cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Western blotting of isoelectric focusing gels: A method to detect S-thiolation of carbonic anhydrase III in vivo and in vitro during oxidative stress

Isoelectric focusing (lEF) combined with Western blotting detected the modification of carbonic anhydrase III (CA HI) by S-thiolation (glutathioneprotein mixed disulfide formation) when primary cultures of rat hepatocytes were subjected to oxidative stress. Carbonic anhydrase HI constitutes 5-8% of the soluble protein in male rat liver, and is the major hepatic protein modified by S-thiolation in males. Carbonic anhydrase III antiserum was produced by immunization of a rabbit with purified CA HI. As little as 10 ng of CA III could be clearly identified on Western blots of lEF gels. With this method, three S-thiolated forms of CA III could be detected in hepatocytes treated with 0.2 mM menadione, however, only two S-thiolated forms of CA III were observed in hepatocytes treated with 0.5 mM t-butyl hydroperoxide. Sthiolation of CA III by t-butyl hydroperoxide reached a maximum at 3 min and decreased to control levels by 15 min, whereas menadione gradually increased CA III S-thiolation. These results support the concepts that CA III has two reactive sulfhydryl groups and that S-thiolation can occur in different ways. A similar CA III S-thiolation pattern was observed in female hepatocytes under oxidative stress, although CA III levels in females were 15fold less than in males. CA III S-thiolation was also detected in rat muscle and heart and the blotting pattern of S-thiolated proteins was similar to the pattern in liver. This method may permit molecular characterization of the regulation of numerous specific proteins which are modified by oxidative stress and consequent S-thiolation in vitro and in vivo.
Self-healing and superhydrophobic coatings for corrosion inhibition and protection

Corrosion of metal structures and consumer products has been a significant problem since the start of the industrial revolution. However, the inhibition and prevention of corrosion have only been an active area of study in the last century. The need for smart and functional coatings has recently become a large area of interest due to the ability of these coatings to be adapted to a variety of materials, mechanical and chemical conditions, and sporadic environmental conditions. One of the most viable methods by which corrosion can be prevented is through coatings. Self-healing coatings demonstrate a novel method of autonomic repair for microcracks using self-healing polymers encapsulated with polymerizable species into microparticles and nanoparticles. Additionally, these microparticles and nanoparticles can also be loaded with corrosion inhibitors that are released upon mechanical or chemical damage, thereby reducing corrosion. The use of superhydrophobic coatings leads to improved corrosion resistance due to the modification of the wettability of the coating, thereby changing its hydrophilic or hydrophobic response. This review details and provides a new perspective on self-healing and superhydrophobic coatings as well as future outlooks.
Hybrid Constellations for Dual-Polarized Wireless Communications

This paper considers constellation designs for $2\times 2$ systems with a coherent dual-polarized antenna configuration. Such an architecture enables a four dimensional (4D) signal space that exploits polarization, and this paper considers hybrid constellations formed as a combination of amplitude/phase states and polarization states. For coherent detection, phase shift keying (PSK) is combined with polarization shift keying (PolSK) to produce constant-power PSK+PolSK constellations that consistently outperform PSK+PSK. Next, quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and amplitude phase shift keying (APSK) are combined with PolSK to construct hybrid QAM+PolSK and APSK+PolSK constellations, and constrained capacity results indicate the viability of coded modulation based on these signal spaces. For non-coherent detection, differential PSK (DPSK) is combined with PolSK to yield DPSK+PolSK signaling that does not require phase alignment at the receiver and outperforms DPSK+DPSK, both with and without the adverse effect of carrier frequency offset and symbol time offset. The methods are verified in over-the-air testing with universal software radio peripherals (USRPs) integrated in a dual-polarized testbed. Error performances of all proposed 4D hybrid constellations in an OFDM framework are analyzed under both quasi-AWGN and multipath fading scenarios.
Neuroprotective Immunity for Neurodegenerative and Neuroinfectious Diseases

The interplay between innate and adaptive immunity strongly influences the pathobiology of neurodegenerative, neuroinflammatory, and neuroinfectious diseases. Specific and sustained immune responses can induce disease by affecting neuronal injury and death. Disease progression parallels glial proliferation, proinflammatory cytokine production and adaptive immune responses against the inciting misfolded protein or infectious agent. All affect neuronal demise. Neuroprotective immune transformation remains a therapeutic avenue being developed by several research groups towards the shared goal of sustaining a nourishing brain microenvironment.
The Role of Vocabulary and Syntax in Informational Written Composition in Middle School

The current study explores the contributions of written vocabulary and syntax to informational writing quality in Grades 5 through 8. Various aspects of language skills (receptive to written, oral register to academic register) have differing relationships with narrative and informational writing achievement across development. In this study, we explore one relatively understudied aspect of language (written language in the oral register) during a key transition period. Specifically, we find support for the role of vocabulary and syntax skills in informational writing quality in early and later middle school; that the role may differ according to students’ skill level; and we explore the role of written vocabulary and syntax in the gender gap between girls’ and boys’ informational writing quality.
Wavefront shaping with disorder-engineered metasurfaces

Recently, wavefront shaping with disordered media has demonstrated optical manipulation capabilities beyond those of conventional optics, including extended volume, aberration-free focusing and subwavelength focusing. However, translating these capabilities to useful applications has remained challenging as the input–output characteristics of the disordered media (P variables) need to be exhaustively determined via O(P) measurements. Here, we propose a paradigm shift where the disorder is specifically designed so its exact input–output characteristics are known a priori and can be used with only a few alignment steps. We implement this concept with a disorder-engineered metasurface, which exhibits additional unique features for wavefront shaping such as a large optical memory effect range in combination with a wide angular scattering range, excellent stability, and a tailorable angular scattering profile. Using this designed metasurface with wavefront shaping, we demonstrate high numerical aperture (NA > 0.5) focusing and fluorescence imaging with an estimated ~2.2 × 10^8 addressable points in an ~8 mm field of view.
The Value of an Academic Law Library in the 21st Century

Law school deans and university provosts may ask how law libraries can deliver value as new technologies, practices, and economic pressures inspire reassessment of legal education and of higher education more generally. The proliferation of information delivery systems, trends towards centralized management of higher education infrastructure, and changes in the law practice market suggest that the traditional law library may not meet current needs. But law libraries have the potential and opportunity to deliver strong value in this environment due largely to the sophistication of today’s law librarians. The law library can be a center for expertise that can advance law school and university goals with vision and efficiency. This chapter describes the benefits that law libraries can provide through four different, though intertwined, functions: 1) to provide access to legal and law-related information; 2) to curate and preserve information and materials; 3) to provide services for scholarship, teaching, learning, and administration; and 4) to provide a welcoming place for people. This discussion considers how law libraries might fruitfully intersect with campus libraries, information technology, and other university infrastructure and highlights the benefits of collaboration among law libraries at different institutions. Although local goals and conditions will vary, this chapter provides insights that can apply to any academic law library.
Role of Agriculture Sector in the World Economy

I discussed the importance of agriculture sector in this paper. How the agriculture play the role in the country regarding the all segments of Economy including employment, GDP, National income, and revenue. I proved that agriculture sector play dynamic role in the world economy.
Declarative Machine Learning Systems

In the last years machine learning (ML) has moved from a academic endeavor to a pervasive technology adopted in almost every aspect of computing. ML-powered products are now embedded in our digital lives: from recommendations of what to watch, to divining our search intent, to powering virtual assistants in consumer and enterprise settings. Recent successes in applying ML in natural sciences revealed that ML can be used to tackle some of the hardest real-world problems humanity faces today. For these reasons ML has become central in the strategy of tech companies and has gathered even more attention from academia than ever before. Despite these successes, what we have witnessed so far is just the beginning. Right now the people training and using ML models are expert developers working within large organizations, but we believe the next wave of ML systems will allow a larger amount of people, potentially without coding skills, to perform the same tasks. These new ML systems will not require users to fully understand all the details of how models are trained and utilized for obtaining predictions. Declarative interfaces are well suited for this goal, by hiding complexity and favouring separation of interests, and can lead to increased productivity. We worked on such abstract interfaces by developing two declarative ML systems, Overton and Ludwig, that require users to declare only their data schema (names and types of inputs) and tasks rather then writing low level ML code. In this article we will describe how ML systems are currently structured, highlight important factors for their success and adoption, what are the issues current ML systems are facing and how the systems we developed addressed them. Finally we will talk about learnings from the development of ML systems throughout the years and how we believe the next generation of ML systems will look like.
SAW Chemical Sensors: An Expanding Role with Global Impact

Chemical microsensors have growing roles in applications with significant global impact, including environmental cleanup and monitoring, industrial process control, automotive and industrial emissions monitoring, aeronautical and space systems, planetary exploration, screening for explosives, worker safety, and health care.
Fatal Accidents in Outdoor Recreation and Nature-Based Tourism in Norway: A Discourse Analysis

The purpose of this research is to investigate how the Norwegian outdoor-safety discourse develop between 2005 – 2015. Second, I examine the creation of meaning and understanding about risk and safety in the outdoors. The research affirms that important elements of opinion formation are discursively negotiated. The main line in the negotiations revolves around how to relate to ‘the mountain common sense line’, based on the code of conduct of ‘touring at your own risk’. The legal discourse, the energy industry safety discourse and the professional struggle draw towards less individual responsibility for own safety, and more towards institutional responsibility for people’s safety, more public regulation and more physical facilitations to reduce risk. On the other hand, lax regulatory legislation, the administrative apparatus, ‘the layman tradition’ and the friluftsliv discourse draws on individual responsibility for one’s own safety, limited institutional responsibility and public regulation, and moderate physical facilitations aimed at keeping people safe.Subscribe to JOREL
A modeling framework to accelerate food-borne outbreak investigations

Abstract Food safety procedures are critical to reducing pathogen caused food-borne disease (FBD). However there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of consuming contaminated products. When prevention efforts fail, rapid identification of the contaminated product is essential. The medical and economic losses incurred grow with the duration of the outbreak. In this paper we show that before an outbreak occurs, analysis of food sales data, as a proactive intervention, can provide useful product intelligence that we can exploit during an outbreak investigation to accelerate the identification process. Using real grocery retail sales data from Germany, we have implemented a likelihood-based approach to study how such data can be used to accelerate the investigation during the early stages of an outbreak.
Artificial neural network models for predicting degradation trends in system components and sensors

A prediction model based-on artificial neural network technology was developed for trend forecasting of a given degradation process in a system component. The model utilizes the engineering analysis of the degradation process under study with the analysis of process field data and information to predict future trend in the degradation. The neural network prediction models were applied to simulated degradation data of a typical system component. The prediction results showed that the neural network models were capable of recognizing the correct future degradation trends in data even with a limited amount of input data. In addition, the models were able to capture the dynamics and nonlinearities associated with the degradation process data.
Impact of Conflicted Child Custody on School, Behavioral, and Social Outcomes: An Ecological Approach

This chapter analyzes the impact of child custody arrangements, impaired family functioning, parental distress, family structure, individual vulnerability factors, degree of resilience in coping, school characteristics, and community factors on children’s educational, behavioral, and social outcomes. This approach emphasizes an ecological model to clarify the relative impact of individual risk factors, family conditions, school characteristics, and community risk factors on children. Expert witnesses, attorneys and law firms, and families should recognize the important role of the ecological approach in determining appropriate child custody arrangements.
Traveling-wave tube reliability estimates, life tests, and space flight experience

Infant mortality, useful life, and wearout phase of twt life are considered. The performance of existing developmental tubes, flight experience, and sequential hardware testing are evaluated. The reliability history of twt's in space applications is documented by considering: (1) the generic parts of the tube in light of the manner in which their design and operation affect the ultimate reliability of the device, (2) the flight experience of medium power tubes, and (3) the available life test data for existing space-qualified twt's in addition to those of high power devices.
Grain‐Boundary Sliding in a Superplastic Three‐Phase Alumina–Zirconia–Mullite Ceramic Composite

Relative grain-boundary sliding at the surface of a three-phase superplastic ceramic after compressive deformation was measured using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to investigate the x, y, and z strain contributions at different types of grain boundaries. This alumina (40 vol%), zirconia (30 vol%), and mullite (30 vol%) composite had an average grain size of 260 nm. The composite was deformed in compression under constant stress conditions in sequential increments of 5%–10% true strain at 1350°C. Six different types of grain boundaries (alumina/alumina, zirconia/zirconia, mullite/mullite, alumina/zirconia, alumina/mullite, and zirconia/mullite) were characterized, for over 800 boundaries in all. It was found that all types of boundaries contributed significantly to the overall deformation with no differentiation between grain boundaries of the same phase and grain boundaries of dissimilar phases, with the exception of mullite/mullite boundaries that had a more complex surface topology due to the in situ formation of mullite during sintering.
Testing the equality of mean functions of ionospheric critical frequency curves

Summary. The paper develops a significance test for evaluating the equality of the mean functions in two samples of spatially indexed functional data. The problem is motivated by an important question in space physics research which is related to the hypothesis of ionospheric global cooling (as opposed to the conjectured global warming of near surface atmosphere). The critical electron frequency of the ionosphere's F2 region, foF2, can be used to test conjectures about the trends in the ionosphere empirically. We apply the proposed test to the foF2-records over eastern and western Europe to verify whether there is a conjectured difference between first-order behaviour of these records over regions with different magnetic inclinations. It is found that the difference between the means is statistically significant for night-time records. The implications of this result are discussed. Finite sample performance of the test proposed is validated via numerical simulations.
The impact of radiocarbon dating on old world archaeology : Past achievements and future expectations

Half a century since radiocarbon was first used in the archaeology of the Old World, it seems that the expectations of W F Libby may be becoming a reality. In 1952 (Libby 1952:97), he wrote: Archaeologists, geologists and palynologists are continually searching for the means to improve methods of counting time. The … relative chronologies lack precision and direct correlation with the calendar, except when they may be checked with, … for example, the calendar based on tree-ring counts.
Computer system for unit dose drug distribution

A computerized unit dose drug distribution system, part of an online hospital information system, is described. Differences between manual and computerized pharmacy distribution, and the advantages and deficiencies of the automated system are discussed. The system seems to improve pharmacy's efficiency, accuracy, control of drugs and capabilities for patient monitoring and drug use review. If mechanical failure occurs, back-up procedures keep the distribution system operational. The computer system is believed to decrease the time spent by pharmacists on routine distribution tasks, leaving time for other necessary pharmacy functions.
Incorporating EBP in Field Education: Where We Stand and What We Need

To effectively provide social work students with the knowledge and skills necessary for practicing from an evidence-based practice (EBP) perspective, relevant training in the field internship component of the professional education is crucial. Based on previous research, practice experience, and anecdotal information, in this article the author outlines challenges to helping students integrate what they learn about EBP in class into their field education within the context of community agencies and offers detailed strategies to address these challenges as well as directions for future research.
The origin of the 2e factor in the Josephson effects

Until now, the 2e factor in the expression of the Josephson effect was believed to be an explicit evidence for Cooper's pairs of electrons. We show in this article, using Berry's phase, that the 2e factor naturally arises from gauge invariance and London equation. This result, henceforth, leads to a mechanism of superconductivity that does not hinge on Cooper's paring. Further, our attractive explanation of the mechanism of superconductivity equally applies to low- and high-temperature superconductivity.
Deposition of III-N thin films by molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract Fabrication of optoelectronic devices from III-N materials, operable in the blue and ultraviolet regions of the spectrum, has been a goal of many groups since the first infrared and red devices were commercially produced. Commercially viable blue-light-emitting diodes have now been achieved in these materials, and numerous investigators are now entering this field. Microelectronic devices are also of considerable interest. While much of the original research on GaN and InN centered around films with the wurtzite structure, the zincblende structure nitrides have recently been receiving increasing interest because of their potential inherent advantages, e.g. increased carrier mobility. Recent results from several groups around the world have successfully addressed some of the traditional problems associated with growth of these materials. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has been a traditional growth technique for nitride growth and continues to be very successful. However, many researchers, including those growing III–V nitrides, have turned to plasma-enhanced molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for its important advantages in purity and in situ analytical capabilities. This paper reviews the recent developments in MBE growth of cubic boron nitride, aluminum nitride and the two poly-types of gallium nitride.
Passive Transfer of Naturally Acquired Specific Immunity against West Nile Virus to Foals in a Semi‐Feral Pony Herd

Horses naturally exposed to West Nile Virus (WNV) or vaccinated against WNV develop humoral immunity thought to be protective against development of clinical disease in exposed or infected animals. No reports evaluate the efficacy of passive transfer of naturally acquired specific WNV humoral immunity from dam to foal. The purpose of this study was to investigate passive transfer of naturally acquired immunity to WNV to foals born in a herd of semi-feral ponies, not vaccinated against WNV, in an endemic area, with many dams having seroconverted because of natural exposure. Microwell serum neutralization titers against WNV were determined in all mares and foals. Serum IgG concentration was determined in foals by serial radial immunodiffusion. Differences in IgG concentration between seropositive and seronegative foals were examined by means of the Mann-Whitney U-test. Linear regression was used to evaluate the association between mare and foal titers. Seventeen mare-foal pairs were studied; 1 foal had inadequate IgG concentration. IgG concentration was not different between seronegative and seropositive foals (P = .24). Mare and foal titers were significantly correlated in foals with adequate passive transfer of immunity (Spearman's rho = .84; P 90% of the foal's titer was explained by the mare's titer (R2 = 0.91; P < .001). Passive transfer of specific immunity to WNV is present in pony foals with adequate passive transfer of immunity born to seroconverted mares.
Existence, Uniqueness, and Stability of Generalized Traveling Waves in Time Dependent Monostable Equations

The current paper is devoted to the study of traveling wave solutions of spatially homogeneous monostable reaction diffusion equations with ergodic or recurrent time dependence, which includes periodic and almost periodic time dependence as special cases. Such an equation has two spatially homogeneous and time recurrent solutions with one of them being stable and the other being unstable. Traveling wave solutions are a type of entire solutions connecting the two spatially homogeneous and time recurrent solutions. Recently, the author of the current paper proved that a spatially homogeneous time almost periodic monostable equation has a spreading speed in any given direction. This result can be easily extended to monostable equations with recurrent time dependence. In this paper, we introduce generalized traveling wave solutions for time recurrent monostable equations and show the existence of such solutions in any given direction with average propagating speed greater than or equal to the spreading speed in that direction and non-existence of such solutions of slower average propagating speed. We also show the uniqueness and stability of generalized traveling wave solutions in any given direction with average propagating speed greater than the spreading speed in that direction. Moreover, we show that a generalized traveling wave solution in a given direction with average propagating speed greater than the spreading speed in that direction is unique ergodic in the sense that its wave profile and wave speed are unique ergodic, and if the time dependence of the monostable equation is almost periodic, it is almost periodic in the sense that its wave profile and wave speed are almost periodic.
Revised radiologic concepts of the Barrett esophagus

The radiologic findings in 39 cases of histologically proven Barrett esophagus are reviewed. Esophageal strictures were not found in 18% of the cases, and when present were more often distally located. Esophageal ulcers were found in only 46% of the patients. In 13% of the cases neither ulcer nor stricture was found. The majority (72%) of these cases did not fit the classic stereotype of high esophageal stricture and/or ulcer.
Mach 4 Performance of a Fixed-Geometry Hypersonic Inlet with Rectangular-to-Elliptical Shape Transition

Wind-tunnel testing of a hypersonic inlet with rectangular-to-elliptical shape transition has been conducted at Mach 4.0. These tests were performed to investigate the starting and back-pressure limits of this fixed-geometry inlet at conditions well below the Mach 5.7 design point. Results showed that the inlet required side spillage holes in order to self-start at Mach 4.0. Once started, the inlet generated a compression ratio of 12.6, captured almost 80% of available air and withstood a back-pressure ratio of 30.3 relative to tunnel static pressure. The spillage penalty for self-starting was estimated to be 4% of available air. These experimental results, along with previous experimental results at Mach 6.2 indicate that fixed-geometry inlets with rectangular-to-elliptical shape transition are a viable configuration for airframe- integrated scramjets that operate over a significant Mach number range.
Uncertainty considerations for describing complex reaction systems

Models that accurately describe chemical processes are often intricate involving numerous reacting species and reaction steps. For complex reaction mechanisms, output-species concentration profiles can change dramatically based on the set of values chosen for inputs if they are nondeterministic. A systematic uncertainty analysis can provide insight into the level of confidence of model estimates and aid mechanism reduction. Response surface methods and variants, thereof require much fewer simulations for the adequate estimation of system uncertainty characteristics. This article focuses on reaction rate constant uncertainty using the stochastic response surface method (SRSM), whereby, uncertain outputs are expressed in terms of a polynomial chaos expansion of Hermite polynomials and engenders such useful properties as the mean and variance and computation of sensitivity information. SRSM determines the uncertainty propagation characteristics very accurately, while using an order-of-magnitude fewer model simulations than traditional Monte Carlo techniques. Since uncertainty in kinetic rate parameters largely affects the reduction of kinetic models, a framework of analysis is also developed for mechanism reduction considering uncertainty using sensitivity information from SRSM to create good initial sets of reactions for the efficient solution of a multiperiod optimization problem. Two case studies an isothermal supercritical wet oxidation process and a nonisothermal H 2 /CO/air combustion process elucidate the application of this framework of analysis to complex kinetic mechanisms and illustrate the possible ease of computational burden associated with mechanism reduction under uncertainty.
Sensitive measurement of endotoxin by radio-rocket immunoelectrophoresis using [125I] Staphylococcus aureus protein A.

Abstract Antibody directed against the core glycolipid antigen (CGL) of the mutant Salmonella minnesota Re 595 has been shown to cross-react with endotoxin from bacteria within the group Enterobacteriaceae. Using this cross-reactive CGL antibody we have developed a sensitive (250 pg) radio-rocket immunoelectrophoretic technique to measure endotoxin. We used the principles of rocket immunoelectrophoresis and increased the sensitivity by using 125 I-labelled staphylococcal protein A which serves as a sensitive probe to bind to the Fc portion of the IgG complexed with antigen. The rocket-shaped [ 125 I]protein A labelled immune complexes were detected by radioautography. The sensitivity is 100-fold greater than conventional Coomassie brilliant blue staining. Measurement of CGL was inhibited by normal human serum. However, the assay had the capacity to quantitate endotoxin in buffer extracts of clinically isolated Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumoniae but not Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Analysis of various preparations of CGL obtained from different investigators demonstrated wide variation in their immunoreactivity. Because of the significant cross-reaction to detect various endotoxins this method has the potential to measure endotoxemia and assess the immunochemical quality of various endotoxin preparations. Additionally, the technique of using [ 125 I]protein A has wide applicability for the sensitive measurement of other antigens.
Diagnosis and management of nevi and cutaneous melanoma in infants and children.

The worldwide incidence of cutaneous melanoma is increasing dramatically, at a rate of 3–9% per year during the past several decades. Although childhood melanoma is rare, with only 0.3% of newly diagnosed melanomas occurring in children 14 years, and with melanoma accounting for only 1% of all pediatric malignancies, it still warrants familiarity on the part of the clinician. As in adults, the most successful treatment of melanoma in children remains prevention and early detection. For the purpose of this chapter, we define children as those younger than 14 years.
Power generation using high efficiency aeroderivative gas turbines

The introduction of modern, high thrust aero-engines for aircraft propulsion has led to the development of a comparable range of new high power, high efficiency, aeroderivative gas turbines. This is typified by the Rolls-Royce TRENT, the world's most powerful aeroderivative and most efficient gas turbine of any type. The development of these large, efficient aeroderivative gas turbines (GTs) present specific opportunities for use in power generation and combined heat and power plants. This paper outlines the features that distinguish the TRENT aeroderivative GT and its merits in power generation. Consideration is given to the issues that differentiate the aeroderivative GT from industrial design GT plants and specific case studies are discussed which demonstrate the advantage of aeroderivative GTs.
Effects of "acute burn serum inhibitor" and "relaxing factors" on papillary muscles contractility.

The main findings described in the present studies are: a) Depression of developed tension in papillary muscles from human and dog quiescent hearts, and rabbit, guinea pig and rat hearts with an “acute burn serum inhibitor—ABSI”. The papillary muscles from human or dog quiescent hearts were restored to responsiveness to electrical stimulation with “ultrasonication modified epinephrine”. b) Inhibition of Ca+2 uptake by the microsomal fractions of the cardiac muscles, and adenosine triphosphatase activity with the “acute burn serum inhibitor”. c) The depressing and inhibitory effects of“ABSI” are reversed with “ultrasonication modified digitoxin”. d) Depression of developed tension in papillary muscles and inhibition of Ca+2 uptake by the microsomal fractions, and adenosine triphosphatase activity of the cardiac muscle with the “relaxing factor” of the sarcoplasmic reticulum fragments: The magnitude of the inhibition varied from one relaxing factor to another, and depended on the actomyosin preparation. Since the same isolation procedure was employed in preparing the “Relaxing Factor” from various species, the differences presented suggest differences in the structural constitution of the relaxing factor which are species dependent.
Presence, genetic variability, and potential significance of "Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii" in the lone star tick Amblyomma americanum.

We used next generation sequencing to detect the bacterium “Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii” for the first time in lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) from the eastern United States. 177 individuals and 11 tick pools from seven sites in four states were tested by pyrosequencing with barcoded 16S rRNA gene eubacterial primers targeting variable regions 5–3. Average infection prevalence was 0.15 across all surveyed populations (range 0–0.29) and only the site with the smallest sample size (n = 5) was negative. Three genotypes differing by 2.6–4.1 % in a 271 bp region of 16S rRNA gene were identified. Two variants co-occurred in sites in North Carolina and New York, but were not observed in the same tick at those sites. The third genotype was found only in Georgia. Phylogenetic analysis of this fragment indicated that the three variants are more closely related to “Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii” genotypes from other tick species than to each other. This variation suggests that multiple independent introductions occurred in A. americanum which may provide insight into bacterial spread within its ecosystem and parasitism on this tick. Whether the presence of this bacterium affects acquisition or maintenance of other pathogens and symbionts in A. americanum or the survival, biology and evolution of the tick itself is unknown.
Linear and nonlinear aspects of snow albedo feedbacks in atmospheric models

Namias' hypothesis, that anomalous snowcover on the eastern side of the North American continent can generate an anomalous east coast low pressure system and an anomalous inland high pressure system, is consistent with the time-averaged anomalous response from a nonlinear, primitive equation channel model with an idealized, flat land-sea arrangement. An attempt to understand and describe this anomalous response in the nonlinear model as a linear response to anomalous diabatic heating was largely unsuccessful, primarily because the anomalous eddy fluxes were also important. This unsuccessful attempt to describe the nonlinear model's time averages by linear theory then motivated several comparisons between linear and nonlinear severely truncated quasi-geostrophic models. It was also found in these models that the eddy fluxes were extremely important for forcing or dissipating the stationary eddies.
Topographic Display and Quantitative Analysis of Blood Flow Marker Distribution in Normal and Infarcted Hearts

Computer-based image processing methods have been applied to describe blood flow marker distribution in ischemic and nonischemic hearts. The processing begins with digitization of flow marker images derived from a heart slice containing the marker. Then, amplitude bands corresponding to intensity ranges of the indicator are created by Fourier-based filtration and amplitude mapping which together remove noise and demonstrate marker distribution topographically. Next, Cartesian plots of flow marker values averaged across transmural lines and lines normal to them are made to show marker distribution along selected radial and circumferential directions in heart walls. Finally, histograms of marker intensity are obtained to describe distnrbution of marker within regions bounded by arbitrarily shaped contours drawn on images. Flow marker distributions derived from photographs of Thioflavin S fluorescence and autoradiographs produced by 85Sr-labeled microspheres show both heterogeneity and distinct gradients in normal hearts, at infarct margins, and within ischemic zones. The local distribution of flow implied by Thioflavin S appeared more inhomogeneous than that indicated by the 85Sr-microspheres, probably as a consequence of the Thioflavin S fluorescence being a surface phenomenon. The available results indicate that this computer-based processing may provide a means of topographically relating flow marker and structural changes and also provide a high-resolution quantitative description of flow marker distribution in a flexible and efficient way for handling large amounts of data.
Neurodevelopmental outcomes after hypothermia therapy in the era of Bayley-III

Bayley-III scales are currently used to evaluate outcomes of term infants following hypothermia therapy, while all before reported outcomes in this population have used Bayley-II. Our objectives were to determine the incidence of abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes using Bayley III and the predictive value of Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in infants who received systemic hypothermia. We conducted a prospective cohort study of inborn infants who underwent hypothermia for moderate/severe neonatal encephalopathy from October 2005–November 2011. Eighty newborns underwent hypothermia (incidence of 1/1000). Of the survivors, 89% had Bayley-III performed around 24 months of age. An abnormal outcome using Bayley-III <85 occurred in 50%, while Bayley III <70 occurred in 13%. MRI predicted Bayley III<85 with sensitivity of 73%, specificity of 84%, positive-predictive value of 84% and negative-predictive value of 74%. A Bayley-III 85 cutoff identifies a disability rate of 50%, and MRI was predictive of abnormal outcomes. Findings can be useful for counseling of families and planning of future studies using Bayley III.
Preparation and Characterization of BaxSr1-x, TiO3 Thin Films by a Sol-Gel Technique

Barium strontium titanate, (Ba x ,Sr 1-x )TiO 3 , thin films of various compositions were prepared by a sol-gel method. Solutions consisting of acetate powders and titanium IV isopropoxide in a mixture of acetic acid and ethylene glycol were spin-coated onto silicon and platinum-coated silicon substrates. Processing parameters were optimized to develop stable solutions which yielded films with relatively low crystallization temperatures. It was determined that ethylene glycol was a necessary component of the solution to increase stability to precipitation and to decrease the crystallization temperature of the films. The grain size of the films varied with annealing temperature and atmosphere and directly affected the dielectric properties. A dielectric constant of 400 and a dissipation factor of 0.04 were measured at 1 kHz for (Ba 0.8 Sr 0.2 )TiO 3 films heated to 700°C for 1 h with a thickness of approximately 400 nm. Films of this composition maintained low leakage current densities for extended time periods when measured at an applied field of 75 kV/cm.
The Role of Non-Uniform Roughness in the Formation of Sand Ribbons*

Abstract Sand ribbons typically are shallow-water sedimentary features characterized as thin, elongate bands of sand overlying a coarser lag sediment which is exposed between them. The ribbons are oriented along the direction of the dominant current, and are formed by a secondary circulation pattern that includes a small component of the boundary shear stress directed toward the center of the sand ribbons. A perturbation expansion, coupled with flume experiments, indicates that this circulation pattern is linked to differences in the bottom roughness between the sand ribbons and the adjacent coarser strips. The non-uniform turbulence field arising from this roughness distribution drives a secondary helical flow. The expansion indicates that there is a preferred ratio of sand ribbon spacing to water depth (∼4:1) for unstratified channel flow conditions. The secondary flow pattern forces the downstream flow to readjust so that the boundary shear stress over the smooth sand strips is considerably smaller than the mean stress. This serves to retard the movement of sand through such a system.
Spin Polarization of Photoelectrons from Topological Insulators

We show that the degree of spin polarization of photoelectrons from the surface states of topological insulators is 100% if fully polarized light is used as in typical photoemission measurements, and, hence, can be significantly higher than that of the initial state. Further, the spin orientation of these photoelectrons in general can also be very different from that of the initial surface state and is controlled by the photon polarization. A rich set of predicted phenomena have recently been confirmed by spin- and angle-resolved photoemission experiments.
SURFACTANT-MEDIATED GROWTH OF GE ON SI(111)

The introduction of a surfactant changes the growth in the Si(111)/Ge system from islanding to a continuous film. A Sb monolayer floats at the growth front without detectable incorporation in the growing film. The surfactant strongly influences the growth kinetics and prevents intermixing or indiffusion of Ge or Si. Up to 8 ML thickness the Ge film is completely strained and pseudomorphic; for thicker films the strain due to the 4.2% misfit is relieved by the generation of defects, which are finally all confined in a dislocation network at the interface. Low-defect, fully relaxed epitaxial Ge films of arbitrary thickness can be grown. Similarly, low-defect relaxed Si can be grown on Ge(111). Medium-energy ion scattering, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, x-ray-photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman scattering show that the crystal quality of these Ge films is excellent.
Algal defense, grazers, and their interactions in aquatic trophic cascades

Abstract Freshwater phytoplankton exhibit a range of levels of resistance to grazing by zooplankton. Defense theory developed for algal-grazer interactions predicts that there should be a trade-off between resistance and growth. To test this aspect of the theory, the growth rates of several putatively resistant and edible algal species that are present in systems where aquatic trophic cascades are known to occur and where algal resistance is assumed to be minimal were compared. After demonstrating that there is an inverse relationship between resistance to grazing and growth rate, I reviewed the evidence concerning the role of resistant algae in aquatic trophic cascades. Both defense theory and aquatic trophic cascade theory suggest that resistant algae should be favored in an environment with heavy grazing, while edible algae should be favored in the absence of grazing. However, by definition, four- and two-level trophic cascades are characterized by runaway consumption resulting in near elimination of the primary producers. Data from the well-studied cascading freshwater systems seem to contradict some of the predictions of trophic cascade and defense theory; relatively resistant algae can bloom in the absence of heavy grazing and relatively edible algae can bloom after grazer pressure is increased. Based on these observations, I hypothesized that size-specific grazing by zooplankton may partially explain blooms of resistant algae in the absence of grazing and blooms of edible algae in the presence of heavy grazing. In spite of the complex interactions between phytoplankton and zooplankton, the strong top-down signal, which is the signature of the aquatic trophic cascade, often persists.
A Novel Entropy Production Based Full-Chip TSV Fatigue Analysis

Through-silicon vias (TSVs) are subject to thermal fatigue due to stress over time, no matter how small the stress is. Existing works on TSV fatigue all rely on measurement-based parameters to estimate the lifetime, and cannot consider detailed thermal profiles. In this paper, we propose a new method for TSV fatigue prediction using entropy production during thermal cycles, which is validated by theoretical analysis and measurement results. By combining thermodynamics and mechanics laws, the fatigue process can be quantitatively evaluated with detailed thermal profiles. Experimental results show that interestingly, the landing pad possesses the most easy-to-fail region, which generates up to 50% more entropy compared with the TSV body. The impact of landing pad dimension and TSV geometries are also studied, providing guidance for reliability enhancement. Finally, full-chip fatigue analysis is performed based on stress superposition. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first TSV fatigue model that is free of measurement data fitting, the first that is capable of considering detailed thermal profiles, and the first framework for efficient full-chip TSV fatigue analysis.
Influence of protein concentration on platelet 3H-imipramine binding.

Abstract 1. The effects of protein concentration in the assay mixture on platelet 3 H-imipramine binding were studied in normal controls. 2. Increasing protein concentrations (76–926 ug/ml) were found to alter estimates of binding affinity (Kd) but not the number of binding sites (Bmax). 3. Increasing Kd estimates were protein dependent at concentrations in excess of ca. 200 ug/ml but were not protein dependent at lower concentrations. 4. A comparison of the present results with previous reports suggests that widespread interlaboratory differences in reported Bmax values for normal controls cannot be attributed to differences in the protein content of incubated samples. Rather these differences may be due to the inclusion of non-membrane protein in the assayed material.
Short-term outcome of chronic immunosuppression on the development of breast lesions in premenopausal heart and lung transplant patients

Abstract The risk of development of breast lesions in patients on chronic immunosuppression is unknown. In order to assess this risk, a retrospective review was performed of the records of 87 women between the ages of 12 and 47 years who received thoracic organ transplant from 1987 to 1996 at our institution. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients who were premenopausal, had no previous history of breast disease, and survived for at least 1 year posttransplantation. All patients were on a triple immunosuppressive regimen consisting of cyclosporine, steroids, and azathioprine. Mean follow-up was 4 ± 1.2 years with a range of 1–6 years. During this period, 21 patients (24%) with a mean age of 38 ± 10 years had screening or diagnostic mammography. The remainder of patients with a mean age of 24 ± 9 years were followed clinically. Overall, 10 patients (11%) developed a total of 17 palpable, solid lesions at 33 to 72 months posttransplantation. Fifteen of these lesions were surgically excised. Five of the patients had multiple lesions. Pathological examination of the specimens revealed fibroadenoma in nine, fibrocystic disease in four, low grade phylloides tumor in one, and T-cell lymphoma in one case. None of the patients have developed primary breast cancer during follow-up. In conclusion, short-term immunosuppression does not increase the risk of the development of benign breast lesions in young women after thoracic organ transplantation, but rather the distribution of benign lesions is similar in an age-matched population. There were several cases of multiple fibroadenomas in the transplant population, but mammography revealed no malignant disease in this age group and does not need to be utilized in this population beyond what is considered standard for immunocompetent patients. The long-term effect ofimmunosuppressive therapy on the developmentof breast cancer in this group remains to be defined.