cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Static Solar Shading of a Free-Form Building with Shade-Z

Proper positioning and sizing of windows are essential for supplying sufficient amounts of daylight into a building. On the other hand, windows are often the source of excessive insolation causing glare and overheating, which have negative impact on the energy performance of a building, and most importantly - on the comfort and well-being of users. Development of tools for simulation of daylight and optimization of shading has already commenced in the 1970s. Nevertheless, none of the available design tools can naturally handle free-form apertures in a free-form surface (FFS) of a building envelope. This chapter presents Shade-Z, SZ for short, an intuitive design aid. SZ is intended for architects to be used at any, especially the early stages of design to ensure proper shading from undesirable insolation. The input for SZ are: the geometrical data of given FFS, geographical location, time-zone, required annual periods and hours for both: allowing and blocking direct sunbeams. SZ automatically detects the apertures and generates the geometry of static shading. The algorithm is explained and illustrated with an example of a free-form aperture in FFS located in Warsaw, Poland.
Cerebral A-V Malformation in Neonate

A baby girl who developed congestive heart failure at 3 days of age and was shown to have an aneurysm of the vein of Galen is reported from the Dept Child Health, The Queen’s Univ Belfast, Royal Maternity Hosp and Dept Radiology, Royal Victoria Hosp, Belfast.
Cobalt-Catalyzed Silylcarbonylation of Unactivated Secondary Alkyl Tosylates at Low Pressure

A catalytic preparation of silyl enol ethers from unactivated secondary alkyl tosylates is reported. An inexpensive cobalt catalyst is used under mild conditions with low pressures of carbon monoxide. Nucleophilic, anionic cobalt carbonyls facilitate the catalytic activation of a range of alkyl tosylates. The silylcarbonylation offers a practical approach to synthetically valuable silyl enol ethers from simple starting materials.
Evaluation of novel 111 In-labeled gonadotropin-releasing hormone peptides for human prostate cancer imaging.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tumor targeting and imaging properties of novel 111In-labeled gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) peptides for human prostate cancer. Three new 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA)-linker-d-Phe-(d-Lys6-GnRH) peptides with different hydrocarbon linkers were designed to evaluate their effects on GnRH receptor binding affinities. The Aoc (aminooctanoic acid) linker was better than βAla (3-aminopropanoic acid) and Aun (aminoundecanoic acid) linkers in retaining strong receptor binding affinity. DOTA-Aoc-d-Phe-(d-Lys6-GnRH) exhibited 6.6±0.1nM GnRH receptor binding affinity. 111In-DOTA-Aoc-d-Phe-(d-Lys6-GnRH) exhibited fast tumor uptake and urinary clearance in DU145 human prostate cancer-xenografted nude mice. The DU145 tumor lesions could be clearly visualized by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT using 111In-DOTA-Aoc-d-Phe-(d-Lys6-GnRH) as an imaging probe, providing an insight into the design of new GnRH peptides for prostate cancer in the future.
Nonhuman Primate Models of Cognitive Aging

Nonhuman primates are indispensable for the study of aging processes. Like other animals, they permit us to observe the effects of age in the absence of the confounds inherent in studies of human beings. Additionally, because they are phylogenetically close to humans and possess certain uniquely primate morphological, endocrine, behavioral, and cognitive traits, they can provide data uniquely relevant to human aging. Among nonhuman primates, the rhesus monkey is by far the most widely studied in the context of aging, as verified in the large number of reviews that have summarized the studies on this species. To date, however, there is no published overview of the many other species of nonhuman primates in which age-related changes have been studied. This chapter is intended to fill that gap. Thus, we discuss results from a wide variety of prosimian, monkey, and ape species, ranging from the mouse lemur to the great apes. We include species about which a great deal is known as well as those, such as the gorilla and chimpanzee, on which only one or two studies have been conducted. For each species or group of species, we describe what is known about age-related changes in cognition, in the brain, and in patterns of reproductive senescence. We conclude that, although studies on the rhesus monkeys have provided the greatest depth of knowledge about cognitive aging processes, the many other primate species, with their wide variety of reproductive, morphological, and behavioral adaptations, can shed new light on the factors underlying age-related cognitive changes in our own species.
The Development of Brain Metastases in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma: Epidemiologic Trends, Survival, and Clinical Risk Factors Using a Population-based Cohort

Abstract Background The incidence of brain metastases (BM) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is hypothesized to have increased in the last 2 decades. Objective To define incidence trends according to patient and clinical characteristics, to identify risk factors, and to describe outcomes of patients with BM for RCC. Design, setting, and participants Patients diagnosed with RCC between the years 2010 and 2013 within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. An external validation was also considered using patients diagnosed with RCC between 2010 and 2012 within the National Cancer Database. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Incidence proportions of BM were calculated. Risk factors correlated with BM at diagnosis were identified via a 1000-bootstrap corrected multivariable logistic regression model. A risk model was then developed and evaluated using measures of predictive accuracy. Overall survival was examined using Cox regression analyses. Results and limitations The overall incidence proportions of BM at RCC diagnosis was 1.51% (95% confidence interval: 1.39–1.64%). White/other race, clear cell histology, and sarcomatoid differentiation, T2–4 disease, tumor dimension >10 cm, and N+ disease were significantly associated with BM at RCC diagnosis, and retained within the final prediction model. A risk score was created based on these variables (c-index: 0.803). BM at RCC diagnosis occurred in 0.5%, 3.6%, and 7.7% of patients categorized as low risk, intermediate risk, and high risk. Patients with BM were more likely to succumb to any death than those without BM at diagnosis (median overall survival: 6.4 mo vs not reached, respectively, adjusted hazard ratio: 1.87, 95% confidence interval: 1.67–2.08, p Conclusions Patients with BM at RCC have poor oncological outcomes. We have characterized the epidemiology of BM at RCC diagnosis and developed a clinical risk model for the purpose of predicting the development of BMs in patients diagnosed with a cortical renal mass. Patient summary In this report we examined recent proportions of patients with brain metastases at kidney cancer diagnosis in a large community database originating from the US. We developed a model that may be used during routine clinical practice to predict brain metastases. The urologic-oncological community may consider baseline imaging for brain metastases in patients without any symptoms but at high risk of having brain metastases according to the risk model. However, the proposed model certainly needs further testing and validation in the clinical setting. Future studies on brain metastases survival and treatment options are also needed.
Abstract 18996: Exosomes Derived From Cortical Bone Stem Cells Are a Novel Cardioprotective Therapy < Myocardial Injury

Rationale: Cortical bone derived stem cells (CBSCs) have gained prominence recently due to their incredible growth kinetics and myocardial repair properties that outperform known stem cell types used for cardiac repair. Salutary effects of CBSCs in large are mediated by paracrine secretion. Since exosomes represent active component of released factors whether CBSC derived exosomes (CBSCs-Exo) are a viable therapy for heart repair after injury is presently unknown. Objective: Determine the therapeutic value of CBSC exosomes and their contents for myocardial repair. Methods and Results: Exosomes isolated from murine CBSCs by ultracentrifugation showed typical exosome size (30-100nm) validated by electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. To determine cardiac therapeutic value, CBSC exosomes (60μg) injected mice after myocardial infarction (MI) demonstrated reduced infarct size and increased myocyte protection after acute MI injury. Interestingly, serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced along with decreased expression of CD68+ cells in animals receiving CBSCs-Exo versus control animals. Long term analysis of CBSC-Exo animals showed improved cardiac function and contractility compared to saline treated animals concurrent with enhanced angiogenesis 6 weeks after MI. Salutary effects of CBSC-Exo were confirmed in vitro and showed increased cardiac protection in NRVMs after hypoxic challenge and enhanced tube formation in HUVECs. Simultaneously, treatment of bone marrow-derived macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and treated with CBSCs-Exo showed increased polarization towards M2 phenotype demonstrating immunomodulation capacity of CBSC-Exo. The underlying mechanism for beneficial effects was tied to increased packaging of cardioprotective miRs in CBSCs-Exo confirmed by MiRNA array analysis. Conclusion: Exosomes derived from CBSCs provide a cell free system using reparative power of CBSC to augment cardiac function after myocardial injury recapitulating earlier findings with CBSCs. Increased packaging of cardioprotective and immune-modulatory miRs highlight a potential new insight into the salutary effects of exosome therapy.
Mechanisms and biomarkers of immune quiescence in kidney transplantation

Abstract This review discusses the current understanding of biomarkers of immune quiescence based on reviews of published literature in kidney transplant operational tolerance and mechanistic studies based on a better characterization of the stable, well-functioning renal allograft.
Obesity and racial characteristics drive utilization of total joint arthroplasty at a younger age.

Abstract Background Obesity is a growing public health problem. Obesity increases the risk of requiring total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of obesity on the propensity for TJA in patients at our institution. We hypothesized that obese patients would be younger and more likely to be races other than non-Hispanic whites when compared to a normal weight cohort. Methods 568 consecutive patients undergoing primary TJA were reviewed. Demographic data and World Health Organization Body Mass Index (BMI) class were compared statistically, with age at time of TJA used as the main outcome of interest. Results The average age at TKA was 68.3 years, while the average age at THA was 67.5 years (p = 0.447 between procedure groups). Increased BMI class was associated with decreased age at TJA: normal weight patients were 12.2 and 11.4 years older than class III obese patients at the time of TKA and THA, respectively (p Conclusions Obesity is a risk factor for both TKA and THA at a younger age. For patients in the study, for each unit increase in BMI, the age at TKA decreased by 0.56 years and age at THA decreased by 0.52 years. Obese patients were less likely to be non-Hispanic whites than normal weight patients.
THE SEMANTICS OF MOOD, COMPLEMENTATION, AND CONVERSATIONAL FORCE

This paper presents a theory of mood which ties together its pragmatic and semantic significance. In the first two sections the subject matter and background assumptions of the study are specified. Section 3 outlines the syntactic distribution and conversational force of the indicative and subjective (in English and Italian), infinitives, and ‘mood-indicating’ modal may. Then section 4 gives a formal theory which predicts the operators under which each mood may be embedded. Finally, section 5 shows how the ideas developed thus far yield an improved understanding of non-assertive sentences.
Processing of Al-Cu-Fe Quasicrystalline Single Grains

The phase equilibria of the Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystalline phase (y phase) is complex and conventional crystal growth techniques like the Bridgman and Czochralski methods are not applicable in preparation of large crystals. Large single grains of the y phase been have prepared by either slow cooling or isothermal anneals. in the later technique, arc melted ingots were subjected to either single or multiple heat treatments between 825 and 840°C to encourage grain growth. Following heat treatment, grains of the icosahedral phase are found either as isolated pentagonal-faceted crystals within the ingot or within clusters of intergrown grains. the growth of the large grains is independent of the sample processing history of the sample, is facilitated by the presence of liquid at the growth temperatures and is constrained by the physical dimension of the ingot. the microstructure of both grain types is similar containing a minor quantity (on the order of 5-10 %) of a second phase and a high degree of porosity in the as-grown state. the second phase is usually present as a thin layer between adjacent grains or associated with a pore within a single grain. the grain porosity is distributed throughout the ingot. These defects can be removed through post-growth hot isostatic pressing and anneal treatments.
Plant somatic mutations in nature conferring insect and herbicide resistance

Because of the role of the meristem in plant growth and reproduction, somatic mutations in plants have long been suspected of conferring herbivore and pathogen resistance on individual plants and, in the case of trees, individual branches within single plants. A few instances of resistance to phytophagous insects owing to somatic mutations have been reported in the literature. More recently, a striking example has demonstrated how somatic mutations confer resistance to an herbicide on an invasive plant, Hydrilla verticillata. The array of new methods for manipulating genomes (e.g., gene-editing) plus existing examples of somatic mutation-associated resistance suggest that such mutations might be useful in silviculture, agriculture, and horticulture. Answering several general questions about somatic mutations in plants would facilitate such applications: Why are so few examples reported? Do other cases exist but go undetected for want of adequate attention or methods? Under what circumstances do somatic mutations enter gametophytes? © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
Risk Factors Associated With Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

INTRODUCTION Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections resistant to carbapenem antimicrobials have increased. Traditional risk factors for non-carbapenem resistance include intensive care unit stay, mechanical ventilation, previous hospitalization, and major comorbidities. As microbes evolve, our understanding of their risk factors for resistance also should evolve. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of adult inpatients and outpatients with a positive Pseudomonas aeruginosa culture during 2014. Cultures were obtained from system laboratories and medical records were reviewed through our electronic medical record. Pearson's chi-squared test with Yates correction and 2-sample t-tests were performed on categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Binary regression was used for multivariable modeling. RESULTS Patients (N=1,763), of mean age 68.0 years and body mass index (BMI) 30.4 kg/m2, were more likely to be women (51.3%) and were predominately white (89.3%). Resistance to imipenem or meropenem (14.0%) on univariable analysis was associated with several variables of interest. Non-white race (odds ratio [OR] =1.67; P=0.009), respiratory cultures (OR=1.95; P=0.003), recent institutional transfer (OR=2.50; P<0.0001), vasopressor use (OR=1.98; P=0.001), central line placement (OR=1.55; P=0.036), and peripherally inserted central catheter placement (OR=1.74; P=0.002) remained significant predictors of carbapenem resistance in multivariable modeling. CONCLUSION Demographic and traditional risk factors, as well as respiratory cultures, were predictive of carbapenem resistance and may guide initial antibiotic treatment. Use of "last resort" antibiotics for Pseudomonas aeruginosa based solely on patient chronic conditions may not be necessary. Fortunately, <1% of strains were resistant to all drugs tested. Ongoing efforts to face drug-resistant organisms are warranted.
Reading Gospel Parables as Jewish Literature

The gospel parables are part of the broader genre of Jewish story-parables found in rabbinic literature. In the ﬁrst half of this article seven preliminary characteristics of Jewish parables are pr...
A randomized controlled trial of the judicious use of safety behaviors during exposure therapy.

Abstract Safety behaviors—actions performed to prevent, escape from, or reduce the severity of perceived threat—are typically eliminated during exposure therapy for clinical anxiety. Yet some experts have called for the strategic and “judicious use” of safety behaviors during exposure to improve treatment acceptability/tolerability without diminishing its efficacy. Empirical findings regarding this debate are mixed and existing work is subject to several methodological limitations. The current randomized controlled trial incorporated longitudinal design and multimethod assessment to compare the efficacy of traditional exposure with the elimination of safety behaviors (E/ESB) and exposure with judiciously used safety behaviors (E/JU). Adults with clinically significant spider fear (N = 60) were randomized to four twice-weekly sessions of E/ESB or E/JU. Self-report and behavioral measures were administered at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 1-month follow-up. Participants exhibited large effects on all measures from pretreatment to posttreatment, with no change from posttreatment to follow-up. There were no significant group differences in treatment outcome or treatment acceptability/tolerability. Exploratory analyses were used to compare behavioral and inhibitory learning processes between conditions. Clinical implications, study limitations, and future directions are discussed in terms of inhibitory learning theory.
Multi-sample Estimation of Bacterial Composition Matrix in Metagenomics Data

Metagenomics sequencing is routinely applied to quantify bacterial abundances in microbiome studies, where the bacterial composition is estimated based on the sequencing read counts. Due to limited sequencing depth and DNA dropouts, many rare bacterial taxa might not be captured in the final sequencing reads, which results in many zero counts. Naive composition estimation using count normalization leads to many zero proportions, which tend to result in inaccurate estimates of bacterial abundance and diversity. This paper takes a multi-sample approach to the estimation of bacterial abundances in order to borrow information across samples and across species. Empirical results from real data sets suggest that the composition matrix over multiple samples is approximately low rank, which motivates a regularized maximum likelihood estimation with a nuclear norm penalty. An efficient optimization algorithm using the generalized accelerated proximal gradient and Euclidean projection onto simplex space is developed. The theoretical upper bounds and the minimax lower bounds of the estimation errors, measured by the Kullback-Leibler divergence and the Frobenius norm, are established. Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed estimator outperforms the naive estimators. The method is applied to an analysis of a human gut microbiome dataset.
MDACache: caching for multi-dimensional-access memories

For several emerging memory technologies, a natural formulation of memory arrays (cross-point) provides nearly symmetric access costs along multiple (e.g., both row and column) dimensions in contrast to the row-oriented nature of most DRAM and SRAM implementations, producing a Multi-Dimensional-Access (MDA) memory. While MDA memories can directly support applications with both row and column preferences, most modern processors do not directly access either the rows or columns of memories: memory accesses proceed through a cache hierarchy that abstracts many of the physical features that supply the aforementioned symmetry. To reap the full benefits of MDA memories, a co-design approach must occur across software memory layout, the mapping between the physical and logical organization of the memory arrays, and the cache hierarchy itself in order to efficiently express, convey, and exploit multidimensional access patterns. In this paper, we describe a taxonomy for different ways of connecting row and column preferences at the application level to an MDA memory through an MDA cache hierarchy and explore specific implementations for the most plausible design points. We extend vectorization support at the compiler level to provide the necessary information to extract preferences and provide compatible memory layouts, and evaluate the tradeoffs among multiple cache designs for the MDA memory systems. Our results indicate that both logically 2-D caching using physically 1-D SRAM structures and on-chip physically 2-D caches can both provide significant improvements in performance over a traditional cache system interfacing with an MDA memory, reducing execution time by 72% and 65%, respectively. We then explore the sensitivity of these benefits as a function of the working-set to cache capacity ratio as well as to MDA technology assumptions.
Subtle alterations in whole body mechanics during gait following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Abstract Background Clinically, normalization of gait following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLr) is defined as the absence of observable deviations. However, biomechanical studies report altered knee mechanics during loading response (LR); a time of double limb support and weight transfer between limbs. It is conceivable that subtle adjustments in whole body mechanics, including center of mass (COM) velocity and ground reaction force (GRF) peaks and timing, are present. Research question The purpose was to compare limb and whole body mechanics during LR of gait in the surgical and non-surgical limbs post-ACLr. Methods Anterior and vertical COM velocity at initial contact; knee flexion range of motion, peak knee extensor moment, peak vertical and posterior GRF, minimum vertical COM position and maximum anterior and vertical COM velocity during LR were identified for twenty individuals 112 ± 17 days post-ACLr without observable gait deficits. To assess differences in timing of COM variables, coupling angles (vector coding) were calculated for multidirectional coordination of vertical and anteroposterior COM velocities and GRFs and categorized as in-phase, anti-phase, vertical phase, or anteroposterior phase coordination. Paired t-tests compared peaks between limbs; non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared coordination pattern frequency. Results Less knee range of motion (5.6 °), 30% smaller knee extensor moment, 11% smaller posterior GRF, and slower anterior COM velocity at initial contact (2%) and peak during LR (1.3%; all p Significance Differences in coordination patterns, suggest that individuals post-ACLr make subtle adjustments in timing of whole body mechanics; particularly in COM velocity during gait. These adjustments are consistent with reduced sagittal plane loading in the surgical knee.
Purposeful Reflections: Scaffolding Preservice Teachers' Field Placement Observations

ABSTRACTIn this qualitative study we examine preservice teachers' abilities to connect theory and practice through the use of a collaboratively developed field observation guide, namely the “Target...
A centromere satellite concomitant with extensive karyotypic diversity across the Peromyscus genus defies predictions of molecular drive.

A common feature of eukaryotic centromeres is the presence of large tracts of tandemly arranged repeats, known as satellite DNA. However, these centromeric repeats appear to experience rapid evolution under forces such as molecular drive and centromere drive, seemingly without consequence to the integrity of the centromere. Moreover, blocks of heterochromatin within the karyotype, including the centromere, are hotspots for chromosome rearrangements that may drive speciation events by contributing to reproductive isolation. However, the relationship between the evolution of heterochromatic sequences and the karyotypic dynamics of these regions remains largely unknown. Here, we show that a single conserved satellite DNA sequence in the order Rodentia of the genus Peromyscus localizes to recurrent sites of chromosome rearrangements and heterochromatic amplifications. Peromyscine species display several unique features of chromosome evolution compared to other Rodentia, including stable maintenance of a strict chromosome number of 48 among all known species in the absence of any detectable interchromosomal rearrangements. Rather, the diverse karyotypes of Peromyscine species are due to intrachromosomal variation in blocks of repeated DNA content. Despite wide variation in the copy number and location of repeat blocks among different species, we find that a single satellite monomer maintains a conserved sequence and homogenized tandem repeat structure, defying predictions of molecular drive. The conservation of this satellite monomer results in common, abundant, and large blocks of chromatin that are homologous among chromosomes within one species and among diverged species. Thus, such a conserved repeat may have facilitated the retention of polymorphic chromosome variants within individuals and intrachromosomal rearrangements between species—both factors that have previously been hypothesized to contribute towards the extremely wide range of ecological adaptations that this genus exhibits.
A Curriculum Design on Electronic Devices Design Laboratory

In this paper, a curriculum has been modified to foster the learning processes associated with the learning objectives of Electronic Devices Design Laboratory. Facilitating the integration of content, assessment, and pedagogy for this learning module can be accomplished by first thinking about the requirements and learning objectives of this laboratory course and then, finding metrics that measure the mastery of them and finally discovering approaches to teach those learning objectives to the learners. The main goal of this course is to help the students learn how to work as a team in order to design and simulate electronic circuits. Moreover, the students will learn how to transmit information in an accurate, objective and complete way. In this paper, learning objectives and enduring outcomes for Electronic Devices Design Laboratory Course are detected, and based on the goals of the course, assessment worksheets are developed, and finally the structure of a lab session is presented.
Multi omics analysis of fibrotic kidneys in two mouse models

Kidney fibrosis represents an urgent unmet clinical need due to the lack of effective therapies and an inadequate understanding of the molecular pathogenesis. We have generated a comprehensive and combined multi-omics dataset (proteomics, mRNA and small RNA transcriptomics) of fibrotic kidneys that is searchable through a user-friendly web application: http://hbcreports.med.harvard.edu/fmm/ . Two commonly used mouse models were utilized: a reversible chemical-induced injury model (folic acid (FA) induced nephropathy) and an irreversible surgically-induced fibrosis model (unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)). mRNA and small RNA sequencing, as well as 10-plex tandem mass tag (TMT) proteomics were performed with kidney samples from different time points over the course of fibrosis development. The bioinformatics workflow used to process, technically validate, and combine the single omics data will be described. In summary, we present temporal multi-omics data from fibrotic mouse kidneys that are accessible through an interrogation tool (Mouse Kidney Fibromics browser) to provide a searchable transcriptome and proteome for kidney fibrosis researchers.
‘Rise, Kill, and Eat’: Animals as Nations in Early Jewish Visionary Literature and Acts 10:

Peter’s vision in Acts 10 ostensibly concerns dietary laws but is interpreted within the narrative as a revelation of God’s mercy towards the Gentiles, culminating in the baptism of Cornelius’ hous...
L-type voltage-gated calcium channel agonists improve hearing loss and modify ribbon synapse morphology in the zebrafish model of Usher Syndrome Type 1

Usher Syndrome (USH) is the most common cause of human deaf/blindness. The zebrafish myo7aa homozygous mutant, faithfully models USH1; homozygous zebrafish are deaf and exhibit circular swimming. We hypothesized that hair cell morphology would differ in myo7aa homozygous mutants compared to wild type. We also tested the hypothesis that agonists of L type voltage gated calcium channels would alter ribbon synapse morphology and behavior of zebrafish myo7aa homozygous mutants. We discovered that myo7aa homozygous mutant zebrafish have fewer glutamatergic vesicles tethered to hair cell ribbon synapses, yet maintain a comparable ribbon area. We identified that myo7aa homozygous mutants have fewer total active hair cells, fewer total CTBP2 expressing puncta, and an altered distribution of CTBP2 puncta compared to wildtype. We also identified that myo7aa homozygous mutants have fewer active postsynaptic cells and fewer total MAGUK puncta, compared to wildtype. Behaviorally, myo7aa homozygous mutant fish have abnormal swimming as measured by larger absolute smooth orientations and have little to no acoustic startle. Treatment with L type voltage gated calcium channel agonists altered the abnormal cell and behavioral phenotypes toward wildtype. Our data supports that L type voltage gated calcium channel agonists induce morphological changes at the ribbon synapse, in both the number of tethered vesicles and the distribution of CTBP2 puncta, shifts swimming behavior towards wildtype swimming and improves acoustic startle response.
A Phase II and Pharmacodynamic Trial of RO4929097 for Patients With Recurrent/Progressive Glioblastoma

Background Cancer stem-like cells are a major cause of resistance to therapy in patients with glioblastoma (GBM) as well as other cancers. Tumor cells are maintained in a stem-like proliferative state in large part through the Notch signaling pathway. The function of this pathway in turn depends on gamma secretase activity. Inhibition of this enzyme therefore inhibits the Notch pathway and tumor growth as measured by a reduction in the formation of brain tumor neurospheres in murine models. RO4929097 is an oral gamma secretase inhibitor. Objective To estimate the 6-mo progression-free survival rate (PFS6) in patients with progressive GBM and to inhibit by 50% the generation of neurospheres in fresh tissue resected from patients treated with RO4929097. Methods In this phase II and pharmacodynamic study, patients with recurrent GBM received RO4929097 in a study of 2 groups. Group A patients had unresectable disease and received drug in a standard phase II design. Group B patients had resectable disease and received drug before and after surgical resection. Endpoints included PFS6 and the inhibition of neurosphere formation in the resected tumor samples. Results A total of 47 patients received treatment, 7 of whom had tumor resection. The PFS6 was 4%, and the inhibition of neurosphere formation occurred in 1 of 7 patient samples. Conclusion RO4929097 was inactive in recurrent GBM patients and demonstrated minimal inhibition of neurosphere formation in fresh tissue samples.
A non-intrusive optical approach to characterize heliostats in utility-scale power tower plants: Flight path generation/optimization of unmanned aerial systems

Abstract A newly developed in situ non-intrusive optical (NIO) approach has been developed to survey various types of heliostat optical errors for a concentrating solar power (CSP) tower plant. To measure mirror surface slope error, facet canting error, and heliostat tracking error at a sub-milliradian accuracy, NIO requires several reflection images scanned over each individual heliostat. For a utility-scale plant that typically includes more than 10,000 heliostats, an unmanned aerial system (UAS) is crucial for efficient implementation of the NIO method. In this paper, we develop a flight path generation/optimization algorithm to plan more efficient UAS paths to collect NIO data over a utility-scale heliostat field. The algorithm considers NIO data requirements, all potential constraints, optimization within each subfield, and operational flexibility. Case studies are presented to illustrate the feasibility and robustness of the developed flight path algorithm. The path planning algorithm may also find applications elsewhere, such as drone-driven imaging under extreme conditions.
Cellular junction and mesenchymal factors delineate an endometriosis-specific response of endometrial stromal cells to the mesothelium.

Abstract Endometriosis is a debilitating gynecologic disorder that affects ∼10% of women of reproductive age. Endometriosis is characterized by growth of endometriosis lesions within the abdominal cavity, generally thought to arise from retrograde menstruation of shed endometrial tissue. While the pathophysiology underlying peritoneal endometriosis lesion formation is still unclear, the interaction between invading endometrial tissue and the peritoneal mesothelial lining is an essential step in lesion formation. In this study, we assessed proteomic differences between eutopic endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) from women with and without endometriosis in response to peritoneal mesothelial cell (PMC) exposure, using single-cell cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF). Co-cultured primary eutopic ESCs from women with and without endometriosis with an established PMC line were subjected to immunostaining with a panel of Maxpar CyTOF metal-conjugated antibodies (n = 28) targeting cell junction and mesenchymal markers, which are involved in cell-cell adhesions and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Exposure of the ESCs to PMCs resulted in a drastic shift in cellular expression profiles in ESCs derived from endometriosis, whereas little effect by PMCs was observed in ESCs from non-endometriosis subjects. The transcription factor SNAI1 was consistently repressed by PMC interactions. ESCs from endometriosis patients are unique in that they respond to PMCs by undergoing changes in adhesive properties and mesenchymal characteristics that would facilitate lesion formation.
A New Syringe for Semen Storage and Instrumental Insemination of Queen Honeybees

SummaryThe new syringe described was designed for use in both semen storage and instrumental insemination. The Mackensen syringe tip was modified to accommodate a capillary storage in its base, and a syringe barrel with a screw-type plunger was devised for precise control of the movement of semen. The capillary tubes containing semen can be removed from the syringe and replaced without disturbing the column of semen, by equalizing the pressure in the barrel and in the storage tubes. The capillary tubes can be loaded with enough semen to inseminate several queens.
The Full Comedian: A Final Loose Analogy

In addition to a healthy theory, what does not fail in Darwin’s writing is the sense of overall tone and a few larger cameo pieces. Several longer passages of his verse have already been quoted and discussed in earlier chapters. These have been little anecdotes or stories that have some self-contained unity. I will deal with two more in this final chapter — longer passages and more unified. Strangely enough, Desmond King-Hele who has edited the only collection of Darwin’s writings in this century apparently does not think that there are sustained passages of unified writing in the poems, and so he only anthologizes little snippets of verse.1 The longer passages ought to be seen, I think, for what they are — memorable sections in admittedly weakly unified poems.
Organometallic reagents in synthesis : A new protocol for construction of the indole nucleus

Abstract Organodilithium reagents derived from 2-alkyl-N-trimethylsilyl anilines undergo condensation with esters of carboxylic acids to afford substituted indoles. A total of 16 examples are reported; yields in general were good. In conjunction with this program, a convenient, large-scale procedure for preparation of monosilylated anilines was also developed. To demonstrate the utility of the new indole protocol in natural products synthesis, efficient syntheses of ( + )-cinchonamine and ( + )-epi-cinchonamine as well as a tetracyclic model system for the architecturally complex penitrem mycotoxins were completed in regio- and stereoselective fashion.
Echocardiographic changes in heart size in hypohydrated horses.

Background: Hypohydration causes transient echocardiographic changes in pigs, dogs, humans, and cats. These changes mask the diagnosis of some cardiac diseases (valvular regurgitation, dilated cardiomyopathy) and promote the diagnosis of others (hypertropic cardiomyopathy and infiltrative disease), thus inhibiting accurate echocardiographic evaluation. Objectives: To describe the echocardiographic changes associated with hypohydration in normal horses. Animals: Ten adult horses without detectable cardiac disease. Methods: Experimental study. Echocardiographic examinations were performed on horses in the euhydrated and hypohydrated states. Horses were hypohydrated by combined water deprivation and furosemide administration until a 4–7% reduction in bodyweight was achieved. Statistical analyses were performed by paired t-tests. Results: Hypohydration decreased left ventricular internal diameter in systole (0.8 ± 0.6 cm) and diastole (1.7 ± 0.9 cm), left atrial diameter (1.5 ± 0.4 cm) and left ventricular volume (490 ± 251 mL) (P-values < .01), and increased septal wall thickness in diastole (0.6 ± 0.3 cm), free wall thickness in diastole (0.5 ± 0.3 cm), mean wall thickness (0.5 ± 0.2 cm) and relative wall thickness (0.2 ± 0.1 cm) (P-values < .01). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Hypohydration produces changes in left ventricular and atrial size that could mask or promote the severity of cardiac disease. The thickened, “pseudohypertrophied” appearance of the left ventricle in hypohydrated horses could affect interpretation of echocardiographic variables that are applied to the prediction of athletic performance. Echocardiography may prove a noninvasive method of monitoring volume status and response to fluid therapy in hypovolemic horses.
The Enzymatic Synthesis of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters by Carboxyl Group Alkylation

Abstract A soluble enzyme from Mycobacterium phlei catalyzes the reaction: Fatty acid + S-adenosylmethionine → fatty acid methyl ester + S-adenosylhomocysteine The reaction was studied by incubation of fatty acid with S-adenosylmethionine-methyl-14C and isolation of the labeled ester. This was characterized by thin layer and gas-liquid chromatography and by isolation of labeled methanol from alkaline hydrolysates of the ester. Of several substrates tested only S-adenosylmethionine was an effective methyl donor (Km = 2.5 x 10-5 m) and oleic acid was the most effective fatty acid acceptor (Km = 1.3 x 10-3 m). Some methyl ester was formed when phospholipids were added to the incubation mixture, presumably because lipase action liberated fatty acids which could serve as substrates. The optimum pH for the reaction lay between 8 and 9. Some inhibition of the reaction was observed with calcium ion, while S-adenosylhomocysteine was a potent inhibitor.
Hazardous Wastes Input into Class I Landfills

This study documents 17 metal species discharged to Class I landfill sites. These sites receive a combined estimated daily volume of 2.3 x 10 6 1/day of hazardous wastes. The metal species are ranked according to their estimated daily total deposition: Na>Fe>Ca>Zn>K>Mg>C u>Cr>Ni>Pb>Ba>Mn>V>As>Cd>Be>Ag. Approximately 50% of the total volume of hazardous wastes sampled were generated by the petroleum industry. About 35% of the volume was equally divided between the chemical industry and industrial cleaning. The metal, food, and miscellaneous/unknown industries each contributed less than 10% of the total volume. Approximately 70% of the total volume was in the aqueous phase and 8% consisted of an organic liquid phase. The weight percent of 17 metal species in the soluble phase ranged from less than 10% to a maximum of 90%. The volume flow and concentration of soluble toxic metals pose a potential water quality problem.
Software requirements for very high bandwidth communications

Discusses the impact of very high bandwidth communications on the researchers and developers of the related communications software and protocols. He notes that future technology will make it possible to transmit information at rates in excess of 1.7 Gb/s, at bit error rates ranging from 10/sup -14/ to 10/sup -28/, with the utilization of very large real storage (in excess of hundreds of megabytes of dynamic real memory) and with processing power growing to provide hundreds of millions of instructions per second. The differences between very high bandwidth communications and traditional communications are highlighted. It is emphasized that for very high bandwidth communications the traditional assumptions are no longer valid in the sense that very high bandwidth communications features almost infinite bandwidth, extremely low bit error rates, and intelligence. >
Arctic ice island coring facility

A three-by-seven-km iceberg that calved from the Ward Hunt ice shelf on northern Ellesmere Island in 1982 and began moving west into the Arctic Ocean was used by the Canadian Department of Energy, Mines, and Resources as an opportunity to take sediment samples and piston cores from this area of the Arctic Ocean and other areas as dictated by the track of the ice island. A substantial sediment sampling system was developed, built, and installed on the island. It consists of a winch, gantry, and ice melting system capable of taking piston cores to a water depth of 4000 m. Sampling is carried out through a 1.5-m-diameter hole melted through ice 44-m thick by a 249-kW melting system. The evolution, logistics, and capabilities of the sampling system are described. >
Polymer wicking to mass load cantilevers for chemical gravimetric sensors

Achieving size reduction with electrostatic capacitive detection in cantilever resonant gravimetric microsensors necessitates use of narrow gaps and beams, which are incompatible with polymer addition using techniques such as ink jet, spray coat, dip cast, and dip pen deposition. A method is introduced to wick controlled amounts of polymer onto narrow grooves. Polystyrene dissolved in toluene and xylene is deposited onto a target well area using drop-on-demand ink jetting. The solvent with polymer is wicked into a 2 /spl mu/m wide groove running the length of a 4 /spl mu/m wide cantilever. Sidewall 1 /spl mu/m-wide gaps to electrostatic actuation and sensing comb fingers remain free of polymer and operate as intended. The resonator with 410 pg of polymer and sensitivity of 76 fg/Hz is self-excited in a feedback oscillation loop. Initial measurements of saturated concentrations of acetone, ethanol and 2-propanol provide 20 Hz to 130 Hz shifts.
Laser Damage Results and Analyses for Ultraviolet Reflectors Under Multiple-Shot Irradiation

In a continuing program intended to evaluate and optimize multi-layer dielectric reflectors for the ultraviolet, additional results are reported. Standard test conditions at the 248 nm KrF* wavelength are a nominal pulsewidth of 10 ns at a 35 Hz pulse repetition frequency. The 0.6 mm mean spot diam (I /e 2 ) is effect-tively increased by testing ten sites at each fluence, with each surviving°site irradiated for 1000 shots. In this manner, 50 to 100 sites are tested on each reflector. By plotting the fraction of sites which damaged (%) vs laser test fluence (J/cm 2 ) and employing a linear regression fit to the data, a threshold (0% intercept) and an upper limit (100% intercept) are obtained. Emerging correlations between the slope of the data and physical properties of the coatings are discussed. We have previously reported damage thresholds averaging 1.5 J/cm 2 with a high of 3.0 J/cm 2 for a ThF 4 /Cryolite reflector. Presently, we routinely observe thresholds of 3.0 J/cm 2 up to a high of 5.5 J/cm 2 for oxide films, particularly those employing Al 2 O 3 or Sc 2 O 3 as the high-index component. As an initial attempt to ascertain the possible effect of pulse repetition rate, some samples were tested at both 35 pps and 2 pps. Within our experimental uncertainty, no difference in threshold was observed.
The last days of Sala al-Din (Saladin) "noble enemy" of the third Crusade.

ABSTRACTSaladin, “noble enemy” of Richard the Lionheart and victor at the battle of Hattin, died suddenly in 1193 A.D. at the age of 56. The clinical information preserved in the historical record is insufficient to render a definitive diagnosis for Saladin's final illness, and yet, it contains enough details to narrow the list of possibilities to just a few and also to critique his treatment in light of the medical concepts of his day.
Topography and lattice strain development on patterned Si surfaces

Abstract The use of several different microscopies in the study of the development of topography on crystal surfaces during high temperature annealing is illustrated. The focus is on experiments with surfaces that have been lithographically patterned with 1- and 2-dimensional periodically repeating structures. The experiments are aimed at identifying and measuring the elementary atomic transport processes involved in material transfer at the surface. Optical diffraction, interference microscopy and scanning electron microscopies are used to study large scale features while atomic force, tunneling and low energy electron microscopies reveal details of the atomic arrangements making up these features. Particular emphasis is placed on the observation of atomic steps since it is the redistributions of atomic steps that is responsible for topography development on crystals. Atomic step motions on both 1- and 2-dimensionally periodic surfaces are interpreted in terms of surface diffusion and evaporation processes. The creation of arrays of extensive step-free areas on Si wafer surfaces is illustrated. X-ray diffraction studies of grating structures can be used to demonstrate and measure lattice strains induced, for example, by oxidation.
An empirical analysis of the effect of volunteer labor on public library employment

This study is an empirical investigation of the effect of library volunteers on public library demand for paid workers. Unlike previous studies, it estimates the impacts on different types of paid labor. The main purpose is to test whether volunteer labor replaced or complemented paid employees. A translog cost function is used to derive cost shares and elasticities of substitution for Pennsylvania public libraries. Cross-elasticity estimates of substitution and input demand suggest a strong complementary relation between volunteers and professional workers. Most of the other Allen cross elasticities were not statistically significant. None of the estimates indicate that paid labor was being replaced by volunteers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Ramsey Test and Conditional Semantics

Proponents of the projection strategy take an epistemic rule for the evaluation of English conditionals, the Ramsey test, as clue to the truth-conditional semantics of conditionals. They also construe English conditionals as stronger than the material conditional. Given plausible assumptions, however, the Ramsey test induces the semantics of the material conditional. The alleged link between Ramsey test and truth conditions stronger than those of the material conditional can be saved by construing conditionals as ternary, rather than binary, propositional functions with a hidden contextual parameter. But such a ternary construal raises problems of its own.