cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conditions for optimal performance of monostatic coherent laser radar.

The conditions for optimal performance of monostatic coherent laser radar for a diffuse or aerosol target at a given range are derived by using functional maximization techniques. Expressions are derived for two cases: the optimal local-oscillator field given the transmitter–receiver optics and transmitter laser field, and the optimal transmitter field and local-oscillator field given the transmitter–receiver optics.
Early biochemical and EEG correlates of the ketogenic diet in children with atypical absence epilepsy.

Abstract Early changes in blood chemistry and the electroencephalogram were monitored during the first three hours after initiating the medium chain triglyceride (MCT) diet in nine children with intractable atypical absence seizures. Serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, free fatty acids, ketone bodies concentrations, and venous pH were assayed before and at timed intervals after MCT oil was administered orally. The concentration of serum ketones rose progressively over three hours, β-hydroxybutyrate proportionately higher than acetoacetate. A statistically significant decrease in the group mean number of epileptiform discharges occurred following MCT therapy. Seizure frequency decreased by more than 50 percent in two-thirds of the children during the 10 week treatment period.
T Cell Targeted Therapies in Lupus: Do They Make Sense?

Although systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is well-characterized as a B cell-driven, autoantibody mediated disease, recent studies focusing on innate immunity and on the interacting roles of other cell types, including T cells, have illuminated a wider scope of pathophysiology. The development of effective targeted therapies for SLE has been limited by the complex nature of these multiple interacting immune pathways. T cells in SLE display an activated phenotype with increased responses by effector subsets coupled to deficient regulatory responses. This singular SLE phenotype has been associated with specific intracellular signaling changes such as activation of the NFAT pathway and altered transcription of characteristic immune mediating proteins, including those related to IL6, IL23, and IL17 pathways. Some promising treatments developed to specifically regulate these pathways are currently in preclinical or early clinical development and a few have moved on to later phase trials. We propose that a specific currently identifiable subset of patients with SLE (those with altered TH17/Treg responses and/or elevated IL6 and/or BLyS signals) are likely the best candidates for treatment with appropriately targeted T cell modulating agents. Although this remains to be proven, our opinion is that advances in SLE treatment will only occur when there is a better understanding of pre-treatment biology both to optimize patient selection and to provide markers for improving dosing strategies. It may be that strategic combinations of targeted agents tailored to individual patterns of immune activation will provide the best approach to treatment in the future.
Meperidine does not block the cholinergic effects of oxotremorine

Meperidine (20 and 40 mg/kg, IP) did not block the cholinergic effects (tremor, salivation, and tearing) produced by oxotremorine (0.4 mg/kg, SC) in rats, whereas atropine blocked these three effects (10 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg and 0.08 mg/kg, respectively.
Sensitivity and specificity amplification in signal transduction.

Intracellular signal transduction pathways transmit signals from the cell surface to various intracellular destinations, such as cytoskeleton and nucleus through a cascade of protein-protein interactions and activation events, leading to phenotypic changes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and death. Over the past two decades, numerous signaling proteins and signal transduction pathways have been discovered and characterized. There are two major classes of signaling proteins: phosphoproteins (e.g., mitogen-activated protein kinases) and guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases; e.g., Ras and G proteins). They both function as molecular switches by addition and removal of one or more high-energy phosphate groups. This review discusses developments that seek to quantify the signal transduction processes with kinetic analysis and mathematical modeling of the signaling phosphoproteins and GTPases. These studies have provided insights into the sensitivity and specificity amplification of biological signals in integrated systems.
Crack growth in oriented SiC-whisker-reinforced 2124 aluminum composites

Abstract Fatigue crack growth behavior has been examined in an oriented 5 vol.% SiC-whisker-reinforced 2124 aluminum composite. Both macro- and microcrack growth were found to depend on the whisker orientation and applied stress intensity. Macrocrack extension, either parallel or perpendicular to the primary whisker orientation, was self-similar, independent of the maximum stress intensity, while crack growth at other orientations depended on the orientation and maximum stress intensity. At a fixed angle between the principal whisker direction and the mode I crack plane, decreasing K max led to an increasing tendency for crack deflection and propagation along the principal reinforcement direction. A model to account for the dependence of the plane strain crack growth direction on the stress intensity level and whisker alignment is presented. Microcrack extension, at orientations other than parallel to the primary whisker direction, involved the avoidance of whisker-rich regions at low K max and wedging, whisker bridging and fracture-pull-out at higher K max . Little interaction with SiC whiskers was noted when the crack propagation was parallel to the primary whisker orientation.
Cation exchange properties of bone tissue

E presentato uno studio sulla fissazione del51Cr-β-glicerofosfato. Il51Cr di questo composto qui presenta una elevata stabilita chimica e fissato nella parte minerale dell'osso per un meccanismo d'intercambio cationico.
Muslims in Italy: The Need for an ‘Intesa’ with the Italian State

Muslims in Italy are now a consistent, although not new, phenomenon in the social and political panorama of the country. Like other communities, they are in search of an agreement with the state that would allow them to live and prosper within a legal framework that guarantees rights and duties. Unfortunately, attempts at achieving such an agreement have come up against a wall of prejudice and fear from the Italian population, as well as a lack of courage and foresight on the part of Italian state institutions. The problems and difficulties associated with the struggle of Italian Muslims in reaching an intesa are outlined and analytically presented along with a discussion of how integration may lead to the type of pluralism and tolerance enshrined in the Italian constitution.
Induction of cadBA in an Escherichia coli lysine auxotroph transformed with a cad-gfp transcriptional fusion.

CadBA functions as a part of overall Escherichia coli response to low extracellular pH. A gfpmut3 structural gene transcriptionally fused to the cadBA promoter (Pcad) was used as a reporter to monitor changes in intracellular lysine as a potential factor influencing cadBA induction. Different patterns of cadBA induction were observed in two E. coli strains with different lysine biosynthetic capabilities. In E. coli ZK126 (pJBA25-Pcad), a lysine prototroph, maximum levels of induction were detected 3 h after the transfer of bacterial cells under inducing conditions (pH 5.8; 3.4 μM extracellular lysine). The induction subsequently decreased until hour 7 after which no further change in expression was observed. However, in the lysine depleted strain E. coli ATCC 23812 (pJBA25-Pcad) which is an auxotroph for lysine, no decrease in cadBA expression was observed over time under the same induction conditions. Although no time dependent statistical differences in intracellular lysine were observed, bacterial cells depleted for no longer than 4 h (1.38 ± 0.25 μmol lysine/g cell dry weight) exhibited more rapid induction of cadBA (after 3 h) and a lower maximum level of induction compared to cells with relatively lower intracellular lysine (approximately 1.08 μmol/g cell dry weight). For the latter, the detectable level of induction was delayed for 1 h but the maximum level of induction response was higher.
Systemic ventricular outflow obstruction progresses after the Fontan operation.

Abstract To evaluate the course of systemic ventricular outflow obstruction after the Fontan operation, the records of 57 hospital survivors of that procedure were reviewed. Ventricular outflow obstruction was identified in 7 patients (group 1) and was absent in 50 patients (group 2). Overall, the ventricular outflow gradient in group 1 was 6.3 ± 2.9 mm Hg (mean ± standard error) before the Fontan operation and 7.6 ± 3.9 mm Hg at hospital discharge. Ventricular outflow obstruction subsequently progressed to 80.1 ± 17.3 mm Hg (range, 33 to 165 mm Hg; p p p = 0.005). We conclude that systemic ventricular outflow obstruction occurs commonly after a Fontan procedure (incidence, 12%; 70% confidence interval, 9% to 18%) and is a progressive lesion.
Repetition, order of presentation, and timing of arguments and measures as determinants of opinion change.

A model of order effects developed by Miller and Campbell (1959) predicts more recency with intervals between arguments and less recency with a delay of the posttest. To test the model, this study used 320 undergraduates as Ss, periods of 1 wk. as intervals and delays, and jury-trial excerpts as materials. Retention data supported the model completely. Opinion data showed less recency with delay (p<.01), as predicted, but did not show more recency with intervals—a striking nonconfirmation. Repeating an argument (1 vs. 3 times) increased opinion change slightly (p < .OS) and retention markedly (p < .01). Both retention and opinion showed strong overall recency (p < .01).
Transfer paths in kinetics of heterogeneous catalysis

Abstract Atomic transfer rates are a useful way of characterizing the structure of chemical kinetic equations in heterogeneous catalysis. In general, rate expressions may be developed under actual reaction conditions which involve considerably fewer unknown parameters than techniques involving overall kinetics. Also, by experimentation under various limiting situations valuable information regarding rates of individual mechanistic steps is often obtainable.
Detached leaves: Renewed potential for growth

Leaves of Portulaca oleracea that had reached full size on the parent plant showed as much as a four-fold increase in growth when detached and rooted in nutrient solution. Neither addition of indoleacetic acid nor variations in the nutrient concentrations had an effect on the growth rate. Root formation which was necessary to initiate renewed growth of the leaf occurred only in nutrient solution.
Phosphoproteins altered by antiproliferative doses of human interferon-β in a human bladder carcinoma cell line

Abstract Phosphoproteins of control and IFN-β treated human bladder carcinoma cells (RT4) were labelled in vitro with [ 32 P]-ATP and analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Cells treated with antiproliferative doses of IFN had reduced levels of phosphorylated 60 Kd and 40 Kd proteins. IFN also induced within 24 hours the modification of a low molecular weight phosphoprotein doublet in the 22–24,000 molecular weight range. The ability to phosphorylate high molecular weight proteins by the in vitro procedures was generally depressed by IFN treatment. There was a dramatic shift in the phosphorylation of alkali stable phosphoamino acids associated with proteins in the 43–50,000 molecular weight range in IFN-treated cells. Preliminary studies indicate that at least some of the IFN-induced modifications of cellular phosphoproteins may result from transcriptional control of specific oncogenes.
Urban floods: a case study in the Savigliano area (North-Western Italy)

Abstract. Flood processes and effects are examined, concerning two rivers in an urbanized area in North-Western Italy (Piedmont – Cuneo Plain). In May 2008, some areas in Northern Italy were struck by intense and persistent rainfall. In the Cuneo province (Southern Piedmont), floodplain with some urban areas was inundated over ca. ten square kilometres, and the city of Savigliano (about 21 000 inhabitants) was particularly hit by flood. A purposely-made historical research has evidenced approximately fifty flood events as having occurred since 1350 in the Savigliano area. Based upon historical data, both documents and maps, GIS (Geographical Information System) technique and field surveys were used to quantitatively assess the growing urbanization of the city and to describe flood processes and effects over years. This work aims to describe the dynamic behaviour of the 2008 flood, also comparing it to past events, in particular those that occurred in 1896. It is emphasized how the knowledge of past events can be helpful in reducing urban flooding.
Exposure effects and associative learning

Abstract The contributions of initial stimulus affect and of associative learning to the effects of repeated stimulus exposures were examined in two experiments. Stimuli that were initially positive and stimuli that were initially negative were presented for different number of times, and subjects rated these stimuli afterward on a number of affective dimensions. In all cases, except when negative affect was associatively paired with every stimulus exposure, affective responses became increasingly more positive with increasing exposures. The results were taken to indicate that the exposure effect can overcome an initially negative stimulus affect when the conditions of the mere exposure hypothesis are satisfied. Initial stimulus affect and associative learning of affect were shown to be independent factors, the first influencing the intercept of the exposure function, the second its slope.
A smart vision system-on-a-chip design based on programmable neural processor integrated with active pixel sensor

A low power smart vision system based on a large format (currently 1 k/spl times/1 k) active pixel sensor (APS) integrated with a programmable neural processor for fast vision applications is presented. The concept of building a low power smart vision system is demonstrated by a system design, which is composed with an APS sensor, a smart image window handler, and a neural processor. The paper also shows that it is feasible to put the whole smart vision system into a single MCM chip in a standard CMOS technology. This smart vision system on-a-chip can take the combined advantages of the optics and electronics to achieve ultra-high-speed smart sensory information processing and analysis at the focal plane. The proposed system will enable many applications including robotics and machine vision, guidance and navigation, automotive applications, and consumer electronics. Future applications will also include scientific sensors such as those suitable for highly integrated imaging systems used in NASA deep space and planetary spacecraft.
Via hole technology for thin-film transistor circuits

We analyze and demonstrate a new technique for reducing the gate RC delay of the amorphous silicon thin-film transistor (TFT) backplane of active matrix liquid crystal displays. The TFT gate line is driven from a bus on the back side of the glass substrate, through a laser-drilled via hole. Analysis shows that a few via holes suffice to considerably reduce the gate RC delay, or enable an equivalent increase in display size.
Family mode deactivation therapy ( FMDt ) mediation analysis

Youth behavioral disorders are not only considered widespread and costly in terms of financial, human, and societal impact into adulthood, but also resistant to interventions, especially when related to childhood trauma and accompanied by continued social distress and comorbid conditions such as personality, mood, and substance use disorders. Mode Deactivation Therapy (MDT), a third wave contextual therapy approach derived from cognitive therapy principles, was developed in recognition of the need for this population. The MDT theoretical framework and methodology contains elements of mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), but it is the unique Validation-Clarification-Redirection process ( VCR) step that sets it apart from other contextual approaches. VCR is considered to be the core process component in MDT to affect therapeutic change by validating core beliefs as reasonable responses to past experiences, but exploring functional alternative beliefs. The main objectives of this study is to review evidence of the effectiveness of family-based MDT (FMDT) compared to standard treatment, and provide a preliminary randomized controlled group study of the mediation effects that VCR and other components have on the overall treatment mechanisms and outcomes. Recommendations for further study conclude the current scope.
Estimation and Modeling of Enceladus Plume Jet Density Using Reaction Wheel Control Data

The Cassini spacecraft was launched on October 15, 1997 by a Titan 4B launch vehicle. After an interplanetary cruise of almost seven years, it arrived at Saturn on June 30, 2004. In 2005, Cassini completed three flybys of Enceladus, a small, icy satellite of Saturn. Observations made during these flybys confirmed the existence of a water vapor plume in the south polar region of Enceladus. Five additional low-altitude flybys of Enceladus were successfully executed in 2008-9 to better characterize these watery plumes. The first of these flybys was the 50-km Enceladus-3 (E3) flyby executed on March 12, 2008. During the E3 flyby, the spacecraft attitude was controlled by a set of three reaction wheels. During the flyby, multiple plume jets imparted disturbance torque on the spacecraft resulting in small but visible attitude control errors. Using the known and unique transfer function between the disturbance torque and the attitude control error, the collected attitude control error telemetry could be used to estimate the disturbance torque. The effectiveness of this methodology is confirmed using the E3 telemetry data. Given good estimates of spacecraft's projected area, center of pressure location, and spacecraft velocity, the time history of the Enceladus plume density is reconstructed accordingly. The 1 sigma uncertainty of the estimated density is 7.7%. Next, we modeled the density due to each plume jet as a function of both the radial and angular distances of the spacecraft from the plume source. We also conjecture that the total plume density experienced by the spacecraft is the sum of the component plume densities. By comparing the time history of the reconstructed E3 plume density with that predicted by the plume model, values of the plume model parameters are determined. Results obtained are compared with those determined by other Cassini science instruments.
Screening for Depressed Mood in Patients With Cancer Using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory: Investigation of a Practical Approach for the Oncologist

The MDASI “sadness” item has modest sensitivity and high negative predictive value and can serve as a useful initial screen for depressed mood, an approach that may improve the efficiency and acceptability of depression screening for both clinicians and patients.
HEATING CHARACTERISTICS OF CREAM‐STYLE CORN PROCESSED IN A STERITORT: EFFECTS OF HEADSPACE, REEL SPEED AND CONSISTENCY

The heat penetration factors (fh and j) and sterilization value (Fo) for cans of cream-style corn heated in an FMC Steritort were determined from time-temperature data as a function of container head-space, reel speed, and product consistency. Four commercial instruments were used to measure product consistency. For commercially prepared cream-style corn in 303 × 406 cans, headspace (or fill weight) is the most critical of these parameters. Sterilization values that ranged from 39 to 78 min for 1/4 in. gross headspace were reduced to less than 1 min when the headspace bubble was eliminated. Positive headspacing devices or net-weight sensors are recommended for control of product lines. Other parameters that significantly influence the degree of agitation induced within the can are rotational speed of the cooker and product consistency. At low reel speeds or high product consistencies, sterilization values decrease dramatically.
Thermally enhanced single-walled carbon nanotube microfluidic alignment

Abstract We present thermally enhanced single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) horizontal alignment on a wafer scale level that enhances the device performance with a possibility of mass production. The SWCNT dispersion is evaporated on the heated and tilted open microfluidic channel template of photoresist. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrates well-aligned SWCNTs qualitatively and G-band to D-band (G/D) ratio in Raman spectra indicates the degree of alignment quantitatively. The effect of temperature, fluidic channel dimension, concentration of SWCNT dispersion and wetting properties on the alignment is investigated, resulting in G/D ratio of up to 30.
Competition and compensation among cattle, zebras, and elephants in a semi-arid savanna in Laikipia, Kenya

Competition and compatibility between livestock and wildlife in Africa has been a point of considerable speculation, with implications for conservation. However, controlled replicated experiments are lacking. Here we report on the results of a long-term exclosure experiment in Laikipia, Kenya, in which different guilds of large mammalian herbivores have been independently manipulated since 1995. In plots from which cattle were excluded, the density of zebra dung in 2000 was on average 46% greater than in control plots. This was due to differential zebra use, and not to differential rates of dung removal (by dung beetles or other factors). Vegetation data indicate that cattle fully compensate for the absence of wildlife; all plots accessible to cattle had similarly low grass cover. However, wildlife do not fully compensate for the absence of cattle; plots with only wildlife had more grass cover than plots accessible to cattle. Zebra dung density was strongly correlated with total grass cover, suggesting that zebras are effectively tracking resource abundance. There is also evidence of pair-wise competition between cattle and elephants, and between elephants and zebras. The strong competition between cattle and zebras appears to be mitigated by the presence of elephants. A significant cattle x elephant interaction on the abundance of zebra dung indicates that elephants reduce the negative effects of cattle on zebras. In the presence of cattle, elephants facilitate the abundance of zebra, apparently by suppressing resource extraction (bite rates) by cattle. The precise mechanism for this indirect facilitation is not clear, but it may be related to the demonstrated reduction in forb cover associated with elephant presence.
Stereoselective Preparation of Cyclobutanes with Four Different Substituents: Total Synthesis and Structural Revision of Pipercyclobutanamide A and Piperchabamide G

A general strategy was developed for the diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of cyclobutanes with four different substituents. It consists of three transition metal-catalyzed reactions — a RhII-catalyzed cyclopropanation, a AgI-catalyzed regioselective and stereospecific ring expansion, and a RhI-catalyzed addition reaction. Structures of pipercyclobutanamide A and piperchabamide G were synthesized and revised.
Design and tolerance analysis of a 21 GHz CPW-fed, slot-coupled, microstrip antenna on etched silicon

The paper discusses the design and study of a rectangular patch antenna, constructed on high-resistivity silicon and slot-coupled to a coplanar waveguide (CPW) feed-line. Bulk fabrication and etching processes are used to construct the dual-layered structure. The frequency response and radiation performance of the antenna are estimated from FEM simulations and verified experimentally at 21 GHz. Antenna performance deviations due to fabrication tolerances are studied and data are obtained from the statistical analysis of a designed experiment.
Racial Variations in Velopharyngeal and Craniometric Morphology in Children: An Imaging Study

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine craniometric and velopharyngeal anatomy among young children (4–8 years of age) with normal anatomy across Black and White racial groups. Method Thirty-two healthy children (16 White and 16 Black) with normal velopharyngeal anatomy participated and successfully completed the magnetic resonance imaging scans. Measurements included 11 craniofacial and 9 velopharyngeal measures. Results Two-way analysis of covariance was used to determine the effects of race and sex on velopharyngeal measures and all craniometric measures except head circumference. Head circumference was included as a covariate to control for overall cranial size. Sex did not have a significant effect on any of the craniometric measures. Significant racial differences were demonstrated for face height. A significant race effect was also observed for mean velar length, velar thickness, and velopharyngeal ratio. Conclusion The present study provides separate craniofacial and velopharyngeal values...
Drosophila couch potato mutants exhibit complex neurological abnormalities including epilepsy phenotypes.

RNA-binding proteins play critical roles in regulation of gene expression, and impairment can have severe phenotypic consequences on nervous system function. We report here the discovery of several complex neurological phenotypes associated with mutations of couch potato (cpo), which encodes a Drosophila RNA-binding protein. We show that mutation of cpo leads to bang-sensitive paralysis, seizure susceptibility, and synaptic transmission defects. A new cpo allele called cpoEG1 was identified on the basis of a bang-sensitive paralytic mutant phenotype in a sensitized genetic background (sda/+). In heteroallelic combinations with other cpo alleles, cpoEG1 shows an incompletely penetrant bang-sensitive phenotype with ∼30% of flies becoming paralyzed. In response to electroconvulsive shock, heteroallelic combinations with cpoEG1 exhibit seizure thresholds less than half that of wild-type flies. Finally, cpo flies display several neurocircuit abnormalities in the giant fiber (GF) system. The TTM muscles of cpo mutants exhibit long latency responses coupled with decreased following frequency. DLM muscles in cpo mutants show drastic reductions in following frequency despite exhibiting normal latency relationships. The labile sites appear to be the electrochemical GF-TTMn synapse and the chemical PSI-DLMn synapses. These complex neurological phenotypes of cpo mutants support an important role for cpo in regulating proper nervous system function, including seizure susceptibility.
Oxidation and cytotoxicity of 6-OHDA are mediated by reactive intermediates of COX-2 overexpressed in PC12 cells.

Abstract Parkinson's disease is characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, likely associated with dysregulation of oxidation of catechols, such as dopamine (DA) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), and resulting in oxidative stress. The involvement of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease has been suggested. However, specific COX-2 triggered mechanisms participating in catalysis of DA oxidation and enhanced catechol-induced cytotoxicity remain poorly characterized. Here, we demonstrate that in a model biochemical system, recombinant heme-reconstituted COX-2 induced oxidation of 6-OHDA in the course of its peroxidase (H2O2-dependent) and cyclooxygenase (arachidonic acid (AA)-dependent) catalytic half-cycles. Similarly, COX-2 was able to stimulate 6-OHDA oxidation during its peroxidase- and cyclooxygenase half-cycles and caused oxidative stress in homogenates of PC12 cells stably overexpressing the enzyme (but not in mock-transfected cells). In addition, the increased levels of COX-2 were associated with enhanced cytotoxicity of 6-OHDA in stably transfected PC12 cells. Finally, co-oxidation of 6-OHDA by COX-2 triggered production of superoxide radicals critical for both propagation of 6-OHDA oxidation and induction of oxidative stress in COX-2 overexpressing cells. Thus, we conclude that both peroxidase and cyclooxygenase half-cycles of COX-2-catalyzed reactions are essential for COX-2-dependent activation of 6-OHDA oxidation, oxygen radical production, oxidative stress, and cytotoxicity.
Alternative formulations for bit allocation with dependent quantization

We discuss formulations to solve the bit-allocation problem with dependencies. These formulations are more generic than those known earlier in that we relax a so-called causality assumption. We study the incremental improvement obtained by having a dependency structure in optimal quantization choices. As a way to solve this problem approximately, we discuss novel rounding procedures based on some relaxation of the original problem (either the LP relaxation or a Lagrange relaxation). The rounding algorithms perform extremely close to optimality. Our results also show an improvement of around 0.5 dB over the best causally-optimal solution.
Implantation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cardiac Progenitor Cells Preserves Function of Infarcted Murine Hearts

Stem cell transplantation holds great promise for the treatment of myocardial infarction injury. We recently described the embryonic stem cell-derived cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) capable of differentiating into cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelium, and smooth muscle. In this study, we hypothesized that transplanted CPCs will preserve function of the infarcted heart by participating in both muscle replacement and neovascularization. Differentiated CPCs formed functional electromechanical junctions with cardiomyocytes in vitro and conducted action potentials over cm-scale distances. When transplanted into infarcted mouse hearts, CPCs engrafted long-term in the infarct zone and surrounding myocardium without causing teratomas or arrhythmias. The grafted cells differentiated into cross-striated cardiomyocytes forming gap junctions with the host cells, while also contributing to neovascularization. Serial echocardiography and pressure-volume catheterization demonstrated attenuated ventricular dilatation and preserved left ventricular fractional shortening, systolic and diastolic function. Our results demonstrate that CPCs can engraft, differentiate, and preserve the functional output of the infarcted heart.
Parts obsolescence mitigation in the Harpoon modulator

Parts obsolescence has initiated an investigation by the Harpoon Program into a new modulator design for the output RF oscillator electron tube (Magnetron). The new modulator design would require full program development including reliability and environmental screening and life cycle determination. Prototyping and production schedule are factors which would also contribute to a lengthy and costly development program. Following the current trend to out-source the new modulator results in the loss of jobs, reduces company revenue, and eliminates the opportunity for RTIS to make a value added contribution. This paper outlines the proposal to keep the current modulator which has proven to be right for the application, and introduces only minor design changes to overcome the problem of parts obsolescence.
Speech and Language Impairments in Autism: Insights from Behavior and Neuroimaging

A failure to develop language is one of the earliest signs of autism. The ability to identify the neural signature of this deficit in very young children has become increasingly important, given that the presence of speech before five years of age is the strongest predictor for better outcomes in autism. This review consolidates what is known about verbal and preverbal precursors of language development as a framework for examining behavioral and brain anomalies related to speech and language in autism spectrum disorders. Relating the disruptions in the speech network to the social deficits observed will provide promising targets for behavioral and pharmacological interventions in ASD.
Representing the Internet as a succinct forest

Effective placement of resources used to support distributed services in the Internet depends on an accurate representation of Internet topology and routing. Representations of autonomous system (AS) topology derived solely from routing tables show only a subset of the connections that actually get used. However, in many cases, missing connections can be discovered by simple traceroutes. In addition, the differences between customer-to-provider links, peer-to-peer links, and sibling-to-sibling links are useful distinctions. We first apply a clustering algorithm to simplify the AS graph to an AS forest. Then we use two complementary mechanisms to improve accuracy of an AS forest as a predictor of packet paths. One mechanism uses recent insights that packets flow unidirectionally across customer-provider inter-AS links. Annotations are added to the AS forest to indicate links that appear to be peering versus those that appear to be customer-provider links. The other mechanism provides links between trees by remembering the most recently seen similar traceroute.
Preparation of Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 -PbTiO 3 thin films on silicon substrates by pulsed laser deposition

Abstract Thin films of 0.9Pb(Mg 1 3 Nb 2 3 )O 3 0.1PbTiO 3 (PMN-PT) on Si substrates were prepared by pulsed laser deposition. La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 (LSCO)was used as bottom electrode and as a template layer to promote perovskite phase formation of PMN-PT thin films on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si (100) substrates. Thin films of the pyrochlore phase were obtained on Pt layer, whereas, LSCO promoted perovskite phase formation. The microstructure of perovskite PMN-PT thin films showed a grain size of about 200 nm while the grain size of the pyrochlore phase was in the range of 10 – 20 nm. The films exhibited a high dielectric constant and low dissipation factor of about 4300 and 0.05, respectively, for a film approximately 0.5 μm thick. The charge storage density of thlm was about 100 fC/gmm2 at 50 kV/cm.
Pinochet’s Legacy Reassessed

One of the most dramatic moments in twentieth-century international law transpired in 1999 when the House of Lords denied immunity to Augusto Pinochet, the former dictator of Chile. The “breathtaking” judgment cleared the way for the possible prosecution of Pinochet in Spanish national courts on charges of torture committed during his rule. By limiting immunity, the House of Lords’ rulings turned the world “upside down” and ushered in a new era of accountability for egregious violations of human rights. At least that is the prevailing narrative, one that pits accountability against the international law of immunity and sees Pinochet as a watershed moment in that struggle.
A nanocomposite of Au-AgI core/shell dimer as a dual-modality contrast agent for x-ray computed tomography and photoacoustic imaging.

Purpose: To develop a core/shell nanodimer of gold (core) and silver iodine (shell) as a dual-modal contrast-enhancing agent for biomarker targeted x-ray computed tomography(CT) and photoacoustic imaging(PAI) applications. Methods: The gold and silver iodine core/shell nanodimer (Au/AgICSD) was prepared by fusing together components of gold,silver, and iodine. The physicochemical properties of Au/AgICSD were then characterized using different optical and imaging techniques (e.g., HR- transmission electron microscope, scanning transmission electron microscope, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, Z-potential, and UV-vis). The CT and PAI contrast-enhancing effects were tested and then compared with a clinically used CTcontrast agent and Aunanoparticles. To confer biocompatibility and the capability for efficient biomarker targeting, the surface of the Au/AgICSD nanodimer was modified with the amphiphilic diblock polymer and then functionalized with transferrin for targeting transferrin receptor that is overexpressed in various cancer cells. Cytotoxicity of the prepared Au/AgICSD nanodimer was also tested with both normal and cancer cell lines. Results: The characterizations of prepared Au/AgI core/shell nanostructure confirmed the formation of Au/AgICSD nanodimers. Au/AgICSD nanodimer is stable in physiological conditions for in vivo applications. Au/AgICSD nanodimer exhibited higher contrast enhancement in both CT and PAI for dual-modality imaging. Moreover, transferrin functionalized Au/AgICSD nanodimer showed specific binding to the tumor cells that have a high level of expression of the transferrin receptor. Conclusions: The developed Au/AgICSD nanodimer can be used as a potential biomarker targeted dual-modal contrast agent for both or combined CT and PAI molecular imaging.
Assessing the Dangers of "Dabbing": Mere Marijuana or Harmful New Trend?

* Abbreviations: BHO — : butane hash oil THC — : tetrahydrocannabinol The practice now known as “dabbing” appears to be quickly proliferating as a fashionable way to use marijuana in the United States.1 Dabbing is the inhalation of a concentrated tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) product created through butane extraction. The use of butane hash oil (BHO) products and the modification of cannabis more generally are not new phenomena, but dabbing has recently moved from relative obscurity to the headlines, leaving cannabis aficionados, adolescents, and parents curious about its effects. Physicians and other health care professionals need to be prepared for discussions about the effects of dabbing to minimize potential harms, particularly because recent marijuana policy changes likely has facilitated youth access to “dabs.” BHO is made from cannabis and in many instances may be used to salvage less potent portions of the plant.2 Because BHO production is uncomplicated, requires few resources, and is the subject of countless instructional videos on social media Web sites, recreational users have created BHO at home in a process colloquially called “blasting.” Blasting involves passing butane through a steel or glass tube packed with dried cannabis trimmings. THC and other hydrophobic compounds in the vegetation’s trichomes dissolve within the butane; the butane–THC solution leaves the tube through a filter and is collected in a dish or tray. Because butane is very volatile, it evaporates (or is purged within a vacuum oven), leaving crystalized resins that can have a THC concentration approaching 80%. This product can take many forms depending on heat, pressure, humidity, and other factors. The form most challenging to produce … Address correspondence to John M. Stogner, PhD, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28223. E-mail: johnstogner{at}uncc.edu
Comparison of the Nutritive Values of Carbohydrates to Argyrotaenia velutinana1,2

When carbohydrate was omitted from the diet of the redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker), the larvae died during the first stadium. The optimum level of glucose and fructose was approximately 0.1 M and was about 0.05 M for sucrose. Adequate larval growth and survival were not obtained when larvae were fed carbohydrate only during the first 2 stadia. The utilizability of 41 different carbohydrates or related substances was tested. Triose, pentose, deoxy or amino sugar were not utilized or were poorly utilized. Except for sorbose, cellulose, corn starch, inulin, polygalacturonic acid, chitin, chondroitin sulfate, agar, dulcitol and glycerol, all hexoses, dissaccharides, trisaccharides, polysaccharides, and sugar alcohols tested were utilized to an appreciable extent.
Drinking, Cigarette Smoking, and Employment Among American College Freshmen at a Four-Year University.

ABSTRACTBackground: For American college students, alcohol and cigarette use are important health concerns, and employment concurrent with school attendance is on the rise. Given the lifelong importance of employment and substance use trajectories begun in college, parsing out the relationship between the two is meaningful. Objectives: This study's purpose is to determine whether employment during college is associated with substance use. Methods: Cross-sectional associations between employment (work hours, earnings) and substance use (drinking frequency, drinking quantity, smoking frequency) were estimated using partial proportional odds models in a sample of N = 1457 freshmen attending a large, public 4-year university in 2011, after accounting for demographics, personality, social environment, and parental influences. Results: Working 10 more hours and earning $50 more per week as a freshman had modest positive associations with higher smoking frequency and with moderate drinking frequency and quantity...
Intestinal Epithelial HIF-1 Plays a Protective Role in Gut Graft Versus Host Disease

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major cause of nonrelapse morbidity and mortality following allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation (BMT). The majority of studies delineating the mechanisms involved in GVHD have focused on the alloreactive T cell response and their downstream cellular and inflammatory effector phases. While these efforts have provided important mechanistic insights that have been translated into therapies that target the T cell compartment, they ignore the role that the target organ plays in both initiating and propagating this disease. Acute gut GVHD affects more than 60% of patients and is a leading cause of death. The mechanisms for the early, conditioning-related, intestinal injuries that are the precipitating event leading to GVHD or how subsequent gut-specific GVHD actually disrupts intestinal homeostasis have not been fully explored. The transcription factor, hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) has emerged as a common denominator for hypoxia and inflammation. Given that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and GVHD share many pathogenic mechanisms and intestinal epithelial HIF-1α afforded protection in IBD models, we hypothesize that the persistent activation of HIF-1 will protect the intestinal epithelium from radiation/chemotherapy and alloreactive T cell-induced damage. Since crypt damage is a hallmark of gut GVHD, we first determined whether loss of intestinal epithelial HIF-1α impaired intestinal regeneration after GVHD damage using conditional HIF-1α (HIF-1α IE ) knockout mice that lack HIF-1α in the intestinal epithelium. In a major MHC mismatched B10.BR (H2 k ) into B6 (H2 b ) GVHD model, 8 days post-BMT, histopathologic assessment of H&E stained ileums of HIF-1α IE mice showed more severe crypt damage, loss of Paneth cells and fewer regenerating crypts as compared to wild-type (WT) mice. A two-fold increase of aberrant mitoses (p IE mice. Consistent with these findings, real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that loss of epithelial HIF-1α did not induce the expression of Lgr5 mRNA levels (p IE mice post-BMT. In control WT and HIF-1α IE (receiving T cell depleted BM), Ki67 + -proliferating cells resided at the crypt base. The extent of irregular distribution of Ki67 within 50 crypts/ileum was graded independently with a grading score ranging 0 to 3 (0 = limited to the base of crypt, 1= symmetric distribution at crypt base and along each side of the elongated crypt, 2 = asymmetric distribution in bottom 2/3 of crypt and 3 = asymmetric distribution of Ki67-labeled cells in entire crypt without lumen). A modest but significant increase in the aberrant proliferative score was 1.72 in the HIF-1α IE post-BMT group versus 1.46 in the WT post-BMT group (p Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
"Differentiating Among Management Standards: The Role of Life Cycles, Authorship, and Benefits"

With the advent of voluntary, State-authored standards, the landscape of certified management standards (CMS) has become more complex. The current study identifies limitations in the research frami...
Jerome A. Berson (1924-2017).

Jerome A. Berson, Sterling Professor Emeritus at Yale University, passed away on January 13, 2017. Berson was a major figure in physical organic chemistry and the study of organic reaction mechanisms, and he published two outstanding books on the history of chemistry.
Decisions at the Boundary: Role Choice and Alliance Manager Behaviors

Individuals in a firm tend to operate within a unifying set of organizational role expectations, but this is rarely the case in strategic alliances where different organizations’ interests and expectations are involved. In this conceptual article, we consider how alliance managers (AMs), the boundary spanners responsible for alliance success, navigate receiving firm-sent role expectations while also receiving legitimate partner-sent expectations. Role theory is incomplete regarding how AMs cope with this increasingly common, mixed-motive context and how the pull of the focal firm on AMs is affected. We address this theory gap by conceptualizing how the limiting nature of firm-sent expectations is affected by AMs’ receipt of legitimate partner-sent roles, and is moderated by AMs’ entrepreneurism and the structure of the interfirm collaborative environment.
AIBP, NAXE, and Angiogenesis: What's in a Name?

The article by Mao et al1 shows that apolipoprotein A-I binding protein (AIBP) limits angiogenesis through regulation of Notch 1 signaling. Deletion of AIBP increased vascular density and improved perfusion in a murine ischemia model. AIBP expression was increased in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. In an independent study, this protein, renamed NAXE, has been shown to participate in recovering S-tetrahydro-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (S-NADHX) by epimerizing R-NADHX. So the question becomes how does an enzyme that participates in metabolite repair by recovering reducing intracellular equivalents participate in angiogenesis? Article, see p 1727 AIBP has been reported to avidly bind apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-I), the principal protein component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Loss of AIBP was found to accelerate angiogenesis without affecting the integrity of vessel walls. Using Apoa1bp−/− mice, the present article has provided evidence that AIBP plays a role in angiogenesis that involves cholesterol metabolism and Notch signaling.1 These studies suggest that AIBP downregulates Notch 1 by a process that depends on γ-secretase activity. γ-Secretase is an …
Tungsten monoblock concepts for the Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) first wall and divertor

Abstract Next-step fusion nuclear devices require plasma-facing components that can survive a much higher neutron dose than ITER, and in many design concepts also require higher operating temperatures, higher reliability, and materials with more attractive safety and environmental characteristics. In search of first wall concepts that can withstand surface heat fluxes beyond 2 MW/m2, we analyzed advanced “monoblock” designs using coolants and materials that offer more attractive long-term performance. These use tungsten armor and heat sinks, similar to previous designs, but replace the coolant with helium and the coolant containment pipe with either low-activation ferritic-martensitic steel or SiC/SiC composite. The results of analysis show that helium-cooled steel can remove up to 5 MW/m2 of steady-state surface heat flux and helium-cooled SiC/SiC can remove nearly 10 MW/m2 while satisfying all materials and design requirements. This suggests that a He-cooled W/SiC monoblock could withstand divertor-like heat fluxes.