cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX | Matricellular Proteins

The term ‘matricellular’ was coined to identify a group of proteins that are secreted and function in the extracellular matrix, but do not play a structural role as an integral component of a physical entity such as a fiber or basement membrane. Instead, matricellular proteins primarily serve to modulate cell function. These functions are achieved in part by interaction with a variety of cell-surface receptors, with the resulting engagement of signal transduction pathways. Matricellular proteins are also capable of interacting with structural matrix proteins, such as collagens and fibronectin, and with a number of bioactive proteins, that is, cytokines, growth factors, and proteases. As a consequence, these bioactive molecules can either be sequestered in the matrix, presented to their appropriate receptors, or in the case of proteases, inhibited by direct binding or cleared from the pericellular environment by formation of protein–enzyme complexes that are recognized by a scavenger receptor. It should be noted, however, that the distinction between matricellular and structural matrix proteins is not sharp, since structural proteins such as collagens, laminins, and fibronectin also influence cell function by interaction with cell-surface receptors, and they also bind bioactive proteins. The classification of proteins as matricellular is based on similarity of mode of action rather than on homology in amino acid sequence and three-dimensional structure. Thus, the thrombospondins, SPARC family members, tenascins, CCN proteins, and osteopontin, the core group of matricellular proteins considered in this chapter, are structurally unrelated. The partial dependence of the function of matricellular proteins on the proteins with which they interact gives rise to the characterization of their function as contextual. The relevance of these proteins to the biochemistry and physiology of the lung will therefore depend to a large extent on the co-expression of interacting proteins. Matricellular proteins are frequently expressed in pulmonary fibrosis and in neoplasms of the lung, and early evidence supports the ability of these proteins to influence the progress of these disorders.
Precious Metals and Moneys, 1200–1800

Precious metals history presents theoretical challenges. First, production of commodity moneys (including coins) required land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship, the same factor-of-production categories involved in manufacture of nonmonetary commodities. Irrespective of whether commodities were used for monetary vis-a-vis nonmonetary purposes, exchange rates among reproducible commodities tended to be guided by relative production costs. Moreover, one need not delve far into global monetary history to discover that each of the world's four most significant monetary substances over the past five centuries – silver, gold, copper, and cowry shells – possessed quite distinct histories. Each substance requires separate analysis, since production of each was concentrated in distinct geographic locations, was transported via divergent routes, and was destined for disparate end markets. 17 In short, abandonment of conventional macroeconomic monetary aggregates, such as M1, is required in order to make sense of global monetary history. Each substance requires independent analysis. In addition, moneys were traded throughout regional, intra-regional, and/or global markets, so restriction of monetary substances to nation-state units of analysis is also inappropriate.
6 Uniqueness of decompositions

6.1 Statement of Uniqueness of Decompositions Theorem 6.2 Proof of Uniqueness of Decomposition Theorem
A Nonlinear Q-Switching Impedance Technique for Picosecond Pulse Radiation in Silicon

This paper presents a nonlinear Q-switching impedance (NLQSI) technique for picosecond pulse radiation in silicon. A prototype chip is designed with four NLQSI-based impulse generation channels, which can produce picosecond pulses with a reconfigurable amplitude. An on-chip impulse-coupling scheme combines the outputs from four channels and delivers the combined signal to an on-chip antenna. In addition, an asynchronous optical-sampling measurement system is used to characterize the radiated picosecond pulses in the time domain. The prototype chip can radiate 4-ps pulses with an SNR > 1 bandwidth of 161 GHz. Furthermore, pulse amplitude modulation is experimentally demonstrated. The prototype chip is fabricated in a 130-nm SiGe BiCMOS process technology with a die area of 1 mm2.
Social Work Leadership: Emotional Intelligence in a Rural BSW Program

Social work leadership is valuable to the existence and future of the profession. Mary Richmond and Edward Devine assembled social work education in the 1900's and were pioneers significant in shaping a vision for its future. However, there is a dearth of empirical literature in regards to social work leadership with the aim of progression the discipline. Additionally, limited empirical research is available that discusses philosophical prisms, perceived realities, and behavior principles in which leaders in social work conduct themselves. Leadership styles, types, and models are often encouraged and purposed to create a positive work environment, produce positive program outcomes, and promote student success. The aim of this paper is to review the literature of social work leadership and provide a theoretical framework for leadership in a rural BSW program from the author's personal account.
Entrepreneurial Orientation and the Corporate Social Performance to Financial Performance Debate

Interest in the potential financial returns associated with corporate social performance (CSP) has grown substantially. Multiple meta-analyses have reported a small, positive relationship between C...
Pulmonary Infarction: In the Beginning: The Natural History of Pulmonary Infarction

Background Massive pulmonary emboli can cause an abrupt onset of symptoms simultaneous with large pulmonary artery occlusions. In contrast, the temporal relationship between pulmonary vascular occlusion by smaller emboli and the development of symptoms of pulmonary infarction is unknown. We describe the time interval between embolization and the onset of clinical symptoms and signs compatible with pulmonary infarction. Methods We examined the records of 56 patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) who underwent therapeutic balloon embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) in a single center after noting that some of them experienced symptoms and signs compatible with pulmonary infarction. Because both the times of embolization and the onset of clinical symptoms were documented in medical records, we were able to calculate the time interval between embolic occlusion of vessels and the onset of symptoms. Results The records of 56 patients who underwent therapeutic embolization for HHT were examined. Five patients experienced a single episode of pleuritic pain postembolization, and one patient experienced episodes of pleuritic pain after each of two separate embolization procedures. Four of these pleuritic pain events evolved into a complex compatible with pulmonary infarction. The time intervals between embolization and the onset of pleuritic pain in those experiencing the infarction symptoms and signs were 24 hours, 48 ± 4 hours, 65 hours, and 67 hours, respectively. Conclusions The clinically silent time interval between embolization of a pulmonary artery and the onset of symptoms and signs compatible with lung infarction is 24 hours or greater.
The Short Isoform of BRD4 Promotes HIV-1 Latency by Engaging Repressive SWI/SNF Chromatin-Remodeling Complexes

BET proteins commonly activate cellular gene expression, yet inhibiting their recruitment paradoxically reactivates latent HIV-1 transcription. Here we identify the short isoform of BET family member BRD4 (BRD4S) as a corepressor of HIV-1 transcription. We found that BRD4S was enriched in chromatin fractions of latently infected T cells, and it was more rapidly displaced from chromatin upon BET inhibition than the long isoform. BET inhibition induced marked nucleosome remodeling at the latent HIV-1 promoter, which was dependent on the activity of BRG1-associated factors (BAF), an SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex with known repressive functions in HIV-1 transcription. BRD4S directly bound BRG1, a catalytic subunit of BAF, via its bromodomain and extraterminal (ET) domain, and this isoform was necessary for BRG1 recruitment to latent HIV-1 chromatin. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) combined with assay for transposase-accessible chromatin coupled to high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) data, we found that the latent HIV-1 promoter phenotypically resembles endogenous long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences, pointing to a select role of BRD4S-BRG1 complexes in genomic silencing of invasive retroelements.
Examining the Impact of a Framework to Support Prospective Secondary Teachers' Transition from 'Doer' to 'Teacher' of Mathematics.

A transition from "doer" to "teacher" for prospective teacher requires them to reorient from thinking about how they do mathematics to engaging with students and their work, understanding student representations, and planning instruction accordingly. To scaffold a transition, we developed a five-step mathematics as teacher heuristic (MATH) model. The study investigated the impact of MATH on the development of teacher candidates' mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) and their pedagogical knowledge. Twenty-two preservice teachers enrolled in the 2 nd level methods course participated in the study. Findings of the study showed that teacher candidates' MKT was engaged as a result of analysis of the student work. While some teacher candidates based their instruction planning work on what they noticed in the student work, others had gaps between what they noticed and their further planning. Teacher candidates’ work samples with noticing and noticing with gaps are shared in the results section.
Quantification of pathogen levels is necessary to compare responses to pathogen exposure: Comment on Davy et al. "The other white-nose syndrome transcriptome".

When studying host responses to the presence of pathogens, the pathogen levels should be verified within the samples. The RNA-Seq samples from Davy et al. (2017) do not contain detectable Pseudogymnoascus destructans pathogen levels compared to other studies. Future studies will be necessary to determine how hosts resistant to white-nose syndrome respond differently than susceptible hosts at the whole-transcriptome level. Linked Article: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.4035.
L Subshell Ratios for E2 Transitions in Deformed Heavy Elements

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the discrepancies between theory and experiment for the L subshell ratios of pure E2 transitions. A study of the L subshell ratios in deformed heavy elements help to clarify the systematics of the reported deviations. It discusses the L subshell ratios of the 2 + → 0 + first excited state to ground state transitions of 42.9-keV in Pu 240 populated by the α decay of Cm 244 and of 57.9 keV in Th 228 populated by the α decay of U 232 . The measurements were made on the Vanderbilt iron-free double focusing spectrometer. Thin-window GM counters with cutoffs less than 5 keV were used as detectors to ensure uniform transmission and efficiency of detector. The sources were prepared by electrode position onto platinum foils and had areas of 1 × 16 mm 2 . The source strengths were of the order of 10 microcuries to keep the source thickness small. These weak sources required long measuring periods of 24 to 48 hours for each complete run to obtain good statistics. The three L lines of each transition were measured in a continuous run.
Is your social networking privacy reliant on intuitive interfaces

A study was conducted to assess the level of awareness that users have with regard to the privacy account settings within Facebook, a popular social networking site. A questionnaire was developed and disseminated. The questionnaire findings are discussed and recommendations for improvement to the interface in terms of creating more awareness of privacy settings were identified. The conclusion section discusses improvements to enhance users' awareness of their privacy settings. Future research was identified in pursuit of increasing intuitive interfaces related to privacy settings.
Increased expression and activity of Sod2 promotes transcoelomic metastasis in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancy due to asymptomatic progression of the disease to advanced stages. Patients with widespread metastases are characterized by a large volume of ascites in the peritoneal cavity within which floating cancer cell populations are found in malignant cases. Metastasis of ovarian cancer occurs when cancer cells escape the primary tumor and adapt to survive under stress conditions associated with anchorage independence in the ascites. We demonstrate that ovarian cancer cells overcome matrix detachment-induced oxidative stress by upregulating expression and activity of the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme Manganese Superoxide Dismutase 2 (Sod2), and demonstrate that increased expression of Sod2 in anchorage independence is necessary for survival of ovarian cancer cell in vitro and for successful omental metastasis in vivo. Our data reveal a multi-modal regulation of Sod2 in anchorage independence, that includes transcriptional, translational and post-translational regulation at different stages following matrix detachment. In early anchorage independence, a rapid increase in Sod2 protein translation is observed within 30 minutes after cell detachment, without change in mRNA expression. Concomitantly, Sod2 activity is rapidly increased following matrix detachment in a Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3)-dependent manner. We demonstrate that SIRT3, a mitochondrial NAD+ deacetylase, which activates Sod2 by deacetylating key lysine residues including K68, is also necessary for anchorage independent survival and metastasis in vivo. This early post-transcriptional/post-translational regulation of Sod2 is followed by increased mRNA transcription and protein expression of Sod2 within 24 hours of anchorage independence. Concomitantly, we observe increased expression of the stress-response transcription factor Nrf2, a master regulator of antioxidant genes, including Sod2. Collectively, our data suggest that ovarian cancer cells exhibit a multi-modal regulatory system to ensure rapid and sustained expression and activity of Sod2 in response to anchorage independence, which provides protection from mitochondrial oxidative stress associated with transcoelomic metastasis.
Underscoring interstrain variability and the impact of growth conditions on associated antimicrobial susceptibilities in preclinical testing of novel antimicrobial drugs

In the era of multidrug resistant (MDR) organisms, reliable efficacy testing of novel antimicrobials during developmental stages is of paramount concern prior to introduction in clinical trials. Unfortunately, interstrain variability is often underappreciated when appraising the efficacy of innovative antimicrobials as preclinical testing of a limited number of standardized strains in unvarying conditions does not account for the vastness and potential for hyperdiversity among and within microbial populations. In this review, the importance of accounting for interstrain variability's potential to impact breadth of novel drug efficacy evaluation in the early stages of drug development will be discussed. Additionally, testing under varying microenvironmental conditions that may influence drug efficacy will be discussed. Biofilm growth, the influence of polymicrobial growth, mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, pH, anaerobic conditions, and other virulence factors are some of critical issues that require more attention and standardization during preclinical drug efficacy evaluation. Furthermore, potential solutions for addressing this issue in pre-clinical antimicrobial development are proposed via centralization of microbial characterization and drug target databases, testing of a large number of clinical strains, inclusion of mutator strains in testing and the use of growth parameter mathematical models for testing.
The Impact of Information Presentation on Visual Inspection Performance in the International Nuclear Safeguards Domain

International nuclear safeguards inspectors are tasked with verifying that nuclear materials in facilities around the world are not misused or diverted from peaceful purposes. They must conduct detailed inspections in complex, information-rich environments, but there has been relatively little research into the cognitive aspects of their jobs. We posit that the speed and accuracy of the inspectors can be supported and improved by designing the materials they take into the field such that the information is optimized to meet their cognitive needs. Many in-field inspection activities involve comparing inventory or shipping records to other records or to physical items inside of a nuclear facility. The organization and presentation of the records that the inspectors bring into the field with them could have a substantial impact on the ease or difficulty of these comparison tasks. In this paper, we present a series of mock inspection activities in which we manipulated the formatting of the inspectors’ records. We used behavioral and eye tracking metrics to assess the impact of the different types of formatting on the participants’ performance on the inspection tasks. The results of these experiments show that matching the presentation of the records to the cognitive demands of the task led to substantially faster task completion.
On quantum-dot lasing at gain peak with linewidth enhancement factor α H = 0

This paper describes an investigation of the linewidth enhancement factor αH in a semiconductor quantum-dot laser. Results are presented for active region parameters and laser configurations important for minimizing αH. In particular, the feasibility of lasing at the gain peak with αH = 0 is explored. The study uses a many-body theory with dephasing effects from carrier scattering treated at the level of quantum-kinetic equations. InAs quantum-dot lasers with different p-modulation doping densities are fabricated and measured to verify the calculated criteria on laser cavity design and epitaxial growth conditions.This paper describes an investigation of the linewidth enhancement factor αH in a semiconductor quantum-dot laser. Results are presented for active region parameters and laser configurations important for minimizing αH. In particular, the feasibility of lasing at the gain peak with αH = 0 is explored. The study uses a many-body theory with dephasing effects from carrier scattering treated at the level of quantum-kinetic equations. InAs quantum-dot lasers with different p-modulation doping densities are fabricated and measured to verify the calculated criteria on laser cavity design and epitaxial growth conditions.
Co-Constructing Frames for Resistance: Reflections on Disability by a Daughter and Her Mother

This autoethnography explores a daughter and mother’s navigation of the meaning of disability in their lives. The narrative, crafted by emails, revisited journal entries, and phone conversations exchanged, delves into issues of independence, representation, mistrust of the medical profession, faith healing, and acceptance. The need for resistance to the prevalence of medical models of disability is illustrated.
Trainee and Attending Perspectives on Remote Radiology Readouts in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Rationale and Objectives Social distancing mandates due to COVID-19 have necessitated adaptations to radiology trainee workflow and educational practices, including the radiology “readout.” We describe how a large academic radiology department achieved socially distant “remote readouts,” provide trainee and attending perspectives on this early experience, and propose ways by which “remote readouts” can be used effectively by training programs beyond COVID-19. Materials and Methods Beginning March 2020, radiologists were relocated to workspaces outside of conventional reading rooms. Information technologies were employed to allow for “remote readouts” between trainees and attendings. An optional anonymous open-ended survey regarding remote readouts was administered to radiology trainees and attendings as a quality improvement initiative. From the responses, response themes were abstracted using thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics of the qualitative data were calculated. Results Radiologist workstations from 14 traditional reading rooms were relocated to 36 workspaces across the hospital system. Two models of remote readouts, synchronous and asynchronous, were developed, facilitated by commercially available information technologies. Thirty-nine of 105 (37%) trainees and 42 of 90 (47%) attendings responded to the survey. Main response themes included: social distancing, technology, autonomy/competency, efficiency, education/feedback and atmosphere/professional relationship. One hundred and forty-eight positive versus 97 negative comments were reported. Social distancing, technology, and autonomy/competency were most positively rated. Trainees and attending perspectives differed regarding the efficiency of remote readouts. Conclusion “Remote readouts,” compliant with social distancing measures, are feasible in academic radiology practice settings. Perspectives from our initial experience provide insight into how this can be accomplished, opportunities for improvement and future application, beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
The effect of simulation training on PALS skills among family medicine residents.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires that family medicine residents receive structured skills training on pediatric advanced life support (PALS) and should learn procedures for medical emergencies in patients of all ages. Traditional methods of training family medicine residents in PALS is challenging given their limited clinical exposure to critically ill patients. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effect of a 2-hour PALS training session utilizing high-fidelity mannequins on residents’ psychomotor skills performances. METHODS: Between February and June 2009, residents from two urban family medicine residency programs received training on four PALS procedures (bag-mask ventilation, tracheal intubation, intraosseous line placement, and cardiac rhythm assessment/defibrillation) at a university simulation center. Residents completed questionnaires to provide data on previous resuscitation training and experience. We collected self-confidence data and video re cordings of residents performing the procedures before and after training. To assess retention at 6 months, we collected self-confidence data and video recordings of PGY-1 and PGY-2 residents performing the procedures. A blinded reviewer scored the video recordings. RESULTS: Forty-seven residents completed the study. The majority of residents (53.2%) had never performed any of the procedures on a real patient. Immediately following skills training, mean overall performance improved from 39.5% (± 11.5%) to 76.5% (± 10.4%), difference 37.0% (95% CI, 33.5%–40.6%). Bag-mask ventilation and intraosseous insertion skills remained above baseline at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation training is beneficial for teaching PALS procedures to family medicine residents.
Effects of the dynamical magnetization state on spin transfer

We utilize simulations of electron scattering by a chain of dynamical quantum spins to analyze the interplay between the spin transfer effect and the magnetization dynamics. We show that the complex interactions between the spin-polarized electrons and the dynamical states of the local spins can be decomposed into separate processes involving electron reflection and transmission, as well as absorption and emission of magnons---the quanta of magnetization dynamics. Analysis shows that these processes are substantially constrained by the energy and momentum conservation laws, resulting in a significant dependence of spin transfer on the electron's energy and the dynamical state of the local spins. Our results suggest that exquisite control of spin transfer efficiency and of the resulting dynamical magnetization states may be achievable by tailoring the spectral characteristics of the conduction electrons and of the magnetic systems.
Nerve transfer for restoration of lower motor neuron-lesioned bladder function. Part 1: attenuation of purinergic bladder smooth muscle contractions.

This study determined the effect of pelvic organ decentralization and reinnervation 1 yr later on the contribution of muscarinic and purinergic receptors to ex vivo, nerve-evoked, bladder smooth mu...
Tools of Deception

It is widely recognized that news, like other forms of discourse, is not a neutral representation of facts (van Dikj 1988, 1992, 1995; Fairclough 1995a, 1995b; Fowler 1987; McLeod and Hertog 1992; Downing 1990). Writers, editors, and presenters of news select, interpret and present events from particular ideological positions. They not only present selected facts according to their orientation, but also construct reality in a manner consistent with their underlying ideologies. News reports, therefore, impose a world view of the editors, writers, and presenters and their value systems.
Ridesharing user equilibrium with nodal matching cost and its implications for congestion tolling and platform pricing

Abstract Ridesharing (RS) has been modeled as a specific multimodal equilibrium where solo and RS vehicles have different travel cost structures. An extended network structure that incorporates three types of traffic flows (i.e., solo drivers, RS drivers, and RS riders) has been useful in RS related network design problems and policy making. However, the extended network structure did not model the matching cost between drivers and riders at each node explicitly, leading to unreasonable or undesirable phenomena. For instance, RS drivers may drop off passengers at one node, proceed to the next link, and then pick up passengers again. This frequent pick-up and drop-off phenomenon needs to be fixed before any efficient policies can be proposed. This paper aims to develop a two-layer extended network that allows to model nodal cost whenever a pickup or a drop-off happens. Search friction of drivers and waiting time of riders will be formulated as well. Accordingly, bi-level network design problems are formulated for congestion tolling and platform pricing. For congestion tolling, we apply a differential toll scheme and analyze its impact on optimal tolls. For platform pricing, we propose two objectives: maximization of social welfare and maximization of the platform revenue, and compare their impact on system performances. Numerical examples are then performed for congestion tolling and platform pricing on the Braess network and the Sioux Falls network, respectively.
Modeling and optimization of process parameters in face milling of Ti6Al4V alloy using Taguchi and grey relational analysis

Abstract Titanium alloys are extensively used in aerospace, missiles, rockets, naval ships, automotive, medical devices, and even the consumer electronics industry where a high strength to density ratio, lightweight, high corrosion resistance, and resistance to high temperatures are important. The machining of these alloys has always been challenging for manufacturers. This article investigates the combined effect of radial depth, cutting speed and feed rate on cutting forces, tool life, and surface roughness during face milling of Ti6Al4V alloy. This study focuses on the significance of radial depth of cut on cutting force, tool life and surface roughness compared to that of cutting speed and feed rate during face milling of Ti6Al4V alloy. In this paper, mono and multi-objective optimization of the response characteristics have been conducted to find out the optimal input parameters, namely, cutting speed, feed rate, and radial depth of cut. Taguchi method and analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis have been used for mono-objective optimization, while Taguchi-based grey relational analysis has been used for multi-objective optimization. The regression analysis has been performed for developing mathematical models to predict the surface roughness, tool life, and cutting forces. According to ANOVA analysis, the most significant parameters for tool life and cutting force (FY) are cutting speed, and radial depth of cut, respectively, while feed rate is observed to be the most significant parameter for surface roughness and force (FX). The optimal combination of input parameters for tool life and FY are 50m/min cutting speed, 0.02mm/rev feed rate, and 7.5mm radial depth of cut. However, the optimal parameters for surface roughness are 65m/min cutting speed, 0.02mm/rev feed rate, and 7.5mm radial depth of cut. For FX, the optimal condition is observed as cutting speed 57.5m/min, 0.02mm/rev feed rate, and 7.5mm radial depth of cut. A validation experiment, conducted at the optimal parameters of surface roughness, shows an improvement of 31.29% compared to the surface roughness at initial condition. Taguchi-based grey relational analysis for multi-objective optimization shows an improvement of 55.81%, 6.12%, and 23.98% in tool life, surface roughness, and FY, respectively. ANOVA analysis based on grey relational grade shows that the radial depth of cut is the most significant parameter for multi-objective optimization during the face milling of Ti6Al4V.
Racial, Ethnic, and Geographic Disparities in Cardiovascular Health Among Women of Childbearing Age in the United States

Background In the United States, large disparities in cardiovascular health (CVH) exist in the general population, but little is known about the CVH status and its disparities among women of childb...
What if Marie Kondo Wrote an Organizational Change Book? Making Space for Subtractive Change:

Subtraction neglect is a real problem in our lives and organizations. Additive change, increasing the number of activities, tasks, and goals, is the unrelenting norm. Subtractive change removes thi...
Gut Microbiome as Potential Therapeutics in Multiple Sclerosis

The gut microbiome is an emerging arena to investigate multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis and potential therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the available data and postulate the feasibilities of potential MS therapeutic approaches that modulate the gut microbiome. Growing evidence indicates dysbiosis in the gut bacterial ecosystem in MS. Diet and other interventions produce biologically significant changes in the gut bacterial communities and functions, can potentially regulate the immune system, and benefit people with MS. While well-conducted investigations of the therapeutic mechanisms for targeting gut microbiome in animal models and humans remain limited, promising connections between various mechanisms of gut microbiome regulation and beneficial effects on MS outcomes are emerging. To date, studies examining the microbiome-based therapies in MS remain limited in number and follow-up duration. There is a clear need to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of these approaches, and to identify their underlying mechanisms of actions.
A lower bound for H/sub infinity /-optimal performance

Computing the H/sub infinity / mixed sensitivity optimal performance has been shown to be equivalent to computing the norm of a Hankel+Toeplitz type operator (see E. Jonchkheere and M. Verma, 1986). The essential spectral radius of the operator provides a lower bound for the operator norm, and it therefore provides a lower bound for the H/sup infinity / mixed sensitivity optimal performance. Motivated by an infinite-dimensional multi-input/multi-output (MIMO) practical control model, the authors derive an explicit formula for the essential spectra for the related Hankel+Toeplitz type operators. The formula is a generalization of that of G. Zames and S. Mitter (1988). >
Status of Current Development Activity Related to STOL Propulsion Noise Reduction

The noise goal of 95 PNdB for STOL aircraft imposes severe technology demands on propulsion systems. Effects of this goal on the design of the propulsion system are reviewed. Results from recent development programs associated with STOL noise reduction, such as high bypass fan tests, 25 PNdB acoustic suppression tests, sonic inlets, and powered lift system noise tests, are presented. Integrated propulsion system designs for the blown flap and augmentor wing powered lift systems capable of meeting the noise goal are shown, and the performance, installation, and economic penalties are assessed.
UNIPAC - An Independently Sprung Driving Wheel Bearing

UNIPAC is a new two-row tapered roller bearing assembly that has been developed for smaller automobiles that use an independent suspension, and front wheel drive. The new two row assembly offers a complete tapered roller bearing package that is pregreased, preadjusted and sealed. These unique functional characteristics are required of this bearing assembly for the independently sprung driving wheel position. Each functional bearing requirement has been studied and tested to assure satisfctory bearing performance at the most economical bearing price.
Dynamics of First Order Difference Equations

Difference equations usually describe the evolution of certain phenomena over the course of time. For example, if a certain population has discrete generations, the size of the (n + 1)st generation x(n + 1) is a function of the nth generation x(n). This relation expresses itself in the difference equation $$x(n + 1) = f(x(n))$$ (1.1.1)
Searches for a High Mass Higgs Boson at the Tevatron

Recent results obtained by the CDF and D0 collaborations are presented here. These Tevatron Higgs searches look for a Standard Model (SM) Higgs boson decaying into W-boson pairs, with the W-bosons decaying into electron-neutrino or muon neutrino final states. In the mass range of 135 GeV/c2 to 200 Gev/c2, the SM Higgs decays prominently into W-boson pairs. The presented results are based on an integrated luminosity that ranges from 3.0 to 4.2 fb-1. No significant excess over expected background is observed and the 95% CL limits are set for a Standard Model (SM) Higgs boson for different mass hypotheses ranging from 100 GeV/c2 to 200 GeV/c2. The combined Tevatron results exclude SM Higgs boson mass of 160 < m(H) < 170 GeV/c2.
Correlation of Hemorrhage Near Developing Opossum Skull With Pulsed Ultrasound Exposure Parameters.

OBJECTIVES High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been used noninvasively for therapeutic applications. Before HIFU can be used therapeutically on a human fetus, the bioeffects related to HIFU must be studied, and the mechanism causing the bioeffects should be understood. Previous studies have shown that HIFU, when targeted on fetal rat and mice bones. resulted in hemorrhage. However, the mechanism responsible has not been identified. In this study, we looked at ultrasound parameters related to hemorrhage in an effort to better understand the mechanism. METHODS Brazilian opossum pups (7-8 postnatal days) were exposed to a 1.1-MHz f/1 spherically focused transducer (6.3 cm focal length). Four treatment groups of n = 14 and a control group of n = 14 were exposed to rarefactional pressures of 3.6 to 6 MPa with spatial-peak temporal average intensity values of 5.4 to 10.8 W/cm(2). The pulse repetition frequency was varied from 500 to 1000 Hz with exposure durations of 1 to 4 minutes. RESULTS Four groups with sample sizes of 14 had hemorrhage percentages of 43%, 36%, 29%, and 36%, respectively. Hemorrhage occurrence and size were found to correlate strongly with the nonlinear product of energy density and number of pulses, with correlation values of 0.92 and 0.97, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The dependence of hemorrhage on energy density and the number of pulses suggests that the hemorrhage may be due to high-stress, low-cycle mechanical fatigue damage. Hence, for therapeutic applications, the product of energy density and number of pulses should not exceed a certain predetermined limit.
Proteomic Analysis of Exfoliation Deposits

Purpose To increase knowledge of the biochemical composition of lenticular exfoliation material (XFM) by using proteomic approaches. Methods Anterior lens capsules from patients with and without exfoliation syndrome (XFS) were homogenized in formic acid and subjected to cyanogen bromide (CNBr) cleavage, and the pattern of chemically generated fragments was compared by SDS-PAGE after silver staining. Unique XFS bands not present in control cases were excised, digested with TPCK-trypsin, and the resultant peptides sequenced with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS). In parallel experiments, CNBr-fragmented XFM was separately digested in solution with trypsin and elastase, and the resultant peptide mixture was analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem MS followed by identification through homology searches at nonredundant protein databases. Immunolocalization of the MS-identified components were performed in XFS versus control samples by using conventional immunohistochemical methods and light microscopy. Results In addition to fibrillin-1, fibronectin, vitronectin, laminin, and amyloid P-component, which are well-known extracellular matrix and basement membrane components of XFM, the proteomic approaches identified the multifunctional protein clusterin and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease (TIMP)-3 as well as novel molecules, among them fibulin-2, desmocollin-2, the glycosaminoglycans syndecan-3, and versican, membrane metalloproteases of the ADAM family (a disintegrin and metalloprotease), and the initiation component of the classic complement activation pathway C1q. In all cases, classic immunohistochemistry confirmed their location in XFM. Conclusions A novel solubilization strategy combined with sensitive proteomic analysis emphasizes the complexity of the XFS deposits and opens new avenues to study the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and progression of XFS.
Change IS the New Norm

Community colleges are undergoing an evolution that is unprecedented since they were created. State and federal mandates, greater calls for accountability, and a stronger push for student success are causing community colleges to review and retool their campuses and their focus. In other words, change IS the new norm. It is time for community colleges to adapt and evolve. It is imperative that all members of community colleges—faculty, staff, presidents, and board members alike—understand these appeals for change, begin to seek solutions, and view their respective organizations not just through an institutional lens, but instead through one that includes a much broader focus.
Convective instability of thin flux tubes

The stability of magnetic flux tubes embedded vertically in a convection zone is investigated. For thin tubes, the dominant instability is of the convective type, i.e. it is driven by buoyancy forces associated with displacements along the tube. The stability is determined by β = 8πP/B2; if β ≤ βc the tube is convectively stable, otherwise it is unstable, where the critical value βc depends on the stratification of the convection zone. For a solar convection zone model, βc = 1.83, corresponding to a magnetic field strength of 1350 G at the surface of the Sun. It is concluded that the flux tubes making up the small scale field of the Sun are probably hydrodynamically stable.
Analysis of suspended solids by single-particle scattering

Light scattering by individual particulates is used in a multiple-detector system to categorize the composition of suspended solids in terms of broad particulate categories. The scattering signatures of red clay and taconite tailings, the two primary particulate contaminants in western Lake Superior, along with two types of asbestiform fibers, amphibole and chrysolite, were studied in detail. A method was developed to predict the concentration of asbestiform fibers in filtration plant samples for which electron microscope analysis was done concurrently. Fiber levels as low as 50,000 fibers/liter were optically detectable. The method has application in optical categorization of samples for remote sensing purposes and offers a fast, inexpensive means for analyzing water samples from filtration plants for specific particulate contaminants.
Low-potential amperometric determination of hydrogen peroxide with a carbon paste electrode modified with nanostructured cryptomelane-type manganese oxides

Abstract Nanostructured cryptomelane-type manganese oxides were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for chemical sensing. Cryptomelane-type manganese oxides are nanofibrous crystals with sub-nanometer open tunnels that provide a unique property for sensing applications. Carbon paste electrodes (CPEs), modified with the nanostructured cryptomelane-type manganese oxides, were investigated for amperometric detection of hydrogen peroxide. With an operating potential of +0.3 V versus Ag/AgCl, H2O2 produces catalytic oxidation currents at the modified CPE, which can be exploited for quantitative determinations. The amperometric signals are linearly proportional to H2O2 concentration in the range 1.0 × 10−4–6.9 × 10−4 M with a correlation coefficient of 0.995 (n = 7). At a signal-to-noise ratio of 3, a detection limit of 2 μM can be observed for the CPE modified with 5.5 wt% cryptomelane-type manganese oxides. In addition, the sensor has a good stability and reproducibility. The construction and renewal are simple and inexpensive. A possible response mechanism was proposed and discussed. The significant electrocatalytic activity of the modified CPE may result from the nanostructure of cryptomelane-type manganese oxides.
Review: Technical and policy challenges in deep vadose zone remediation of metals and radionuclides.

Contamination in deep vadose zone environments is isolated from exposure so direct contact is not a factor in its risk to human health and the environment. Instead, movement of contamination to the groundwater creates the potential for exposure and risk to receptors. Limiting flux from contaminated vadose zone is key for protection of groundwater resources, thus the deep vadose zone is not necessarily considered a resource requiring restoration. Contaminant discharge to the groundwater must be maintained low enough by natural attenuation (e.g., adsorption processes or radioactive decay) or through remedial actions (e.g., contaminant mass reduction or mobility reduction) to meet the groundwater concentration goals. This paper reviews the major processes for deep vadose zone metal and radionuclide remediation that form the practical constraints on remedial actions. Remediation of metal and radionuclide contamination in the deep vadose zone is complicated by heterogeneous contaminant distribution and the sat...
Heralded, pure-state single-photon source based on a Potassium Titanyl Phosphate waveguide

We analyze the generation of single spatial mode, spectrally uncorrelated photon pairs via type II spontaneous parametric down-conversion in a Potassium Titanyl Phosphate (KTP) waveguide using real experimental parameters. We show that this source can be used as an efficient, heralded, pure-state single-photon source.
Prolonged QT Syndrome: Perioperative Management

Intraoperative cardiac arrhythmias related to prolonged QT syndrome are uncommon. We describe a 26-year-old woman in whom ventricular fibrillation occurred during the final minutes of a partial glossectomy and right supraomohyoid selective neck dissection and discuss the role that this specific operation may have had in the development of the intraoperative event. In addition, we review the perioperative management of patients with prolonged QT syndrome.
SHOREBIRDS OF COASTAL BUENOS AIRES PROVINCE, ARGENTINA

SUMMARY The Pampas shorebird community is comprised of species from diverse taxonomic and faunal origin. Four major groups can be recognized: North American migrants residing in coastal Buenos Aires Province during their non-breeding season, Patagonian species wintering locally but breeding further south, Pampean species breeding locally, and Brazil–Paraguayan species present during their breeding season. Because of differences among these groups in the timing and migration patterns, community composition shows marked seasonal variation. Both nesting and non-breeding birds use a diversity of habitat types ranging from littoral sandy beaches to upland grasslands. Throughout the year, however, and in all habitat types, non-breeders predominate in species number and abundance. Intra- and inter-specific patterns of aggression suggest both that resources are limiting, and that non-breeding migrants may play an important role in determining breeding community composition.
Ethylene glycol electrochemical oxidation at platinum probed by ion chromatography and infrared spectroscopy

Abstract Wet chemical methods were used in combination with in situ infrared spectroscopy to identify and quantify soluble products formed during ethylene glycol electrochemical oxidation on platinum. A small volume electrolysis technique allowed reactions to be performed in samples of 150 μl in contact with a small, bead-type single crystal electrode. Following reaction, 50–100 μl aliquots were assayed for aldehydes and carboxylic acids. Glycolaldehyde (HOCH 2 CHO), and glycolic (HOCH 2 COOH) and oxalic ((HOOC) 2 ) acids were detected following the 360 s electrolysis of 0.2 M ethylene glycol in 0.1 M HClO 4 at potentials in the range 0.0–0.6 V (vs. SCE). Determination of the carboxylic acids by ion chromatography aided the assignment of carboxylate vibrational bands in in situ infrared spectra.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., REGION: REPORT ON AN ASSESSMENT

In the summer and autumn of 1998, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) sponsored an independent study by a team led by ICF Kaiser (now ICF Consulting) to assess its public involvement program for transportation planning carried out in the Washington, D.C., region. The Washington region's metropolitan planning organization was one of the first to commission an assessment of its public involvement efforts as required under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. The purpose was to provide an overall assessment of TPB's public involvement program and recommend options for improvement. The assessment was conducted in three phases. The first phase was to review public involvement efforts in the Washington region and, for comparative purposes, other selected metropolitan regions across the United States. The second phase was to interview knowledgeable stakeholders on public involvement in the Washington region. The final phase was to prepare a report presenting f...