cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Additive inhibitory effects of retinoids and interferon-alpha on the growth of human cervical carcinoma cells

The combination of 13-cis retinoic acid (13CRA) and interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) has shown marked antitumor activity against locally advanced cervical cancer in vivo. To begin to explore the mechanism and potential of the efficacy of this combination, the sensitivity of 9 cervical carcinoma cell lines to the growth inhibitory effects of these agents was examined after 1 to 7 days of treatment. IFN-alpha (100 U/ml) alone exerted variable effects. SiHa cell line was very sensitive showing 75% inhibition. ME180, CaSki, MS751, and C33-A cell lines were moderately inhibited (30-45% inhibition), and C41, HeLa, and HT-3 cell lines were poorly responsive (20% inhibition or less). 13CRA (10(-9) to 10(-6) M) alone also caused variable growth inhibitory effect. ME180, SiHa, and HT-3 exhibited considerable inhibition (IC(50)s of 9x10(-8), 4x10(-8), and 7x10(-8) M, respectively and maximal inhibition of 80%, 79%, and 83% at 10(-6) M) and the other cell lines showed minor responses (20-45% inhibition at 10(-6) M). ME180, MS751, C41, and HeLa demonstrated additive growth inhibitory effects of 13CRA and IFN-alpha whereas the other 4 cell lines showed no additive effects. All the cell lines expressed mRNAs for the nuclear retinoid receptors (RARs and RXRs) RAR-alpha, RAR-gamma, and RXR-alpha, however, RAR-beta mRNA was detected only in ME180, MS751, C4I, and CaSki. Treatment with retinoic acid increased RAR-alpha level in C4I, HT-3, and CaSki; RAR-beta in HT-3; and RAR-gamma in HT-3 and C4I cells. IFN-alpha treatment did not exert any effect on the level of mRNA for any of the retinoid receptors in any of the cell lines or on the level of HPV18 E6 and E7 mRNA in HeLa cells. Treatment with the combination of RA and IFN-alpha did not affect the level of receptor mRNAs differently than RA alone did. There appeared to be no correlation between the responses of the cells to these agents and the presence or type of nuclear retinoid receptor, human papillomavirus, or mutant p53 in the cells.
Migration patterns of dendritic cells in the rat: Comparison of the effects of γ and UV-B irradiation on the migration of dendritic cells and lymphocytes

To further define the underlying mechanisms of immune suppression induced by UV-B irradiation, we have examined the kinetics of homing patterns of in vitro UV-B-irradiated and gamma-irradiated-thoracic duct lymphocytes (TDL) compared to dendritic cells (DC). Our findings show that 111In-oxine-labeled TDL specifically home to the spleen, liver, lymph nodes, and bone marrow with subsequent recirculation of a large number of cells from the spleen to lymph nodes. In contrast, DC preferentially migrate to the spleen and liver with a relatively insignificant distribution to lymph nodes and an absence of subsequent recirculation. Splenectomy prior to cell injection significantly diverts the spleen-seeking DC to the liver but not to the lymph nodes, while the homing of TDL to lymph nodes is significantly increased. In vitro exposure of 111In-oxine labeled TDL to gamma irradiation does not significantly impair immediate homing to lymphoid tissues but inhibits cell recirculation between 3 and 24 hr. In contrast, gamma irradiation does not affect the tissue distribution of labeled DC, suggesting that DC are more radioresistant to gamma irradiation than TDL. Unlike the findings in animals injected with gamma-irradiated cells, UV-B irradiation virtually abolished the homing of TDL to lymph nodes and significantly reduced the homing of the spleen-seeking DC to the splenic compartment while a large number of cells were sequestered in the liver. The results of in vitro cell binding assay show that TDL, unlike DC, have the capacity to bind to high endothelial venules (HEV) within lymph node frozen sections while gamma and UV-B irradiation significantly inhibit the binding of TDL to lymph node HEV. These findings suggest that: (i) DC, unlike TDL, are unable to recirculate from blood to lymph nodes through HEV; (ii) although gamma irradiation impairs TDL recirculation, it does not affect DC tissue distribution; and (iii) UV-B irradiation impairs both TDL and DC migration patterns. We conclude that the lack of capacity of irradiated TDL to home to lymph nodes is due to damage to cell surface homing receptors and that the failure of DC to home to the lymph node microenvironment is related to the absence of HEV homing receptors on their cell surface.
Catalytic reduction of iodoethane by cobalt(I) salen electrogenerated at vitreous carbon cathodes

Abstract Cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential electrolysis have been employed to investigate and characterize the catalytic reduction of iodoethane by cobalt(I) salen electrogenerated at a carbon cathode in dimethylformamide or acetonitrile containing a tetraalkylammonium tetrafluoroborate as supporting electrolyte. A cyclic voltammogram for reduction of cobalt(II) salen in the presence of excess iodoethane exhibits two peaks; the first is attributable to formation of cobalt(I) salen and its fast follow-up reaction with iodoethane to give ethylcobalt(III) salen, and the second is due to reduction of ethylcobalt(III) salen to yield cobalt(I) salen and an ethyl radical. Controlled-potential electrolyses of cobalt(II) salen–iodoethane systems at potentials corresponding to the second voltammetric peak produce n -butane, ethane, and ethylene; n -butane and ethylene arise, respectively, from coupling and disproportionation of ethyl radicals, whereas ethane is formed via disproportionation as well as hydrogen atom abstraction from the solvent. This mechanistic picture is supported by digital simulations of cyclic voltammograms and by separate studies of the electrochemical behavior and ultraviolet–visible spectrum of ethylcobalt(III) salen.
Low-cost package of 30Gbps pluggable parallel optical transmitter module

This paper describes a 12-channels parallel optical transmitter module with a MPO-Connector designed for a very short reach OC-192 and SNAP 12 specifications. It is important to design the micro array lens for better couple efficiency of array optical transmitter module. The authors design the high accuracy micro array lens for injection modeling to reduce the price and suit for further mass production. In this 12-channel parallel optical transmitter module, it is very difficult to posit the chip on correct position according to guide pin or guide pin hole. Therefore, the authors develop the method of two steps flip chip bonding to release the difficulty of chip alignment on ceramic substrate without two guide pin holes. The performance of the module is demonstrated to fulfill the requirements of SNAP 12[1]. The extinction ratio of the 12-channels array transmitter module is tested above 6dB, respectively. The optical shift by heat is an important factor affecting the performance of the array module. Thermal analysis of 12-channel parallel optical transmitter module is used to improve the effect of optical shift by heat in this paper. And the temperature among the case of transmitter module is greatly reduced from 52.7 degree to 31.9 degree. In this paper, a 12-channel array transmitter module package and thermal simulation are discussed and tested. This is a low cost package design and is suitable for mass production.
Pharmacologic responses and spectral analyses of spontaneous fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure in SHR rats.

Abstract The aim of this experiment was to characterize patterns of autonomic control in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats by measuring effects of pharmacologic blockers and using power spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure variability (BPV). Resting HRs and BPs were recorded during a 20-min baseline period and over two 20-min periods of sequential autonomic blockade. On one day, animals received atropine followed by atenolol and on the following day, the drug order was reversed. Power spectrum analyses were performed on 30-s blocks of data throughout each of the three 20-min treatment periods (baseline, single blocker, combined blockade) and HRV and BPV were computed over low and high frequency bands. Increases in HR after atropine were significantly (approx. 40%) smaller in SHR rats than in WKYs. This held true even when animals were pretreated with atenolol. In contrast, decreases in HR following atenolol were similar in the two strains. These results indicate that SHRs have reduced vagal tone, but similar cardiac sympathetic tone compared to WKY rats. Virtually all HRV, over both low and high frequency bands, and in both strains, was inhibited by atropine. SHRs had significantly less high frequency HRV which is consistent with the conclusion that they have reduced cardiac vagal activity when compared with WKYs. BPV was not affected by atropine or atenolol but was inhibited by an α-receptor blocker (phentolamine). BPV within both the low and high frequency bands was significantly greater in SHRs, suggesting that sympathetic tone to the vasculature is greater in SHR rats.
A novel method for the determination of stereochemistry in six-membered chairlike rings using residual dipolar couplings.

A novel method for the determination of the relative stereochemistry of six-membered chairlike ring molecules by residual dipolar couplings is presented. C−H residual dipolar couplings were used to investigate the relative stereochemistry of 4,6-O-ethylidene-d-glucopyranose. For this and similar systems it is not necessary to acquire redundant dipolar couplings and to calculate the orientation order tensor. The presented methodology is a paradigmatic leap for the determination of the relative stereochemistry or remote stereochemistry in this kind of fused ring system. Residual dipolar coupling data were collected by 1D and 2D direct-measurement heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMQC) spectroscopy. It was demonstrated that direct measurement of HMQC was quick and accurate for small molecules at natural abundance.
Integrated Platform for Managing Utilities Along Highway Corridors

Continued proliferation of utilities along highway corridors is affecting the ability of transportation agencies to deliver and manage transportation facilities effectively. From a data-management perspective, two specific issues are of interest to transportation agencies: data needs, data compatibility, and coordination with utility companies; and platform and procedures to support a utility data management system that properly addresses the needs of the transportation agency. Described is the architecture of a prototype platform for the management of utility data that takes into consideration utility data characteristics and roadway network characteristics. The platform uses the Global Positioning System (GPS), the geographic information system (GIS), and Internet technologies. The model includes a GPS/GIS-based prototype to represent utility facilities located within a highway right-of-way and associated attribute data such as ownership, purpose, size, type, and shared and multiple uses. The model also includes a prototype Internet-based data entry procedure to facilitate the capture of utility data from a variety of utility entities.
Can childhood viral infection protect from type 1 diabetes

While many candidate type 1 diabetes (T1D) susceptibility genes have been identified, evidence suggests that environmental stimuli, such as viral infections, may also be involved in T1D pathogenesis. However, how viral infections may prevent or trigger the diabetogenic process remains unclear. In this issue of the JCI, Filippi et al. show that infection of NOD mice with Coxsackie virus B3 or lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, neither of which directly destroys insulin-secreting pancreatic β cells, triggers the activation of two distinct immunoregulatory mechanisms, involving both the innate and adaptive immune system, that protect against the development of T1D in these animals (see the related article beginning on page 1515).
Synthesis and characterization of (star po1ystyrene)-block- (linear polydimethylsi1oxane)-block-(star polystyrene) triblock copolymers

(Star po1ystyrene)-block-(linear polydimethy1siloxane)-block-(Star polystyrene) triblock copolymers were synthesized by making living Star-shaped polystyrenes through a convergent living anionic polymerization procedure, followed by ring-opening polymerization of hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3) then difunctional coupling. The molecular weights of the resulting polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), multi angle laser light scattering (MALLS) and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Triblock copolymers with relatively narrow molecular weight distributions were obtained.
Imperfect information, insurance, and auditors' legal liability*

. This paper analyzes the incentive effects of alternative legal systems on the auditor's decision making process. The first system, termed strict liability, holds the auditor liable whenever there is a loss, and the second system, termed negligence, holds the auditor liable for losses arising from the auditor's deviation from a prescribed due care standard. The auditor is assumed to have ex ante limited knowledge of the financial state of the client and the standard setting process. He revises his beliefs on the client's financial state based on a costless signal that may be interpreted as an internal audit report. The analysis shows that signal “quality” and auditor's perception of the client's financial state jointly determine the level of liability required to induce the auditor to adopt a socially optimal due care level. As in Simon's (1982) Model, negligence with supplementary insurance is preferred to strict liability. Further, negligence is shown to operate with less information than strict liability, in contrast to models such as Green (1978) and Shavell (1978). Resume. Cet article analyse les effets incitatifs de systemes juridiques alternatifs sur le processus decisionnel du verificateur. Le premier systeme, dit de responsabilite stricte, considere le verificateur responsable a chaque fois qu'il y a une perte, et le deuxieme systeme, dit de negligence, considere le verificateur responsable des pertes resultant de sa deviance d'une norme prescrite. Le verificateur est suppose posseder ex ante une connaissance limitee de la situation financiere du client ainsi que du processus de normalisation. Il revise ses opinions portant sur la situation financiere du client a la lumiere d'un signal sans frais qui peut etre assimile a un rapport de verification interne. L'analyse montre qu'un signal «qualite» ainsi que la perception du verificateur quant a la situation financiere du client determinent conjointement le niveau de responsabilite requis pour inciter le verificateur a retenir un niveau de soin raisonnable socialement optimal. De meme que le modele de Simon (1982), le systeme de negligence avec assurances additionnelles est prefere a la responsabilite stricte. De plus, il est montre que le systeme de negligence fonctionne avec moins d'information que le systeme de responsabilite stricte, par opposition a d'autres modeles tels Green (1978) et Shavell (1978).
Substituent control of DNA binding modes in a series of chalcogenoxanthylium photosensitizers as determined by isothermal titration calorimetry and topoisomerase I DNA unwinding assay.

Abstract The DNA binding efficacy and preferred mode of binding of a series of rhodamine-related chalcogenoxanthylium dyes was investigated by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) using ctDNA, [poly(dCdG)] 2 and [poly(dAdT)] 2 , and by a topoisomerase I DNA unwinding (Topo I) assay. The dyes of this study showed tight binding to ctDNA with binding constants, K b , on the order of 10 6 –10 7 M −1 . The ITC and Topo I assay studies suggested that the 9-substituent has a strong impact on binding modes ranging from an apparent preference for intercalation with a 9-2-thienyl substituent (similar binding to [poly(dCdG)] 2 and [poly(dAdT)] 2 , re-supercoiling of DNA in the Topo I assay at −5 M dye), to mixed binding modes with 9-phenyl derivatives (2- to 3-fold preference for binding to [poly(dAdT)] 2 , re-supercoiling of DNA in the Topo I assay at ∼2 × 10 −5 M dye), to minor groove binding in a 9-(2-thienyl-5-diethylcarboxamide) derivative (strong preference for binding to [poly(dAdT)] 2 , did not show complete re-supercoiling in the Topo I assay). No binding to ctDNA was observed in one derivative with a 9-(3-thienyl-2-diethylcarboxamide) substituent, which cannot be co-planar with the xanthylium core. In series of dyes where the chalcogen atom was varied, the selenoxanthylium derivatives had 2- to 3-fold higher values of K b than the corresponding xanthylium, thioxanthylium, or telluroxanthylium derivatives, which all showed comparable values of K b . The chalcogen atom appeared to have little influence on binding mode.
Exposing digital forgeries through chromatic aberration

Virtually all optical imaging systems introduce a variety of aberrations into an image. Chromatic aberration, for example, results from the failure of an optical system to perfectly focus light of different wavelengths. Lateral chromatic aberration manifests itself, to a first-order approximation, as an expansion/contraction of color channels with respect to one another. When tampering with an image, this aberration is often disturbed and fails to be consistent across the image. We describe a computational technique for automatically estimating lateral chromatic aberration and show its efficacy in detecting digital tampering.
From Intelligent Control to Cognitive Control

This paper describes our efforts to develop a robot with robust sensorimotor intelligence using a multiagent-based robot control architecture and a biologically inspired intelligent control. Such control is called cognitive control. In this paper we will discuss the application of cognitive control to a humanoid robot. Features of cognitive control addressed include short-term memory for environmental learning, long-term memory for behavior learning and task execution using working memory and TD learning.
Refractive Index Change in Nanoscale Thermosensitive Hydrogel for Optoelectronic and Biophotonic Applications

The familiar property responses of isopropylacrylamide hydrogel, cause the hydrogel to undergo a discontinuous volumetric phase across a critical level of stimuli. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel is a recognized response to global temperature stimuli across the low critical solution temperature (LCST). The basic PNIPAM hydrogel undergoes its phase change at a LCST of 34°C, where water is expelled from the interior of the gel microsphere, as the temperature increases past LCST. The responsiveness of PNIPAM hydrogel offers the potential for controlling optical properties of a medium such as refractive index and scattering index. In the present work we present the refractive index of microsphere/microbeaded hydrogel structures necessary for optical application. The particle size of the hydrogels nanostructures at room temperature is observed to be 300-400 nm as estimated by dynamic light scattering and agree well with scanning electron microscopy measurements. The temperature dependent refractive index change of hydrogel microspheres have been measured using variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry and shows a 10% change as the temperature changes from 33°C to 34°C.
Using Visual Features for Fine-Grained Genre Classification of Web Pages

The field of automatic genre classification has primarily focused on extracting textual features from documents. The goal of this research is to investigate whether visual features of HTML web pages can improve the classification of fine-grained genres. Intuitively it seems that this should be helpful and the challenge is to extract those visual features that capture the layout characteristics of the genres. A corpus of Web pages from different e-commerce sites was generated and manually classified into several genres. Three different sets of features were compared - one with just textual features, one with HTML level features added, and a third with visual features added. Our experiments confirm that using HTML features and particularly URL address features can improve classification beyond using textual features alone. We also show that adding visual features can be useful for further improving fine-grained genre classification.
Soft switching schemes for multiphase dc/dc converter with six-pulse modulated pulsating output

This paper outlines and compares two switching schemes for an isolated high-frequency multiphase dc/dc converter, which operates as the front-end stage and outputs a six-pulse modulated pulsating-dc voltage for a three-phase rectifier-type high-frequency-link (RHFL) Pulse-widthmodulation (PWM) converter. Without adding any additional component, both proposed switching schemes can achieve soft switching for the active switches on the dc/pulsating-dc converter. In conjunction with the back-end pulsating-dc/ac converter operating with patent-filed hybrid modulation scheme, the proposed switching schemes can not only eliminate the intermediate dc filter but also lead to overall less switching loss than other conventional switching schemes.
Microrouting: a scalable and robust communication paradigm for sparse ad hoc networks

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are self-organizing networks that provide rapid network connectivity in infrastructureless environments. Most routing protocols designed for MANETs assume connected networks. Such a restriction directly limits the application domains of MANETs. In this paper, we study the problem of providing time-critical data delivery in sparse ad hoc networks where network partitions can last for long periods, without imposing any restrictions on the node mobility. Supporting real-time communication with unconstrained mobility is important to many mission-critical applications such as battlefields and search and rescue in large-scale disaster areas. In this paper, we propose microrouting networks consisting of tiny nodes similar to sensors but without transducers (called microrouters) as a substrate for time-critical data delivery in sparse MANETs. We describe the microrouting protocol for the resulting hybrid network which exploits the fact that microrouters are stationary, but are constrained by energy and memory. We demonstrate the viability of the microrouting network architecture via detailed simulation evaluation. Our results show that microrouting networks running the microrouting protocol efficiently extend the connectivity of sparse MANETs and provide high packet delivery ratios.
Microorganisms as digestors of seaweed cell walls

Pathogenic fungi have been selected over the years as sources of cell-wall-degrading enzymes and used for production of protoplasts from a variety of land plants (Cocking, 1972; Ruesink & Thimann, 1965; Albersheim & Anderson-Prouty, 1975; Fitter & Krikorian, 1984). Cellulases, chitinases and pectinases, extracted from fungi such as Trichoderma, Aspergillus, Rhizopus and Penicillium are commercially available. The composition of cell walls varies greatly among plants and even within different tissues of the same plant. As a result, many plant tissues cannot be dissociated by the commercially available enzymes (Thomas & Davey, 1975; Fitter & Krikorian, 1984).
Ionized Gas in Damped Lyman Alpha Protogalaxies: I. Model-Independent Inferences From Kinematic Data

We investigate the kinematics of ionized and neutral gas in a sample of 35 damped Lyman alpha protogalaxies (DLAs) with HIRES on the Keck I 10 m telescope. Velocity profiles with resolution of ~ 8 km/s are obtained for high ions such as C IV and Si IV, and for intermediate ions such as Al III. Combining these profiles with accurate low-ion (e.g., Fe II) profiles, we investigate the kinematic state of DLAs in the redshift range 1.8 < z < 4.4 by comparisons between data for various ion pairs. We find the DLAs comprise distinct kinematic subsystems: a low ion subsystem in which the low ions are physically associated with intermediate ions, and a high subsystem containing neither low nor intermediate ions. The evidence for two subsystems stems from (a) differences between the widths of the velocity profiles, (b) misalignment in velocity space between the narrow components comprising the profiles in each subsystem, and (c) significant dissimilarities between the mean velocities of the high ion and low ion velocity profiles. In every case we find that test statistics such as velocity width and various asymmetry parameters distribute differently for low ions than for high ions. Despite misalignment in velocity space, the low and high ion kinematic subsystems are interrelated. This is indicated by detection of a statistically significant C IV versus low-ion cross correlation function, and by a systematic effect where the C IV velocity widths are greater than or equal to the low ion velocity widths in 29 out of 32 systems. These phenomena are consistent with the location of the two subsystems in the same potential well.
Terahertz attenuation and dispersion characteristics of coplanar transmission lines

Experimental verification of analytic formulas for the dispersion and the attenuation of electrical transient signals propagating on coplanar transmission lines is presented. The verification is done in the frequency domain over a terahertz range although the experiments are in the time domain. The analytic formulas are obtained from fits to the full-wave analysis results. It is quantitatively verified that the full-wave steady-state solutions can be directly applied to the transient time-domain propagation experiments. Subpicosecond electrical pulses and an external electrooptic sampling technique are used to obtain the time-domain propagation data. From the Fourier transforms of the time-domain data both the attenuation and the phase information as a function of frequency are extracted. The dispersion and the attenuation characteristics are investigated for both coplanar waveguide and coplanar strip transmission lines. The investigation is carried out on both semiinsulating semiconductor and dielectric substrate materials. No observable losses caused by the semiconductor material are indicated. >
Defining and measuring residual deficits of the upper extremity following stroke: a new perspective.

Purpose: To propose and test a new measure to quantify residual defi cits (Rd) following stroke and provide preliminary evidence supporting its usefulness. Methods: Patients (N = 46) were stratifi ed based on projected rate of upper extremity recovery and were randomly assigned to task-oriented (control) or task-oriented plus functional electrical stimulation (FES) training groups. All performed the Box & Blocks and the Jebsen-Taylor light object lift tests with the nonparetic and paretic upper extremities. A modifi ed Fugl-Meyer test was performed on the paretic upper extremity. The calculation Rd = 100 − (paretic/nonparetic × 100) was made for each subgroup: task-specifi c training alone (control subgroup) or task-specifi c training plus functional electrical stimulation (FES subgroup). Data from each of these two groups were analyzed separately. Results: Intrasession and between-sessions tests of the nonparetic or paretic extremity yielded interclass correlation (ICC) values between 0.77 and 0.99. After training for 12 weeks, the Rd of the paretic upper extremity of patients who used the FES was signifi cantly less compared to the control group (p < .05). The defi cits of patients with slow recovery profi le were as expected much greater. Conclusions: Rd is a valid, highly reproducible, and dimensionless outcome measure. It should permit objective comparison of effectiveness between and within various rehabilitative intervention options regardless of the outcome measure(s) used. Key words: defi cit, exercise, functional electrical stimulation, rehabilitation, stroke, upper extremity
An Alternative Framework for Considering Learning Disabilities in a More Positive Light

Once there was a man who lost his legs and was blinded in an accident. To compensate for his losses, he developed great strength and agility in his hands and arms, and great acuity in hearing. He composed magnificent music and performed amazing feats. Others were so inspired with his achievements that they had themselves blinded and their legs amputated. (Slater 1974)
TMEM16A/ANO1 Channels Contribute to the Myogenic Response in Cerebral Arteries

Rationale: Pressure-induced arterial depolarization and constriction (the myogenic response) is a smooth muscle cell (myocyte)-specific mechanism that controls regional organ blood flow and systemic blood pressure. Several different nonselective cation channels contribute to pressure-induced depolarization, but signaling mechanisms involved are unclear. Similarly uncertain is the contribution of anion channels to the myogenic response and physiological functions and mechanisms of regulation of recently discovered transmembrane 16A (TMEM16A), also termed Anoctamin 1, chloride (Cl − ) channels in arterial myocytes. Objective: To investigate the hypothesis that myocyte TMEM16A channels control membrane potential and contractility and contribute to the myogenic response in cerebral arteries. Methods and Results: Cell swelling induced by hyposmotic bath solution stimulated Cl − currents in arterial myocytes that were blocked by TMEM16A channel inhibitory antibodies, RNAi-mediated selective TMEM16A channel knockdown, removal of extracellular calcium (Ca 2+ ), replacement of intracellular EGTA with BAPTA, a fast Ca 2+ chelator, and Gd 3+ and SKF-96365, nonselective cation channel blockers. In contrast, nimodipine, a voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channel inhibitor, or thapsigargin, which depletes intracellular Ca 2+ stores, did not alter swelling-activated TMEM16A currents. Pressure-induced (−40 mm Hg) membrane stretch activated ion channels in arterial myocyte cell–attached patches that were inhibited by TMEM16A antibodies and were of similar amplitude to recombinant TMEM16A channels. TMEM16A knockdown reduced intravascular pressure-induced depolarization and vasoconstriction but did not alter depolarization-induced (60 mmol/L K + ) vasoconstriction. Conclusions: Membrane stretch activates arterial myocyte TMEM16A channels, leading to membrane depolarization and vasoconstriction. Data also provide a mechanism by which a local Ca 2+ signal generated by nonselective cation channels stimulates TMEM16A channels to induce myogenic constriction.
Children and Social Groups: A Developmental Analysis of Implicit Consistency in Hispanic Americans

We investigated the development of three aspects of implicit social cognition (self-esteem, group identity, and group attitude) and their interrelationships in Hispanic American children (ages 5 to 12) and adults. Hispanic children and adults showed positive implicit self-esteem and a preference for and identification with their in-group when the comparison group was another disadvantaged minority group (African American). However, challenging the long-held view that children's early intergroup attitudes are primarily egocentric, young Hispanic children do not show implicit preference for or identification with their in-group when the comparison was the more advantaged White majority. Results also supported predictions of cognitive-affective balance in the youngest children. Strikingly, balance was absent in adults, suggesting that in disadvantaged minority groups, cognitive-affective consistency may actually decline with age.
Targeted Injection of a Biocomposite Material Alters Macrophage and Fibroblast Phenotype and Function following Myocardial Infarction: Relation to Left Ventricular Remodeling

A treatment target for progressive left ventricular (LV) remodeling prevention following myocardial infarction (MI) is to affect structural changes directly within the MI region. One approach is through targeted injection of biocomposite materials, such as calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres (CHAM), into the MI region. In this study, the effects of CHAM injections upon key cell types responsible for the MI remodeling process, the macrophage and fibroblast, were examined. MI was induced in adult pigs before randomization to CHAM injections (20 targeted 0.1-ml injections within MI region) or saline. At 7 or 21 days post-MI (n = 6/time point per group), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed, followed by macrophage and fibroblast isolation. Isolated macrophage profiles for monocyte chemotactic macrophage inflammatory protein-1 as measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction increased at 7 days post-MI in the CHAM group compared with MI only (16.3 ± 6.6 versus 1.7 ± 0.6 cycle times values, P < 0.05), and were similar by 21 days post-MI. Temporal changes in fibroblast function and smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression relative to referent control (n = 5) occurred with MI. CHAM induced increases in fibroblast proliferation, migration, and SMA expression—indicative of fibroblast transformation. By 21 days, CHAM reduced LV dilation (diastolic volume: 75 ± 2 versus 97 ± 4 ml) and increased function (ejection fraction: 48 ± 2% versus 38 ± 2%) compared with MI only (both P < 0.05). This study identified that effects on macrophage and fibroblast differentiation occurred with injection of biocomposite material within the MI, which translated into reduced adverse LV remodeling. These unique findings demonstrate that biomaterial injections impart biologic effects upon the MI remodeling process over any biophysical effects.
Inhibition of digestive enzyme activities by copper in the guts of various marine benthic invertebrates

Digestive systems of deposit and suspension feeders can be exposed to high concentrations of copper (Cu) by ingestion of contaminated sediments. We assessed a potential impact of this Cu exposure on digestive enzyme activities in a wide range of benthic organisms by monitoring enzyme activities in their gut fluids during in vitro titrations with dissolved Cu, which mimics Cu solubilization from sediments. Increasing Cu inhibited digestive protease activities at threshold values, which varied widely among organisms, from 8 microM for an echinoderm to 0.4 M for an echiuran. More Cu was required to inhibit proteases in guts containing higher amino acid concentrations because strong Cu-binding sites on amino acids prevent Cu interaction with the enzymatically active sites. Threshold Cu concentrations were similar for proteases, esterases, lipases, and alpha- and beta-glucosidases, suggesting the same inhibition mechanism. Copper was less effective at inhibiting enzymes at lower pH, suggesting that protons can compete with Cu ion for binding to enzymatically active sites or that enzyme conformation is less vulnerable to Cu inhibition at lower pH. These results lead to the counterintuitive conclusion that deposit feeders with low enzyme activity, low amino acid concentration, and high pH values are most vulnerable to harm from sedimentary Cu by this mechanism, although they solubilize less sedimentary Cu than their counterparts with high enzyme activity, high amino acid concentrations, and low gut pH. In general, digestive systems of echinoderms may therefore be more susceptible to Cu contamination than those of polychaetes, with various other phyla showing intermediate susceptibilities. If threshold Cu values are converted to solid-phase sedimentary Cu concentrations, the thresholds are at least consistent with Cu loadings that have been observed to lead to biological impacts in the field.
Chapter 31 – GIL blood group system

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the GIL blood group system. The history, terminology, expression, database accession numbers, and the carrier molecule related to the GIL blood group system are reviewed. The function of the GIL blood group system is also discussed. Red blood cells (RBCs) from a GIL-negative proband reduce glycerol permeability. By Western blotting, RBC membranes from different people have different levels of expression of Aquaglyceroporin (AQP3). AQP3 is present in the membrane as dimers, trimers and tetramers. The effect of enzymes/chemicals on GIL antigen on intact RBCs, the in vitro characteristics of alloanti-Gil, and the clinical significance of alloanti-Gil are also discussed.
Interaction of oligodeoxynucleotides with mycobacteria: implications for new therapeutic strategies.

The use of synthetic oligonucleotides (ONs) to systematically address new pharmacologic targets in mycobacteria would enhance the introduction of new molecular targets for drug intervention. Oligon...
Pyrolytic Laser Activation of CdS Thin Film Photoconductors

CdS and CdS:Ag thin films, deposited at room temperature, were irradiated using an argon-ion laser, causing them to become photoconductive in the path of the laser beam. Physical deformation of the thin films is reported, and the optical and electrical properties of the photoconductive devices thus fabricated are described. We suggest this as a means to fabricate small area, patterned photoconductors with the benefit of maskless, low temperature processing.
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS FOR LIMITED AREA MODELING

A simple open boundary condition for limiting the computational domain in tidal simulations is presented. In modeling the impact of proposed coastal projects with a limited-area model, problems due to undesired reflection of gravity waves at open boundaries often occur. The boundary condition presented herein eliminates these problems in many instances and can be easily incorporated into a wide variety of models. The adapted procedure permits representation of appropriate forcing conditions while allowing propagation of internally-generated disturbances out of the open boundaries. Applications to real world engineering problems are presented.
Influence of Physicochemical Factors on Growth and Pigment Synthesis by Pyrenochaeta terrestris

Pyrenochaeta terrestris produces pigments when grown on natural or synthetic media. These pigments are freely soluble in organic solvents but insoluble in water. The structure of pigments after isolation and identification was consistent with those found in recently published papers. The highest pigment production occurred at pH 6.5 when P. terrestris was grown with sucrose as the carbon source and sodium nitrate as the nitrogen source. Cultures grown in the light had a slightly higher pigment content. The highest pigment production occurred when tyrosine was present in the medium.
Fire Basis Data Acquisition System Building Based on GPS/GIS Platform

With the developing of urban construction,urban basic data is also changing,in which the basis of relations between the fire of GIS data acquisition,the timeliness of updates will directly affect the timeliness of fire fighting,scientific and effective.For the inadequate of the traditional fire GIS basis date collection,this article proposes the establishment of data acquisition system which uses of sophisticated GPS / GIS integration technology based on the fire data acquisition system,timely maintenance and update of GIS applied to the fire based on actual data platform to enhance the combat effectiveness of fire.
Multi-user collaborative tool path planning using process decomposition

Single-user computer-aided engineering applications force a strictly serial design process, which ultimately lengthens time to market. We created multi-user tool path planning software, which allow...
A Brief Review of the Cleaning Process for Electronic Device Fabrication

Abstract This chapter presents a brief review of some of the important aspects of cleaning solutions used in fabrication of electronic devices. The organic and inorganic types of contamination are considered. Additionally, basic cleaning processes for ionic and covalent-bonded particles on the surface of substrates are pointed out. The effects of high or low pH of cleaning solutions in simple form, without using mathematical calculations, are also shown. Removal of particles from the surface through zeta potential repulsion mechanisms is discussed as well. And also, cleaning solutions for removing trace metals, as well as silica, silicon, and traces of photoresists, are also explained.
Applied and Environmental Chemistry of Animal Manure: A Review

Abstract Animal manure consists of predominantly urine and feces, but also may contain bedding materials, dropped feed, scurf, and other farming wastes. Manure is typically applied to soils as fertilizer for agricultural production. The estimated amount of manure produced in 12 major livestock-producing countries is 9 × 109 Mg of manure annually. Manure is rich in plant nutrients. However, manure is also considered as an environmental pollutant when it is over-applied to cropland or following runoff into surface water. Manure can also influence global climate change via emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Thus, increased and updated knowledge of applied and environmental chemistry of animal manure is needed to shed light on the research and development of animal manure utilization and minimization of its adverse environmental concerns. The advances in basic and applied studies of manure major components, organic matter, phosphorus, and nitrogen, primarily related to US livestock production are summarized in this review. Detailed focus was placed on three notable challenges for future manure research: 1) soil application of animal manure, 2) manure phytate phosphorus, and 3) manure nitrogen availability. This review may contribute to the global effort in sustainable and environmentally sound agriculture by stimulating new ideas and directions in animal manure research, and promoting application of knowledge and insight derived from manure research into improved manure management strategies.
Bacterioplankton Roles in Cycling of Organic Matter: The Microbial Food Web

More than a decade has passed since the realization that bacteria are quantitatively important consumers of organic carbon in marine food webs. The basic information on the significance of the microbial food web was put forth eloquently by Pomeroy (1974), who pieced together data from a variety of sources that all indicated a major role of small heterotrophs consuming dissolved and particulate material. However, these ideas did not gain wide recognition until the high abundance of marine bacteria was shown by epifluorescence microscopy (Ferguson and Rublee, 1976; Hobbie et al., 1977), and the bacterial heterotrophic production was shown to be large (i.e., 10–30%) compared to primary production (Hagstrőm et al., 1979; Fuhrman and Azam, 1980; 1982). With reasonable estimates of bacterial growth efficiency (i.e., near 50%), it became clear that heterotrophic bacteria consume an amount of carbon equivalent to approximately 20–60% of total primary production. Williams (1981) reached this conclusion when he synthesized the extant results on bacterial biomass and production. He also showed that “normal” well-known processes and mechanisms could lead to as much as 60% of the primary production becoming dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and subsequently, being taken up by bacteria. Azam et al. (1983) formalized the concept of the microbial loop by which significant quantities of organic matter are produced or processed through prokaryotic and very small eukaryotic organisms, eventually feeding into the larger macrozooplankton.
Personality Driven Differences in Paraphrase Preference

Personality plays a decisive role in how people behave in different scenarios, including online social media. Researchers have used such data to study how personality can be predicted from language use. In this paper, we study phrase choice as a particular stylistic linguistic difference, as opposed to the mostly topical differences identified previously. Building on previous work on demographic preferences, we quantify differences in paraphrase choice from a massive Facebook data set with posts from over 115,000 users. We quantify the predictive power of phrase choice in user profiling and use phrase choice to study psycholinguistic hypotheses. This work is relevant to future applications that aim to personalize text generation to specific personality types.
Assessing women’s negative sanitation experiences and concerns: The development of a novel sanitation insecurity measure

Lack of access to acceptable sanitation facilities can expose individuals, particularly women, to physical, social, and mental health risks. While some of the challenges have been documented, standard metrics are needed to determine the extent to which women have urination- and defecation-related concerns and negative experiences. Such metrics also are needed to assess the effectiveness of interventions to mitigate them. We developed a sanitation insecurity measure to capture the range and frequency of women's sanitation-related concerns and negative experiences. Research was conducted in rural Odisha, India with women across various life course stages to reflect a range of perspectives. This paper documents the mixed data collection methods and the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses we employed to arrive at a final measure. The final sanitation insecurity measure includes 50 items across seven factors that reflect the physical environment, the social environment, and individual-level constraints. Most factor scores were significantly higher for unmarried women and for women who lacked access to functional latrines, indicating social and environmental influence on experiences. This measure will enable researchers to evaluate how sanitation insecurity affects health and to determine if and how sanitation interventions ameliorate women's concerns and negative experiences associated with sanitation.
Nitrogen doped carbon nano-onions as efficient and robust electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions

Abstract We investigated synthesis and electrocatalytic performance of metal-free, nitrogen-doped carbon nano-onions (N-CNOs) for oxygen reduction reactions in alkaline electrolyte. N-CNOs were prepared by chemical oxidation of nanodiamond-derived carbon nano-onions (ox-CNOs), followed by thermal annealing with urea under the flow of argon gas. The chemical oxidation step was critical to successfully internalize nitrogen atoms into carbon network. Morphology, microstructure, and chemical states of carbon nano-onions (CNOs), ox-CNOs, and N-CNOs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electrocatalytic activity of pristine and modified CNOs was characterized by a series of electrochemical measurements. Electrochemical characterizations were done with thin film electrodes of CNOs mounted on a glassy carbon disk. Compared to CNOs and ox-CNOs, N-CNOs showed remarkably enhanced electron-transfer kinetics with the 4-electron transfer as a dominant reaction pathway. Overall, N-CNOs exhibited electrochemical characteristics comparable to commercial Pt/C catalysts.
Squamous-cell carcinoma of the colon and rectum: report of a case.

A case of squamous-cell carcinoma of the ascending colon is presented. Two similar cases have been found in an extensive review of medical literature. What is known of the etiology of squamous-cell carcinoma arising in organs normally lined by glandular epithelium is reviewed. The patterns of metastasis and results of treatment are reviewed and evaluated.
Nicaragua's Buen Vivir: a strategy for tourism development?

Although often framed as an emerging anthropocenic socio-ecological imaginary, the Latin American paradigm of Buen Vivir has provided a broad base of support for tourism development in the region. ...