cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biological Roles of Hydroxysteroid (11-Beta) Dehydrogenase 1 (HSD11B1), HSD11B2, and Glucocorticoid Receptor (NR3C1) in Sheep Conceptus Elongation

In sheep, the elongating conceptus synthesizes and secretes interferon tau (IFNT) as well as prostaglandins (PGs) and cortisol. The enzymes, hydroxysteroid (11-beta) dehydrogenase 1 (HSD11B1) and HSD11B2 interconvert cortisone and cortisol. In sheep, HSD11B1 is expressed and active in the conceptus trophectoderm as well as in the endometrial luminal epithelia; in contrast, HSD11B2 expression is most abundant in conceptus trophectoderm. Cortisol is a biologically active glucocorticoid and ligand for the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1 or GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (NR3C2 or MR). Expression of MR is not detectable in either the ovine endometrium or conceptus during early pregnancy. In tissues that do not express MR, HSD11B2 protects cells from the growth-inhibiting and/or proapoptotic effects of cortisol, particularly during embryonic development. In study one, an in utero loss-of-function analysis of HSD11B1 and HSD11B2 was conducted in the conceptus trophectoderm using morpholino antisense oligonucleotides (MAOs) that inhibit mRNA translation. Elongating, filamentous conceptuses were recovered on Day 14 from ewes infused with control morpholino or HSD11B2 MAO. In contrast, HSD11B1 MAO resulted in severely growth-retarded conceptuses or conceptus fragments with apoptotic trophectoderm. In study two, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 genome editing was used to determine the role of GR in conceptus elongation and development. Elongating, filamentous-type conceptuses (12-14 cm in length) were recovered from ewes gestating control embryos (n = 7/7) and gestating GR-edited embryos (n = 6/7). These results support the idea that the effects of HSD11B1-derived cortisol on conceptus elongation are indirectly mediated by the endometrium and are not directly mediated through GR in the trophectoderm.
Generating conditional atomic entanglement by measuring photon number in a single output channel

The polarization analysis of quantized probe light transmitted through an atomic ensemble has been used to prepare entangled collective atomic states. In a 'balanced' detection configuration, where the difference signal from two detection ports is analyzed, the continuous monitoring of a component of the Stokes field vector provides a means for conditional projective measurements on the atomic system. Here, we make use of classical driving fields, in the pulsed regime, and of an 'unbalanced' detection setup (single detector) where the effective photon number of scattered photons is the detected observable. Conditional atomic spin squeezed states and superpositions of such squeezed states can be prepared in this manner.
Animating responsive characters with dynamic constraints in near-unactuated coordinates

This paper presents a technique to enhance a kinematically controlled virtual character with a generic class of dynamic responses to small perturbations. Given an input motion sequence, our technique can synthesize reactive motion to arbitrary external forces with a specific style customized to the input motion. Our method re-parameterizes the motion degrees of freedom based on joint actuations in the input motion. By only enforcing the equations of motion in the less actuated coordinates, our approach can create physically responsive motion based on kinematic pose control without explicitly computing the joint actuations. We demonstrate the simplicity and robustness of our technique by showing a variety of examples generated with the same set of parameters. Our formulation focuses on the type of perturbations that significantly disrupt the upper body poses and dynamics, but have limited effect on the whole-body balance state.
Intensity-dependent refractive index in a nonresonant cw Raman laser that is due to thermal heating of the Raman-active gas

The refractive index of H2 is shown to decrease linearly as a function of Stokes power and, to a much lesser extent, pump power in a nonresonant cw Raman laser. The dominant source of the index shift is shown to be thermal and significantly larger than dispersion associated with the Raman resonance. A steady-state theoretical model based on internal heating that is due to inelastic Raman scattering events accurately describes the observed behavior. With this model, frequency pulling of the Raman cavity resonance and phase distortions of the intracavity Gaussian beam are predicted for various levels of generated Stokes power.
A tunneling injection quantum well laser

Summary form only given. A tunneling injection mechanism in a GaAs-based laser is demonstrated. The preliminary GaAs-based devices, grown by molecular beam epitaxy, have an 80 AA In/sub 0.10/Ga/sub 0.90/As active single quantum well and AlAs tunneling barriers. These lasers show a characteristic peaking in the small signal modulation response at a particular drive current, which is believed to be related to the tunneling. The principle of operation promises to be a 'cold' laser at high injection levels, eliminating a broad thermal carrier distribution, and therefore Auger recombination and chirp are expected to be suppressed, particularly in InP-based devices. In addition, tunneling of carriers into the active well will ensure very large modulation bandwidths. A peaked gain will ensure higher mode selectivity. >
The past and future influence of geographic information systems on hybrid zone, phylogeographic and speciation research

Over the past two decades geographers have developed an increasingly sophisticated technology termed a geographic information system (GIS). A GIS has the ability to store, map and analyse spatial data. The powerful analytical capabilities of a GIS could serve to enhance our understanding of the spatial component of the evolutionary process. In particular, phylogeographers, hybrid zone and speciation researchers could benefit enormously from incorporating this sophisticated technology from the discipline of geography, as they have done so readily from other disciplines (e.g. genetics). Indeed, an increasing number of researchers in these fields are beginning to include GIS analyses into their research programmes. Some of this integration has taken the form of analysing the spatial relationship between populations and hybrid zones. Several other researchers have also begun to incorporate GIS into their work through the use of GIS-based niche models. These models estimate a multidimensional niche for a species using known geo-referenced populations and digital climate maps. Here, I review the recent integration of GIS and GIS-based predictive niche models into the above evolutionary sub-disciplines. I also describe evolutionary analyses that could be further enhanced through the implementation of GIS.
Imaging detectors and electronics - A view of the future

Imaging sensors and readout electronics have made tremendous strides in the past two decades. The application of modern semiconductor fabrication techniques and the introduction of customized monolithic integrated circuits have made large scale imaging systems routine in high energy physics. This technology is now finding its way into other areas, such as space missions, synchrotron light sources, and medical imaging. I review current developments and discuss the promise and limits of new technologies. Several detector systems are described as examples of future trends. The discussion emphasizes semiconductor detector systems, but I also include recent developments for large-scale superconducting detector arrays.
Trace element concentrations in human enamel.

Abstract Ninety-three samples of sound whole enamel derived from first premolars of individuals less than 20 yr of age were analysed by optical emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy for 21 trace elements. The teeth originated from 26 communities (11 States) of the U.S.A., representing many types of geographic environment and caries prevalence rates. The minimum, median, mean and maximum concentrations for the 21 elements are reported as baseline data for future reference.
Arrest, Migration, Survival and Proliferation of Leukocytes and Vascular Cells: The Many Faces of Chemokine Biology

This issue of Microcirculation explores the role of chemokines, a family of small, secreted peptides that regulate leukocyte traffic in health and disease. Leading experts review the diverse function of these mediators, with an emphasis on their roles in microvascular physiology and pathophysiology. The most amazing aspect of this field of research is the diversity of functions that have been attributed to chemokines. Chemokines are classified according to their amino acid sequence as CC (no intervening amino acid between first two cysteinyl residues), CXC (one intervening amino acid), CX3C (three intervening amino acids), and XC (only one cysteinyl residue). They are numbered as CCL1–27, CXCL1–16, CX3CL1, and XCL1 (10,11,15). They bind to at least 11 CC receptors (CCR1–11), 6 CXC receptors (CXCR1–6), CX3CR1, and XCR1 (10,11,15). Earlier notions that CXC chemokines attract granulocytes and CC receptors are responsible for mononuclear cell effects have been supplanted by more recent findings. Chemokines may have emerged early in evolution from proteolytic fragments of tyrosyl transfer RNA synthetase, an essential intracellular enzyme, even before a circulatory system developed (15,16). In complex mammalian organisms, chemokines not only regulate leukocyte development and chemotaxis, but also play important roles in their trafficking through the vascular and lymphatic systems. Some, but not all chemokines can be immobilized on the endothelial surface and can activate integrin adhesion receptors on rolling leukocytes to promote their arrest. Two reviews in this issue (1,8) focus on the function of arrest chemokines, presenting different perspectives on how chemokine receptor signaling may be integrated with other signals in phagocytes (8) and how chemokine receptor engagement in lymphocytes will promote local integrin avidity upregulation in a fraction of a second (1). One of the first chemokines discovered was CCL2 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), and it may
Value of mesquite leaves as forage

The nutritive value of six species or cultivars of mesquite (Prosopis) was investigated: viz P alba, P articulata, P chilensis, P nigra, P velutina and cv ‘Ruby’. Chemical analyses indicated that all of these are suitable sources of forage. However, in vitro digestibilities are negatively correlated with the content of phenolic compounds. Species with high concentrations of phenolics (P alba and P chilensis) are significantly less digestible than other species with lower phenolic content. Toxicity of the phenolic components of P chilensis leaves was observed in feeding studies with weanling mice.
Validation of the Seattle Heart Failure Model in a community-based heart failure population and enhancement by adding B-type natriuretic peptide.

Management of heart failure (HF) remains complex with low 5-year survival. The Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) is a recently described risk score derived predominantly from clinical trial populations that may enable the prediction of survival in patients with HF. This study sought to validate the SHFM in an independent, nonclinical trial-based HF population. Patients (n = 4,077) from the hospital-based Intermountain Heart Collaborative Study registry with a diagnosis of HF were evaluated using prospectively collected data (mean ± SD follow-up 4.4 ± 3.1 years). The SHFM was used to calculate a risk score for each patient. Receiver-operating characteristic area under the curve provided SHFM predictive ability for a composite end point of survival free from death, transplantation, or left ventricular assist device implantation. Addition of creatinine, serum urea nitrogen, diabetes status, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) to the SHFM was also evaluated. Patient age averaged 67 ± 13 years and 61% were men. Area under the curves were 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.66 to 0.70), 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.66 to 0.69), 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.065 to 0.68), and 0.66 (95% confidence interval 0.63 to 0.67) for 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year survivals, respectively. Area under the curves were slightly attenuated in patients >75 years of age (n = 1,339), implantable cardioverter-defibrillator recipients (n = 693), and patients with an ejection fraction >40% (n = 1,634). BNP added significantly to the model (area under the curve +0.06). BNP was found to add additional predictive ability at 1 year (area under the curve change +0.05) and nominally at 5 years (area under the curve change +0.02). In conclusion, the SHFM predicts survival in patients with HF in a hospital-based population, with areas under the curve similar to those from data on which models were initially fit.
Anatomical determinants of O2 flux density at coronary capillaries.

Calculations indicate that the PO2 in plasma falls to zero approximately 3 microns from an erythrocyte at O2 consumption (VO2) characteristic of myocardium (Federspiel, W.A., and A. Popel, Microvasc. Res. 32: 164-189, 1986). We measured distances between individual red cells along capillaries in rat hearts rapidly frozen in situ. Cell spacing varied widely even in branches of the same capillary. Plasma gaps between red cells were divided into two populations, those less than 5 microns and those greater than 5 microns. Mean gap lengths were 2.1 and 16.5 microns, respectively. Although the number of long plasma gaps was underestimated, gaps greater than 5 microns accounted for one-third of observed capillary length. Frozen muscles were also viewed in cross section. Because the depth of penetration of light was approximately equal to 3 microns, counts of red cell-containing capillary profiles in cross section depend on cell spacing as well as on number of cell-containing flow paths. Counts varied markedly with arterial O2 partial pressure, indicating that the capillary surface area functional for O2 transport changes in response to stress. The adaptive role of change in O2 flux density (flux per area) is discussed in light of new knowledge of tissue O2 gradients.
Architectural design features of a programmable high throughput AES coprocessor

Programmable, high throughput domain specific crypto processors are required for different networking applications. We present the architectural design features that lead to a multiple Gbits/s rate AES coprocessor, which is programmable with domain specific instructions for Gbit throughput IPSec and other applications. Our design is a loosely coupled, independently working crypto-coprocessor that runs AES in ECB, CBC-MAC, Counter, and CCM modes of operation at a maximum throughput of 3.43 Gbits/s in a 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS technology without any penalty in throughput for any of the above modes.
Rekindling commitment: reflections from a pastoral educator enmeshed in direct support professional workforce development and person centered supports

Background Services with people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are increasingly structured by regulations, policies and licensing standards by public funding entities. The key responsibility for direct care staff often becomes that of compliance with all the rules and regulations.
VISUALIZED RITUALS AND DEDICATORY INSCRIPTIONS ON VOTIVE OFFERINGS TO THE NYMPHS

This article explores the religious meaning of Archaic and Classical dedications with images of rituals (e.g. sacrificial procession, libation) and dedicatory inscriptions. I argue that these objects ought to be treated as meaningful expressions of individuals’ piety rather than as reflections of actual cult practices. I adopt a holistic approach that considers the two components of dedications—images and texts—as inextricably intertwined in the creation of meaning. The argument is exemplified through the examination of dedications to the Nymphs: the so-called Pitsa tablet, Archandros’ relief from the Athenian Asklepieion, and two reliefs from a cave at Penteli. The detailed analysis of images, inscriptions, and their juxtaposition reveals how these dedications made the devotion of named individuals perpetual at a specific site, and shaped the manner in which the sacred was to be envisioned. Art and text together marked the site of deposition as a place of worship of the Nymphs, articulated specific ideas regarding rituals, the nature of the goddesses and their companions Pan and Hermes, and the possibilities for human interaction with these divinities. In rendering individual devotion continuous, these dedications confirmed the inexistence of such visualized rituals in reality. They elided and asserted the divide between the real and the imaginary in Greek religion. 1
Quantification of Ceramic Preconverter Hot Vibration Durability

The hot vibration durability of ceramic preconverters was examined in this study. Two preconverter designs were investigated. A Generation 1 design, utilizing 4,070 g/m{sup 2} intumescent mat, was examined at 900 C/75g. A Generation 2 design, possessing 6,200 g/m{sup 2} intumescent mat and insulated end cones, was evaluated at 1,050 C/75g. Three consecutive Generation 1 samples passed 900 C/75g exposures of 100 hours. Three Generation 2 preconverters tested at 1,050 C/75g similarly passed 100 hour exposures. The residual shear strength of each preconverter tested in hot vibration was measured to quantify durability. Hot push shear evaluations were performed to obtain the residual shear strength. Following 900 C/75g hot vibration exposures, the Generation 1 samples possessed an average residual shear strength of 450 kPa. Generation 2 samples, tested at 1,050 C/75g retained an average mat shear strength of 61 kPa. A minimum calculated shear strength of 15 kPa is required. An alternative thermal aging technique was applied to new sets of Generation 1 and 2 specimens. These samples did not experience mechanical vibration. Results of hot push shear measurements on these components indicated that the residual shear strengths were similar to those obtained for specimens exposed to hot vibration. These resultsmore » indicated that the thermal conditions were the primary cause of Mat deterioration in hot vibration. The supplemental test methods investigated in this study represent an economical and quantitative alternative to hot vibration testing.« less
Genetic Variation in the Platelet Endothelial Aggregation Receptor 1 Gene Results in Endothelial Dysfunction

Platelet Endothelial Aggregation Receptor 1 (PEAR1) is a newly identified membrane protein reported to be involved in multiple vascular and thrombotic processes. While most studies to date have focused on the effects of this receptor in platelets, PEAR1 is located in multiple tissues including the endothelium, where it is most highly expressed. Our first objective was to evaluate the role of PEAR1 in endothelial function by examining flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery in 641 participants from the Heredity and Phenotype Intervention Heart Study. Our second objective was to further define the impact of PEAR1 on cardiovascular disease computationally through meta-analysis of 75,000 microarrays, yielding insights regarding PEAR1 function, and predictions of phenotypes and diseases affected by PEAR1 dysregulation. Based on the results of this meta-analysis we examined whether genetic variation in PEAR1 influences endothelial function using an ex vivo assay of endothelial cell migration. We observed a significant association between rs12041331 and flow-mediated dilation in participants of the Heredity and Phenotype Intervention Heart Study (P = 0.02). Meta-analysis results revealed that PEAR1 expression is highly correlated with several genes (e.g. ANG2, ACVRL1, ENG) and phenotypes (e.g. endothelial cell migration, angiogenesis) that are integral to endothelial function. Functional validation of these results revealed that PEAR1 rs12041331 is significantly associated with endothelial migration (P = 0.04). Our results suggest for the first time that genetic variation of PEAR1 is a significant determinant of endothelial function through pathways implicated in cardiovascular disease.
Hierarchically-Structured NiO Nanoplatelets as Mesoscale p-Type Photocathodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

A p-type metal oxide with high surface area and good charge carrier mobility is of paramount importance for development of tandem solar fuel and dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) devices. Here, we report the synthesis, hierarchical morphology, electrical properties, and DSSC performance of mesoscale p-type NiO platelets. This material, which exhibits lateral dimensions of 100 nm but thicknesses less than 10 nm, can be controllably functionalized with a high-density array of vertical pores 4–6, 5–9, or 7–23 nm in diameter depending on exact synthetic conditions. Thin films of this porous but still quasi-two-dimensional material retain a high surface area and exhibit electrical mobilities more than 10-fold higher than comparable films of spherical particles with similar doping levels. These advantages lead to a modest, 20–30% improvement in the performance of DSSC devices under simulated 1-sun illumination. The capability to rationally control morphology provides a route for continued development of NiO as a...
Hyaline degeneration of splenic follicular arteries in infectious mononucleosis: histochemical and electron microscopic studies.

Histologic examination of the spleens of patients with infectious mononucleosis showed vasculitis and hyaline material in the center of follicles. The nature of the hyaline material was studied histochemically and electron microscopically. Our studies show that the hyaline or “amyloid-like” material in the follicles is comprised of two components: the larger hyalinized and fragmented material, presumably of damaged follicular artery in the central portion, surrounded peripherally by exuded plasma proteins, mainly fibrin. The degeneration of follicular arteries, vasculitis of larger vessels, and inflammation of the capsule evidently make the spleen susceptible to rupture. The mechanism of damage to the arteries in the follicles is unclear; however, interaction of many factors might be involved.
Outcomes of Surgical Resection of T1bN0 Esophageal Cancer and Assessment of Endoscopic Mucosal Resection for Identifying Low-Risk Cancers Appropriate for Endoscopic Therapy.

Invasive esophageal cancers have been managed historically with esophagectomy. Low-risk T1b patients are being proposed for nonsurgical management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of endoscopic mucosal resections (EMR) to identify low-risk T1b patients and to review surgical treatment outcomes for T1b cancer. All esophageal cancer patients, in an institutional review board-approved prospective database, between 2000 and 2013 with clinical stage (cT1bN0), pathological stage (pT1bN0), and no neoadjuvant therapy were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty-one patients, 38 pT1b and 13 cT1b, were assessed. All cT1b had preoperative EMR and five were found to be understaged at esophagectomy. pT1bN0 patients had a mean age of 66 years, mean BMI of 30, and 95 % had adenocarcinoma. Thirty-eight pT1bN0 patients underwent esophagectomy with a median hospital length of stay (LOS) of 9 days. Complications occurred in 14 patients, but 71 % were minor (Accordion score 1–2). In-hospital 30- and 90-day mortality was zero. EMR specimens were re-reviewed to assess low-risk criteria. Degree of differentiation and the presence of lymphovascular invasion could be assessed in all EMR specimens; however, assessment of submucosal invasion limited to the superficial submucosal layer could not be determined in the majority of cases. Kaplan–Meier 5-year overall survival in pT1bN0 patients was 78.7 %. Clinical staging of superficial esophageal cancer can be inaccurate especially in submucosal tumors. EMR should be routinely used for preoperative staging. Healthy patients with clinical tumor stage greater than cT1a should undergo multidisciplinary review and be considered for surgical resection.
Three-Dimensional Simulations of Cavity Flows by the Space-Time CESE Method

In this paper we report three-dimensional numerical simulation of compressible flows over cavities. For high-fidelity unsteady solutions, we employ the Space-Time Conservation Element and Solution Element (CESE) method, a novel numerical method based on a unified treatment of space and time in calculating flux balance. High-speed cavity flows are studied to understand the mechanisms of mixing enhancement. Numerical results are compared with the experimental data for (i) dominant frequencies and (ii) time-averaged pressure coefficients inside and around the cavities. Numerical results show that cavity flows are highly three-dimensional and requires fine resolution of the shear layer over the open cavity. Low frequencies of the pressure fluctuations can be captured by the CFD calculations. Further mesh refinement and better control of numerical damping will be needed to improve the prediction of high frequencies and pressure coefficient profiles inside the cavity.
Does gender affect response to a brief clinic-based smoking intervention?

Introduction Although recent reviews suggest few gender differences in smoking-cessation outcomes, it is important to establish whether gender differences exist in response to the brief interventions increasingly recommended as part of routine medical care. Methods We used data from an efficacious primary care-based smoking intervention to examine gender differences in smoking characteristics, use of intervention components, self-reported quitting activities, and cessation outcomes among all smokers randomized to receive clinician advice and nurse-assisted intervention ( n = 1,978, 58% female). Results Although female and male smokers differed on a number of sociodemographic and smoking-related characteristics, they were equally likely to participate in each step of the recommended intervention. Female and male smokers were also equally likely to report quit attempts and cessation at 3, 12, and3 and 12 months (combined long-term cessation endpoint). Similarly, no gender difference in relapse at 12 months was seen. Women attempting to quit used a greater number and variety of smoking-cessation strategies, suggesting that, although outcomes were similar, the processes of cessation may vary by gender. Conclusions Since this brief intervention in primary care was equally efficacious and acceptable to female and male smokers, broader implementation in medical settings of this populationbased approach to reducing tobacco use is warranted. Indeed, widespread implementation of smoking-cessation programs in medical settings may particularly benefit women, who are more likely than men to have contacts with the medical care system.
Cloning of an aquaporin homologue present in water channel containing endosomes of toad urinary bladder

Regulation of total body water balance in amphibians by antidiuretic hormone (ADH) contributed to their successful colonization of terrestrial habitats approximately 200-300 million years ago. In the mammalian kidney, ADH modulates epithelial cell apical membrane water permeability (Pf) by fusion and retrieval of cytoplasmic vesicles containing water channel proteins called aquaporins (AQPs). To determine the role of AQPs in ADH-elicited Pf in amphibians, we have identified and characterized a unique AQP from Bufo marinus called AQP toad bladder (AQP-TB). AQP-TB possesses many structural features common to other AQPs, AQP-TB is expressed abundantly in ADH-responsive tissues, including toad urinary bladder and skin as well as lung, skeletal muscle, kidney, and brain. In a manner identical to that reported for the mammalian ADH-elicited water channel AQP2, AQP-TB expression is increased significantly by intervals of dehydration or chronic ADH stimulation. However, expression of AQP-TB protein in Xenopus laevis oocytes does not significantly increase oocyte Pf. The lack of expression of functional AQP-TB water channels in oocytes may result from intracellular sequestration of AQP-TB due to the presence of a YXRF sequence motif present in its carboxyterminal domain.
Increased Prevalence of Optic Disc Drusen after Papilloedema from Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: On the Possible Formation of Optic Disc Drusen

This is a 25-year observational retrospective review of 372 consecutive participants with optic disc drusen or resolved papilloedema from idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The prevalence of optic disc drusen at 19% among eyes with resolved papilloedema was approximately 10 times higher and significantly increased (p < 0.001) as compared with the occurrence in the general population. Eyes with both resolved papilloedema and optic disc drusen had similar visual acuity and visual field outcome as compared with resolved papilloedema alone. Eyes with exposed drusen had significantly worse visual acuity and visual field outcome (p < 0.001) than buried drusen. The high prevalence of optic disc drusen after papilloedema has resolved suggests a non-coincidental relationship. Optic disc drusen formation can be a sequela of papilloedema.
Estimating Effective Viscous Damping and Restoring Force in Reinforced Concrete Buildings

In seismic design, buildings are designed to respond to strong earthquake ground motions inelastically. The engineering norm followed in design and analysis is to use constant modal viscous damping ratios to account for all energy dissipation aside from that arising from material nonlinearity. In general, equivalent linear models, which aim to capture primarily the peak response with typically 2–5 % of critical damping are employed. In this paper, we show that the effective viscous damping ratio can be estimated from the dynamic response of actual building structural systems without linearization of the load-deformation characteristics. The empirical method we present, which estimates the effective viscous damping ratios of buildings, has been applied to several laboratory specimens and actual buildings. We show that the effective viscous damping ratio in a low to mid-rise reinforced concrete (RC) building responding at its dominant mode (equivalent of fundamental mode in linear elastic systems) varies linearly with the effective period of its dominant mode. The practical use of the method is demonstrated using acceleration records obtained in two 9-story small-scale RC laboratory test specimens during a series of strong base motions. Fundamental mode envelopes of hysteretic responses, that is, the backbone curves for both structures are estimated by excluding higher mode effects from the measured responses.
Evaluation of RNAV Departure Operations at Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport

On September 6, 2005 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented revised Area Navigation (RNAV) departure procedures at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The route structure of the procedures was designed to enable diverging departure operations that distribute departure traffic flows over a wider area of DFW's terminal airspace. Operational changes associated with the implementation were found to result in more efficient utilization of available runways and constrained airspace around the airport. This paper documents the results of comprehensive evaluations of observed operational changes. It reviews the design of the departure procedures and evaluates dependencies between DFW's two general implementation objectives of (1) realizing departure efficiency benefits while (2) maintaining the distance flown in terminal airspace. This paper describes the analysis methodology developed to evaluate operational changes using radar data. It presents pre- and post-implementation comparisons of benefit metrics characterizing the distance departing aircraft fly in terminal airspace and the continuity of observed departure climbs. The results show that DFW's gains in departure efficiency were realized without significantly impacting the flight distance and climb continuity of departure operations in DFW's terminal airspace.
Choroid Plexus–Cerebrospinal Fluid Transport Dynamics: Support of Brain Health and a Role in Neurotherapeutics

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) mediates many distinctive functions that complement blood–brain barrier (BBB) activity. By providing growth factors and neurotrophins, the choroid plexus (CP)–CSF nexus crucially helps fetal brain development and adult neuronal stabilization following traumatic or infectious injury. Situated near periventricular neurogenic regions, the CSF receives trophins and hormones from CP for bulk flow delivery to subependymal areas to support lifelong neuronal and glial birthing. Multiple ion and organic solute transporters in CP epithelial cells at the blood–CSF barrier (BCSFB) carry out homeostatic actions for maintaining a specialized extracellular composition for optimal neurotransmission. Neurohormonally regulated CP fluid formation maintains appropriate CSF volume, flow, and pressure, thereby fostering steady behavioral, cognitive, and sensory-motor functions. Newly discovered immunoregulatory and cytokine–hormonal signaling between CP and brain are opening up new therapeutic opportunities for immune and psychiatric disorders. The pharmacological paradigm-changing intranasal drug instillation can reach CSF–brain by uniquely bypassing the BBB to deliver agents to neural regions harmed by elevated intracranial pressure and Parkinson’s/Alzheimer’s diseases. Novel transgenetic and transplant techniques, involving choroidal and ependymal tissues, are offering exciting ways to mitigate BCSFB breakdown and enhance translational repair of brain damage in periventricular regions.
The mechanism of mixing and mixing energy for oil and gas wells cement slurries: A literature review and benchmarking of the findings

Abstract Well cementing is an integral operation in the oil and gas industry, often considered the key element of wellbore integrity. Improper cement design can trigger well construction risks such as de-bonding and leakage pathways in near wellbore and through annulus. Mixing conditions for cement slurries and how they affect their properties are of great importance which has often been ignored in the cement design. Typical cement slurry properties such as basic rheology, thickening time, compressive strength, shear strength, free water and fluid loss can be directly influenced/modified when mixing conditions change. It is common knowledge in the oil and gas industry that the properties of cement slurry obtained in laboratory do not correlate very well with those in field mixing. This is due to the differences in the mixing equipment, and to the procedures following. However, cement properties mainly measured in laboratory are a critical part of the well integrity assessment process. The main objective of this study is to investigate the mixing energy mechanism and concept in the available literature of oil and gas well cementing, concrete and other industries and identify the existing gaps. The previous literature shows controversial theories when it comes to relying on mixing energy only where shear rate can play an important role. The differences in laboratory and field results are somehow explained as due to extremely different shear rate obtained when using laboratory vs. field equipment. This study shows that there is currently a big gap in the oil and gas literature on the mechanism of mixing. Additionally, some factors such as measuring power consumption, Reynolds number while mixing, kinetic energy, heat dissipation, and effects of the shape of the mixer are totally ignored in preparation of oil and gas cement slurry, whereas they are widely used in mixing non-Newtonian fluid systems in chemical engineering processes and the concrete industry.
Reflections From a PLAID Newcomer

Note from the Editor: Danae is our newest member of the PLAID team, taking on the role of Production Editor. This is her first exposure to working full-time around people with diabetes, so I asked her to share her thoughts on what she has experienced so far. Her words share a valuable outside-looking-in perspective, and gives us, people living with diabetes, an opportunity to walk around in the shoes of someone who cares about us and wants to see us thrive.
PTSD and lymphoma: Two very different psychological trajectories following a common diagnosis.

195Background: Long-term chronic lymphoma survivors report lower quality of life compared to those who are cured of lymphoma, despite an equal prevalence of PTSD symptoms in both groups. Posttraumatic Growth (PTG), or positive psychological change following a traumatic event, has been associated with greater acceptance of the disease and greater quality of life, particularly because PTG has been shown to diminish the negative effects of PTSD symptoms. Methods: Semi-structured, in-person qualitative interviews were conducted among a convenience sample of lymphoma survivors. Participants answered questions about their emotional reactions after diagnosis, during treatment, and symptoms of PTSD and positive changes—if any—that developed during the cancer experience. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using Grounded Theory methodology. Results: 77 lymphoma survivors - 75% chronic lymphoma, 25% curable lymphoma completed interviews. Themes included 1) disease: perception of health; 2) support...
Panel: Teaching To Increase Diversity and Equity in STEM

TIDES (Teaching to Increase Diversity and Equity in STEM) is a three-year initiative to transform colleges and universities by changing what STEM faculty, especially CS instructors, are doing in the classroom to encourage the success of their students, particularly those that have been traditionally underrepresented in computer science. Each of the twenty projects selected proposed new interdisciplinary curricula and adopted culturally sensitive pedagogies, with an eye towards departmental and institutional change. The four panelists will each speak about their TIDES projects, which all involved educating faculty about cultural competency. Three of the panelists infused introductory CS courses with applications from other disciplines, while one of the projects taught computational skills in natural science courses.
Patrons and Patriarchs: Regional Rulers and Chan Monks During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

The importance of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period in Chan 禪 history cannot be overestimated. Previous scholarship by Suzuki Tetsuo 鈴木哲雄, Albert Welter, Yang Zengwen 楊增文, and others has s...
Deorbiting of LEO small satellites without a conventional propulsion system

This study introduces an effective propellantless space debris mitigation scheme for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Mechanizing an aerodynamic sail and electrodynamic tether system provides LEO small satellites a deorbiting capability that meets the time limit of 25 years required by the U.S. Government and European Space Agency (ESA). Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed technical approach.
Abstract 2038: Reactive oxygen species-mediated synergism of fenretinide and romidepsin in preclinical models of T-cell lymphoid malignancies

Introduction: T-cell lymphoid malignancies (TCLMs) are in need of novel and more effective therapies. Romidepsin is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor that achieved FDA registration as 2nd line therapy for peripheral and cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. The cytotoxic retinoid fenretinide achieved durable complete responses against T-cell lymphomas in early-phase clinical trials and T-cell lymphoma patients who failed prior romidepsin treatment responded to fenretinide. Fenretinide is currently being evaluated in a Phase IIa clinical trial for relapsed/refractory PTCL patients (NCT02495415). We investigated the potential for using these two agents in combination in TCLMs. Methods and Results: Using the DIMSCAN assay, we demonstrated cytotoxic synergy between romidepsin and fenretinide in fifteen TCLM cell lines at clinically-achievable concentrations that lacked cytotoxicity for non-malignant cells (fibroblasts and blood mononuclear cells). In vivo, romidepsin + fenretinide + ketoconazole (enhances fenretinide exposures by inhibiting fenretinide metabolism) showed greater activity in subcutaneous (COG-LL-317m and TX-LY-183x PDX) and disseminated (COG-LL-317m Luc expressing the luciferase gene) TCLM xenograft models than single agent romidepsin or fenretinide + ketoconazole. Fenretinide + romidepsin caused a reactive oxygen species (ROS, measured by DCFDA dye)-dependent increase in pro-apoptotic proteins (Bim, tBid, Bax and Bad), apoptosis (via TUNEL assay), and inhibition of HDAC enzymatic activity, which achieved a synergistic increase in histone acetylation. The synergistic cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and histone acetylation of fenretinide + romidepsin was abrogated by antioxidants (vitamins C or E). Romidepsin + fenretinide activated p38 and JNK via ROS, and shRNA knockdown of p38 and JNK1 significantly decreased the synergistic cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Romidepsin + fenretinide also showed synergistic cytotoxicity for B-lymphoid malignancy cell lines, but did not increase ROS, acetylation of histones, activation of p38 + JNK, or cytotoxicity in fibroblasts and blood mononuclear cells. Conclusion: Romidepsin + fenretinide achieved synergistic activity in preclinical models of TCLMs, but not in non-malignant cells, via a novel molecular mechanism. These data support conducting clinical trials of romidepsin + fenretinide in relapsed and refractory TCLMs. Citation Format: Monish Ram Makena, Balakrishna Koneru, Min H. Kang, C. Patrick Reynolds. Reactive oxygen species-mediated synergism of fenretinide and romidepsin in preclinical models of T-cell lymphoid malignancies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2038. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2038
Learning From One’s Mistakes: Understanding Changes in Performance Estimates as a Function of Experience, Evaluative Feedback, and Post-Feedback Emotions

Abstract. Optimistic performance estimates tend to diminish as performance and feedback draw near, yet it is unclear what contributes to subsequent performance estimates after feedback. At multiple time points, 166 undergraduates estimated their performance on two exams within a course, which was then compared to their actual exam scores. Along with assessing accuracy and shifts in estimates as performance and feedback drew near, the current study explored the mechanisms involved in “learning from one’s mistakes” by examining what happens after feedback on actual performance. We assessed the post-feedback emotional impact of performance estimates and identified predictors of subsequent estimates and later performance. Although, individuals overestimated their performance for both exams, feedback on Exam 1 resulted in significantly lower estimates for Exam 2. Irrespective of actual performance, higher expectations detrimentally impacted emotional responses to feedback, prior estimates played a central role...
Complications of Eye Muscle Surgery

Although it is normal to have some degree of pain and irritation after strabismus surgery, one must always be attentive to the remote possibility of a cellulitis, which requires systemic antibiotics, or the even more remote possibility of endophthalmitis. Usually, swelling and discomfort are most prominent the morning after surgery and improve as the day progresses. However, if the symptoms are worsening, and particularly if the pain is of a deep nature, as opposed to surface irritation, the patient should be seen to rule out a serious problem. Common causes of surface pain include suture irritation (if conjunctival sutures were used), deleon formation, or filamentary keratitis. For reasons that are not clear, preseptal cellulitis can occur and is more common than orbital cellulitis after strabismus surgery. One also must consider an allergic conjunctivitis to be the cause if postoperative topical antibiotics were used. If bilateral surgery was performed, and the irritation is unilateral, you are not dealing with an allergic problem. Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis includes discontinuing the offending medication, and if severe a short course of mild topical steroids.
First total synthesis of the anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediator 16(R),17(S)-diHDHA

Abstract The first total synthesis of the anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediator 16(R),17(S)-diHDHA, derived from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and its 16-epimer have been achieved. Two synthetic approaches are described for the synthesis of 16(R),17(S)-diHDHA. The first strategy started from DHA and used an enzymatic reaction, a vanadium catalyzed allylic epoxidation and a base-promoted epoxide isomerization. The second approach utilized a chiral pool strategy starting from 2-deoxy- d -ribose to establish the chiral centers; Wittig reactions, mild acetonide cleavage and ester hydrolysis were the key steps in the synthesis.
Taylor approximation and variance reduction for PDE-constrained optimal control under uncertainty

Abstract In this work we develop a scalable computational framework for the solution of PDE-constrained optimal control problems under high-dimensional uncertainty. Specifically, we consider a mean-variance formulation of the control objective and employ a Taylor expansion with respect to the uncertain parameter field either to directly approximate the control objective or as a control variate for variance reduction. The expressions for the mean and variance of the Taylor approximation are known analytically, although their evaluation requires efficient computation of the trace of the (preconditioned) Hessian of the control objective. We propose to estimate this trace by solving a generalized eigenvalue problem using a randomized algorithm that only requires the action of the Hessian on a small number of random directions. Then, the computational work does not depend on the nominal dimension of the uncertain parameter, but depends only on the effective dimension (i.e., the rank of the preconditioned Hessian), thus ensuring scalability to high-dimensional problems. Moreover, to increase the estimation accuracy of the mean and variance of the control objective by the Taylor approximation, we use it as a control variate for variance reduction, which results in considerable computational savings (several orders of magnitude) compared to a plain Monte Carlo method. In summary, our approach amounts to solving an optimal control problem constrained by the original PDE, the generalized eigenvalue equations at a small number of eigenfunctions, and a set of linearized PDEs that arise from the computation of the gradient and Hessian of the control objective with respect to the uncertain parameter. We use the Lagrangian formalism to derive expressions for the gradient with respect to the control and apply a gradient-based optimization method to solve the problem. We demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of the proposed computational method for two examples with high-dimensional uncertain parameters: subsurface flow in a porous medium modeled as an elliptic PDE, and turbulent jet flow modeled by the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations coupled with a nonlinear advection-diffusion equation characterizing model uncertainty. In particular, for the latter more challenging example we show scalability of our algorithm up to one million parameters resulting from discretization of the uncertain parameter field.