cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonspreading Rydberg wave packets supported by a linearly polarized electromagnetic field.

We predict and confirm numerically the existence of shape-invariant Rydberg wave packets in the hydrogen atom in a strong linearly polarized electromagnetic field. They correspond to similar wave packets recently discussed for the same quantum system, but when the electromagnetic field was circularly polarized. The trajectory of the packets is elliptical within the present approximation and the parameters of the ellipse are found. For every electric-field strength there is a twin pair of states.
Chronic nitrofurantoin-induced lung disease

OBJECTIVE To reassess the clinical and radiological features of chronic nitrofurantoin-induced lung disease and eventual clinical outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 18 patients with chronic nitrofurantoin-induced lung disease who were seen at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 2002. RESULTS The median age of the 18 patients was 72 years (range, 47-90 years) at the time of diagnosis; 17 (94%) were women. Onset of symptoms occurred after a median interval of 23 months (range, 10-144 months) following the initiation of nitrofurantoin therapy for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections. All patients presented with persistent dyspnea and cough associated with lung infiltrates detected on chest radiography. Ten computed tomograms were available for review and revealed bilateral areas of ground-glass opacities in all cases and showed sub-pleural irregular linear opacities and patchy consolidation in some cases. Nitrofurantoin therapy was discontinued in all patients, and most improved subsequently; 9 patients received corticosteroid therapy. CONCLUSIONS Chronic nitrofurantoin-induced lung disease is seen predominantly in older women who present with respiratory symptoms after a year or more of nitrofurantoin therapy. Associated radiological features are relatively nonspecific but usually include bilateral areas of ground-glass opacities on computed tomography of the chest. Cessation of nitrofurantoin therapy leads to improvement and suffices in the management of some patients, although corticosteroid therapy may be helpful in those more severely affected.
Low-frequency oscillations and routes to chaos in semi-insulating GaAs

Abstract We investigate the characteristics of low-frequency oscillations in semi-insulating GaAs as a function of bias voltage. We find a change in character from simple periodic to irregular, chaotic behavior. A theoretical model is outlined which emphasizes the role of diffusion. The oscillations in SI GaAs are compared to similar phenomena in other semiconductors. A universality of behavior among the various materials is observed and explained.
EFFECTS OF HYDROGEN ON THERMALLY ACTIVATED DISLOCATION MOTION IN IRON

Abstract In a study of decarburized Armco iron and an Fe-0.17wt.%Ti alloy, thermal activation parameters such as m ∗ and A ∗ were measured, in both the presence and the absence of dissolved hydrogen. It was found that hydrogen did not significantly alter the thermal activation parameters. Since it is accepted that thermally activated dislocation motion in iron is controlled by Peierls-Nabarro barriers at low temperatures, this finding means that hydrogen predominantly affects the flow stress of iron through its interaction with other solutes such as carbon and titanium. This is consistent with fundamental deformation studies on iron as well as with previous work on hydrogen effects in iron.
Analysis and generalization of fault diagnosis methods for process monitoring

Abstract In process monitoring, several diagnosis methods have been used for fault diagnosis. These methods have been developed from different backgrounds and considerations. In this paper, five existing diagnosis methods are analyzed and generalized. It is shown that they can be unified into three general methods, making the original diagnosis methods special cases of the general ones. Also, a new form of relative contributions is proposed. An analysis of the diagnosability shows that some diagnosis methods do not guarantee correct diagnosis even for simple sensor faults with large magnitudes. For faults with modest fault magnitudes, Monte Carlo simulation is applied to compare the performance of the diagnosis methods.
Spatial and temporal stability of paneth cell phenotypes in Crohn's disease: implications for prognostic cellular biomarker development

Crohn’s disease (CD) involves a complex network of etiologic factors, including genetic susceptibility, immune dysregulation, and environmental triggers.1–4 Therefore, it is challenging to study the pathogenesis and prognosis using simple genotype–phenotype correlation models. Conversely, the importance of studying disease-relevant cell types has been increasingly recognized as an effective and insightful direction in CD research.5,6 Therefore, new approaches are needed that focus on a CD-associated cell type that can synthesize the impact of genetic and potential environmental factors. One disease-relevant cell type is the Paneth cell, which was previously shown to integrate both genetic and environmental factors that can lead to abnormal function.7–9 Localized in the base of crypts of Lieberkuhn, the major role of Paneth cells is to produce, package, and secrete antimicrobial peptides (e.g., lysozymes, defensins) that play important roles in innate mucosal immunity. The distribution of lysozyme in Paneth cells, which is normally contained in abundant apical granules, can be abnormal as a consequence of multiple disease susceptibility loci, including the autophagy-associated ATG16L1 and NOD2 genes,7–13 and environmental factors. In genetically susceptible mice, viral infection can trigger these defects, although the trigger in CD patients is still unknown.8 Using clinical specimens, we found that the Paneth cell phenotypes are associated with gene expression profiles and the presence of granuloma, one of the pathologic hallmarks of CD.9 Importantly, the Paneth cell phenotype more accurately predicts the time to disease recurrence in CD patients undergoing resection as opposed to genotype.9 However, the Paneth cell phenotype analysis in our previous study was determined using a single resection specimen from each patient. Although promising, many clinical and biologic questions remain unanswered. The utility of this morphologic signature as a prognostic biomarker for use in clinical practice would be greatly enhanced if biopsy-obtained material could provide similar information to that taken from resection specimens. To further characterize the plasticity of Paneth cell phenotype and address the feasibility of extending our Paneth cell phenotype analysis to routine diagnostic mucosal biopsy materials, we first compared the Paneth cell phenotypes in paired involved and uninvolved areas from the same resection cases. We also compared the Paneth cell phenotypes from patients who received multiple resections over a number of years. To best validate this technique, we further applied a mathematical analysis for “virtual biopsy” using a large series of analyzed resection specimens. Finally, we compared the Paneth cell phenotypes between biopsy and resection specimens from the same patients. Our data demonstrate the spatial and temporal stability of Paneth cell phenotype and also the feasibility of using biopsy material for Paneth cell phenotype analysis.
Mechanical state of laser melted surfaces

Etude des modifications de microstructure, durete et contraintes residuelles des surfaces des aciers AISI 1018 et AISI 4140 fondues par laser et refroidies rapidement
Hierarchical document clustering using local patterns

The global pattern mining step in existing pattern-based hierarchical clustering algorithms may result in an unpredictable number of patterns. In this paper, we propose IDHC, a pattern-based hierarchical clustering algorithm that builds a cluster hierarchy without mining for globally significant patterns. IDHC first discovers locally promising patterns by allowing each instance to "vote" for its representative size-2 patterns in a way that ensures an effective balance between local pattern frequency and pattern significance in the dataset. The cluster hierarchy (i.e., the global model) is then directly constructed using these locally promising patterns as features. Each pattern forms an initial (possibly overlapping) cluster, and the rest of the cluster hierarchy is obtained by following a unique iterative cluster refinement process. By effectively utilizing instance-to-cluster relationships, this process directly identifies clusters for each level in the hierarchy, and efficiently prunes duplicate clusters. Furthermore, IDHC produces cluster labels that are more descriptive (patterns are not artificially restricted), and adapts a soft clustering scheme that allows instances to exist in suitable nodes at various levels in the cluster hierarchy. We present results of experiments performed on 16 standard text datasets, and show that IDHC outperforms state-of-the-art hierarchical clustering algorithms in terms of average entropy and FScore measures.
E2,M1 multipole mixing ratios in even-even nuclei, A ≥ 152☆

Abstract A survey is presented of E2,M1 mixing ratios of gamma-ray transitions in even-even nuclei with mass numbers A ≥ 152. Angular distribution and correlation data from the literature are analyzed in terms of a consistent choice of the phase relationship between the E2 and M1 matrix elements. The cutoff date for the literature was June 1975. Based on an average of the experimental results from the literature, a recommended value of the E2,M1 mixing ratio for each transition is included.
Bluff Evolution along Coastal Drumlins: Boston Harbor Islands, Massachusetts

Abstract A series of partially drowned drumlins forms the backbone of the inner islands within Boston Harbor. The shoreline of these rounded glacial deposits is composed of actively retreating bluffs formed by continual wave attack. Comparisons of bluffs reveal variability in their height and lateral extent, as well as in the dominant mechanism causing their retreat. Two processes are responsible for bluff erosion and yield distinct bluff morphologies: (1) wave attack undercuts the bluff and causes episodic slumping, yielding planar bluff slopes, and (2) subaerial processes such as rainfall create irregular slopes characterized by rills and gullies. We propose a model of drumlin bluff evolution that is based on processes of erosion and physical characteristics such as bluff height, slope morphology, and the orientation of the bluff with respect to the long axis of the drumlin and its topographic crest. The four phases of drumlin bluff evolution consist of (1) initial formation of bluff, with retreat domin...
Effects of Random Yield in Remanufacturing with Price-Sensitive Supply and Demand

In this study, we investigate the effects of recovery yield rate on pricing decisions in reverse supply chains. Motivated by the automotive parts remanufacturing industry, we consider an end-of-life product from which a particular part can be recovered and remanufactured for reuse, and the remainder of the product can be recycled for material recovery. Both the supply of end-of-life products and demand for remanufactured parts are price-sensitive. Yield of the recovery process is random and depends on the acquisition price offered for the end-of-life products. In this setting, we develop models to determine the optimal acquisition price for the end-of-life products and the selling price for remanufactured parts. We also analyze the effects of yield variation to the profitability of remanufacturing, benefits of delaying pricing decisions until after yield realization, and value of perfect yield rate information.
An adaptive lightweight trust reliant secure resource discovery for pervasive computing environments

A secure resource discovery model for devices running in pervasive computing environments has become significant. Due to the constrained nature of these devices, the need for a model that allows discovery and sharing of resources without putting much overhead on the operation of devices is needed. The dependency on fixed powerful machines for ensuring security is not desired and also not feasible. In this paper, we present a resource discovery model that provides security whenever needed without degrading the performance of the device. We also propose a trust based service-oriented adaptive security mechanism named SSRD (simple and secure resource discovery).
Initial experience with hand-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.

Background Hand-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy, with or without splenectomy, is gradually gaining acceptance, although its ultimate benefit is yet to be confirmed. This study aimed to report our initial experience with hand-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.
The self-affine carpets of McMullen and Bedford have infinite Hausdorff measure

We show that the self-affine sets considered by McMullen in [11] and by Bedford in [1] have infinite Hausdorff measure in their dimension, except in the (rare) cases where the Hausdorff dimension coincides with the Minkowski (≡ box) dimension. More precisely, the Hausdorff measure of such a self-affine set K is infinite in the gauge(where γ is the Hausdorff dimension of K, and c > 0 is small). The Hausdorff measure of K becomes zero if 2 is replaced by any smaller number in the formula for the gauge o.
Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Whey Protein Isolate Coating Incorporated with Nisin, Grape Seed Extract, Malic Acid, and EDTA on a Turkey Frankfurter System

The effectiveness of whey protein isolate (WPI) coatings incorporated with grape seed extract (GSE), nisin (N), malic acid (MA), and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and their combinations to inhibit the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella typhimurium were evaluated in a turkey frankfurter system through surface inoculation (approximately 10(6) CFU/g) of pathogens. The inoculated frankfurters were dipped into WPI film forming solutions both with and without the addition of antimicrobial agents (GSE, MA, or N and EDTA, or combinations). Samples were stored at 4 degrees C for 28 d. The L. monocytogenes population (5.5 log/g) decreased to 2.3 log/g after 28 d at 4 degrees C in the samples containing nisin (6000 IU/g) combined with GSE (0.5%) and MA (1.0%). The S. typhimurium population (6.0 log/g) was decreased to approximately 1 log cycles after 28 d at 4 degrees C in the samples coated with WPI containing a combination of N, MA, GSE, and EDTA. The E. coli O157:H7 population (6.15 log/g) was decreased by 4.6 log cycles after 28 d in samples containing WPI coating incorporated with N, MA, and EDTA. These findings demonstrated that the use of an edible film coating containing nisin, organic acids, and natural extracts is a promising means of controlling the growth and recontamination of L. monocytogenes, S. typhimurium, and E. coli O157:H7 in ready-to-eat poultry products.
Coronary artery bypass in patients over 70 years of age: Indications and results

Abstract With recent advances in all phases of coronary care and the increasing success of coronary arterial surgery, operative treatment of coronary artery disease is more readily recommended, even for patients over 70 years of age. In a series of 3,730 patients who underwent aortocoronary bypass from November 1969 through June 1974, there were 95 patients who were 70 years of age or older. The primary indication for surgery was severe angina, which was present in 88 patients. The mean coronary arterial score was 9.51. Associated valvular lesions were treated surgically in 21 patients, and a left ventricular aneurysm was resected in 7. Improvements in surgical technique and postoperative care are responsible for the hospital mortality rate of only 4.8 percent in the 21 patients operated upon during the first 6 months of 1974 compared with the overall mortality rate of 22.1 percent in all 95 patients. Long-term follow-up among the 95 patients includes data from 33 patients: 9 patients whose condition improved, 21 who were asymptomatic and 1 “coronary death”.
Blood pressure, hypertension, and age as risk factors for poor cognitive performance

Abstract The relationships of three blood pressure variables (systolic and diastolic pressures and chronicity of hypertension) and age to cognitive performance on the Kaplan—Albert Neuropsychological Test Battery were explored in a sample of 1,695 stroke-free participants of the Framingham Heart Study. Multiple blood pressure measurements were obtained over four or five exams extending over 8–10 years. Neuropsychological testing was conducted 12–14 years after the final blood pressure measurement. Data were subjected to multiple binary logistic regression analyses, and odds ratios were calculated for performance in the lower 50th and 25th percentiles for 10-mmHg increases in diastolic blood pressure, 20-mmHg increases in systolic blood pressure, proportion of exams (out of four or five) in which participants were diagnosed as hypertensive, and 10-year increases in age. Blood pressures and chronicity of hypertension were inversely associated with performance on visual and verbal memory tests of the Kaplan—...
A comparison of Arctic and Antarctic climate change, present and future

Ongoing climate variations in the Arctic and Antarctic pose an apparent paradox. In contrast to the large warming and loss of sea ice in the Arctic in recent decades, Antarctic temperatures and sea ice show little change except for the Antarctic Peninsula. However, model simulations indicate that the Arctic changes have been shaped largely by low-frequency variations of the atmospheric circulation, superimposed on a greenhouse warming that is apparent in model simulations when ensemble averages smooth out the circulation-driven variability of the late 20th century. By contrast, the Antarctic changes of recent decades appear to be shaped by ozone depletion and an associated strengthening of the southern annular mode of the atmospheric circulation. While the signature of greenhouse-driven change is projected to emerge from the natural variability during the present century, the emergence of a statistically significant greenhouse signal may be slower than in other regions. Models suggest that feedbacks from retreating sea ice will make autumn and winter the seasons of the earliest emergence of the greenhouse signal in both Polar Regions. Priorities for enhanced robustness of the Antarctic climate simulations are the inclusion of ozone chemistry and the realistic simulation of water vapour over the Antarctic Ice Sheet.
A generalized family of parameter estimation techniques

The Extended Baum-Welch (EBW) Transformations is one of a variety of techniques to estimate parameters of Gaussian mixture models. In this paper, we provide a theoretical framework for general parameter estimation and show the relationship between these different techniques. We introduce a general family of model parameter updates that generalizes a Baum-Welch (BW) recursive process to an arbitrary objective function of Gaussian Mixture Models, and show how other common parameter estimation techniques belong to this family of model update rules. Furthermore, we formulate the construction of an even more general family of update rules that has any specified value as a gradient steepness which belongs to the family of EBW gradient steepness, measuring how much an initial model is moved to an estimated updated model.
Modeling network traffic as images

The paper presents a network measurement approach to represent samples of network packet header data as frames or images. With such a formulation, a series of samples can be seen as a sequence of frames or video. This enables techniques from image processing and video compression to be applied to the analysis of packet header data to reveal interesting traffic properties. We show that traffic images can reveal sudden changes in traffic behavior or anomalies. Using a combination of visual modeling and trace-driven simulation, we evaluate how the design factors impact the representation of dynamic network traffic. In particular, we study the impact of sampling rate and retained DCT coefficients on the network traffic data representation.
Detection of perchlorate using Ag/DMAH + SERS-active capture matrices

Abstract In this communication, the fabrication of SERS-active capture matrices for the detection of perchlorate is described. The amine groups of amine-modified magnetic microparticles were used to immobilize silver colloidal particles. Once immobilized, the silver was reacted with dimethylaminoethanethiol hydrochloride (DMAH+Cl−) to form a self-assembled monolayer (SAM). The DMAH+ SAM exhibits reasonably good selectivity for perchlorate. It was shown that calibration curves could be generated by ratioing the perchlorate peak with a DMAH+ peak that did not change upon interaction with the perchlorate ion. Flow experiments, using Ag/DMAH+ capture matrices held in place by a magnet, showed instantaneous response to changes in perchlorate concentration. The use of solid phase extraction (SPE) to eliminate chloride ion interference was explored.
Dynamics of Farmland Ownership and Leasing: Implications for Young and Beginning Farmers

This study considers the transition into farming and growth of new farmers in U.S. agriculture by examining land ownership and leasing trends. Our approach is to characterize the entire distribution by farmer age and farmer experience rather than using young versus old and beginning versus established farmer categories. We also use a linked-farms longitudinal approach to show trends over time in farmland expansion and contraction. We find that farms operated by older beginning farmers tend to be smaller and do not tend to grow over time. Our results show that it is mostly young farmers as opposed to all beginning farmers who rapidly expand their farm operations after entering agriculture. Our findings inform policy makers about the strategies that young and beginning farmers use to start their businesses and expand over time, and suggest more effective approaches for targeting loan programs to both young and beginning farmers.
Ab initio study of early stage Nb growth on MgO(001)

Abstract Using density functional theory calculations we have examined the effects of cluster shape and a neutral O vacancy on the energetics and stability of Nb monomers and clusters on the MgO(001) surface. The relative stability of different monolayer structures is also examined. As found in other cases of metal adsorbates on MgO(001), our results indicate that an O site is the preferred adsorption site for a Nb atom. In addition, O-vacancy sites tend to increase the binding energy of small clusters and thus act as nucleation sites, while the effect of a nearby O vacancy on the binding energy of a Nb cluster is much weaker. In particular, we find that the binding energy for a Nb monomer at an O site (O-vacancy site) is 1.5 eV (2.2 eV) while the corresponding activation barriers for Nb monomer diffusion are 0.58 eV (0.80 eV). We also find that, in the absence of O vacancies, the preferred planar structure for tetramers and pentamers is an isotropic (100)-like structure. In contrast, the presence of an O vacancy transforms the isotropic tetramer into an anisotropic (110)-like structure. In addition, due to strain effects as well as strong Nb–Nb interactions, for large clusters ( e.g. a complete monolayer) the anisotropic (110) structure is favored over the (100) structure. These results appear to explain recent experimental observations for the dependence of thin-film orientation on deposition conditions. However, we also find that for small (100)-like and (110)-like clusters, three-dimensional (rather than planar) structures are energetically preferred due to the strong Nb–Nb interaction. These results suggest that the pathway to form a coherent (100) or (110) structure during the growth of Nb films on Mg(001) may be relatively complex.
The sea is rising… but not onto the policy agenda: A multiple streams approach to understanding sea level rise policies

There has been little policy effort to address sea level rise in coastal states in the US. It is important to examine, at the state level, how the multitude of different (and changing) actors with different preferences and perspectives contribute to such inertia. This study examines state-level legislative inaction with regards to sea level rise. Using Kingdon's multiple streams framework, we draw a picture of the policy landscape in Virginia as one where the problem of sea level rise is perceived as a low priority, with little consensus on achievable policy solutions, and is politically controversial. We find that policy inertia in Virginia is a result of (1) fractious viewpoints regarding sea level rise as a problem, (2) a lack of clear consensus on policy solutions, and (3) conflicting perspectives of the role of the state.
Early experience with Pennsylvania's agricultural conservation easement program

ABSTRACT: Purchase of conservation easements is becoming an increasingly common agricultural land preservation technique. This paper uses a survey of participants in Pennsylvania9s agricultural conservation easement program to investigate the characteristics and attitudes of the initial easement sellers during the program9s first three years. Demand for the program was found to be sensitive to development pressure. Participants were older on average than nonparticipating farmers. Debt reduction was the largest use of easement sale proceeds, followed by savings and farm capital purchases. Implications for current policy decision making and future evaluation of the program9s effectiveness are discussed.
Three‐Dimensional Seismic Velocity Structure and Precise Earthquake Relocations in the Salton Trough, Southern California

Abstract I present a new 3D seismic velocity model and high‐precision earthquake relocations between 1981 and 2010 near the Salton Trough and the San Jacinto fault zone. The simul2000 tomography algorithm is applied to derive the 3D V P and V P / V S models using first arrivals of a composite event data set. The final V P model correlates with geological features at shallow depths and is more consistent with the refraction studies than the starting 3D regional‐scale model. The V P / V S model shows strong variations in the upper crust and is dominated by relatively low values (below 1.7) in the middle crust except for the Salton Trough and the Imperial Valley. The newly resolved model is used to relocate all the seismicity in the study area. I then apply the similar‐event cluster analysis and differential‐time relocation approach based on waveform cross‐correlation data to the 3D relocated events. A dramatic sharpening of seismicity patterns is obtained after using these methods. The new locations are more tightly clustered than the previous catalogs mainly due to the different absolute locations. The depth distribution along a basal surface may suggest the existence of a detachment fault from the north end of the Salton Trough to United States–Mexico border. The fine‐scale velocity structure and precise earthquake relocations will be helpful for investigating the fault geometry, seismicity, stress interaction, and other seismological studies for southern California. Online Material: Figures of model resolution tests, cross‐sectional comparisons of different P ‐velocity models, and earthquake depth distributions.
62 A NOVEL SIGNALING PATHWAY: Gα13 VASODILATOR-STIMULATED PHOSPHOPROTEIN

Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) is actively involved in regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics and cell motility. VASP phosphorylation diminishes its actin nucleation and polymerization activities, thus serving as a negative regulator for actin polymerization. Here we show that in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) α-thrombin induced VASP phosphorylation that was mediated, at least in part, via alpha subunit of heterotrimeric G13. Moreover, we described a novel mechanism of Gα13-induced cAMP-independent PKA activation. We show that α-thrombin and Gα13-induced VASP phosphorylation is inhibited by a specific PKA inhibitor 14-22 amide and H-89. Importantly, α-thrombin stimulation and expression of activated Gα13 did not induce cAMP production over the basal level, suggesting that VASP phosphorylation is the result of cAMP-independent PKA activation. Gα13-dependent VASP phosphorylation may also be inhibited by a specific Rho inhibitor botulinum toxin C3 and by a dominant negative mutant of MEKK1. In addition, expression of phosphorylation deficient IκB and pretreatment with proteasome inhibitor MG-132 abolished Gα13- and α-thrombin-induced VASP phosphorylation, respectively. In summary, we have described a novel pathway of Gα13-induced VASP phosphorylation that involves activation of RhoA and MEKK1, phosphorylation and degradation of IκB, release of PKA catalytic subunit from the complex with IκB and NFκB and subsequent phosphorylation of VASP. Research founded by National Institutes of Health grants GM56159 and GM65160 and American Heart Association (AHA) grant to T.V.-Y., AHA predoctoral fellowship 0310030Z to J.P.
Medication use in a group of aircraft mechanics.

Aviat Space Environ Med 2000; 71:1148-50. Background: Aeromedical studies of human factors have focused on the pilot and pilot error rather than on aircraft maintenance workers and maintenance error. This is a report of a survey on medication use in a group of U.S. Air Force aircraft mechanics. Methods: A questionnaire was used to retrospectively examine aircraft mechanic medication use, side effects experienced, and return to work. Results: Of those surveyed, 67% (26/39) returned to work while taking medication that could potentially impair job performance. Conclusion: For flying safety reasons, occupational medicine education for aircraft mechanics and their supervisors should address on-the-job use of prescribed medication and self-medication.
Modern antihypertensive treatment and the progression of renal disease.

BACKGROUND In animal models of hypertension, the resistance state of the preglomerular (afferent) and postglomerular (efferent) capillary arterioles may determine whether a particular form of antihypertensive therapy will spare the kidney from hemodynamic-mediated glomerular injury. In experimental models of renal disease with impaired autoregulation, control of systemic blood pressure is a prerequisite for normalizing glomerular capillary hydraulic pressure. CLINICAL STUDIES In humans, effective blood pressure control reverses renal hemodynamic abnormalities in hypertensive patients, reduces microalbuminuria in essential hypertensive, nondiabetic, and diabetic renal diseases, and attenuates but does not prevent the progression of nondiabetic and diabetic renal disease. Although some researchers have concluded that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are the renal protective drugs of choice, these pronouncements are not based on clinical trials correlating specific drug-mediated changes in albumin or protein excretion with the longitudinal assessment of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), permitting derivation of a slope-defining change in GFR, and/or the longitudinal assessment of renal structure (i.e. renal biopsy). Definitive clinical trials have not been reported. It is important to recognize that an elevated serum creatinine is a powerful predictor of mortality and that, in most patients, death is caused by a cardiovascular or cerebrovascular event, rather than by renal failure. CONCLUSION Because morbidity and mortality of essential hypertension and nondiabetic or diabetic renal disease is related primarily to cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events, the antihypertensive 'drugs of choice' should be those that reduce these risks, prevent or regress target-organ damage, and optimize treatment of concomitant diseases.
Wharton Behavioral Lab Experiments and the National Experiment

Three different sets of experiments were conducted to assess the public's direct response to fictitious statements attributed to President Barack Obama. The first two experiments were conducted at the Wharton Behavioral Lab on October 23, 2013, and then again with a new set of participants the next year on May 21, 2014. The experiment was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania and surveyed 283 adults from the Philadelphia area. Given the location of the experiment, there was an overrepresentation of students and young adults. I fielded the study a third time, attempting to reach a larger group of individuals across the nation. From July 17 to July 20, 2014, the surveying company Survey Sampling International applied my laboratory experiment to 2,041 individuals across the nation. The group of individuals who were surveyed were representative of the national population in terms of geographical region, age, gender, race, and political ideology. Exactly half of the 2,041 participants were selected at random to receive the same fictitious race-related statements from President Obama that I had used only months earlier in the laboratory setting, and the other half did not receive any statements. Both groups were later asked about their political preferences. Both groups received a debriefing statement at the end of the survey that indicated the remarks purported to be from President Obama were fictitious remarks. Chapter 3 provides results of the national sample.
Linked Data for Libraries, Archives and Museums: How to Clean, Link and Publish Your Metadata, by Seth Van Hooland and Ruben Verbough.

ALA Publishing, under their Neal-Schulman imprint, has recently released Seth van Hooland and Ruben Verbough’s Linked Data for Libraries, Archives and Museums: How to Clean, Link and Publish Your M...
The L Antibody and Potassium Fluxes in LK Red Cells of Sheep and Goats

Populations of sheep and goats are dimorphic with respect to the cation composition of their red blood cells. HK individuals have high K and low Na concentrations while LK individuals have the converse concentrations. This difference in cation composition, which is controlled by a single genetic locus with two alleles (Evans and King, 1955), can be explained in sheep by the higher pump fluxes and lower passive fluxes of K in HK than in LK cells (Tosteson and Hoffman, 1960). The difference in pump fluxes is due in part to a greater number of Na-K pump sites per cell on HK cells (Dunham and Hoffman, 1971a). In sheep the locus controlling the M-L antigen system is closely linked to (or identical with) the locus which controls cation composition, such that LK cells always have the L antigen and HK cells always have M (Rasmusen and Hall, 1966). Recent evidence indicates that the HK-LK system in goats has a similar basis (Ellory and Tucker, 1970b). Goats also have the M-L system; the genetic control in goats is not as well understood as in sheep, but if there is linkage to the locus controlling transport it is not as close as in sheep (Ellory and Tucker, 1970b). An important aspect of the relationship between the antigen and the Na-K pump is the demonstration that anti-L antiserum produced in an HK sheep against LK sheep cells stimulates the K pump in LK cells from both sheep and goats (Ellory and Tucker, 1969; 1970b). The mechanisms of action of the antibody in stimulating the pump may involve an increase in the number of pump sites and/or an alteration of the affinities of the pump sites for Na and K. This report presents our recent results on several specific aspects of the effect of anti-L on K fluxes in LK cells.
Microbiological Safety and Stability of Chewing Tobacco

Eight brands of smokeless tobacco, including 4 scrap, 2 plug, and 2 snuff varieties were examined. Their ability to support microbial growth over a 14-day period at 30°C was determined. The pH of the products ranged from 4.8 to 8.5 and water activity from 0.48 to 0.81. The bacterial level was 1.0 × 104 to 1.9 × 106, depending on the variety sampled. These levels varied little over the storage period. Use of inoculated samples demonstrated that chewing tobacco provided an unfavorable growth environment for either Penicillium expansum or Aspergillus flavus . Levels decreased from a initial 105/g to 102/g of tobacco. These data indicate that chewing tobacco, as marketed, is a microbiologically stable product.
Early executive function differences in infants born moderate-to-late preterm

Individuals who are born very preterm (< 32 weeks gestation) show differential development of prefrontal cortex structure, function, and dependent behaviors, including executive function (EF) skills, beginning during late infancy and extending into adulthood. Preschool-aged children born moderate-to-late preterm (PT; 32–36 weeks gestation) show smaller discrepancies in EF development, but it is unclear whether these differences first emerge during the early childhood years, when EF is rapidly developing, or if they arise from alterations in complex cognitive skills measurable in late infancy. In the current study, we examined whether differences in complex attention, memory, and inhibition skills (precursor skills to EF) are altered in healthy infants born moderate-to-late PT at 9-months corrected age. Infants born PT demonstrated poorer memory at test following habituation than their full-term peers. Furthermore, lower gestational age at birth was associated with poorer performance on five of the six early EF tasks. Results indicate that even in the context of low medical and environmental risk, performance on the Bayley within the normal range, and no group-level differences in processing speed, infants born moderate-to-late PT show subtle alterations in cognitive skills presumed to be dependent on prefrontal cortex by 9-months of age, likely setting the stage for long-term differences in EF development.
“She Finally Smiles … for Real”: Reducing Depressive Symptoms and Bolstering Resilience Through a Camp Intervention for LGBTQ Youth

While summer camps are a recognized evidence-based strategy for building social and emotional skills among youth (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2009), no known studies have...
Kinetics of DNA Replication in a Dicentric X Chromosome Formed by Long Arm to Long Arm Fusion

Utilizing the 5-bromo-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation technique, we have recently studied the DNA replication kinetics in a dicentric X chromosome, formed by long arm-to-long arm fusion at band q23, from a 16-year-old black female with primary amenorrhea. The patient has a karyotype 45,X/46,X,dic(X)(q23).
Conformational requirements of suramin to target angiogenic growth factors

The conformational requirements of suramin for its binding to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) were examined by molecular modeling and docking simulations using the conformational features of suramin determined by the present proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) studies and the crystal structures of growth factors reported previously. The assignment of resonances of suramin to individual protons was accomplished by the combined analysis of the coupling constants, two-dimensional correlated spectroscopy (COSY) and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY). The NOESY data obtained for suramin were utilized in a conformational search algorithm with constraints to generate a family of conformers which were further refined by restrained energy minimization. A family of nine conformers generated by restrained modeling falls primarily into one of two categories, either the conformer's two naphthyl rings are far apart, ∼28–30 A, from one another or the conformer's two naphthyl rings are relatively close, ∼16–18 A. The NMR data provide evidence for the presence of more than one conformer in solution. The modeling and docking simulation studies suggest that suramin binds efficiently to bFGF and PDGF by an induced-fit mechanism, wherein suramin complements bFGF or PDGF by adjusting its conformational freedom around the two pairs of single bonds that link the middle phenyl rings to the secondary amide backbone. The interaction of suramin with bFGF or PDGF primarily involves ion-pair, hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions, in addition to van der Waals' contacts. The results indicate that suramin not only sterically blocks the receptor binding loop of the growth factors, but also competes for the binding sites of agonists such as heparin. The results suggest that suramin's propensity to bind to several polypeptides of varying size and structure is due to its conformational flexibility. Collectively, the data emphasize that conformationally constrained suramin analogs that selectively and competitively target angiogenic growth factors could be designed to reduce non-specific binding and, accordingly, toxicity.
A nonlinear interface integrated lever mechanism for piezoelectric footstep energy harvesting

Harnessing footstep energy allows for a unique method of power generation from a largely untapped resource, with applications such as instantly charging mobile and wearable electronic devices. This letter presents an easily integrated heel charger to efficiently convert kinematic walking energy into electricity. The heel charger uses a multilayered levered piezoelectric (L-Pie) mechanism associated with a nonlinear mechanical-synchronized switching on inductor circuit (M-SSHI) interface. It tactfully switches on when the foot contacts the ground, and switches off when the foot is lifted. This design takes full advantage of the user's weight, and amplifies footstep displacement by utilizing the lever mechanism to gain maximum deformation of multilayer piezoelectric patches. The experimental results show that the fabricated two-level multilayer L-pie has a top performance of 13.60 mW of AC RMS, a mechanical to AC power conversion efficiency of 7.87%, and a DC RMS power of 6.13 mW, an AC to DC power conversion efficiency of 45.07%, under a harmonic excitation of 2.3 Hz (mimicking fast walking speed: 6.2 km/h for men, 5.55 km/h for women). With an optimal load of 210 kΩ, the two-level L-pie using the M-SSHI has an improvement of 206.45% in DC RMS power compared to a standard 4-diode bridge energy harvesting circuit. The L-pie design works more efficiently under large force excitation, even with small displacement, which makes this technology optimal for footstep energy harvesting.
The Fovea-BMO Axis Angle and Macular Thickness Vertical Asymmetry Across The Temporal Raphe

PURPOSE To test the hypothesis that the fovea-Bruch's membrane opening (FoBMO) axis angle influences the thickness symmetry of the macular ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) across the temporal horizontal meridian in normal subjects. DESIGN Cross-sectional diagnostic study at a tertiary academic center. METHODS One hundred sixteen eyes of 60 normal subjects aged 40 to 85 years underwent spectral domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT) imaging. The FoBMO angle was estimated on en face infrared SD-OCT images. Posterior Pole algorithm images acquired with Spectralis SD-OCT were used to define vertical asymmetry as follows. The average thickness difference between the 3 most temporal superpixels above and below the horizontal meridian, the second row of superpixels from the horizontal meridian, and 3 central superpixels above and below the horizontal meridian were calculated. Factors influencing GCIPL thickness asymmetry were explored and changes in thickness asymmetry as a function of FoBMO angle were investigated. RESULTS No demographic or clinical factors affected temporal GCIPL asymmetry (P>0.05 for all). A more (negatively) tilted FoBMO angle was associated with relatively thinner inferior compared with superior GCIPL thickness in superpixels immediately adjacent to the temporal raphe (P<0.001). The second row of temporal superpixels from the horizontal meridian (P=0.349) or central superpixels (P=0.292) did not show this tendency. CONCLUSIONS Vertical GCIPL symmetry across the horizontal meridian is influenced by the FoBMO angle. SD-OCT algorithms using vertical asymmetry as a diagnostic index should be adjusted for the FoBMO angle.
Game Theoretic Analysis of a Byzantine Attacker in Vehicular Mix-Zones

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) promises to enable a wide-range of safety and efficiency improvements to our roads. To secure VANETs, they are often designed with authenticated communications that allows for verification of the sender. In order to enable authenticated communications without sacrificing user privacy VANET designers often employ pseudonyms, temporary identifiers that are tied to a single user. In order to maximize location privacy, vehicles must temporally coordinate pseudonym changes using a mix-zone strategy. However, to be effective mix-zones either require vehicles to cooperate or have greedy motivation. Previously, game-theoretic analysis of greedy nodes have developed equilibrium strategies. However, this work did not consider malicious Byzantine attackers who only desire to minimize system-wide location privacy. In this work, we design two Byzantine attackers that target location privacy in VANETs. The first, which we call a naive attacker, never cooperates. The second, which we call a stealthy attacker, attempts to minimize system wide location privacy while not being detected. We simulate both of these attackers and show that an attacker can reduce location privacy in a mix-zone by up to 12%.
Na+ microdomains and sparks: Role in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling and arrhythmias in ankyrin-B deficiency

Abstract Cardiac sodium (Na+) potassium ATPase (NaK) pumps, neuronal sodium channels (INa), and sodium calcium (Ca2+) exchangers (NCX1) may co-localize to form a Na+ microdomain. It remains controversial as to whether neuronal INa contributes to local Na+ accumulation, resulting in reversal of nearby NCX1 and influx of Ca2+ into the cell. Therefore, there has been great interest in the possible roles of a Na+ microdomain in cardiac Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR). In addition, the important role of co-localization of NaK and NCX1 in regulating localized Na+ and Ca2+ levels and CICR in ankyrin-B deficient (ankyrin-B+/−) cardiomyocytes has been examined in many recent studies. Altered Na+ dynamics may contribute to the appearance of arrhythmias, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. In order to investigate this, we present a mechanistic canine cardiomyocyte model which reproduces independent local dyadic junctional SR (JSR) Ca2+ release events underlying cell-wide excitation-contraction coupling, as well as a three-dimensional super-resolution model of the Ca2+ spark that describes local Na+ dynamics as governed by NaK pumps, neuronal INa, and NCX1. The model predicts the existence of Na+ sparks, which are generated by NCX1 and exhibit significantly slower dynamics as compared to Ca2+ sparks. Moreover, whole-cell simulations indicate that neuronal INa in the cardiac dyad plays a key role during the systolic phase. Rapid inward neuronal INa can elevate dyadic [Na+] to 35–40 mM, which drives reverse-mode NCX1 transport, and therefore promotes Ca2+ entry into the dyad, enhancing the trigger for JSR Ca2+ release. The specific role of decreased co-localization of NaK and NCX1 in ankyrin-B+/− cardiomyocytes was examined. Model results demonstrate that a reduction in the local NCX1- and NaK-mediated regulation of dyadic [Ca2+] and [Na+] results in an increase in Ca2+ spark activity during isoproterenol stimulation, which in turn stochastically activates NCX1 in the dyad. This alteration in NCX1/NaK co-localization interrupts the balance between NCX1 and NaK currents in a way that leads to enhanced depolarizing inward current during the action potential plateau, which ultimately leads to a higher probability of L-type Ca2+ channel reopening and arrhythmogenic early-afterdepolarizations.