cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tyrosine-dependent basolateral targeting of human connexin43–eYFP in Madin–Darby canine kidney cells can be disrupted by the oculodentodigital dysplasia mutation L90V

Polarized membrane sorting of connexin 43 (Cx43) has not been well-characterized. Based on the presence of a putative sorting signal, YKLV(286-289), within its C-terminal cytoplasmic domain, we hypothesized that Cx43 is selectively expressed on the basolateral surface of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells in a tyrosine-dependent manner. We generated stable MDCK cell lines expressing human wild-type and mutant Cx43-eYFP, and analyzed the membrane localization of Cx43-eYFP within polarized monolayers using confocal microscopy and selective surface biotinylation. We found that wild-type Cx43-eYFP was selectively targeted to the basolateral membrane domain of MDCK cells. Substitution of alanine for Y286 disrupted basolateral targeting of Cx43-eYFP. Additionally, substitution of a sequence containing the transferrin receptor internalization signal, LSYTRF, for PGYKLV(284-289) also disrupted basolateral targeting. Taken together, these results indicate that Y286 in its native amino acid sequence is necessary for targeting Cx43-eYFP to the basolateral membrane domain of MDCK cells. To determine whether the F52dup or L90V oculodentodigital dysplasia-associated mutations could affect polarized sorting of Cx43-eYFP, we analyzed the expression of these Cx43-eYFP mutant constructs and found that the L90V mutation disrupted basolateral expression. These findings raise the possibility that some oculodentodigitial dysplasia-associated mutations contribute to disease by altering polarized targeting of Cx43.
Analysis of the effect of pressure on compression moulding of UHMWPE.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) powder is effectively processed by compression moulding due to its very high melt viscosity. Compression moulding involves application of temperature and pressure as a function of time. The pressure applied during processing has a significant influence on the part properties. The effect of pressure applied during compression moulding was studied by moulding parts at different pressures. Increase in the applied pressure causes increase in the melting and recrystallization temperatures. An increase in the pressure applied at the melt temperature ( approximately 140 degrees C) from 7.8 MPa to 15.6 MPa caused the crystallinity to increase from 54% to 61%, the stiffness of the moulded part to increase from 257 MPa to 435 MPa and oxidative index to increase from 0.055 to 0.059. Further increase in the pressure applied at the melt to 23 MPa caused the crystallinity to fall to 49%, the modulus to reduce significantly to 302 MPa and the oxidative index to change to 0.063. Increase in the pressure applied at the recrystallization temperature ( approximately 91 degrees C) from 38 MPa to 78 MPa increased the crystallinity from 54% to 65%, increased the modulus from 257 MPa to 279 MPa and increased the oxidative index from 0.055 to 0.065. Further increase in the applied pressure to 97 MPa, caused the crystallinity to drop slightly to 61% the modulus to reduce to 269 MPa, and the oxidative index to reduce to 0.057. The experiments showed that for obtaining maximum crystallinity and stiffness, the applied pressure should be within a narrow range. The highest recrystallization pressure (97 MPa) indicated the formation of extended-chain crystals in addition to the chain-folded crystals. The change in pressure applied at the melt temperature had a significantly greater effect on Young's modulus, as compared to change in pressure applied at the recrystallization temperature. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy analysis of the samples moulded at different pressures revealed that the increase in crystallinity and stiffness was accompanied by increase in oxidation within the part. By filling the die in a nitrogen atmosphere instead of air, the oxidation level in the moulded parts was reduced by almost 60%, without adversely affecting the crystallinity and the modulus.
Assembly of the Ebola Virus Nucleoprotein from a Chaperoned VP35 Complex.

Summary Ebolavirus NP oligomerizes into helical filaments found at the core of the virion, encapsidates the viral RNA genome, and serves as a scaffold for additional viral proteins within the viral nucleocapsid. We identified a portion of the phosphoprotein homolog VP35 that binds with high affinity to nascent NP and regulates NP assembly and viral genome binding. Removal of the VP35 peptide leads to NP self-assembly via its N-terminal oligomerization arm. NP oligomerization likely causes a conformational change between the NP N- and C-terminal domains, facilitating RNA binding. These functional data are complemented by crystal structures of the NP°-VP35 complex at 2.4 A resolution. The interactions between NP and VP35 illuminated by these structures are conserved among filoviruses and provide key targets for therapeutic intervention.
Impacts of aspergillosis on sea fan coral demography: modeling a moving target

Little is known about how epizootics in natural populations affect vital rates and population structure, or about the process of recovery after an outbreak subsides. We investigated the effects of aspergillosis, an infectious disease caused by the fungal pathogen Aspergillus sydowii, on the demography of a gorgonian coral, Gorgonia ventalina. Caribbean sea fans were affected by a seven-year epizootic, marked by an initial period in 1994 of high infection prevalence, high mortality rates, and almost complete reproductive failure of infected fans. Post epizootic, in 2005, host populations were relatively healthy, with low disease prevalence. Using longitudinal data from populations on coral reefs in the Florida Keys (USA) and the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico), we documented changes in the epidemiology of sea fan aspergillosis over the course of the epizootic. We developed an ''integral projection model'' that scales disease impacts from individual to population levels using direct estimates of vital rates. Within-colony lesion growth rate and host mortality were higher during the peak of the epizootic. Effects on individuals and populations changed substantially post-epizootic; recruitment increased, mortality of infected adults decreased, and the size dependence of infection was reduced. Elasticity analysis indicated that population growth is more sensitive to changes in the growth and survival of established colonies than to recruitment, due to slow colony growth and the longevity and fecundity of large adults. Disease prevalence in our monitored populations decreased from ;50% in 1997 to ,10% by 2003 and ,1% in 2007 and was accompanied by very high mortality during the early stages of the epizootic. The population model suggested that host evolution (due to selection for higher disease resistance through differential mortality) could proceed quickly enough to explain the observed changes in prevalence and in the size independence of infection risk. Our model indicates that the time required for population recovery following an outbreak is largely determined by the percentage of healthy tissue lost from the population. However, recovery following an especially severe outbreak (i.e., 80% or more tissue loss) is much faster if the affected population receives an external supply of recruits from unaffected areas.
Self-consistent studies of d holes and d-band narrowing in a Cu (001) monolayer

We report results of the first ab initio self-consistent (SC) calculations of the electronic structure of a Cu (001) monolayer using the newly developed numerical-basis-set linear-combination-of-atomic-orbitals method for thin films. The $d$ holes found in the non-SC calculations of Cooper, and in those reported here, are not found to exist when the calculations are carried to self-consistency. The calculated narrowing of the $d$-band width of the monolayer relative to the bulk is consistent with several photoemission experiments.
EFFECT OF TYPE OF BEAN, MOISTURE LEVEL, BLANCH TREATMENT AND STORAGE TIME ON QUALITY ATTRIBUTES AND NUTRIENT CONTENT OF CANNED DRY BEANS

The study was conducted on canned dry beans including 8 types, 2 moisture levels, 4 blanching treatments, and 4 storage times. Low original moisture level before soaking resulted in higher hy ration ratios in all bean types except Pinks and Avenger. Drained weights were higher in bean types that had lower shear press readings. Beans blanched in steam and lots containing 16% initial moisture were firmer in texture. Blanch method did not affect % splits, but type and storage time created significant differences. There were differences among types in riboflavin and vitamin E. Both vitamins decreased during storage of canned beans, but only riboflavin was lower in beans of 16% moisture, and blanched in steam as compared to water. Carbohydrate composition was significantly different between types of beans, but the greatest differences were in hemicellu-lose. Steam blanching leached out less sugars and high blanch temperatures increased the solubility of cellulose. Dwarf Horticulture #4 rated highest in quality followed by Red Kidney, Navy and Pinto.
Masters curriculum in software engineering

This paper is a status report on the curricular efforts of the IEEE Computer Society's subcommittee on software engineering education. The first draft of a proposed Masters program in software engineering is presented, as is the undergraduate preparation required for admission to the program. Potential implementation problems are discussed, and future plans are mentioned.
Relations Among Religiousness, Spirituality, and Sexual Practices

Although religiousness is commonly associated with limited sexual activity, little is known about spirituality's unique effect. Study aims involved measuring spirituality's unique affect on young adults' sexual practices (frequency of sex, number of sexual partners, and condom use) and determining whether spirituality adds significant increment over well-established predictors. Three hundred fifty-three (61% female) heterosexual young adults aged 17 to 29 completed this cross-sectional, self-report questionnaire study. Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated spirituality is positively associated with participants' number of sexual partners and frequency of sex without a condom. Spirituality contributed to the prediction of participants' number of partners and condom use above and beyond the variance accounted for by religiousness, alcohol use, and impulsivity. A moderating effect for gender was found. Spirituality appears to have a unique and strong association with the sexual practices of young adu...
Icons' Spirited Love

This article examines three instances of Byzantine icons' declaration and demonstration of love: the Mandylion, the miraculous self-portrait of Christ, which arrived in Edessa in part as a veil that transfigured the wearer, the apostle Thaddaeus, and recipient, king Abgar; the icon of St. Paul that St. John Chrysostom kept by him when he wrote, which guaranteed the presence of that holy figure, as witnessed by John's peeping-tom assistant Proclus; and the icon of St. Macarius the Great and his Cherub that shows the fellow-love of that saint projected into the apparition of the Cherub. The writings of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite are the underpinning for the love these objects respond to and generate: love here is the desire to be unified with the divine and the good, and this unity is always brought about through human desire.
Disequilibrium Precipitation of Molluscan Skeletal Material and Its Implications Regarding the Use of Trace Elements in Fossil Shells as Paleoecological Indicators: ABSTRACT

An investigation of the distribution of magnesium, iron, manganese, and strontium in the skeletal carbonate of twenty-five specimens of Crassostrea virginica and coexisting sea water, supplemented by a compilation and analysis of published and unpublished data on trace element distributions in other marine mollusks, indicates that molluscan skeletal material is not precipitated at equilibrium with coexisting sea water. Calculations demonstrate that the partitioning of minor elements between carbonate and sea water does not follow the Nernst distribution law. It is suggested that during shell construction the growing skeletal crystallites are either (a) at equilibrium with fluids in the depositional tissues whose composition is determined by organic processes, or (b) at co plete disequilibrium with surrounding fluids. The results of this investigation explain the poor correlation observed in previous studies between skeletal chemistry and environmental factors, such as water temperature and salinity, and indicate that the trace element content of fossil skeletal material cannot be used for detailed paleoenvironmental reconstruction. End_of_Article - Last_Page 343------------
Computer Simulation of Stress-Strain Behavior in Polymeric Materials

We have developed a model of polymeric materials which includes many of the features of condensed-phase polymer chain dynamics, central among them chain relaxation by conformational motion. The model consists of a number of chains of particles which are connected by bonds with double-welled potentials to approximate the energetics of conformational motion. Interactions between particles on adjacent chains are modeled by shortrange repulsive potentials. We have examined the stress-strain behavior of the model using molecular dynamics simulations and find qualitative agreement with the observed experimental behavior of polymeric materials.
Memorias Incompletas: El Espacio Del Escenario Argentino De La Posdictadura

The author explores the political and social effect of postdictatorship theater on Argentine contemporary society. Within the theoretical framework of memory studies, the author argues these plays elicit knowledge and understanding of a repressive and dictatorial past, and through theater, the corners of memory are unveiled to portray an elusive and fragmented present time. Specifically, the author contends that Hector Levy-Daniel's play Serena danza del olvido represents an artistic venue to express the empty spaces created by distorted memories, emphasizing the fragile psyche of individuals who have been tormented during traumatic times. Similarly, El archivista, a play written for teatroxlaidentidad, questions the role of the state as an archival reference, where it manipulates history and memory at an individual and collective level. This play exemplifies a political theater that searches for a collective catharsis of a society that is still mourning its disappeared.
Aircraft measurements of high average charges on cloud drops in layer clouds

[1] The first reliable aircraft measurements of characteristic cloud drop charges were obtained by utilizing a counterflow virtual impactor to substantially increase charge sensitivity and eliminate spurious contact charging that contaminated previous aircraft measurements. We find average drop charges more than an order of magnitude larger than expected from mountain surface measurements in similar clouds. Our evaluation of the data indicates that the high average charges on cloud drops originate in charge layers at the cloud boundaries and are carried into the cloud layer by vertical motions. These initial aircraft results demonstrate that cloud drop charges in layer clouds may be high enough to influence microphysical processes that promote precipitation.
N2O stimulates NOS enzyme activity in C57BL/6 but not DBA/2 mice

Exposure to 70% N(2)O produces a prominent antinociception in C57BL/6 mice but not DBA/2 mice. N(2)O exposure also increases conversion of [14C]L-arginine to [14C]L-citrulline in homogenates prepared from whole brains of C57BL/6 mice; there was no such increase in NOS activity in the DBA/2 whole brain. A differential N(2)O effect on brain NOS in these inbred strains might explain why the C57BL/6 but not DBA/2 mice are responsive to N(2)O antinociception.
Hadamard-Spectroscopic-Imaging-Polarization-Transfer Technique

Abstract A combined transverse-Hadamard-spectroscopic-imaging (HSI) and polarization-transfer (PT) technique is described. Using average-Hamiltonian theory, composite pulses, which perform plane rotations in the presence of chemical shift, and J coupling are described. These pulses are used as building blocks in the HSI-PT experiment. The technique is demonstrated, using INEPT as the polarization-transfer sequence in a 2 × 2 and a 4 × 2 HSI, by obtaining multivolume-localized 13 C spectra from two different phantoms.
Resetting Social Security

Social Security retirement benefits were first introduced in 1935 as a financial safety net for a large and rapidly growing older American population. The program was intended to be economically selfsustaining, but population aging and rising life expectancies threaten the program's solvency. The 1983 Social Security Amendments mandated that the full retirement age increase to 67 by the year 2027. In this essay, we present evidence demonstrating that the rate of improvement in life extension at older ages accelerated after 1983. If the 1935 ratio of working years to retired years is maintained, early and full retirement ages of 66.5 and 69.4, respectively, were justified in 2009. Additional delays in the age of eligibility beyond those currently in effect would place significant financial burdens on individuals with lower life expectancies, the poor and near-poor, and the very old, and – absent additional reform – would exacerbate existing unequal access to entitlements within the system.
Optimization of fiber reinforced composite structures

Abstract This paper presents an efficient optimization method, based on strain energy distribution and a numerical search, for the minimum weight design of structures made from fiber reinforced composite materials. The optimum design procedure takes into consideration multiple loading conditions and displacement constraints on the structure. Sample problems consisting of both isotropic and composite elements are solved and the results presented.
Optimal decision functions for two noise states

A decision problem is considered in which the outcome of a random variable X is to be identified from the outcome of a variable Y . Due to noise, Y is subject to random variations and is itself a random variable. The probability distribution of Y is determined by the outcome of X and that of a random variable Z which is independent of X . The variable Z takes its values from the set ce:italic>z k : k = 1, 2⩽ce:italic> , and the outcome of Y is said to be observed in the noise state k when Z = z k . In general, it is assumed that the a priori probabilities of all possible outcomes of X are known, but the a priori probabilities of noise states 1 and 2 are unknown. In response to an outcome of Y , the observer can either attempt to identify the outcome of X or else he can reject, i.e., refuse to attempt identification. Hence, to any decision function that the observer might use, there corresponds a probability of error and a probability of rejection for each noise state. Decision functions are introduced which minimize the probability of rejection in state 1 among all decision functions for which the probability of error in state 2 does not exceed a prescribed limit β . Among all such decision functions, it is shown how to construct those which are best in the sense that they provide the least probability of error in state 2. A special class of problems is considered in which these best decision functions provide probabilities of error in state 1 not exceeding the least probability of error that can be obtained in that state without the aid of rejection. In addition, it is shown that in some cases they also minimize the probability of rejection in state 2 among all decision functions for which the probability of error in the same state does not exceed β . Some possible applications in the areas of pattern recognition and communications have been stated.
A Review of Mesoscale Cellular Convection

Abstract A brief review of the classical theory for convective instability is presented, with primary emphasis on the more recent theoretical and experimental findings that pertain to mesoscale cellular convection in the atmosphere. Important physical and geometrical features of three-dimensional patterns of free convection commonly observed over the oceans are discussed, especially those features that point to distinct differences when compared to laboratory convection. Some suggestions for future study are offered with particular reference to the AMTEX program being planned by the Japanese Committee for GARP.
DIAGNOSIS OF FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA BY MEASUREMENT OF CHOLESTEROL SYNTHESIS IN SKIN FIBROBLASTS

DIAGNOSIS OF FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA BY MEASUREMENT OF CHOLESTEROL SYNTHESIS IN SKIN FIBROBLASTS
Vibratory sensory testing in acute peripheral nerve compression

Vibratory thresholds were continually measured with a variable-amplitude vibrometer during periods of controlled median nerve compression in 12 human volunteers. Tissue fluid pressure in the carpal canal was maintained at 50 mm Hg, a level which caused a complete loss of nerve function in all subjects by 45 minutes. In all subjects vibratory thresholds proved to be the earliest test indicating a decrease in nerve function. Semmes-Weinstein pressure testing and 256 cycles/sec vibratory sensibility correlated well with measurements of vibratory thresholds and with the electrodiagnostic testing. Static and moving two-point discrimination did not become abnormal until late in the clinical testing. The vibrometer has significant potential as a clinical and research instrument in nerve compression syndromes. This study supports the use of vibratory stimuli as a noninvasive diagnostic test; it is currently undergoing evaluation in a number of clinical studies.
Impaired Natriuretic and Renal Endocrine Response to Acute Volume Expansion in Pre-Clinical Systolic and Diastolic Dysfunction

Objectives We hypothesized an impaired renal endocrine and natriuretic response to volume expansion (VE) in humans with pre-clinical systolic dysfunction (PSD) and pre-clinical diastolic dysfunction (PDD). We further hypothesized that exogenous B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) could rescue an impaired natriuretic response in PSD and PDD. Background Recent reports suggest that in early systolic heart failure (HF), there is an impaired natriuretic response to acute VE. Methods PSD was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction 50%, moderate to severe diastolic dysfunction by Doppler criteria, and no HF symptoms. A double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study was employed to determine the renal response to VE (0.25 ml/kg/min of normal saline for 60 min) in the presence and absence of exogenous BNP. Twenty healthy control subjects, 20 PSD subjects, and 18 PDD subjects participated. Results In healthy control subjects, urinary cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and natriuresis increased after VE. In contrast, among PSD and PDD subjects, there was a paradoxical decrease in urinary cGMP and attenuated natriuresis. Pre-treatment with subcutaneous BNP resulted in similar increases in both urinary cGMP and natriuresis among healthy normal, PSD, and PDD subjects. Conclusions In PSD and PDD, there is impaired renal cGMP activation, which contributes to impaired natriuresis in response to VE. Impaired activation of urinary cGMP and reduced natriuresis may contribute to volume overload and the progression of HF among PSD and PDD subjects. Importantly, the impaired renal excretory response to VE is rescued by exogenous BNP in PSD and PDD.
Solar resource-reserve classification and flow-based economic analysis

Abstract A framework is defined for the flow-based analysis of the solar resource by adapting established mineral economic methods, categorizing the joint degree of uncertainty for the solar resource and the degree of economic risk of project development. Solar energy is expressed as a raw energy commodity (an identified resource). Subsequent classification of the identified resource reflects the degrees of confidence in the meteorological data (measured, indicated, and inferred classes). The reserve base at the locale in question is then assessed for the economic viability for potential to be converted into a diversity of useful goods and services. Two example cases are examined for Andhra Pradesh, southern India. The solar resource-reserve system has been applied to a common product of electricity derived from photovoltaic (PV) technologies here, but the method is sufficiently broad to encompass economic utility derived from any conversion of a flow-based resource. This dynamic classification and analysis method establishes a foundation for communicating the confidence in project development from solar energy conversion, constrained not only by the confidence in the data describing the solar resource, but also in accordance with the technoeconomic feasibility for available conversion technologies, and the elasticity of demand for the solar commodity identified by investor/developers. The resource-reserve framework provides a foundation for solar resource economics; upon which individuals, firms, government agencies, and investors can make rationalized decisions on the allocation of the solar resource for high solar utility.
STRG-QL : Spatio-Temporal Region Graph Query Language for Video Databases

In this paper, we present a new graph-based query language and its query processing for a Graph-based Video Database Management System (GVDBMS). Although extensive researches have proposed various query languages for video databases, most of them have the limitation in handling general-purpose video queries. Each method can handle specific data model, query type or application. In order to develop a general-purpose video query language, we first produce Spatio-Temporal Region Graph (STRG) for each video, which represents spatial and temporal information of video objects. An STRG data model is generated from the STRG by exploiting object-oriented model. Based on the STRG data model, we propose a new graph-based query language named STRG-QL, which supports various types of video query. To process the proposed STRG-QL, we introduce a rule-based query optimization that considers the characteristics of video data, i.e., the hierarchical correlations among video segments. The results of our extensive experimental study show that the proposed STRG-QL is promising in terms of accuracy and cost.
Reliability for Identification of a Select Set of Temporal and Physiologic Features of Infant Swallows

There is little reported evidence regarding the reliability of temporal and physiologic features of infant swallowing from videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS). The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine a reliable set of temporal and physiologic features from infant swallowing that can be measured from analysis of VFSS. Temporal and physiologic features for testing were determined from review of previously reported features of infant VFSS in the literature. Two novel analysts underwent three training sessions to learn and practice visual recognition of the proposed features. The two analysts then assessed 25 swallows from 10 total subjects' VFSS. To establish inter- and intra-rater reliability, calculation of Pearson's r was used for features that met criteria for parametric analysis and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used for the non-continuous features. Percent agreement was used to report on the reliability of the dichotomous features due to insufficient variability for Spearman's rho analyses. Fifteen of the 16 tested features were found to have acceptable inter- and intra-rater reliability measures, with each analyst achieving a correlation of 0.75 or higher. This project identifies 15 variables that can be reliably measured from infant VFSS. This information can be used to assist with determination of normal versus abnormal swallow features and in developing and testing therapeutic strategies for infants with dysphagia.
Undergraduate Public Health Education: Does it Meet Public Health Workforce Needs?

The professional bachelor’s degree [Bachelor of Public Health (BPH) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health] provides a cadre of trained individuals to fill entry-level positions in American public health agencies. The traditional Bachelors of Arts or Science degrees with majors in public health produce an informed citizenry, but may not provide sufficient public health course content to enable graduates of such programs to effectively enter the public health workforce.
Experimental Investigation of Interstitial Fluid Effects on Particle Fluctuating Motion

The importance of interstitial fluid effects on particle fluctuating motion in gas-particle or liquid-particle flows with significant particle-particle collisions can be characterized by the ratio of the coefficient of restitution for inelastic particle-particle collisions in a fluid ef to the coefficient of restitution for collisions in a vacuum es . In previous research, the ratio ef /es has been found to depend on the impact Stokes number St, which relates the particle inertia to the viscous force. The value of the impact Stokes number is known to be a function of the particle velocity at impact, the size and density of the particle, and the fluid viscosity. In the present work, the effect of the interstitial fluid on particle fluctuating motion is investigated experimentally using LDV/PDPA in a vertical pipe flow configuration. The influence of the variation in the particle loading and Reynolds number, which affects the particle impact velocity and, hence, ef , is probed using particles of two different densities with comparable sizes. Specifically, the downward flow of 70 micron glass beads (density = 2500 kg/m3 ) and 60 micron hollow ceramic microspheres (density = 700 kg/m3 ) is investigated for solids loadings (ratio of solids mass flowrate to gas mass flowrate) from 0.4 to 7 and Reynolds numbers which vary from 6000 to 13,000. For this range of conditions, the values for ef range between 0.65 and 0.94 (0.94 is the value for es for glass beads colliding in a vacuum). Trends in the mean and fluctuating velocities for both the gas and particle phases, as well as the gas turbulence modulation in the presence of particles, are discussed in relation to the degree of influence of the interstitial fluid on the details of the particle motion.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
An electromechanical Reissner-Mindlin model for laminated piezoelectric plates

Abstract An electromechanical Reissner–Mindlin model is constructed for laminated piezoelectric plates using the variational asymptotic method. This model is applicable to laminates without prescribed electric potential through the thickness. Taking advantage of the smallness of the plate thickness, we rigorously split the original 3D piezoelectricity problem into a 1D through-the-thickness analysis and a 2D plate analysis, and both are fully-coupled electromechanical analyses. Examples of single layer and multi-layer plates have been used to demonstrate the accuracy and application of this model.
Radius case study: optical bench measurement and uncertainty including stage error motions

This paper provides a case study for identifying radius measurement uncertainty on a commercially-available optical bench using a homogeneous transformation matrix (or HTM)-based formalism. In this approach, radius is defined using a vector equation, rather than relying solely on the recorded displacement between the confocal and cat's eye null positions (i.e., the projection of the true displacement between these positions on the transducer axis). The vector-based approach enables the stage error motions, as well as other well-known error sources, to be considered through the use of HTMs. An important aspect of this mathematical radius definition is the intrinsic correction for measurement biases, such as cosine error (i.e., misalignment between the stage motion and displacement transducer axis) which would lead to an artificially small radius value if the traditional projection-based radius measurand were employed. Experimental results and measurement techniques are provided for the stage error motions, which are then combined with the setup geometry to determine the radius of curvature for a spherical artifact. Comparisons are shown between the vector-based radius calculation, traditional radius computation, and independent measurements using a coordinate measuring machine. The measurement uncertainty for the vector-based approach is determined using Monte Carlo simulation and is compared to experimental results.
Valence band mixing and optical emission in modulation-doped GaAs-(AlGa)As heterostructures

Unexpected optical emission spectra from electrons confined in GaAs quantum layers reveal a strong component with polarization normal to the plane of the layers. For elementary electron-hole recombination processes, this suggests surprisingly large band mixing in the ground valence subband. Effective mass theories that include conventional symmetry breaking mechanisms do not satisfactorily account for this phenomenon. The stress dependence of the spectra confirm that many body shake-up processes in the Fermi sea are important in describing emission associated with the 2D electron plasma.
Trigeminal lesions and maternal behavior in Norway rats: III. Experience with pups facilitates recovery

In lactating rats, upper snout desensitization by trigeminal denervation severely impairs maternal behavior, with substantial recovery 12-24 hr later. The potential effects of interaction with pups on this recovery was investigated. Dams were subjected to bilateral infraorbital denervation or sham surgery on Day 5 postpartum and observed for 30 min with 6 foster pups 24 hr later, after separation from pups for 4 or 24 hr. Long separation reduced likelihood of retrieval and nursing behavior, infraorbital denervation reduced duration of pup licking, and these deprivations combined greatly increased latencies of pup sniffing and durations of facial self-grooming. Both conditions, and especially their combination, prolonged retrieval duration, the retrieval sequence being interrupted by other pup contact, such as licking. Thus, interaction with pups and adequate trigeminal stimulation maintain normal maternal behavior. These findings are possibly relevant to the normal decline of maternal responsiveness during late lactation and to other lesion-induced deficits.
Using feedback simulation to test educational finance policies

A system dynamics model of the dynamics of special education reimbursement policies, based upon work completed in Massachusetts, is presented. The model is used to analyze the causes of unstable growth in special education costs and to propose policy options for controlling such costs. Because of an elaborated ability to represent the behaviors of local school districts, the system dynamics technology was found to be ideally suited to this type of policy analysis. However, the existence of the elaborated feedback structure would make it extremely cumbersome to use the system dynamics model to project annual costs on a locality-by-locality basis, such projections being the principal strength of traditional education finance models. This trade-off between two modeling technologies suggests that analysts must carefully match their audience, purpose, and modeling technology to attain “best” analyses.
Allosteric Regulation of PKM2 Allows Cellular Adaptation to Different Physiological States

Pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2) activity is subject to complex allosteric regulation. Recently, serine and SAICAR (succinylaminoimidazolecarboxamide ribose-5′-phosphate) were identified as previously unrecognized activators of PKM2. These findings add additional complexity to how PKM2 is regulated in cells and support the notion that modulating PKM2 activity enables cells to adapt their metabolic state to specific physiological contexts.
Sodium-23 NMR studies of cation-DNA interactions.

Abstract Sodium-23 NMR has been used to study the extent to which monovalent cations associate with double stranded DNA in aqueous solution (28°C, pH = 7.5). On the basis of the two site model for rapid exchange the 23 Na linewidth can be related to the fraction of sodium ions associated with DNA. To test the applicability to this system of the condensation model for the association of small counterions with polyelectrolytes, the concentration dependence of the sodium linewidth has been determined by making additions of NaCl to solutions of tetraethyl or tetrabutylammonium DNA. ([P], the DNA phosphate concentration was about 0.02M). The resulting titration curves extend over a wide range of the ratio [Na]/[P] (0.3–30). When [Na]/[P] ≳ 3 only sodium is associated, and the extent to which it compensates the charges on DNA does not vary with the addition of salt, at least until [Na]/[P] ≈ 30, the highest concentration examined. When [Na]/[P] ≲ 3 the tetraalkylammonium species is also associated with DNA; an equation has been derived to account for the effect on the 23 Na linewidth of the competition between sodium and another monovalent cation. Based on the assumption that the fraction of uncompensated charge remaining on DNA after the condensation of both species is constant, this equation fits all the linewidth data if the charge fraction is in the range 0.25 ± 0.10. The value required by the condensation model for DNA in the presence of monovalent counterions is ξ −1 = 0.24. The reasonable agreement between experimental and theoretical values of the charge fraction and its invariance with respect to large variations in the concentration of added salt indicate that even in moderately concentrated solutions of DNA, the association of sodium can usefully be described in terms of the condensation model. If the theoretical value of the charge fraction is assumed, it follows from fitting the titration curves that the approximate relative affinities for DNA of Na + , Et 4 N + , and Bu 4 N + are in the ratio 20:5:1, and the transverse relaxation rate of condensed sodium is 180 ± 10 s −1 .
In support of hassles as a measure of stress in predicting health outcomes

We investigated the impact of frequently occurring minor stressors (hassles) upon health status in a sample of low-income, elderly persons with osteoar-thritis. These individuals are characterized by conditions which are precursors to experiencing stress. Using a modified Hassles scale, we replicated some important findings in a sample demographically distinct from earlier studies on hassles. Specifically, (a) hassles were better predictors of health status than major life change events, and (b) the influence of life change events was indirect, i.e., it increased hassles, which in turn, negatively affected health status. Furthermore, hassles correlated strongly with validated indicators of health status. By replicating earlier studies in a demographically dissimilar sample, and by finding significant correlations between hassles and valid physical health measures, we have strengthened the conceptual development of hassles.
Cerebral and somatic oxygen saturations after repair of tetralogy of Fallot: effects of extubation on regional blood flow.

Background After repair of tetralogy of Fallot, some patients experience a low cardiac output state owing to right ventricular diastolic failure. Negative-pressure ventilation has been shown to improve cardiac output in these patients. What has not been evaluated is the effect of extubation and loading of the respiratory muscles on the distribution of cardiac output after repair of tetralogy of Fallot. Methods In 23 consecutive patients undergoing repair of tetralogy of Fallot, standard hemodynamic variables, central venous oxygen saturations, and near infrared spectroscopy of the brain, mesenteric, and renal circulations were monitored for 30 minutes before and after extubation. Results With extubation, the systolic blood pressure increased significantly from 96 ± 11 to 106 ± 15 mm Hg (p = 0.002) while the heart rate remained unchanged. With extubation, the central venous oxygen saturation increased significantly from 65% ± 7% to 70% ± 10% (p = 0.003). Cerebral oxygen saturations increased significantly from 67% ± 10% to 72% ± 9% (p = 0.0001), whereas mesenteric oxygenation fell significantly from 74% ± 15% to 72% ± 15% (p = 0.04). Renal oxygenation was unaffected by extubation. Conclusions Cardiac output and cerebral oxygenation increased significantly during spontaneous respiration, the latter suggesting that the brain was in or approaching an oxygen supply-dependent state before extubation. Despite the increase in cardiac output, the presumed increase in respiratory pump perfusion, as well as the concurrent increase in cerebral perfusion, came at the expense of mesenteric perfusion. Renal oxygenation remained unchanged with extubation.
Energy Harvesting for Marine-Wildlife Monitoring

Bio-logging devices are systems mounted to an animal that measure parameters associated with the animal or its environment. These devices date back to the 1930’s in their simplest form, while modern devices use suites of digital sensors, microcontrollers, and wireless data communication. Despite these advances, there has always been a fundamental relationship between power consumption and the amount of science that can be conducted. There are now a number of commercially available devices that use solar cells to supplement their daily energy budget, but supplemental solar power is not useful for species that are nocturnal, subterranean, aquatic, or spend significant time beneath dense forest canopies. As such, there have been calls from the marine biology community for devices that could harvest power from their environments. For these marine species, alternative energy harvesting techniques are required. Here we explore a new application for energy harvesting as a power source for marine wildlife bio-logging tags. Marine animals cover wide swaths of the ocean, making tracking and data collection challenging. Tagging these animals with devices that track their location and/or collect data about the animal or its surroundings require large batteries and have limited life spans due to high power requirements for satellite data relays. With limited solar irradiance at depth making solar power less attractive, we review and explore other forms of energy that could be harvested, such as energy from fluid flow and hydrostatic pressure cycles. We investigate the energy potential from a number of sources and compare these values with the requirements of current bio-logging systems to assess required transduction efficiencies. The application of energy harvesting on animal tags could result in nearly indefinite life systems allowing for data collection from a single animal over the course of many years.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Inhibition of APE1/Ref-1 Redox Activity with APX3330 Blocks Retinal Angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo

This study examines the role of APE1/Ref-1 in the retina and its potential as a therapeutic target for inhibiting retinal angiogenesis. APE1/Ref-1 expression was quantified by Western blot. The role of APE1/Ref-1 redox function in endothelial cell in vitro angiogenesis was examined by treating retinal vascular endothelial cells (RVECs) with APX3330, a small molecule inhibitor of APE1/Ref-1 redox activity. In vitro methods included a proliferation assay, a transwell migration assay, a Matrigel tube formation assay, and a Real-Time Cell Analysis (RTCA) using the xCELLigence System. In vivo functional studies of APE1/Ref-1 were carried out by treating very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor knockout mice (Vldlr(-/-)) with intravitreal injection of APX3330, and subsequent measurement of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP)-like neovascularization for one week. APE1/Ref-1 was highly expressed in the retina and in RVECs and pericytes in mice. APX3330 (1-10 μM) inhibited proliferation, migration and tube formation of RVECs in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Vldlr(-/-) RVECs were more sensitive to APX3330 than wild-type RVECs. In Vldlr(-/-) mice, a single intravitreal injection of APX3330 at the onset of RAP-like neovascularization significantly reduced RAP-like neovascularization development. APE1/Ref-1 is expressed in retinal vascular cells. APX3330 inhibits RVEC angiogenesis in vitro and significantly reduces RAP-like neovascularization in Vldlr(-/-) mice. These data support the conclusion that APE1/Ref-1 redox function is required for retinal angiogenesis. Thus, APE1/Ref-1 may have potential as a therapeutic target for treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration and other neovascular diseases.
Dyn-FO

Traditionally, computational complexity has considered only static problems. Classical complexity classes such as NC, P, and NP are defined in terms of the complexity of checking?upon presentation of an entire input?whether the input satisfies a certain property. For many applications of computers it is more appropriate to model the process as a dynamic one. There is a fairly large object being worked on over a period of time. The object is repeatedly modified by users and computations are performed. We develop a theory of dynamic complexity. We study the new complexity class, dynamic first-order logic (Dyn-FO). This is the set of properties that can be maintained and queried in first-order logic, i.e., relational calculus, on a relational database. We show that many interesting properties are in Dyn-FO, including multiplication, graph connectivity, bipartiteness, and the computation of minimum spanning trees. Note that none of these problems is in static FO, and this fact has been used to justify increasing the power of query languages beyond first-order. It is thus striking that these problems are indeed dynamic first-order and, thus, were computable in first-order database languages all along. We also define “bounded-expansion reductions” which honor dynamic complexity classes. We prove that certain standard complete problems for static complexity classes, such as REACHafor P, remain complete via these new reductions. On the other hand, we prove that other such problems, including REACH for NL and REACHdfor L, are no longer complete via bounded-expansion reductions. Furthermore, we show that a version of REACHa, called REACHa+, is not in Dyn-FO unless all of P is contained in parallel linear time.
Human Airway Measurement from CT Images

A wide range of pulmonary diseases, including common ones such as COPD, affect the airways. If the dimensions of airway can be measured with high confidence, the clinicians will be able to better diagnose diseases as well as monitor progression and response to treatment. In this paper, we introduce a method to assess the airway dimensions from CT scans, including the airway segments that are not oriented axially. First, the airway lumen is segmented and skeletonized, and subsequently each airway segment is identified. We then represent each airway segment using a segment-centric generalized cylinder model and assess airway lumen diameter (LD) and wall thickness (WT) for each segment by determining inner and outer wall boundaries. The method was evaluated on 14 healthy patients from a Weill Cornell database who had two scans within a 2 month interval. The corresponding airway segments were located in two scans and measured using the automated method. The total number of segments identified in both scans was 131. When 131 segments were considered altogether, the average absolute change over two scans was 0.31 mm for LD and 0.12 mm for WT, with 95% limits of agreement of [-0.85, 0.83] for LD and [-0.32, 0.26] for WT. The results were also analyzed on per-patient basis, and the average absolute change was 0.19 mm for LD and 0.05 mm for WT. 95% limits of agreement for per-patient changes were [-0.57, 0.47] for LD and [-0.16, 0.10] for WT.