cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Primary Cilia for Morphological Analysis

Primary cilia are present in most mammalian cells and have lately been recognized as important cellular sensors that integrate and transduce extracellular signals into functional responses. Development of approaches to isolate primary cilia of sufficient quantity and quality for biochemical and molecular studies are crucial to understand their roles and functions under normal and pathological conditions. Two separate but complementary techniques (i.e., peel-off and slide pulling) to isolate enriched ciliary fractions from cultured epithelial cells are described. The purity and quantity of isolated cilia is verified by immunofluorescent confocal microscopy, light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and western blot analysis. Examples of detection of ciliary-associated proteins using isolated cilia are shown. These techniques will allow the isolation of primary cilia from cultured epithelial cells and permit further examination of the expression and localization of proteins of interest, helping to elucidate the role of primary cilia in health and disease.
Phonofilm, The Promise

The film going public was not really waiting for sound films. It could be argued that films had never really been “silent,” as there was almost always some musical accompaniment in the theater. The big city movies featured an orchestra or ensemble, maybe the “Mighty Wurlitzer” theater organ, while the small town houses may have had a piano player, but the film audiences of the “pre-sound” era always expected to hear music during the “silent” film experience. And by the 1920s, the major film releases often had music scores specifically written to accompany and enhance the visuals on the screen. The emotional cues that we expect from sound were always a part of the cinema experience as music, carefully selected to reinforce the story. This was the “sound track” for the cinema, pre-1926.
Clinical Presentation and Patient Evaluation in VTOS

This chapter traces the historical development of our current understanding of the pathophysiology of TOS and discusses the specific anatomic relationships at the thoracic outlet pertinent to venous TOS (VTOS). The clinical presentation of patients with VTOS is described, and the diagnostic evaluation is outlined. A unified, multi-modal approach to Paget-von Schroetter syndrome is discussed, which includes catheter-directed lytic therapy, surgical thoracic outlet decompression, endovenous intervention for intrinsic venous disease, and systemic anticoagulation. Several possible clinical scenarios are discussed and treatment algorithms presented.
Spectral mapping of thermal transport across SiC-water interfaces

Abstract In this investigation, the thermal transport across 3C-type silicon carbide (SiC) and water interfaces was analyzed by means of nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations. To understand the details of the mechanisms involved in the transport of energy across hard-soft interfaces, spectral mapping methods were implemented. It was observed that the phonon density of states (DOS) at the interface is affected by the atomic surface termination, crystallographic plane, and the wetting conditions for both phases, indicating that different vibrational modes contribute to the interfacial heat transfer process based on the interface configuration. Low-frequency modes were found to contribute the most for the C- and Si-terminated SiC(1 0 0) planes and the C-terminated SiC(1 1 1) plane, while a noticeable contribution from high-frequency modes was observed for the Si-terminated SiC(1 1 1) plane. Out-of-plane modes significantly contributed to the heat transfer in all the analyzed surfaces, while the heat flux composition by in-plane modes was notably smaller, particularly for the SiC(1 1 1) plane. The in-plane modes lower contribution to the interfacial heat flux was related to the interfacial bonding strength and liquid structuring formed at the interface. An agreement was found between the thermal boundary conductance dependence on the DOS overlap and the interfacial liquid structure, while the interfacial bonding strength did not conclusively inform on the thermal transport behavior across these interfaces.
Fujita’s Program and Rational Points

A classical theme in mathematics is the study of integral solutions of diophantine equations, that is, equations with integral coefficients. The main problems are decide the existence (or nonexistence) of solutions; find (some or all) solutions; describe (qualitatively or quantitatively) the set of solutions.
A mathematical model of reward and executive circuitry in obsessive compulsive disorder.

Abstract The neuronal circuit that controls obsessive and compulsive behaviors involves a complex network of brain regions (some with known involvement in reward processing). Among these are cortical regions, the striatum and the thalamus (which compose the CSTC pathway), limbic areas such as the amygdala and the hippocampus, as well as dopamine pathways. Abnormal dynamic behavior in this brain network is a hallmark feature of patients with increased anxiety and motor activity, like the ones affected by OCD. There is currently no clear understanding of precisely what mechanisms generate these behaviors. We attempt to investigate a collection of connectivity hypotheses of OCD by means of a computational model of the brain circuitry that governs reward and motion execution. Mathematically, we use methods from ordinary differential equations and continuous time dynamical systems. We use classical analytical methods as well as computational approaches to study phenomena in the phase plane (e.g., behavior of the system's solutions when given certain initial conditions) and in the parameter space (e.g., sensitive dependence of initial conditions). We find that different obsessive-compulsive subtypes may correspond to different abnormalities in the network connectivity profiles. We suggest that it is a combination of parameters (connectivity strengths between regions), rather than the value of any one parameter taken independently, that provide the best basis for predicting behavior, and for understanding the heterogeneity of the illness.
Stochastic model of BKPy Virus replication and assembly

BK Polyomavirus (BKPyV), belongs to the same family as SV40 and JC Virus and has recently been associated with both Sjogrens Syndrome and HIV associated Salivary Gland Disease. BKPyV was previously only known for causing the rejection of kidney transplants. As such, BKPyV infection of salivary gland cells implicates oral transmission of the virus. BKPyV replicates slowly in salivary gland cells, producing infectious virus after 72-96 hours. However, it remains unclear how this virus infects or replicates within salivary gland cells, blocking the development of therapeutic strategies to inhibit the virus. Thus, an intracellular, computational model using agent-based modeling was developed to model BKPyV replication within a salivary gland cell. In addition to viral proteins, we modeled host cell machinery that aids transcription, translation and replication of BKPyV. The model has separate cytosolic and nuclear compartments, and represents all large molecules such as proteins, RNAs, and DNA as individual computer "agents" that move and interact within the simulated salivary gland cell environment. An application of the Boids algorithm was implemented to simulate molecular binding and formation of BKPyV virions and BKPyV virus-like particles (VLPs). This approach enables the direct study of spatially complex processes such as BKPyV virus self-assembly, transcription, and translation. This model reinforces experimental results implicating the processes that result in the slow accumulation of viral proteins. It revealed that the slow BKPyV replication rate in salivary gland cells might be explained by capsid subunit accumulation rates. BKPyV particles may only form after large concentrations of capsid subunits have accumulated. In addition, salivary gland specific transcription factors may enable early region transcription of BKPyV.
ONLINE LAW JOURNALS AS LEGAL SCHOLARSHIP: A SURVEY OF FACULTY PERCEPTIONS

The rise of online-only law journals (OLJs) in both prevalence and prestige has resulted in debate over how to properly rank them compared to their flagship print counterparts. This Article reports the findings of a first-of-its-kind study that measured law school faculty perceptions of online-only law journal scholarship. The often counterintuitive results illustrate the severity of misinformation surrounding the topic. The results also allow for the creation of a rule-of-thumb ratio to help tenure track faculty decide where to publish and help those serving on hiring committees and tenure and promotion committees weigh the scholarly achievements of applicants. Additionally, this article is a valuable resource for journals considering the transition to an online-only modality among coronavirus budget cuts.
Polarization state tracing method to map local birefringent properties in samples using polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography.

We propose a method that utilizes the trajectory of output polarization states on the Poincare sphere to derive depth-resolved birefringent information within samples using a fiber-based polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography. The apparent (or intermediate) optic axis and the local phase retardation are first obtained by fitting a plane to the adjacent output polarization states along depths in the Poincare sphere. A sequence of 3D rotation operation determined by the local birefringent property of the upper layers is then applied to the apparent axis to finally determine the local optic axis. This method requires only one input polarization state and is compatible with both free-space and fiber-based PSOCT systems, simplifying the imaging system setup. The theoretical framework is presented to derive the local phase retardation and optic axis from the output polarization states and then demonstrated by mapping local birefringent information of the mouse thigh tissue in vitro.
Perenniality and diversity drive output stability and resilience in a 26-year cropping systems experiment

Abstract Sustainable cropping systems should be both stable and resilient to erratic and extreme climate, while remaining profitable and providing critical ecosystem services. Stable cropping systems exhibit minimal interannual variability while resilient systems remain productive under disturbances. It is unclear however which cropping system charataristics (e.g., perenniality, diversity, management) contribute the most to stability or resilience. Using a 26-year experiment we calculated food-energy output from five cropping systems typical of the North Central U.S.: continuous maize, maize-soybean under minimum tillage, organic maize-soybean-wheat system, and two forage rotations including maize and alfalfa. We found that output was greatest for non-organic maize rotations, followed by the forage rotations and the organic grain system. Output improved in all systems over time and was more stable in systems with a greater degree of perenniality. Soil health indicators were positively associated with both stability and perenniality. More diverse cropping systems exhibited greater resilience in the face of drought, due in part to having less maize in rotation. Perennial and diverse cropping systems are critical to sustainable food production, especially under increasingly erratic climate patterns, and should be actively promoted by policy.
Improvement of Pulmonary Function in Cystic Fibrosis Patients following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS To compare pre-and post-operative pulmonary function relative to disease severity in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective chart review. METHODS Patients with CF who underwent ESS between January 1996 and July 2018 were identified, with subsequent study exclusions based upon surgical indications or incomplete records. CF disease severity was based upon percentage predicted of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (%FEV1) with 70% as mild disease. The changes in %FEV1 before and after ESS were examined using multivariable mixed-effects models controlling for age, gender, genotype, medications, nutritional status, diabetes status, microbiology results, extent of surgery, and number of surgeries. RESULTS A total of 427 surgeries were performed in 188 patients during the study period. Mean age at first ESS was 12.7 years (SD 6.0 years, range 4-38) and 54.8% were females. The effect of ESS varied by severity of lung disease. After surgery, %FEV1 increased by 8.1% (95% CI: 2.3, 13.9%) among patients with severe lung disease and by 3.0% (95% CI: 0.7, 5.2%) among patients with moderate disease. %FEV1 also increased by 7.3% (95% CI: 4.2, 10.5%) among patients with mild disease whose %FEV1 value was 70% to 80% at baseline. No improvement was observed in patients with a baseline %FEV1 >80%. CONCLUSIONS When controlling for important confounding factors, lung function improved following ESS among CF patients with severe and moderate disease and in select patients with mild disease. This improvement was sustained at 12 months following surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1930-1938, 2021.
Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheters

This chapter provides the reader with an introduction to the ultrasound-based insertion of peripheral intravenous catheters, including standard insertion techniques and pitfalls to insertion techniques.
Stroke Center Designations, Neurointerventionalist Demand, and the Finances of Stroke Thrombectomy in the United States

Purpose of the Review This article aims to provide an update on the designation of stroke centers, neurointerventionalist demand, and cost-effectiveness of stroke thrombectomy in the United States. Recent Findings There are now more than 1,660 stroke centers certified by national accrediting bodies in the United States, 306 of which are designated as thrombectomy-capable or comprehensive stroke centers. Considering the amount of nationally certified centers and the number of patients with acute stroke eligible for thrombectomy, each center would be responsible for 64 to 104 thrombectomies per year. As a result, there is a growing demand placed on neurointerventionalists, who have the ability to alter the trajectory of large vessel occlusive strokes. Numbers needed to achieve functional independence after stroke thrombectomy at 90 days range from 3.2 to 7.4 patients in the early time window and 2.8 to 3.6 patients in the extended time window in appropriately selected candidates. With the low number needed to treat, in a variety of valued-based calculations and cost-effectiveness analyses, stroke thrombectomy has proved to be both clinically effective and cost-effective. Summary Advancements in the early recognition and treatment of stroke have been paralleled by a remodeling of health care systems to ensure best practices in a timely manner. Stroke center–accrediting bodies provide oversight to safeguard these standards. As successful trial data from high volume centers transform into real-world experience, we must continue to re-evaluate cost-effectiveness, strike a balance between sufficient case volumes to maintain clinical excellence vs the burden and burnout associated with call responsibilities, and improve access to care for all.
EVALUATION OF WHEEL LOAD FLUCTUATIONS.

Unevenness of the road surface impairs ride comfort and vehicle safety. This paper quantifies the influence of wheel load fluctuations which occur in certain circumstances on vehicle handling. The reason for this influence is that wheel load fluctuations produce changes in tyre properties: the average cornering forces decrease and dynamic lateral force fluctuations are produced. In respect to handling, this results in changes to the steering tendency, stability and dynamic response. In addition, it also produces variations from the course. For simulation, a dynamic high frequency tyre model and a non–linear vehicle model are developed. In step two, a quarter vehicle illustrates the main tyre properties changed by wheel load fluctuations. In a third step, the effects of the changed tyre properties on driving behaviour in linear range are discussed by means of a linear single track model. In a final step, the influences of the wheel load fluctuations on driving behaviour into the limit range are shown. In addition, results of measurements are presented and important vehicle parameters are analysed. It is shown that even high fluctuations in wheel load need not significantly impair vehicle safety. This is achieved by evaluating wheel loads separately from axle or body resonance. A proposal for reducing the conflicting aims between vehicle safety and ride comfort is presented.
The phosphoinositide signalling system. I. Historical background. II. Effects of lithium on the accumulation of second messenger inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in brain cortex slices.

Publisher Summary The interaction of neurotransmitters, growth factors, and hormones with cell surface receptors often stimulates intracellular processes by activating membrane enzymes, usually via a GTP-binding protein, to produce “second messengers” that diffuse to intracellular targets. In recent years, it has become clear that on binding of a variety of agonists to their receptors, inositol lipids in cell membranes are cleaved to inositol phosphates and diacylglycerol (DAG). There are three main phosphoinositides in the cell membrane: phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns), which comprises about 95% of membrane inositol lipid, phosphatidylinositol Cphosphate [PtdIns(4)P] and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P 2 ]. Activation of an appropriate receptor stimulates cleavage of PtdIns(4,5)P 2 to form DAG and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P 3 ]. Ins (1,4,5) P3 diffuses to Ca 2+ storage sites in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), binds to the Ins( 1,4,5)P 3 receptor in the ER membrane and releases Ca 2+ through a channel into the cytosol. Ca 2+ then activates physiological responses via Ca 2+ /calmodulin protein kinases and possibly by other mechanisms. DAG activates protein kinase C, which phosphorylates a different set of proteins, leading to a variety of biological responses. Diacylglycerol is also formed in some systems by agoniststimulated phosphodiesteratic cleavage of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine.
Noise, Uncertainty and Investor Psychology: A Behavioral Analysis

The aim of this paper is to focus the interest on the behavioral finance contribution that helps understanding the financial market volatility. In order to put in evidence such an eventual GARCH effect between the exchange volume and the volatility of stock prices on Tunisian financial market. We borrowed the approach of Moschetto (1998) and Najand and Yung (1991) allowing the assessment of the GARCH (1, 1) Model. The data set consists of weekly stock prices and transaction volume. The sample period runs from January 2002 to January 2013.The results pointed to significant positive effect of volume on stock prices that highlights the investor irrational behavior when uncertainty is ruling over the market.
The Economics of Telecommuting: Theory and Evidence

While there has been considerable research on the effect of telecommuting on worker’s productivity and quality of work life, there is considerably less work on the managerial problems associated with selecting, monitoring, and compensating workers involved in telecommuting. We propose a model based on contract theory to analyze the managerial decisions on telecommuting, focusing on (1) how managers should decide which workers will have the opportunity to telecommute and (2) how managers should monitor and provide incentives to workers who participate in telecommuting programs. Based on the model, we find that managers’ willingness to allow telecommuting is related to the amount of information they have about their employees and that employees who telecommute should have incentives based both on subjective evaluations and objective measures. Using data from the 1998 Workplace Employment Relationship Survey (WERS98), we test these predictions and find that they are supported by the data.
Society for Personality and Social Psychology

The Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP), the world's largest and most influential organization dedicated to personality and social psychology, was founded in 1976. SPSP has grown to more than 5,000 members, predominantly from North America but with significant international representation from Europe and Asia as well. Although most of SPSP's members are personality or social psychologists, SPSP also counts among its members individuals from most other disciplines of psychological science. Keywords: group behavior; personality; psychological organization; social psychology
The Causal and Explanatory Role of Information Stored in Connectionist Networks

In this paper I defend the propriety of explaining the behavior of distributed connectionist networks by appeal to selected data stored therein. In particular, I argue that if there is a problem with such explanations, it is a consequence of the fact that information storage in networks is superpositional, and not because it is distributed. I then develop a ``proto-account'' of causation for networks, based on an account of Andy Clark's, that shows even superpositionality does not undermine information-based explanation. Finally, I argue that the resulting explanations are genuinely informative and not vacuous.
Activation and impairment of platelet function in vitro by fatty acid ethyl ester, a nonoxidative ethanol metabolite: effect of fatty acid ethyl esters on human platelets.

Background: The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), nonoxidative metabolites of ethanol, on platelet function. We hypothesized that FAEE increase the risk of bleeding by producing an alteration in platelet membrane structure or function. Methods: Isolated human platelets incubated with FAEE were prepared and multiple assays for platelet activation were performed; β-thromboglobulin release from platelet granules, platelet aggregation, arachidonate release from phospholipids, and intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. We examined also the combined effect of epinephrine and FAEE on platelet aggregation. Results: FAEE induced platelet shape change, release of α granules and release of arachidonate from phospholipids without an increase in eicosanoid production and decreased cAMP levels. The platelets did not aggregate in response to FAEE alone, but did shorten the time to maximum aggregation with epinephrine. Conclusion: These studies show that FAEE potentiate platelet activation but do not induce aggregation, presumably because they do not stimulate thromboxane A2 production.
BOSTON IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA

Abstract Boston medical students trained in Paris in the 1830s repudiated “heroic” practice (bleeding, drugging, purging) in therapeutics. When James Jackson Jr. encountered a supposed miracle treatment—saline injections bringing cholera patients back from the brink of death—he dismissed it as another heroic remedy. Viewed in historical context, that conclusion seems justified.
Hearing disorders in children with fetal alcohol syndrome: findings from case reports

Fourteen children with the fetal alcohol syndrome were evaluated by standard audiologic procedures. Thirteen of the 14 children had childhood histories of hearing disorders. All 13 of these children (93%) had clinically significant histories of bilateral recurrent serous otitis media (ie, they were otitis prone), and at least four children (29%) had bilateral sensorineural hearing losses in addition to being otitis prone. Many of the children with recurrent serous otitis media required repeated myringotomies with placement of ventilation tubes, and those with sensorineural hearing losses required sound amplification during childhood. Recurrent respiratory infections (secondary to immune deficiencies) and eustachian tube dysfunction (secondary to embryonic malformations of the first and second branchial arches) are discussed as possible etiologic factors in the presence of the recurrent serous otitis media. An alcohol-induced neuroectoderm syndrome and alcohol ototoxicity are discussed as possible etiologic factors in the occurrence of sensorineural hearing loss. The findings suggest that hearing disorders are a heretofore unrecognized characteristic of the fetal alcohol syndrome. Such hearing disorders may contribute to the speech and language and learning difficulties seen in children with fetal alcohol syndrome. The present study also provided confirmatory evidence of visual, health, and speech and language disorders in children with this syndrome.
The permeability of the human red cell to deuterium oxide (heavy water).

Using a stopped-flow device, the osmotic water permeability of human red cells to D/sub 2/O and H/sub 2/O was studied as a function of temperature and under the influence of the sulfhydryl reagent paracholoromercuribenzene sulfonic acid (PCMBS), an inhibitor of water transport. The ratio, permeability (D/sub 2/O)/ permeability (H/sub 2/O) at each temperature can be predicted simply by assuming that permeability varies inversely with macroscopic viscosity. When water permeability is inhibited with PCMBS, this dependency on viscosity vanishes; the inhibited permeabilities in D/sub 2/O and H/sub 2/O are indistinguishable.
Experimental observation of angular correlation between Rydberg electrons in the Ba n'l'nl autoionizing series.

We have observed the Ba n'p 1/2 np and n'p 1/2 nd double Rydberg series (n>60, n' 0.75n the Rydberg structure that is observed for the lower n' levels disappears into an apparently unstructured continuum
Chemical and Photochemical Dual Polymerization in a Mixed Langmuir Monolayer of Diacetylene Derivatives and Octadecyltrimethoxysilane

A chemical-and-photochemical-induced dual polymerization at the air-water interface was performed for the first time, by using a ternary mixture of a octadecyltrimethoxysilane (C18TMS), 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid (PDA), and N-(11-O-alpha-d-mannopyranosyl-3,6,9-trioxa) undecyl 10,12-pentacosa-diynamide (PDTM). Different dual polymerization behaviors of the mixed monolayers of PDA/PDTM/C18TMS (7:1:8 molar ratio) at different subphase pH were monitored by surface pressure-area isotherms and UV-vis spectra. At pH 1, the C18TMS formed a long linear polymer network by strong intermolecular condensation. The PDA/PDTM was isolated to small domains by this network and can only be polymerized weakly upon UV irradiation. At pH 2.6, the weak condensation of C18TMS formed short linear polymers, which caused phase separation between C18TMS and PDA/PDTM. The strong photochemical polymerization of the PDA/PDTM rich domain was similar to the PDA/PDTM binary mixed monolayer. At pH 4.0, the partially hydrolyzed C18TMS was miscible with PDA/PDTM and slowed the polymerization process of PDA/PDTM upon UV irradiation. These results show geometry and kinetic controls of the PDA/PDTM polymer in 2D by using the C18TMS polymer network. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.
The novel SPARC family member SMOC-2 potentiates angiogenic growth factor activity.

SMOC-2 is a novel member of the SPARC family of matricellular proteins. The purpose of this study was to determine whether SMOC-2 can modulate angiogenic growth factor activity and angiogenesis. SMOC-2 was localized in the extracellular periphery of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Ectopically expressed SMOC-2 was also secreted into the tissue culture medium. In microarray profiling experiments, a recombinant SMOC-2 adenovirus induced the expression of transcripts required for cell cycle progression in HUVECs. Consistent with a growth-stimulatory role for SMOC-2, its overexpression stimulated DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Overexpressed SMOC-2 also synergized with vascular endothelial growth factor or with basic fibroblast growth factor to stimulate DNA synthesis. Ectopically expressed SMOC-2 stimulated formation of network-like structures as determined by in vitro matrigel angiogenesis assays. Fetal calf serum enhanced the stimulatory effect of overexpressed SMOC-2 in this assay. Conversely, small interference RNA directed toward SMOC-2 inhibited network formation and proliferation. The angiogenic activity of SMOC-2 was also examined in experimental mice by subdermal implantation of Matrigel® plugs containing SMOC-2 adenovirus. SMOC-2 adenovirus induced a 3-fold increase in the number of cells invading Matrigel® plugs when compared with a control adenoviral vector. Basic fibroblast growth factor and SMOC-2 elicited a synergistic effect on cell invasion. Taken together, our results demonstrate that SMOC-2 is a novel angiogenic factor that potentiates angiogenic effects of growth factors.
Internet GIS for public participation

Internet GIS, serving spatial data and GIS functionality on the web, offers a special and potentially important means to facilitate public participation in the planning and decision-making process. In this paper I discuss a framework for the design of a web-based public participation system (WPPS) that integrates Internet GIS, Internet communications, and scenario-building tools. The design framework is based on a taxonomy that is created to describe the level of services in serving public participation according to the information content, level of user interactivity, and system functionality. The system is designed to enhance public participation in the planning and decision-making process by providing the general public with data, analysis tools, and a forum to explore knowledge, express opinion, and discuss issues. The unique feature of the WPPS using Internet GIS is that it provides users not only the option of evaluating, commenting, and selecting alternatives, but also the capability of forming the...
A wearable device for controlling a robot gripper with fingertip contact, pressure, vibrotactile, and grip force feedback

Inspired by the potential of robotic teleoperation platforms, which extend the capabilities of both the human operator and the controlled robot, we have created a wearable haptic device that gives an operator bilateral control over the gripper of a remote robot. We believe this device is the first to provide kinesthetic grip force feedback along with independently controllable fingertip contact, pressure, and vibrotactile feedback, all of which are known to be of vital importance to humans when directly manipulating objects. The device is worn on the user's index finger and thumb and allows him or her to control the grip aperture of the robot using a pinching motion. Simultaneously, the operator receives kinesthetic grip force feedback from a geared DC motor and fingertip contact, pressure, and vibrotactile feedback from a pair of linear voice-coil actuators. This paper first describes the design of the device and then proposes a controller that closely links the human's hand to the sensory signals measured by kinesthetic and tactile sensors on the robot's gripper. We demonstrate initial feasibility of the device by having a user teleoperate a PR2 humanoid robot to repeatedly pick up and set down five diverse objects.
Prediction of the Rotational Tumbling Time for Proteins with Disordered Segments

For well-structured, rigid proteins, the prediction of rotational tumbling time (τc) using atomic coordinates is reasonably accurate, but is inaccurate for proteins with long unstructured sequences. Under physiological conditions, many proteins contain long disordered segments that play important regulatory roles in fundamental biological events including signal transduction and molecular recognition. Here we describe an ensemble approach to the boundary element method that accurately predicts τc for such proteins by introducing two layers of molecular surfaces whose correlated velocities decay exponentially with distance. Reliable prediction of τc will help to detect intra- and intermolecular interactions and conformational switches between more ordered and less ordered states of the disordered segments. The method has been extensively validated using 12 reference proteins with 14 to 103 disordered residues at the N- and/or C-terminus and has been successfully employed to explain a set of published resul...
Density dependence of the ionization potential of H2S in argon

Abstract The effect of argon on the ionization potential of H2S was investigated by means of field ionization for a wide range of argon desities between the gas and the triple point liquid. The ionization potential decreases monotonically with the host density and its width exhibits a maximum at around the critical density. The latter is attributed to the broadening of the ion-medium polarization energy distribution and is due to the fluctuations in the microscopic structure of the fluid.
Resolution of Isoforms of Natural and Recombinant Fibrinolytic Snake Venom Enzyme Using High Performance Capillary Electrophoresis

Abstract Prior studies have indicated that highly purified samples of natural fibrolase. a fibrinolytic metalloproteinase from southern copperhead snake venom, contains two isoforms. The isoelectric points of these isoforms differ by 0.01 to 0.03 pH units. In this study we show that these isoforms can be resolved by capillary one electrophoresis (CZE) using non-treated capillaries. CZE analyses can be performed on as little as 5ng of protein. Needle-like crystals of natural fibrolase were harvested and their composition analyzed by CZE which revealed the same ratio of isoforms in the crystals as was found in the sample of natural enzyme. Recombinant fibrolase was shown to contain at least two isoforms which could be resolved by cation-exchange HPLC. Analysis by CZE revealed that the early eluting fraction from cation-exchange HPLC contained only one isoform and this isoform corresponded to one of the isoforms of natural fibrolase. The late eluting fraction contained two components when analyzed by CZE. CZ...
“Wise Up!” Undocumented Latino Youth, Mexican-American Legislators, and the Struggle for Higher Education Access

At a rally in front of the California capitol building on Immigrant Lobby Day in May 2001, my eyes were drawn to a T-shirt with the message, “Education is a Human Right.” David,1 the skinny teenager who wore the shirt, had a moustache spare with youth, and his gelled hair stood up in pointed tufts. David told me that he had come from Los Angeles on a bus full of activists to lobby for Assembly Bill (AB) 540, authored by his assembly member, Marco Antonio Firebaugh. The T-shirt came from a youth conference with the same theme run by a community-based coalition that joins Latinos and African Americans to develop leaders in South Los Angeles.2
The Effect of Nutrition Education on Anemic African American Children Enrolled in the WIC Program

Abstract Anemia is a serious problem for children who live in poverty in the United States. One group of particular concern is African American children. Findings from past studies indicate that African American children normally have lower Hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations when compared to Caucasian children of the same age. Studies over the last two decades have shown that the WIC Program (Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children) has played an instrumental role in lowering the rate of anemia among participating children ages six months to five years. Fifty-one health records of African American children ages 1–5 were examined. Of this sample, n=47 were follow-up participants and n=4 were new WIC enrollees. Hb concentrations were compared at the beginning and end of the six month certification period of the following groups: control (n=25); experimental (n=12); and mixed experimental (n=14). The experimental group received individual counseling pertaining to iron rich foods at the beginning of the certification period, attended two special iron nutrition education classes, and were mailed a newsletter with menu ideas which contained iron rich foods. The mixed experimental group received the individual counseling and attended one of the iron classes. Pretest mean Hb values from each group were as follows: control 10.6; experimental 10.4; and mixed experimental 10.5. The post test mean scores of the three groups showed increases in Hb concentrations of 1.09, 1.25, and .70 g/dl respectively. A statistical difference was found among the control and experimental group. This study showed that concentrated nutrition education did have a positive effect on increasing the Hb concentrations among the groups tested. Because the control group showed to be significant, this leads one to believe that the WIC program as a whole reduced the rates of anemia.
Reactions of organorhenium complexes (η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(CH2R) with Ph3C+ PF6-; analysis of the energetics of α-hydride abstraction

Abstract Reactions of Ph3C+ PF6- with rhenium alkyl complexes (η5-C5H5)-Re(NO) (PPh3)(CH2R) (R = phenyl, n -alkyl) give rhenium alkylidene complexes sc -[(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)=(CHR)]+ PF6-. Modifications in the energy-reaction-coordinate diagrams for these transformations are made on the basis of new data on the relative stabilities of the Re-Cα rotamers of the starting materials.
Work in progress — Weaving threads of sustainability into the fabric of the mechanical engineering curriculum

This paper discusses progress in producing problem-based learning curricular materials on sustainability that are incorporated into three mechanical engineering science courses: mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, and dynamic systems and controls. Student learning outcomes for the project are: (1) knowledge of sustainability principles; (2) skill at solving design problems with realistic constraints; (3) attitudes about mechanical engineering as a profession and the importance of sustainability considerations. To assess design skills, we evaluate design project reports using a four-item rubric, and analyze the design objectives and constraints from these reports. To assess attitude, we administer a 28-item attitude survey to senior level students.
Exogenous Catalase and Ascorbate Modify the Effects of Abscisic Acid (ABA) on Root Hydraulic Properties in Phaseolus vulgaris L. Plants

Abscisic acid (ABA) modifies the hydraulic properties of roots by increasing root water flux (Jv). The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this ABA-induced process was evaluated. At the same time, some antioxidant enzyme activities in root tissues were measured. Phaseolus vulgaris plants were grown hydroponically, and different concentrations of ABA in combination with catalase enzyme or ascorbate were added to the nutrient solution. Catalase treatment had no effect by itself (no ABA) and had little or only a small stimulatory effect at ABA concentrations of 1, 50, and 100 μM, but it partially inhibited the ABA effect at 5 μM. Ascorbate by itself doubled Jv and root hydraulic conductance over the control value. In the presence of ABA, ascorbate partially or, at 100 μM, completely inhibited that ABA stimulation of Jv. These results are discussed in relationship to the possibility that ABA signaling in the roots involves ROS.
Antioxidant effect of bilirubin and pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) results from the excessive deposition of fat within liver cells (hepatocytes). It is the most common cause of liver disease in the pediatric population.1 The pathologic lesion that is the hallmark of NAFLD (macrovesicular hepatic steatosis) may be present in as many as 1 of every 10 children.1 The disease has a wide spectrum of possible pathologic outcomes.2 The reasons for the variability in outcome are unknown, but many factors are probably involved. Because of the increasing prevalence of NAFLD, it is critical to understand why some patients have a more benign course whereas in others it may progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and, eventually, end-stage liver disease.3 A fundamental molecular understanding of the pathophysiology of NAFLD is needed and is being actively pursued. Oxidative stress seems to be a very important trigger of inflammation in the liver.4 It … Address correspondence to Neal S. LeLeiko, MD, PhD, Hasbro Children's Hospital/Rhode Island Hospital, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nutrition, and Liver Diseases, 593 Eddy St, MPH 131, Providence, RI 02906. E-mail: neal_leleiko{at}brown.edu
Rapidity gap distributions and clustering in multiparticle production

Abstract We obtain a general formula for the rapidity gap distribution in short-range order models and relate the exponential slope at large gaps to the behavior of topological cross sections.
Multiparametric assessment of the anti-glioma properties of OKN007 by magnetic resonance imaging.

Purpose: To demonstrate that OKN007, a disulfonyl derivative of phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN), has anti-glioma activity in the clinically relevant C6 rat glioma model using multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one rats were intracerebrally implanted with C6 cells and administered OKN007 or kept as controls. Animals were monitored with MRI at 7 Tesla (T), using morphologic, diffusion-weighted and perfusion imaging, followed by histology and Western blots of angiogenesis and inflammatory markers. Results: OKN007 was found to decrease tumor volumes and increase survival. The glioma tissues of OKN007-treated rats were found to have longitudinal apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCz) of 0.76 ± 0.06 × 10−3 mm2/s, similar to the contralateral tissue and significantly smaller than untreated gliomas (0.97 ± 0.13 × 10−3 mm2/s). They had higher perfusion rates (66 ± 4 mL/100 g·min) than untreated gliomas (26 ± 7 mL/100 g·min). All examined molecular markers were decreased in OKN007-treated rat gliomas, compared with elevated levels in untreated rats. Conclusion: MRI assessment was successfully used to monitor a decrease in tumor growth, and corresponding alterations in ADC and perfusion rates in rat C6 gliomas treated with the anti-glioma agent, OKN007. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:796–806. ©2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Aluminization of copper for oxidation protection

Abstract Copper alloys are of interest for high strength and high thermal conductivity applications at elevated temperatures. However, their usage at high temperatures is usually limited by severe oxidation attack. To improve oxidation resistance, aluminum was diffused into oxygen-free high conductivity (OFHC) copper by a pack cementation process. Subsequent oxidation of the coated alloy at both 649 and 815 °C showed a decrease in the oxidation rate by a factor of more than two orders of magnitude. While the untreated copper oxidized to form Cu 2 O and CuO, the coated material formed an Al 2 O 3 scale. At 649 °C, the coating was protective for extended testing. At the higher temperature of 815 °C, coating breakdown was observed after 40–50 h. The coating phases formed by the aluminization process and their relationship to the development and breakdown of the protective Al 2 O 3 scale are discussed.
Fusion of FIG to the receptor tyrosine kinase ROS in a glioblastoma with an interstitial del(6)(q21q21)

The transmembrane proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ROS is an orphan receptor that is aberrantly expressed in neoplasms of the central nervous system. Here, we report the fusion of its carboxy-terminal kinase domain to the amino-terminal portion of a protein called FIG (Fused in Glioblastoma) in a human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). By characterizing both FIG and ROS genes in normal and in U118MG GBM cells, we determined that an intra-chromosomal homozygous deletion of 240 kilobases on 6q21 is responsible for the formation of the FIG-ROS locus. The FIG-ROS transcript is encoded by 7 FIG exons and 9 ROS-derived exons. We also demonstrate that the FIG-ROS locus encodes for an in-frame fusion protein with a constitutively active kinase activity, suggesting that FIG-ROS may act as an oncogene. This is the first example of a fusion RTK protein that results from an intra-chromosomal deletion, and it represents the first fusion RTK protein isolated from a human astrocytoma.
Soil Erosion Impact on Agronomic Productivity and Environment Quality

Soil erosion is a global issue because of its severe adverse economic and environmental impacts. Economic impacts on productivity may be due to direct effects on crops/plants on-site and off-site, and environmental consequences are primarily off-site due either to pollution of natural waters or adverse effects on air quality due to dust and emissions of radiatively active gases. Off-site economic effects of erosion are related to the damage to civil structure, siltation of water ways and reservoirs, and additional costs involved in water treatment. There are numerous reports regarding the on-site effects of erosion on productivity. However, a vast majority of these are from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe, and only a few from soils of the tropics and subtropics. On-site effects of erosion on agronomic productivity are assessed with a wide range of methods, which can be broadly grouped into three categories: agronomic/soil quality evaluation, economic assessment, and knowledge surveys. Agronomic me...
Effects of baclofen and bicuculline on inhibition in the fascia dentata and hippocampus regio superior.

Abstract The effects of microiontophoretically applied baclofen, bicuculline and phaclofen were studied on evoked field responses, paired-pulse (PP) plasticity and single-unit activity of dentate granule cells (DGCs) and CA1 pyramidal cells (PCs) in anesthetized rats. The GABA B agonist, baclofen, increased population spike (PS) amplitudes in the dentate evoked by perforant path stimulation but decreased PS amplitudes in CA1 evoked by Schaffer collateral stimulation, whereas the GABA A antagonist, bicuculline, increased PS amplitudes in both regions. Neither baclofen nor bicuculline had significant effects on dendritically recorded population excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in the dentate or CA1 evoked by stimulation of their respective afferents. Control PP curves in the dentate revealed a triphasic response of inhibition/potentiation/inhibition, whereas control PP curves in CA1 manifested a biphasic response of inhibition/potentiation of test/conditioned PS amplitudes. Baclofen and bicuculline reversed the early and late phases of PP inhibition in the dentate and the early phase of PP inhibition in CA1. The GABA B antagonist, phaclofen, selectively reversed the effects of baclofen on PP inhibition in both the dentate and CA1. Whereas baclofen had no effect, bicuculline increased and phaclofen decreased DGC single-unit spontaneous firing rate, while baclofen decreased and bicuculline and phaclofen increased PC firing rate. These results support and extend studies suggesting that GABAergic feedback inhibition of DGCs and PCs is mediated by postsynaptic GABA A receptors and feedback inhibition of PCs is mediated by postsynaptic GABA B receptors. Our results also provide significant new evidence suggesting that postsynaptic inhibition in the dentate is not regulated by GABA B receptors and that feedback and feedforward inhibition of DGCs and PCs is regulated by presynaptic GABA B receptors located on GABAergic interneurons.
The use of subgrains as imaged in the SEM from bulk specimens in the study of localized plasticity

The ability to image subgrains in the SEM by channeling contrast affords the opportunity to study localized plasticity and quantify parameters not previously measurable. This paper examines some of the ways in which subgrain information may be used in the study of fatigue and creep phenomena. Fatigue crack tip stress range and the work required to form a fatigue crack may be estimated. An example of the measurement of subgrain misorientation due to creep is also given.