cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ouabain-induced coronary vasoconstriction in cats is not neurally mediated.

1. Previous reports indirectly implicate a neural mechanism for coronary constriction to centrally administered digitalis. However, autoregulatory changes in coronary resistance due to changes in arterial pressure may have influenced the interpretation of these studies. 2. We tested directly the hypothesis that cardiac sympathetic innervation is responsible for coronary constriction to ouabain by examining the effects of ouabain (intravenous (i.v.) and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.)) before and after bilateral stellate ganglionectomy. 3. Cats were anaesthetized and instrumented for the measurement of heart rate, blood pressure and coronary blood flow velocity using an epicardial-attached suction Doppler probe. Animals were treated with atenolol and the effects of either i.v. or i.c.v. injections of ouabain were examined. 4. In seven cats treated with atenolol, i.v. ouabain (0.11 mg/kg) produced maximal increases in arterial pressure and coronary vascular resistance index (CVRI) of 66 +/- 7 mmHg and 37 +/- 9%, respectively. Following bilateral stellate ganglionectomy (n = 7), ouabain produced similar increases in arterial pressure (70 +/- 9 mmHg) and CVRI (39 +/- 7%). A higher dose of i.v. ouabain (1.1 mg/kg) produced maximal increases in arterial pressure (115 +/- 4 mmHg) and coronary resistance (86 +/- 14%) in intact cats (n = 6) that were similar to responses seen in cats in which stellate ganglionectomy had been performed (n = 6; arterial pressure 104 +/- 13 mmHg; coronary resistance 114 +/- 6%). The increases in coronary resistance to ouabain at both doses were significantly greater than increases in coronary resistance to passive elevation of arterial pressure during aortic constriction. Thus, autoregulation does not explain fully the coronary constriction to ouabain. 5. To further examine a central mechanism, i.c.v. perfusion with 0.3 mmol/L ouabain was performed in six cats, resulting in increases in arterial pressure (122 +/- 7 mmHg) and coronary resistance (58 +/- 14%). Similar increases in arterial pressure (117 +/- 16%) and coronary resistance (84 +/- 20%) were seen in separate studies (n = 6) following stellate ganglionectomy. 6. These results indicate that coronary constriction to ouabain does not require intact cardiac sympathetic innervation, but probably involves a direct or humorally mediated effect.
Solvent Effects in Acid‐Catalyzed Biomass Conversion Reactions

Reaction kinetics were studied to quantify the effects of polar aprotic organic solvents on the acid-catalyzed conversion of xylose into furfural. A solvent of particular importance is g-valerolactone (GVL), which leads to signifi- cant increases in reaction rates compared to water in addition to increased product selectivity. GVL has similar effects on the kinetics for the dehydration of 1,2-propanediol to propanal and for the hydrolysis of cellobiose to glucose. Based on results obtained for homogeneous Bronsted acid catalysts that span a range of pKa values, we suggest that an aprotic organic solvent affects the reaction kinetics by changing the stabiliza- tion of the acidic proton relative to the protonated transition state. This same behavior is displayed by strong solid Bronsted acid catalysts, such as H-mordenite and H-beta. The use of organic solvents is pervasive in the chemical industry, and recently it has been shown that organic solvents are beneficial in the chemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass. (1-3) One such solvent is g-valerolactone (GVL), which can be produced from biomass and displays significant improvements in reaction performance for biomass conver- sion reactions compared to conversion in aqueous media, such as increased catalytic activity and higher selectivity to desired reaction products. (2, 3) Furthermore, we have reported that the simultaneous conversion of hemicellulose and cellulose can be achieved using GVL as a solvent in a single reactor, eliminating the need for pretreatment and/or sepa- ration steps. (4) Recently, we have taken advantage of accel- erated rates of cellulose and hemicellulose deconstruction in GVL-H2O solvent mixtures to develop a processing strategy to produce streams of C5 and C6 sugars (e.g., 130 g l � 1 ) from biomass. (5) Other polar aprotic solvents, such as g-lactones and tetrahydrofurans, have also shown comparable benefits to GVL in biomass conversion processes. (3) Herein, we report the effects of GVL and other polar aprotic solvents on acid-catalyzed biomass conversion reac- tions using acid catalysts that span a range of pKa values. The liquid-phase dehydration of xylose to furfural is catalyzed by Bronsted acids and serves as a probe reaction in the present study. We compare the reactivity trends displayed by these homogeneous acid catalysts in the liquid phase with the performance of solid acid catalysts, the latter of which have been shown to span a range of catalytic activities for the gas-
Crystal structures of a T4-lysozyme duplication-extension mutant demonstrate that the highly conserved beta-sheet region has low intrinsic folding propensity.

Residues 24 to 35 of T4 lysozyme correspond to the second and third strands of a region of β-sheet that is highly conserved in all known lysozyme and chitinase structures. To evaluate the intrinsic propensity of these amino acid residues to form a defined structure they were added at the C terminus of the native protein, together with a dipeptide linker. Two crystal structures of this active, mutant protein were obtained, to 1.9 A and 2.3 A resolution, respectively. Even though the crystal conditions are similar, the appended sequence adopts very different secondary structures. In one case it is weakly structured and appears to extend through the active-site cleft, perhaps in part adding an extra strand to the original β-sheet. In the other crystal form the extension is largely α-helical. The formation of these alternative structures shows that the sequence does not have a strong intrinsic propensity to form a unique fold (either β-sheet or otherwise). The results also suggest that structural conservation during evolution does not necessarily depend on sequence conservation or the conservation of folding propensity.
The electrostatic repulsion between charged spheres from exact solutions to the linearized poisson-boltzmann equation

Abstract An exact solution to the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann equation for the electrostatic potential around two equal, charged spheres is constructed via a multipole expansion. Results for the repulsive forces acting on the spheres are presented for 0.1 ⩽ aκ ⩽ 20 over the full range of separations. Comparison with the linear superposition and Derjaguin approximations defines their ranges of validity and highlights the failure of the latter at small separations for the case of fixed surface charge densities.
The effect of luminaire type and spacing on visibility levels in unobstructed spaces

The authors examine how luminaire type and spacing affect task contrast and visibility levels in unobstructed office spaces. The Lumen-Micro program was used to calculate visibility levels in a model open-office space as a function of luminaire candle-power distribution, fixture spacing, and illuminance level. Three representative luminaires were parametrically examined: a lensed troffer, a high-performance parabolic, and a high-performance uplight. Small differences in average task visibility levels were observed for the different luminaires and fixture spacings examined, but these differences were slight compared with variability within an installation. The study indicates that if one does not know the location of the task a priori, then it is not possible to achieve consistently high visibility levels throughout a space without resorting to lighting solutions that are intrinsically inefficient. >
Performance of silicon carbide high temperature gas sensors

Silicon carbide based devices are well suited for high temperatures applications such as gas sensors and electronic circuits for control and emissions applications in automobiles and power plants. We have developed a high sensitivity Pt-SiO2-SiC solid-state hydrogen gas sensor. The response time of this metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect device to hydrogen-containing species at 600degC is in the millisecond regime. In good agreement with standard models, the sensor response to hydrogen concentration is logarithmic over at least four decades of concentration. Based on a detailed understanding of the hydrogen transduction mechanisms, we have determined the optimum sensor biasing conditions for reliable high temperature operation. We report on the measurement accuracy and stability for a sensor that has run for 18 continues days with negligible degradation in performance at 600degC
Current Icing Potential: Algorithm Description and Comparison with Aircraft Observations

Abstract The “current icing potential” (CIP) algorithm combines satellite, radar, surface, lightning, and pilot-report observations with model output to create a detailed three-dimensional hourly diagnosis of the potential for the existence of icing and supercooled large droplets. It uses a physically based situational approach that is derived from basic and applied cloud physics, combined with forecaster and onboard flight experience from field programs. Both fuzzy logic and decision-tree logic are applied in this context. CIP determines the locations of clouds and precipitation and then estimates the potential for the presence of supercooled liquid water and supercooled large droplets within a given airspace. First developed in the winter of 1997/98, CIP became an operational National Weather Service and Federal Aviation Administration product in 2002, providing real-time diagnoses that allow users to make route-specific decisions to avoid potentially hazardous icing. The CIP algorithm, its individual c...
Genetic Analysis of the Protein Shell of the Microcompartments Involved in Coenzyme B12-Dependent 1,2-Propanediol Degradation by Salmonella

Hundreds of bacterial species use microcompartments (MCPs) to optimize metabolic pathways that have toxic or volatile intermediates. MCPs consist of a protein shell encapsulating specific metabolic enzymes. In Salmonella, an MCP is used for 1,2-propanediol utilization (Pdu MCP). The shell of this MCP is composed of eight different types of polypeptides, but their specific functions are uncertain. Here, we individually deleted the eight genes encoding the shell proteins of the Pdu MCP. The effects of each mutation on 1,2-PD degradation and MCP structure were determined by electron microscopy and growth studies. Deletion of the pduBB′, pduJ, or pduN gene severely impaired MCP formation, and the observed defects were consistent with roles as facet, edge, or vertex protein, respectively. Metabolite measurements showed that pduA, pduBB′, pduJ, or pduN deletion mutants accumulated propionaldehyde to toxic levels during 1,2-PD catabolism, indicating that the integrity of the shell was disrupted. Deletion of the pduK, pduT, or pduU gene did not substantially affect MCP structure or propionaldehyde accumulation, suggesting they are nonessential to MCP formation. However, the pduU or pduT deletion mutants grew more slowly than the wild type on 1,2-PD at saturating B12, indicating that they are needed for maximal activity of the 1,2-PD degradative enzymes encased within the MCP shell. Considering recent crystallography studies, this suggests that PduT and PduU may mediate the transport of enzyme substrates/cofactors across the MCP shell. Interestingly, a pduK deletion caused MCP aggregation, suggesting a role in the spatial organization of MCP within the cytoplasm or perhaps in segregation at cell division.
Challenges in assessing associations between hormonal contraceptive use and the risks of HIV-1 acquisition and transmission.

Evaluation of: Heffron R, Donnell D, Rees H et al.; for the Partners in Prevention HISV/HIV Transmission Study Team. Use of hormonal contraceptives and risk of HIV-1 transmission: a prospective cohort study. Lancet Infect. Dis. 12(1), 19–26 (2012). Prior observational studies produced inconsistent findings regarding hormonal contraception (HC) and risks of HIV acquisition and transmission. Heffron et al. conducted secondary data analyses on 3790 HIV discordant couples enrolled in two studies (a randomized trial of HSV-2 suppression and a study of immune correlates of HIV-1 protection) to assess HIV-1 acquisition and transmission in relation to HC use in females. HIV incidence among female HC nonusers was 3.8/100 person years (py), compared to 6.9/100 py among injectable users (p = 0.04) and 5.9/100 py in oral contraceptive users (p = 0.33). Among men, HIV incidence was 1.5/100 py in partners of HIV-positive HC nonusers, compared to 2.6/100 py in partners of injectable users (p < 0.05) and 2.5/100 py in me...
Remembrance of Things Past: Using Maps and Routes to Navigate through Virtual Environment Experiences

Collaborative Virtual Environments (CVEs) show great promise in domains such as education. Instead of using 3D space to weakly imitate physical classrooms, educators can create 3D spaces that directly reflect subject matter, and allow students to interact with it. Using non-physical 3D spaces creates potential orientation and navigation problems, which are best solved by means of (a) familiar metaphors and (b) repeated, gradually expanding experiences within the virtual space. This paper explores the use of maps and routes to navigate not the 3D virtual environment, but the records of users' previous experiences in the environment. Our premise is that textual content (whether lecture or lab material, or chat transcripts) can be more effectively navigated using appropriate temporal and subject-oriented aids, instead of relying on scrollbars or textual searches. We are exploring these concepts within the context of Unicron, a collaborative virtual environment for education.
Light at Night Alters Daily Patterns of Cortisol and Clock Proteins in Female Siberian Hamsters

Humans and other organisms have adapted to a 24-h solar cycle in response to life on Earth. The rotation of the planet on its axis and its revolution around the sun cause predictable daily and seasonal patterns in day length. To successfully anticipate and adapt to these patterns in the environment, a variety of biological processes oscillate with a daily rhythm of approximately 24 h in length. These rhythms arise from hierarchally-coupled cellular clocks generated by positive and negative transcription factors of core circadian clock gene expression. From these endogenous cellular clocks, overt rhythms in activity and patterns in hormone secretion and other homeostatic processes emerge. These circadian rhythms in physiology and behaviour can be organised by a variety of cues, although they are most potently entrained by light. In recent history, there has been a major change from naturally-occurring light cycles set by the sun, to artificial and sometimes erratic light cycles determined by the use of electric lighting. Virtually every individual living in an industrialised country experiences light at night (LAN) but, despite its prevalence, the biological effects of such unnatural lighting have not been fully considered. Using female Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus), we investigated the effects of chronic nightly exposure to dim light on daily rhythms in locomotor activity, serum cortisol concentrations and brain expression of circadian clock proteins (i.e. PER1, PER2, BMAL1). Although locomotor activity remained entrained to the light cycle, the diurnal fluctuation of cortisol concentrations was blunted and the expression patterns of clock proteins in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and hippocampus were altered. These results demonstrate that chronic exposure to dim LAN can dramatically affect fundamental cellular function and emergent physiology.
Host life history and host-parasite syntopy predict behavioural resistance and tolerance of parasites.

There is growing interest in the role that life-history traits of hosts, such as their ‘pace-of-life’, play in the evolution of resistance and tolerance to parasites. Theory suggests that, relative to host species that have high syntopy (local spatial and temporal overlap) with parasites, host species with low syntopy should have lower selection pressures for more constitutive (always present) and costly defences, such as tolerance, and greater reliance on more inducible and cheaper defences, such as behaviour. Consequently, we postulated that the degree of host–parasite syntopy, which is negatively correlated with host pace-of-life (an axis reflecting the developmental rate of tadpoles and the inverse of their size at metamorphosis) in our tadpole–parasitic cercarial (trematode) system, would be a negative and positive predictor of behavioural resistance and tolerance, respectively. To test these hypotheses, we exposed seven tadpole species to a range of parasite (cercarial) doses crossed with anaesthesia treatments that controlled for anti-parasite behaviour. We quantified host behaviour, successful and unsuccessful infections, and each species’ reaction norm for behavioural resistance and tolerance, defined as the slope between cercarial exposure (or attempted infections) and anti-cercarial behaviours and mass change, respectively. Hence, tolerance is capturing any cost of parasite exposure. As hypothesized, tadpole pace-of-life was a significant positive predictor of behavioural resistance and negative predictor of tolerance, a result that is consistent with a trade-off between behavioural resistance and tolerance across species that warrants further investigation. Moreover, these results were robust to considerations of phylogeny, all possible re-orderings of the three fastest or slowest paced species, and various measurements of tolerance. These results suggest that host pace-of-life and host–parasite syntopy are powerful drivers of both the strength and type of host defence strategies against parasites. Future research should evaluate how often and how strongly host pace-of-life and host–parasite syntopy are correlated and which is the better predictor of the strength and type of host investments in anti-parasite defences.
Duplex ultrasound evaluation of patients with chronic venous disease of the lower extremities.

OBJECTIVE. This article will describe the elements of performing a thorough venous ultrasound evaluation of the lower extremity in patients with manifestations of chronic venous disorder. The emphasis will be on the evaluation of superficial venous reflux. Only the specific aspects of the evaluation of the deep system pertaining to chronic venous disease will be discussed. CONCLUSION. Duplex ultrasound requires the examiner to solve a puzzle to explain the patient's clinical manifestations. Patients who have been treated with surgery, thermal ablation, or ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy will require duplex ultrasound after treatment to identify complications, gauge the extent of treatment success, and evaluate the cause for any recurrence.
Overlapping neurobiology of learned helplessness and conditioned defeat: implications for PTSD and mood disorders

Exposure to traumatic events can increase the risk for major depressive disorder (MDD) as well as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and pharmacological treatments for these disorders often involve the modulation of serotonergic (5-HT) systems. Several behavioral paradigms in rodents produce changes in behavior that resemble symptoms of MDD and these behavioral changes are sensitive to antidepressant treatments. Here we review two animal models in which MDD-like behavioral changes are elicited by exposure to an acute traumatic event during adulthood, learned helplessness (LH) and conditioned defeat. In LH, exposure of rats to inescapable, but not escapable, tailshock produces a constellation of behavioral changes that include deficits in fight/flight responding and enhanced anxiety-like behavior. In conditioned defeat, exposure of Syrian hamsters to a social defeat by a more aggressive animal leads to a loss of territorial aggression and an increase in submissive and defensive behaviors in subsequent encounters with non-aggressive conspecifics. Investigations into the neural substrates that control LH and conditioned defeat revealed that increased 5-HT activity in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is critical for both models. Other key brain regions that regulate the acquisition and/or expression of behavior in these two paradigms include the basolateral amygdala (BLA), central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). In this review, we compare and contrast the role of each of these neural structures in mediating LH and conditioned defeat, and discuss the relevance of these data in developing a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying trauma-related depression. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'.
Cerebrovascular dilation via selective targeting of the cholane steroid-recognition site in the BK channel β1-subunit by a novel nonsteroidal agent.

The Ca2+/voltage-gated K+ large conductance (BK) channel β1 subunit is particularly abundant in vascular smooth muscle. By determining their phenotype, BK β1 allows the BK channels to reduce myogenic tone, facilitating vasodilation. The endogenous steroid lithocholic acid (LCA) dilates cerebral arteries via BK channel activation, which requires recognition by a BK β1 site that includes Thr169. Whether exogenous nonsteroidal agents can access this site to selectively activate β1-containing BK channels and evoke vasodilation remain unknown. We performed a chemical structure database similarity search using LCA as a template, along with a two-step reaction to generate sodium 3-hydroxyolean-12-en-30-oate (HENA). HENA activated the BK (cbv1 + β1) channels cloned from rat cerebral artery myocytes with a potency (EC50 = 53 μM) similar to and an efficacy (×2.5 potentiation) significantly greater than that of LCA. This HENA action was replicated on native channels in rat cerebral artery myocytes. HENA failed to activate the channels made of cbv1 + β2, β3, β4, or β1T169A, indicating that this drug selectively targets β1-containing BK channels via the BK β1 steroid-sensing site. HENA (3–45 μM) dilated the rat and C57BL/6 mouse pressurized cerebral arteries. Consistent with the electrophysiologic results, this effect was larger than that of LCA. HENA failed to dilate the arteries from the KCNMB1 knockout mouse, underscoring BK β1’s role in HENA action. Finally, carotid artery-infusion of HENA (45 μM) dilated the pial cerebral arterioles via selective BK-channel targeting. In conclusion, we have identified for the first time a nonsteroidal agent that selectively activates β1-containing BK channels by targeting the steroid-sensing site in BK β1, rendering vasodilation.
Effects of SVM parameter optimization on discrimination and calibration for post-procedural PCI mortality

Support vector machines (SVM) have become popular among machine learning researchers, but their applications in biomedicine have been somewhat limited. A number of methods, such as grid search and evolutionary algorithms, have been utilized to optimize model parameters of SVMs. The sensitivity of the results to changes in optimization methods has not been investigated in the context of medical applications. In this study, radial-basis kernel SVM and polynomial kernel SVM mortality prediction models for percutaneous coronary interventions were optimized using (a) mean-squared error, (b) mean cross-entropy error, (c) the area under the receiver operating characteristic, and (d) the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (HL @g^2). A threefold cross-validation inner and outer loop method was used to select the best models using the training data, and evaluations were based on previously unseen test data. The results were compared to those produced by logistic regression models optimized using the same indices. The choice of optimization parameters had a significant impact on performance in both SVM kernel types.
FIDO rover field trials as rehearsal for the NASA 2003 Mars Exploration Rovers mission

This paper describes recent extended field trials performed using the FIDO (Field Integrated Design & Operations) rover, an advanced NASA technology development platform and research prototype for the next planned rover mission to Mars. Realistic physical simulation of the NASA 2003 Mars Exploration Rovers mission was achieved through collaborative efforts of roboticists, planetary scientists, and mission operations personnel. An overview of the objectives, approach, and results is reported.
Integration of rapid product development technologies information models using STEP

Based on the latest development in particular in CAD/CAM, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering and inspection, rapid product development involves more and more new technologies. The integration of these different systems around common and consistent information models appears now as a main issue to get the best profit from these technologies. The issue of information models to be used in this area has appeared from the beginning and several format such as the STL format were proposed to be able to communicate between these system. The number of different existing formats, the performance as well as the accuracy of these models push today to develop new standard information models and technologies. In that way, STEP is clearly identified as a main integration technology to be applied in rapid product development. STEP has already become an international standard and was adopted by main industrial sectors to build their own integration strategies. The proposed paper present the objectives and specifications of an integrated rapid product development environment based on STEP technologies. The main concept and technical contents of STEP are defined, as well as the role and application of STEP in rapid product development.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Simplified Logarithmic Integrator Circuit

This article describes a simplified logarithmic integrator circuit as well as a synthesis technique for designing this circuit for a specific application. Comparisons are drawn between the circuit proposed herein and the Cooke-Yarborough log integrator circuit and Lichtenstein log integrator circuit.
DYNAMIC REDUCED ORDER THERMAL MODELING OF DATA CENTER AIR TEMPERATURES

We developed a Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) based dynamic reduced order model that can predict transient temperature field in an air-cooled data center. A typical data center is modeled as a turbulent convective thermal system with multiple length scales. A representative case study is presented to validate the developed methodology. The model is observed to be capable of predicting the transient air temperature field accurately and rapidly. Comparing with the computational fluid mechanics/heat transfer (CFD/HT) based model, it is revealed that our model is 100x faster without compromising solution accuracy. The developed modeling framework is potentially useful for designing a control system that can regulate flow parameters in a transient data center.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Multimerization-Cyclization of DNA Fragments as a Method of Conformational Analysis

Ligation of short DNA fragments results in the formation of linear and circular multimers of various lengths. The distribution of products in such a reaction is often used to evaluate fragment bending caused by specific chemical modification, by bound ligands or by the presence of irregular structural elements. We have developed a more rigorous quantitative approach to the analysis of such experimental data based on determination of j-factors for different multimers from the distribution of the reaction products. j-Factors define the effective concentration of one end of a linear chain in the vicinity of the other end. To extract j-factors we assumed that kinetics of the reaction is described by a system of differential equations where j-factors appear as coefficients. The assumption was confirmed by comparison with experimental data obtained here for DNA fragments containing A-tracts. At the second step of the analysis j-factors are used to determine conformational parameters of DNA fragments: the equilibrium bend angle, the bending rigidity of the fragment axis, and the total twist of the fragments. This procedure is based on empirical equations that connect the conformational parameters with the set of j-factors. To obtain the equations, we computed j-factors for a large array of conformational parameters that describe model fragments. The approach was tested on both simulated and actual experimental data for DNA fragments containing A-tracts. A-tract DNA bend angle determined here is in good agreement with previously published data. We have established a set of experimental conditions necessary for the data analysis to be successful.
The laminar nonisothermal flow of non‐Newtonian fluids

The equations which describe the process of simultaneous heat and momentum transport are solved to obtain the pressure loss-flow rate relation for the laminar flow of pseudoplastic liquids through a smooth heated pipe. The rheology of the liquids is characterized by a temperature-reduced form of the empirical Ostwald-deWaele or power law equation. Two solutions to the basic equations are presented, a numerical integration of the heat conduction differential equation and an approximate solution based upon a simplified model of the temperature profile. Experimental data obtained with eighteen different pseudoplastic solutions and the limited data available from the literature are compared with theoretical predictions and are correlated over a 5,000-fold range of friction factors and pseudoplastic Reynolds numbers with a standard deviation of 7.9%.
Three-dimensional wave packets and instability waves in free shear layers and their receptivity

A study is made of the evolution of strongly three-dimensional disturbances which are generated by a point force in a parallel mixing layer. When the input force is a pulse, a wave packet develops whose wavefronts are approximately parallel to the spanwise direction. This is in sharp contrast to a wave packet in a wall boundary layer for which the wavefronts are strongly curved. On the other hand, when the input disturbance is oscillating harmonically in time, a spatially growing instability wave develops in a downstream wedge of (x, z)-space. The size of this wedge, as a function of excitation frequency and velocity ratio, is determined. The receptivity of the shear layer to pulse-type and harmonic excitation is also studied. It is found that the shear layer is especially sensitive to relatively high-frequency forcing on its centreline.
Group Boundaries, Immigrant Inclusion, and the Politics of Immigrant–Native Relations

In multiethnic nation-states experiencing new flows of immigrants, political officials and citizens alike have expressed hostility in the form of demonstrations, campaigns, vandalism, and even poli...
Social Scholars: Educators’ Digital Identity Construction in Open, Online Learning Environments

The #WalkMyWorld project was an open, social media experiment developed to provide preservice and in-service teachers and K–12 students with an opportunity to focus on developing media literacies a...
Detrital zircon record of Neogene exhumation of the central Alaska Range: A far-field upper plate response to flat-slab subduction

Far-field deformation in the upper plate of many ancient and modern convergent margins is commonly attributed to flat-slab subduction processes. Recent studies have suggested that the high topography of the central Alaska Range (Alaska, USA), for example, is the far-field deformational response to Neogene shallow subduction processes in southern Alaska. In this study, we analyze six stratigraphically controlled detrital zircon samples from Miocene–Pliocene sandstone of the Tanana foreland basin to evaluate the temporal and spatial links between exhumation of the central Alaska Range and shallow subduction. The Tanana basin, located north of the central Alaska Range, contains ∼2 km of Neogene strata. Lower Miocene strata from the basin have detrital zircon ages with dominant Precambrian populations. These grain ages are attributed to sediment derivation from the Yukon composite terrane source area located at the northern edge and north of the Alaska Range. During the early–middle Miocene the provenance of the Tanana basin switched to a distinctly Mesozoic source signal. These Mesozoic-age grains are attributed to sediment derived from source areas within and south of the Alaska Range. The early–middle Miocene change in provenance from predominantly Precambrian to Mesozoic sediment sources, in the context of previously published basin analysis studies, is interpreted to represent the onset of Neogene uplift of the central Alaska Range. The timing of exhumation of the central Alaska Range is important not only for understanding the tectonics of the highest mountain range in North America, but additionally because recent modeling studies predict that this range is one of the first expected products of Neogene flat-slab subduction along the southern Alaska convergent plate boundary. Results of our study provide a needed chronologic framework to fully evaluate the temporal and spatial upper plate responses to shallow subduction processes.
Scale-Resolving Simulation of an Unsteady Turbulent Flow and Acoustic Field of a Screeching Supersonic Jet

Unsteady three-dimensional turbulent flow and acoustic field of an imperfectly expanded screeching supersonic cold jet is studied computationally using the general purpose CFD code ANSYS FLUENT. The effects of turbulence are simulated by the Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (DDES). A quasi-periodic transient solution is calculated using the pressure-based coupled solver formulation with the second-order bounded central-upwind spatial discretization and second-order implicit time marching scheme. The numerical solution recovers the generation of screech tones by the interaction of large scale turbulent structures with jet shock cells. Propagation of flapping and helical mode disturbances along the jet column is reproduced in the simulation. The acoustic near-field is directly resolved by the Computational Aeroacoustics (CAA) to accurately propagate screech tone waves to a permeable Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) acoustics source surface, and to microphone monitors defined on the nozzle lip. Calculated screech tone frequencies and near-field sound pressure levels are compared with experimental data, and favorable nearfield agreement is found. The FW-H model is applied to propagate acoustic waves from the source surface into the far field, and far-field noise directivities are examined.
ESTROGEN PHARMACOLOGY. II. SUPPRESSION OF EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNE POLYARTHRITIS.

SummaryEstradiol and its transformation products, estrone and estriol, markedly diminish the incidence and severity of the inflammatory polyarthritis induced by adjuvant injection in rats. These natural estrogens confer protection whether administered before inoculation or during the latent period of the disease, suggesting that they may act in part to suppress the capacity of the involved tissues to react to the immunologic inflammatory stimulus in this disorder. These observations are consistent with others which indicate that estrogens and/or pregnancy may alter certain expressions of immunoogical responsiveness in man and experimental animals.
An Improved Lime Sinter Process to Produce Al2O3 from Low-Grade Al-Containing Resources

Low-grade bauxites and non-bauxite resources are widely distributed, which are suitable to extract alumina by the lime sinter process. The application of the lime sinter process is restricted by the high consumption of calcium, the large amount of slag and the poor alumina leaching property of clinkers. An improved lime sinter process based on the dry-sintering is proposed by adding Na2O-containing compounds to decrease CaO addition and increase alumina leaching property. The molar ratios of CaO to Al2O3 and Na2O to Al2O3 are 0.6 and 0.4, respectively. Na4Ca3(AlO2)10 as well as trace amounts of CaO•Al2O3 and 12CaO•7Al2O3 are formed after sintering at 1200°C for 30min in CaO-Al2O3-Na2O system, the alumina leaching efficiency of which is above 90%. The minerals after sintering in CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-Na2O system include Na4Ca3(AlO2)10, 12CaO•7Al2O3, 2CaO•SiO2 and 2CaO•Al2O3•SiO2. The leaching efficiency of clinkers increases as the sintering temperature increases to 1300°C.
Increased potassium transport and ouabain binding in human Rhnull red blood cells.

Potassium (K+) influx and 3H-ouabain binding were studied in human red cells completely lacking the rhesus (Rh) antigens (Rhnull cells) and compared with normal Rh(D) red cells. The Rhnull cells, originally described by Seidl, Spielmann, and Martin (Vox Sang. 23:182, 1972) were normal in size, cation, and water content, indicating no significant increase in cell volume as occurs in young human red cells. However, the ouabain-insensitive K+ permeability, as well as the ouabain sensitive active K+ transport, were increased 1.6 1.8-and 1.4–1.5-fold, respectively, above the values found in Rh(D) control cells. The Na+K+ ATPase activity of membranes from Rhnull cells was also higher than from Rh(D) cells. Binding studies with 3H-ouabain revealed that at 100% K+ pump inhibition Rhnull cells bound 670 and Rh(D) cells 450–500 ouabain molecules per cell. Since the rate of ouabain binding was identical in Rhnull and Rh(D) control cells, we concluded that the Rhnull cell had about 35%-45% more cation pumps than the Rh(D) cell. These additional pumps in Rhnull cells appeared to be indistinguishable from those in control cells. Anti-D or the serum from the Rhnull individual did not alter cation permeability in Rh(D) red cells. The data suggested that the Rhnull cell, known for its hematologic malfunction, was not a young or prematurely released red cell, but had a pleiotropic membrane defect which also affected the passive and active cation transport system on the molecular level. Our finding precludes a structural identity of the rhesus antigen with the molecules composing the Na+K+ pump system.
A plasma coagulation defect in systemic lupus erythematosus arising from hypoprothrombinemia combined with antiprothrombinase activity.

A patient has been described with systemic lupus erythematosus and severe bleeding. Her bleeding was associated with a complex plasma coagulation disturbance consisting of profound hypoprothrombinemia plus an anticoagulant active against formed blood and tissue prothrombinase. The problem of the recognition of hypoprothrombinemia in the presence of this type of anticoagulant has been discussed in detail. An analysis of previously reported cases reveals that our patient’s findings are not unique. It appears that the plasma coagulation disturbances of systemic lupus erythematosus characteristically result from a mixture of anticoagulant activity and true hypoprothrombinemia. In an individual patient one or the other may predominate.
Kant's ideas about ultimate reality and meaning in relation to his moral theory: critique of an enlightenment ideal

L'A. etudie la philosophie morale de Kant. Il critique tout d'abord l'affirmation que la morale precede la religion en fondant cette derniere, et montre l'influence des Lumieres et du christianisme sur Kant pour soutenir que ce dernier se trompe: d'une part en croyant sa doctrine morale independante du conditionnement historique ou culturel, d'autre part en croyant que seule une independance de ce type pouvait conferer a des principes moraux un caractere pleinement rationnel
Impact of Microcredit Dispensation on Economic Empowerment of Women in Kerala

Right from mid-eighties of the past century, microcredit has become a key strategy for poverty alleviation and empowerment of women in Kerala. Formation of Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs) and Self-help Groups (SHGs), and providing microcredit through all possible channels to the members of the groups have become a very popular poverty alleviation and women empowerment model in Kerala. Micro studies examining the intricacies of microcredit dispensation and its impact on the empowerment of women in Kerala are plenty. However, full-fledged macro studies examining the matter in depth are very few. The paper examines the impact of microcredit dispensation on the economic empowerment of women beneficiaries. The study finds that after joining the women groups and receiving microcredit, there is significant improvement in the economic situation of women in Kerala.
Sequelae of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

The neuropsychological function of 91 children who had recovered from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), without severe neurological dysfunction (stroke, hemiplegia, blindness, retardation), and case controls admitted for non-HUS illness, was determined in a multicenter study at six tertiary care hospitals reporting to the Canadian Pediatric Kidney Disease Research Center, Ottawa, Canada.
Detection, occurrence, and removal of selected pharmaceuticals in Missouri source and finished drinking waters

AbstractA simple, sensitive, and selective solid phase extraction – ultra-fast liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-UFLC-MS/MS) method was developed and applied for the analysis of selected important pharmaceutical compounds in source and finished drinking waters. The method detected the following six pharmaceuticals, cotinine, cephapirin, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacein, azithromycin, and diphenhydramine, at sub-μg/L level in multiple water matrices after pre-concentration by SPE. Cotinine-d3 and 13C315 N-Ciprofloxacin were used as internal standards for accurate quantitation. This method was validated through spike recoveries (67–129%), reproducibility (RSD: 2.3–15.7%), and method detection limits (MDLs: 2–5 ng/L). The method was used to test for occurrence of these pharmaceuticals in source and drinking waters from 13 Missouri water treatment facilities in four different seasons. In general, higher detection frequency and concentrations of pharmaceuticals were observed in colder months du...
A Perspective on the Safety of Supplemental Tryptophan Based on Its Metabolic Fates

Over the past 50 y, tryptophan has been ingested in amounts well in excess of its dietary requirement. This use is based on extensive findings that ingesting tryptophan increases brain tryptophan concentrations, which stimulates the synthesis and release of the neurotransmitter serotonin, from which it is derived. Such increases in serotonin function may improve mood and sleep. However, tryptophan ingestion has other effects, such as increasing serotonin production in the gut, increasing serotonin concentrations in blood, stimulating the production of the hormone melatonin (a tryptophan metabolite), stimulating tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenine pathway, and possibly stimulating the production of tryptophan metabolites in the gut microbiome. Several of the kynurenine metabolites have actions on excitatory glutamate receptors in the gut and brain and on cells of the immune system. In addition, metabolites of tryptophan produced by colonic bacteria are reported to cause adverse effects in some species. This review examines each of these tryptophan pathways to determine if any of the metabolites increase after tryptophan ingestion, and if so, whether effects are seen on target body functions. In this regard, recent research suggests that it may be useful to examine kynurenine pathway metabolites and some microbial tryptophan metabolites to determine whether supplemental tryptophan consumption increases their concentrations in the body and amplifies their actions.
Flavor lexicon and characteristics of artisan goat cheese from the United States

The objective of this study was to further develop an existing lexicon for use in describing the flavor characteristics of a wide variety of artisan goat cheeses made in diverse geographic locations throughout of the United States. Highly trained sensory panelists reviewed published lexicons for cheese before establishing a lexicon of 39 flavor attributes to represent sensory characteristics for 47 artisan goat cheeses manufactured in different parts of the United States. Twenty-eight attributes were present in a majority of samples and were able to describe most flavor characteristics. Other attributes were used occasionally to describe specific characteristics of certain cheeses. A large number of attributes were needed to describe flavor characteristics of cheese samples with more complex flavors (i.e., mold-ripened samples). Samples with milder characteristics (chevre-style) needed a reduced number of terms and had lower intensities for most attributes. Feta-style cheeses generally were more salty and cheddar-style cheeses were mostly nutty, waxy, and sweet. Mold-ripened cheeses had musty-like characteristics and were more pungent and sharp. These attributes had higher intensities specifically for blue-type cheeses. The goaty flavor attribute was higher for mold-ripened cheeses but was characteristic of all the goat cheeses. Practical applications This study gathers previously developed flavor terms and combines them with new terms to describe the flavor characteristics of a broad variety of artisan cheeses made with goat's milk produced in different parts of the United States. This work can be a valuable resource for goat cheese producers. Any producer can use this study as a tool for learning, benchmarking, development, and quality control of goat cheese as it shows the types of flavors typical in a wide variety of goat cheeses.
Interactions between tafenoquine and artemisinin-combination therapy partner drug in asexual and sexual stage Plasmodium falciparum.

The 8-aminoquinoline tafenoquine (TFQ), a primaquine derivative, is currently in late-stage clinical development for the radical cure of P. vivax. Here drug interactions between TFQ and chloroquine and six artemisinin-combination therapy (ACT) partner drugs in P. falciparum asexual stages and gametocytes were investigated. TFQ was mostly synergistic with the ACT-partner drugs in asexual parasites regardless of genetic backgrounds. However, at fixed ratios of 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1, TFQ only interacted synergistically with naphthoquine, pyronaridine and piperaquine in gametocytes. This study indicated that TFQ and ACT-partner drugs will likely have increased potency against asexual stages of the malaria parasites, whereas some drugs may interfere with each other against the P. falciparum gametocytes.
Caseworker Perspectives on Mental Health Disparities Among Racial/Ethnic Minority Youth in Child Welfare

ABSTRACTDisparities in mental health service use exist for children of color in the child welfare system. Studies exploring a theoretical link of provider racial bias to disparities in service use recommend further inquiry into this association. Since measuring caseworker racial bias may be difficult, examining language, particularly as to whether caseworkers attribute racial disparities to structural mechanisms or individual agency and beliefs, may illuminate unconscious racial bias that caseworkers have towards their clients. Therefore, this study employed discourse analysis to examine child welfare caseworker racial explanations of mental health disparities. Qualitative data derived from focus group transcripts of 36 caseworkers who discussed barriers and facilitators of mental health service use were used in this study. Results showed that caseworkers cited factors at the institutional, community, and organizational levels as causes of racial disparities, but also ascribed ultimate responsibility for ...