cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Mechanisms of a Phosphorylation Induced Inhibition of Microtubule Depolymerization in the Kinesin 13 KLP10A

Kinesins 13 are a class of non-motile molecular motors able to regulate microtubule dynamics through their depolymerization activity at microtubule tips. A previous study in our lab on Drosophila Melanogaster KLP10A found a phosphorylation site within the motor domain that reduces microtubule depolymerization activity. This led us to study the inhibition mechanisms related to this phosphorylation site distant from the ATPase site. We have employed an integrated approach to compare the behavior of phosphomutant and wild-type KLP10A constructs with cell biology experiments and a variety of in-vitro biophysical methods. Imaging insect cells having only fluorescently labelled KLP10A variants revealed that the phosphomutant is distributed homogeneously on microtubules (lattice and tips) in contrast with the wild-type or a non-phosphorylatable mutant showing higher kinesin concentration on microtubule tips. Wild-type and phosphomutant neck-motor kinesins constructs have similar properties with isolated structures that mimic these microtubule tips: they can both stabilize curved microtubule protofilaments, an important property for microtubule depolymerization, and have similar affinity and ATPase activity on curved tubulin. However the phosphomutation strongly reduces the microtubule lattice stimulated ATPase activity despite non distinguishable microtubule lattice affinities. Single molecule fluorescence polarization microscopy revealed nucleotide dependent differences in the lattice diffusive behavior between the constructs. EPR and cryo-EM experiments are used to compare the kinesins on the microtubule lattice vs curved protofilaments. The data are compatible with a reduced microtubule depolymerization activity of the phosphomutant caused by a reduction of the lattice stimulated ATPase activity. This reduced activity constrains the kinesin to be in nucleotide states which restrict it from reaching the microtubule ends in comparison to the unphosphorylated kinesin.
Elastoplastic Finite Element Analysis of Three-Dimensional, Pure Rolling Contact at the Shakedown Limit

This paper describes a three-dimensional elastoplastic finite element model of repeated, frictionless rolling contact. The model treats a sphere rolling on an elastic-perfectly plastic and an elastic-linear-kinematic-hardening plastic, semi-infinite half space. The calculations are for a relative peak pressure (po /k ) = 4.68 (the theoretical shakedown limit for perfect plasticity). Three-dimensional rolling contact is simulated by repeatedly translating a hemispherical (Hertzian) pressure distribution across an elastoplastic semi-infinite half space. The semi-infinite half space is represented by a finite mesh with elastic boundaries. The calculations describe the distortion of the rim, the residual stress-strain distributions, stress-strain histories, and the cyclic plastic strain ranges in the vicinity of the contact.
Update on the defensive chemicals of the little black ant, Monomorium minimum (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Alkaloids, including 2,5-dialkylpyrrolidines and 2,5-dialkylpyrrolines, have been reported to be components in the venom of little black ants, Monomorium minimum (Buckley). Two fatty amines were recently reported as minor compounds. By analyzing the discharge collected from the stinger apparatus (milking), this study revealed the presence of an additional seven compounds in the defensive secretion of this ant species. Compounds identified were 9-decenyl-1-amine, N-methylenedecan-1-amine, N-methylenedodecan-1-amine, 2-(1-non-8-enyl)-5-(1-hex-5-enyl)-1-pyrroline, N-methyl-2-(hex-5-enyl)-5-nonanyl-1-pyrrolidine, β-springene ((E,E)-7,11,15-trimethyl-3-methylene-1,6,10,14-hexadecatetraene) and neocembrene ((E,E,E)-1-isopropenyl-4,8,12-trimethylcyclotetradeca-3,7,11-triene). β-springene and neocembrene were found only in the defensive secretion of queens. Analyses of the contents of isolated poison and Dufour's glands of the queen indicated that all amines and alkaloids were from the poison gland and that β-springene and neocembrene were from the Dufour's gland. This demonstrated that the defensive secretion in M. minimum queens consists of components from both glands. This is also the first report on the natural occurrence of 9-decenyl-1-amine, N-methylenedecan-1-amine, and N-methyllenedodecan-1-amine.
The Cation Transporter SLC22A16 Is Expressed in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Hydrophilic drugs require transport proteins to traverse the cell membrane, and the selective expression of these membrane transporters can confer selective sensitivity to their toxic substrates. Therefore, identification of a transport gene with restricted expression on tumor cells represents an opportunity to target that transporter with a selective, toxic substrate. We previously have demonstrated that the organic cation transport gene SLC22A16 (OCT6) is highly expressed in the leukemia cell line HL-60, and its RNA levels were at least 2 orders of magnitude higher in 25 unique specimens of adult leukemic blasts than in liver, placenta and kidney, the tissues that usually have high expression of SLC22 transporters (Gong, S. et al. Experimental Hematology, 30, 1–8, 2002). To determine the relevance of SLC22A16 gene expression in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), we examined its expression using an Affymetrix U133B gene expression microarray in 132 primary pediatric ALL specimens. SLC22A16 was broadly and highly expressed in these pediatric ALL primary specimens. The gene was represented by 2 probesets, with average expression levels of 922 ± 344 in one probeset and 1715 ± 857 in the other. Analysis of subgroups revealed that overall expression was highest in hyperdiploid (>50) ALL specimens (n=17), and lowest in T cell ALL (n=14). The gene with highest correlation with SLC22A16 on the U133B array was ERG (Pearson p=2.4 × 10 −8 ; False Discovery Rate (FDR) =5.2 × 10 −5 ), a member of the Ets family of transcription factors that are implicated in leukemogenesis. MLL gene expression correlated with SLC22A16 expression with a Pearson p=3.3 × 10 −5 and FDR=0.005. Other genes of special interest in leukemia biology with significant expression correlation to SLC22A16 included LIMD1, a member of the ZYXIN family (Pearson p=2.3 × 10 −6 , FDR=0.001), PPAR-alpha (Pearson p=4.5 × 10 −7 , FDR=0.0004), and STS-1 (Pearson p=7 × 10 −7 , FDR=0.0005). To examine protein expression of SLC22A16 in pediatric ALL, a polyclonal antibody to SLC22A16, that recognizes a protein of expected size in HL-60 cells, demonstrated expression of this protein at a level comparable to HL-60 cells in 3 of 6 primary pediatric B-precursor ALL specimens. These results suggest that an SLC22A16 substrate plays a physiologic role in pediatric ALL, and that SLC22A16 is a new therapeutic target for pediatric ALL that could be exploited by SLC22A16-specific toxins and antibodies.
Tranexamic acid and the gut barrier: Protection by inhibition of trypsin uptake and activation of downstream intestinal proteases

Abstract Objective Intraluminal pancreatic trypsin and other digestive enzymes injure the gut barrier following trauma-hemorrhagic shock (T/HS). Intestinal proteases (sheddases) exert important effects on normal gut function but may cause barrier disruption due to exaggerated production following T/HS. We hypothesized that the protective mechanism of TXA on the gut barrier following T/HS includes inhibition of these “downstream” proteases. This was studied in vitro. Methods Trypsin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) and ADAM-17 activity were measured in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) exposed to HR + trypsin. TXA was added to IEC subsets. Pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) were exposed to IEC supernatants and syndecan release and ICAM-1 expression determined. Results Trypsin activity and the activity of the “downstream” sheddases ADAM-17, MMP was increased in IEC lysates following exposure to HR + trypsin. Syndecan and ICAM-1 were increased in HMVEC exposed to IEC supernatants. TXA administration ‘early’ abrogated these effects. Conclusions TXA administration early after shock protects the gut barrier by inhibiting trypsin uptake and activity and the subsequent downstream protease cascade. To be effective, TXA should be administered early in all “at risk” patients.
STEREOCHEMICAL CONTROL IN MACROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS

ABSTRACT Macrocyclic compounds have conformational properties which are quite useful for stereochemical control in the synthesis of natural products. This paper describes recent work using macrocyclic stereocontrol which is directed toward the synthesis of the germacrane eucannabinolide and the 16-membered macrolide antibiotic rosaramicin.
Assembling Individual ILS into an Optimal Portfolio

Much has been written about individual insurance-linked securities (ILS), a.k.a. Cat Bonds, in the 20 years of their existence. This includes pricing, investor returns, liquidity and their advantages/disadvantages to investors—they provide good returns and excellent diversification. Much less has been written about how individual ILS should be assembled into an optimal portfolio. We seek to address that question—how do you underwrite (i.e., assemble) a portfolio of ILS that maximizes return and does not take excessive risk. Traditional reinsurance underwriters used to contain the excessive risk question by a “silo-ed” approach to selecting different risks. Nowadays, more sophisticated approaches are available. In the capital market modern portfolio theory (MPT) or mean-variance optimization (MVO) is used to select high return assets that are not highly correlated so as to have a portfolio of low variation. This requires knowledge of correlation and covariance of assets as well as an assumption of log normality of return. In insurance and ILS in particular, such covariance measure are not forthcoming and, more important, returns are not normal—but long tailed. Instead, in this chapter, we use a scenario approach and stochastic optimization in which the co-movement of outcomes is captured implicitly via each scenario, rather than explicitly via correlation coefficients. The portfolio is optimized over all scenarios, subject to pre-specified risk constraints.
Active Diamond Electronic Devices

When considered as a semiconductor material, diamond possesses a unique combination of desirable properties that make it attractive for a variety of electronic applications. One of the most notable differences of diamond from other semiconductors is its wide energy gap, 5.45 eV at room temperature.1,2 This fact is responsible for the high breakdown fields and low intrinsic carrier concentration. These features, combined with the surface stability of diamond at high temperatures (500-600°C in air and up to 1400-1700°C in inert atmosphere2), make it an ideal candidate for high-temperature electronic applications. Diamond’s high thermal conductivity, 20 W cm-1K-1 at room temperature, is the highest for any material.3 Thus device power dissipation considerations are much less of a concern for diamond than for existing semiconductors. Furthermore, failure modes that affect device reliability are accelerated at high temperatures and can arise at temperatures as low as 120°C for silicon.4 Device failure is typically caused by the degradation of the device structure as a result of diffusion during high-temperature operation. Hence the low diffusion coefficient of impurities in diamond and the low chemical reactivity of diamond are attractive properties for high-temperature device reliability.
Global Engineering at the University of Iowa: Connecting Engineering Students With the World

Studying abroad is a valuable opportunity often overlooked by science and engineering majors. These students often imagine that because of their strict course plan, study abroad will interfere with their graduation. Not only is this untrue, but there are many benefits to studying abroad for engineering and science majors. Consider some comments from students who have recently returned from a study abroad experience: Studying abroad helped me to understand how engineering concepts are used in a variety of contexts. Seeing the culture and worldviews of a different country pushed me to investigate how growing up in the U.S. has dictated how I see the world. My experience studying abroad was one of the most challenging things I have ever done, but it was the most rewarding and incredible few months of my life. It was a step outside my comfort zone to travel abroad by myself for the first time, but easily the best decision I have made in college. In an ever expanding global marketplace, employers are heavily weighing study abroad experience when considering applicants. Study abroad shows initiative, independence, and self-motivation. Also, the international experience is extremely valuable, as many companies and organizations are expanding overseas. Some employers even prefer study abroad experience to an internship of co-op. Study abroad looks very impressive on a resume, especially to the top employers and recruiters of UI College of Engineering graduates, 70 percent of whom have offices and locations overseas. The UI College of Engineering is committed to the promotion and support of global learning opportunities for students, and has recently partnered with the UI office for International Programs to explore how to increase the number of students who participate in learning abroad experiences. This session will highlight the Global Engineering initiative, a collaborative effort involving UI International Programs as well as staff and faculty from the UI College of Engineering. It is this collaboration that led to a movement away from a “one-size-fits-all” approach to a more tailored menu of global offerings and information to meet the needs of engineering students in each of our six majors, with an eye towards quality, accessibility, and affordability. We will outline our approach, including: relationship building efforts, collection and analysis of benchmarking information, strengthening of infrastructure, and promotion efforts. We will also highlight current initiatives and share future goals.
Monosplines and Moment Preserving Spline Approximation

We discuss the problem of choosing the knots of a spline approximation to a given function so as to match a maximal number of moment conditions.
On the Tyranny of “Reason”

Nietzsche’s attack on the philosophers’ narrow sense of “reason” is, among other things, an attack on their habit of de-historicizing whatever subject they deal with. “They think they show their respect for a subject when they de-historicize it, sub specie eterni,” Nietzsche says in “Reason in Philosophy” (Twilight). With the philosophers’ decision that “whatever becomes does not have being,” the attack on history and change becomes an attack on the senses. This is because philosophers now believed in being, but never succeeded in grasping it. So the senses are accused of a deception that keeps being from their logicist grasp. “These senses,” they say, “which are so immoral in other ways too, deceive us concerning the true world.... let us free ourselves from the deception of the senses, from becoming, from history, from lies; history is nothing but faith in the senses faith in lies.”
Recognizing Player Goals in Open-Ended Digital Games with Markov Logic Networks

In digital games goal recognition centers on identifying the concrete objectives that a player is attempting identifying the concrete objectives that a player is attempting to achieve given a domain model and a sequence of actions in a virtual environment. Goal-recognition models in open-ended digital games introduce opportunities for adapting gameplay events based on the choices of individual players, as well as interpreting player behaviors during post hoc data mining analyses. However, goal recognition in open-ended games poses significant computational challenges, including inherent uncertainty, exploratory actions, and ill-defined goals. This chapter reports on an investigation of Markov logic networks (MLNs) for recognizing player goals in open-ended digital game environments with exploratory actions. The goal-recognition model was trained on a corpus collected from player interactions with an open-ended game-based learning environment known as C rystal I sland . We present experimental results, in which the goal-recognition model was compared to n -gram models. The findings suggest the proposed goal-recognition model yields significant accuracy gains beyond the n -gram models for predicting player goals in an open-ended digital game.
Numerical simulation of dielectrophoretic particle separation using slanted electrodes

This study presents the numerical simulation and optimization of a dielectrophoretic (DEP) bio-separation chip for isolating bioparticles such as circulating tumor cells. The chip consists of an array of slanted electrodes placed on the top and bottom walls of the channel with an angle of 5°, 10°, and 15° with respect to the flow direction. The spatially non-uniform electric field produced by the slanted electrodes applies a DEP force on the particles flowing through the channel. The repulsive DEP forces applied by the top and bottom electrode arrays are balanced in the normal direction (y), causing the particles to flow along the centerline of the channel. However, the lateral component (z) of the DEP force deflects particles in the lateral direction, guiding them toward different outlets based on their size. Numerical simulation of the particle-fluid transport was performed using OpenFOAM, an open-source computational fluid dynamics package. The computational model considers the dominant forces such as the DEP, hydrodynamic, and gravitational forces and simulates the deflection and trajectory of the particles within the microfluidic channel based on their size. Additionally, a parametric study was performed to investigate the effects of voltage, flow rate, number of electrode pairs, cell size, channel height, the angle of electrodes, and the width and spacing of electrodes on the separation process and to optimize the utility of the DEP devices for cell separation.
Decreasing prevalence of cerebral palsy in birth cohorts in South Carolina using Medicaid, disability service, and hospital discharge data, 1996 to 2009

AIM Since cross-sectional trends of 8-year-old cerebral palsy (CP) birth prevalence based on record review were stable from 1985 to 2002 in Metropolitan Atlanta, we examined birth cohort trends using administrative data sets promptly. METHOD Among 755 433 live births from 1996 to 2009 in South Carolina, 2080 received CP diagnosis by age 4 years from linked Medicaid claims with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes 343.X (contributing 1061 [51%] unique cases), hospital discharge data (57 [3%] unique cases), and Department of Disabilities and Special Needs program (64 [3%] unique cases). Trends were assessed using negative binominal regression. RESULTS Including 3.7 percent of cases who died before age 4 years, CP prevalence per 1000 live births decreased significantly from 3.6 in 1996 to 2.1 in 2006 (-3.0% average annual change; 95% confidence interval -4.4 to -1.6). The overall prevalence was 2.8 per 1000 live births, 46.0 per 1000 very-low-birthweight (VLBW) live births, and 53.0 per 1000 VLBW 1-year survivors. Disparities and downward trends persisted across subgroups with higher rates among non-Hispanic black infants than non-Hispanic white and among males compared to females. INTERPRETATION Downward CP prevalence rates and persistent disparities remain in South Carolina. Further research should validate this methodology, including early deaths, and develop broad surveillance systems to inform clinical practices and etiology. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Birth cohort cerebral palsy (CP) prevalence decreased in South Carolina from 1996 to 2009. CP prevalence was higher in very-low-birthweight infants, non-Hispanic blacks, and males. Three administrative data sets captured 2080 patients with CP in South Carolina. Medicaid claims contributed 51% of unique cases of CP to the cohort. CP diagnoses included 76 patients who died before age 4 years.
Validation and application of a module of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for measuring perioperative symptom burden in patients with gynecologic cancer (the MDASI-PeriOp-GYN)

Abstract Objective Using patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in perioperative care is increasingly common. We report the development, validation, and application of an MD Anderson Symptom Inventory version for use in patients undergoing surgery for gynecologic cancer or benign conditions (MDASI-PeriOp-GYN). Methods Our process included: (1) generating PeriOp-GYN–specific candidate items from qualitative interviews with patients, followed by input from an expert panel; (2) dropping items that lacked independent clinical relevance; (3) validating psychometric properties (reliability, validity) of the resulting MDASI-PeriOp-GYN; and (4) conducting cognitive debriefing interviews with patients to confirm ease of comprehension, relevance, and acceptability. Results Qualitative interviews with 40 patients generated 9 new PeriOp-GYN symptom items (bloating, abdominal cramping, constipation, hot flashes, dizziness, grogginess/confusion, urinary pain, difficulty urinating, and diarrhea) that, along with the core MDASI items, formed the new MDASI-PeriOp-GYN. A total of 150 patients (minimally invasive surgery (MIS) = 69, open surgery = 81) participated in the validation study; 121 patients also provided retest data. Cronbach alphas were 0.89 for symptoms and 0.86 for interference. Test-retest reliability was 0.88 for all symptom severity items. Known-group validity was supported by the detection of significant differences in symptom and interference levels by performance status (P Conclusions The MDASI-PeriOp-GYN is a valid, reliable, concise tool for measuring symptom severity and functional interference in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery and can be useful in assessing postoperative symptom burden via PROs.
A Model for Life Cycle Reusability in Information and Software Engineering

A four level conceptual model is used to address life cycle reusability of processes and products which are traceable across three environments: host, integration, and target. Major components of the model are separated and structured by virtual interfaces. An object-oriented, semantic modeling approach integrates the perspectives of the four levels from the top view perceived by the client to the bottom view of the object representations in the project object base.
Assessment of Factors Associated with Travel Time Reliability and Prediction: An Empirical Analysis Using Probabilistic Reasoning Approach

ABSTRACTSignificant efforts have been made in modeling a travel time distribution and establishing measures of travel time reliability (TTR). However, the literature on evaluating the factors affec...
A scalable real-time framework for Thomson scattering analysis: Application to NSTX-U

A detailed description of a prototype setup for real-time (RT) Thomson scattering (TS) analysis is presented and implemented in the multi-point Thomson scattering (MPTS) diagnostic system at the National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade (NSTX-U). The data acquisition hardware was upgraded with RT capable electronics (RT-analog digital converters and a RT server) that allow for fast digitization of the laser pulse signal of eight radial MPTS channels. In addition, a new TS spectrum analysis software for a rapid calculation of electron temperature (Te) and electron density (ne) was developed. Testing of the RT hardware and data analysis software was successfully completed and benchmarked against the standard, post-shot evaluation. Timing tests were performed showing that the end-to-end processing time was reproducibly below 17 ms for the duration of at least 5 s, meeting a 60 Hz deadline by the laser pulse repetition rate over the length of a NSTX-U discharge. The presented RT framework is designed to be scalable in system size, i.e., incorporation of additional radial channels by solely adding additional RT capable hardware. Furthermore, it is scalable in its operation duration and was continuously running for up to 30 min, making it an attractive solution for machines with long discharges such as advanced, non-inductive tokamaks or stellarators.
P264 Impact of homelessness on children presenting to a tertiary emergency department

Introduction Of 53,000 children (aged 0 – 16 years) seen in the Emergency Department (ED) of Temple Street Children’s University Hospital (TSCUH), a tertiary Paediatric hospital in Dublin Ireland, 842 children were discharged with no fixed address, typically into emergency accommodation in 2018. This compares with 651 children in 2017, a 29% increase.1Children born into homelessness are more likely to have low birth weights and are at greater risk of death.2The aim of this study was to compare a random cohort of children presenting to the ED and compare differences between children living in homelessness and those at risk of homelessness to those living in stable accommodation across a variety of parameters. Methods A self-administered parental questionnaire was handed to parents checking in to the ED in TSCUH over a 2-week period. An information sheet was also given to parents to explain the purpose of the research. Results were analysed using Microsoft excel. Results 120 (n=120) questionnaires were filled out by a random selection of parents over the initial study period. Age range was 1 month to 15 years. Number of General Practice (GP) attendances ranged between 0 and 6 in past 6 months, ED ranged between 0 and 12. 50% (n=60) owned their own homes. 96% (n=115) were fully vaccinated. 89% (n=106) thought their child had a nutritionally complete diet. However 24% (n=29) thought their living situation did not enable the parent to adequately prepare/cook meals for their child. 18% (n=22) lived in homelessness/emergency accommodation or with family. In this group 27% (n=6) vs 19% (n=17) had fast-food/ready-meals twice or more per week. Parents thought their accommodation had a negative effect on their child’s health in 19% (n=4) vs 6% (n=6) in this group. Making and maintaining friends was thought to be affected by accommodation in 20% (n=4) vs 7% (n=7).The effect on ability to exercise/play of living situation was 36% (n=8) vs 12% (n=12). Conclusion The above data clearly demonstrates parental perspectives on the impact of homelessness on children. This compares the perspectives of parents living in different types of accommodation and demonstrates the detrimental effects homelessness can have on children’s health and well-being.
Long-Term Survivorship of Total Hip Arthroplasty with Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene for Osteonecrosis.

Background:Osteonecrosis of the hip is the underlying etiology for 3% to 12% of total hip arthroplasties (THAs). Compared with patients who undergo THA because of osteoarthritis, those who do so because of osteonecrosis typically are younger, have a greater number of underlying diagnoses, and have i
The Nature of the Hu: Wuhuan and Xianbei Ethnography in the San guo zhi and Hou Han shu

Scholars of early China have dedicated considerable attention to the encounter between the Han dynasty and the Xiongnu, as it stands as the archetypal conflict between the Huaxia cultural order of ...
Milrinone Use in Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn

Failure of the normal transition from in utero to ex utero physiology leads to "persistent" pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). PPHN is frequently associated with low systemic blood pressure and low cardiac output because of increased right ventricular afterload and myocardial dysfunction. The general management of newborns with PPHN is geared toward maintenance of normothermia, normal serum electrolytes, normal intravascular volume, correction of acidosis, adequate sedation/analgesia, adequate ventilation and oxygenation with optimal lung recruitment, and avoidance of hyperoxia. Inotropic and vasoactive agents are commonly initiated early to increase cardiac output, maintain adequate systemic blood pressure, and enhance oxygen delivery to the tissue. Unfortunately, there is not much evidence on the choice, timing of initiation, dosing, monitoring, and titrating of vasoactive agents in this patient population. In this review, we will discuss the pathophysiology of PPHN and review the use of inotropic, lusitropic, and vasoactive agents in the management of PPHN, with particular attention to milrinone.
Dialkylenecarbonate-Bridged Polysilsesquioxanes: Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Sol-Gels with a Thermally Labile Bridging Group

In this paper, we introduce a new approach for altering the properties of bridged polysilsesquioxane xerogels using post-processing modification of the polymeric network. The bridging organic group contains latent functionalities that can be liberated thermally, photochemically, or by chemical means after the gel has been processed to a xerogel. These modifications can produce changes in density, volubility, porosity, and or chemical properties of the material. Since every monomer possesses two latent functional groups, the technique allows for the introduction of high levels of functionality in hybrid organic-inorganic materials. Dialkylenecarbonate-bridged polysilsesquioxane gels were prepared by the sol-gel polymerization of bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)carbonate (1) and bis(triethoxysilylisobutyl)-carbonate (2). Thermal treatment of the resulting non-porous xerogels and aerogels at 300-350 C resulted in quantitative decarboxylation of the dialkylenecarbonate bridging groups to give new hydroxyalkyl and olefinic substituted polysilsesquioxane monolithic xerogels and aerogels that can not be directly prepared through direct sol-gel polymerization of organotrialkoxysilanes.
Catecholestradiol Activation of Adrenergic Receptors Induces Endometrial Cell Survival via p38 MAPK Signaling

CONTEXT Enhanced levels of catecholestradiols, 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE2) or 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OHE2), are reported in endometriosis. During gestation, catecholestradiol activation of adrenergic receptors (AR) elevates estrogen receptor (ER)-independent proliferation of uterine arterial endothelial cells. OBJECTIVE To investigate β-AR-mediated catecholestradiol effects on human endometrial stromal cell (HESC) and epithelial cell survival in endometriosis. DESIGN β-AR immunostaining of eutopic and ectopic endometria (n = 9). Assays for cell viability, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine proliferation, apoptosis, quantitative PCR, and estrogenicity (alkaline phosphatase activity), as well as siRNA β-AR silencing and immunoblot analyses of cultured HESCs or Ishikawa cells treated with control or 2-OHE2 or 4-OHE2 ±β-AR antagonist or ±p38 MAPK inhibitor. SETTING University research institution. PATIENTS Women with or without endometriosis. INTERVENTIONS None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES β-AR expression in eutopic vs ectopic endometria and regulation of HESC survival by 2-OHE2 and 4-OHE2. RESULTS Eutopic and ectopic endometrial stromal and epithelial cells displayed β2-AR immunoreactivity with increased staining in the functionalis vs basalis layer (P < 0.05). Both 2-OHE2 and 4-OHE2 enhanced HESC and Ishikawa cell survival (P < 0.05), an effect abrogated by β-AR antagonist propranolol, but not ER antagonist ICI182,780. 2-OHE2 or 4-OHE2 failed to induce cell survival and estrogenic activity in ADRB2-silenced HESCs and in Ishikawa cells, respectively. Although 2-OHE2 inhibited apoptosis and BAX mRNA expression, 4-OHE2 induced proliferation and decreased apoptosis (P < 0.05). Both catecholestradiols elevated phospho-p38 MAPK levels (P < 0.05), which was blocked by propranolol, and p38 MAPK inhibitor reversed catecholestradiol-enhanced HESC survival. CONCLUSIONS Catecholestradiols increase endometrial cell survival by an ER-independent β-AR-mediated p38 MAPK activation, suggesting that agents blocking β-AR (e.g., propranolol) or inhibiting 2-OHE2- or 4-OHE2-generating enzymes (i.e., CYP1A1/B1) could treat endometriosis.
3D-Printed Ostomy Flange Stabilizer.

BACKGROUND One of the coauthors with tetraplegia (quadriplegia) and a colostomy invented an ostomy flange stabilizer to act as a temporary backplate and aid in pouch changes. DEVICE DEVELOPMENT In an interactive design process, a 3D-printed ostomy flange stabilizer device was created. The resulting device can be adapted to 3 standard stoma appliance sizes. The stabilizer is reversible, allowing right- and left-handed people to use it on right- or left-sided stomas. Anyone with a 3D printer can print this device from an open-access Web site. CONCLUSION This device may be of use to many with ostomies and especially those with impaired dexterity.A 3D-printed ostomy flange stabilizer is described. 3D printing allows patient inventions to be disseminated without commercialization.
LGR6 is necessary for attaining peak bone mass and regulates osteogenesis through differential ligand use

Leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein-coupled receptor 6 (LGR6) is a marker of osteoprogenitor cells and is dynamically expressed during in vitro osteodifferentation of mouse and human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). While the Lgr6 genomic locus has been associated with osteoporosis in human cohorts, the precise molecular function of LGR6 in osteogenesis and maintenance of bone mass are not yet known. In this study, we performed in vitro Lgr6 knockdown and overexpression experiments in murine osteoblastic cells and find decreased Lgr6 levels results in reduced osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization. Consistent with these data, overexpression of Lgr6 in these cells leads to significantly increased proliferation and osteodifferentiation. To determine whether these findings are recapitulated in vivo, we performed microCT and ex vivo osteodifferentiation analyses using our newly generated CRISPR-Cas9 mediated Lgr6 mouse knockout allele (Lgr6-KO). We find that ex vivo osteodifferentiation of Lgr6-KO primary MSCs is significantly reduced, and 8 week-old Lgr6-KO mice have less trabecular bone mass as compared to Lgr6 wildtype controls, indicating that Lgr6 is necessary for normal osteogenesis and to attain peak bone mass. Toward mechanism, we analyzed in vitro signaling in the context of two LGR6 ligands, RSPO2 and MaR1. We find that RSPO2 stimulates LGR6-mediated WNT/B-catenin signaling whereas MaR1 stimulates LGR6-mediated cAMP activity, suggesting two ligand-dependent functions for LGR6 receptor signaling during osteogenesis. Collectively, this study reveals that Lgr6 is necessary for wildtype levels of proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, and achieving peak bone mass.
Insider Trading in Mutual Funds

The Securities and Exchange Commission has recently attempted to establish a new form of insider trading: the use of nonpublic information about mutual fund portfolio holdings to engage in fund arbitrage. In a series of settled cases, the SEC has alleged that fund managers violated rules requiring that they adopt procedures to prevent the selective disclosure of fund portfolio holdings to arbitrageurs. This article argues that these rules were not intended to require such procedures, as fund arbitrage based on fund portfolio holdings does not constitute insider trading. This article also discusses types of fund information that could be used for insider trading in mutual fund shares, such as information about how the funds are valued, as well as the SEC's new disclosure rules regarding the disclosure of portfolio disclosure policies. Finally, the article recommends that the Commission redirect its efforts toward detecting and deterring the violations of fund pricing and sales rules that are the direct causes of losses resulting from fund arbitrage.
TEMPERATURE AND HEAT

This chapter provides an account of temperature and heat. Temperature is a fundamental property that determines whether or not systems are in mutual thermal equilibrium. Mutual thermal equilibrium defines temperature equality. Thermodynamics deals with the properties of bulk matter under conditions where the effects of heat and temperature are significant. The zeroth law formalizes an important experimental fact that thermal equilibrium between two systems demands the equality of one property—the property called temperature. The first law recognizes heat as a form of energy and states that energy is conserved in all processes. The chapter develops operational definitions of temperature and heat. In a thermodynamic process, one or more of the thermodynamic variables change. A quasi-static process is one in which the surroundings and thermodynamic variables of the system change so slowly that the process can be viewed as one in which the system passes through a succession of equilibrium states. Geometrically, a quasi-static process can be represented by a path that joins the initial and final equilibrium states by a succession of intermediate equilibrium states.
The adsorption of cadmium on tungsten.

Kinetics and thermodynamics of Cd vapor adsorption on W measured using molecular beam technique
Different models of work in the modern services enterpise

There is a substantial amount of evidence that shows the national economies are shifting to services and the nature of work has changed dramatically during that shift. However, the extent of research aimed at the better understanding and design of work has not increased. This is particularly true at the cross section of different organizational perspectives on work. As a result, researchers in different domains lack a foundation to communicate and collaborate with each other when they organize and design new modern work systems. This paper represents an attempt to understand and categorize the major stakeholders that make managerial decisions that impact overall enterprise performance when making the inevitable shift towards a services economy. It is recognized that each enterprise stakeholder uses a particular view, methodology, model, and tool to study and manage work. Eight views of work for eight different enterprise stakeholders are summarized.
The Good City: Design for Sustainability

Abstract Today, we are faced with many problems to which designers can contribute solutions. Action can take place at three levels: the micro level, that of individual action; the meso level is the level of groups where the individual may still have some influence; and the macro level includes governments, international organizations, and large companies. At the outer limits of the meso level is the city, which is still potentially capable of adopting coherent policies for change. There are many good ideas about urban design although it is rare to find a city that has integrated a large number of them into a holistic system. What is called for is a systemic approach to these initiatives that will form the basis of a new theory of sustainable urban planning. Such a theory would take into account the following factors as well as others: 1) producing and distributing food; 2) recycling soft and hard waste; 3) providing shelter and eliminating homelessness; 4) microlending and stimulating cooperative businesses; and 5) providing alternative energy.
Centrifuge Consolidation Study for Purposes of Plasticity Theory Validation

The experimental phase of the research described in the paper involves a centrifuge model study of consolidation and surface settlement of a storage tank located on a soft soil foundation during a filling-storage-emptyingcycle. The tank is placed on a thin layer of sandfill over a weak and compressible deposit of clay soil. The clay deposit is formed by consolidating a kaolin slurry in a 40.6-cm-diatneter circular mold which is subsequently moved to the centrifuge for further consolidation and "field stress" initiation. The combined processes of consolidation cause the clay deposit to form an overconsolidated layer in the upper portion and a normally consolidated layer below. This situation simulates conditions often encountered in nature. Pore water pressure transducers are embedded in the clay deposit to monitor the rise and dissipation of water pressure as a result of loading and unloading. Furthermore, the surface settlement profile of the tank bottom is measured using a number of optical-electrical displacement transducers. The second phase of the study involved a comparison of finite-element predictions with the experimentally measured quantities. These comparisons are part of a validation study for the recently developed bounding surface plasticity model for cohesive soils. The model is calibrated using the results of standard laboratory triaxial tests for the soil in question. A system of Fortran subroutines to numerically evaluate the model has been developed and incorporated into 2-D and 3-D finite-element consolidation programs. In this study the 2-D program is used to predict the soil response for comparison with experimental results. The predicted pore water pressures and surface displacements are presented and compared with the measured values. The agreement between the pore pressure values is very good while for the displacement it is adequate.
Modeling Phytosanitary Risk of Unintended Commodity Use: The Example of U.S. Potato Exports to Mexico

Diversion of commodities from their intended use to an unintended use, e.g., when commodities intended for consumption are used as seed for planting, is an important issue in agricultural trade that has implications for the establishment of pests and pathogens in an importing country and for the appropriate strength of plant health measures. Consequently, understanding and accurately characterizing the risk of diversion from intended use is highly relevant to policymakers, trading partners, and in trade dispute arbitration. To our knowledge, no risk assessments have ever accounted for the likelihood of diversion from intended use. Here we present an approach to analyzing this risk using diversion of U.S. table stock potatoes to seed for planting by Mexican potato producers as a case study. We use probabilistic pathway models to characterize the movement of white, yellow, and russet potatoes from the United States into Mexico at current and double export volumes. We then model the likelihood of these potatoes being diverted for seed and the subsequent establishment of bacteria, nematode, and virus pests in Mexico. Our approach demonstrates how diversion from intended use can be quantified in one scenario and, in particular, how it can be analyzed to estimate the magnitude of diversion required to produce a high risk of pest establishment.
Hepatic Stellate Cells Undermine the Allostimulatory Function of Liver Myeloid Dendritic Cells via STAT3-Dependent Induction of IDO

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are critical for hepatic wound repair and tissue remodeling. They also produce cytokines and chemokines that may contribute to the maintenance of hepatic immune homeostasis and the inherent tolerogenicity of the liver. The functional relationship between HSCs and the professional migratory APCs in the liver, that is, dendritic cells (DCs), has not been evaluated. In this article, we report that murine liver DCs colocalize with HSCs in vivo under normal, steady-state conditions, and cluster with HSCs in vitro. In vitro, HSCs secrete high levels of DC chemoattractants, such as MΙP-1α and MCP-1, as well as cytokines that modulate DC activation, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Culture of HSCs with conventional liver myeloid (m) DCs resulted in increased IL-6 and IL-10 secretion compared with that of either cell population alone. Coculture also resulted in enhanced expression of costimulatory (CD80, CD86) and coinhibitory (B7-H1) molecules on mDCs. HSC-induced mDC maturation required cell-cell contact and could be blocked, in part, by neutralizing MΙP-1α or MCP-1. HSC-induced mDC maturation was dependent on activation of STAT3 in mDCs and, in part, on HSC-secreted IL-6. Despite upregulation of costimulatory molecules, mDCs conditioned by HSCs demonstrated impaired ability to induce allogeneic T cell proliferation, which was independent of B7-H1, but dependent upon HSC-induced STAT3 activation and subsequent upregulation of IDO. In conclusion, by promoting IDO expression, HSCs may act as potent regulators of liver mDCs and function to maintain hepatic homeostasis and tolerogenicity.
Oscillating decay rate in electron capture and the neutrino mass difference

Reported oscillations in the rate of decay of certain ions by $K$-electron capture have raised questions about whether and how such oscillations can arise in quantum-mechanical theory and whether they can measure the neutrino mass difference. Here I show that simple principles of quantum mechanics answer some questions and clarify what must be performed theoretically or experimentally to answer some others. The principal result is that quantum mechanics does allow mass-difference-dependent oscillations in principle, but it imposes conditions not obeyed by the approximate dynamical models that have been put forth up to now. In particular, indirect coupling between two neutrino mass channels must be taken into account. What needs to be done experimentally and theoretically is discussed.
Organelle DNA compositions and isoenzyme expression in an interspecific somatic hybrid of Daucus

Cell suspension cultures of Daucus carota, D. capillifolius and a somatic hybrid of these lines were analyzed to determine their chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA compositions. The plastid DNAs (pDNA) from the somatic hybrid and D. carota were identical and were different from that of D. capillifolius when analyzed on agarose electrophoretic gels after digestion by the restriction endonuclease HpaII. The endonuclease restriction patterns of the mitochondrial DNAs (mtDNA) from each cell line were different. Although the restriction pattern of the mtDNA from the somatic hybrid contained fragments in common with one or both parents, unique fragments not found in the restriction pattern of either parent were also present. The amounts and feedback regulation of aspartokinase, homoserine dehydrogenase and dihydrodipicolinic acid synthase were quantified to define the effects of somatic hybridization upon the pathway leading to the biosynthesis of lysine, threonine, methionine and isoleucine. Regulation of each enzyme by end product inhibitors was not altered in the somatic hybrid, but levels of each enzyme appeared to be increased. However, isoenzyme analysis indicated two major forms of homoserine dehydrogenase were present in the hybrid, including one unique form not present in either parent.