cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Linear acoustic bandgap arrays for spurious mode suppression in piezoelectric MEMS resonators

In this work, we present a technique that utilizes arrays of coupled-ring linear acoustic bandgap (LAB) structures, which exhibit characteristic frequency stop bands, to reduce spurious modes in the wide-band response of AlN-on-Si lateral mode resonators. Aggressive LAB tethering (one support per finger) of high-order modes yields an increase in atmospheric quality factor (Q) from 1860 to 2890 for the designed peak at 209 MHz, compared to resonators with traditional tethers. Spurious modes from 0 to 360 MHz are suppressed by at least 30 dB relative to the main peak. The LAB structures presented achieve this goal through a combination of complete acoustic bandgaps and deaf bands.
Determination of alkanolamines in cattails (Typha latifolia) utilizing electrospray ionization with selected reaction monitoring and ion-exchange chromatography.

Selected reaction monitoring (SRM) with electrospray ionization was used as a specific detection technique for the analysis of alkanolamines in plant tissue extracts. Ion-exchange chromatography was used as the method of separation. Quantification was based on monitoring the loss of either H2O or 2(H2O) from the protonated molecule [M+H]+. The method provided increased selectivity for all analytes and better detection limits for three of the six analytes investigated compared with an earlier method using selected ion monitoring with liquid chromatography. Instrumental detection limits ranged from 6–300 pg injected for monoethanolamine (MEA), monoisopropanolamine (MIPA), diethanolamine (DEA), methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), diisopropanolamine (DIPA), and triethanolamine (TEA). Method robustness and selectivity were demonstrated by the determination of DIPA and a known transformation product MIPA in over 35 plant extract samples derived from a laboratory study of plant uptake mechanisms. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of chronic salicylate on GABAergic activity in rat inferior colliculus.

It is well accepted that salicylate ototoxicity results in reversible tinnitus in humans. Salicylate-induced tinnitus may be an example of plasticity of the central auditory system and could potentially serve as a model to further understand mechanisms of tinnitus generation. This study examined levels of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and the binding characteristics of the GABAA receptor in auditory brainstem structures of Long–Evans rats chronically treated with salicylate. Western blotting revealed a significant 63% (P<0.008) elevation of GAD levels in the inferior colliculus (IC) of salicylate-treated subjects. This occurred in subjects demonstrating behavioral evidence of tinnitus. Muscimol saturation analysis was indicative of a salicylate-related increase in receptor affinity. Linear regression of [3H]muscimol saturation analysis data revealed a significant (P<0.05) reduction in Kd values in whole IC (−48%), as well as in the central nucleus of IC (CIC, −58%) and combined external and dorsal cortex of IC (E/DCIC, −46%). The number of GABAA binding sites (Bmax) were also significantly (P<0.05) decreased. These changes were observed only in central auditory structures. This suggests that GAD expression and GABAA receptor binding characteristics may be altered with chronic exposure to sodium salicylate and these changes may represent aberrant plasticity clinically experienced as tinnitus.
Systematic and optimal cyclotomic lattices and diagonal space-time block code designs

In this correspondence, a new and systematic design of cyclotomic lattices with full diversity is proposed by using some algebraic number theory. This design provides infinitely many full diversity cyclotomic lattices for a given lattice size. Based on the packing theory and the concrete form of the design, optimal cyclotomic lattices are presented by minimizing the mean transmission signal power for a given minimum (diversity) product (or equivalently maximizing the minimum product for a given mean transmission signal power). The newly proposed cyclotomic lattices can be applied to both space-time code designs for multi-antenna systems and linear precode design for signal space diversity in single antenna systems over fast Rayleigh fading channels. Although there are some cyclotomic lattices/space-time codes existing in the literature, most of them are not optimal.
Long-range correlations of elastic fields in semi-flexible fiber networks

The mechanical properties of semi-flexible networks have been the subject of intense theoretical and experimental studies concerned primarily with the understanding of the complex behavior of biological systems such as the cell. Here it is shown that the elasticity of these networks, both elastic constants and elastic fields, while fluctuating significantly with position, is long-range correlated and the correlation functions exhibit power law scaling. The correlations are lost when the fiber stiffness is reduced. The range of scales over which correlations are observed is bounded below by the mean fiber segment length and above by the filament persistence length. Therefore, these networks can be regarded as stochastic fractal elastic media over the respective range of scales. This implies that no scale decoupling exists and no representative volume element can be identified on scales below the upper correlation cut-off scale.
Comparison of holmium:YAG and thulium fiber laser lithotripsy: ablation thresholds, ablation rates, and retropulsion effects

The holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser lithotriptor is capable of operating at high pulse energies, but efficient operation is limited to low pulse rates (∼10 Hz) during lithotripsy. On the contrary, the thulium fiber laser (TFL) is limited to low pulse energies, but can operate efficiently at high pulse rates (up to 1000 Hz). This study compares stone ablation threshold, ablation rate, and retropulsion for the two different Ho:YAG and TFL operation modes. The TFL (λ = 1908 nm) was operated with pulse energies of 5 to 35 mJ, 500-μs pulse duration, and pulse rates of 10 to 400 Hz. The Ho:YAG laser (λ = 2120 nm) was operated with pulse energies of 30 to 550 mJ, 350-μs pulse duration, and a pulse rate of 10 Hz. Laser energy was delivered through 200- and 270-μm-core optical fibers in contact mode with human calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) stones for ablation studies and plaster-of-Paris stone phantoms for retropulsion studies. The COM stone ablation threshold for Ho:YAG and TFL measured 82.6 and 20.8 J∕cm(2), respectively. Stone retropulsion with the Ho:YAG laser linearly increased with pulse energy. Retropulsion with TFL was minimal at pulse rates less than 150 Hz, then rapidly increased at higher pulse rates. For minimal stone retropulsion, Ho:YAG operation at pulse energies less than 175 mJ at 10 Hz and TFL operation at 35 mJ at 100 Hz is recommended, with both lasers producing comparable ablation rates. Further development of a TFL operating with both high pulse energies of 100 to 200 mJ and high pulse rates of 100 to 150 Hz may also provide an alternative to the Ho:YAG laser for higher ablation rates, when retropulsion is not a primary concern.
Multiple CD4+ T Cell Subsets Produce Immunomodulatory IL-10 During Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

The host immune response is believed to contribute to the severity of pulmonary disease induced by acute respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Because RSV-induced pulmonary disease is associated with immunopathology, we evaluated the role of IL-10 in modulating the RSV-specific immune response. We found that IL-10 protein levels in the lung were increased following acute RSV infection, with maximum production corresponding to the peak of the virus-specific T cell response. The majority of IL-10–producing cells in the lung during acute RSV infection were CD4+ T cells. The IL-10–producing CD4+ T cells included Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, Foxp3− CD4+ T cells that coproduce IFN-γ, and Foxp3− CD4+ T cells that do not coproduce IFN-γ. RSV infection of IL-10–deficient mice resulted in more severe disease, as measured by increased weight loss and airway resistance, as compared with control mice. We also observed an increase in the magnitude of the RSV-induced CD8+ and CD4+ T cell response that correlated with increased disease severity in the absence of IL-10 or following IL-10R blockade. Interestingly, IL-10R blockade during acute RSV infection altered CD4+ T cell subset distribution, resulting in a significant increase in IL-17A–producing CD4+ T cells and a concomitant decrease in Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. These results demonstrate that IL-10 plays a critical role in modulating the adaptive immune response to RSV by limiting T-cell–mediated pulmonary inflammation and injury.
Enhanced high-harmonic emission with 25-fs laser pulses

Summary form only given. We present experimental and theoretical results on ultrashort soft-X-ray harmonic generation in gases, using an amplified Ti:sapphire excitation laser with a 25-fs pulsewidth. The bandwidth of the excitation pulses is 32 nm, centered at a wavelength of 805 nm, and the laser system can provide up to 70 mJ of energy per pulse at a 10 Hz repetition rate. The laser beam is focused by a curved mirror onto a gas target to generate the high harmonics, and the spectra are taken with use of a grazing-incidence soft-X-ray spectrometer.
Self-awareness and drive theory: Comparing internal standards and dominant responses

Self awareness theory proposes that behavioural and cognitive changes following self- focused attention result from a comparison between a salient behavioural or cognitive aspect of the person and a relevant internal standard of correctness. Generalized drive has been offered as an alternative interpretation not requiring the assumption of a mediating cognitive process. The notion was tested that an internal standard of correctness, and not response dominance, guides behaviour following self-focused attention. The internal standard used, originality, was to be contrary to dominance. Subjects high or low on this standard were assigned to either a self-awareness, an arousal, or a control condition. First, response dominance was clearly established on a paired associates task. Then subjects' own associations to the stimulus words were obtained. In the self awareness condition, the originality of responses corresponded to internal standards. Responses in the arousal condition were not as predicted, but could be interpreted through the presumption that the particular operationalization of arousal raised not only drive level but also provided self-related stimuli. The data imply that internal standards of correctness and not response dominance influence the behaviour of those whose attention is self focused.
A simple encodable/decodable OFDM QPSK code with low peak-to-mean envelope power ratio

We present a quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) coding scheme for multicarrier communications. The scheme supports simple encoding and extremely simple maximum-likelihood (ML) decoding algorithms for orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM). Moreover, all the codewords have peak-to-mean envelope power ratio (PMEPR) of at most 6 dB.
‘Bonded by reverence toward the Buddha’: Asian decolonization, Japanese Americans, and the making of the Buddhist world, 1947–1965

This article examines Asian and Japanese American participation in a post-Second World War global movement for Buddhist revival. It looks at the role that Buddhism and the World Fellowship of Buddhists organization played in shaping transnational networks and the development of a global Buddhist perspective. It contextualizes the growth of a ‘Buddhist world’ within the history of decolonization and Japanese American struggles to reconstruct individual and community identities thoroughly disrupted by the war. The article considers Asian Buddhist approaches toward recognition as national and world citizens rather than colonial subjects and their influence on Japanese American Buddhists’ strategies for combating racial and religious discrimination in the United States. Finally, the article examines how Japanese Americans joined Asian efforts to formulate a distinctly Buddhist response to the Cold War. Buddhists hoped that Buddhism might serve as a ‘third power’ that would provide a critical check on a world increasingly polarized by Cold War politics and threatened by the prospects of nuclear war.
Does fish oil lower blood pressure? A meta-analysis of controlled trials.

BACKGROUND In a meta-analysis of 31 placebo-controlled trials on 1356 subjects, we examined the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil on blood pressure by grouping studies that were similar in fish oil dose, length of treatment, health of the subjects, or study design. METHODS AND RESULTS The mean reduction in blood pressure caused by fish oil for the 31 studies was -3.0/-1.5 mm Hg (95% confidence intervals: systolic blood pressure: -4.5, -1.5; diastolic blood pressure: -2.2, -0.8). There was a statistically significant dose-response effect when studies were grouped by omega-3 fatty acid dose: -1.3/-0.7 mm Hg at doses < or = 3 g/d, -2.9/-1.6 mm Hg at 3.3 to 7 g/d, and -8.1/-5.8 mm Hg at 15 g/d. Both eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were significantly related to blood pressure response. There was no effect on blood pressure in eight studies of "healthy" persons (mean reduction, -0.4/-0.7 mm Hg) at an overall mean dose of 4.2 g omega-3 fatty acids/d. By contrast, there was a significant effect of -3.4/-2.0 mm Hg in the group of hypertensive studies with a mean fish oil dose of 5.6 g/d and on systolic blood pressure only in six studies of hypercholesterolemic patients (-4.4/-1.1 mm Hg) with a mean dose of 4.0 g/d. A nonsignificant decrease in blood pressure was observed in four studies of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (-6.3/-2.9 mm Hg). Variations in the length of treatment (from 3 to 24 weeks), type of placebo, and study design (crossover or parallel groups) did not appear to account for inconsistent findings among studies. CONCLUSIONS There is a dose-response effect of fish oil on blood pressure of -0.66/-0.35 mm Hg/g omega-3 fatty acids. The hypotensive effect may be strongest in hypertensive subjects and those with clinical atherosclerotic disease or hypercholesterolemia.
Outpatient Management of Severe COPD

A 67-year-old man presents with progressive dyspnea. He has smoked cigarettes since he was 15 years of age. Worsening breathlessness forced him to retire as a laborer. His physical examination is notable for distant breath sounds on auscultation, with a prolonged expiratory phase. Spirometry reveals severe airflow obstruction (ratio of forced expiratory volume in first second [FEV1] to forced vital capacity, 0.43; FEV1, 34% of the predicted value). How should this case be managed?
Multiview, Broadband Acoustic Classification of Marine Fish: A Machine Learning Framework and Comparative Analysis

Multiview, broadband, acoustic classification of individual fish was investigated using a recently developed laboratory scattering system. Scattering data from nine different species of saltwater fish were collected. Using custom software, these data were processed and filtered to yield a data set of 36 individuals, and between 200 and 500 echoes per individual. These data were sampled uniformly randomly in fish orientation. Feature-, decision-, and collaborative-fusion algorithms were then developed and tested using support vector machines (SVMs) as the underlying classifiers. Decision fusion was implemented by cascading two levels of support vectors machines. Collaborative fusion was implemented by using SVM outputs to estimate confidence levels and performing weighted averaging of probabilities computed from each view with feedback from other views. Collaborative fusion performed as well or better than the others, and did so without requiring assumptions about view geometry. In addition to a comparison between classification algorithms and feature transformations, two data collection geometries were explored, including random observation geometries. In all cases, combining multiple, broadband views yielded significant reductions in classification error (>;50%) over single-view methods, for uniformly random fish orientation.
“Un folclor terrible e ineludible”: Las revoluciones de Carlos Monsiváis

TEXTOS HIBRIDOS Vol. 1, No. 1 (julio 2011) “UN FOLCLOR TERRIBLE E INELUDIBLE”: LAS REVOLUCIONES DE CARLOS MONSIVAIS Linda Egan University of California, Davis EN el periodo revolucionario que se instala a partir de 1911, Mexico, observa Carlos Monsivais, ―ve en la violencia un rito de pasaje…donde al ejercicio de la crueldad gubernamental…se le califica de ‗pintoresquismo del exceso‘, un folclor terrible e ineludible‖ (Patriotas 152). Segun el recien fallecido icono del saber, en su caracter inexorable, la violencia revolucionaria asume el rol de ―partera del adelanto‖ y generadora del ―amor por la epopeya, el lenguaje natural de la irrupcion del pueblo‖ (Imagenes 295). Esa irrupcion, sin embargo, siempre sigue un analisis del porfiriato en los recorridos cronisticos del escritor. Monsivais era un historiador insistente y puntual. 1 Respecto a la Revolucion Mexicana estaba convencido que no tenia sentido hablar de ella sin tomar en cuenta previa la dictadura de Porfirio Diaz (1872-1911) y los estragos sociopoliticos, economicos y animicos que esta segunda colonia causo en el pais. Durante las decadas en que mantuvo un control ferreo sobre la sociedad mexicana, Porfirio Diaz fue para Mexico el ―‗oxigeno de la Republica‘‖ (176), de una sociedad altanera que se creia de alcurnia aristocratica, afrancesada y decente, de habla y religion correctas (177). En la celebracion de las Fiestas del Centenario de la Independencia, Porfirio Diaz no fue ―el representante de la tradicion sino la tradicion misma, el conjunto de practicas de gobierno, creencias, actitudes y costumbres que son Mexico‖ (176) —en fin, ―un blow-up de nuestro culto a la personalidad‖ (Monsivais, Amor 19). Esto es lo que Carlos Fuentes caracteriza como la continuacion de la teocracia prehispanica, sin el apelativo de tlatoani (130), nombre dado a los reyes aztecas. Reprimidas las diversas energias de la gente, exportada la confianza en la capacidad nacional de construir infraestructura, rechazada el valor de las culturas autoctonas, el porfiriato aspiro a la autosuficiencia, el ahorro o eliminacion de esas contradicciones que indican juegos dialecticos pero provocan molestias innecesarias Siendo polimatematico, Monsivais estaba mas que familiarizado con la historia de Mexico prehispanica, colonial y moderna, amen de las historias mundiales, pero su especializacion, el area historica a la que volvia con insistencia en sus escritos es la Independencia y todo el siglo XIX de Mexico, pasando por la Revolucion y siguiendo hasta mediados del siglo XX. De esos anos de la formacion nacionalista Monsivais era un verdadero experto.
Effects of Particle Size and Substrate Surface Properties on Deposition Dynamics of Inkjet-Printed Colloidal Drops for Printable Photovoltaics Fabrication

Using fluorescence microscopy, the inkjet deposition dynamics of monodispersed polystyrene particles in the size range of 0.02–1.1 μm have been studied on glass, Ar plasma cleaned glass, and PDMS coated glass substrates. The results show that the substrate properties play an important role in determining the final dried patterns formed by the colloidal particles. Our observations also reveal that particle size and contact angle formed by the solvent in the dispersion determine how close to the contact line the particles can be deposited. It is found that smaller particles can move closer to the deposited contact line than particles with bigger sizes. This study can serve as a realistic experimental model system for a number of fundamental queries on how the final deposition microstructure depends on the ink formulation and substrate properties. The knowledge obtained here can be explored further to optimize process parameters for the fabrication of hybrid solar cells with improved morphology and device properties.
Electrostatically-driven elastomer components for user-reconfigurable high density microfluidics.

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of an electrostatically actuated user-reconfigurable elastomer microfluidic system intended for very large scale integration (VLSI) microfluidics. By adding thin film metal flexures into the PDMS polymer, individual elastomer channels were made to self-close without the use of pneumatics via the application of 15–20 V, 5 MHz signals synthesized digitally by a microcontroller and a radio-frequency amplifier IC. These valves were arranged into hexagonal or quadricular arrays with 75% fill factor. During use, valves were selected to be permanently closed, permanently open or addressable; this allowed for the on-the-fly determination of channels, valves and pumps. We present characterization of flow and pressure data for valves and pumps and demonstrate various multi-component configurations of the system capable of pumping, mixing, splitting and circulating flow. The presented technology is compatible with standard PDMS microfluidics, has actuation voltages low enough to be driven by commercial CMOS IC's and can be used to displace aqueous, gaseous and lipid phases. The primary contribution of this technology is to provide a scalable non-pneumatic platform for the very large scale integration of microfluidic total analysis systems.
The Crowding-Effectiveness Link: It Doesn't Matter How Fast We Deliver Care If We Don't Deliver It Right

In this issue of Annals, Sills et al report on the relationship between the level of crowding in the emergency department (ED) and the quality of care for patients aged 2 to 21 years and treated in a pediatric ED. Higher levels of crowding were associated with large increases in the likelihood of delayed care ( 1 hour from triage) for the asthma score and receipt of medications (corticosteroids and -agonists). Crowding was also related to lower “effectiveness”; specifically, some patients who should have received corticosteroids and an asthma score did not when their ED reached high levels of congestion. Although it could be argued that because treatment with steroids is a process, not an outcome, it should not be considered a true “effectiveness” measure. However, this study is notably the first to demonstrate that the international epidemic of crowding and its deleterious effects does not spare our youngest patients. It may serve as a clarion call to expose ED flow as a public health problem among advocates of children’s health care. The finding that higher levels of crowding are related to less timely care is consistent with those of numerous studies of adult ED patients, showing analogous delays in asthmatic patients, delays in antibiotic administration in pneumonia, delayed analgesia in a variety of acute painful conditions, delays in receipt of test results, and prolonged lengths of stay. However, what is novel about this study is the result that crowding is associated with reduced care effectiveness. Only 1 previous study demonstrated that patients with severe pain were less likely to receive any analgesia during episodes of higher crowding. But in that study, the presence of severe pain at triage did not necessarily mean they should have had or even wanted pain medication. In this study, there is more of a direct link between crowding and effectiveness because patients who should have received guideline-concordant care—an asthma score and corticosteroids—were less likely to receive it when the ED was more crowded. Although the quality of asthma care is important, the omission of certain elements of asthma care (especially an asthma score) is unlikely to result in permanent harm to anyone. M
Viruses in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: absence of candidate viral genomes in muscle

Abstract There is indirect evidence that various viruses have aetiological roles in the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. By means of a sensitive and specific method based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we sought direct evidence for the presence in affected muscle of nucleic acid sequences from Coxsackie virus, mumps virus, encephalomyocarditis virus, adenovirus, human T-lymphotropic virus types I and II, and human immunodeficiency virus. RNA was extracted from muscle biopsy samples obtained from 44 patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies a mean of 45 (range 0-216) months after disease onset. All the subjects were older than 16 years at disease onset. The integrity of the mRNA extracted was confirmed by the successful PCR amplification of insulin receptor mRNA in all samples. The PCR method was able to detect between 1 and 20 molecules of added viral nucleic acid for the picornaviruses sought. No detectable virus sequences were found, however, in any of the patients' muscle samples or in samples from 13 controls. We tested for retroviral DNA in 22 samples (17 patients, 5 controls) that met our criterion for adequate DNA extraction (detectable β-actin DNA by PCR); again no virus sequences were found. Persistence in muscle of these or closely related viruses is unlikely to be a continuing stimulus for disease in the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.
Regional governance and hazard information: the role of co-ordinated risk assessment and regional spatial accounting in wildfire hazard mitigation

With the threat of wildfire hanging over many communities in the Western and Southern United States, wildfire mitigation is evolving into a significant public responsibility for rural and urban edge county governments. Regional governance is an important piece of the effort to reduce wildfire risks although still weakly developed as a policy arena. This project explores two dimensions in which planning support systems can support regional governance: assessing patterns of wildfire risk accumulation; and, evaluating land use planning alternatives and their effects on cumulative risk levels. These tools are examined for regional governance using a prototype planning information system, the Alternative Growth Futures (AGF) tool, a scenario-building approach developed at the University of Colorado Denver. The project develops a hybrid urban growth model that integrates logistic regression techniques and methods for simulation of growth alternatives. This model is used to evaluate the attractiveness of undevel...
Avoiding the Nest: Responses of Field Sparrows to the Threat of Nest Predation

Nest predation is a major source of reproductive failure in birds (Ricklefs 1969, Martin 1992). Birds confronted with an enemy near the nest may use behaviors to deter the prospect of nest predation. The benefits of nest defense have been shown for many agressive species (Martin 1992), but smaller birds that cannot deter predators may need to resort to other behaviors to reduce predation risk. These other behaviors include mobbing (Curio 1978), injury feigning and distraction displays (Gochfeld 1984), and actions to draw prospective predators from the nest (Greig-Smith 1980, East 1981, Knight and Temple 1986).
Hereditary hemolytic anemia due to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase Torrance: a new variant.

Abstract A new variant of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) associated with nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia in a Caucasian kindred of Mohawk Indian-Irish ancestry is reported. This variant (G-6-PD Torrance) resembles G-6-PD Chicago but has the unique property of losing most of its activity at pH 8 on dialysis even in the presence of 10 μM TPN. However, it can be reactivated in vitro by 200 μM TPN in the presence of appropriate hydrogen and Mg ++ ion concentrations.
The Applicability of Electron-Emission Spectroscopy to Elucidate Chemisorption

The development of a quantum mechanical understanding of the surface-adsorbate bond and the reactions among adsorbates would surely accelerate the development of a mechanistic understanding of heterogeneous catalysis. The achievement of such a goal will depend upon a close coupling between theory and experiment. Experimentally, the geometrical location, the electronic energy levels of the surface atoms, and the adsorbate complex must be determined, i.e., the identification of the bonding configuration. In addition, the kinetics involved in formation of each surface complex must be measured. Electron-emission spectroscopy is used to measure the energy-level spectrum of the surface or the “surface density of states#x201D;, in order to elucidate the nature of the chemical bond at the surface. All of the electron spectroscopic techniques measure the dynamic response of a surface to an external probe, be it photons, electrons, or an applied field, while the information that is desired is the ground state of the system. A discussion of the response function of the measurement technique for field emission and photoemission is presented, which is focused upon the ability to measure the “surface density of states#x201D; and the ground-state energy spectrum. Several specific systems are discussed to illustrate the general properties of chemisorption systems, and the way photoemission spectroscopy can be utilized to determine the nature of the adsorbate-substrate interaction.
Abstract 400: Angiotensin II Triggers the Same Pressor Mechanisms in Salt-sensitive Hypertension and During Salt Depletion

Salt restriction or blood volume decline activates the renin-angiotensin (Ang) system to protect against short- and long-term drops in blood pressure (BP). Excess dietary salt and salt retention, however, activates CNS Ang II-mediated mechanisms that elevate BP. We tested the idea that the same CNS-regulated downstream mechanisms modulate total peripheral vascular resistance (TPR) under both conditions. Protocol 1: normal Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed either normal salt (NS, 0.4% NaCl) or low salt (LS, 0.1% NaCl) for 2 wks. Protocol 2: SD rats were infused subcutaneously with vehicle (V, saline) or Ang II (A, 150 ng/kg/min); some V and some A rats were fed NS, and the others were fed high salt (HS, 2% NaCl) for 2 wks. At the end of both protocols, intra-arterial BP was recorded and blood was drawn for endogenous ouabain (EO) determination by radioimmunoassay and multi-stage mass spectroscopy. Aortae and mesenteric arteries were harvested for protein immunoblots to determine arterial smooth muscle (ASM) expression of Na/Ca exchanger-1 (NCX1), a key Ca 2+ transporter. LS did not affect mean BP (87±2 vs 91±4 mm Hg, n =6 each), but did raise plasma EO (0.70±0.19 vs 0.21±0.02 nM, P 0.05) and increase ASM NCX1 expression 1.52-fold. Ang II infusion and, especially, HS + Ang II, increased mean BP (110±4 and 124±3 mm Hg, P P n =5-8) and plasma EO (0.53±0.31 and 1.31±0.72 nM, respectively, both P n =5-8). HS + Ang II also increased ASM NCX1 expression 1.91-fold. HS + Ang II, as well as LS also increased expression of SERCA2 and TRPC6, two other ASM Ca 2+ transporters. Intracerebroventricular Ang II also raises plasma EO and increases expression of the 3 Ca 2+ transporters in ASM; thus, the CNS controls this pressor pathway (Hamlyn et al., Hypertension 60 (3, Suppl.):e419, 2012). The new data reveal that both LS and HS activate the same downstream mechanisms: they elevate plasma EO and ASM Ca 2+ transporter expression. The increases in ASM Ca 2+ transporter expression, and enhanced sympathetic drive, should increase arterial tone and raise BP during salt excess, and minimize BP decline. We conclude that these fundamental mechanisms contribute to “whole body autoregulation” in the long-term control of TPR and BP.
A New Type of Coordination Polymer: Hydrothermal Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Magnetic Properties of [(C10H8N2)2CuBr]Cu3Br4

Growth of [(C10H8N2)2CuBr]Cu3Br4(I) crystals was achieved using the hydrothermal synthesis. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows that this compound crystallizes in monoclinic system, space group P21/c (no. 14) with four formula units in the unit cell. The cell dimensions are the following: a = 16.769(2) A, b = 23.873(6) A, c = 6.523(2) A, β = 98.37(3)°, V = 2584(1) A3. The title compound represents a new structure type. It consists of one-dimensional ribbons of 1[(Cu3Br4)] extending along the c-axis and discrete [(C10H8N2)2CuBr]+ complexes. The magnetic susceptibility study indicates a paramagnetic behavior due to the Cu(II) in the complex cations. The effective paramagnetic moment was calculated to be 2.20 μB from fitting the I‡(T) data.
Monodisperse Colloidal Gold Nanorings: Synthesis and Utility for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

Highly monodisperse colloidal Au nanorings (Au NRs) were synthesized via galvanic replacement reaction of 1D chain assembly of Co nanoparticles (Co NPs) in HAuCl4. The Au NRs exhibited tunable localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) wavelengths ranging from 651 to 760 nm as the aspect ratio increased from 3.8 ± 0.5 to 7.1 ± 1.8, consistent with calculations using the finite-difference time domain (FDTD) method. The FDTD calculations indicated intense field enhancement within the cavity of well-separated Au NRs as well as the presence of hot spots between closely situated Au NRs. The Au NRs are individually active for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). We show that the steric hindrance of densely packed poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) stabilizer at the particle junctions of the 1D chain assembly of Co NPs to AuCl4– diffusion is of critical importance for Au NR formation. We further demonstrate that whether an analyte experiences the hot-spot effect or not depends strongly on its ability to enter the...
Quasi-Two-Dimensional Smectic States of DNA Molecules Intercalated between Lipid Membranes in Multi-Lamellar Phases

We study fluctuations of DNA-cationic lipid complexes in their lamellar membrane phases with DNA intercalated between lipid membranes. We theoretically elucidate this novel state of matter by characterizing it as the very first realization of a decoupled (unregistered) phase of strongly fluctuating 2-d smectic manifolds weakly interacting across membranes. Due to couplings between adjacent 2-d smectic Lx, x Ly planes, the experimentally observed ordinary 2-d smectic behavior [Salditt et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 79, 2582 (1997)] of DNA in-plane undulations, with, must cross over, at the longest scales, to a novel fluctuation behavior, with :_ (logLy )2:_ (logLx)2.
Localization and biosynthesis of 7-dehydrocholesterol in rat skin

By differential assay, the concentration of 7-dehydrocholesterol in the dead keratin layer, the epidermal mucosa, the sebaceous glands and associated appendages of the epidermis, and the dermis of rat skin was determined; 85% of the 7-dehydrocholesterol was isolated from slices of skin that contained surface keratin and sebaceous glands. Slices of skin were incubated with labeled acetate in vitro. Labeled 7-dehydrocholesterol was separated from other labeled skin sterols as the hydrolyzed 5α, 8α Diels-Alder adduct. Approximately 80% of the labeled 7-dehydrocholesterol was isolated from slices of rat skin that contained sebaceous glands. The formation of cutaneous 7-dehydrocholesterol was studied in vivo by the injection of labeled acetate. More than 80% of the labeled cutaneous 7-dehydrocholesterol was isolated with the sebaceous tissue. Time-course studies suggested that Δ7-cholestenol may be a precursor of cutaneous 7-dehydrocholesterol.
CsI(Na) Detector Array Characterization for ARES Program

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have been supporting the Transformational and Applied Research Directorate in the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office of the Department of Homeland Security to define needs for, to develop, and to test a scintillator-based radiation detection and localization system to be fielded on a helicopter platform - the so-called Airborne Radiological Enhanced-sensor System. The system comprises an array of 92 CsI(Na) detectors that are arranged to function as an active mask to encode the directionality in the roll-dimension of measured gamma rays and is additionally capable of Compton imaging. Additional contextual sensors and specially-developed algorithms are also being fielded for characterization with the goal of detecting, localizing, and helping to interdict radiological and nuclear threats via airborne search. The algorithms that are being developed leverage contextual information including topography, geography, hyperspectral imagery, video tracking, and platform positioning. This paper describes recent characterization efforts of the CsI(Na) detector system including energy, position, and timing resolution and synchronization between the 184 individual photomultiplier tubes.
Security fusion: a new security architecture for resource-constrained environments

There is a huge demand for wireless sensors and RFID tags for remote surveillance and tracking. However, in order for such technologies to gain wide acceptance in industry, there needs to be strong security integrated into them. Traditional cryptographic schemes are infeasible due to hardware, computation, and power constraints. To that end, we introduce a new security paradigm, namely security fusion. In this approach, strong security properties are synthesized from weaker point-to-point properties, thereby minimizing the resource requirements at each node without compromising the system-level security. In this paper, we describe the concept of security fusion and give a motivation example using finite state machines.
Long-term hemodynamics following combined heart and lung transplantation in primates

To assess the long-term hemodynamic consequences of combined heart and lung transplantation, we investigated six rhesus monkeys 2.6 to 4.6 years (mean 4.0) after operation. Total follow-up was 24.0 primate-years. Autotransplantation had been carried out in four animals and allotransplantation in two, and the hemodynamic results were compared with those in three normal monkeys of similar size. Each animal underwent simultaneous right and left heart catheterization and pulmonary arteriography. Hemodynamic measurements were made at three levels of inspired oxygen. Arterial oxygen tension was within normal limits in all animals, and pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance index did not change significantly with changes in the levels of inspired oxygen. Indices of left ventricular systolic function were normal in all animals. Values for pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistence index were similar in the autograft and normal groups: in the allograft group, the average pressure was 30/17 mm Hg (mean 24) and the index was 5.6 units · m2—both levels significantly higher than normal (pressure was 16/10 mm Hg, mean 13, [p
Post-Sale Field Service: Options, Costs, and a New Option

Some basic general options for providing post-sale product maintenance are outlined. These traditional options are then contrasted with an additional option introduced here, modeled after Wilson’s EOQ inventory model. This latter option might in some cases help lower costs/pricing as well as result in a higher level of customer service.
Injury Patterns for Homicide Followed by Suicide by the Relationship Between Victims and Offenders

The connection between the victim–offender relationship and injury patterns has been established in the lethal violence literature; however, this association has not been explored in the study of homicide followed by the perpetrator’s suicide. Using data from the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), we address this research gap by examining violence inflicted on 1,718 homicide–suicide victims that occurred between 2003 and 2013. Results show some support for variation in injury across intimacy and relationship status while considering victim and offender characteristics; however, results were not as predicted. Avenues for future research are discussed.
Cascaded Multilevel Converters with Non-Integer or Dynamically Changing DC Voltage Ratios

Multilevel converters made of cascaded cells (MCCC) offer a high number of voltage levels with a given switch count. Many variants of the MCCC topology have been introduced over years. Mostly, only integer dc voltage ratios between the cascaded converter cells have been applied to its PWM modulation. This is mainly due to the non-uniform distribution of voltage vectors with the non-integer dc ratios. It poses difficulty to the conventional SVM modulators relying on locating the equilateral "triangle" made of three nearest vectors enclosing the reference vector. In this paper, an original modulation method is introduced to operate with any dc voltage ratio between cascaded converter cells, integer or non-integer; and even with a dynamically varying ratio; while the normal PWM output fast-average is not disrupted. The space vector analysis and the detailed simulations verify the modulation method. The new concept of MCCC PWM with non-integer dc voltage ratio offers great flexibility in its practical operation, particularly in MCCC with single dc source where the auxiliary inverter cell dc-link capacitor voltage can be regulated at arbitrary value online. Its wide range of practical applications is briefly discussed in this paper.
The potential of small-scale turbines and microbial fuel cells to support persistent oceanographic sensors

This work explores the potential of ocean renewable energy technologies to support persistent oceanographic sensing. We consider two cases: (1) energy from currents in four straits in the Philippines, extracted by a small-scale turbine, and (2) energy from microbial metabolism in global sediments, extracted by microbial fuel cells. For each energy capture device, we apply performance models based on laboratory experiments to real-world oceanographic data to estimate harvestable power. To illustrate utility for the oceanographic community, we relate the harvestable power to its ability to support generic ocean sensing devices such as an acoustic modem sensor package and unmanned, underwater vehicles.
Expanding Genetic and Clinical Spectrum of GLUT1D

A multicenter international genetic and clinical study of GLUT1 deficiency received 132 requests for mutational analysis of SLC2A1 gene from 2004-8.
Measurement techniques and procedures for standardized SE(T) testing of linepipe steel

Abstract The single edge-notched tension (SENT or SE(T)) test uses a low-constraint specimen geometry to determine the elastic-plastic fracture toughness of relevant linepipe steels. Application of the results include, but are not limited to, design methods, material selection, structural integrity assessment, fitness for service (FFS) and engineering critical assessment (ECA). Until recently, industry and government researchers have developed and published recommended practices without consensus from standard development organizations. A test standard was recently issued in 2014 by the British Standards Institution as BS 8571, and there is an ongoing effort to publish a robust standard test method within the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM International). Standardization of any test method should consider the influence of physical measurements on the results of the test. Generically, all measurements have uncertainty, and a standardized test method endeavors to produce results with a minimum uncertainty, as well as known precision and bias so that the results can be intelligently used for their intended purpose. This paper reviews the measurement techniques and procedures from each of the published recommended practices and BS 8571 and provides further guidance on specific techniques and procedures with respect to uncertainty.
Evaluating efforts to diversify the biomedical workforce: the role and function of the Coordination and Evaluation Center of the Diversity Program Consortium

The National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Diversity Program Consortium (DPC) includes a Coordination and Evaluation Center (CEC) to conduct a longitudinal evaluation of the two signature, national NIH initiatives - the Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD) and the National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) programs - designed to promote diversity in the NIH-funded biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and social sciences research workforce. Evaluation is central to understanding the impact of the consortium activities. This article reviews the role and function of the CEC and the collaborative processes and achievements critical to establishing empirical evidence regarding the efficacy of federally-funded, quasi-experimental interventions across multiple sites. The integrated DPC evaluation is particularly significant because it is a collaboratively developed Consortium Wide Evaluation Plan and the first hypothesis-driven, large-scale systemic national longitudinal evaluation of training programs in the history of NIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences. To guide the longitudinal evaluation, the CEC-led literature review defined key indicators at critical training and career transition points – or Hallmarks of Success. The multidimensional, comprehensive evaluation of the impact of the DPC framed by these Hallmarks is described. This evaluation uses both established and newly developed common measures across sites, and rigorous quasi-experimental designs within novel multi-methods (qualitative and quantitative). The CEC also promotes shared learning among Consortium partners through working groups and provides technical assistance to support high-quality process and outcome evaluation internally of each program. Finally, the CEC is responsible for developing high-impact dissemination channels for best practices to inform peer institutions, NIH, and other key national and international stakeholders. A strong longitudinal evaluation across programs allows the summative assessment of outcomes, an understanding of factors common to interventions that do and do not lead to success, and elucidates the processes developed for data collection and management. This will provide a framework for the assessment of other training programs and have national implications in transforming biomedical research training.
Respecting the ‘stages’ of depression: Considering depression severity and readiness to seek help

Abstract Objective Despite knowing the value of message customization, empirical results have failed to provide clear indicators of what make a depression help-seeking message effective. The present research examines stages of depression in response to a prominent communication strategy, gain versus loss framing, to inform possibilities for effective message customization. Methods Two experimental studies were conducted with a student (N = 126) and U.S. adult (N = 738) sample that tested the effects of gain versus loss framing at different stages of depression. Results A persuasive gain-frame advantage was found for those with mild and severe depression, whereas a boomerang effect was found for both gain and loss framing among those with moderately severe depression. With regards to intention to seek help, neither gain nor loss framing was found to influence intentions. Stages of depression was a strong predictor, with strongest intentions to seek help observed among those with either minor or severe symptoms of depression. Conclusion Effective health messaging must be matched with unique characteristics and needs of individuals at each ‘stage’ of depression in order to produce favorable outcomes. Practice implications ‘Stages’ of depression should be known and carefully assessed before the creation and launch of communication interventions.
Frequency Selection with Optical Property Uncertainty Estimates for Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging

We present a method to generate optical property uncertainty estimates from knowledge of diffuse reflectance measurement errors for spatial frequency domain imaging. Our method can help optimize spatial frequency selection for a given application.