cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Collateral Consequences of the Prison-Industrial Complex

IN A SKILLFULLY CRAFTED ANALYSIS OF THE EXPANDING PRISON-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX, Sudbury encourages us to connect the dots between a number of economic, political, and social patterns that are traditionally examined in isolation. Although substantial academic and activist attention has been devoted to the growth of the prison-industrial complex in the U.S., very little has been done to examine this trend in its global context, and even less work has addressed the links between mass incarceration, global capitalism, and U.S. militarism. A comprehensive, systematic analysis of these relationships is a daunting, Hercu? lean task and Sudbury provides a framework for doing just that. Sudbury's piece is an important contribution to the relatively recent body of work that insists on broadening the analysis of incarceration policies and practices to a global level. Building on an earlier article (Sudbury, 2000), her work moves beyond a narrow ideological analysis and begins the process of demonstrating the multiple layers of interdependence and symbiotic reinforcement between U.S.-led global capitalism, militarism, and the international growth of the prison-industrial complex. Sudbury embraces the theoretical framework offered by the concept, "prison industrial complex," and adopts a "transnational feminist" approach in her work that centers on the lives of women of color and "Third World" women. Arguing that the prison-industrial complex model encourages us to look beyond single factor explanations for prison expansion, she begins the process of transform? ing abstract connections between mass incarceration, global capitalism, and
Algorithms for identification and analysis of large space structures

The identification of the mass, damping and stiffness matrix for the finite-element formulation of a structure will be given. It will be shown that the quadrature integration procedure can be used to find the desired matrices when reasonable assumptions hold. The mass, damping and stiffness matrices of the matrix polynomial are identified by the algorithm.
Abstract I27: Pancreatic cancer immunotherapy: Moving forward

As immunotherapy becomes a pillar of therapy for some of our patients with solid tumors, the role in pancreatic cancer remains limited despite a multitude of studies testing combinations of novel agents. The landscape of effective systemic therapies to date is limited to combination chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors in a small subset of patients with germline BRCA mutations. We also currently await the phase 3 data testing PEGPH20, a recombinant hyaluronidase, in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. These more recent studies were developed from studying and targeting the unique characteristics of pancreatic cancer based on the genomics, chemotherapy sensitivity, and tumor microenvironment characterization. Research in combination strategies that include immunotherapy agents is continuing to build on what we are actively learning about the genomics, epigenetics, RNA expression, and tumor microenvironment characterization specific to pancreatic cancer biology. Historically, studies involving single-agent immunotherapy approaches to pancreatic cancer have yielded responses in 0 or 1 patient. More recent studies with combination immunotherapy approaches with and without chemotherapy have increased the number of responders, but responses still occur in only a handful of patients except in studies where the agents are combined with chemotherapy, which may be the driver of the responses. Further characterization of the responders may help us to identify predictive biomarkers, and further understanding of the nonresponders can help drive future directions. This lecture will review the current strategies that have made it into clinical trials or strategies being proposed for further study and preliminary data that are available to support continued development. Advances in increasing T-cell delivery such as cell-based or neoantigen vaccines, modified T cells, viral and bacterial vectors, or bispecific antibodies may increase immune cell infiltration into tumors while new agonist agents promoting immune cell activation or antagonist targeting negative checkpoints or immune cell populations can increase the probability of success. The combination of increasing the number of responders and better understanding those subsets will eventually lead to additional treatment options for our patients. Citation Format: Dung T. Le. Pancreatic cancer immunotherapy: Moving forward [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Advances in Science and Clinical Care; 2019 Sept 6-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(24 Suppl):Abstract nr I27.
Recurrent Granulomatous Myocarditis after Heart Transplant

Introduction Recurrent granulomatous myocarditis is an uncommon phenomenon after heart transplantation. We present a case of late recurrent granulomatous myocarditis after heart transplant. Case Report A previously healthy gentleman presented with complete heart block requiring placement of a permanent pacemaker. He subsequently developed reduced left ventricular function and progressive heart failure, prompting an endomyocardial biopsy which revealed granulomatous myocarditis. He was treated with steroids but his symptoms progressed and ultimately underwent orthotopic heart transplant. Pathologic examination of the explanted heart revealed “Florid granulomatous inflammation throughout the myocardium, with dense scar that is patchy and irregularly distributed.” 7 Years after transplant he developed severe rapid onset heart failure symptoms. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a newly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction of 35 %. Urgent catheterization and endomyocardial biopsy was performed revealing mild single vessel allograft vasculopathy, mildly elevated filling pressures and a cardiac index of 2 liters per minute per meter squared. Pathologic examination of the biopsy revealed myocardium with significant inflammation including numerous eosinophils and scattered multinucleated giant cells with myocyte damage. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was performed revealing late gadolinium enhancement in the apical lateral, and basal anteroseptal walls [Figure] with prolonged T2 time suggestive of edema. He was treated with high dose steroids, intravenous diuretics were administered, and he clinically recovered symptomatically and continues to follow in clinic. Summary Granulomatous myocarditis caused by giant cell myocarditis or cardiac sarcoidosis can lead to end stage heart failure and necessity for heart transplant. Recurrence of the granulomatous inflammation can lead to graft dysfunction and can be identified by endomyocardial biopsy as well as noninvasive imaging with CMR.
Introduction: Fair Price and Sufficient Profit

Taming the Fringe analyses the regulation and evolution of two credit products that were, and remain, vital to the working poor. Policymakers have struggled with pawnbroking and moneylending because they raise broader issues pertaining to poverty, capitalism and financial regulation. The values of easily accessible credit and financial independence compete with society’s desire to protect people from predatory loans. Policymakers have pondered whether regulation can lower costs without reducing access for those most in need of small cash loans. Can government policy protect borrowers while also providing sufficient profit for lenders? The many attempts at doing so reveal the difficulty of safeguarding the needs of people who have experienced financial trouble before seeking a loan.
Protein engineering for natural product biosynthesis and synthetic biology applications

As protein engineering grows more salient, many strategies have emerged to alter protein structure and function, with the goal of redesigning and optimizing natural product biosynthesis. Computational tools, including machine learning and molecular dynamics simulations, have enabled the rational mutagenesis of key catalytic residues for enhanced or altered biocatalysis. Semi-rational, directed evolution and microenvironment engineering strategies have optimized catalysis for native substrates and increased enzyme promiscuity beyond the scope of traditional rational approaches. These advances are made possible using novel high-throughput screens, including designer protein-based biosensors with engineered ligand specificity. Herein, we detail the most recent of these advances, focusing on polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides and isoprenoids, including their native biosynthetic logic to provide clarity for future applications of these technologies for natural product synthetic biology.
Faraday Michelson Interferometers for Signal Demodulation of Fiber-Optic Sensors

We developed an all-fiber-based optical demodulator for the signal interrogation of low-coherence fiber-optic Fabry–Perot interferometric sensors. The optical demodulator consists of a Michelson interferometer implemented by using a 3 × 3 fiber coupler and two fiber-coupled Faraday reflectors with tunable fiber delay lines. The demodulator's output contains two optical interference signals with a constant phase shift and the output shows no sensitivity to the polarization variation in the light source or fibers. A digital phase recovery algorithm is used to extract the measurand information from the phase-shifted signals at high accuracy, high dynamic range, and high stability. The optical demodulator has been applied to the measurement of high-frequency vibrations and strains using fiber-optic sensors.
Kif11 overexpression rescues cognition, long-term potentiation, and spine defects in mouse and cell models of Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Competitive inhibition of kinesin motor proteins by amyloid-beta (Aβ) may contribute to alterations in the neuronal microtubule cytoskeleton that can disrupt plasticity mechanisms required for learning and memory, such as long-term potentiation (LTP), thus contributing to synaptic dysfunction and cognitive impairments associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we tested the hypothesis that overexpression of the microtubule motor protein KIF11 (Kinesin-5/Eg5) will rescue Aβ-mediated synaptic dysfunction and cognitive impairments. We found that overexpression of Kif11 prevented spatial learning and LTP deficits in the 5xFAD mouse model of AD and rescued Aβ-mediated decreases in postsynaptic dendritic spine density in neuronal cultures. Together, these data suggest that KIF11 function is important for preserving synaptic structures and functions that are critical for learning and memory and for protection against Aβ-mediated loss of cognition in AD. Highlights Deficits in cognition and long-term potentiation in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease are prevented by Kif11 overexpression. Aβ-mediated dendritic spine loss is blocked by Kif11 overexpression.
The role of the Notch pathway in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis: clinical implications.

INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic debilitating disease characterized by vascular insufficiency, widespread fibrosis and immune activation. Current understanding of its pathophysiology remains incomplete, which translates into inefficient therapies. Notch signaling is a central player in the development of physiological and pathological fibrosis not only in general but also in the context of SSc and is most likely involved in the vascular dysfunction that characterizes the disease. AREAS COVERED This review explores the role of the Notch pathway in the pathophysiology of SSc and the potential implications for the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of this yet incurable disease. EXPERT OPINION Although major issues still exist about the comprehension of SSc and the design of effective treatments, the knowledge of the role of the Notch pathway in fibrogenesis and vascular biology has shed light and enthusiasm over the field. Drugs that target components of Notch signaling are currently in development including already some in clinical trials. As such, Notch may become a very important topic in the near future (considering both the pathophysiology and treatment perspectives), not only in the context of SSc but also in the vascular-dependent fibrotic processes present in a multitude of diseases.
Thermodynamic Considerations Underlying the Migration of Radionuclides in Geomedia: Oklo and Other Examples

The prediction of migration or retention of radionuclides in geomedia is one of the major problems associated with radioactive waste disposal. Use of Eh-pH diagrams based on sound thermodynamic data has proven useful for both the Oklo Natural Reactor and for sedimentary uranium deposits. Appropriate diagrams for temperatures in the range from 25° to 200° celsius allow predictions to be made which are entirely consistent with available measurements. For geomedia where organics are present and for brines, experimental data must be employed to supplement any predictions made on a purely inorganic thermodynamic data base.
Chapter 33 Agent-based Modeling as a Bridge Between Disciplines

Abstract Using the author's own experiences, this chapter shows how agent-based modeling (ABM) can address research questions common to many disciplines, facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, provide a useful multidisciplinary tool when the math is intractable, and reveal unity across disciplines. While ABM can be a hard sell, convergence within the agent-based community can enhance the interdisciplinary value of the methodology.
Multiple constant multiplication implementations in near-threshold computing systems

Modern applications, such as video and audio processing, employ many licnear transforms and filters, such as the discrete cosine transform (DCT) and fast Fourier transform (FFT). There is a need to drastically reduce the energy consumption of these applications in order to enable their ultralow energy realization on mobile devices. It is well known that all of these applications can be implemented using multiple constant multiplication (MCM). As of now, there has been no effort to synthesize ultralow energy implementations of these systems, in particular, through the use of near-threshold computing (NTC). In order to synthesize MCM in NTC systems, we propose techniques that include minimizing the critical path through load reduction along with the creation of deep combinational logic in order to reduce the impact of process variation. We have demonstrated the effectiveness of our new techniques on both FFT and DCT applications and show up to an order of magnitude reduction in energy for the target delay.
Sequential replication of the Bacillus subtilis chromosome: IV. Genetic mapping by density transfer experiment

Abstract Genetic markers near the replication origin of the chromosome have been mapped in two strains of Bacillus subtilis , W23 and W168, which differ in replication control. A synchronization of chromosome replication during spore germination was used. Two types of density transfer experiments of spores were performed: one, the germination of deuterium oxide-grown spores in a rich aqueous medium and the other, the germination of spores of a thymine-requiring strain in a medium containing 5-bromouracil. Samples were taken at various times during germination and their lysates were centrifuged in a density gradient. The transfer of genetic markers from non-replicated, half-replicated and fully replicated DNA was followed by transformation assays. A theory of mapping applicable to replication synchronization of the chromosome and density transfer experiments (synchro-transfer analysis) has been developed and applied to the present data with special emphasis on markers close to the replication origin. This method of mapping has been extended to the whole chromosome, and the relative distances between markers was estimated by statistical analysis of the transformation data. There was no difference in the replication origin and in the marker order between the two strains.
Composition and Galactic Confinement of Cosmic Rays

The ‘Galactic’ cosmic rays impinging on the Earth come from afar over tortuous paths, traveling for millions of years. These particles are the only known samples of matter that reach us from regions of space beyond the solar system. Their chemical and isotopic composition and their energy spectra provide clues to the nature of cosmic-ray sources, the properties of interstellar space, and the dynamics of the Galaxy. Various processes in high-energy astrophysics could be illuminated by a more complete understanding of the arriving cosmic rays, including the electrons and gamma rays.
Low-Pathogenicity H7N2 Avian Influenza Outbreak in Virginia During 2002

An outbreak of low-pathogenicity H7N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia during the spring and summer of 2002 affected 197 farms and resulted in the destruction of over 4.7 million birds. The outbreak affected primarily turkey farms (28 breeders, 125 grow out) with some spillover into chicken farms (29 breeders, 13 grow out, 2 table-egg layers). Although no direct link was established, the strain of H7N2 AIV in this outbreak had a molecular fingerprint that was essentially identical to the H7N2 AIV strain that has circulated in the live bird markets of the northeastern United States for the last 8 yr. After an initial delay caused by lack of viable disposal options, depopulation and disposal, primarily in sanitary landfills, was carried out within 24 hr of detection of a positive flock. Increased surveillance efforts included once-a-week testing of the daily mortality of all poultry farms in the region, testing of all breeder farms every 2 wk, and testing of all flocks prior to movement for any reason. A statistical sampling of backyard flocks and wild birds found no evidence of the virus. The successful eradication of this outbreak was the result of the efforts of a highly effective task force of industry, state, and federal personnel.
Effects of RhebL1 silencing on the mTOR pathway

The insulin/Ras Homolog Enriched in Brain (Rheb)/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has been implicated in a variety of cancers. The activation of mTOR is regulated by a small G-protein, Rheb1. In mammalian systems there are two Rheb genes--Rheb1 and RhebL1 (Rheb2). The two genes show high sequence homology, however it has yet to be determined whether they are redundant in function. In this study the contribution of RhebL1 toward the mTOR pathway was investigated by transient gene silencing in three cell lines-HEK293, HeLa, and NIH3T3. Both Rheb1 and RhebL1 genes were silenced individually as well as in combination using eleven commercially synthesized siRNAs. Results from cross reactivity experiments showed the silencing of Rheb1 and RhebL1 to be highly specific for their target gene. This is the first report of its kind to examine the function of the endogenous Rheb genes using single and dual silencing. Phosphorylation of the mTOR effector S6 was not affected by RhebL1 silencing as it was by Rheb1 silencing, suggesting for the first time that RhebL1 may be impacting the mTOR pathway in a different manner than Rheb1.
Red/blue electroluminescence from europium-doped organic light emitting diodes

ABSTRACT Red/Blue emitting organic li ght emitting diodes (OLED) devices have been obtained using a Europium-doped organic emitting layer (NPB:Eu). The Eu-doped OLEDs emit in 2 color ranges: a broad blue (~420-500nm) band due to NPB emission and a narrow red peak at 620nm due to Eu emission. The red/blue devices achieve a brightness ~13x more intense than a similarly structured green (Alq 3 ) emitting OLED. These NPB:Eu emitting structures also reach a maximum efficiency of 0.2 cd/A at brightnesses above 100 cd/m 2 . Keywords: OLED, Europium, efficiency 1. INTRODUCTION Organic light emitting diodes are very bright, efficient, have a relatively low fabrication co st as compared to inorganic LEDs, and have begun to gain momentum in both display and lighting applications 1 . However, the emission spectrum is rather broad and dependent on processing conditions. The em ission spectrum of rare earth ions, on the other hand, is highly monochromatic and generally independent of the host material
Design and synthesis of arylaminoethyl amides as noncovalent inhibitors of cathepsin S. Part 1

Abstract A series of Nα-acyl-α-amino acid-(arylaminoethyl)amides were found to be potent and noncovalent cathepsin S inhibitors. Compound 20 possessed high cathepsin S affinity (Ki = 3.3 nM) and showed excellent selectivity over cathepsin K, L, F, and V. Molecular modeling, design, synthesis, and in vitro activity are described.
Altered cortical spectrotemporal processing with age-related hearing loss.

Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) is a prevalent disability associated with aging that impairs spectrotemporal processing, but the mechanisms of such changes remain unclear. The goal of this s...
A Method to Extract Interface Stress Intensity Factors Using Interlayers

A method is presented here to extract stress intensity factors for interface cracks in plane bimaterial fracture problems. The method relies on considering a companion problem wherein a very thin elastic interlayer is artificially inserted between the two material regions of the original bimaterial problem. The crack in the companion problem is located in the middle of the interlayer with its tip located within the homogeneous interlayer material. When the thickness of the interlayer is small compared with the other length scales of the problem, a universal relation can be established between the actual interface stress intensity factors at the crack tip for the original problem and the mode I and II stress intensity factors associated with the companion problem. The universal relation is determined by formulating and solving a boundary value problem. This universal relation now allows the determination of the stress intensity factors for a generic plane interface crack problem as follows. For a given interface crack problem, the companion problem is formulated and solved using the finite element method. Mode I and II stress intensity factors are obtained using the modified virtual crack closure method. The universal relation is next used to obtain the corresponding interface stress intensity factors for the original interface crack problem. An example problem involving a finite interface crack between two semi-infinite blocks is considered for which analytical solutions exist. It is shown that the method described above provides very acceptable results.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
An IMC Process Framework for a Communications-Based Services Marketing Model

Integrated marketing communications (IMC) has been presented and examined; and, it has been challenged recently by some researchers questioning its relevance. However, some practitioners and academics still embrace its use. Presented through a case study, this article complements and extends the work of others by showing the importance of attribute identification through comprehensive research. It suggests that the message may be the starting place for measurement of IMC. Senior managers should consider this study's proposed IMC process framework where the product focus or corporate mission statement is the first step for IMC brand message positioning to help improve both short-term and long-term sales and profits.
Breast cancer bone metastasis and current small therapeutics

Patients with advanced breast cancer frequently develop metastasis to bone. Bone metastasis results in intractable pain and a high risk of fractures due to tumor-driven bone loss (osteolysis), which is caused by increased osteoclast activity. Osteolysis releases bone-bound growth factors including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). The widely accepted model of osteolytic bone metastasis in breast cancer is based on the hypothesis that the TGF-β released during osteolytic lesion development stimulates tumor cell parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP), causing stromal cells to secrete receptor activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL), thus increasing osteoclast differentiation. Elevated osteoclast numbers results in increased bone resorption, leading to more TGF-β being released from bone. This interaction between tumor cells and the bone microenvironment results in a vicious cycle of bone destruction and tumor growth. Bisphosphonates are commonly prescribed small molecule therapeutics that target tumor-driven osteoclastic activity in osteolytic breast cancers. In addition to bisphosphonate therapies, steroidal and non-steroidal antiestrogen and adjuvant therapies with aromatase inhibitors are additional small molecule therapies that may add to the arsenal for treatment of osteolytic breast cancer. This review focuses on a brief discussion of tumor-driven osteolysis and the effects of small molecule therapies in reducing osteolytic tumor progression.
Technical problems in equilibrium dialysis.

Abstract It was found that several DNP-hapten preparations contained low levels of contamination with radioactive, weakly bound impurities which could not be removed by routine methods. This contamination resulted in artificially low values for antibody affinity and artificially high values for the heterogeneity index. A mathematical model for the binding of contaminated hapten by homogeneous antibody was developed. This model predicted that the degree of distortion would be minimized by the use of large ‘outside’ volumes and low antibody concentrations for equilibrium dialysis measurements. Experimental data consistent with these predictions were obtained.
The permeability of the mitochondrial inner membrane to sucrose

Abstract The permeability of the inner membrane to sucrose in fresh and aged mitochrondria is described. Theoretical aspects of the use of the distribution of sucrose as a reference for movements of ions and water are discussed. Experimental findings support the following conclusions: 1. 1. When mitochondria are exposed to labelled sucrose for less than 5 min, penetration across the inner membrane is not significant; and the [14C]sucrose space is a reliable estimate of the volume external ot this membrane. The size of the inner, ion-containing compartment can then be estimated by different (total water minus sucrose-accessible water). 2. 2. With longer incubations, sucrose gains entrance into the inner compartment. Under these conditions, the sucrose-free space may continue to have meaning as a virtual space in which the endogeneous solutes are isotonic to the external medium. Changes in this virtual space remain useful for evaluating movements of ions and water across the inner membrane. 3. 3. Entrance of sucrose, and also of Cl−, into the inner compartment during aging was found to be closely linked to reciprocal losses of K+ and water-soluble phosphate compounds.
THE EFFECT OF DISTRACTIONS ON SIXTH‐GRADE STUDENTS IN A TESTING SITUATION

In a testing situation, factors other than the test itself may influence test performance. It is generally assumed that a quiet, distraction-free situation is necessary for testing. Test manuals and texts on the topic of test administration usually indicate that distraction-free situations promote better test performance than do distractive environments. Classroom teachers normally try to establish conditions as "ideal" as possible for testing. Research does not support the general assumption that distractions in the testing situation influence test scores. Probably the best known study of distractions' effects on test performance was conducted by Super, Braasch, and Shay (1947). The Minnesota Vocational Test for Clerical Workers and the Otis Quick Score Gamma Am were given to graduate students. One group was tested under "normal, quiet" conditions. Another group was subjected to such distractions as breaking pencils, arguments in the hall, apparent mistiming, and a poorly played trumpet. Analyses of test scores showed no differences in the performances of the two groups. Hovey (1928) and Standt (1948) also experimented with distractions in a college level test situation. Hovey found that with college sophomores, distractions such as noise, lights, music, whistles and stunt man performances did not effect performance on the Army Alpha Test. Standt tested college women with several measures which included verbal analogies, cancellation, addition, multiplication, and with the Otis Self-Administering Intelligence Test. Every 30 seconds a buzzer was sounded and subjects were told which problem to begin on next. While this study may have confounded distractions with instructions, the main interest was in the distraction condition. No significant differences were found in accuracy of performance. In a study using high school students, Ingle and DeAmico (1969) found that conditions in the testing room did not affect standardized achievement test scores. Insofar as poor lighting, poor writing surfaces and such can be considered distractive, distraction had no influence.
A New Evil Demon? No Problem for Moderate Internalists

The New Evil Demon Problem (NEDP) is often seen as a serious objection to externalist theories of justification. In fact, some internalists think it is a decisive counterexample to externalism. Recently, Moon (Episteme 9:345–360, 2012) has argued that internalists face their own New Evil Demon Problem. According to Moon, it is possible for a demon to remove one’s unaccessed mental states while leaving the justificatory status of her accessed mental states unaffected. Since this is contrary to the claims of many forms of internalism, Moon maintains that his New Evil Demon Problem for Internalism shows that internalists face a problem that is just as troubling as the original NEDP. I argue that moderate internalists have nothing to fear from Moon’s demon.
Correlates of verbally aggressive communication in adolescents

This investigation identifies demographic, media, and social correlates of verbally aggressive communication in adolescence. Mail surveys were completed and returned by 2,300 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 15. These adolescents were asked about the prevalence of verbal and physical aggression, the context in which it occurred, demographics, and the interpersonal and media influences in their lives. The results indicate that verbal aggression is widespread, that committing and experiencing verbal aggression is largely reciprocal, that there is a strong relationship between committing verbal and physical aggression, and that peer social influence and listening to violently oriented music are mildly related to verbal aggression in adolescents. These findings suggest more resources should be allocated to teaching adolescents to understand and control verbal aggression. Further, they provide important answers to many prevention and intervention programmatic questions, including context, content, and ta...
Uncorrelated measurements of the cosmic expansion history and dark energy from supernovae

We present a method for measuring the cosmic expansion history $H(z)$ in uncorrelated redshift bins, and apply it to current and simulated type Ia supernova data assuming spatial flatness. If the matter density parameter ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{m}$ can be accurately measured from other data, then the dark-energy density history $X(z)={\ensuremath{\rho}}_{X}(z)/{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{X}(0)$ can trivially be derived from this expansion history $H(z)$. In contrast to customary ``black box'' parameter fitting, our method is transparent and easy to interpret: the measurement of $H(z{)}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ in a redshift bin is simply a linear combination of the measured comoving distances for supernovae in that bin, making it obvious how systematic errors propagate from input to output. We find the Riess et al. (2004) gold sample to be consistent with the vanilla concordance model where the dark energy is a cosmological constant. We compare two mission concepts for the NASA/DOE Joint Dark-Energy Mission (JDEM), the Joint Efficient Dark-energy Investigation (JEDI), and the Supernova Accelaration Probe (SNAP), using simulated data including the effect of weak lensing (based on numerical simulations) and a systematic bias from K corrections. Estimating $H(z)$ in seven uncorrelated redshift bins, we find that both provide dramatic improvements over current data: JEDI can measure $H(z)$ to about 10% accuracy and SNAP to 30%--40% accuracy.
Skeletal muscle cell populations: Separation and partial characterization of fibroblast-like cells from embryonic tissue using density centrifugation

Cell suspensions from the breast muscles of 10-day old chicken embryos were separated into non-myogenic, fibroblast-like cell fractions and a mononucleated, myogenic cell fraction by PercollTM density centrifugation. lsolated populations were characterized by their morphology in both mass cultures and individual macroscopic clones and by the immunocytochemical detection of skeletal muscle-and smooth muscle-specific proteins in individual cells. Cell populations were also characterized by their protein patterns using sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The less dense, non-myogenic cells comprised 16% of the cells. In culture they were predominantly flatiened, stellate cells and gave rise to clones lacking myotubes. These fibroblast-like cells were negative for skeletal muscle myosin or muscle type creatine phosphokinase. Less than 0.1% of these cells demonstrated strong fluorescence when stained with anti-desmin or anti-smooth muscle specific actin. This observation suggested that the vast majority of these cells were not related to vascular smooth muscle cells. Also, over 99% of the non-myogenic cells did not display characteristic properties of endothelial cells. The denser myogenic cell fraction comprised over 80% of the cells and in clonal cultures gave rise to about 70% myogenic clones. An additional 30% of clones from this fraction were non-myogenic indicating heterogeneity in this population. We conclude that Percoll centrifugation can be employed for the isolation of myogenic and non-myogenic cell populations directly from the embryonic muscle. Moreover, this procedure allows the direct analysis of cell-specific proteins (e.g., by gel electrophoresis) without the need for cell culturing. The results thus obtained closely reflect the status of the cells in the intact muscle.
Investigating the performance and properties of dielectric elastomer actuators as a potential means to actuate origami structures

Origami engineering aims to combine origami principles with advanced materials to yield active origami shapes, which fold and unfold in response to external stimuli. This paper explores the potential and limitations of dielectric elastomers (DEs) as the enabling material in active origami engineering. DEs are compliant materials in which the coupled electro-mechanical actuation takes advantage of their low modulus and high breakdown strength. Until recently, prestraining of relatively thick DE materials was necessary in order to achieve the high electric fields needed to trigger electrostatic actuation without inducing a dielectric breakdown. Although prestrain improves the breakdown strength of the DE films and reduces the voltage required for actuation, the need for a solid frame to retain the prestrain state is a limitation for the practical implementation of DEs, especially for active origami structures. However, the recent availability of thinner DE materials (50 μm, 130 μm, 260 μm) has made DEs a likely medium for active origami. In this work, the folding and unfolding of DE multilayered structures, along with the realization of origami-inspired 3D shapes, are explored. In addition, an exhaustive study on the fundamentals of DE actuation is done by directly investigating the thickness actuation mechanism and comparing their performance using different electrode types. Finally, changes in dielectric permittivity as a function of strain, electrode type and applied electric field are assessed and analyzed. These fundamental studies are key to obtaining more dramatic folding and to realizing active origami structures using DE materials.
Optimization of [11C]CO2 trapping efficiencies from nitrogen gas streams.

Abstract Three new systems were developed for trapping [11C]CO2 from high flow rate nitrogen gas streams and the trapping efficiency was determined for each trap design. The results of this study indicate that both the stainless steel shot and stainless steel frit systems yield high trapping efficiencies under the range of flow rates evaluated (400–3600 sccm) and may prove to be alternatives to the traditional stainless steel/copper coiled tubing or molecular sieve trapping systems in common use.
Analytical methodology for predicting fatigue life distribution of fuselage splices

Methodologies to predict fatigue life distribution of fuselage splices, measured as the number of cycles to visible cracks, were developed in this work. Modeling procedures using three dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis were developed to obtain the stress state at the rivet hole. Contact surfaces, which include friction effects, were used to simulate the rivet to hole and skin to skin interactions. The squeezing force (SF) resulting from the riveting process and the coefficient of friction (CF) used for the contact surfaces were taken as random variables. Analytical expressions for local stress as a function of the squeezing force and coefficient of friction were developed using a response surface technique along with limited FE analyses. Based on the calculated local stresses, a strain-life approach was employed to predict fretting fatigue crack nucleation at the rivet hole. A Monte Carlo simulation was developed, which integrated the two random variables into the models, to determine the fatigue life distribution to visible cracks. Results from the simulation showed that the predicted fatigue life distribution correlated very well with the existing test data. Further sensitivity studies indicated that the squeezing force has a stronger influence on the life distribution than the coefficient of friction.
Absorption spectra of Q 0000 – 263 and 1442 + 101

We present a new analysis of the Ly α forest for the high-redshift QSOs 1442 + 101 (z = 3.544) and 0000 − 263 (z = 4.111). We have performed detailed profile fitting to spectra of moderate resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio. The results are compared to a more conventionally derived line list. As a result, we provide a high-redshift extension to the previously reported Ly α forest samples of Bajtlik, Duncan & Ostriker, Lu, Wolfe & Turnshek and Rauch et al. If the evolution of the number of lines per unit redshift has the functional form (1 + z) γ then we find a best-fitting value of γ = 2.59 ± 0.49 for an equivalent width completeness limit of W thr = 0.21 A. If the equivalent widths are distributed as exp(−W/W*), we determine a characteristic equivalent width W* = 0.084 ± 0.008 for the new data
Large-Scale Electrospray Ionization Methods for Nanocoating Application

A scalable nano-coating process is needed that can be applied at atmospheric temperatures and pressures with low waste. This would enable the efficient production of advanced thin-film materials from solar cells to super-hydrophobic surfaces. Unfortunately, current methods for producing nanoparticle or nano-structured macromolecular coatings often require substrate immersion, specific atmospheres, and/or long growth times. One potential technique to overcome these challenges would be to use electrospray ionization (ESI) to first disperse large numbers of nanoparticles or polymers in air at standard conditions, and then deposit these on a substrate. ESI is a relatively mature technology, and although it has been developed largely for processing microliter volumes in mass spectrometry, it is believed that the fundamental science can be scaled up. This work presents a model for an ESI deposition method. It combines scaling laws for charged jets with spray and fission models to capture relevant charge, spray, fission, and evaporation phenomena. The developed model is shown to be very simple and efficient while still matching published experimental results. Using the model, current ESI techniques are compared such as NanoESI and Flow-Focusing ESI. A significant technological challenge to ESI deposition is discovered to be the trapping of the majority of the solute in a few primary droplets. Different solutions to this challenge are examined and used to define the direction for future work.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Dirofilaria immitis: worm burden and pulmonary artery proliferation in dogs from Michigan (United States)

Despite the ability to prevent heartworm disease, infection with Dirofilaria immitis continues to be a major problem for domestic dogs. To determine worm burden in heartworm-positive dogs from three county animal shelters in the state of Michigan in the United States and to assess the relationship between gross intimal proliferation and worm burden, necropsy was done on 176 heartworm-positive dogs. Adult heartworms were found in the heart and pulmonary artery of 170 of the 176 (96.6%) dogs examined. Mean worm burden was 14 +/- 13 (range 0-85). Fifty-nine percent of dogs had 10 [C.H. Courtney, Q.Y. Zeng, The structure of heartworm populations in dogs and cats in Florida, in: Proceedings of the American Heartworm Symposium, 1989]. These data suggest that mean worm burden in northern areas may be < or = that in warmer areas. Also, since diagnostic tests are less sensitive with lower worm burdens, diagnosis of heartworm infection in Michigan and other surrounding more northern states may be a greater challenge than in areas with higher worm burdens.
A strategy for in vitro propagation of rat nephrons.

A strategy for in vitro propagation of rat nephrons. Background Recent advances in the understanding of the molecular biology of rodent renal development have lead to the ability to culture the components of the developing rat kidney—the ureteric bud (UB) and the metanephric mesenchyme (MM)—in isolation from one another. Here we here describe a method for subculturing and propagating either whole rat metanephric rudiments or isolated rat UBs. Exploiting the branching program intrinsic to the UB, propagated rat UBs can be recombined with fresh rat mesenchyme to form a large number of rat "neokidneys" derived from a single progenitor that may be amenable to site-specific modulation of function. Methods Whole rat metanephric rudiments or isolated rat UBs were cultured and subdivided through several generations. Both cultured progenitor and subsequent generations of isolated rat UBs were recombined with freshly isolated rat metanephric mesenchyme. The tubules of these rat neokidneys were examined for expression of epithelial markers. Results Isolated rat UBs and whole rat metanephric rudiments could be propagated through several generations and appeared morphologically identical to their progenitors. Generations of isolated rat UB could be recombined with fresh rat mesenchyme and the resultant neokidney displayed the same morphologic appearance as the whole rat kidney rudiment. The UB-derived and MM-derived portions of the tubules of these rat neokidneys appear contiguous. Conclusions The recombination of cultured and propagated rat UB with rat mesenchyme yielded rat neokidneys with tubular structures that appeared morphologically identical to whole rat kidney. In vitro propagation of rat metanephric rudiments and recombination of rat UB and MM suggest the possibility of designing nephrons that possess specific desirable functions that can be propagated in vitro.
Analyzing gas-surface interactions using the reduced force coefficients

The reduced force coefficients are introduced as a new set of parameters that can be used to analyze the momentum transfered to surfaces by incident molecules in rarefied flow regimes. These coefficients are well-defined for all angles of incidence, thereby eliminating the singularity problems associated with the momentum accommodation coefficients. The reduced force coefficients can be obtained from measurements of the forces exerted on surfaces by molecular beams, and can be used to obtain the flux-weighted average velocity of the molecules scattered from surfaces. Also, a method is developed that can be used to approximate the flux-weighted average translational energy of the scattered molecules and the energy accommodation coefficient for many gas-surface interactions. Measurements of the forces exerted on SiO{sub 2}-coated Kapton and Z-93-coated Al by molecular beams of N{sub 2} and H{sub 2} are used to demonstrate the singularity problems associated with the momentum accommodation coefficients. The same force measurements are then used to calculate the reduced force coefficients and several macroscopic average quantities of the scattered molecules. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Three-dimensional reconstruction of intracranial vessels from biplane projection views

The three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of intracerebral vessels from two-dimensional (2D) projection views is an important clinical problem that, so far, has eluded solution. This report describes a new approach that uses projection images to build arterial trees progressively from an underlying 3D network, using a new method to pair shadow images on widely separated projection views. As a test of our general methodology, we have reconstructed a middle cerebral arterial tree from two projection views of a magnetic resonance dataset and have tested the accuracy of reconstruction against the original 3D dataset. This report describes the general approach to 3D vascular reconstruction and the computer program used to perform the final reconstruction step. The results suggest that accurate, 3D reconstruction of intracranial vessels is indeed possible from as few as two projection views.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Manganese Oxide Octahedral Molecular Sieve (OMS-2) Nanomaterials under Continuous Flow Conditions

A continuous flow microwave method has been developed for the synthesis of cryptomelane-type K-OMS-2 nanomaterials in a mixed aqueous−organic solvent system. The system is ideal for multikilogram synthesis of K-OMS-2 nanomaterials. The synthesized nanomaterials have crystallite sizes of about 1.8 nm with a surface area of 213 m2/g. X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nitrogen sorption experiments, and potentiometric titrations have been used to characterize the nanomaterials. Kinetically, an increase in power has a direct relation to increase in temperature, and this has an effect on reaction rate. The synthesized materials show excellent results in the oxidation of 2,3,6-trimethylphenol.