleting. Frame mince had significantly higher iron levels than intact fillets with or without skin or fillets that were subsequently minced. Skin-on fillets had more iron than skin-off fillets. Cod frame mince had about 50% heme iron, while mackerel frame mince ranged from 20-64%. Nonheme iron increased during frozen storage due to heme breakdown. Storage above −14°C was more deleterious to the heme molecule than lower temperatures (−20°C or −40°C).
Skilled help for mental health concerns: comparing the perceptions of Catholic priests and Catholic parishioners

This study compares the data from a study investigating the perceptions of 203 functioning Catholic priests (Kane, 2003) to the data from a study of the perceptions of 473 practicing lay Catholics (Kane & Williams, 2000) regarding who is best qualified to assist people in 11 moral, emotional, family or personal situations in which skilled help might be necessary. Choice options for 11 hypothetical situations in which skilled help might be needed included (a) a Catholic priest, ( b) a Catholic priest with a graduate degree in social work, psychology, psychiatry or counselling, (c) a lay mental health professional (clinical social worker, counsellor, clinical psychologist or psychiatrist) or (d) no one—this situation should be handled by the individual without skilled help. There were significant differences between the perceptions of respondent Catholic priests and practicing Catholics in all 11 situations. Cultural differences appear critically important in the choice of skilled helpers. Additionally, the...
The crossing number of C3 × Cn

Abstract The crossing number of the Cartesian product C3 × Cn of a 3-cycle and an n-cycle is shown to be n.
In vitro correlation of ultrastructural morphology and creatine phosphokinase release in L6 skeletal muscle cells after exposure to parenteral antibiotics.

Morphologic changes in a rat skeletal muscle cell line (L6) exposed for 1 h to the parenteral antibiotics amphotericin B (AMP), tetracycline-HCl (TET), erythromycin lactobionate (ERY), and cephaloridine (CEP) were characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and compared to cellular release of creatine phosphokinase (CRK). AMP (0.05, 0.1, 0.5 mg/ml) caused a concentration-related swelling of nuclei, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. Loss of membrane integrity associated with AMP exposure was evident at the middle concentration and extensive at the high concentration, which correlated well with the 43 and 90% depletion of CPK from the muscle cells, respectively. TET (0.25, 1.0, 2.5 mg/ml) caused dilation of endoplasmic reticulum and cytoplasmic blebbing at the low concentration but had no effect on the cytoplasmic membrane or CPK. Cells exposed to the high concentration of TET had extensive damage to the cytoplasmic membrane, and CPK was completely depleted. ERY (2.5, 5.0, 25 mg/ml) caused a pattern of morphologic changes and CPK depletion similar to TET. CEP (4.0, 20, 50 mg/ml) had no effect on membrane integrity or CPK; however, membranous whorls were prominent in the cytoplasm. A good correlation between CPK release and cytoplasmic membrane integrity was evident and the ability of these agents to release CPK from muscle cells in culture correlated with the known irritancy potential of these parenteral antibiotics. Furthermore, CPK depletion seems to be a reliable indicator of muscle cell damage after cytoplasmic membrane perturbation and is therefore an appropriate index of toxicity in this in vitro muscle irritation model.
Synthesis of 5- and 6-Carboxy-X-rhodamines

An efficient route is reported to 5- and 6-carboxy-X-rhodamines (compounds 1 and 2) that contain multiple n-propylene or γ,γ-dimethylpropylene groups bridging terminal nitrogen atoms and the central xanthene core. Gram quantities of these dyes are synthesized from inexpensive starting materials. The isolated products are activated by selective transformation of the carboxylic acid group into N-hydroxysuccinimidyl esters in situ and then conjugated with an amino group of a molecule of interest.
Serum from mice after small bowel resection enhances intestinal epithelial cell growth.

Abstract Background/Purpose: The adaptive response of the intestine to massive small bowel resection (SBR) is remarkably complex. An in vitro model of adaptation may facilitate the elucidation of signaling pathways involved in this process. In an effort to establish such a model, the effects of serum from resected mice on cultured intestinal epithelial cells were studied. Methods: Serum was collected and pooled from male ICR mice 3 days after either 50% SBR or sham operation. Rat intestinal epithelial cells (RIEC-6) were plated at equal density and grown in the presence of 1% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 10% FBS, 1% FBS plus 9% sham serum, or 1% FBS plus 9% SBR serum. Cell number, proliferation, and caspase-3 activity were determined. Results: RIEC-6 cell growth was reduced significantly in 1% FBS or sham serum. SBR serum markedly accelerated cell growth and proliferation when compared with all other groups and significantly suppressed caspase-3 activity. Conclusions: Massive intestinal resection in mice results in a serum factor that induces intestinal cell growth in vitro. This in vitro model of trophic signaling will permit further detailed investigations into the mechanisms of intestinal adaptation. J Pediatr Surg 36:184-189. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Overconfidence and Rigid Mindset: Does 90% Overconfidence Always Equal 90% Overconfidence?

Overconfidence occurs when the certainty that one knows specific facts exceeds the accuracy of that knowledge. Overconfidence is extremely common. It is therefore critical to determine the bias's l...
Runaway Slaves: Rebels on the Plantation

1. Dissidents in the Conscript Army 2. On the Run 3. Whither Thou Goest 4. A Matter of Some Urgency 5. Where To Go? 6. They Seek A City 7. The Hunt 8. Backward into Bondage 9. Profile of a Runaway 10. Managing Human Property 11. Counting the Cost Appendices: Newspaper Advertisements, Petitions to State Legislatures and County Courts Runaway Slave Database
First-principles investigation of Ca 3 (Ti, Zr, Hf, Sn) 2 Fe 2 SiO 12 garnet structure for incorporation of actinides

The structure, electronic structure, and bonding properties of Ca{sub 3} (Ti,Zr,Hf,Sn){sub 2} Fe{sub 2} SiO{sub 12} garnets have been investigated using ab initio electronic structure methods within density functional theory. The incorporation mechanisms of U into different sites of garnet with different compositions have been investigated. In order to describe the behavior of the localized Fe d and U f states, we employed the local spin density approximation (LSDA)+U method. The theoretical unit cell parameters and (cation-O) bond lengths for the four compositions are in good agreement with available experimental data. The calculated densities of states of all garnet compositions investigated are quite similar, suggesting only minor differences in the cation-O interactions. The analysis of the charge density using Bader’s scheme suggests that the (Hf-O) bond has the most ionic character, while the (Ti-O) bond is more covalent. This result provides some insight into the radiation response of the garnet structure. Based on total energy calculations, U preferentially occupies the octahedral site in the garnet structure. The lowest incorporation energy occurs when U substitutes for Sn in the octahedral site. In order to accommodate U at the dodecahedral site (i.e., substituting for Ca), some partial electron transfer from the Umore » to the Fe ions is necessary, making U incorporation in this site unfavorable.« less
Anaerobic degradation of dicamba and metribuzin in riparian wetland soils

Abstract In the Atlantic Coastal Plain, riparian wetlands are thought to play an important role in removal of mobilized agricultural chemicals from groundwater. Degradation potential for dicamba (3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid) and metribuzin (4-amino-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-(methylthio)-1,2,4-triazin-5 (4 H )-one) were evaluated in riparian wetland soils of the Nomini Creek Watershed, VA, using serum bottle microcosms under nitrate reducing (NO 3 amended) and non-nitrate reducing conditions. Soil samples were collected from two surface horizons (referred to as ponded and terrestrial, 1–15 cm) and the subsurface (25–45 cm) of a Bibb (coarse-loamy, siliceous, acid, thermic Typic Fluvaquent) sandy loam in May (soil temperature 16.4°C), September (19.9°C) and November (13.5°C) of 1993 from 12 locations equidistant along a 250 m section of the riparian stream. Metribuzin degradation potential was determined for soils collected in May only. Dicamba was demethylated to 3,6-dichlorosalicylic acid under either nitrate reducing or non-nitrate reducing conditions, while metribuzin was degraded to diketometribuzin (DK), deaminated diketometribuzin (DADK) and deaminated metribuzin (DA). The presence of metabolites DA and DK was confirmed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The rates of dicamba and metribuzin degradation were generally more rapid in the surface than in the subsurface soil microcosms. In contrast to dicamba, the disappearance of metribuzin was slower. Although the degradation experiments were conducted in microcosms under laboratory conditions, they indicate that these riparian wetland soils possess limited potential to degrade dicamba and metribuzin.
Converging on Disaster: Climate Security and the Malthusian Anticipatory Regime for Africa

Malthus’s privileging of population growth as the main cause of poverty, scarcity and war still resonates widely in both the public policy arena and popular culture. It shapes dominant discourses about the relationship between climate change, conflict and security in Africa. This article examines what I call the Malthusian Anticipatory Regime for Africa (MARA). MARA represents the convergence of current international strategies for reducing high fertility in sub-Saharan Africa through long-acting female contraception with climate conflict narratives that blame environmental degradation on population pressure and portray young African men as a security threat. Together these serve as a powerful gendered rationale for Western humanitarian and military interventions. MARA also plays a role in justifying the new land enclosures on the continent. How can critical scholarship more effectively challenge MARA and intervene in the politics of anticipating the future?
Active Corrosion of Sintered α-Silicon Carbide in Oxygen–Chlorine Gases at Elevated Temperatures

The active corrosion of sintered α-silicon carbide from heat exchanger tubes in the temperature range 900° to 1100°C in gas mixtures containing 2% Cl2 by volume with additions of O2 or H2 has been investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and subsequent examination of the corrosion products. The presence of a small amount of oxygen accelerated rapid active corrosion in chlorine-containing gas mixtures, but the corrosion was suppressed by an active-to-passive transition when the concentration of oxygen in the gas mixture was too high. Low rates of attack were observed in the environments containing H2 even when the chlorine potential was high. The concentration of oxygen necessary to produce the active-to-passive transition was found to vary from one material to another and may be related to the amount of excess carbon in the sintered silicon carbide.
Movements of tobacco mosaic virus inclusion bodies within tobacco callus cells

Cytoplasmic streaming caused linear or rotatory movements of tobacco mosaic virus inclusion bodies in the living tobacco callus cells. The inclusions were moved back and forth by active streaming between the peripheral region of the cell and the nuclear zone. The movements of individual inclusions depended on contacts with streaming cytoplasmic strands; on the age, size, and shape of the cell; and on the size, type, and number of inclusion bodies. Virus inclusions appeared as hexagonal crystals, paracrystals, and spherical bodies with or without crystals. Gray plates and small angular virus crystals with at least one angle of 120° were also seen. Inclusions not in contact with the streaming strands had slight or no movements. The cyclotic forces at a site of converging and diverging active strands exerted a stress on the inclusions, especially the spherical bodies and the loosely held groups of small virus crystals. The elastic paracrystalline fibrous inclusions, if long enough, curved in various forms under the influence of cyclosis. These inclusions, sharp at the ends, passed through the nucleus and also through walls of adjoining cells when pushed by streaming cytoplasm. Fibrous inclusions were occasionally intercepted by a newly formed wall in a dividing callus cell. Small angular virus crystals which formed hexagonal crystals on fusion appeared to move into and out of the nucleus. An unusual type of TMV inclusion appeared in the form of clumps of granular material, highly birefringent in polarized light. Transformation was observed of the nucleus into a multilobular structure with 3 or 4 nucleoli in some of the virus-infected cells.
MHD, heat transfer and stress analysis for the ITER self-cooled blanket design

Abstract Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects of the liquid metal self-cooled blanket proposed for ITER are discussed in this paper. Scoping calculations of heat transfer, MHD pressure drop and structure stresses at a steady state for the self-cooled lithium/vanadium inboard blanket design have been performed in order to show if the blanket option can meet the prescribed design criteria, or if modifications are required. The finite element computer code ANSYS TM (DeSalvo and Gorman, ANSYS User Manual, Swanson Analysis System, Inc., 1989) is used to compute two-dimensional temperature and stress distribution in the inboard blanket. The results of the investigation indicate that the ITER self-cooled lithium/vanadium blanket can satisfy the design criteria from the standpoint of heat transfer, MHD pressure drop and stresses. A comfortable safety margin can be obtained if insulting materials are used to decouple the conductive walls from the eddy currents resulting from the flow of liquid metals across magnetic fields.
Clamping of polygonal objects

Abstract A clamper is composed of two opposing parallel edges with variable distance between them. We present a model that describes when the edges of the clamper and some edges of a polygon produce a clamp on the polygon. Using this model, we show that a fairly large class of polygons can be clamped.
Incorporation of P32 into phosphatido-peptide fraction of normal and neoplastic mouse epidermis.

SummaryEvidence was presented which demonstrates that the turnover of phosphorus in phosphatido-peptide is greater for neoplastic epidermis than normal epidermis. Histologically “normal” epidermis obtained from mice bearing a squamous cell carcinoma induced with 20-methylcholanthrene had a phosphorus turnover more closely resembling neoplastic than normal tissue. Further studies concerning the biochemical changes mentioned are in progress.
Motor-biking through rural India on an HIV mission.

At the break of dawn the nightly sounds of croaking frog choirs resonating from the rice fields fade into those of the awakening communities: women preparing breakfast or sweeping the porch of their hut the vendor on his bicycle chanting ‘uppu’ (salt) the background sounds of Tamil movie songs and honking cars. As we’re cruising on a motorbike along the country roads and passing small villages we see people leaving the comfort of their simple huts farmers leaving to work in the field women in beautiful saris with flower garlands in their hair boys and girls in clean uniforms carrying their school-bag and walking bare-footed or in sandals through the muddy tracks caused by last night’s rain smiling with surprise to see a ‘white man’ in this area. Despite the material poverty and harsh living conditions here most people manage the dedication to look surprisingly clean and well-dressed. The birds and butterflies the many farm animals wandering around for some food – oh it’s not hard to fall in love with this place. Yet at the same time I realize that these people are largely unaware that a rather invisible enemy HIV has already started to erode these colorful communities and is slowly combing out villagers. (excerpt)
Circumventing keyloggers and screendumps

We consider keyloggers (hardware or software) and screendumps of virtual keyboards by the local machine. To counter these attacks, we use DirectX 9 libraries[3] on Windows or Linux[5] operating systems. Our approach uses a remote server that communicates securely with the local process. The Direct X mode that we use executes in the GPU while being directly displayed on the screen. There is no direct communication between the operating system and the GPU storage, which allows us to communicate with the user securely even if the local machine is compromised. We present a simple prototype application of this approach, which supports web browsing.