cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic mechanical properties of fibers in liquid media in relation to dyeing

An apparatus for measurement of dynamic mechanical properties of a polymer immersed in a liquid medium has been developed in this laboratory. The apparatus is based upon modification of the Vibron Viscoelastometer DDV-II. The viscoelastic properties of fibers immersed in liquids are of primary concern in textile processing. The dynamic mechanical properties of poly-(ethylene terephthalate) fibers immersed in dyeing media, such as water and tetrachloroethylene, were measured. The glass transition temperatures of polyester immersed in these dyeing media were significantly depressed from the dry glass transition temperature. A relationship between viscoelastic properties above the glass transition temperature of polyester fibers in tetrachloroethylene and the rate of disperse dyeing from tetrachloroethylene is proposed. The relationship is interpreted in terms of dye diffusion controlled by segmental mobility of amorphous regions of the polymer.
System of Systems Engineering Requirements: Challenges and Guidelines

Abstract:Traditional systems engineering (SE) has been successful in developing requirements that are objective, verifiable, and definitive. These requirements are chiefly related to technical or technological issues necessary to achieve a desired level of system performance. In contrast, System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) engages a more complex and holistic problem space, including organizational, managerial, policy, human/social, and political dimensions that exist in conditions of emergence, ambiguity, and uncertainty; therefore, the traditional SE requirements paradigm must be called into question. At present, the SoSE requirements paradigm has not reached the level of maturity or sophistication experienced by traditional SE. It is a miscalculation to expect successful approaches for SE requirements development to enjoy the same level of success when applied directly to the SoSE problem domain. The purpose of this article is to explore the nature of requirements from an SoSE perspective. First, the ...
In-memory computing of Akers logic array

This work studies memories with the goal of exploring the concept of in-memory computing. Our point of departure is the 1972 classical study on logical arrays by Akers. We demonstrate a number of new ways for these arrays to simultaneously store information and perform logical operations. We first generalize these arrays to non-binary alphabets. We then show how a special structure of these arrays can both store values and output a sorted version of them. In addition we show how the array can tolerate or detect errors in the stored information.
Metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor with a vacuum channel

High-speed electronic devices rely on short carrier transport times, which are usually achieved by decreasing the channel length and/or increasing the carrier velocity. Ideally, the carriers enter into a ballistic transport regime in which they are not scattered. However, it is difficult to achieve ballistic transport in a solid-state medium because the high electric fields used to increase the carrier velocity also increase scattering. Vacuum is an ideal medium for ballistic transport, but vacuum electronic devices commonly suffer from low emission currents and high operating voltages. Here, we report the fabrication of a low-voltage field-effect transistor with a vertical vacuum channel (channel length of ~20 nm) etched into a metal-oxide-semiconductor substrate. We measure a transconductance of 20 nS µm(-1), an on/off ratio of 500 and a turn-on gate voltage of 0.5 V under ambient conditions. Coulombic repulsion in the two-dimensional electron system at the interface between the oxide and the metal or the semiconductor reduces the energy barrier to electron emission, leading to a high emission current density (~1 × 10(5) A cm(-2)) under a bias of only 1 V. The emission of two-dimensional electron systems into vacuum channels could enable a new class of low-power, high-speed transistors.
Differences in melanoma outcomes among Hispanic Medicare enrollees

Background Hispanics are given the diagnosis of melanoma at later stages and have reduced survival. Objective We sought to evaluate the effect of Hispanic ethnicity and different health care delivery systems (fee-for-service [FFS] and health maintenance organizations) on melanoma stage at diagnosis and survival. Methods We studied a retrospective cohort of 40,633 patients, with at least 3 years of follow-up, who were given the diagnosis of incident melanoma from 1991 to 2002 and were 65 years or older using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare linked database. The analytic sample consisted of 39,962 non-Hispanic whites (NHW) and 671 Hispanics. Logistic regression models examined the roles of the health care delivery system and race/ethnicity in stage at diagnosis and survival. Results For FFS patients, Hispanics were more likely to be given a diagnosis at an advanced stage (distant vs earlier stages [odds ratio {OR} = 2.07; 95% confidence interval {CI} = 1.36-3.16]; regional vs earlier stages [OR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.75-3.03]) compared with NHW. Among Hispanic patients, those enrolled in health maintenance organizations were less likely to be given a diagnosis at later stage (regional vs earlier stages [OR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.31-0.81]) than FFS patients; however, the earlier stage at diagnosis did not improve survival. For patients with a previous cancer before their melanoma diagnoses, NHW enrolled in health maintenance organizations from 1991 to 2002 were given a diagnosis at earlier stages compared with NHW FFS patients (OR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.52-0.99); this was not found among Hispanics. Limitations These results reflect findings in a Medicare-aged population and it is not clear if they are generalizable to younger patients. Conclusions Differences in melanoma outcomes among different ethnic groups are, in part, dependent on the health care setting in which patients are enrolled.
The Sensory Somatotopic Map of the Human Hand Demonstrated at 4 Tesla

Recent attempts at high-resolution sensory-stimulated fMRI performed at 1.5 T have had very limited success at demonstrating a somatotopic organization for individual digits. Our purpose was to determine if functional MRI at 4 T can demonstrate the sensory somatotopic map of the human hand. Sensory functional MRI was performed at 4 T in five normal volunteers using a low-frequency vibratory stimulus on the pad of each finger of the left hand. A simple motor control task was also performed. The data were normalized to a standard atlas, and individual and group statistical parametric maps (SPMs) were computed for each task. Volume of activation and distribution of cluster maxima were compared for each task. For three of the subjects, the SPMs demonstrated a somatotopic organization of the sensory cortex. The group SPMs demonstrated a clear somatotopic organization of the sensory cortex. The thumb to fifth finger were organized, in general, with a lateral to medial, inferior to superior, and anterior to posterior relationship. There was overlap in the individual SPMs between fingers. The sensory activation spanned a space of 12-18 mm (thumb to fifth finger) on the primary sensory cortex. The motor activation occurred consistently at the superior-most extent of the sensory activation within and across subjects. The sensory somatotopic map of the human hand can be identified at 4 T. High-resolution imaging at 4 T can be useful for detailed functional imaging studies.
A linear-time heuristic for rectilinear Steiner trees

Rectilinear Steiner spanning trees are used in several phases of the VLSI physical design process when collections of terminals must be connected to a common electrical point. The authors present a new linear time heuristic algorithm for generating these rectilinear Steiner trees. They begin with minimal spanning trees and transform those configurations which are never found in the shortest Steiner trees. This decreases the length of the spanning trees. In addition to its speed, the algorithm is straightforward and can be implemented efficiently. Empirical results demonstrate that reductions of over 13% in length are possible, while an average of over 8% reduction is achieved. This compares very favorably to much more complex algorithms. The algorithm is recommended for applications where many spanning trees are needed in a very short time. >
Electron Sharing and Anion–π Recognition in Molecular Triangular Prisms

Stacking on a full belly: Triangular molecular prisms display electron sharing among their triangularly arranged naphthalenediimide (NDI) redox centers. Their electron-deficient cavities encapsulate linear triiodide anions, leading to the formation of supramolecular helices in the solid state. Chirality transfer is observed from the six chiral centers of the filled prisms to the single-handed helices.
Mining policies from enterprise network configuration

Few studies so far have examined the nature of reachability policies in enterprise networks. A better understanding of reachability policies could both inform future approaches to network design as well as current network configuration mechanisms. In this paper, we introduce the notion of a policy unit, which is an abstract representation of how the policies implemented in a network apply to different network hosts. We develop an approach for reverse-engineering a network's policy units from its router configuration. We apply this approach to the configurations of five productions networks, including three university and two private enterprises. Through our empirical study, we validate that policy units capture useful characteristics of a network's policy. We also obtain insights into the nature of the policies implemented in modern enterprises. For example, we find most hosts in these networks are subject to nearly identical reachability policies at Layer 3.
Human eosinophil major basic protein is an endogenous allosteric antagonist at the inhibitory muscarinic M2 receptor.

Abstract The effect of human eosinophil major basic protein (MBP) as well as other eosinophil proteins, on binding of [3H]N-methyl-scopolamine ([3H]NMS: 1 x 10(-10) M) to muscarinic M2 receptors in heart membranes and M3 receptors in submandibular gland membranes was studied. MBP inhibited specific binding of [3H]NMS to M2 receptors but not to M3 receptors. MBP also inhibited atropine-induced dissociation of [3H]NMS-receptor complexes in a dose-dependent fashion, demonstrating that the interaction of MBP with the M2 muscarinic receptor is allosteric. This effect of MBP suggests that it may function as an endogenous allosteric inhibitor of agonist binding to the M2 muscarinic receptor. Inhibition of [3H]NMS binding by MBP was reversible by treatment with heparin, which binds and neutralizes MBP. Eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) also inhibited specific binding of [3H]NMS to M2 receptors but not to M3 receptors and inhibited atropine-induced dissociation of [3H]NMS-receptor complexes. On a molar basis, EPO is less potent than MBP. Neither eosinophil cationic protein nor eosinophil-derived neurotoxin affected binding of [3H]NMS to M2 receptors. Thus both MBP and EPO are selective allosteric antagonists at M2 receptors. The effects of these proteins may be important causes of M2 receptor dysfunction and enhanced vagally mediated bronchoconstriction in asthma.
The generation of hexahedral meshes for assembly geometry: survey and progress

SUMMARY The nite element method is being used today to model component assemblies in a wide variety of application areas, including structural mechanics, uid simulations, and others. Generating hexahedral meshes for these assemblies usually requires the use of geometry decomposition, with dierent meshing algorithms applied to dierent regions. While the primary motivation for this approach remains the lack of an automatic, reliable all-hexahedral meshing algorithm, requirements in mesh quality and mesh conguration for typical analyses are also factors. For these reasons, this approach is also sometimes required when producing other types of unstructured meshes. This paper will review progress to date in automating many parts of the hex meshing process, which has halved the time to produce all-hex meshes for large assemblies. Particular issues which have been exposed due to this progress will also be discussed, along with their applicability to the general unstructured meshing problem. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transcriptional regulation of connective tissue growth factor and its role in keloid

Evaluation of: Xia W, Kong W, Wang Z et al. Increased CCN2 transcription in keloid fibroblasts requires cooperativity between AP-1 and SMAD binding sites. Ann Surg. 246(5), 886–895 (2007).Keloid is a dermal fibroproliferative disorder characterized by the overgrowth of dense fibrous tissue coupled with excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components. The dysregulation of the immediate-early gene encoding connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a key regulatory element in the wound-healing process, has been suggested to play a critical role in keloid pathogenesis. We review a recent paper by Xia et al., which examined the transcriptional regulatory mechanism(s) that contribute to the elevated transcription of the CTGF gene and its contribution to keloid phenotype. Results from this paper, together with the evidences from several recent studies, suggested that cooperative activities among several transcriptional regulatory elements (AP-1, SMAD, SP-1, SP-3 and TEF/TEAD) provide a fine-tuned regulator...
A calorimetric and equilibrium investigation of the reaction {methyl ferulate(aq) + H2O(l) = methanol(aq) + ferulic acid(aq)}

Abstract Microcalorimetry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) have been used to conduct a thermodynamic investigation of the reaction: {methyl ferulate(aq) + H2O(l) = methanol(aq) + ferulic acid(aq)}, as catalyzed by feruloyl esterase. Values of the apparent equilibrium constant K′ = (29.6 ± 0.7) (T = 298.15 K, citrate buffer at pH 4.98, ionic strength I = 0.39 mol · kg−1) and of the calorimetrically determined enthalpy of reaction ΔrH(cal) = (4.0 ± 0.9) kJ · mol−1 (T = 298.15 K and citrate buffer at pH 4.81, I = 0.36 mol · kg−1) were measured. A chemical equilibrium model, together with pKs and standard enthalpies of reaction Δ r H ∘ for the H+(aq) binding reactions of the reactants and products, was then used to calculate the values K = (1.89 ± 0.06) · 10−4, ΔrH° = (7.3 ± 1.7) kJ · mol−1, ΔrG° = (21.25 ± 0.07) kJ · mol−1, and ΔrS° = − (46.8 ± 5.7) J · K−1 · mol−1 for the chemical reference reaction {methyl ferulate(aq) + H2O(l) = methanol(aq) + ferulic acid−(aq) + H+(aq)}. These values of K and ΔrH° are similar in magnitude to the corresponding values reported for the reaction {propyl gallate(aq) + H2O(l) = 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid−(aq) + 1-propanol(aq) + H+(aq)}. The results obtained in this study can be used in a chemical equilibrium model to calculate how K′ and other standard transformed properties such as the standard transformed enthalpy ΔrH′°, standard transformed Gibbs free energy ΔrG′°, and the change in binding of H+(aq), ΔrN(H+), vary with the independent variables T, pH, and I.
Civic Education in the NCLB Era: The Contested Mission of Schools

This paper examines the philosophic and historic foundations of educating for citizenship. Despite these foundations, like all of social studies, civic education at the elementary and middle levels has been curtailed due to the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation. Implications of the reduction of elementary social studies instruction are examined. In addition, characteristics of civic education programs are described along with standards devised by the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS, 1994) and the National Standards for Civics and Government (Center for Civic Education, 1994/2003). Civic education programs that teachers can utilize in elementary and middle school settings are also discussed.
Whole-grain intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes: A prospective study in men

Background: Certain dietary components may play a role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Objective: We examined prospectively the associations between whole- and refined-grain intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes in a large cohort of men. Design: Men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study without a history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease in 1986 (n = 42 898) were followed for ≤ 12 y. Intakes of whole and refined grains, measured every 4 y by use of food-frequency questionnaires, were used to predict subsequent type 2 diabetes risk through multivariate analysis. Results: We ascertained 1197 cases of incident type 2 diabetes. After adjustment for age; physical activity; cigarette smoking; alcohol consumption; family history of diabetes; and fruit, vegetable, and energy intakes, the relative risk of type 2 diabetes was 0.58 (95% CI: 0.47, 0.70; P for trend < 0.0001) comparing the highest with the lowest quintile of whole-grain intake. The association was moderately attenuated when additionally adjusted for body mass index (relative risk: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.85; P for trend = 0.0006). Intake of refined grains was not significantly associated with risk of type 2 diabetes. After further adjustment for magnesium intake, cereal fiber intake, and glycemic load, the association between whole grains and type 2 diabetes was attenuated and the trend no longer significant. Conclusions: In men, a diet high in whole grains is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in men that may be mediated by cereal fiber. Efforts should be made to replace refined-grain with whole-grain foods. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:535‐40.
Diffraction of evanescent waves and nanomechanical displacement detection

Sensitive displacement detection has emerged as a significant technological challenge in mechanical resonators with nanometer-scale dimensions. A novel nanomechanical displacement detection scheme based upon the scattering of focused evanescent fields is proposed. The sensitivity of the proposed approach is studied using diffraction theory of evanescent waves. Diffraction theory results are compared with numerical simulations.
Semi-Markov process based model for performance analysis of wireless LANs

In this paper, we propose a new semi-Markov process based model to compute the network parameters such as saturation throughput, for the IEEE 802.11 Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) employing the Binary Exponential Backoff (BEB). The backoff stages of BEB and their backoff intervals are modeled as the states of semi-Markov process and their state holding-times, respectively. The proposed model is simpler than Bianchi's two-dimensional Markov chain based model, with the number of states in the proposed model being of the order O(m), where m is the number of backoff stages in the BEB, compared with the Bianchi's model where number of states is of the order O(2m). Using the proposed semi-Markov process model, we compute the parameters of interest in wireless LANs, such as conditional collision probability, packet transmission probability, and saturation throughput. We show that the proposed model is quite accurate in computing these parameters of interest. Moreover, we show that the computation time with the proposed model is approximately one-tenth of that with Bianchi's model, using Matlab simulations. Thus, the proposed model achieves accurate results with less complexity and computation time, and is suitable to be used for performance evaluation of complex protocols such as IEEE 802.11e.
Three-phase capacitive position sensing

We present a novel sensing scheme for capacitive position sensors based on physical and electrical modifications of traditional sensing arrangements. In addition to improved sensitivity, this “three-phase” sensing scheme enables a purely electrical method for post-process compensation of fabrication tolerances that can be implemented in the signal conditioning circuitry. This same method can be also be used to trim the sensor output for cancelling biases or nulling offsets, allowing the sensor to be operated in its regime of maximum sensitivity and with maximum signal output and linearity regardless of orientation, fabrication errors, or other effects.
Stochastic Channel Selection in Cognitive Radio Networks

In this paper, we investigate the channel selection strategy for secondary users in cognitive radio networks. We claim that in order to avoid the costly channel switchings, a secondary user may desire an optimal channel which maximizes the probability of successful transmissions, rather than consistently adapting channels to the random environment. We propose a stochastic channel selection algorithm based on the learning automata techniques. This algorithm adjusts the probability of selecting each available channel and converges to the e-optimal solution asymptotically.
The role of lightning in the epidemiology of the Southern Pine Beetle1

An hypothesis that there is a fundamental relationship between the epidemiology of Dendroctonus frontalis Zimn. and the occurrence of lightning in pine forests of the southern U.S. is presented. Evidence to support the hypothesis is provided through an examination of 1. historical information on the association of bark beetles and lightning struck pines, 2. the effects of lightning on trees, and 3. the association of thunderstorm frequency and distribution and the incidence of cloud to ground lightning strikes. The hypothesis is interpreted by examination of 1. foraging strategy of D. frontalis and defense strategies of host pines, 2. climatic release of populations, and 3. disturbance theory in ecology. Zusammenfassung Die Rolle von Blitzschlag in der Epidemiologie des Kiefernborkenkafers Dendroctonus frontalis Es wird die Hypothese aufgestellt, das zwischen der Epidemiologie des Kiefernborkenkafers Dendroctonus frontalis und dem Vorkommen von Blitzschlag in den Kiefernwaldern der sudlichen Vereinigten Staaten (USA) ein grundlegender Zusammenhang besteht. Befunde zur Stutze der Hypothese lieferten 1. fruhere Belege uber die Vergesellschaftung von Borkenkafern und vom Blitz getroffenen Kiefern, 2. die Auswirkungen von Blitzschlag auf Baume, und 3. die Beziehung zwischen Vorkommen und Haufigkeit von Gewittern mit der Verbreitung von Blitzeinschlagen. Folgerungen aus dieser Hypothese werden diskutiert im Hinblick auf 1. Wirtswahl- und Befallsstrategie von D. frontalis und Abwehrmechanismen der Wirtsbaume, 2. witterungsbedingte Auslosefaktoren fur Massenvermehrungen, und 3. Storungen und okologisches Gleichgewicht.
Semiochemical-mediated flight strategies of two invasive elm bark beetles: a potential factor in competitive displacement.

ABSTRACT A seven-state survey showed that the recently detected invasive Asian banded elm bark beetle, Scolytus schevyrewi Semenov, was abundant in areas of Colorado and Wyoming, whereas the long-established European elm bark beetle, S. multistriatus (Marsham), was not as abundant. In one of a series of studies to evaluate whether S. schevyrewi is competitively displacing S. multistriatus in their North American zone of sympatry, we characterized long-range flight responses infested or uninfested to small cut logs of American, Chinese, and Siberian elm, Ulmus americana, U. parvifolia, and U. pumila. Trials were conducted in Colorado and Wyoming to test the flight response of S. schevyrewi; in California to test the response of S. multistriatus; and in Nevada to test the responses of both species simultaneously. Studies with S. schevyrewi showed that males and females aggregated toward Ulmus spp. host volatiles but provided no evidence of a putative aggregation pheromone during the 0- to 48- or 48- to 96-h...
Changes in tumor interstitial pressure induced by photodynamic therapy.

This study has examined the changes in tumor interstitial pressure exhibited during and after photodynamic therapy (PDT). The kinetics of these changes are marked by an initial decrease, followed by a rapid rise in tumor interstitial pressure. We have also employed two inhibitory agents to evaluate the different components of the pressure curve. Specially designed pressure chambers were seeded with chondrosarcoma and implanted subcutaneously in rats. Animals were injected with 0-50 mg/kg Photofrin II (i.v.) 7 days post-implantation and tumors were exposed to 0-540 J/cm2 630 nm 24 h later. Interstitial pressure was monitored via a transducer connected to the implanted chamber. Additional groups of animals were injected with either indomethacin (an inhibitor of thromboxane synthesis) or Ketanserin (a serotonin antagonist) before light treatment. Porphyrin doses of 10 mg/kg and above (135 J/cm2), or light doses of 135 J/cm2 and above (25 mg/kg Photofrin II) were effective in modifying interstitial pressure. Porphyrin doses greater than 25 mg/kg, or light doses greater than 270 J/cm2 produced no further increases in interstitial pressure. Animals given indomethacin (10 mg/kg i.p.) exhibited the initial decrease in pressure during light treatment, but showed no increase past baseline levels. Animals given Ketanserin (10 mg/kg i.p.) demonstrated no decrease in pressure during PDT, but showed the same elevations in pressure as controls. This suggests that two independent mechanisms account for the different components of the pressure curve, and that serotonin release may occur during PDT.
A new approach to the minimum cut problem

This paper present a new approach to finding minimum cuts in undirected graphs. The fundamental principle is simple: the edges in a graph's minimum cut form an extremely small fraction of the graph's edges. Using this idea, we give a randomized, strongly polynomial algorithm that finds the minimum cut in an arbitrarily weighted undirected graph with high probability. The algorithm runs in O(n2log3n) time, a significant improvement over the previous O˜(mn) time bounds based on maximum flows. It is simple and intuitive and uses no complex data structures. Our algorithm can be parallelized to run in RNC with n2 processors; this gives the first proof that the minimum cut problem can be solved in RNC. The algorithm does more than find a single minimum cut; it finds all of them.With minor modifications, our algorithm solves two other problems of interest. Our algorithm finds all cuts with value within a multiplicative factor of a of the minimum cut's in expected O˜(n2a) time, or in RNC with n2a processors. The problem of finding a minimum multiway cut of graph into r pieces is solved in expected O˜(n2(r-1)) time, or in RNC with n2(r-1) processors. The “trace” of the algorithm's execution on these two problems forms a new compact data structure for representing all small cuts and all multiway cuts in a graph. This data structure can be efficiently transformed into the more standard cactus representing for minimum cuts.
Optimization of box technique to reduce femur dose in radiation therapy of the pelvis.

Abstract Using the four field or “box technique” (opposing AP and lateral fields) in irradiating the pelvis, one can reduce the dose to the bladder and rectum while unavoidably irradiating the femurs. Four methods of applying the box technique with 4 MVP, 60 Co, and 24 MVP were analyzed to discover which technique delivers the lowest dose to the femurs: (1) Source-surface distance (SSD) equal given dose to all fields; (2) Source-axis distance (SAD) equal “air” dose to all fields; (3) SSD equal tumor dose to all fields; (4) SAD equal tumor dose to all fields. The results indicate that technique 1 (SSD equal given dose to all fields) gives the lowest dose to the femurs.
A sequential treatment of depsipeptide followed by 5-azacytidine enhances Gadd45β expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Background: DNA methylation can influence histone modification and gene expression. The growth-arrest DNA damage inducible gene 45‚ (Gadd45‚) has been reported as a potential diagnostic marker for aggressive hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, the synergistic effect of the histone deacetylase inhibitor depsipeptide and the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine on the Gadd45‚ gene expression in human liver cells was examined. Materials and Methods: The effects of depsipeptide and 5-azacytidine in CL-48, HepG2 and Hep3B cells were examined by PCR, cell viability test, Western blot and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Results: Two IM depsipeptide reactivated Gadd45‚ gene expression considerably within 4 h in HepG2 cells, but not in CL-48 or Hep3B cells. Up to 10 IM 5-azacytidine had no reactivation effect on Gadd45‚. A sequential treatment of depsipeptide+5-azacytidine (but not 5- azacytidine+depsipeptide) exhibited a synergistic effect on Gadd45‚ gene reactivation in the HepG2 cells. Conclusion: The results show for the first time that histone acetylation in sequence with hypermethylation can override transcriptional repression. Our results provide a novel insight into the epigenetics-based strategy for treating human liver cancer. DNA methylation refers to the process of conjugating a methyl group to the cytosine base of the DNA, which is catalyzed by the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) enzymes
Investigation of Error Propagation in Multi-backbone Continuum Robots

Snake-like robots using multiple backbones have gained increased use in surgical robotics. These robots are essentially parallel robots with constrained flexible legs. Change in the equilibrium configuration of these robots is obtained by pushing/pulling on the robots’ legs. This chapter presents an investigation of the effects of assembly and home position errors on the accuracy of these robots. The assembly errors considered in this chapter include twisting about the backbone curve and deviation of the equilibrium shapes from assumed circular shapes. A modeling framework for the inverse and direct kinematics is presented while taking into account twisting and shape deviation. The configuration space and the identification Jacobian matrices are derived and then used to investigate the effects of the assembly/modeling errors on inducing errors in configuration and task space.
Structure of Rigid Polymers Confined to Nanoparticles: Molecular Dynamics Simulations Insight

Nanoparticles (NPs) grafted with organic layers form hybrids able to retain their unique properties through integration into the mesoscopic scale. The organic layer structure and response often determine the functionality of the hybrids on the mesoscopic length scale. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we probe the conformation of luminescent rigid polymers, dialkyl poly(p-phenylene ethynylene)s (PPE), end-grafted onto a silica nanoparticle in different solvents as the molecular weights and polymer coverages are varied. We find that, in contrast to NP-grafted flexible polymers, the chains are fully extended independent of the solvent. In toluene and decane, which are good solvents, the grafted PPEs chains assume a similar conformation to that observed in dilute solutions. In water, which is a poor solvent for the PPEs, the polymer chains form one large cluster but remain extended. The radial distribution of the chains around the core of the nanoparticle is homogeneous in good solvents, whereas in ...
SpSIR: a spatially-dependent sequential importance resampling for high dimensional spatial temporal system simulation

For a high dimensional spatial temporal system, data assimilation is introduced to dynamically adjust the simulation result when the model is imperfect or the parameters are imprecise. Sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) methods or particle filters (PFs) are popular data assimilation scheme. However, in a high dimensional spatial temporal system where observations and state are spatially distributed, directly applying SMC method may lead to poor prediction result or high computational cost because of the sample size. In this paper, we break a full state and observations into spatial regions and propose a new resampling algorithm: SpSIR. This algorithm exploits the spatial locality property and employs a divide and conquer strategy to reduce state dimension and data complexity. A case study in wildfire simulation demonstrates that the proposed SpSIR algorithm improves the performance of prediction even when sample size is not quite large.
Dynamically Consistent Whole-Body Modeling and Simulation Can Reasonably Predict In Vivo Knee Loads

Total knee replacement is a viable treatment for end-stage knee arthritis. With a greater number of younger patients opting for total knee replacement surgery, their increasingly active lifestyles will result in higher wear rates while decreasing the life expectancy of the tibial insert component of the knee replacement implant. In response to the eventuality of patients with more active lifestyles requiring knee replacement surgery, this research proposed to accurately estimate in vivo knee loading over a gait cycle using a dynamically consistent whole-body modeling and simulation method. However, medical treatment based on modeling and simulation must be validated before clinical application becomes feasible.Estimates for knee loading were compared to publicly-available in vivo knee loading measurements from a telemetric implant [1]. A whole-body musculoskeletal modeling approach was used to simulate the gait cycle of a person who had undergone total knee replacement surgery. This approach was used to calculate net knee joint contact forces. Results suggest that generic whole-body modeling and hybrid forward dynamic simulation techniques for estimating knee joint loads may become clinically feasible in the near future.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
A Pneumonia Virus of Swiss Mice

A virus capable of inducing fatal pneumonia in Swiss mice has been isolated from normal mouse lungs, and its immunological characteristics are now being studied in detail.Twenty-one groups of normal Swiss mice were inoculated intra-nasally under ether anesthesia with 0.05 cc of lung-suspensions from uninoculated mice. Serial mouse-passage was carried on with each group, using 10% to 30% lung-suspensions. Passages were made at an average interval of 7 days; usually 6 mice were used in each group. The mice were obtained from 6 different breeders. Initially, passages were made without regard to the breeder from whom the mice had been obtained. Lately, however, passages have been made in mice from each individual breeder in order to determine the source of the virus. Definite areas of pulmonary consolidation were present in 43% of the groups in the third serial passage, and in 52% of the groups at the sixth passage. Death occurred as early as the fourth passage, and by the sixth passage deaths were recorded i...
Deletion of thioredoxin-interacting protein improves cardiac inotropic reserve in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic heart

Although the precise pathogenesis of diabetic cardiac damage remains unclear, potential mechanisms include increased oxidative stress, autonomic nervous dysfunction, and altered cardiac metabolism. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) was initially identified as an inhibitor of the antioxidant thioredoxin but is now recognized as a member of the arrestin superfamily of adaptor proteins that classically regulate G protein-coupled receptor signaling. Here we show that Txnip plays a key role in diabetic cardiomyopathy. High glucose levels induced Txnip expression in rat cardiomyocytes in vitro and in the myocardium of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice in vivo. While hyperglycemia did not induce cardiac dysfunction at baseline, β-adrenergic challenge revealed a blunted myocardial inotropic response in diabetic animals (24-wk-old male and female C57BL/6;129Sv mice). Interestingly, diabetic mice with cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of Txnip retained a greater cardiac response to β-adrenergic stimulation than wild-type mice. This benefit in Txnip-knockout hearts was not related to the level of thioredoxin activity or oxidative stress. Unlike the β-arrestins, Txnip did not interact with β-adrenergic receptors to desensitize downstream signaling. However, our proteomic and functional analyses demonstrated that Txnip inhibits glucose transport through direct binding to glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). An ex vivo analysis of perfused hearts further demonstrated that the enhanced functional reserve afforded by deletion of Txnip was associated with myocardial glucose utilization during β-adrenergic stimulation. These data provide novel evidence that hyperglycemia-induced Txnip is responsible for impaired cardiac inotropic reserve by direct regulation of insulin-independent glucose uptake through GLUT1 and plays a role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Persistence of Three IGRs in Stored Wheat

The persistence of residues of three insect growth regulators (IGRs)—BAY SIR 8514 [1-(4-trifluoromethoxypheny1)-3-(2-chlorobenzoy1)urea], diflubenzuron, and methoprene—in stored wheat was studied over a period of 12 to 23 months. Based on mosquito bioassays using fourth-stage larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus Say, the residues of BAY SIR 8514 at 1, 5, and 10 ppm declined by almost 50% during the 23-month posttreatment storage. Diflubenzuron at these concentrations showed a residue loss of 40 to 50% during the 23-month study period. The residues of methoprene in stored wheat were determined by gas-liquid chromatography over a period of 12 months. The losses in residues at 1, 5, and 10 ppm were 61, 66, and 62%, respectively.
Simultaneous On-Chip DC Dielectrophoretic Cell Separation and Quantitative Separation Performance Characterization

Through integration of a MOSFET-based microfluidic Coulter counter with a dc-dielectrophoretic cell sorter, we demonstrate simultaneous on-chip cell separation and sizing with three different samples including 1) binary mixtures of polystyrene beads, 2) yeast cells of continuous size distribution, and 3) mixtures of 4T1 tumor cells and murine bone marrow cells. For cells with continuous size distribution, it is found that the receiver operator characteristic analysis is an ideal method to characterize the separation performance. The characterization results indicate that dc-DEP separation performance degrades as the sorting throughput (cell sorting rate) increases, which provides insights into the design and operation of size-based microfluidic cell separation.
Exercise Intolerance and Poor Performance in Western Performance and Sprint Horses

This article deals with the presenting histories, clinical examinations, and therapies of the causes of poor performance and exercise intolerance in the western performance horse and the sprint racehorse. The veterinarian's ability to diagnose and treat various pathophysiologic conditions that affect these horses is crucial to the major goals of a return to optimal performance and a long athletic career. Although these horses are a significant portion of most veterinary practices, there exists a minimal amount of information on their clinical evaluation and treatment. This article intends to fill this void.
Nanostructured silicate substituted calcium phosphate (NanoSiCaPs) nanoparticles - Efficient calcium phosphate based non-viral gene delivery systems.

Abstract Nanostructured ceramic particles, particularly, nanoparticles of calcium phosphate (CaP) remain an attractive option among the various types of non-viral gene delivery vectors studied because of their safety, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ease of handling as well as their adsorptive capacity for DNA. We have accordingly developed an enhanced version of nanostructured calcium phosphates (NanoCaPs), by substituting known amounts of silicate for phosphate in the hydroxyapatite (HA) lattice (NanoSiCaPs). Results indicate that in addition to the excellent transfection levels exhibited by un-substituted NanoCaPs alone in vitro, an additional 20–50% increase in transfection is observed for NanoCaPs containing 8.3–50 mol% silicate aptly called NanoSiCaPs, owing to its rapid dissolution properties enabling nanoparticles escaping the lysosomal degradation. However, high silicate substitution (> 50 mol%) resulted in a drastic decline in transfection as the synthesized NanoCaPs deviated far from the characteristic hydroxyapatite phase formed as evidenced by the materials characterization results.
Disruption of plant–soil–microbial relationships influences plant growth

Summary Differential dispersal of plant and microbial propagules may result in the geographical disassociation of plant populations from their local abiotic conditions and microbial communities, especially in the face of species introductions and changing climates. To assess the potential consequences of disrupting historical relationships between plant populations, microbial communities and soil conditions, we grew Carpinus caroliniana seedlings from populations across the species range in combinations of sterilized soils and soil microbial communities, in soils collected from sites with or without conspecific trees. This controlled environment study simulated the consequences for seedling growth of independently or jointly disrupting the historical plant population–soil match, plant population–microbial community match and microbial community–soil match. Seedlings grown in soils from areas without conspecifics had lower biomass, but benefited from inoculation with their historical microbial communities. For conspecific-cultured soils, growth was optimized when seedlings grew with novel microbial communities, but only when microbial communities were local with respect to abiotic soil conditions. Correlative evidence suggests that this may stem from alignment of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities to abiotic soil conditions. Synthesis. Maintaining historical plant–microbial community relationships may benefit plant species spreading into new areas; however, for movement within current ranges, maintaining the historical relationship between microbial communities and the abiotic aspects of soils may have more important consequences for early growth.
Interactive and scalable biology cloud experimentation for scientific inquiry and education

A real-time interactive, fully automated, low-cost and scalable biology cloud experimentation platform could provide access to scientific experimentation for learners and researchers alike.
Microphysiologic systems in female reproductive biology

Microphysiologic systems (MPS), including new organ-on-a-chip technologies, recapitulate tissue microenvironments by employing specially designed tissue or cell culturing techniques and microfluidic flow. Such systems are designed to incorporate physiologic factors that conventional 2D or even 3D systems cannot, such as the multicellular dynamics of a tissue-tissue interface or physical forces like fluid sheer stress. The female reproductive system is a series of interconnected organs that are necessary to produce eggs, support embryo development and female health, and impact the functioning of non-reproductive tissues throughout the body. Despite its importance, the human reproductive tract has received less attention than other organ systems, such as the liver and kidney, in terms of modeling with MPS. In this review, we discuss current gaps in the field and areas for technological advancement through the application of MPS. We explore current MPS research in female reproductive biology, including fertilization, pregnancy, and female reproductive tract diseases, with a focus on their clinical applications. Impact statement This review discusses existing microphysiologic systems technology that may be applied to study of the female reproductive tract, and those currently in development to specifically investigate gametes, fertilization, embryo development, pregnancy, and diseases of the female reproductive tract. We focus on the clinical applicability of these new technologies in fields such as assisted reproductive technologies, drug testing, disease diagnostics, and personalized medicine.
Did Immigration contribute to wage stagnation of unskilled workers

Abstract In this paper we first show that the timing and skill distribution of Immigrants between 1970 and 2016 imply they did not contribute to the decline in the wages of native, non-college educated workers - including high school dropouts - at the national level. We then review other evidence at the local level, which implies immigration is not associated with lower non-college wages. Rather, higher immigration seems associated with higher average (and college-level) wages. Local externalities, complementarities, efficient specialization and appropriate technological choice may imply at least part of the positive association is causal.
Activation of choline acetyl transferase by dihydrolipoic acid.

In a previous article we presented results that demonstrated that the enzyme, choline acetyl transferase, was strongly activated by dihydrolipoic acid and that the oxidized form of this substance, lipoic acid itself, was an inhibitor of the enzyme and overcame the stimulatory effects of reduced lipoic acid. The experiments presented in this article show that dialysis of a partially purified preparation of choline acetyl transferase causes complete disappearance of enzyme activity and that addition of dihydrolipoic acid restores activity towards normal. In addition we present experiments with extracts of rat brain and heart as well as rabbit bladder tissue. In these extracts dihydrolipoic acid strongly activates the enzyme. Dialysis of brain and heart extracts causes loss of activity with partial restoration of activity by addition of dihydrolipoic acid. Reduced glutathione has no ability to stimulate activity of the enzyme. We conclude that the results of these experiments strongly support the view that dihydrolipoic acid acts as a coenzyme in the choline acetyl transferase reaction.
Seriam os direitos dos transgêneros direitos Inumanos

O artigo propoe a discussao a respeito de como o movimento dos transgeneros pode questionar a ideia de “humanidade” presente no conceito de direitos humanos, a partir do tratamento desumano conferido aos componentes do grupo social. Com base na zona de indistincao entre o humano e o inumano, o texto apresenta o problema da transfobia e como a violacao das regras presente no contrato social de genero pode ser considerada premissa para a negacao da humanidade de tais individuos. Procura, assim, avancar as reflexoes sobre a liberdade de concepcoes normativas de genero e promover a democratizacao continua das relacoes de genero.
Abstract 132: Alternative Splicing of Bridging Integrator 1 Is a Novel Regulatory Cue for Cardiomyocyte Proliferation

Expanding our knowledge of the genetic pathways of cardiomyocyte proliferation is important to understanding heart formation, disease, and regeneration. Few data exist on the role of multi-domain adaptor proteins in regulating the cardiomyocyte cell cycle. We have identified by RT-PCR a cardiac splice variant of the nucleocytoplasmic adaptor protein, bridging integrator 1 (cBIN1), which is expressed in cardiomyocytes but not in skeletal myocytes (Fig. 1A). We found cBIN1 to be the dominant BIN1 variant of developing mouse cardiomyocytes, and that it is also preferentially located in the nuclei of these immature cells. As the cells mature, the relative abundance of cBIN1 to constitutively expressed variants, by qRT-PCR, decreases from 2.0 in embryonic day 18.5 cardiomyocytes to 0.6 by postnatal day 2 (Fig. 1B). Coincident with altered expression, a majority of cBIN1 redistributes from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and plasma membrane after birth. Moreover, we found that overexpression of exogenous cBIN1 increases the number of actively cycling embryonic cardiomyocytes from 25% to 32%, as assayed by BrdU incorporation and FACS (Fig. 1C). Confirming this result, we found exon-specific siRNA knockdown of cBIN1 suppresses cell proliferation. These studies identify a BIN1 splice variant that exists in cardiac but not skeletal muscle, and that it facilitates cardiomyocyte cell cycle progression during heart maturation.
Corrigendum to “An examination of the role whistle-blowing education plays in the whistle-blowing process” [Soc. Sci. J. 54 (1) (2017) 4–12]

The author regrets to inform that the variable names appeared in the incorrect order on Table 1.Survey itemsOrganizational protectionWhistle-blowing educationMy agency has educated me about the pur...