cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rho Kinase Inhibitors as a Novel Treatment for Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension.

In an elegant example of bench-to-bedside research, a hypothesis that cells in the outflow pathway actively regulate conventional outflow resistance was proposed in the 1990s and systematically pursued, exposing novel cellular and molecular mechanisms of intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation. The critical discovery that pharmacologic manipulation of the cytoskeleton of outflow pathway cells decreased outflow resistance placed a spotlight on the Rho kinase pathway that was known to regulate the cytoskeleton. Ultimately, a search for Rho kinase inhibitors led to the discovery of several molecules of therapeutic interest, leaving us today with 2 new ocular hypotensive agents approved for clinical use: ripasudil in Japan and netarsudil in the United States. These represent members of the first new class of clinically useful ocular hypotensive agents since the US Food and Drug Administration approval of latanoprost in 1996. The development of Rho kinase inhibitors as a class of medications to lower IOP in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension represents a triumph in translational research. Rho kinase inhibitors are effective alone or when combined with other known ocular hypotensive medications. They also offer the possibility of neuroprotective activity, a favorable impact on ocular blood flow, and even an antifibrotic effect that may prove useful in conventional glaucoma surgery. Local adverse effects, however, including conjunctival hyperemia, subconjunctival hemorrhages, and cornea verticillata, are common. Development of Rho kinase inhibitors targeted to the cells of the outflow pathway and the retina may allow these agents to have even greater clinical impact. The objectives of this review are to describe the basic science underlying the development of Rho kinase inhibitors as a therapy to lower IOP and to summarize the results of the clinical studies reported to date. The neuroprotective and vasoactive properties of Rho kinase inhibitors, as well as the antifibrotic properties, of these agents are reviewed in the context of their possible role in the medical and surgical treatment of glaucoma.
How to Play 20 Questions With Nature and Lose: Reflections on 100 Years of Brain-Training Research

Despite dozens of empirical studies and a growing body of meta-analytic work, there is little consensus regarding the efficacy of cognitive training. In this review, we examine why this substantial corpus has failed to answer the often-asked question, “Does cognitive training work?” We first define cognitive training and discuss the general principles underlying training interventions. Next, we review historical interventions and discuss how findings from this early work remain highly relevant for current cognitive-training research. We highlight a variety of issues preventing real progress in understanding the underlying mechanisms of training, including the lack of a coherent theoretical framework to guide training research and methodological issues across studies and meta-analyses. Finally, suggestions for correcting these issues are offered in the hope that we might make greater progress in the next 100 y of cognitive-training research.
Gender and Persistence in the Engineering Profession

Women remain underrepresented in the engineering profession comprising only 10% of the employed engineers in 2010 while in that same year women exceeded more than half of those employed in professi...
Are “twin deficits” asymmetric? Evidence on government budget and current account balances, 1870–2013

Abstract Using data from seventeen countries over the period 1870–2013, we first find that there is robust empirical support for the “twin deficits” hypothesis: under the assumption of symmetry, a change in the budget deficit by 1% of GDP causes the current account balance to move in the opposite direction by a maximum of about 0.25% of GDP, an effect that is found to be persistent but temporary. To relax symmetry, the current account is next allowed to respond differently to positive and negative budget shocks. The findings suggest that the full time period is adequately described by symmetry: the current account effects of fiscal expansions are not statistically different from those of fiscal consolidations. The postwar period, however, appears to be decidedly asymmetric: negative shocks to the budget deficit are associated with sizable improvements in the current account, while positive shocks have no statistically significant effect. Policy implications outline a clear but limited role for fiscal policy in influencing the current account.
IgG4-Related Disease with Emphasis on Its Gastrointestinal Manifestation

IgG4-related disease is an immune-mediated fibroinflammatory condition with a diverse spectrum of organ involvement, commonly in the pancreas and bile ducts among other organs such as salivary and lacrimal glands. Classic histopathologic findings are the gold standard for confirmation of diagnosis, although diagnosis remains challenging, as biomarkers to date are neither sufficient nor necessary. Glucocorticoids are the most effective initial treatment, generally having a dramatic response, although limited clinical evidence exists regarding effective maintenance therapy. This review summarizes key GI manifestations of this condition for the practicing gastroenterologist and addresses the pathology, disease mechanism, and current therapeutic recommendations.
The Sweet Taste of Life

Spending the fall in Lund, Sweden, on my sabbatical was quite an interesting endeavor. The fall that I was there was quite rainy and damp. Seeing that I spend most of my research life in and around water, this wasn’t particularly troublesome for me. What turned out to be a minor inconvenience for me was an absolute boon to the lush vegetation around my flat and the university. Just mere steps out of my door was a small garden with seven apple trees and several berry bushes. The fruit was so plentiful that the ground was full of fallen apples. Even with the occasional visitor plucking quite a bit more than a few off of the trees.
DeepWelding: A Deep Learning Enhanced Approach to GTAW Using Multisource Sensing Images

Deep learning has great potential to reshape manufacturing industries. In this article, we present DeepWelding, a novel framework that applies deep learning techniques to improve gas tungsten arc welding process monitoring and penetration detection using multisource sensing images. The framework is capable of analyzing multiple types of optical sensing images synchronously and consists of three deep learning enhanced consecutive phases: image preprocessing, image selection, and weld penetration classification. Specifically, we adopted generative adversarial networks (pix2pix) for image denoising and classic convolutional neural networks (AlexNet) for image selection. Both pix2pix and AlexNet delivered satisfactory performance. However, five individual neural networks with heterogeneous architectures demonstrated inconsistent generalization capabilities in the classification phase when holding out multisource images generated with specific experimental settings. Therefore, two ensemble methods combining multiple neural networks are designed to improve the model performance on unseen data collected from different experimental settings. We have also found that the quality of model prediction is heavily influenced by the data stream collection environment. We think these findings are beneficial for the broad intelligent welding community.
Context-Dependent Relationships between Locus Coeruleus Activation and Coordinated Neural Activity Patterns in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex

Ascending neuromodulatory projections from the locus coeruleus (LC) affect cortical neural networks via the release of norepinephrine (NE). However, the exact nature of these modulatory effects on neural activity patterns in vivo is not well understood. Here we show that in awake monkeys, LC activation is associated with changes in coordinated activity patterns in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). These effects, which are largely independent of changes in firing rates of individual ACC neurons, depend on the type of LC activation: ACC pairwise correlations are reduced when tonic (baseline) LC activity increases but are enhanced when external events drive phasic LC responses. Both effects also covary with pupil changes that reflect LC activation and arousal. These results suggest that modulations of information processing that reflect changes in coordinated activity patterns in cortical networks can, at least in part, result from ongoing, context-dependent, arousal-related changes in activation of the LC-NE system.
Fugitive dust emissions from off-road vehicle maneuvers on military training lands

Abstract. Off-road vehicle training can contribute to air quality degradation because of increased wind erosion as a result of soil disruption during high wind events. However, limited information exists regarding the impacts of off-road vehicle maneuvering on wind erosion potential of soils. This study was conducted to determine the effects of soil texture and intensity of training with off-road vehicles on fugitive dust emission potential due to wind erosion at military training installations. Multi-pass military vehicle trafficking experiments involving wheeled and tracked vehicles were conducted at three military training facilities (Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Benning, Georgia; and Yakima Training Center, Washington) with different vegetative conditions and soil textures. The top 6 cm of soil was collected with minimum disturbance into trays and tested in a laboratory wind tunnel for dust emission potential. In wind tunnel testing, the amount of emitted dust was measured using a Grimm aerosol spectrometer. The dust emission potential due to wind erosion was significantly influenced by soil texture, vehicle type, and number of passes. For the light wheeled vehicle, total dust emissions (
Forgiveness and Health Outcomes in Cancer Survivorship: A Scoping Review.

Background Religious and spiritual beliefs including forgiveness are an important aspect of cancer survivorship; however, the relationship between forgiveness and health is not well understood. Objective The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review that examines and maps the current research regarding relationships between forgiveness and health outcomes in individuals with cancer. Methods We searched 5 electronic databases using key search terms related to forgiveness and cancer. Using a scoping review framework, we synthesized the existing literature regarding forgiveness and health among individuals with cancer and examined forgiveness as a process for coping with cancer. Results We located 277 articles for review; 24 met inclusion criteria. Forgiveness in interpersonal relationships emerged more often as forgiveness coping than other types of forgiveness. Most studies reported a positive association between forgiveness and mental health. Fewer studies were available regarding relationships between forgiveness and physical health, and findings were mixed. Conclusions Forgiveness in interpersonal relationships is a spiritual concern for individuals with cancer. Addressing forgiveness needs may promote mental health in cancer survivors. More empirical evidence is needed to understand the role of forgiveness in physical health in individuals with cancer. Implications for practice Acknowledging forgiveness beliefs is a psychosocial-spiritual intervention that nurses can provide to support mental health in individuals with cancer. The potential role of forgiveness in physical health for individuals with cancer requires further study.
Integrative holistic approaches for children, adolescents, and young adults with sickle cell disease: A single center experience.

Abstract Context Painful vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) associated with sickle cell disease (SCD) are the most common cause of morbidity, hospitalizations, and poor quality of life. Additional symptoms such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, and stress are also common. Non-traditional approaches are often used by families, but concerns remain that patients may forgo standard of care effective therapies in favor of dangerous unproven alternatives. Objectives To describe a single center experience related to a multidisciplinary integrative medicine clinic within the division of hematology dedicated to children and young adults with SCD. Methods The Sickle Cell Integrative Clinic at Children’s National Hospital services patients with SCD. The main goal of this clinic is to provide access to non-pharmacologic interventions, and to manage patients’ symptoms in a holistic manner along with standard of care management of SCD. This IRB approved study evaluated experiences of both patients and parents who attended this clinic. Results Thirty-seven unique patients attended this clinic over 2 years and 31 participated in the study. After attending the SCD integrative clinic, the majority of patients reported integrative therapies to be an acceptable way of treating pain and believed these to be effective. Overall, the vast majority (88 %) of patients reported having a positive experience with the therapies offered in the clinic. None of the patients experienced any adverse events related to integrative therapies provided in the clinic. Conclusion Our experience suggests that encouraging conversations and offering safe and potentially effective integrative therapies alongside conventional SCD therapies under medical guidance allows patients to have an open discussion about their beliefs and treatment goals, improves patient satisfaction and can improve outcomes.
Know thyself: mindfulness partially explains the relationship between personal wisdom and meaning making

Personal wisdom has been identified as a valuable resource in coping with difficult life events. However, previous studies have largely limited their focus on older adults; additionally, these studies have used well-being measures to assess successful coping strategies, which may underrepresent people who are surviving rather than thriving. Consequently, the current study tested if personal wisdom positively predicts meaning making, which is a key indicator of adjustment, and tested whether trait mindfulness partially mediates the relationship between personal wisdom and meaning making. Participants who had gone through an especially difficult life event were recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk and completed several self-report measures. Analyses indicated, regardless of age, personal wisdom positively predicts meaning making and mindfulness partially mediates the positive relationship between personal wisdom and meaning making. These findings are consistent with previous research and clarify the mechanisms that account for the positive relationship between personal wisdom and coping with difficult life events.
Growth, yield, and financial return through six decades of various management approaches in a second-growth northern hardwood forest

Abstract Evaluation of long-term studies provides information about the sustainability of forest management on a time scale valuable to forest managers. A long-term silvicultural study at the Argonne Experimental Forest in northern Wisconsin has been continuously maintained for over six decades, providing an opportunity to test differences in growth and yield between three partial cutting methods: single-tree selection, crop tree release, and diameter-limit cutting. Over 65 years, results showed that single-tree selection with low residual stocking (14 m2 ha−1 basal area) performed best in regard to financial returns, growth, and yield, with high financial returns, greater levels of ingrowth, lower mortality, and greater residual percent volumes of high quality sawtimber. Diameter growth was maximized in low to moderate (17 m2 ha−1 residual basal area) residual stocking selection. The diameter-limit cut (18 cm dbh limiting diameter) was not successful in producing high-quality trees or consistent yield. After 50 years the crop tree release treatment did increase percent of high-quality harvested volumes, but to a lesser extent than the selection treatments. Selection treatments removing more basal area provided an overall better return on investment, providing potential incentive for modification to traditionally practiced single-tree selection to higher residual basal areas.
Path Graphs and Path Digraphs

The variant of line graphs that is the main subject of this chapter has the basic element of a path of length 2 as a vertex, with adjacency of two of these vertices being given by their having a path of length 1 in common and their union being either a path or cycle of length 3. After proving some basic results, we turn to the characterization of path graphs, the main theorem being an analogue of Krausz’s partition characterization for line graphs themselves, but more complicated. This is followed by isomorphism results, and then material on path digraphs, the directed analogue of path graphs. The chapter concludes with yet another variation of line graphs, the intersection graph of the cliques (the maximal complete subgraphs) of a graph. The main result here is their characterization with a requirement of a common intersection property.
Responding to Bruce Baker's Comment on the Liebowitz/Kelly State K-12 School Ranking Report

In November of 2018 Matt Kelly and I published a ranking of states based on the performance of K-12 students on exams known as the “nations report card.” Among the novelties of our study were that the rankings were based only on the student’s performance, that performance was measured on disaggregated ethnic data preventing states from doing well just because they had mainly white students, and that states were given higher scores when they achieved high ranks while using less money. Within weeks of the publication of our study, Bruce Baker published a comically inept NEPC report critical of our study. Virtually everything Baker says is wrong.
Uganda’s New Sentencing Guidelines: Introduction, Initial Assessment and Early Recommendations

In April of 2013 the Chief Justice of Uganda issued the Constitution (Sentencing Guidelines for the Courts of (Practice). In doing so Uganda joined a movement of criminal justice reform that cuts across anglophone jurisdictions. This article includes a general background on the emergence of sentencing guidelines and the two primary structural approaches to sentencing guidelines design. This article’s primary purpose is to offer a preliminary critical assessment of Uganda’s Sentencing Guidelines. An overview of key features in the Sentencing Guidelines serves as a prelude to the analytical content. Uganda’s Sentencing Guidelines are a commendable effort. They are more than mere recastings of foreign guidelines. The Guidelines include several features that are tailored to fit the needs, circumstances and culture of the Ugandan context. Noteworthy elements in the Guidelines include the incorporation of restorative justice, community engagement and pragmatic approaches adjusted to the limited present capacity of government services. While the Guidelines are a praiseworthy development, there are several improvements and adjustments that could be made to improve them over time. Suggested adjustments include clear sentencing incentives for defendants to accept responsibility without going to trial and the modification of elements of the Guidelines that potentially lead to the denial of due process.
Recent Advances in the Electron Microscopy of Materials

Publisher Summary This chapter illustrates the extraordinary power of imaging, diffraction, and chemical analysis techniques that can be combined in the modern electron microscope. The synergistic effect of combining techniques in a single instrument makes the solution of a particular problem possible. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) are discrete instruments offering specific imaging and analytic capabilities. The TEM is capable of routine imaging of the internal defect structure of crystalline specimens. The principles behind the acquisition of information from both the TEM and SEM, and other instrumental developments are considered. The progress in conventional areas, such as imaging of defects and surfaces, as well as electron diffraction is also described. Some totally new imaging techniques have been developed and suitable examples are provided. Many recent advances involve combinations of hitherto separate techniques, such as combined in Situ and high–resolution electron microscopy (HREM) studies of atomic level defects, and combined TEM and SEM study of fatigue cracks in metals are also discussed. The state of development of advanced electron optical equipment is improved and utility for the characterization of materials continue to increase.
The NextGen Model Atmosphere Grid for 3000 ≤ Teff ≤ 10,000 K

We present our NextGen Model Atmosphere grid for low-mass stars for effective temperatures larger than 3000 K. These LTE models are calculated with the same basic model assumptions and input physics as the VLMS part of the NextGen grid so that the complete grid can be used, e.g., for consistent stellar evolution calculations and for internally consistent analysis of cool star spectra. This grid is also the starting point for a large grid of detailed NLTE model atmospheres for dwarfs and giants. The models were calculated from 3000 to 10,000 K (in steps of 200 K) for 3.5{le}logthinspg{le}5.5 (in steps of 0.5) and metallicities of {minus}4.0{le}[M/H]{le}0.0. We discuss the results of the model calculations and compare our results to the Kurucz grid. Some comparisons to standard stars like Vega and the Sun are presented and compared with detailed NLTE calculations. {copyright} {ital {copyright} 1999.} {ital The American Astronomical Society}
Psychological variables and ability to pronounce a second language.

The following study tested the hypothesis that the ability to speak a second language authentically or like a native speaker was related to an individual's sensitivity to cues in interpersonal situations, his empathic capacity. A test of empathy consisted of silent film clips shown at various speeds; subjects were asked to indicate each change in facial expression they observed. A test group of 28 University students took this and additional control tests including the Thematic Apperception Test. These subjects learned basic conversations in Japanese in four one-hour sessions. Their pronunciation was rated by native speakers on general authenticity and on specific phonetic details for five spontaneous sentences and five sentences repeated after the instructor. Results indicated differences in speaking skills which were related to two clusters of variables representing independent personality characteristics: an empathy dimension defined by four variables (tolerance to anxiety, intelligence, involvement in...
A Study of Homesickness in College Freshmen

(1947). A Study of Homesickness in College Freshmen. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 26, No. 2, pp. 185-202.
Hematopoietic cytokines for cardiac repair: mobilization of bone marrow cells and beyond

Hematopoietic cytokines, traditionally known to influence cellular proliferation, differentiation, maturation, and lineage commitment in the bone marrow, include granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor, stem cell factor, Flt-3 ligand, and erythropoietin among others. Emerging evidence suggests that these cytokines also exert multifarious biological effects on diverse nonhematopoietic organs and tissues. Although the precise mechanisms remain unclear, numerous studies in animal models of myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure indicate that hematopoietic cytokines confer potent cardiovascular benefits, possibly through mobilization and subsequent homing of bone marrow-derived cells into the infarcted heart with consequent induction of myocardial repair involving multifarious mechanisms. In addition, these cytokines are also known to exert direct cytoprotective effects. However, results from small-scale clinical trials of G-CSF therapy as a single agent after acute MI have been discordant and largely disappointing. It is likely that cardiac repair following cytokine therapy depends on a number of known and unknown variables, and further experimental and clinical studies are certainly warranted to accurately determine the true therapeutic potential of such therapy. In this review, we discuss the biological features of several key hematopoietic cytokines and present the basic and clinical evidence pertaining to cardiac repair with hematopoietic cytokine therapy.
Light enhancement of symbiotic seed germination and development of an endangered terrestrial orchid (Platanthera integrilabia)

Abstract Seeds of an endangared orchid, Platanthera integrilabia, were exposed to one of three light treatments: 7 days initial darkness followed by 16 h per day photoperiods, 16 h per day photoperiods for 7 days followed by darkness, and 16 h per day photoperiods. Alternatively, a continuous dark treatment in symbiotic and asymbiotic culture was provided. Seeds exposed to 16 h per day photoperiods or an initial 7 days of darkness followed by 16 h per day photoperiods were largely inhibited from germinating. Seeds exposed to 16 h per day photoperiods during the photoperiods during the first 7 days after fungal inoculations followed by darkness had a significantly higher percent germination than the other treatments, including those in continuous darkness. Seedling (protocorm) development (i.e., formation of leaf primordia) was also enhanced by initial light compared to seedlings under continuous darkness. We speculate that light exposure followed by darkness occurs naturally starting with the shedding of seeds from capsules to their immersion in a substrate where germination occurs. The beneficial effects of light in this study argues in support of light usage to stimulate germination and seedling development of temperate terrestrial orchids.
Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults: A Review

For more than 35 years, growth hormone (GH) has been used to promote linear growth in GH-deficient children. Previously, GH replacement in adults was limited to the supply of human pituitary-derived GH. In addition, until recently, GH replacement was not deemed clinically indicated. With the introduction of recombinant human prion-free GH, replacement therapy in GH-deficient adults has become feasible, and its use has burgeoned. In this review, recent studies on GH therapy in healthy and GH-deficient adults are evaluated to provide a rational basis for the widened scope of its clinical application.
Asymmetric benzaldehyde methylation with titanium TADDOLate complexes

Abstract The Lewis acid catalyst derived from Ti(O i Pr) 4 and (4 R ,5 R )-(−)-2,2-dimethyl-α,α,α′,α′-tetraphenyl-1,3-dioxolane-4,5-dimethanol, ( R,R )-TADDOL, [ 1 ], in the presence of Me 2 Zn, mediates the complete conversion of 4-chlorobenzaldehyde to ( S )-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethanol with 96% enantiomeric excess. With unsubstituted benzaldehyde, the maximum enantiomeric excess observed under the same conditions is 91%. Application of chlorinated ( R,R )-TADDOL derivatives to the methylation of unsubstituted benzaldehyde reveals that addition of chloro substituents to the ligand also induces the result of increasing the enantioselectivity of the catalysis. The reaction of (−)-dimethyl 2,3- O -isopropylidene- l -tartrate with 3,4-dichlorophenyl magnesium bromide or 3,5-dichlorophenyl magnesium bromide yields the octachlorinated ( R,R )-TADDOL derivatives (4 R ,5 R )-(−)-2,2-dimethyl-α,α,α′,α′-tetra-3,4-dichlorophenyl-1,3-dioxolane-4,5-dimethanol, 3,4-[ 1 ] and (4 R ,5 R )-(−)-2,2-dimethyl-α,α,α′,α′-tetra-3,5-dichlorophenyl-1,3-dioxolane-4,5-dimethanol, 3,5-[ 1 ]. Catalysis screenings showed that 3,4-[ 1 ], in conjunction with Ti(O i Pr) 4 and Me 2 Zn, forms a Lewis acid titanium TADDOLate catalyst capable of converting benzaldehyde to ( S )-1-phenylethanol with >99% conversion and >96% enantiomeric excess.
An Examination of Algebraic Test Generation Methods for Multiple Faults

A generalized test function (GTF) is derived that gives all tests for a multiple stuck-at fault in a combinational logic circuit. The GTF is then used as the basis for an examination of several algebraic test generation methods that have appeared in the literature. Deficiencies are found in some methods.
Efferents of area 4 in a South American monkey (Saimiri) I. Terminations in the spinal cord

A single injection of either tritiated proline or a mixture of proline and leucine was made in area 4 of 8 squirrel monkeys. The locus of the injection was systematically varied from medial to lateral among animals. Autoradiographs revealed a strong contralateral lateral corticospinal tract. A sparsely labelled ipsilateral lateral tract was also present in all animals. In 2 animals, a few labelled fibers indicative of an ipsilateral anterior tract were observed; the fibers terminated at lumbar levels. Grain counts over the cervical and lumbar gray showed that area 4 efferents terminated contralaterally in laminae IV--IX with a peak in lamina VII; only sparse input was seen in the vicinity of the large alpha-motoneurons of lamina IX. On the ipsilateral side, the terminals were largely confined to lamina VIII. This pattern was in accordance with that reported in other primates. The terminal fields at sacral and coccygeal levels were radically different in that large numbers of fibers recrossed to the ipsilateral side and ended in laminae V through IX; the functional significance of this strong bilateral termination was discussed.
NADH-activated cell-free transfer between Golgi apparatus and plasma membranes of rat liver.

This report concerns development of a cell-free system from rat liver to study transport of membrane constituents from the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane. Highly purified Golgi apparatus as donor and a mixture of sheets and vesicles as plasma membrane acceptor fractions were combined to analyze requirements for lipid and protein transport. In the reconstituted system, the Golgi apparatus donor was in suspension. To measure transfer, membrane constituents of the donor membranes were radiolabeled with [3H]acetate (lipids) or [3H]leucine (proteins). The plasma membrane vesicles were used as the acceptor and were unlabeled and immobilized on nitrocellulose for ease of recovery and analysis. The reconstituted cell-free transfer was dependent on temperature, but even at 37°C, the amount of transfer did not increase with added ATP, was not specific for any particular membrane fraction or subfraction nor was it facilitated by cytosol. ATP was without effect both in the presence or absence of a cytosolic fraction capable of the support of cell-free transfer in other systems. In contrast to results with ATP, NADH added to the reconstituted system resulted in an increased amount of transfer. A further increase in transfer was obtained with NADH plus a mixture of ascorbate and dehydroascorbate to generate ascorbate free radical. The transfer of labeled membrane constituents from the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane supported by NADH plus ascorbate radical was stimulated by a cytosol fraction enriched in < 10 kDa components. This was without effect in the absence of NADH/ascorbate radical or with ATP as the energy source. Specific transfer was inhibited by both N-ethylmaleimide and GTPγS. The findings point to the possibility of redox activities associated with the trans region of the Golgi apparatus as potentially involved in the transport of membrane vesicles from the Golgi apparatus to the cytoplasmic surface of the plasma membrane.
Content Organization and Instructional Design Issues in the Development of History Texts

Designing effective content area texts requires attention to both organization of the content and the instructional strategies used to highlight important information. Content should be organized to show relationships among factual information, concepts, rules, and organizational structures at both the lesson and the curricular level. Instructional strategies should be organized to highlight, integrate, and apply critical concepts and to provide cumulative review of those concepts across the curriculum.
Exploring Energy Efficient Architectures in Passive Wireless Nodes for IoT Applications

The evolution of embedded intelligence in passively powered wireless nodes has led to the expansion of the application space for passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Internet of Things (IoT). This article presents recent advancements in energy efficient designs in wireless passive communication nodes and its related applications.
Treatment of distal ureteral calculi using rigid ureteroscope

Abstract Rigid transurethral ureteroscopy has been utilized on sixteen occasions for the treatment of distal ureteral calculi. This resulted in successful stone removal and avoidance of an open operation in 69 per cent of the cases. The advantages of this type of treatment are that it enables endoscopic access to a surgically difficult portion of the ureter and allows direct visualization during basket manipulation of ureteral calculi.
Multiresolution training of Kohonen neural networks

This paper analyses a trade-off between convergence rate and distortion obtained through a multi-resolution training of a Kohonen Competitive Neural Network. Empirical results show that a multi-resolution approach can improve the training stage of several unsupervised pattern classification algorithms including K-means clustering, LBG vector quantization, and competitive neural networks. While, previous research concentrated on convergence rate of on-line unsupervised training. New results, reported in this paper, show that the multi-resolution approach can be used to improve training quality (measured as a derivative of the rate distortion function) on the account of convergence speed. The probability of achieving a desired point in the quality/convergence-rate space of Kohonen Competitive Neural Networks (KCNN) is evaluated using a detailed Monte Carlo set of experiments. It is shown that multi-resolution can reduce the distortion by a factor of 1.5 to 6 while maintaining the convergence rate of traditional KCNN. Alternatively, the convergence rate can be improved without loss of quality. The experiments include a controlled set of synthetic data, as well as, image data. Experimental results are reported and evaluated.
Brittle and ductile extension of a finite crack by a horizontally polarized shear wave

Abstract An integral representation of the displacement for problems of transient propagation of horizontally polarized shear waves is employed to investigate the diffraction of a plane wave by a crack of finite length. The stress intensity factors at small times are derived for an incident wave of arbitrary shape. For a step-stress wave the maximum stress intensity factors are shown to exceed the factors of the corresponding static problem by a factor 4 π . Brittle fracture is subsequently investigated by employing a balance of rate of energy. It is shown that for a step-stress wave the critical stress for brittle fracture is reduced by a factor π 4√2 as compared to the critical stress of the corresponding static problem. Ductile fracture is studied by assuming that yielding is restricted to a narrow band in the vicinity of the crack tips. The propagation velocity of the zone of yielding is computed and the location of the point of rupture is determined.
Atlas of the Galilean Satellites

Complete color global maps and high-resolution mosaics of Jupiter's four large moons – Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto – are compiled for the first time in this important atlas. The satellites are revealed as four visually striking and geologically diverse planetary bodies: Io's volcanic lavas and plumes and towering mountains; Europa's fissured ice surface; the craters, fractures and polar caps of Ganymede; and the giant impact basins, desiccated plains and icy pinnacles of Callisto. Featuring images taken from the recent Galileo mission, this atlas is a comprehensive mapping reference guide for researchers. It contains 65 global and regional maps, nearly 250 high-resolution mosaics, and images taken at resolutions from 500 meters to as high as 6 meters.
Kinesin 3 and cytoplasmic dynein mediate interkinetic nuclear migration in neural stem cells

Radial glial progenitor cells exhibit bidirectional cell cycle-dependent nuclear oscillations. The purpose and underlying mechanism of this unusual 'interkinetic nuclear migration' are poorly understood. We investigated the basis for this behavior by live imaging of nuclei, centrosomes and microtubules in embryonic rat brain slices, coupled with the use of RNA interference (RNAi) and the myosin inhibitor blebbistatin. We found that nuclei migrated independent of centrosomes and unidirectionally away from or toward the ventricular surface along microtubules, which were uniformly oriented from the ventricular surface to the pial surface of the brain. RNAi directed against cytoplasmic dynein specifically inhibited nuclear movement toward the apical surface. An RNAi screen of kinesin genes identified Kif1a, a member of the kinesin-3 family, as the motor for basally directed nuclear movement. These observations provide direct evidence that kinesins are involved in nuclear migration and neurogenesis and suggest that a cell cycle-dependent switch between distinct microtubule motors drives interkinetic nuclear migration.
Projecting IT education into the real world

Giving students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real world business application is valuable so that they can synthesize what they know. As a new faculty member 20 years ago, I was told that it was not possible to have students develop live applications due to the nature of software. However, having confidence in the tenets of the software development life cycle in helping to scope and size a project, I proposed to assume responsibility for the capstone course which at that time consisted of a case study assigned to multiple teams of students. My challenge was the conversion of the course such that each student team was responsible for developing a real-world application for a customer.I will relate my experience in developing this course and how the capstone course has evolved from small internal projects within the university to both applied projects and research projects with industry partners and academic partners outside the university.Capstone courses where students develop real world applications are feasible for a one-semester course. The experience gained by the students is valuable in understanding the commitment to a customer. The customer benefits by getting a system developed that might not have been cost justifiable otherwise. The academic department and the university benefit by developing strong relationships with businesses and academic organizations in the community and beyond.
Spectroscopic approach for monitoring two-photon excited fluorescence resonance energy transfer from homodimers at the subcellular level.

We have employed a spectroscopic approach for monitoring fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) in living cells. This method provides excellent spectral separation of green fluorescent protein (GFP) mutant signals within a subcellular imaging volume using two-photon excited fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy (TPIS-FRET). In contrast to current FRET-based methodologies, TPIS-FRET does not rely on the selection of optical filters, ratiometric image analysis, or bleedthrough correction algorithms. Utilizing the intrinsic optical sectioning capabilities of TPIS-FRET, we have identified protein-protein interactions within discrete subcellular domains. To illustrate the applicability of this technique to the detection of homodimer formation, we demonstrated the in vivo association of promyleocyte (PML) homodimers within their corresponding nuclear body.
Ozonation of phosphonate antiscalants used for reverse osmosis desalination: Parameter effects on the extent of oxidation

Abstract The recovery of usable product water in brackish water reverse osmosis (RO) desalination is limited by the potential for membrane scaling. This limited recovery results in high costs of disposal of the concentrate (waste) stream. Concentrate treatment to improve recovery is vital, and treatment that includes antiscalant oxidation prior to precipitation and solid/liquid separation might allow increased precipitation through antiscalant deactivation. Ozone and hydrogen peroxide were used to oxidize phosphonate-type antiscalants under varying conditions of water composition, pH, ozone dose, and antiscalant type; orthophosphate (P) is an oxidation product and was used to measure the extent of oxidation. Antiscalant oxidation increases with ozone dose (1–10 mg/L O 3 ) and in the presence of calcium, from 1 mg/L P to 7 mg/L P for an antiscalant concentration of 27 mg/L as P. The addition of hydrogen peroxide causes only minor increases in antiscalant oxidation. The extent of oxidation varies with pH as a function of metal–ligand speciation, with the doubly-protonated metal–ligand species dominating the reactivity of the antiscalant. In the presence of calcium, the primary oxidation pathway for phosphonate antiscalants is through direct reaction with ozone (70–80% of measured P). In the absence of calcium, ozone and hydroxyl radicals appear to contribute relatively equally to oxidation. These results suggest phosphonate antiscalants can be oxidized with relatively low ozone doses, thereby deactivating the chelating behavior of the antiscalant and allowing increased precipitation of scaling salts such as calcium and magnesium.
2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl-borate (2-APB) increases excitability in pyramidal neurons.

Abstract Calcium ions (Ca 2+ ) released from inositol trisphosphate (IP 3 )-sensitive intracellular stores may participate in both the transient and extended regulation of neuronal excitability in neocortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons. IP 3 receptor (IP 3 R) antagonists represent an important tool for dissociating these consequences of IP 3 generation and IP 3 R-dependent internal Ca 2+ release from the effects of other, concurrently stimulated second messenger signaling cascades and Ca 2+ sources. In this study, we have described the actions of the IP 3 R and store-operated Ca 2+ channel antagonist, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl-borate (2-APB), on internal Ca 2+ release and plasma membrane excitability in neocortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Specifically, we found that a dose of 2-APB (100 μM) sufficient for attenuating or blocking IP 3 -mediated internal Ca 2+ release also raised pyramidal neuron excitability. The 2-APB-dependent increase in excitability reversed upon washout and was characterized by an increase in input resistance, a decrease in the delay to action potential onset, an increase in the width of action potentials, a decrease in the magnitude of afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs), and an increase in the magnitude of post-spike afterdepolarizations (ADPs). From these observations, we conclude that 2-APB potently and reversibly increases neuronal excitability, likely via the inhibition of voltage- and Ca 2+ -dependent potassium (K + ) conductances.
Techno-economic analysis of liquid fuel production from woody biomass via hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and upgrading

Abstract Techno-economic analysis (TEA) was implemented to evaluate the feasibility of developing a commercial large-scale woody biomass HTL and upgrading plant. In this system, woody biomass at 2000 dry metric ton/day was assumed to be converted to bio-oil via HTL and further upgraded to produce liquid fuel. Two cases were evaluated: a state-of-technology (SOT) case with HTL experimental testing results underpinning the major design basis and a goal case considering future improvements for a commercial plant with mature technologies. Process simulation and cost analysis were conducted. The annual production rate for the final hydrocarbon product was estimated to be 42.9 and 69.9 million gallon gasoline-equivalent (GGE) for the SOT and goal cases, respectively. The minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) was estimated to be $4.44/GGE for the SOT case and $2.52/GGE for the goal case. For advancing from the SOT to the goal case, the assumption of reducing the organics loss to the water phase led to the largest reduction in the production cost. Alternative configuration of small scale distributed HTL plants was evaluated. Sensitivity analysis identified key factors affecting the goal case and its cost uncertainties resulting from the assumed uncertainties in selected parameters.
Equity and nuclear waste disposal

Following the recommendations of the US National Academy of Sciences and the mandates of the 1987 Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act, the US Department of Energy has proposed Yucca Mountain, Nevada as the site of the world's first permanent repository for high-level nuclear waste. The main justification for permanent disposal (as opposed to above-ground storage) is that it guarantees safety by means of waste isolation. This essay argues, however, that considerations of equity (safer for whom?) undercut the safety rationale. The article surveys some prima facie arguments for equity in the distribution of radwaste risks and then evaluates four objections that are based, respectively, on practicality, compensation for risks, scepticism about duties to future generations, and the uranium criterion. The conclusion is that, at least under existing regulations and policies, permanent waste disposal is highly questionable, in part, because it fails to distribute risk equitably or to compensate, in full, for this inequity.
Spin-on-glass smoothing of diamond turned optics for use in the extreme ultraviolet regime

ABSTRACT Mirror substrates intended for use in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) regime have exceedingly stringent requirements on surface finish. Rendering a substrate reflec tive at EUV wavelength and near normal angles of incidence requires these mirrors to be coated with high-quality multilayer coatings forming a Bragg reflector. These coatings typically have period requirements on the order of 7 nm. It is evident that any appreciable roughness on this scale would destroy the resonant behavior the Bragg structures significantly degrading the reflectivity of the mirror. A rule of thumb is that approximately 2% reflectivity is lost per A of surface roughness on the substrate. These requirements significantly increase the cost and fabrication time for EUV optics. This is especially true when dealing with non-conventional shapes such as toroids and fly-eye mirrors. Here we present a spin-on-glass process capable of generating super-polished parts from inexpensive substrates. The method is used to render complex diamond-turned optics compatible for use in the EUV regime. The method is described in detail and experimental results are presented demonstrating the effectiveness of the process. Issues of figure control are also discussed. Keywords: extreme ultraviolet, multilayer, roughness, diamond turning, spin-on-glass resist
The construct of the learning organization: Dimensions, measurement, and validation

This research describes efforts to develop and validate a multidimensional measure of the learning organization. An instrument was developed based on a critical review of both the conceptualization and practice of this construct. Supporting validity evidence for the instrument was obtained from several sources, including best model-data fit among alternative measurement models, nomological network among dimensions of the learning organization, and organizational performance outcomes. Acceptable reliability estimates were obtained for the seven proposed dimensions. Consequently, the instrument, Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire, was recommended for use in organizational studies.