cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selenium and Inflammation

It is becoming increasingly clear that over-production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) by immune cells, resulting in oxidative stress, plays a prominent role in several disease states, where inflammation forms the underlying basis. Emerging evidence from many studies in humans and animals strongly suggest that the beneficial effects of selenium-­supplementation in prevention and/or treatment of some of these diseases occur via the mitigation of inflammatory signaling pathways. Selenium supplementation, over the minimal nutritional requirements, has gained popularity and there is some scientific evidence to support benefits of super-supplementation of Se. However, despite the therapeutic potential of selenium in many inflammatory diseases, very little is known about the mechanism and regulation of inflammation by Se. To explain the health benefits of selenium and define its biochemical role in mitigating oxidative stress-mediated expression of proinflammatory genes and initiate the recovery or resolution phase, it is important to identify those signaling pathways and genes whose expression is regulated strictly by selenium status in macrophages. Given that RONS serves as a double-edged sword in the modulation of inflammatory signaling pathways, it is not surprising to find that selenium-deficiency defects may be related to an “over-worked” system that fails to mitigate oxidative stress. Thus, studies relating to the modulation of signaling of inflammatory gene expression by selenium may open new opportunities to understand the redox-regulation of complex signal transduction pathways.
The Stellar Occultation Technique: Past Achievements, Recent Developments, and Future Challenges

Occultation techniques have been used for many years to study the atmospheres of Earth, the other planets, and their satellites. Because occultation techniques are generally based upon relative measurements, they tend to be less sensitive to instrument degradation and changes in calibration than other remote sensing methods. Although easy to implement in principle, technical hurdles have existed. As these have been overcome, however, occultation techniques have proven to be an excellent means of exploring the overall structure of the terrestrial and planetary atmospheres. In this paper, we present a historical overview of the development of stellar occultation techniques (i.e., those based upon the observation of stars), describe the present-day state of the methods, and discuss their future applications in atmospheric remote sensing.
Application of a single-case intervention procedure to assess the replicability of a two-component instructional strategy

Abstract A dual-component single-case multiple-baseline design and statistical analysis was implemented to assess the replicability of instructional-strategy effects that have been well established in previous conventional randomized “group” intervention research. The 15-week intervention study examined the efficacy of a sequentially presented pictorial “mnemonic numeric” strategy designed to help seven 11- and 12-year-old children remember the dates (centuries and decades) of various 18th, 19th, and 20th century inventions. Two different single-case multiple-baseline randomization-test procedures were applied to confirm a predicted set of differentiated experimental outcomes. Suggestions were provided for modifying and improving the methods’ suitability for single-case educational intervention researchers.
Decentralized Method for Sub-Swarm Deployment and Rejoining

As part of swarm search and service (SSS) missions, robots are tasked with servicing jobs as they are sensed. This requires small sub-swarm teams to leave the swarm for a specified amount of time to service the jobs. In doing so, fewer robots are required to change motion than if the whole swarm were diverted, thereby minimizing the job’s overall effect on the swarm’s main goal. We explore the problem of removing the required number of robots from the swarm, while maintaining overall swarm connectivity. By preserving connectivity, robots are able to successfully rejoin the swarm upon completion of their assigned job. These robots are then made available for reallocation. We propose a decentralized and asynchronous method for breaking off sub-swarm groups and rejoining them with the main swarm using the swarm’s communication graph topology. Both single and multiple job site cases are explored. The results are compared against a full swarm movement method. Simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms a full swarm method in the average number of messages sent per robot in each step, as well as, the distance traveled by the swarm.
Design, Simulation and Parametric Optimization of MEMS Based Varactor

This paper presents design, modeling and parametric optimization of RF MEMS varactor with large tuning range using electrostatic actuation. Optimized result is obtained using finite element method (FEM) and HFSS simulation to obtain large tuning ratio. Electrostatic torsion actuator is used in this model for actuation. The actuator beam transform the closing gap of torsion actuator into the movement of capacitor plate in the upward direction. The proposed design is optimized on the basis of electrode length ratio, levering ratio, gap between the plates. The design is demonstrated on 50 Ω coplanar transmission line for frequency range ofl-10 GHz, and optimized scattering parameters are achieved for both the actuated and un-actuated state. RF characteristics has been improved at electrode length ratio of 0.4404. Best performance is achieved at 5.5GHz with tunability of 157 % for Electrode length ratio of 0.4404.
Talin-Dependent Integrin Activation Regulates VE-Cadherin Localization and Endothelial Cell Barrier Function.

Rationale: Endothelial barrier function depends on the proper localization and function of the adherens junction protein VE (vascular endothelial)-cadherin. Previous studies have suggested a functi...
Chemical Strike against a Dominant-Inherited MUC1-Frameshifted Protein Associated with Progressive Kidney Disease.

In a recent paper by Dvela-Levitt et al., chemical screening using an immunofluorescent assay identified a compound that caused removal of a dominant-inherited misfolded secretory protein, mucin1-frameshifted, from an intracellular location in immortalized renal epithelial cells of a patient affected with progressive medullary cystic kidney disease. This illustrates the power of chemical screening at the cellular level to address specific proteinopathies and the utility of such compounds to illuminate novel cellular pathways that can clear toxic proteins.
EEG power spectral slope differs by ADHD status and stimulant medication exposure in early childhood

This article highlights the clinical utility of comprehensively quantifying features of the EEG power spectrum. Using this approach, we identify, for the first time, differences in the aperiodic co...
A kinetic study of the sulfidation-regeneration of zinc oxide sorbent

Experimental studies on the sulfidation/regeneration of zinc oxide have been conducted to obtain precise data on the kinetics and structural changes involved, and to formulate appropriate rate expressions. The regeneration of zinc oxide (oxidation of zinc sulfide) particles conducted in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) was found to be fast and complete between 548 and 630°C, with zinc oxide being the only product formed. However, under the influence of external mass transfer, an oxysulfate intermediate which decomposes upon completion of the reaction was observed for the first time (by XRD). The intrinsic kinetic parameters for the oxidation reaction were determined and the surface reaction model (-r = k [O2] /1 + [O2]) with no dissociation of oxygen was found to depict the initial rate data very well up to 609°C. Simple power law models were found to be inadequate. Variations in surface area, pore volume, and pore size distributions caused by sintering with and without reaction were determined for the regeneration of zinc oxide between 575 and 640°C. In the absence of reaction, sintering resulted in a reduction of the sorbent surface area and an increase in average pore size. The reaction of zinc sulfide to zinc oxide in the absence of sintering resulted in an increase in surface area, while under reaction/sintering conditions the surface area increased up to a conversion of 0.75 and then decreased sharply. However, the surface area of the product was still greater than that of the reactant at all temperatures investigated.
Abstract TP277: CD4 T Cells Increase Tyrosine Hydroxylase Expression With Aging and Stroke in Mice

Introduction: Activated T lymphocytes are present in the brain and play a detrimental role in aging and potentiate inflammation after ischemic injury. Previous studies have shown that T lymphocytes...
Inter-task cache interference aware partitioned real-time scheduling

With the increasing number of cores in processors, shared resources like caches are interfering task execution behaviours more heavily and often render global scheduling approaches infeasible in practice. While partitioned scheduling alleviates such interference, in most existing partitioned approaches, constant WCET, which potentially includes all possible interference, must be statically pre-determined prior to the partitioning processes. In this paper, we show that by taking inter-task interference into consideration when making scheduling decisions, resource efficiency can be significantly improved in both temporal and spatial domains for multi/many-core real-time systems. In particular, we propose the inter-task interference matrix (ITIM) to model the inter-task cache/memory interference in a pair-wise manner. Focusing on the problem of interference-aware partitioned scheduling with ITIM, we formalize it as a mixed integer linear program (MILP), which can be solved to achieve optimal solution at the cost of high computational complexity. Meanwhile, we also provide several polynomial-time algorithms to solve the problem approximately. We extensively profile a set of WCET benchmark programs on x86-based multiprocessor server to collect ITIM. The algorithms are evaluated comprehensively, and the evaluation results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed approaches under various settings.
A computationally efficient simulator for three-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation of ion implantation into complex structures

Abstract A physically-based three-dimensional Monte Carlo simulator has been developed within UT-MARLOWE, which is capable of simulating ion implantation into multi-material systems and arbitrary topography. Introducing the third dimension can result in a severe CPU time penalty. In order to minimize this penalty, a three-dimensional trajectory replication algorithm has been developed, implemented and verified. More than two orders of magnitude savings of CPU time have been observed. An unbalanced Octree structure was used to decompose three-dimensional structures. It effectively simplifies the structure, offers a good balance between modeling accuracy and computational efficiency, and allows arbitrary precision of mapping the Octree onto desired structure. Using the well-established and validated physical models in UT-MARLOWE 5.0, this simulator has been extensively verified by comparing the integrated one-dimensional simulation results with secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). Two options, the typical case and the worst scenario, have been selected to simulate ion implantation into poly-silicon under various scenarios using this simulator: implantation into a random, amorphous network, and implantation into the worst-case channeling condition, into (1 1 0) orientated wafers.
High Young's modulus carbon fibers are fouling resistant with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry

We report evidence that high Young's modulus carbon-fibers resist detrimental chemical fouling at their surface similarly to carbon nanotube fibers with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. This provides a new method for stable monitoring of neurochemicals like serotonin, without the need to purchase costly carbon nanotube microfibers or perform complicated electrode immobilizations.
Evidence Review for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidance Development on Laboratory Testing to Detect Treponema pallidum Infection (Syphilis)

The articles in this supplement address key questions on syphilis diagnostics, provide reference tables of test performances, and discuss optimal specimens and knowledge gaps. Laboratory-developed genetic direct detection tests could be most useful at the point of care and add to the currently available serologic methods of nontreponemal and treponemal tests.
The General Formulation

“ The formulation is mathematically equivalent to more usual foundations. There are, therefore, no fundamentally new results. However, there is a pleasure in recognizing old things from a new point of view. Also, there are problems for which the new point of view offers a distinct advantage .” -Richard P. Feynmann (1948)
Holistic numerical calibration of the iMESA electrostatic analyzer

A drifted Maxwellian velocity distribution is the most common model used to interpret the data from low-energy charged-particle instruments onboard spacecraft that are used to investigate the ambient plasma environment in the low Earth orbit (LEO). An original method is presented for determining the flow parameters (density, temperature, and flow energy) of such a distribution from the output of the integrated miniaturized electrostatic analyzer, which has been successfully flown on several LEO missions. Rather than attempting to deconvolve from the on-orbit data the analyzer's response to an ideal, monoenergetic input, numerical simulation is used to predict and parameterize the response of the device to an input distribution that includes an isotropic, non-zero temperature, yielding a straightforward method for extracting the flow parameters from the spacecraft data. The method is computationally simple enough to be incorporated into a robust algorithm suitable for rapid batch processing or real-time analysis of data.
Angular Limb Deformity in Llamas and Alpacas

Angular limb deformities (ALD) are common among llamas and alpacas. Veterinarians most commonly are asked to examine growing neonates for skeletal abnormalities, but these defects are not uncommon among adult llamas and alpacas. Owners may perceive that a mild angulation ( < 5 degrees) in the forelimbs of adults is within the expected variation of normalcy. However, these angulations represent a skeletal defect and should not be encouraged as an acceptable phenotypic trait.
Candidate Disclosure and Ballot Access Bills: Novel Questions on Voting and Disclosure

For nearly a half century prior to the current administration, U.S. presidents and most serious candidates for the presidency have released their tax returns for public inspection. The practice of presidential tax disclosure serves several key functions. It provides the public with important insights into the president’s or presidential candidate’s potential conflicts of interest, particularly with respect to personal conflicts of interest related to reform of the tax system. It also instills public confidence in the honesty, integrity, and transparency of a presidential administration. Yet, despite repeated calls throughout the 2016 election cycle and since his election and inauguration, from advocates and ordinary citizens alike, and sustained public support for disclosure, President Donald Trump has not released his tax returns. President Trump’s refusal to comply with this well-established norm has exposed a gap in our regulation of presidential elections. Legislators in at least twenty-three states have released at least forty bills seeking to force presidential candidate tax return transparency. These laws would hinge access to the state presidential ballot on voluntary disclosure. Ballot access laws requiring presidential candidate disclosure, even in just a few states, would reinforce the disclosure norm and leave future candidates in the position of abandoning entire states (and thus harming their popular vote totals) in order to evade transparency. This Essay addresses whether these state ballot access measures pass constitutional muster and concludes that they do. These ballot access measures are not unlawful additional substantive qualifications for the presidency but rather procedural requirements akin to other state laws requiring the filing of petition signatures or filing fees. The Essay further posits that several key drafting choices would strengthen their likelihood of success in the nearly inevitable court challenges they would face. While several academics and practitioners have opined recently about this issue in the public sphere, there has not yet been any robust legal analysis of these proposals, which raise novel questions at the intersection of disclosure and ballot access law. This Essay begins to fill that gap.
Spirituality and Wellness in Plastic Surgery: A Survey of ASPS Members.

Spirituality is an important, yet often overlooked, component of personal well-being. The purpose of this study was to assess whether spirituality plays an important role in the well-being of US plastic surgeons and residents, and whether spirituality is viewed as an important component of patient care. Methods An anonymous and voluntary email survey was distributed to 3375 members of ASPS during the months of April through June of 2020. The survey distribution included 2230 active members of ASPS and 1149 resident members, all who practice or train within the United States. The survey consisted of 18 multiple-choice questions with answer choices based on a descriptive five-point Likert scale and ranking by priority. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using StataCorp 2019 software. Results A total of 431 completed surveys were received for a response rate of 12.7%. The majority of participants (70%) reported that personal spiritual beliefs and faith contribute positively to emotional well-being. In total, 65% agreed or strongly agreed that their spiritual beliefs provide a healthy framework for handling conflict, suffering, and loss. More than half (51%) reported that as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, their spiritual beliefs and practices have provided increased support and guidance. Conclusions Spirituality is an important component of maintaining wellness for plastic surgeons, and spirituality is recognized by plastic surgeons as an important aspect of the healing process for patients. Efforts should be made to promote spiritual health among the surgical community both during training and in practice.
Choice of Fin Area and Dihedral

THE choice of nv and — lv for a new aircraft is not simply a matter of chance; nor can it be decided entirely by considerations of stability. Below are given certain working rules, which should act as a useful guide.
Dependency sequences and hierarchical clocks: efficient alternatives to vector clocks for mobile computing systems

Vector clocks have been used to capture causal dependencies between processes in distributed computing systems. Vector clocks are not suitable for mobile computing systems due to (i) lack of scalability: its size is equal to the number of nodes, and (ii) its inability to cope with fluctuations in the number of nodes. This paper presents two efficient alternatives to vector clock, namely, sets of dependency sequences, and hierarchical clock. Both the alternatives are scalable and are immune to fluctuations in the number of nodes in the system.
Predictors of the progression of functional disability in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify patient characteristics that predict the short term (5 yr) rate of progression of functional disability in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: In a prospective longitudinal study, 212 patients with AS reported information on health status on biannual mailed questionnaires. The median duration of followup was 5 yrs (range 1-7.5 yrs). Functional disability was measured using the Health Assessment Questionnaire for the Spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-S; possible range 0-3). Predictors of the rate of change in the HAQ-S over time included demographic characteristics, number of comorbid conditions, age at onset of AS, peripheral arthritis, smoking, body mass index, social support (measured by the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, ISEL), current and past physical activity at work, current and past recreational activity, severity of pain and stiffness, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug use, and frequency of back exercise. Associations between the predictors and the rate of progression of functional disability (HAQ-S units/yr) were tested using pooled time series regression analysis. RESULTS: Patients were mostly middle-aged (mean 48 yrs), male (70%), white (86%), and well educated (mean 15.5 yrs), with an average duration of AS of 20 yrs and little functional disability at study entry (mean HAQ-S 0.66). Over a median of 5 yrs, the HAQ-S increased at an average rate of 0.0168 units/yr. In multivariate analyses, older age (change in slope +0.0007 units/yr of age; p = 0.0008) and smoking (change in slope +0.0313 units/yr; p
The Presence of Soluble c-erbB-2 in Saliva and Serum among Women with Breast Carcinoma: A Preliminary Study

The protein c- erb B-2, also known as Her2/ neu , is a prognostic breast cancer marker assayed in tissue biopsies from women diagnosed with malignant tumors. Present studies suggest that soluble fragments of the c- erb B-2 oncogene may be released from the cell surface and become detectable in patients with carcinoma of the breast. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to assay the c- erb B-2 protein in the saliva and serum of women with and without carcinoma of the breast and to determine whether the protein possesses any diagnostic value. To determine the diagnostic utility of this oncogene, the soluble form of the c- erb B-2 protein was assayed in the saliva and serum using ELISA in three different groups of women. The three groups consisted of 57 healthy women, 41 women with benign breast lesions, and 30 women diagnosed with breast cancer. To compare the relative diagnostic utility of the c- erb B-2 protein, CA 15-3 was also measured. The CA 15-3 measurements served as a “gold standard” by which to compare the c- erb B-2 protein’s diagnostic effectiveness. We found c- erb B-2 protein in the saliva and serum of all three groups of women. The salivary and serological levels of c- erb B-2 in the cancer patients, however, were significantly higher ( P < 0.001) than the salivary and serum levels of healthy controls and benign tumor patients. Additionally, the c- erb B-2 protein was found to be equal to or to surpass the ability of CA 15-3 to detect patients with carcinoma. The results of the pilot study suggest that the c- erb B-2 protein may have potential use in the initial detection and/or follow-up screening for the recurrence of breast cancer in women.
Systematics and biogeography of the non‐viny grape relative Leea (Vitaceae)

Leea, sometimes treated as the monogeneric family Leeaceae, is sister to the rest of the grape family, Vitaceae, but its systematics is poorly known. Phylogenetic relationships in Leea were reconstructed with parsimony and Bayesian methods using nuclear ribosomal sequences to assess species circumscriptions, morphological evolution and biogeography. The internal transcribed spacer secondary structure model for Leea facilitated homology assessments during sequence alignment. Nine morphological characters were mapped onto the phylogenetic tree. Four major clades in Leea were supported, with L. asiatica s.l. (=clade I) as the earliest diverging clade and having plesiomorphic free stamens. Clade II, which includes the prickle-bearing species, is sister to clade III, which includes species with comparatively large flowers. Clade IV, sister to clade II + III, was resolved into four subclades. Each subclade included accessions of L. indica and L. guineensis intermixed with six other morphologically distinct species, showing the polyphyly of these two species as currently circumscribed. Flower colour, previously used to characterize species, was shown to be unreliable for species identification. Dating analyses estimated that Leea originated in Indochina in the Late Cretaceous (65–86.19 Mya, 95% highest posterior density). The members of the major clades later spread to India, Africa, Madagascar, South-East (SE) Asia and tropical Australasia. Major species diversification occurred in the Neogene, when dynamic environmental and geological changes in SE Asia presented new ecological niches. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, ●●, ●●–●●.
The Relationship of Choline and Carnitine in the Choline Deficient Rat

Levels of carnitine in choline deficient and choline supplemented rats were measured in heart, skeletal muscle, plasma, and liver after various treatments. A decreased hepatic concentration of carnitine was shown to be closely correlated to the deficiency in dietary choline. No change in the concentration of plasma ketone bodies after a 48 hour fast was observed in the choline deficient rats when compared to choline supplemented controls, even though the level of hepatic carnitine subsequent to the fast was lower in the deficient rats. The concentration of hepatic carnitine was increased to normal values 1.5 hours after a single injection of 100 mumoles of choline, but was not affected by other "methyl" donors. From experiments presented in this communication it is concluded that the increase in hepatic carnitine is probably due to increased transport and uptake of this compound into the liver rather than by "de novo" synthesis.
Interstellar hydrogen ionization in the heliosheath

The expanding solar wind plasma undergoes a shock transition at the interstellar boundary of the solar system and fills the inner heliosheath, the region between the termination shock and the heliopause. The nonequilibrium heliosheath plasma is a main source of energetic neutral atoms that allow remote probing of the heliospheric interface region. Global models of the heliosphere interaction with the interstellar medium often disregard solar photoionization and electron impact ionization of interstellar gas in the heliosheath. When ionization is included, it is commonly treated in a simplified manner and complexity of heliospheric interactions obscures its effect on the properties of the plasma. This work concentrates on physical estimates of ionization and shows that it may lead to significant mass loading of plasma flows in the heliosheath. In turn, mass loading would slow down plasma flows and deplete populations of nonthermal energetic protons. The magnitude of the effect depends on poorly understood and largely unknown energy transfer to electrons at the termination shock and beyond. The presented estimates show that inclusion of ionization is indispensable for global heliospheric modeling and for interpretation of heliosphere imaging in fluxes of energetic neutral atoms.
Characterization of reverse osmosis cellulose acetate membranes by gas adsorption method: effect of casting variables and chlorine damage

Abstract The gas adsorption isotherms of cellulose acetate RO membranes were investigated in order to characterize the pores of laboratory prepared membranes. The data showed that before annealing, the molecular structure was relatively homogeneous, but during annealing, the heterogeneity of the membrane molecular structure increased, the micropores were enlarged and thus pore volume and surface area were increased. The nature of the membrane pore structure suggested by adsorption measurements on vacuum dried RO membranes will not, however, be identical to that existing before membrane drying. The water permeability decreased from 278.0 × 10−5 cm3/cm2-sec for unannealed membrane to 9.2 × 10−5 cm3/cm2-sec for membranes annealed at 90°C. Increase of gelation temperature made the resulting membrane possess mesopores in spite of unannealed conditions. The membrane gelation temperature of 20°C showed the characteristics of an ultrafiltration membrane. Gas adsorption experiments using chlorine damaged membranes showed considerable decrease in both pore volume and surface area.
Pyrimidines. 21. Novel reactions of 5‐cyano‐1,3‐dimethyluracil with carbon nucleophiles. A facile preparation of certain pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidines

Treatment of 5-cyano-1,3-dimethyluracil (8) with an activated acetonitrile, such as malononitrile, ethyl cyanoacetate or cyanoacetamide, in base afforded 7-amino-6-cyano-, 7-amino-6-ethoxycarbonyl-, and 7-amino-6-aminocarbonyl-1,3-dimethylpyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (18b, 18c and 18d, respectively) in high yields. On the other hand, reaction of 8 with acetonitrile in base gave the Michael adduct, 5-cyano-6-cyanomethyl-5,6-dihydrouracil (15, R = H), and the hydrated product, 1,3-dimethyluracil-5-carboxamide (9) as the major products, and 7-amino-1,3-dimethylpyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (18a) in only very low yield. Similar reaction with butanone gave 7-ethyl-1,3-dimethyl- and 1,3,6,7-tetramethylpyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (10b and 10c) in low yields. When 8 was treated with diethylmalonate in base, only a small amount of 6-ethoxycarbonyl-1,3-dimethylpyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4,7(1H,3H,8H)-trione (19) was obtained together with 1,3-dimethylpyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (20) and 18c (also in low yields). Treatment of 8 in ethanolic sodium ethoxide without added carbon nucleophile gave significant amounts (14%) of 20 and a small amount of 18c.
Proton-collecting properties of bovine heart cytochrome C oxidase: kinetic and electrostatic analysis.

Proton-transfer reactions on the surface of bovine heart cytochrome c oxidase were investigated by combining a laser-induced proton-pulse technique with molecular modeling. The experimental approach simultaneously monitors the state of pyranine protonation in the bulk phase and that of a fluorescein indicator specifically attached to the native Cys(III-115) residue of subunit III of cytochrome oxidase. The reversible dynamics of the acid−base equilibration between the surface and the bulk phase were measured with submicrosecond time resolution and analyzed by numerical integration of coupled nonlinear differential rate equations. Kinetic analysis shows that carboxylates on the surface of the protein act as a proton-collecting antenna, which is able to rapidly transfer protons to nearby histidines that function as a local proton reservoir. These properties enable cytochrome oxidase to carry out its redox-linked proton translocation. Molecular modeling of the fluorescein-binding site indicates that, in addi...
Solvent-free catalyst-free microwave-assisted acylation of lignin

Abstract Valorization of lignin into biomaterials requires its good compatibility with the polymeric matrix it is incorporated into. Softwood Kraft lignin was esterified with various anhydrides (acetic, propionic, butyric, methacrylic, maleic) using a solvent-free, catalyst-free, microwave-assisted method. The esterification was fast and efficient (degrees of substitution >90% after 10 min). The reaction was worked up using water or ethanol as purification agent. Esterified lignins were characterized by FT-IR, GPC, quantitative 31P NMR and TGA/DSC. NMR analyses indicated that non-cyclic anhydrides reacted with both aliphatic and phenolic OH groups, while maleic anhydride reacted exclusively with aliphatic OH groups. All acylated lignins except the maleated one showed higher thermal stability than the unmodified lignin. Lignins acylated with non-cyclic anhydrides can be applied as green fillers in apolar polyolefins while maleated lignin can serve as metal adsorbent or macroreagent for the synthesis of polyesters or polyamides. We showed in this study that lignin can be modified in a fast and easy way.
Mr Imaging of the Pancreas

Current MR imaging technology offers the surgeon diagnostic information about pancreatic diseases. This article reviews the basics of MR imaging formation and the rationale for the different types of imaging sequences that comprise a comprehensive pancreaticobiliary examination. Clinical examples include evaluation of pancreatic neoplasms, acute and chronic pancreatitis, and congenital abnormalities.
SOME PROPERTIES OF RARE EARTH-NITRILOTRIACETATE COMPLEXES

The stability constants of the 1:1 and 1: 2 rare earthnitrilotriacetate complexes were measured polarographically at 10, 20, 30, and 40 deg C at an ionic strength of 0.10. The stability constants of the 1: 1 complexes increased with increasing atomic number of the rare earth through samarium, decreased at europium and gandollnium, and then increased linearly through lutetium. The stability of the 1: 2 rare earth-NTA complexes increased from lanthanum through terbium, decreased from dysprosium through thulium, and showed a slight increase at ytterbium and lutetium. The stability of the yttrium chelate was nearest that of the terbium chelate in the 1: 1 complex and closest to the samarium chelate in the 1:2 complex. The so-called gadolinium break was evident in both series or constants. The measured constants correctly predicted the extent of separation of the entire rare earth series and also the position of yttrium in the ion- exchange separation of the rare earths using NTA as eluant. The thermodynamic functions DELTA F deg , DELTA H deg , and DELTA S deg were calculated for both sets of compounds from the temperature dependence of the stability constants. A positive enthalpy change was found for the series ofmore » 1: 1 complexes and a negative enthalpy change for the series of 1:2 complexes. In both series of compounds, it was found that the main driving force for chelation was a favorable entropy change. The solid 1: 1 rare earth-NTA chelates were prepared at different temperatures and analyzed. The hydrates found for the various species ranged from mono to pentahydra-tes. There seemed to be no order in the lightest members of the series, where almost every hydrate was found. The middle members of the series formed only the trihydrate and the heavier members each formed a dihydrate and a tetrahydrate. The solubility of each hydrate of the 1: 1 rare earth-NTA chelates was measured at 25 and 60 deg C.« less
Maxwell-wagner relaxations and their contributions to the high permittivity of calcium copper titanate ceramics

Calcium copper titanate ceramics were fabricated by cold isostatic pressing at various calcination and sintering conditions. Depending on fabrication condition, three electrical responses were observed in the combined modulus and impedance plots, indicating the presence of two Maxwell-Wagner relaxations. These electrical responses show different response to temperature and applied field. The activation energies, as well as the driving force factors, were calculated for these relations. The determined activation energy values are in the range of $0.57\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{to}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}0.65\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$. The contribution of Maxwell-Wagner relaxations to the high permittivity of CCTO and related materials is briefly discussed.
Improvement of power efficiency in flapping-wing MAVs through a semi-passive motion control approach

Among unmanned aerial systems (UASs), flapping-wing micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) are perhaps the newest field of research. Inspired by small size and agile flight of insects and birds, these vehicles offer a great potential for applications such as reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue, mapping, etc. However, practicality of these systems still depends on how we overcome various challenges ranging from control methodology to morphological construction and power supply. Further inspiration from solutions in nature is one way of approaching such problems. Through modeling synchronous muscles in insects, we have previously shown that manipulation of mechanical impedance properties at wing joints can be a very efficient method for controlling lift and thrust production in flapping-wing MAVs. In our current work, we will investigate the power requirements of this control approach through simulated flight experiments. The results indicate that these requirements are considerably lower compared to when conventional control strategies - methods that often rely on changing stroke properties such as frequency or magnitude of the flapping motion - are employed. With less power demands, we believe our proposed control strategy is able to significantly improve flight time in future flapping-wing MAVs.
The Role of SIRT1 in Diabetic Kidney Disease

Sirtuins (SIRTs) are members of the silent information regulator 2 family. In mammals, of the seven known SIRTs, SIRT1 function is most studied and has been shown to regulate wide range of cellular functions that affect metabolic homeostasis and aging. SIRT1 exerts anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects against cellular injury, and protects the cells through the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy, and metabolism in response to the cellular energy and redox status. SIRT1 also promotes vasodilation and protects vascular tissues. In humans and animal models with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), its expression tends to be decreased in renal cells, and increased expression of SIRT1 was found to play a renal protective role in animal models with DKD. In this review, we discuss the role and potential mechanisms by which SIRT1 protects against DKD.
Chaos in ecological systems: The coals that Newcastle forgot.

Until recently, ecologists have ignored the possibility that chaos may be an important component of ecological systems. With the development of powerful new concepts and techniques for the study and detection of chaotic systems, it is becoming apparent that chaos may be widespread in nature, and may necessitate a fundamental reappraisal of many ideas in community and population ecology.
Knockdown of the Drosophila GTPase Nucleostemin 1 Impairs Large Ribosomal Subunit Biogenesis, Cell Growth, and Midgut Precursor Cell Maintenance

Mammalian nucleostemin (NS) is a nucleolar guanosine triphosphate-binding protein implicated in cell cycle progression, stem cell proliferation, and ribosome assembly. Drosophila melanogaster contains a four-member nucleostemin family (NS1–4). NS1 is the closest orthologue to human NS; it shares 33% identity and 67% similarity with human NS. We show that NS1 has intrinsic GTPase and ATPase activity and that it is present within nucleoli of most larval and adult cells. Endogenous NS1 and lightly expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP)-NS1 enrich within the nucleolar granular regions as expected, whereas overexpressed GFP-NS1 localized throughout the nucleolus and nucleoplasm, and to several transcriptionally active interbands of polytene chromosomes. Severe overexpression correlated with the appearance of melanotic tumors and larval/pupal lethality. Depletion of 60% of NS1 transcripts also lead to larval and pupal lethality. NS1 protein depletion>95 correlated with the loss of imaginal island (precursor) cells in the larval midgut and to an apparent block in the nucleolar release of large ribosomal subunits in terminally differentiated larval midgut polyploid cells. Ultrastructural examination of larval Malpighian tubule cells depleted for NS1 showed a loss of cytoplasmic ribosomes and a concomitant appearance of cytoplasmic preautophagosomes and lysosomes. We interpret the appearance of these structures as indicators of cell stress response.
Unsteady heat transfer from a circular cylinder in a low Reynolds number flow

This paper examines the temperature distribution in a low Reynolds number flow past a circular cylinder following a sudden change in the temperature of the cylinder. Solutions describing the initial development of the temperature field and the final approach to the eventual steady state are obtained. Expressions for the Nusselt number for small and large values of time are determined.
Primary care visit duration and quality: does good care take longer?

Background It is unclear if increasing pressure on primary care physicians to be more efficient has affected visit duration or quality of care. We sought to describe changes in the duration of adult primary care visits and in the quality of care provided during these visits and to determine whether quality of care is associated with visit duration. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of visits by adults 18 years or older to a nationally representative sample of office-based primary care physicians in the United States. Results Between 1997 and 2005, US adult primary care visits to physicians increased from 273 million to 338 million annually, or 10% on a per capita basis. The mean visit duration increased from 18.0 to 20.8 minutes ( P P = .002 for trend), essential hypertension (3.7 minutes, P P Conclusions Adult primary care visit frequency, quality, and duration increased between 1997 and 2005. Modest relationships were noted between visit duration and quality of care. Providing counseling or screening required additional physician time, but ensuring that patients were taking appropriate medications seemed to be independent of visit duration.
A linear-time algorithm for classifying the states of a finite Markov chain

Classifying the states of a finite Markov chain requires the identification of all irreducible closed sets and the set of transient states. This paper presents an algorithm for identifying these states that executes in time O(MAX(|V|, |E|)) where number of states and |E| is the number of positive entries in the Markov matrix. The algorithm finds the closed strongly connected components of the transition graph using a depth-first search.
The effect of surfactants and some herbicides on teliospore viability in Puccinia thlaspeos (Schub.)

Abstract Puccinia thlaspeos is being studied as a potential biocontrol agent for Isatis tinctoria . The goal of the work reported here was to gather information pertinent to the integrated use of herbicides and P. thlaspeos . The effect of three herbicides currently used to control I. tinctoria on viability of teliospores from inoculum was studied along with common surfactants. Neither chlorsulfuron nor metsulfuron-methyl had a significant impact on teliospore germination when used alone but the 2,4-D formulation used in these studies decreased teliospore viability. The surfactants Sylgard and IFA-S90 reduced spore germination while Regulaid had little effect. However, when rust-infected plants were sprayed with different combinations of herbicides and surfactants, the viability of teliospores produced on those plants was not decreased.
Performance of sputtered pb0.92bi0.07la0.01(fe0.405NB0.325Zr0.27)O3 ferroelectric memory films

The ferroelectric behavior of sputtered Pb0.92Bi0.07La0.01(Fe0.405Nb0.325Zr0.27)O3 films was evaluated for possible use in a ferroelectric-photoconductor memory. The material was sputtered onto platinum film substrates which also served as the lower electrodes. Gold 'dots' were evaporated through a mask onto the surface of the ferroelectric to form the upper electrodes. Hysteresis loops showed the films could be switched rapidly at very low voltages but loop squareness decreased substantially at lower frequencies. This decrease in P corresponds to spontaneous depoling of the ferroelectric.Switching and depoling were studied with rectangular voltage pulses. The rate and extent of depoling were determined by poling 'dots' and measuring the charge stored after various times. Depoling occurs rapidly during the first few milliseconds and then relatively slowly. Depoling was also monitored with low-voltage, alternating polarity, disturbing pulses applied to the dot. These disturbing pulses were 5% of the switch...
Sample size calculation for complex clinical trials with survival endpoints

Sample size estimation is important in planning clinical trials. The purpose of this paper is to describe features and use of SIZE, a comprehensive computer program for calculating sample size, power, and duration of study in clinical trials with time-dependent rates of event, crossover, and loss to follow-up. SIZE covers a wide range of complexities commonly occurring in clinical trials, such as nonproportional hazards, lag in treatment effect, and uncertainties in treatment benefit. The use of SIZE is illustrated by several hypothetical examples as well as applications to real study designs, each featuring a statistical issue.
Estradiol-induced changes in rabbit luteal cell progestin production and cholesterol and cholesterol ester content

Estradiol deprivation in vivo causes accumulation of cholesterol and cholesterol ester in the corpora lutea of pseudo-pregnant rabbits within 24 hours. These accumulations occur concomitantly with an abrupt cessation of progestin production. Retreatment with estradiol restores progestin production and can block further increases in cholesterol accumulation (per mg total tissue protein). Ample quantities of precursor cholesterol ester and cholesterol substrate are present in corpora lutea when progestin falls because of estradiol deprivation. We conclude therefore that the gonadotropic action of estradiol is, in part, because of its stimulation of cholesterol conversion to progestins.
Comparison of offenders with mental illness only and offenders with dual diagnoses.

OBJECTIVE: The study compared offenders who had severe mental illness only and offenders who had severe mental illness and substance abuse problems—dual diagnoses—to determine whether these groups differed. Offenders with dual diagnoses who were involved with the criminal justice system at different levels were compared to explore their profiles and experiences after release. METHODS: Secondary data collected on offenders who had diagnoses of severe mental illness and of substance abuse in Massachusetts were used to examine sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, and criminal justice characteristics, service needs, and community reentry experiences in the first three months postrelease of 265 offenders with major mental illness and 436 with dual diagnoses. RESULTS: Offenders with dual diagnoses were more likely to be female and to have a history of being on probation and of using mental health services. On release from correctional custody, they had more immediate service needs than offenders with men...
An evaluation of the mutagenic potential of an aerosol spray adhesive in the rat.

Abstract A commercially available aerosol adhesive formulation was examined for its mutagenic potential in adult rat bone marrow cells. Groups of rats were placed in a 100-l static inhalation chamber and were exposed to 10, 15, or 20g of the aerosol once daily. Exposures took place 21 times during 33 days. Treated and control animals were given colchicine intraperitoneally 2 h prior to sacrifice. Slides of bone marrow cells were examined for the presence of chromosome and chromatid aberrations. Although no statistically significant increases in grossly visible chromosomal damage were produced, significant reductions in the mitotic index were obtained which were indicative of a cytotoxic effect. Acute toxicity was manifested by the occurrence of ataxia, eye and nasal irritation, hyperexcitability, and clonic convulsions; these overt symptoms were dose dependent.