cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coherence and radiometry with quasihomogeneous planar sources

The concept of a quasihomogeneous source is introduced. Unlike a source that is strictly homogeneous in its statistical properties, a quasihomogeneous source may be finite. Many physical sources, both primary and secondary ones, are adequately approximated by this model. Coherence and radiometric properties of light generated by such sources (assumed, for simplicity, to be planar) are discussed and an important reciprocity relation is shown to exist between light in the far zone and in the source plane. This relation implies that the degree of coherence in the far zone is given by the classic form of the van Cittert-Zernike theorem, even though the source may have a high degree of spatial coherence over arbitrarily large areas. The reciprocity relation also provides a generalization of a recently derived result that expresses the angular dependence of the radiant intensity in terms of the degree of spatial coherence of light in the source plane. The dependence of all the basic radiometric quantities on the distribution of the optical intensity across the source and on the degree of spatial coherence of the light emerging from the source is discussed and is illustrated, for some typical sources, by computed curves.
Rapid, multipoint molecular spectroscopic measurements of shear effects on endothelial cell membranes

Endothelial cells (ECs) form the inner lining; of the blood vasculature and are therefore exposed to shear stress (tau), the tangential component of hemodynamic forces. Shear stress exacts potent changes in EC biology, possibly via EC-membrane perturbations, with consequent influences on vascular health. We describe a time-correlated single photon counting method for measuring rapid and spatially heterogeneous changes in fluorescence lifetimes and polarizations of EC membranes exposed to shear stress. The role in mechanotransduction by ECs of shear-induced changes in membrane lipid dynamics is discussed.
Analytic description of atomic interaction at ultracold temperatures: The case of a single channel

We present analytic descriptions of atomic interaction at ultracold temperatures using both single-channel and multichannel quantum-defect theories. In the case of a single channel, addressed in this paper, the expansion of Gao [Phys. Rev. A 58, 4222 (1998)] is generalized to higher orders for angular momentum $l\ensuremath{\ge}2$ to give a more complete description of ultracold scattering, including an analytic description of ultracold shape resonances of arbitrary $l$. We also introduce a generalized scattering length that is well defined and useful for all partial waves to replace the traditional definition that fails for $l\ensuremath{\ge}2$ due to the long-range van der Waals interaction. The results are used in a companion paper to derive analytic descriptions of atomic interaction around a magnetic Feshbach resonance of arbitrary angular momentum $l$.
Framing the War Against Terrorism US Newspaper Editorials and Military Action in Afghanistan

Editorial writers for the US’ 10 largest newspapers created - during perhaps the most critical month in the war against terrorism - a singular symbolic narrative about possible military strikes in ...
Target tracking and fusion in vehicular networks

Integration of wireless communications in vehicles presents the greatest challenge today in the field of vehicular safety, efficiency and comfort. Data fusion should be able to benefit from this additional source of information. This involves the association and fusion of received vehicle positions and other relevant data with the targets tracked by the onboard sensors' tracking systems. This paper describes a fusion approach for using wireless transmitted data in a vehicle perception system, with focus on data association and tracking methodology. The results were extracted by using two vehicles equipped with wireless communication hardware.
Generating Graphs for Visual Analytics through Interactive Sketching

We introduce an interactive graph generator, GreenSketch, designed to facilitate the creation of descriptive graphs required for different visual analytics tasks. The human-centric design approach of GreenSketch enables users to master the creation process without specific training or prior knowledge of graph model theory. The customized user interface encourages users to gain insight into the connection between the compact matrix representation and the topology of a graph layout when they sketch their graphs. Both the human-enforced and machine-generated randomnesses supported by GreenSketch provide the flexibility needed to address the uncertainty factor in many analytical tasks. This paper describes more than two dozen examples that cover a wide variety of graph creations from a single line of nodes to a real-life small-world network that describes a snapshot of telephone connections. While the discussion focuses mainly on the design of GreenSketch, we include a case study that applies the technology in a visual analytics environment and a usability study that evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of our design approach
Mcm10 Is Required for the Maintenance of Transcriptional Silencing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Mcm10 is an essential protein that participates in both the initiation and the elongation of DNA replication. In this study we demonstrate a role for Mcm10 in the maintenance of heterochromatic silencing at telomeres and HM loci of budding yeast. Two mcm10 mutants drastically reduce silencing of both URA3 and ADE2 reporter genes integrated into these silent loci. When exposed to α-factor, mcm10 mutant cells display a “shmoo-cluster” phenotype associated with a defect in the maintenance of silencing. In addition, when combined with a defect in the establishment of silent chromatin, mcm10 mutants demonstrate a synergistic defect in HML silencing. Consistent with a direct silencing function, Mcm10p shows a two-hybrid interaction with Sir2p and Sir3p that is destroyed by the mcm10-1 mutation and dependent on the C-terminal 108 amino acids. Tethering GBD-MCM10 to a defective HMR-E silencer is not sufficient to restore silencing. Furthermore, mutations in MCM10 inhibit the ability of GBD-SIR3 to restore silencing when tethered to a defective HMR-E . Suppressor mutations in MCM2 , which suppress the temperature sensitivity of mcm10-1 , fail to overcome the mcm10-1 silencing defect, suggesting that MCM10 9s role in transcriptional silencing may be separate from its essential functions in DNA replication.
Interaction between the melanocortin-1 receptor and P genes contributes to inter-individual variation in skin pigmentation phenotypes in a Tibetan population.

The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) andP gene product are two important components of the human pigmentary system that have been shown to be associated with red hair/fair skin and cause type II oculocutaneous albinism, respectively. However, their contribution to inter-individual variation at the population level is not well defined. To this end, we genotyped 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in theMC1R gene (Arg67Gln, Gln163Arg, Val92Met) and 2 SNPs in theP gene (IVS13–15 and Gly780Gly) in 184 randomly ascertained Tibetan subjects, whose skin color was measured as a quantitative trait by reflective spectroscopy. Single locus analyses failed to demonstrate an association between any of the 5 SNPs and skin pigmentation. However, when an epistatic model was applied to the data, a significant gene-gene interaction was identified between Val92Met in MC1R and IVS13–15 in theP gene (F=2.43;P=0.0105). We also discuss the possible mechanisms of how gene interactions arise in signal transduction pathways.
In Vitro Identification of Rns-Regulated Genes

To identify Rns-regulated genes, a maltose binding protein (MBP)-Rns fusion protein was used to isolate DNA fragments from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli genomic DNA that carry Rns binding sites. In vivo transcription fusion analysis shows that Rns positively regulates the expression of the open reading frame of yiiS, which lies immediately downstream of one MBP-Rns-bound fragment.
Comparative pathology of North American and Central African strains of monkeypox virus in a ground squirrel model of the disease

The first human cases of monkeypox (MPX) were recognized in central Africa in 1970. Since then, sporadic outbreaks of the disease have occurred in central and west Africa. In 2003, an outbreak of human MPX occurred in the United States after importation of infected rodents from west Africa. Clinical features of the 2003 outbreak were less severe than accounts of the disease among people in central Africa. The reasons for this observed difference are unknown. In this study, the clinical and pathologic characteristics of experimental infection with representative central African and North American MPX virus strains were compared in a ground squirrel model of the disease. The results indicate that the US 2003 virus, which phylogenetically is a member of the west African MPX virus clade, was less virulent than central African MPX virus strains.
The coupling of catalytically relevant conformational fluctuations in subtilisin BPN' to solution viscosity revealed by hydrogen isotope exchange and inhibitor binding.

Abstract We have measured the tritium outexchange of subtilisin BPN′. A consistent and rather small group of hydrogens was isolated by their sensitivity to inhibitor binding. The viscosity dependence of exchange from these inhibitor protected hydrogens was then examined in 0.05 M MES buffer, pH 6.5 and 10°C. The viscosity of the reaction medium was varied by added glycerol and ethylene glycol. The exchange rates were corrected to be compared at identical hydroxyl ion and water activity. The salient observation is the strikingly similar viscosity coupling behavior when compared to the deacylation step of ester hydrolysis catalyzed by the same enzyme (Ng and Rosenberg, Biophysical Chemistry, 39 (1991) 57). We have obtained a viscosity coupling constant of 0.68 ∓ 0.18 for hydrogen exchange in glycerol (cf. 0.65 ∓ 0.11 for deacylation in glycerol, sucrose, glucose and fructose); 1.67 ∓ 0.07 for outexchange (cf. 1.92 ∓ 0.09 for deacylation), in the presence of ethylene glycol. The two reactions are very chemically dissimilar, yet they show very similar viscosity coupling behavior. This together with the well established role of structural fluctuations in hydrogen exchange implies a similar role of structural fluctuations in the deacylation step of subtilisin BPN′ catalyzed ester hydrolysis.
Accounting For The Benefits Of Database Normalization

This paper proposes a teaching approach to reinforce accounting students’ understanding of the concept of database normalization. Unlike a conceptual approach shown in most of the AIS textbooks, this approach involves with calculations and reconciliations with which accounting students are familiar because the methods are frequently used in accounting courses. The approach gives students the opportunity to justify the changes made to database structure during the database normalization process in terms of its efficiency and effectiveness. Further, the justification will help students realize and understand the purpose and benefits of database normalization. Instructors can easily adopt this approach to any of their own exercises used to cover database normalization concept.
SLITting Down the Peanut Allergy

A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a popular snack for many children and even some adults, but the shadow of death lurks between the bread slices for peanut allergy sufferers. About 8% of U.S. children have food allergies, with peanut being the most common allergen that triggers fatal food-induced anaphylaxis. Peanut allergy is less commonly outgrown than are allergies to other foods and requires lifelong changes in dietary habits. To date, no safe therapeutic options exist for patients with peanut allergy. Now, Fleischer et al . examine the clinical effects and safety profile of peanut sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The authors recruited 40 participants aged 12 to 37 years from 5 U.S. cities. The study subjects underwent a baseline oral food challenge with up to 2 g of peanut powder and were then randomized to receive either peanut or placebo SLIT. The peanut SLIT dose was gradually escalated to a maintenance dose. At week 44, the placebo group crossed over to receive peanut SLIT. The primary end point was the percentage of desensitized participants measured with a 5-g peanut powder oral challenge after 44 weeks of therapy. Subjects successfully consuming 5 g or at least 10-fold more peanut powder than at baseline were considered responders. After 44 weeks of SLIT, a significantly higher response rate was noted in the active treatment group: 14 (70%) of 20 subjects receiving peanut SLIT were responders versus only 3 (15%) of 20 subjects receiving placebo. Desensitization was also observed in placebo subjects who were crossed over and received higher-dose peanut SLIT. The study demonstrated that treatment of allergy patients with peanut SLIT induces a modest level of desensitization as compared with that of placebo. Longer duration of SLIT therapy in a subset of subjects showed a significant increase in the successfully consumed dose of allergen, suggesting that long-term therapy with SLIT might confer additional benefits in reducing reactivity to peanut. This study was limited by a high dropout rate and by enrollment of patients with peanut allergy without a history of life-threatening reactions, which may have introduced a bias. About 40% of subjects receiving active SLIT reported allergic symptoms during the therapy, which could have affected the blinding of the study. Although further studies are needed to determine whether SLIT therapy is a safe and clinically useful treatment option for all peanut allergy sufferers, these findings are an important step toward deciphering peanut SLIT effects and safety in the treatment of peanut allergy. D. M. Fleischer et al. , Sublingual immunotherapy for peanut allergy: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol . 131 , 119–127.e7 (2013). [[PubMed]][1] [1]: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23265698
Turbo-like Decoding Algorithm for Structured LDPC codes

This paper presents a high-speed "turbo-like" decoding algorithm for certain structured LDPC codes such as those adopted in IEEE 802.16e and in the draft 802.11n standards. It is shown that after a key modification, such LDPC codes may be processed as Generalized Repeat Accumulate codes, codes which are known to support "turbo-like" decoding. A GRA-like encoder of structured LDPC codes is derived, which in turn leads to the decoding algorithm. It is also shown that the "structured" properties result in an inherent parallelism, leading to an efficient high speed decoder implementation.
Neonatal manifestations of inherited bone marrow failure syndromes

The inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) are a rare yet clinically important cause of neonatal hematological and non-hematological manifestations. Many of these syndromes, such as Fanconi anemia, dyskeratosis congenita and Diamond-Blackfan anemia, confer risks of multiple medical complications later in life, including an increased risk of cancer. Some IBMFS may present with cytopenias in the neonatal period whereas others may present only with congenital physical abnormalities and progress to pancytopenia later in life. A thorough family history and detailed physical examination are integral to the work-up of any neonate in whom there is a high index of suspicion for an IBMFS. Correct detection and diagnosis of these disorders is important for appropriate long-term medical surveillance and counseling not only for the patient but also for appropriate genetic counselling of their families regarding recurrence risks in future children and generations.
Electronic structure and optical properties of amorphous GeO2 in comparison to amorphous SiO2

Abstract Amorphous germania (a-GeO2) is an excellent glass former of great industrial and scientific importance. However, in comparison with a-SiO2, its structure and fundamental properties were less well studied. Using a large near-perfect continuous random network (CRN) model with 1296 atoms and no over- or under-coordinated atoms, we have investigated the structural, electronic, and optical properties of a-GeO2 glass. Our results show that the bond length and bond angle distributions in a-GeO2 are larger than in a-SiO2. The gross features of the electronic density of states in a-GeO2 are similar to a-SiO2, but the Ge O bonds are weaker than Si O bonds as reflected in the lower calculated total bond order density. The average tetrahedral angle (θ) and bridging angle (φ) are smaller in a-GeO2 than in a-SiO2. The calculated optical absorption spectrum shows two distinctive peaks in excellent agreement with experiment. The calculated refractive index of a-GeO2 (n = 1.69) is also in close agreement with the measured value. In contrast to a-SiO2, there is no clear evidence of excitonic peak in a-GeO2. These a-GeO2 and a-SiO2 models could be used as a prototype for other investigations of these glasses or their mixtures containing defects, substitutional impurities and in the form of vitreous nano-particles.
Near-optimal probabilistic search via submodularity and sparse regression

The goal of search is to maximize the probability of target detection while covering most of the environment in minimum time. Existing approaches only consider one of these objectives at a time and most optimal search problems are NP-hard. In this research, a novel approach for search problems is proposed that considers three objectives: (1) coverage using the fewest sensors; (2) probabilistic search with the maximal probability of detection rate (PDR); and (3) minimum-time trajectory planning. Since two of three objective functions are submodular, the search problem is reformulated to take advantage of this property. The proposed sparse cognitive-based adaptive optimization and PDR algorithms are within ($$1-1/e$$1-1/e) of the optimum with high probability. Experiments show that the proposed approach is able to search for targets faster than the existing approaches.
Abstract 265: c-Myc and NFκB are reciprocal and contextual transcriptional regulators of glioma cell proliferation or invasion

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Classic histological features of glioblastoma include dense proliferative areas rich in angiogenesis as well as centripetal dissemination of neoplastic cells into adjacent brain tissue (most frequently white matter). The infiltrative dispersion patterns of malignant glioma preclude complete tumor resection; growth of satellite lesions causes significant neurological morbidity and mortality, and accounts for much of the post-treatment, recurrent (fatal) disease. Distinct transcriptomes are discernable between GBM cells at the tumor core and invasive rim, and many of the differentially-expressed genes are co-associated with migration and the collateral phenotype of cell survival; reciprocal downregulation of genes in invasive glioma cells are ontologically associated with proliferation. Our studies of glioma cells from paired core and rim human biopsy specimens reveal a higher proliferative index (Ki67 Mib-1 IHC score) at the core as compared to the rim (19 out of 35 specimens) p < 0.002. Analysis of activation states of transcription factors (Luminex multiplex assay) revealed that nuclear c-myc activity is up in the tumor core while nuclear NFκB activity is up at the invasive rim of the tumor. Depletion of c-myc (siRNA oligonucleotides) resulted in an increase in the migration rate of glioma cells in vitro, whereas inhibition of NFκB by SN50 resulted in a decrease in migration rate both in vitro and ex vivo (rat brain slice). Immunohistochemical validation using a glioma tissue microarray containing paired core and rim biopsy specimens showed that phosphorylated c-myc staining was higher in the core than in the rim for 23 out of 39 biopsy specimens scored, and that phosphorylated NFκB was higher in the rim than the core for 30 out of 43 biopsy specimens scored. The Go vs Grow hypothesis suggests cell proliferation and cell migration are temporally exclusive behaviors and tumor cells postpone cell division for migration. Our findings argue that differential suppression/activation of c-myc and NFκB underlie the shift of glioma cells from growing to going. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 265. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-265
Something from Nothing: Enhancing Electrochemical Charge Storage with Cation Vacancies

The performance of electrochemical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries and electrochemical capacitors) is largely determined by the physicochemical properties of the active electrode materials, such as the thermodynamic potential associated with the charge-storage reaction, ion-storage capacity, and long-term electrochemical stability. In the case of mixed ion/electron-conducting metal oxides that undergo cation-insertion reactions, the presence of cation vacancies in the lattice structure can enhance one or more of these technical parameters without resorting to a drastic change in material composition. Examples of this enhancement include the charge-storage properties of certain cation-deficient oxides such as γ-MnO2 and γ-Fe2O3 relative to their defect-free analogues. The optimal cation-vacancy fraction is both material- and application-dependent because cation vacancies enhance some materials properties at the expense of others, potentially affecting electronic conductivity or thermal stability. Although the advantages of structural cation vacancies have been known since at least the mid-1980s, only a handful of research groups have purposefully integrated cation vacancies into active electrode materials to enhance device performance. Three protocols are available for the incorporation of cation vacancies into transition metal oxides to improve performance in both aqueous and nonaqueous energy storage. Through a processing approach, researchers induce point defects in conventional oxides using traditional solid-state-ionics techniques that treat the oxide under appropriate atmospheric conditions with a driving force such as temperature. In a synthetic approach, substitutional doping of a highly oxidized cation into a metal-oxide framework can significantly increase cation-vacancy content and corresponding charge-storage capacity. In a scaling approach, electrode materials that are expressed in morphologies with high surface areas, such as aerogels, contain more defects because the increased fraction of surface sites favors the formation of cation vacancies. In this Account, we review studies of cation-deficient electrode materials from the literature and our laboratory, focusing on transition metal oxides and the impact cation vacancies have on electrochemical performance. We also discuss the challenges and limitations of these defective structures and their promise as battery materials.
Counteraction of Nogo-A and axonal growth inhibitors by green tea polyphenols and other natural products

Neuronal injuries such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury are leading causes of major disability and death. Chronic therapy for these neuronal injuries requires the promotion of axonal regeneration from the remaining neurons (Schwab and Strittmatter, 2014). However, the local environment in the central nervous system (CNS) is unfavorable to this regeneration due to the presence of myelin-derived axonal growth inhibitors such as Nogo-A, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), and oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein (OMgp). In addition, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) associated with astroglial scarring also inhibit axonal regeneration after neuronal injury. Several studies support the role of Nogo-A in limiting axonal regeneration. It has two distinct domains with antineuritogenic potential: N-terminal amino-Nogo and C-terminal Nogo-66, a 66 amino acid containing domain. Strittmatter and his associates identified a cell surface glycosyl phosphatidylinositol-anchored membrane protein, NgR1, as a receptor for Nogo-66 (Schwab and Strittmatter, 2014). Later studies have revealed that MAG, OMgp, and CSPGs also bind to NgR1 which may mediate their inhibiting activity on the axonal growth. NgR1 signals through interaction with p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) or a homologous protein, TROY, as well as a transmembrane protein, LINGO-1. The association between p75NTR and Rho-GDI leads to the release of RhoA and its activation. RhoA in turn activates its effector, Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK). This ultimately leads to actin-cytoskeletal reorganization, which results in the collapse of growth cones and inhibition of neurite outgrowth (Figure 1).
Design and implementation of a kind of intelligent electric blanket temperature control system

Temperature control is the key problem in the design and manufacture of electric blankets. Currently, in order to solve technology defects in the existing electric blanket to control temperature intelligently, this paper used technical means of DS18B20 temperature acquisition and relay control temperature heating,combination of key circuit, display circuit as well as other auxiliary circuit, the system achieved electric blanket working temperature real-time intelligent control. The output controlled relay for the temperature closed loop control by single-chip microcomputer, and developed a new type of intelligent temperature control technology of electric blanket, which can enhance real-time temperature control, improve the security and energy conservation of electric blanket.
Power grid dispatching protocol review and an application case analysis

The paper reviews several kinds of general dispatching protocols of power grid in China,analyses the relation between the standard protocols in China and the corresponding IEC standard protocols,and the developmental trends of dispatching protocols.Then,it describes an application case of parsing DL476-92 real-time network protocol,discusses the problems and solutions of extending and incepting relay data source.Furthermore,to heighten the applicability of protocol-parse-software,an improved method to modularize the communication interfaces so as to generate Dynamical Linking Libraries is put forward.
Enhancing single-wall carbon nanotube properties through controlled endohedral filling

Chemical control of the endohedral volume of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) via liquid-phase filling is established to be a facile strategy to controllably modify properties of SWCNTs in manners significant for processing and proposed applications. Encapsulation of over 20 different compounds with distinct chemical structures, functionalities, and effects is demonstrated in SWCNTs of multiple diameter ranges, with the ability to fill the endohedral volume based on the availability of the core volume and compatibility of the molecule's size with the cross-section of the nanotube's cavity. Through exclusion of ingested water and selection of the endohedral chemical environment, significant improvements to the optical properties of dispersed SWCNTs such as narrowed optical transition linewidths and enhanced fluorescence intensities are observed. Examples of tailoring modified properties towards applications or improved processing by endohedral passivation are discussed.
Uncertainty and Anxiety in Intercultural Encounters

Interacting with a stranger from a different culture typically involves more uncertainty than when interacting with a stranger from one's native culture. Uncertainty refers to the amount of predictability; that is, what is known about another person. With strangers, very little is known. During initial encounters with a stranger, uncertainty triggers anxiety. Uncertainty is cognitive; that is, what one knows, while anxiety is affective, that is how one feels. Uncertainty and anxiety are closely linked. When strangers first meet, their primary goal is to reduce uncertainty and increase predictability of their own and the other person's behavior. In order to accomplish this, they use specific communication strategies. How an individual reduces uncertainty varies across cultures. Keywords: anxiety; individualism–collectivism; intercultural communication; intercultural communication apprehension; uncertainty
Building Globalization: Transnational Architecture Production in Urban China

Xuefei Ren’s (2011) Building Globalization is essential reading in cultural effects of globalization, historical built environment and urban politics. Ren looks at transnational architecture production of Chinese cities and presents her work in the literature of urban changes and globalization. Ren questions the extent to which the articulation of the urban built environment has contributed to the making of global cities in China. Ren begins with an exploration of two features of the global city discourse in China. One is the emphasis on infrastructure, signature buildings, and the visual image of a global city. The second is its emphasis on the role of the state in directing the development of global cities.
Late endovascular removal of Günther-Tulip inferior vena cava filter and stent reconstruction of chronic post-thrombotic iliocaval obstruction after 4753 days of filter dwell time: a case report with review of literature.

Chronic post-thrombotic obstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC) or iliocaval junction is an uncommon complication of long indwelling IVC filter. When such an obstruction is symptomatic, endovascular treatment options include stent placement with or without filter retrieval. Filter retrieval becomes increasingly difficult with longer dwell times. We present a case of symptomatic post-thrombotic obstruction of the iliocaval junction related to Gunther-Tulip IVC filter (Cook Medical Inc, Bloomington, IN) with dwell time of 4753 days, treated successfully with endovascular filter removal and stent reconstruction. Filter retrieval and stent reconstruction may be a treatment option in symptomatic patients with filter-related chronic IVC or iliocaval junction obstruction, even after prolonged dwell time.
The Cosmological Argument: A Newtonian Challenge to Hume

Hume’s arguments against the cosmological argument have, in the past century, often been highly praised by commentators such as H.D.Aiken and E.C. Mossner. While Hume’s argument often receives strong philosophical support, the four major objections raised against the cosmological argument in book IX of his Dialogues hinge upon a misunderstanding of Newtonian natural philosophy. Hence, when the proper historical context is considered, Hume’s objections are weak at best, for they assume an understanding of matter and physical necessity that are inconsistent with Newtonian natural philosophy. This paper will outline Hume’s objections, and explore how the formulation of the cosmological argument put forth by the English philosopher Samuel Clarke was reliant upon the best available scientific evidence, i.e. Newtonian philosophy. Consequently, any contemporary supporter of Hume who believes that his argument was successful in quenching the enlightenment era reiteration of the cosmological argument does so anachronistically.
Abstract 031: Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress in the Subfornical Organ (SFO) Induces Peripheral Inflammation by Altering Autonomic Output

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a contributing factor in a variety of chronic diseases. We previously showed that ER stress in the SFO is involved in the activation of the adaptive immune system, which is causally linked with hypertension. However, the exact mechanism by which ER stress in the SFO activates peripheral T cells remains unclear. Recently it has been shown that the SFO is involved in modulating autonomic output to stimulate T cells. Here we tested if ER stress in the SFO increases autonomic drive to stimulate peripheral T cell proliferation. Five days of intracerebroventricular (ICV) delivery of the ER stress inducer thapsigargin (Tg, 1 μg/day) resulted in significant increases in peripheral T cells in aorta and blood as measured by flow cytometry (Aorta: Veh, 2.1 ± 0.7 vs. Tg, 10.1 ± 2.8 x 103 cells/aorta; Blood: Veh, 17.8 ± 1.3 vs. Tg, 34.8 ± 4.7 % of CD45+ cells, n=8-13, p<0.05). ER stress in the brain resulted in a marked increase in plasma norepinephrine (Veh: 285 ± 28 vs. Tg: 406 ± 45 pg/mL, n=4-5, p<0.05). We also found that the effect of ICV Tg to increase peripheral T cells was blocked by hexamethonium (Hex, i.p., 30 μg/g) (Aorta: Tg, 10.1 ± 2.8 vs. Tg+Hex, 3.1 ± 0.4 x 103 cells/aorta; Blood: Tg, 34.8 ± 4.7 vs. Tg+Hex: 21.4 ± 1.9 % of CD45+ cells, n=6, p<0.05). Consistent with earlier findings, ICV infusion of Tg increased ER stress markers in the SFO ( CHOP : Veh, 1.15 ± 0.106 vs. Tg, 3.285 ±1.04; grp78 : Veh, 1.032 ± 0.13 vs. Tg, 3.065 ± 1.102; p58IPK : Veh, 0.85 ± 0.213 vs. Tg, 7.065 ± 2.588, fold change, normalized to 18S, n=4-6, p<0.05), but did not alter the expression of these markers in aortas. This suggests that T cell activation is centrally mediated and not caused by peripheral vascular ER stress or inflammation. In conclusion, our data suggest that ER stress in the SFO modulates autonomic nervous system output and activates the peripheral immune system, a hallmark of the development of hypertension.
Eugenics in Buenos Aires: discourses, practices, and historiography

Since the early 1990s, a series of studies underscored the overwhelming presence of positive eugenics in modern Argentina. These works emphasized the marginal role which discourse on eugenics took on violent methods for selection. In recent years, this point of view has shifted, emphasizing the conceptual viscosity of eugenics as well as the presence of negative eugenic discourses. This paper discusses these historiographic trends, and also dwells on the narratives that those perspectives articulated in relation to the question of sterilization and regulation of marriage of those who had tuberculosis in Buenos Aires during the first half of the twentieth century. This example stresses the need to examine discourse as well as practices in understanding and making sense of the past.
YouShakespeare: Shakespearean Celebrity 2.0

This essay theorizes and historicizes Shakespeare’s enduring celebrity, defined as an embodied cultural narrative and a site upon which the public negotiates present tensions and fixations. Through the centuries, Shakespearean celebrities such as David Garrick and Laurence Olivier have self-consciously intertwined their own celebrity narratives with those of Shakespeare in a reciprocal exchange of relevance and star power; more recently, the diverse platforms available for self-promotion in online media have fundamentally redefined celebrity as a whole and, thus, dispersed Shakespeare’s enduring celebrity from the singular Shakespearean star to a fluidly evolving multitude of participants.
A pilot clinical trial of creatine and minocycline in early Parkinson disease: 18-month results.

Objective To report an 18-month follow-up on creatine and minocycline futility study, the Neuroprotective Exploratory Trials in Parkinson Disease, Futility Study 1 (NET-PD FS-1). Background The NET-PD FS-1 futility study on creatine and minocycline found neither agent futile in slowing down the progression of disability in Parkinson disease (PD) at 12 months using the prespecified futility threshold. An additional 6 months of follow-up aimed to assess safety and potential interactions of the study interventions with antiparkinsonian therapy. Methods Additional 6 months of follow-up in randomized, blinded phase II trial of creatine (dosage, 10 g/d) and minocycline (dosage, 200 mg/d) in subjects with early PD. Results By 18 months, symptomatic treatment of PD symptoms was required in 61% of creatine, 62% of minocycline, and 60% of placebo-treated subjects. Study treatment was prematurely discontinued in 9%, 23%, and 6% of subjects in the creatine, minocycline, and placebo arms, respectively. Creatine and minocycline did not seem to adversely influence the response to symptomatic therapy nor increase adverse events. Conclusions Data from this small, 18-month phase II trial of creatine and minocycline do not demonstrate safety concerns that would preclude a large, phase III efficacy trial, although the decreased tolerability of minocycline is a concern.
An Attributional Perspective on Sexual Aggression in India

This article reports the findings of programmatic research on attributions made by Indian participants with respect to hypothetical incidents of sexual aggression. The Indian research findings in the context of related research in Western countries, especially the judgmental variations obtained as a function of rapist-victim acquaintance and participant's gender, reflect the relatively low status of women and the patriarchal dominance of men in Indian society. Among other issues examined in the reviewed experiments were the rape victim's causal versus moral responsibility, the rapist-victim relationship, the gender-adversary perspective, and the ambiguity about victim's consent.
Molecular Ontology of Amino Acid Transport

This review focuses on the comparative physiology and phylogeny of plasma membrane transporters that absorb and redistribute amino acids in organisms. The first section briefly summarizes the life history of the environmental flux and metabolism of amino acids. It reveals a set of geological and biological events that may have shaped amino acid transport mechanisms, which evolved under everlasting antagonism of environmental availability, endogenous synthesis, and metabolic consumption of proteinogenic amino acids. The second section addresses the phylogenetic and physiological diversity of experimentally and theoretically defined amino acid transporters. It reveals a set of gene duplications, expansions, and extinctions in the phylogenetic tree of the amino acid transporters, which correlate with the rapid acquisitions of new transport phenotypes and assured remarkable adaptive plasticity of the amino acid transport network. Specific emphasis in this review is placed on the Excitatory Amino Acid Transporters and the Sodium Neurotransmitter symporter families (SLC1 and SLC6, respectively). The early evolution of these cation-coupled transporters compensating the anabolism of proteinogenic amino acids may have simultaneously driven the expansion of heterotrophy and the extinction of principal metabolic pathways (e.g. nitrogen fixation in prokaryotes and essential amino acid synthesis cascades in Metazoans). Furthermore, the extant physiological functions of these transporters – including the balance of dispensable and essential amino acids, cellular signaling, and neurochemical communication – are critical for the metabolic integrity and health of metazoan organisms. Molecular, genetic, and structural analyses of amino acid transporters have emphasized this point, and continue to provide us with an expanding knowledge base that will ultimately lead to new biomedical technologies for curing metabolic disorders and controlling pathogenic and pest organisms.
பண்டைய தமிழர்களின் கடல்வழிப்பயணங்கள் தொடர்பான ஆவணங்கள் பாதுகாப்பு: Preservation of Ancient Tamil Maritime Records

The Tamil maritime history begins long time back. Inadequate information and missing records about ancient Tamil seafarers, lead to the opinion that maritime trade activities were pioneered by European seafarers. Ancient Tamil seafarers explored the wide ocean, discovered new lands, and initiated trade activities with other ancient civilizations in the past. However, only fewer records describing Tamils seafaring experience details were identified so far. This paper study ancient maritime activities of Tamil people, referencing information in Sangam Tamil literature, maritime records from travellers visited Tamil country and records on ship making industry practiced by the Tamil folks. A Palm leaf manuscript from the 17th Cent A.D is also used in this study, particularly for the purpose of understanding the ship making industry practiced by ship making community lived in Tranquebar, a harbour city on the Coromandel Coast. ​ Key Words: Ancient Tamil Traders, Maritime Trade, Ancient Seafarers, Ship making Technology, Ship making industry. ஆயவுசசுருககம: தொடகக காலத தமிழக கடலோடிகளின வரலாறும குறிபபுகளும குறிதது எழுதபபடட கடடுரை இதுவாகும. தொடகககாலத தமிழக கடலோடிகளின நடவடிககைகள வெகு நணட காலததிறகு முனபே தொடஙகி விடடதாகவும, அது குறிததுப போதுமான தகவலகளகளும தரவுகளும பாதுகாககபபடாமையால ஐரோபபியரகளே இககடல செலவுகளில முனனோடிகள என ஆகிவிடடது. பழைய தமிழக கடலோடிகளே நளகடல கடநது புதிய நிலஙகளை வெறறி கொணடு அனைததுலக வியாபாரததிறகு வழியமைததனர. இககடடுரையானது தமிழக கடலோடிகளதான கடல நடவடிககைகளைத தொடககியவரகள எனும கருததை முனவைககிறது. குறிபபுச சொறகள: பழநதமிழ வணிகரகள, கடலவழி வணிகம, பணடையக கடலோடிகள, கபபல கடடுமானத தொழிலநுடபம, கபபல கடடுமானத தொழிலதுறை.
A molecular device for frequency doubling enabled by molecular sequestration

In engineering, a frequency multiplier is a device that processes an oscillatory input and produces an output signal with shorter period oscillations, whose output frequency is an integer multiple of its input frequency. A molecular frequency multiplier will enable us to adjust the period of synthetic biological oscillators in a simpler way without the need to redesign or retune the oscillatory network itself. In this work, we describe the rational design and analysis of a biomolecular device for doubling the frequency of an oscillatory input. The device is based on the use of molecular sequestration, which operates as an electronic diode with a tunable threshold, and only signals with amplitude larger than the device's threshold are able to produce an output. The device architecture is similar to full wave rectifier circuit: we use two modules in parallel produce the output, where the first device will only process a signal above the threshold and the second device only responds to a signal below the threshold. This results in an output with a frequency that is the double of the input frequency. We derive conditions for proper operation of the device, that specify required network parameters and input frequency; with simulations, we examine the input-output rating of the device and we find that frequency doubling is achieved in a range of realistic parameters as well as in a stochastic setting.
Methods for designing low-leakage ESD power supply clamps

Abstract Low-power semiconductor components require minimizing leakage currents including those from ESD protection circuits. Here, MOSFET ESD power clamps with substantial leakage reduction over previous approaches are presented. Designs are described for core logic circuits and for I/O applications where supply voltages exceed what single gate oxides can reliably sustain.
Accumulation on and extraction of lead from point-of-use filters for evaluating lead exposure from drinking water

The precise quantification of Pb exposure from tap water can help water utilities and public health organizations assess and mitigate elevated Pb concentrations. Several sampling protocols have been developed for this purpose; however, each existing protocol has limitations associated with sampling time, sample sizes, and ease of application. This study confirmed the ability of point-of-use faucet filters to accumulate Pb and then developed an extraction method that can enable quantification of Pb exposure from tap water. Nearly all Pb from both real and synthetic tap water was accumulated on POU filters, and four different methods for extracting the accumulated Pb were evaluated. Approximately 100% Pb recovery was achieved with a single pass flow-through method using a nitric acid solution. This Pb exposure quantification method could potentially be applied to real drinking water systems to provide an effective indication of Pb exposure from tap water.
Ramatroban as a Novel Immunotherapy for COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 virus suppresses host innate and adaptive immune responses, thereby allowing the virus to proliferate, and cause multiorgan failure, especially in the elderly. Respiratory viruses stimulate cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) to generate prostanoids including Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and thromboxane A2. Furthermore, PGD2 concentrations in the airways increase with aging. PGD2 action mediated via DP2 receptors suppresses both innate and adaptive immune responses, by inhibiting interferon-λ and stimulation of myeloid monocyte-derived suppressor cells respectively. PGD2 and thromboxane A2 actions via the TP receptors activate platelets leading to a prothrombotic state. Ramatroban, a small-molecule antagonist of DP2 and TP receptors, reverses viremia-associated proinflammatory, immunosuppressive5 and prothrombotic processes which are similar to those induced by SARS-Cov-2. Ramatroban, used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in Japan for the past 20 years has an excellent safety profile. Therefore, Ramatroban merits investigation as a novel immunotherapy for the treatment of COVID-19 disease.
Stepping Carefully: Thinking Through the Potential Pitfalls of Integrated STEM

In light of discussions about the benefits and tradeoffs of integrated STEM education, we present a case that focuses on an apparently promising context for integrating mathematics and science. First- and second-graders observed changes in prairie plants over a year and sought a way to locate their plants in the prairie, as a planned prairie burn would soon destroy the top growth. They agreed to use compasses and pacing to write directions from a common landmark to the plants. Later, the class attempted to reinterpret their conceptions of location and wayfinding in the context of two new representations: a 2-dimensional map and a hoop on the floor that depicted the outline of the prairie. During this conversation, children struggled to integrate their memories of distance and unit-length, experienced within the prairie, to inscriptions that presented an external perspective of the same space. Some problems appeared to stem from the authenticity of the task, which inspired solutions that disrupted the teacher’s mathematical agenda. To promote STEM education, educators need to be aware of the task solutions that children are likely to invent, thoroughly address children’s understanding of representational conventions, and select tasks in which model-test and revision play a prominent role.
Mechanisms of Pulmonary Hypertension in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe and often fatal disease. The causes that lead to ARDS are multiple and include inhalation of salt water, smoke particles, or as a result of damage caused by respiratory viruses. ARDS can also arise due to systemic complications such as blood transfusions, sepsis, or pancreatitis. Unfortunately, despite a high mortality rate of 40%, there are limited treatment options available for ARDS outside of last resort options such as mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal support strategies. Aim of review: A complication of ARDS is the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH); however, the mechanisms that lead to PH in ARDS are not fully understood. In this review, we summarize the known mechanisms that promote PH in ARDS. Key scientific concepts of review: (1) Provide an overview of acute respiratory distress syndrome; (2) delineate the mechanisms that contribute to the development of PH in ARDS; (3) address the implications of PH in the setting of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).