cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
C5a-induced bronchoconstriction: absence of a role of circulating white blood cells and platelets.

C5a causes an intense bronchoconstriction when injected intravenously into the guinea pig. The present study was designed to determine if circulating white blood cells or platelets were important targ
A Scaling Parameter and Function for the Accurate Correlation of Viscosity With Temperature and Pressure Across Eight Orders of Magnitude of Viscosity

Quantitative calculations of film thickness and friction in elastohydrodynamic lubrication will require that the low-shear viscosity, μ, be described with far greater accuracy than it is today. The free volume model has the advantage, over those currently used, of reproducing all of the trends that were known 80 years ago, although not necessarily to experimental accuracy. A scaling parameter, ϕ∝TV γ based on the repulsive intermolecular potential having exponent ―3γ allows the viscosity to be written as a function of temperature, T, and volume, V, only, as μ = F(ϕ). The appropriate function for lubricants appears to be a Vogel-like form, μ∝ exp(B F ϕ ∞ /(ϕ ― ϕ ∞ )). Parameters are presented here for seven liquids. When the dynamic crossover is present, two such functions are required. A low molecular weight dimethyl silicone having high compressibility is an exception.
The Structure and Transport Mechanism of AdiC - an Arginine/agmatine Antiporter

AdiC transports arginine and agmatine (the decarboxylation product of arginine) across the membrane of certain enteric bacteria including E. coli, as well as pathognic organisms such as Salmonella. It belongs to the APC (amino acids, polyamines and organic cations) superfamily. Its major role is to maintain the internal pH of the cell in the acidic environment (such as stomach) by functioning as a virtual proton pump - transporting arginine (+1 charge) into and agmatine (decarboxylated arginine, +2 charge) out of the cell, resulting in export of 1 proton out during each turnover.We recently solved the crystal structure of AdiC with a Fab fragment at 3.2 A. The protein is captured in an outward-open, substrate-free conformation. Both structure and functional data have shown that some aromatic residues (Y93, W293 and Y365) are important for the substrate binding and transport, yet we don't have the direct picture of the structure in the presence of either arginine or agmatine. Therefore, our current work is focused on obtaining the conformation with substrate-bound. One approach is to design pair wise cysteines that can crosslink and mimic the conformation with substrate. Comparing the structure of AdiC and several other proteins with similar fold, we are targeting TM2 and TM8 for the cysteine crosslinking now. A second approach, based on our experience with Fab production, is to find another Fab that can stabilize the substrate-bound conformation. Currently we have twelve more monoclonal antibodies that bind AdiC and need to be tested.
A Novel Approach of Antireflection Coating Using Planar Metamaterials

We experimentally demonstrate a novel antireflection coating using planar metamaterials. It dramatically reduces the reflectance and enhances the transmittance over a wide range of incidence angles for both polarizations near the designed wavelengths.
A comparison of the effects of alkylating agents 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea and nitrogen mustard on nuclear RNA synthesis/and processing

Abstract The effect of three alkylating agents on the RNA metabolism of HeLa cells were compared. The agents, nitrogen mustard (HN 2 ), 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea and 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea, are quite different in their modes of inhibition and relatively specific in their effects on RNA synthesis and processing. Nitrogen mustard severely inhibits the formation of 45 S ribosomal RNA precursor in the nucleolus by producing shortened RNA chains. The remnant 45 S RNA that is produced appears to process normally at least as far as 32 S. The drug produces shortened nucleoplasmic RNA (HnRNA) molecules. Cytoplasmic messenger RNA is completely inhibited, presumably as a result of the aberrant nucleoplasmic synthesis. 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea has little immediate effect on ribosomal precursor RNA synthesis in the nucleolus. However, subsequent processing of the 45 S precursor RNA is severely inhibited. Prolonged exposure to the drug leads to an inhibition of 45 S RNA synthesis, possibly because of the block in the processing step. The drug has little effect on HnRNA synthesis. The addition of poly(A) to HnRNA is normal. However, the subsequent appearance of poly(A)-containing cytoplasmic mRNA is severely inhibited. 1-(2-Chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea directly inhibits the synthesis of 45 S precursor RNA in the nucleolus. The processing of such RNA as is formed is also inhibited. In contrast, it has little or no effect on HnRNA synthesis and does not affect the appearance of poly(A)-containing cytoplasmic message.
Osmotic coefficients and enthalpies of dilution of aqueous sodiumn-alkane-1-sulphonates at the temperatures (298.15, 313.15, 328.15, and 343.15) K

Osmotic coefficients of aqueous solutions of sodiumn-octane-1-sulphonate, sodiumn-decane-1-sulphonate, sodiumn-dodecane-1-sulphonate, and sodiumn-tetradecane-1-sulphonate at the temperatureT= 328.15 K and at molalities ranging from (0.01 to 0.30) mol·kg-1were estimated from vapour pressure osmometer measurements. Integral enthalpies of dilution for aqueous solutions of the same surfactants fromT= 298.15 K toT= 343.15 K and at final molalities ranging from about (0.1 to 3.0)·m(cmc) were also measured, wherem(cmc) denotes the critical micelle molality. Data for each surfactant were treated using a mass-action model that includes cation-anion interaction terms in the activity coefficient expressions for one anionic micellar species and the monomeric surfactant species. Ion-ion interaction parameters were estimated from the osmotic coefficients, and the temperature coefficients of these parameters were estimated from the enthalpies of dilution. Treatment of the enthalpies of dilution with the model also led to estimated values of ΔrHmofor the formation reaction of micelles and to the corresponding valuesm=m(cmc). A simultaneous fit of all the enthalpies for each surfactant yielded numerical values of a small number of parameters for simple equations that describe the rather complex behaviour of aqueous surfactant solutions in terms of an equilibrium constant and activity coefficient equations and their temperature derivatives.
Be´zier representation for quadric surface patches

Abstract Quadric surfaces such as cylinders and spheres play an important role in CAD. This paper describes a new method for creating triangular surface patches on a quadric surface. The surface patches are defined using a restricted type of quadratic Bezier control polyhedron. The control polyhedron and the resulting quadric surface patch satisfy all of the standard properties of parametric Bezier surfaces, including interpolation of the corners of the control polyhedron and the convex hull property. A new technique for creating a C 1 mesh of these quadric surface patches is also introduced.
Variation in the effects of antidiuretic hormone on the isolated skin of the toad, Scaphiopus couchi.

The rate of active sodium transport as measured by short-circuit current across the isolated skin of the toad, Scaphiopus couchi, was elevated following vasopressin (0.2 units/ml) or arginine vasotocin (0.1 units/ml) treatment of skins from active animals at all times of the year tested. Skins from dormant animals showed no such elevation at any time of the year. The rate of active sodium transport was elevated following treatment with dibutyryl cyclic AMP (2.5 mM) plus theophylline (10 mM) in all skins tested. The hydraulic conductivity of isolated skins from both active and dormant animals showed no significant change following treatment with vasopressin (0.2 units/ml) or arginine vasotocin (0.1 units/ml) except on the first day following emergence from dormancy in the field. A correlation was, therefore, observed between the occurrence of a hydroosmotic response to antidiuretic hormones and the seasonal exposure of S. couchi to standing water. A small but significant elevation of hydraulic conductivity was observed across the skins of dormant toads following treatment with dibutyryl cyclic AMP (2.5 mM) plus theophylline (10 mM) whereas a substantial elevation was observed with the skins of active animals.
Pharmacological effect of capsaicin on rat avoidance behaviours elicited by sine-wave electrical stimulation of different frequencies by Neurometer

The Neurometer is a diagnostic device for measuring the perception and threshold of transcutaneous stimulation. It has been used in patients to selectively activate Abeta-, Adelta- and C-fibres in the primary afferents at different stimulus frequencies (2000, 250 and 5 Hz, respectively). In this study, we investigated use of the Neurometer to selectively activate nerves in conscious rats. The behavioural endpoint of paw withdrawal was used to measure the current threshold (CT). This behaviour was elicited by a lower stimulus current than other behaviours evoked by Neurometer stimulation and caused only mild stress in rats. Repeated topical application of capsaicin (four doses of 100 microg) or systemic administration of the capsaicin analogue resiniferatoxin (30 or 300 microg kg(-1)) increased the CT value for this behaviour at 5 Hz stimulation but not at 2000 Hz or 250 Hz. This change in CT at 5 Hz is probably due to C-fibre desensitization by the pharmacological treatments. The combination of 5 Hz sine-wave stimulation with a Neurometer and the observation of paw withdrawal behaviour make it possible to perform preclinical studies of C-fibres in animals as an alternative to the use of high- and low-rate heating of the paw.
Synthesis and Characterization of Boundary Lubricant-Functionalized PVA Gels for Biotribological Applications

Hyaline cartilage is a material which exhibits ideal tribological properties by maintaining naturally low friction, leading to high wear resistance in articulating joints. When damage to hyaline cartilage occurs, due to diseases such as osteoarthritis or traumatic tissue injuries, tissue regeneration is limited due to cartilage’s avascular and aneural nature. The resulting bone-on-bone contact causes serious pain and limited mobility. Current treatment options are limited to total or partial joint replacements, which are not ideal procedures due to long term failure of components and osteolysis. A vastly improved material is desirable, which better mimics the structure and excellent tribological behavior of natural cartilage.© 2010 ASME
Is Once Weekly Administration of Antidepressants Feasible

Antidepressant medications are taken daily or more frequently based on both tradition and pharmacokinetics of the drugs. However, weekly administration may be a feasible option for drugs with a long elimination half-life and flat dose-response curve. In addition to providing effective control of symptoms, it is possible that weekly administration could also benefit patients by reducing costs and minimising drug interactions and adverse effects. The selective serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine: 5-HT) reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine appears to be a candidate for once weekly administration.
THEORY OF NUCLEATION RATES.

A general procedure is outlined for the first-principles calculation of the rate of decay of a metastable phase.
Losses in CuInSe/sub 2/-based thin film monolithic tandem solar cells

Two critical aspects for the development of tandem solar cells using CuInSe/sub 2/-alloy materials are addressed. First a structure for monolithic tandem solar cells using wide and narrow bandgap Cu(InGa)Se/sub 2/-alloys in the top and bottom cells is demonstrated. This structure uses an ITO layer as both back contact to the wide bandgap Cu(InGa)Se/sub 2/ and interconnect to the bottom cell. Three different options for the emitter in the bottom cell are compared. Second, progress on the wide bandgap cell using the Cu(InGa)(SeS)/sub 2/ system is presented, and different loss mechanisms in Cu(InGa)Se/sub 2/ and CuInS/sub 2/ based devices are identified. Efficiency with Cu(InGa)Se/sub 2/ is reduced by lower optical absorption and poor current collection while with CuInS/sub 2/, it is reduced by interface recombination.
Menorrhagia in Adolescents Requiring Hospitalization

Background An immature hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, undiagnosed hematologic disease and a history of significant medical problems have been suggested as risk factors for adolescent menorrhagia. This study was undertaken to assess medical and menstrual histories as well as treatments of hospitalized adolescents with menorrhagia. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of all adolescents ≤ 20 years of age with menorrhagia admitted at the University of Michigan from 1980–1995. Information regarding medical history, hematologic parameters, treatment and diagnosis was extracted from each chart. Pregnant patients were excluded. Results Thirty-eight adolescents with 47 admissions for menorrhagia were identified. All of the readmissions were in patients with hematologic disease. The average age of menarche was 12.8 and the average age at admission was 16.0. Of the 38, 12 had a history of regular cycles, 20 had irregular cycles and/or menorrhagia, 3 were menarchal, and 3 had unknown menstrual histories. Nineteen adolescents had significant medical diseases: hematologic disease (6), receiving chemotherapy (5), renal disease (3), and other medical problems (5). For the 47 admissions, causes of menorrhagia were anovulation (22), hematologic disease (15) of which 14 were established hematology patients, chemotherapy related (5), infections (3), trauma (1), and structural (1). Transfusions of blood products were performed during 29 of the admissions. The average lowest hematocrit during the hospitalizations was 23.5% and for those transfused packed RBC was 19.4%. The average platelet count in those transfused platelets was 10,288. Treatments included oral contraceptive pills or progestins (22), intravenous conjugated estrogens (8), antibiotics (4), immune gammaglobulin (3), DDAVP (3), and prednisone (1). During the 47 admissions 12 surgical procedures were performed including 8 D&C's, 3 laparoscopies and 1 hysterectomy. Conclusions A large proportion of admissions for adolescent menorrhagia are in adolescents with significant medical problems. 60% in our study. In our experience the patients with menorrhagia who required admission had severe anemia and were transfused in 62% of cases. The predominant etiologies for these admissions included anovulation in 47%, hematologic disease in 32%, and chemotherapy in 11%. Hormonal regulation or suppression of menses should be considered in adolescents with significant medical disease.
Gastric emptying procedures decrease the risk of postoperative recurrent reflux in children with delayed gastric emptying

Abstract Purpose: Although several centers often perform gastric emptying procedures (GEP) together with fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and delayed gastric emptying (DGE), the benefit of GEP is controversial. The present study addresses the question of whether adding a GEP in children with preoperatively diagnosed GER and DGE affects the recurrence rate of GER after Nissen fundoplication (NF). Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on all children under the age of 16 years, operated on for GER from 1980 to 1997, who had a preoperative diagnosis of DGE, and at least 6 months of follow-up. Gastric retention of more than 50% of a radiolabeled meal at 90 minutes was considered DGE. Recurrent reflux was defined as reappearance of GER symptoms, confirmed by postoperative esophagram or 24 hours of pH monitoring. Results: Of the 183 patients with DGE, 92 were available for long-term follow-up. Of these, 20 had no gastric emptying procedure performed (no-GEP group) and 72 had a GEP performed together with an NF (GEP group). Groups were comparable as to age at operation, mean follow-up time, male to female ratio and prevalence of associated anomalies. A higher prevalence of neurological impairment (NI) was present in the GEP group (48.6% v 20.0%). Mean preoperative gastric retention was significantly higher in the GEP group (69.9 ± 1.3%) than in the no-GEP group (61.4 ± 2.2%). No complications resulted from the GEP. Recurrent reflux rate was 18.1% in the GEP group (13 of 72) versus 35.0% (7 of 20) in the no-GEP group. Actuarial analysis disclosed a marginally significant difference in the rate of recurrent reflux between the groups ( P = .057) and estimation of the relative risk showed a 1.94 increase of recurrent reflux risk in the no-GEP (0.89 Conclusions: Children with DGE, who did not have GEP, had twice the frequency of recurrent reflux as those who had a GEP. Preoperative screening for DGE, as well as operative correction of DGE at the time of fundoplication, is therefore recommended.
Should Men Work Outside and Women Stay Home? Revisiting the Cultivation of Gender-Role Attitudes in Japan

Despite recent societal changes, the stereotyped images of men as providers and women as homemakers are prevalent on Japanese television. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between television viewing and attitudes toward the traditional gender-role notion that men work outside and women take care of the family and home. Data from the Japanese General Social Surveys from 2000 to 2008 indicate that television viewing is positively related to traditional gender-role attitudes. Data also reveal mainstreaming patterns by sex, age, education, and political orientation. Further, the observed cultivation and mainstreaming patterns were not contingent upon time. Implications are discussed in terms of the role of television in the realization of a gender-equal society in Japan.
Synthesis of (pentacarbonyl)tungstate(−1) and (pentacarbonyl)molybdate(−1) dinucleotides

Abstract New methods for preparation of metallo dinucleotides with transition metals directly bonded to phosphorus are presented. (Pentacarbonyl)tungstate(−1) and (pentacarbonyl)molybdate(−1) dimers are prepared by the reaction of dinucleotide-H-phosphonate with M(CO)5(THF) (M = W, Mo). These syntheses can be completed in solution or on solid-phase.
Affective analgesia following muscarinic activation of the ventral tegmental area in rats.

Abstract Cholinergic stimulation of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) underlies activation of the brain reward circuitry. Activation of this circuit is proposed to preferentially suppress the affective reaction to noxious stimulation. Vocalization afterdischarges (VADs) are a validated model of the affective response of rats to noxious tail shock. The antinociceptive action of the acetylcholine agonist carbachol microinjected into the VTA on VAD threshold was compared with its effect on the thresholds of other tail shock–elicited responses (VDS, vocalizations during shock; SMR, spinal motor reflexes). Whereas VADs are organized within the forebrain, VDSs and SMRs are organized at medullary and spinal levels of the neuraxis, respectively. Carbachol (1 μg, 2 μg, and 4 μg) injected into VTA produced dose-dependent increases in VAD and VDS thresholds, although increases in VAD threshold were significantly greater than increases in VDS threshold. Administration of carbachol into VTA failed to elevate SMR threshold. Elevations in vocalization thresholds produced by intra-VTA carbachol were reversed in a dose-dependent manner by local administration of the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine sulfate (30 μg and 60 μg). These results provide the first demonstration of the involvement of the VTA in muscarinic-induced suppression of pain affect. Perspective Cholinergic activation of the brain reward circuit produced a preferential suppression of rats' affective reaction to noxious stimulation. The neurobiology that relates reinforcement to suppression of pain affect may provide insights into new treatments for pain and its associated affective disorders.
A leximin characterization of strategy-proof and non-resolute social choice procedures

We characterize strategy-proof social choice procedures when choice sets need not be singletons. Sets are compared by leximin. For a strategy-proof rule g, there is a positive integer k such that either (i) the choice sets g(r) for all profiles r have the same cardinality k and there is an individual i such that g(r) is the set of alternatives that are the k highest ranking in i's preference ordering, or (ii) all sets of cardinality 1 to k are chosen and there is a coalition L of cardinality k such that g(r) is the union of the tops for the individuals in L. There do not exist any strategy-proof rules such that the choice sets are all of cardinality $k^*$ to k where $1 < k^* < k$ .
Gravitational Gauge Mediation

It is often the case that naive introduction of the messenger sector to supersymmetry breaking models causes the supersymmetry restoration. We discuss a possibility of stabilizing the supersymmetry broken vacuum by the gravitational interaction.
Mobility of the fermi hole in a single-determinant wavefunction

The dependence of a Fermi orbital on the position of the probe electron is examined and compared with the corresponding behavior in a uniform-density free-electron gas. The shape of the resulting function is demonstrated with contour maps for the water, ethane, and formaldehyde molecules. The results of this work may have useful application in the characterization of electronic localizability and electrical conductivity.
Countable structures with a fixed group of automorphisms

We prove that, given a countable groupG, the set of countable structures (for a suitable languageL)U G whose automorphism group is isomorphic toG is a complete coanalytic set and ifG ≄H thenU G is Borel inseparable fromU H . We give also a model theoretic interpretation of this result. We prove, in contrast, that the set of countable structures forL whose automorphism group is isomorphic to ℤ p ℕ ,p a prime number, is Π 1 1 &σ 1 1 -complete.
Testing of lithium-ion 18650 cells and characterizing/predicting cell performance

The performance of lithium-ion cells, as determined from in-house testing, is primarily a function of cell design/materials, charge/discharge rate, ambient temperature, and the number of charge/discharge cycles. Testing of lithium-ion 18650 cells was performed in order to characterize their behavior and to eventually predict the performance of lithium-ion cells of various sizes. AC impedance spectroscopy was used to determine the interfacial resistance of the lithium-ion cells as a function of temperature, state-of-charge, and cycle number. From these results, a nonisothermal mathematical model was developed and preliminary results are presented.
Diode pumped room temperature 4.6 µm erbium laser

We report first operation of a 4.6 µm laser for trivalent erbium. Efficient, broadband, room temperature operation was obtained pumping with a 0.80 µm laser diode.
Effects of specimen size and sample aspect ratio on the compressive strength of graphite/epoxy laminates

Abstract Failure mechanisms and stress/strain behavior have been investigated for different geometries of uniaxially-compressed AS4/3502 graphite/epoxy laminates with [0]48, [±10]12s, [±15]12s, [±30]12s, and [±45]12s architectures. Specimens with various aspect ratios (height/width) and heights were tested with an end-loading fixture. This allowed a simultaneous study of the influence of the amount of fibers constrained by the loading platens on the strength and stiffness of these laminates. The failure stress for each orientation was found to be inversely proportional to the sample aspect ratio and height, without any noticeable change in the failure micromechanisms. Except for the [±45]12s samples which showed a damage strain of almost 8–9% at a relatively constant stress, failure in all other orientations was brittle and catastrophic and characterized by a sharp termination in the respective stress/strain characteristics. While [±15]12s and [±30]12s samples failed on a single shear fault aligned with the fiber direction, [±10]12s specimens suffered multiple delaminations and ply separations upon failure. The origin of these delaminations was traced to the deflection of in-plane matrix shear cracks, and not ply bending, fiber scissoring, or interlaminar shearing. [0]48, samples failed by end brooming, matrix crushing and delamination, without registering the widely observed fiber kinking mechanism, which we believe is observed when the specimen ends are gripped. Thus, this paper questions if any of these failure mechanisms for the [0]48, samples are fundamental.
Ellipsometry study of non-uniform lateral growth of ZnO thin films

Abstract Ellipsometry is normally used to characterize layered structures which have a uniform properties laterally across the area of the probe beam. Ex situ ellipsometry was used to study the lateral variation in film thickness introduced purposely in ZnO films grown by magnetron sputtering.
Effect of resistance training on resting metabolic rate and its estimation by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry metabolic map.

Effect of resistance training on resting metabolic rate and its estimation by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry metabolic map
Anterior sacral meningocele. Current diagnosis

One hundred fifty cases of anterior sacral meningocele have been reported in the world literature. This rare pathologic entity was first recognized and described by Bryant in 1837. We report a patient with an incidental anterior sacral meningocele. Our patient is the oldest reported in the literature. The incidental feature of this malformation is uncommon. We review the literature and discuss the clinical aspect, diagnosis, and treatment. Emphasis is placed on the current and optimal method of radiologic evaluation using computed tomography scan combined with metrizamide myelography.
Distinct orbitofrontal regions encode stimulus and choice valuation

The weak axiom of revealed preferences suggests that the value of an object can be understood through the simple examination of choices. Although this axiom has driven economic theory, the assumption of equation between value and choice is often violated. fMRI was used to decouple the processes associated with evaluating stimuli from evaluating one's actions. Whereas activity in left posterior areas of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) was associated with processing the objective value of stimuli, activity in medial anterior areas of the OFC was associated with accepting high value gambles and rejecting low value gambles; that is, making correct decisions. These data demonstrate that distinct areas of the OFC provide dissociated representations for use in adaptive decision-making and suggest an important processing distinction between the concepts of good/bad and right/wrong.
Expression of Human CAR Splicing Variants in BAC-Transgenic Mice

The nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) is a key regulator for drug metabolism in liver. Human CAR (hCAR) transcripts are subjected to alternative splicing. Some hCAR splicing variants (SVs) have been shown to encode functional proteins by reporter assays. However, in vivo research on the activity of these hCAR SVs has been impeded by the absence of a valid model. This study engineered an hCAR-BAC-transgenic (hCAR-TG) mouse model by integrating the 8.5-kbp hCAR gene as well as 73-kbp upstream and 91-kbp downstream human genomic DNA into the genome of CAR-null mice. A series of experiments demonstrate that (1) the expression of major hCAR mRNA SVs, SV0-4, in livers of hCAR-TG mice is comparable to that in human livers; (2) the hCAR SVs are predominantly expressed in liver, which resembles the tissue distribution of CAR in humans, but diverges from that in mice; and (3) major hCAR mRNA SVs increase markedly in postnatal livers of hCAR-TG mice, which mimics the ontogeny of CAR mRNA in humans. Thus, the transgene likely contains all the functional regulatory elements controlling proper spatial and temporal expression of the hCAR gene. Moreover, hCAR-TG mice respond to the hCAR-specific agonist 6-(4-chlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b] [1,3]thiazole-5-carbaldehyde O-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)oxime instead of the mouse CAR agonist 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene, as well as the common CAR activator, phenobarbital, suggesting that hCAR is fully functional in livers of transgenic mice. In summary, the hCAR-TG mice developed by this study represent a valid model for studying in vivo function and regulation of hCAR and its splicing variants.
Geomechanical modeling of hydraulic fracturing: Why mechanical stratigraphy, stress state, and pre-existing structure matter

The increasing exploration and production in unconventional resource plays in the past decade has been accompanied by a greater need for understanding the effectiveness of multistage hydraulic fracturing programs, particularly in long (>1500 m or 5000 ft) subhorizontal boreholes (laterals). Traditional (analytical) analysis techniques for estimating the size and orientation of fractures induced by fluid injection typically result in predictions of relatively long and planar extension (mode I) bi-wing fractures, which may not be representative of natural systems. Although these traditional approaches offer the advantage of rapid analysis, neglect of key features of the natural system (e.g., realistic mechanical stratigraphy, pre-existing natural faults and fractures, and heterogeneity of in situ stresses) may render results unrealistic for planning, executing, and interpreting multimillion-dollar hydraulic stimulation programs. Numerical geomechanical modeling provides a means of including key aspects of natural complexity in simulations of hydraulic fracturing. In this study, we present the results of two-dimensional finite element modeling of fluid-injection-induced rock deformation that combines a coupled stress–pore pressure analysis with a continuum damage-mechanics-based constitutive relationship. The models include both the natural mechanical stratigraphic variability as well as the in situ stress-state anisotropy, and permit tracking of the temporal and spatial development of shear and tensile permanent strains that develop in response to fluid injection. Our results show that simple, long planar fractures are unlikely to be induced in most mechanically layered natural systems under typical in situ stress conditions. Analyses that assume this type of fracture geometry may significantly overestimate the reach of hydraulically induced fractures and/or effectively stimulated rock volume.
Trellis thrombectomy system for the treatment of iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis.

Purpose To describe the use of a new percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy device to clear thrombus from the iliofemoral vein. Case report A 52-year-old woman with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presented to the emergency room with a posterior tibial vein deep vein thrombosis and a greater saphenous vein thrombosis. Heparin therapy caused the clot to propagate into the iliofemoral vein. Catheter-directed thrombolysis for 36 hours with 24 units of reteplase failed to clear the clot. The Trellis Thrombectomy System, a new percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy device, was used to deliver a low dose of reteplase into the clot. Complete clot lysis was achieved in 45 minutes using only 5 units of reteplase. The patient's symptoms resolved completely, and she continues to be asymptomatic at 6 months with no evidence of residual clot on duplex scans. Conclusions The Trellis device may be used to rapidly clear thrombus from the iliofemoral vein with a low dose of thrombolytic agent.
A tunable, nonsubsampled, non-uniform filter bank for multi-band audition and level modification of audio signals

The need for investigation and (possibly non-linear) modification (e.g. dynamic range compression) of the components of an audio signal corresponding to different spectral bands is widespread. Two examples of present focus include multi-band dynamic range compression of a musical signal and frequency-dependent gain control in a hearing aid. We present a technique we call sub-band audition, which enables the user to listen to individual sub-bands of an audio signal, and thus better determine required modifications. The filter bank requirements of such an application are presented. Finally, the design of a tunable, nonsubsampled, non-uniform filter bank, based on allpass-complementary filter banks and elliptic minimal Q-factor (EMQF) filters, is presented.
Saturation, exchange and retention of implanted D/H ions in fused silica

Elastic recoil detection techniques have been used to measure hydrogen isotope profiles in fused silica implanted with 20 keV H and/or D ions. Saturation is obtained for both H and D implantations at a concentration of 2.2 × 1021 ions/cm3. H and D exchange are observed for saturated samples subsequently implanted with a different H isotope. A previously developed local mixing model of H-trapping has been extended to include retrapping and beam-induced detrapping for application to these studies. This theoretical analysis provides a good fit to the H/D saturation and isotope exchange behavior. Isochronal annealing shows that both H and D are released in a single stage centered about 550°C.
Chronic Kidney Disease, Insulin Resistance, and Incident Diabetes in Older Adults

Summary Background and objectives Insulin resistance is a complication of advanced CKD. Insulin resistance is less well characterized in earlier stages of CKD. The response of the pancreatic β cell, effects on glucose tolerance, and risk of diabetes are not clear. Design, setting, participants, & measurements The Cardiovascular Health Study included 4680 adults without baseline diabetes. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine equation was used to obtain the estimated GFR (eGFR). Insulin resistance was evaluated as fasting insulin concentration. The insulin sensitivity index, β cell function, and glucose tolerance were assessed by oral glucose tolerance testing. Incident diabetes was defined as fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dl, nonfasting glucose ≥200 mg/dl, or use of glucose-lowering medications. Results Mean age was 72.5 years (range, 65–98 years). Mean eGFR was 72.2 (SD 17.1) ml/min per 1.73 m2. After adjustment, each 10 ml/min per 1.73 m2 lower eGFR was associated with a 2.2% higher fasting insulin concentration (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4%, 2.9%; P Conclusions Among older adults, lower eGFR was associated with insulin resistance. However, with lower eGFR, β cell function was appropriately augmented and risks of impaired glucose tolerance and incident diabetes were not increased.
A Hybrid Method for Indoor Wave Propagation Modeling

A novel method of analyzing wave propagation in a building consisting of a heterogeneous mixture of homogeneous and periodic walls is presented. In this method walls are discretized into finite-size building blocks and a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) approach is used to compute their electromagnetic response in a periodic arrangement as well as in corner and terminal locations. These results in conjunction with an iterative field/current calculation algorithm are used to compute the interactions among the walls. The theory and the implementation of this method are described for the 2-D case. The algorithm will henceforth be referred to as ldquobrick-tracingrdquo algorithm. This field calculation leads to more accurate indoor field predictions, as it accounts for multiple scattering from periodic (cinderblocks, rebar structures, etc.) and nonperiodic wall structures and yet is computationally tractable. The FDTD computation of the walls is fast because of the finite and relatively small size of the building blocks and the iterative current computation only uses simple radiation integral calculations. Consequently computational time is much less than any full-wave simulation. At 1.0 GHz, the 2-D approach of this hybrid method is validated with a full-wave FDTD code and its capability to analyze complex indoor environments is shown.
Changing world-changing nature of conflicts-a critical role for military radar

The upheaval in world geopolitical structure is changing the nature of international security and the nature of possible future conflicts. A review of the character of these future conflicts points to new critical roles for military radars. This paper is not an overview of all future military radar possibilities but rather it assesses the nature of future conflicts and identifies certain critical radar systems and technologies that are the keystone to favorable resolution of these conflicts. >
The Acquisition of Abstract Words by Young Infants.

Young infants' learning of words for abstract concepts like 'all gone' and 'eat,' in contrast to their learning of more concrete words like 'apple' and 'shoe,' may follow a relatively protracted developmental course. We examined whether infants know such abstract words. Parents named one of two events shown in side-by-side videos while their 6-16-month-old infants (n=98) watched. On average, infants successfully looked at the named video by 10 months, but not earlier, and infants' looking at the named referent increased robustly at around 14 months. Six-month-olds already understand concrete words in this task (Bergelson & Swingley, 2012). A video-corpus analysis of unscripted mother-infant interaction showed that mothers used the tested abstract words less often in the presence of their referent events than they used concrete words in the presence of their referent objects. We suggest that referential uncertainty in abstract words' teaching conditions may explain the later acquisition of abstract than concrete words, and we discuss the possible role of changes in social-cognitive abilities over the 6-14 month period.
Capital Access for Women: Profile and Analysis of U.S. Best Practice Programs

Capital access programs and funds for women starting and expanding their businesses have grown dramatically over the past decade. These programs cover the spectrum from microenterprise to venture capital funds and serve highly diverse populations. Thirteen best practice programs and three promising practices (new programs that appear innovative but do not yet have a track record) are profiled in this report and are the basis for our analysis of key success factors, barriers, and constraints faced by women entrepreneurs, and our policy recommendations. We profile and analyze the programs to share best practices and lessons learned so that successful programs can be replicated. Our analysis of these best practice programs identifies six areas that can improve the strength of all capital access programs and expand their reach.
Children show heightened memory for threatening social actions.

Three experiments investigated whether a negativity bias in social perception extends to preschool-aged children’s memory for the details of others’ social actions and experiences. After learning about individuals who committed nice or mean social actions, children in Experiment 1 were more accurate at remembering who was mean compared with who was nice. In Experiment 2, children showed a memory advantage for the specific details of actions committed by mean individuals compared with nice individuals. In Experiment 3, children exhibited better memory for the details of mean actions compared with nice actions when the vignettes were presented from the perspective of the recipients instead of the perpetrators of these actions. Taken together, these findings suggest that children show heightened memory for the details of negative social actions over positive social actions. Such a memory bias may be advantageous in helping children to predict potentially threatening situations in the future.
Globalization, the Body, and the Corporate Model

Most people understand globalization as a historical process where society continues its march toward technological advancement and universal progress. In short, globalization is thought to be a positive trend that is beyond human control. In a Durkheimian manner, society is evolving like a giant organism and growing more complex and efficient (Durkheim 1933). And with the rise in technological progress, which is also a hallmark of globalization, most believe that the world has become compressed and smaller. With technological gadgets like the new iPad, which was launched a few weeks ago, one can be connected to the rest of the world in minutes, if not seconds. All in the palm of your hands, you can download books and music of all sorts, check the weather in Istanbul, Turkey, take pictures and send them across the Pacific Ocean and share with relatives in South Korea instantaneously, and much more. Indeed, modern-day globalization is quite different than the previous eras where people had to take treacherous journeys on ships through rough waters of the great oceans to meet other cultures and peoples. Exchange of ideas, customs, foods, and languages can happen all in the comforts of one’s own room.
Mining Unstructured Text at Gigabyte per Second Speeds

Humans communicate with text in thousands of languages, in dozens of scripts, in a variety of binary codes, on millions of topics. There is a need, for both government and commercial applications, to identify these text characteristics to enable follow-on processing such as transcoding, translation, transliteration, routing and prioritization. This paper deals with the implementation of real-time mining of unstructured text on high-speed hardware capable of processing network data streams at gigabyte per second speeds.
Filament formation in switching devices based on V2O5 gel films

Filament formation in V 2 O 5 gel films leading to a two-terminal switching device has been observed. In a previous paper, we have identified the switching with a metal-insulator transition within a permanent, current-induced channel between the electrical contacts. Here, we describe the reversible formation of a filament inside the channel, and obtain a static solution of the heat transport equation for this device which indicates a large temperature variation within the filament, and further reveals the failure mechanism for the reversible switching. The principle of least entropy production has been used to analyze the filament growth, which results in a successful simulation of the “on” state I-V characteristic of the switching process, including its negative resistance region.
Beyond the deficit model: bullying and trajectories of character virtues in adolescence.

Previous work on peer victimization has focused primarily on academic outcomes and negative indicators of youth involved in bullying. Few studies have taken a strength-based approach to examine attributes associated with bullies and victims of bullying. As such, we examined developmental trajectories of moral, perfor- mance, and civic character components, and their links to bully status using data from 713 youth (63 % female) who participated in Wave 3 (approximately Grade 7) through Wave 6 (approximately Grade 10) of the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development. Latent growth curve analyses indicated that moral character was stable across waves, whereas civic character increased slightly by Wave 6. Trajectories for performance character varied; some youth alternatively displayed positive versus negative growth. Youth who reported bullying behavior reported lower ini- tial levels of moral, performance, and civic character as compared to youth not involved in bullying. Bully-victims reported lower initial levels of moral and civic character as compared to youth not involved in bullying. Implications for future work examining character-related components in the context of peer victimization are discussed.
A Cross-Cultural Exploration of Masculinity and Relationships in Men From Turkey, Norway, and the United States:

Masculinity ideology is the endorsement of a set of culturally based male role norms that influences gender-related attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. However, masculinity research has been criticized for not being inclusive enough of different cultures. This study explored the cultural and relational components of masculinity by comparing 564 Turkish, Norwegian, and U.S. men’s endorsement of masculinity ideology and examining the associations between masculinity ideology and interpersonal attitudes and behavioral competencies with romantic partners and work colleagues separately for the three groups of men. Norwegian men had significantly lower scores on a measure of masculinity ideology than both Turkish and U.S. men. Canonical correlation analyses revealed that all three groups of men had significant associations between male role norms and interpersonal relationship variables, but the patterns of association differed by country. Generally, endorsement of traditional male role norms was associated with...
Copper-Mediated Synthesis of Tertiary Diaryl Squaramides

Tertiary aryl squaramides were synthesized by using copper catalyzed C−N bond-formation with l-proline as the ligand. Symmetrical diaryl squaramides could be prepared in a one-pot reaction by using excess aryl bromide with varying yields. Unsymmetrical derivatives were prepared by sequential arylation. Yields of the diarylated products were highly sensitive to steric effects.
X-ray transitions near defects in metals

Intrinsic defects in metals affect the X-ray absorption and emission edges. Estimates are given for defects in Cu and Al, including the vacancy, interstitial and dislocation. The resulting structure should be observable and can distinguish between vacancy and interstitial.
Correlation ECE diagnostic in Alcator C-Mod

Correlation ECE (CECE) is a diagnostic technique that allows measurement of small amplitude electron temperature, Te, fluctuations through standard cross-correlation analysis methods. In Alcator C-Mod, a new CECE diagnostic has been installed(Sung RSI 2012), and interesting phenomena have been observed in various plasma conditions. We find that local Te fluctuations near the edge (ρ ∼ 0.8) decrease across the linear- to-saturated ohmic confinement transition, with fluctuations decreasing with increasing plasma density(Sung NF 2013), which occurs simultaneously with rotation reversals(Rice NF 2011). Te fluctuations are also reduced across core rotation reversals with an increase of plasma density in RF heated L-mode plasmas, which implies that the same physics related to the reduction of Te fluctuations may be applied to both ohmic and RF heated L-mode plasmas. In I-mode plasmas, we observe the reduction of core Te fluctuations, which indicates changes of turbulence occur not only in the pedestal region but also in the core across the L/I transition(White NF 2014). The present CECE diagnostic system in C-Mod and these experimental results are described in this paper.
Corrosion-Resistant, Chromate-Free Talc Coatings for Aluminum

Abstract Aluminum (Al) and Al alloys exhibit unusual passivity when immersed in alkaline lithium (Li) salt solutions. This passivity is a result of precipitation of a continuous, polycrystalline talc coating. Talc coatings persist when removed from the Li salt solution and offer increased corrosion protection during exposure to aggressive environments. Efforts to develop a low-cost, low-toxicity, easily applied corrosion-resistant coating for Al are ongoing. Surface analytical and electrochemical experiments aimed at characterizing the structure, composition, and barrier properties of talc coatings were conducted. The solution chemistry involved in talc formation was studied, and the conditions under which coatings form readily were established. Results showed coatings formed by immersion in an alkaline Li salt bath followed by a low-temperature (≤ 100°C) heat treatment in air or water provided barrier properties that compared favorably with those of traditional inorganic corrosion-resistant coatings, suc...