cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Production of 6-Methylsalicylic Acid by Expression of a Fungal Polyketide Synthase Activates Disease Resistance in Tobacco

Salicylic acid (SA) has been shown to act as a signal molecule that is produced by many plants subsequent to the recognition of potentially pathogenic microbes. Increases in levels of SA often trigger the activation of plant defenses and can result in increased resistance to subsequent challenge by pathogens. We observed that the polyketide 6-methylsalicylic acid (6-MeSA), a compound that apparently is not endogenous to tobacco, can mimic SA. Tobacco leaves treated with 6-MeSA show enhanced accumulation of the pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins PR1, beta-1,3-glucanase, and chitinase and also develop increased resistance to tobacco mosaic virus. We transformed tobacco with 6msas, the 6-methylsalicylic acid synthase (6MSAS) gene from Penicillium patulum, to generate plants that constitutively accumulate 6-MeSA. Analysis of primary transformants and the first generation progeny of 6MSAS tobacco revealed that plants can be engineered to accumulate significant amounts of 6-MeSA as a conjugate. Levels of total 6-MeSA increased with plant age. Increased 6-MeSA accumulation correlated with increased levels of PR1 and chitinase proteins and resulted in enhanced resistance of NN genotype 6MSAS tobacco to tobacco mosaic virus. Our results demonstrate that a multistep biosynthetic pathway can be engineered into plants using a single fungal polyketide synthase gene. The functional expression of 6msas can be used to activate disease resistance pathways that normally are induced by SA.
CUDA-OpenGL Interoperability to Visualize Electromagnetic Fields Calculated by FDTD

In this contribution, a compute unified device architecture (CUDA) implementation of a two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) program is presented along with the OpenGL interoperability to visualize electromagnetic fields as an animation while an FDTD simulation is running. CUDA, which runs on a graphics processing unit (GPU) card, is used for electromagnetic field data generation and image manipulation, while OpenGL is used to draw field distribution on the screen. Since CUDA and OpenGL both run on GPU and share data through common memory in the framebuffer, the CUDA-OpenGL interoperability is very efficient in visualization of electromagnetic fields. Step by step details of implementation of this interoperability are demonstrated.
Functional Coherence of Insula Networks is Associated with Externalizing Behavior

The externalizing spectrum encompasses a range of maladaptive behaviors, including substance-use problems, impulsivity, and aggression. Although previous literature has linked externalizing behaviors with prefrontal and amygdala abnormalities, recent studies suggest insula functionality is implicated. This study investigated the relation between insula functional coherence and externalizing in a large community sample (N = 244). Participants underwent a resting functional MRI scan. Three nonartifactual intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs) substantially involving the insula were identified after completing independent components analysis. Three externalizing domains-general disinhibition, substance abuse, and callous aggression-were measured with the Externalizing Spectrum Inventory. Regression models tested whether within-network coherence for the 3 insula ICNs was related to each externalizing domain. Posterior insula coherence was positively associated with general disinhibition and substance abuse. Anterior insula/ventral striatum/anterior cingulate network coherence was negatively associated with general disinhibition. Insula coherence did not relate to the callous aggression domain. Follow-up analyses indicated specificity for insula ICNs in their relation to general disinhibition and substance abuse as compared with other frontal and limbic ICNs. This study found insula network coherence was significantly associated with externalizing behaviors in community participants. Frontal and limbic ICNs containing less insular cortex were not related to externalizing. Thus, the neural synchrony of insula networks may be central for understanding externalizing psychopathology.
Covariance Between Arctic Sea Ice and Clouds Within Atmospheric State Regimes at the Satellite Footprint Level

Understanding the cloud response to sea ice change is necessary for modeling Arctic climate. Previous work has primarily addressed this problem from the interannual variability perspective. This paper provides a refined perspective of sea ice-cloud relationship in the Arctic using a satellite footprint-level quantification of the covariance between sea ice and Arctic low cloud properties from NASA A-Train active remote sensing data. The covariances between Arctic low cloud properties and sea ice concentration are quantified by first partitioning each footprint into four atmospheric regimes defined using thresholds of lower tropospheric stability and midtropospheric vertical velocity. Significant regional variability in the cloud properties is found within the atmospheric regimes indicating that the regimes do not completely account for the influence of meteorology. Regional anomalies are used to account for the remaining meteorological influence on clouds. After accounting for meteorological regime and regional influences, a statistically significant but weak covariance between cloud properties and sea ice is found in each season for at least one atmospheric regime. Smaller average cloud fraction and liquid water are found within footprints with more sea ice. The largest-magnitude cloud-sea ice covariance occurs between 500 m and 1.2 km when the lower tropospheric stability is between 16 and 24 K. The covariance between low cloud properties and sea ice is found to be largest in fall and is accompanied by significant changes in boundary layer temperature structure where larger average near-surface static stability is found at larger sea ice concentrations.
IBM z13 circuit design and methodology

The two chips at the heart of the IBM z13™ system include a processor chip (referred to as the CP or Central Processor chip) and an L4 (Level 4) cache chip (referred to as the SC or System Controller chip), each 678 mm2 in area. The CP and SC chips were implemented with approximately 4 billion (4 × 109) and 7.1 billion transistors, respectively, in IBM's 22-nm SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology, supporting eDRAM (embedded dynamic random access memory), and with up to 17 levels of metal available. In this paper, we discuss aspects of the circuit and physical design of these chips, including both digital logic and custom array implementation. In addition, we describe the design analysis methodology, along with some of the checks needed to ensure a robust, reliable, and high-frequency product.
STUDY OF THE METHOD OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING OPTIMIZATION DESIGN

The paper considers the two kinds of design idea, based on the predicting hydraulic stimulation effect and the required stimulation treatment scale. 3-D fracture propagation simulation technique was applied for hydraulic fracturing design in the paper, thus it presented the hydraulic fracturing design approach which isthe objective function of the optimal stimulation effect condition based on formation conditions. The optimal plans will be designed by self-adjusting the parameters, such as each wellbore segment fracturing liquid volume, sand proportion, proppant types, and grain diameter, and so on. A 3-D hydraulic fracturing optimum design software for Windows was developed with Visual Basic Language.
Study on integral damage modes of box-like beam subjected to underwater closely located non-contact explosion

In order to study the damage modes of warships subjected to underwater blast loading,two experimentally used box-like beams were designed based on similarity criterion.Dynamic responses of the beams floating on water subjected to underwater explosion were investigated by changing the distance from explosion source and the amount of explosive with TNT charge located closely under the mid-span of the models.In tests,high-speed photography was applied to obtain the whole process how the objects react against blast loading.The experimental results show that explosion bubble pulses will activate beam to bend severely as a whole when the first wet frequency of beam approximates to the frequency of bubble pulses.If the ratio of explosive distance to maximum bubble radius ranges from 1 to 1.5,the beam will be damaged in sag state with one or two plasticity hinges,and if it ranges from 2 to 4,the beam will produce whipping motion.To sum up,explosion bubble pulses play a greater role in making the integral damage of beams than initial shock wave.
Feedback Control of Chaos Dynamic System

This paper relates simply chaos theory which is one of forward theories in nonlinear science at present and discusses some feedback control methods of chaos dynamic system in detail. At the same time, it points out the problem which exists in controlling chaos dynamic system at the moment and potential prospects for application.
The Analysis and Application of the Tests on the Whole-car Static Airtightness

The article discusses the way of the positive air pressure in the cab.Then it analyzes the metrical data of the car about the full vehicle static air leakage.According the analytic results,it suggests the measures about how to improve the hermetic states of the cab.
Comparative trial of cytarabine and thioguanine in combination with amsacrine or daunorubicin in patients with untreated acute nonlymphocytic leukemia: results of the L-16M protocol

Ninety-six patients with de novo acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) were randomized to receive either daunorubicin (50 mg/m2, IV) on days 1-3; cytarabine (Ara-C) (25 mg/m2, IV) bolus, followed by 160 mg/m2 as a continuous IV infusion daily for 5 days and 6-thioguanine (6-TG) (100 mg/m2 po) every 12 hr daily for 5 days (DAT); or amsacrine (190 mg/m2, IV) on days 1-3 with Ara-C and 6-TG at the above doses (AAT). Patients achieving complete remission (CR) then received two courses of consolidation therapy with the same combination that had induced remission but at slightly reduced total doses. Patients less than or equal to age 40 with an HLA-identical sibling donor underwent allogeneic transplantation, usually after consolidation therapy. The remaining patients were then randomized to receive either maintenance therapy (alternating cycles of vincristine/methotrexate, cyclophosphamide/6-TG, daunorubicin/hydroxyurea and Ara-C/6-TG) or no further treatment. Ninety-two patients were evaluable for response. Twenty-five of the 46 patients (54%) who received DAT and 32 of the 46 patients (70%) who received AAT achieved CR (p = 0.13). When patients were stratified by age, however, remission induction advantage with AAT became statistically significant (p = 0.03). Additionally, more patients achieved CR following one course of AAT than following one course of DAT (48% vs 28%, p = 0.03). Overall survival in the AAT group was improved as well (p = 0.01). Too few patients were randomized on the maintenance arm of the protocol to make interpretation meaningful. Non-hematologic toxicity was generally comparable in both arms. In conclusion, patients with de novo ANLL who received AAT had a higher remission incidence and slightly longer survival compared to patients who received DAT. Further investigation of this drug combination in untreated patients with ANLL is warranted.
Hereditary poikilocytic anemia associated with the co-inheritance of two alpha spectrin abnormalities

This report describes a black family in which two distinct structural defects of alpha spectrin were inherited singly and in combination. The propositus, who has a poikilocytic hemolytic anemia that shares many of the features of hereditary pyropoikilocytosis (HPP) or homozygous elliptocytosis, is a compound heterozygote for both the spectrin alpha 1/65 and spectrin alpha 1/50a defects as demonstrated by electrophoretic analysis of spectrin tryptic fragments. The spectrin alpha 1/65 defect alone was found in his mother and sibling, while the spectrin alpha 1/50a defect was present in the father and another sibling. The red cell spectrin content was normal in all family members. The functional consequences of inheritance of these two spectrin defects were compared with those found in an unrelated patient with classic HPP who had the alpha 1/50a spectrin defect and was spectrin deficient as well. Prolonged incubation at 37 degrees C resulted in striking budding, fragmentation, and sphering of classic HPP red cells but only minimal changes in propositus cells. The percentage of spectrin dimers was increased tenfold in classic HPP, sevenfold in the propositus, and threefold in other family members. Mechanical stability of erythrocyte ghosts, measured by ektacytometry, was reduced severely in both classic HPP and in the propositus, but only moderately in other family members. Thus, co-inheritance of two alpha spectrin defects can result in a poikilocytic hemolytic anemia milder than that usually found in HPP. The greater clinical severity of HPP may be a consequence of the presence of spectrin deficiency, a finding absent in the propositus.
Pulmonary development in the fetal lamb with severe bladder outlet obstruction and oligohydramnios: a morphometric study.

Abstract The lethal feature of male newborns with severe bladder outlet obstruction and oligohydramnios is pulmonary hypoplasia. We report a fetal lamb model of bladder outlet obstruction created in the early second trimester, and morphometric analysis of the profound pulmonary hypoplasia that resulted. At 55 to 65 days of gestation 8 consecutive male fetuses underwent surgical clipping of the urethra and urachus near the abdominal wall. A sham operation was performed in 1 female fetus. The lambs were delivered by cesarean section 10 weeks later. The right lungs were immediately fixed at a distending pressure of 25 cm. water. The results of the morphometric studies were compared to control animals from our earlier study of normal fetal lamb lung development; slides for both studies were scored in a blind, randomized fashion by 1 of us (S. G. D.). Although mean body weights for the groups were similar, mean right lung volume in the operated lambs was 63.8 cM. 3 compared to 158 cM. 3 in the control animals and 137 cM. 3 in the sham operated fetus (p less than 0.0005). Relative volume of respiratory tissue was 87 per cent in the operated animals, and 92 per cent in the controls and the sham operated fetus (p less than 0.0005). Microscopic morphometry revealed an increased relative volume of inter-alveolar tissue in the experimental animals (35 compared to 23 per cent in the normal lambs, p less than 0.05), with a corresponding decrease in relative airspace volume. Alveolar numerical density and alveolar surface density were not statistically different between the groups, although total alveolar number and surface area were substantially decreased in the operated lambs due to the reduced mean lung volume. Mean alveolar wall thickness was increased at 3.6 μ M. in the operated group versus 2.1 μ M. in the normal group (p less than 0.0005) and 2.8 μ M. in the sham operated fetus. Thus, the lung in the lamb with severe bladder outlet obstruction is hypoplastic and immature.
Comparative biology of decellularized lung matrix: Implications of species mismatch in regenerative medicine

Lung engineering is a promising technology, relying on re-seeding of either human or xenographic decellularized matrices with patient-derived pulmonary cells. Little is known about the species-specificity of decellularization in various models of lung regeneration, or if species dependent cell-matrix interactions exist within these systems. Therefore decellularized scaffolds were produced from rat, pig, primate and human lungs, and assessed by measuring residual DNA, mechanical properties, and key matrix proteins (collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans). To study intrinsic matrix biologic cues, human endothelial cells were seeded onto acellular slices and analyzed for markers of cell health and inflammation. Despite similar levels of collagen after decellularization, human and primate lungs were stiffer, contained more elastin, and retained fewer glycosaminoglycans than pig or rat lung scaffolds. Human endothelial cells seeded onto human and primate lung tissue demonstrated less expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule and activation of nuclear factor-κB compared to those seeded onto rodent or porcine tissue. Adhesion of endothelial cells was markedly enhanced on human and primate tissues. Our work suggests that species-dependent biologic cues intrinsic to lung extracellular matrix could have profound effects on attempts at lung regeneration.
The influence of seasonal patterns on a beach nourishment project in a complex reef environment

Abstract Royal Hawaiian Beach, located in Waikiki, Hawaii received sand nourishment of 17,551 m 3 during the spring of 2012. Carbonate sand, dredged from a reef-top sand field 0.6 km offshore, was placed along 520 m of shoreline. Post-nourishment monitoring of the beach and offshore quantifies performance and provides transferable information for future nourishment projects in the study area and in regions with similar fringing reef environments and wave climates. Elevation data were collected along cross-shore profiles prior to sand placement and quarterly thereafter for a period of 2.7 years. The time-sequence of profile data was used to construct digital elevation models (DEMs); a method designed for this study to achieve heightened spatial accuracy relative to two-dimensional profile comparisons that often ignore measurement inconsistency. Various analyses were performed using survey DEMs, including empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis and surface comparison. Monitoring data were analyzed in concert with seasonal incident wave conditions to further understand processes that drive beach movement. Overall, the beach lost volume at a rate of 760 ± 450 m 3 /yr over the entire monitoring period, consistent with the design rate of 1070 m 3 /yr. Seasonal cycles caused beach volume to fluctuate between 2000 m 3 to 4000 m 3 , i.e., 15% to 30% of total nourishment additions. In agreement with preceding studies, we confirm predominant westward transport that we describe as counterclockwise rotation. Cross-shore sand transport through an offshore channel is also evident, as we observe the channel acting as both a sediment source and sink depending on seasonal wave conditions: a source during seasonal and storm-related swell events, and a sink otherwise.
PRESLAUGHTER HANDLING | Behavior of Cattle, Pigs, Sheep, Bison, and Deer during Handling and Transport

Vocalization (bleat, moo, bellow, and squeal) during handling or restraint in pigs and cattle is associated with both aversive events and physiological measures of stress in both cattle and pigs. Animals will move through alleys, races, and other equipment more easily by eliminating distractions such as shadows, reflections, seeing people up ahead, air drafts blowing toward approaching animals, and hoses lying on the floor. Handlers should move small groups of animals and fill the forcing pen that leads to the single-file race half full. It is essential that handlers understand behavioral principles.
A novel software defined radio relay method for power conservation

To meet beyond line of sight (BLOS) communications requirements, a novel software defined radio relay method for power conservation is proposed. This method is able to achieve approximately 7.5 watt per relay node power savings for SNR challenged links (probability = 1/3), adjacent interference links (probability = 1/3), and 33% clear links (probability = 1/3). This is accomplished by dynamically adjusting the relay methodology between a low power amplify-and-forward (AF) relay method, a compress-and-forward (CF) relay method, and a power intensive decode-and-forward (DF) relay method. To demonstrate the novel architecture the following models were developed in MATLAB/Simulink and tested on an Avnet Zynq-7000 software defined radio (SDR) with Military RT 1439A radios: an audio FM transmitter model, an audio FM receiver model, an AF relay model, a CF relay model, a DF relay model, and the novel SDR relay model.
Maxillary Artery to Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass: A Novel Technique for Exposure of the Maxillary Artery

Objective To define the maxillary artery (MaxA) anatomy and present a novel technique for exposing and preparing this vessel as a bypass donor. Methods Cadaveric and radiologic studies were used to define the MaxA anatomy and show a novel method for harvesting and preparing it for extracranial to intracranial bypass. Results The MaxA runs parallel to the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery and is located on average 24.8 ± 3.8 mm inferior to the midpoint of the zygomatic arch. The pterygoid segment of the MaxA is most appropriate for bypass with a maximal diameter of 2.5 ± 0.4 mm. The pterygoid segment can be divided into a main trunk and terminal part based on anatomic features and use in the bypass procedure. The main trunk of the pterygoid segment can be reached extracranially, either by following the deep temporal arteries downward toward their origin from the MaxA or by following the sphenoid groove downward to the terminal part of the pterygoid segment, which can be followed proximally to expose the entire MaxA. In comparison, the prebifurcation diameter of the superficial temporal artery is 1.9 ± 0.5 mm. The average lengths of the mandibular and pterygoid MaxA segments are 6.3 ± 2.4 and 6.7 ± 3.3 mm, respectively. Conclusions The MaxA can be exposed without zygomatic osteotomies or resection of the middle fossa floor. Anatomic landmarks for exposing the MaxA include the anterior and posterior deep temporal arteries and the pterygomaxillary fissure.
A hybrid BCI-controlled FES system for hand-wrist motor function

Motor imagery (MI) based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) can help people with severe neuromuscular impairments to control their limbs by bypassing peripheral nerves and muscle pathways. However, there are still four major limitations with current MI-based BCIs for FES control: 1) They require relatively longer training and the training procedures are not clear. 2) Classification of different MI tasks within the same limb is difficult 3) MI features cannot be utilized during passive hand-motions induced by FES due to movement artifacts. 4) Few FES units are available which have real-time parameter control functionality. This study addresses these limitations by applying a hybrid BCI paradigm with a modified low-cost commercial off-the-shelf Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit. Four subjects were asked to mimic visual cues to imagine either closing or opening their dominant hand at different rates, such as fast or slow. After FES was initiated, the subjects were asked to attend to visual stimulus to elicit Steady-State Visual Evoked Potential (SSVEP) to stop FES. Results of this study showed that the modified TENS unit was able to successfully control hand motion in real-time. The classification results of different MI tasks within the same hand were promising. Furthermore, all subjects could stop the FES within 6 seconds and the average completion time was 2 seconds. The results of this study could provide insights towards future research of rehabilitation for stroke patients.
Continuous intraoperative epidural infusions affect recovery room length of stay and analgesic requirements: a single-center observational study.

Continuous intraoperative epidural analgesia may improve post-operative pain control and decrease opioid requirements. We investigate the effect of epidural infusion initiation before or after arrival in the post-anesthesia care unit on recovery room duration and post-operative opioid use. We performed a retrospective chart review of abdominal, thoracic and orthopedic surgeries where an epidural catheter was placed prior to surgery at the University of Washington Medical Center during a 24 month period. Patients whose epidural infusions were started prior to PACU arrival (Group 2: n = 540) exhibited a shorter PACU length of stay (p = .004) and were less likely to receive intravenous opioids in the recovery room (34 vs. 48%; p < .001) compared to patients whose infusions were started after surgery (Group 1: n = 374). Although the highest patient-reported pain scores were lower in Group 2 (5.3 vs. 6.0; p = .030), no differences in the pain scores prior to PACU discharge were observed. Intraoperative continuous epidural infusions decrease PACU LOS as discharge criteria for patient-reported NRS pain scores are met earlier.
Physicians Talking About Sex, Sexuality, and Protection With Adolescents

Adolescent-physician communication about sexual behaviors, sexuality, and protective behaviors is vital for the support of sexual minorities and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. The objective of this review is to identify sexual topics that physicians and adolescents discuss during medical encounters and examine the quantity and quality of that communication. We performed a systematic literature review of major databases through May 2016. We identified 33 papers that focused on adolescent-physician communication about three major sexual health topics: coital or noncoital sexual behaviors, sexual orientation or attractions, and sexually protective or preventative behaviors. Communication between adolescents and physicians about these sexual topics is infrequent and coincides with calls for improvement in clinical sex communication. Communication about sexual attractions, sexual orientation, and noncoital sexual behaviors were the rarest in practice, whereas mentions of contraception were more frequent. The review also highlights substantial limitations with this body of research, and more advanced research designs are warranted. Associations between clinical sexual communication and sexual health outcomes (e.g., contraceptive use and sexually transmitted infection occurrence) would improve knowledge of the effectiveness of communication in practice.
Localization and transport in a strongly driven Anderson insulator

We study localization and charge dynamics in a monochromatically driven one-dimensional Anderson insulator focusing on the low-frequency, strong-driving regime. We study this problem using a mapping of the Floquet Hamiltonian to a hopping problem with correlated disorder in one higher harmonic-space dimension. We show that (i) resonances in this model correspond to adiabatic Landau-Zener (LZ) transitions that occur due to level crossings between lattice sites over the course of dynamics; (ii) the proliferation of these resonances leads to dynamics that appear diffusive over a single drive cycle, but the system always remains localized; (iii) actual charge transport occurs over many drive cycles due to slow dephasing between these LZ orbits and is logarithmic in time, with a crucial role being played by far-off Mott-like resonances; and (iv) applying a spatially varying random phase to the drive tends to decrease localization, suggestive of weak-localization physics. We derive the conditions for the strong-driving regime, determining the parametric dependencies of the size of Floquet eigenstates, and time scales associated with the dynamics, and corroborate the findings using both numerical scaling collapses and analytical arguments.
Social approval bias in self-reported fruit and vegetable intake after presentation of a normative message in college students.

Abstract Objective To determine the accuracy of self-reported data regarding Fruit and Vegetable (FV) intake in college students at Utah State University after being presented with a descriptive normative message. Intervention Participants (N = 167) were recruited from general education courses and asked to complete a baseline survey containing a FV screener from the National Cancer Institute. They were then randomized to receive one of four messages one week after the initial survey and asked to immediately complete the same FV screener. The Control group received no FV message. The Recommendation group received a message that the recommendation for FV is 4–5 cups per day. The two normative groups received a message that either 80% of students ate more (Low) or less (High) FV than they did, regardless of actual intake, in addition to the recommended intake. Analysis Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess differences in reported FV intake and perceived FV intake of peers between the first and second assessment. Results and conclusions Those receiving the message that they were in the lowest 20th percentile of intake reported a half-cup increase in self-reported FV intake and a one-cup increase in perception of peers’ intake (p = 0.037 and p=
Accessibility of the Management's Discussion and Analysis to Citizen Users of Government Financial Reports

This study focuses on the accessibility of Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), a key part of the GASB 34 financial reporting framework. We analyze MD&As extracted from Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports issued by the 50 state governments to answer the question: How accessible is the MD&A to citizen users of government financial reports? Using three dimensions of accessibility—size, readability, and timeliness—our results point to the inadequacy of MD&As in providing information to citizens about government's finances and financial condition. Our results make the case that existing financial reporting is neither transparent nor user-friendly for citizens.
Mobile (in)security? Exploring the realities of mobile phone use in conflict areas

Across disciplines, scholars extol the revolutionary potential of mobile technologies in developing nations. Mobile phones in particular may facilitate economic and social development. However, our...
Interfacial properties of avian stratum corneum monolayers investigated by Brewster angle microscopy and vibrational sum frequency generation

The outermost layer of skin, the stratum corneum (SC), contains a complex mixture of lipids, which controls the rate of cutaneous water loss (CWL) in reptiles, mammals, and birds. However, the molecular structure of SC lipids and how molecular configurations influence CWL is poorly understood. Here, the organization and structure of SC lipids extracted from birds were investigated by means of Langmuir films. Properties of lipids from the SC of arid and semi-arid adapted larks, known to have a low CWL, were compared with lipids extracted from the SC of mesic lark species with higher CWL to gain insight into how structure impacts CWL. Film properties were probed with surface pressure-area isotherms, Brewster angle microscopy (BAM), and vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG). Results indicate organization and ordering of SC lipids in the arid-adapted hoopoe lark was vastly different from all other species, forming a miscible, rigid monolayer, whereas monolayers from semi-arid and mesic species were immiscible and disordered. Probing of interfacial water structure reveals that film morphology determines organization of water molecules near the monolayer; monolayers with a porous morphology had an increased population of water molecules that are weakly hydrogen-bonded. In general, CWL appears related to the miscibility and ordering of lipid components within the SC, as well as the ability of these lipids to interact with water molecules. From a broader perspective, CWL in larks appears linked to both the SC lipid composition and the aridity of the species' environment.
Economic Achievements of Postrevolutionary Georgia: Myths and Reality

The author attempts to show what actual achievements have resulted from economic reforms carried out in Georgia since the 2003 "Rose Revolution," and to debunk some fundamental myths surrounding these reforms. This analysis leads him to conclude that Georgia can be regarded as a symbiosis of neoliberalism and neobolshevism rather than as a country of liberal reforms. Georgia is not free from corruption; it has developed new and more complex forms of elite corruption. Georgia is not oriented exclusively toward a European model: the country's leadership has officially declared as one of its goals a "Singaporization" of the national economy; the government is artificially impeding attempts to establish free trade with the European Union. After the war of August 2008, Georgia maintained its economic ties with Russia, including trade relations.
Combined Androgen Administration and HDAC Inhibition in Experimental Cancer Cachexia

Background: Cancer cachexia impacts the majority of advanced cancer patients but no approved anti-cachexia therapeutic exits. Recent late stage clinical failures of anabolic anti-cachexia therapy revealed heterogeneous responses to anabolic therapies and a limited ability to translate improved body composition into functional benefit. It is currently unclear what governs anabolic responsiveness in cachectic patient populations. Methods: We evaluated anabolic androgen therapy combined with the novel anti-cachectic histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) AR-42 in a series of studies using the C-26 mouse model of experimental cachexia. The ability of treatment to suppress tumor-mediated catabolic signaling and promote anabolic effects were characterized. Results: Anabolic anti-cachexia monotherapy with the selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) GTx-024 or enobosarm had no impact on cachectic outcomes in the C-26 model. A minimally effective dose of AR-42 provided mixed anti-cachectic benefits when administered alone but when combined with GTx-024 significantly improved bodyweight (p <0.0001), hind limb muscle mass (p <0.05), and voluntary grip strength (p <0.0001) versus tumor bearing controls. Similar efficacy resulted from the combination of AR-42 with multiple androgens. Anti-cachectic efficacy was associated with the ability to reverse pSTAT3 and atrogene induction in gastrocnemius muscle of tumor-bearing animals in the absence of treatment-mediated changes in serum IL-6 or LIF. Conclusions: Anabolic GTx-024 monotherapy is incapable of overcoming catabolic signaling in the C-26 model of experimental cachexia. Anti-cachectic androgen therapy is greatly improved by successful blockade of STAT3 mediated atrophy with AR-42. Combined androgen and HDAC inhibitor administration represents promising approach to improve anabolic response in cachectic patient populations.
Designing an intercultural business simulation

ABSTRACT The theme of this paper is to design the framework for a computer run business simulation that incorporates both corporate and national cultural variables in a way that dominates the more traditional bottom line outcomes. The major issues are to define the cultural variables, determine how to measure the different responses to the cultural variables and how to structure this simulation in order that the cultural sensitivities can play the dominant role. The game is to be computerized and can be played in a series of distinct cycles over some length of time in several short periods. Thus, the game could be used in a university course.
Noninvasive estimation of cognitive status in mild traumatic brain injury using speech production and facial expression

In civilian and military populations, there is strong need for objective, noninvasive technologies in monitoring cognitive status associated with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Previous work has shown that monitoring technologies based upon motor control characteristics in speech production provide sensitive indication of cognitive impairments resulting from neurotraumatic injury. Here, this approach is generalized to biomarkers from both speech and facial expression during speaking and preliminary analysis is presented for noninvasively estimating cognitive status associated with mTBI. High-quality audio and video recordings were obtained from 20 subjects in conjunction with cognitive task performance, measured as Processing Speed Index (PSI). Of the 20 subjects, five had a documented history of mild traumatic brain injury, and 15 were control subjects. Models were trained on the control subjects to estimate PSI, and then used to estimate PSI scores from the mTBI cases. Pearson's correlation coefficient between the estimates and the recorded PSI scores revealed r = 0.98 for the speech features and r = 0.92 for the facial features. These results demonstrate the promise of cognitive assessment technologies based on motor timing and coordination underlying vocal and facial expression during speaking in the context of mTBI.
Dietary habits and physical activity: Results from cluster analysis and market basket analysis.

Background:The prevalence of obesity remains a major public health concern and there has been a significant increase in childhood obesity in the USA.Aim:This study seeks to uncover the major patter...
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism reverses diabetes-related coronary vasodilator dysfunction: A unique vascular transcriptomic signature

Coronary microvascular dysfunction predicts and may be a proximate cause of cardiac dysfunction and mortality in diabetes; however, few effective treatments exist for these conditions. We recently demonstrated that mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonism reversed cardiovascular dysfunction in early-stage obesity/insulin resistance. The mechanisms underlying this benefit of MR antagonism and its relevance in the setting of long-term obesity complications like diabetes; however, remain unclear. Thus, the present study evaluated the impact of MR antagonism on diabetes-related coronary dysfunction and defines the MR-dependent vascular transcriptome in the Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat recapitulating later stages of human diabetes. OLETF rats were treated with spironolactone (Sp) and compared to untreated OLETF and lean Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka rats. Sp treatment attenuated diabetes-associated adipose and cardiac inflammation/fibrosis and improved coronary endothelium-dependent vasodilation but did not alter enhanced coronary vasoconstriction, blood pressure, or metabolic parameters in OLETF rats. Further mechanistic studies using RNA deep sequencing of OLETF rat aortas revealed 157 differentially expressed genes following Sp including upregulation of genes involved in the molecular regulation of nitric oxide bioavailability (Hsp90ab1, Ahsa1, Ahsa2) as well as novel changes in α1D adrenergic receptors (Adra1d), cyclooxygenase-2 (Ptgs2), and modulatory factors of these pathways (Ackr3, Acsl4). Further, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis predicted inhibition of upstream inflammatory regulators by Sp and inhibition of 'migration of endothelial cells', 'differentiation of smooth muscle', and 'angiogenesis' biological functions by Sp in diabetes. Thus, this study is the first to define the MR-dependent vascular transcriptome underlying treatment of diabetes-related coronary microvascular dysfunction by Sp.
In Vitro Testing of Polymeric Scaffolds

Tissue engineering may be defined as the science of persuading the body to heal or repair tissues that do not do so spontaneously. This is a relative new and exciting field that has experienced tremendous growth in the past decade. In our current understanding, which has developed over the past 10-15 years of research, the most common strategy for tissue engineering is to fill the defect in the tissue with a spongelike highly porous material. This sponge or scaffold may carry cells and/or biomolecular entities such as growth factors. Needless to say, the scaffold is then critical to the tissue repair or regeneration process because it provides a threedimensional framework for cells to attach and produce extracellular matrix to form tissue. As the scaffold provides the basic foundation for this tissue engineering approach, its various properties need to be carefully designed and optimized. In an earlier paper we have outlined the essential properties of a scaffold [1]. Briefly, the scaffold should:
Semigroup Theory in Aeroelasticity

Aerolasticity mixes Structural Dynamics with Aerodynamics—a “Tale of Two Semigroups,” so to speak. A fundamental problem — determining the bending-pitching wing-flutter speed in subsonic compressible flow — formulates as the asymptotic stability of the initial value problem for a Convolution-Semigroup equation in a Hilbert space of the form: $$\dot{Y}(t) = \mathcal{A}Y(t) + \int_{0}^{t} {L(t - \sigma )\dot{Y}(\sigma )d\sigma }$$ where A is the infinitesimal generator of a Co-semigroup with compact resolvent and L(t)linear bounded for each t,and strongly continuous in t ≥ 0,both to be deduced from the solution of a boundary value problem for subsonic compressible aerodynamics of interest in itself.The latter is the linearized version of the transonic inviscid compressible flow equation (we consider only the 2D version)for the velocity potential O(x,z,t): $$a_{\infty }^{2}(1 - {{M}^{2}})\frac{{{{\partial }^{2}}\phi }}{{\partial {{t}^{2}}}} + a_{\infty }^{2}\frac{{{{\partial }^{2}}\phi }}{{\partial {{z}^{2}}}} = \frac{{{{\partial }^{2}}\phi }}{{\partial {{t}^{2}}}} + 2M{{a}_{\infty }}\frac{{{{\partial }^{2}}\phi }}{{\partial t\partial x}}$$ in the half-plane -∞ < x < ∞ and 0 < z < ∞ with the(main)boundary condition $$\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {\frac{{\partial \phi }}{{\partial z}}(x,0 + ,t) = {{w}_{a}}(t,x),} & {|x| < b < \infty } \\ \end{array}$$ where the function wa(t, x) is specified,and $$U = M{{a}_{\infty }}$$ Is the airspeed, M is the Mach number,assumed less than one.This is a mixed initial-value boundary-value problem in which the Semigroup solution of the homogeneous boundary value problem plays an essential role.We also show that the convolution-semigroup equation can be represented as a pure semigroup equation in the form $$\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {Y(t) = PZ(t)} \\ {\dot{Z}(t) = AZ(t).} \\ \end{array}$$
Psychometric testing of the depressive cognition scale in women with type 2 diabetes.

Abstract Depression is prevalent in young and middle-aged diabetic women. Although cognitive depressive symptoms precede the development of depression, there is no screening instrument to measure these symptoms in diabetic patients. This study tested the psychometric properties of the Depressive Cognition Scale (DCS) in a convenience sample of 83 women with Type 2 diabetes. Alpha coefficient for the 8-item scale was .85, and the average inter-item correlation coefficient was .42. Construct validity was supported by correlations in the expected directions between the DCS and measures of learned resourcefulness, depressive symptoms, and health practices. Factor analysis presented a single dimension of 8 items. These findings suggest that the DSC will be useful in identifying patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes who are at risk for the development of clinical depression.
The Physiology of Essential Hypertension

Most human hypertension does not show obvious physiological abnormalities and such cases are called “essential” or “idiopathic.” Rigorous experimental investigation is not often possible, and consequently an acceptable explanation for the cause of essential hypertension has not been developed.
Large-scale nonlinear programming strategies for the operation of LDPE tubular reactors

Abstract There is substantial economic interest to optimize the operations of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) tubular reactors. Due to the high complexity of these units, systematic optimization techniques need to be used for this. One of the main limitations associated to this is the high dimensionality and complexity of the multi-zone tubular reactor model. In this work, we demonstrate that a simultaneous full-discretization approach coupled to a full-space nonlinear programming (NLP) solver results in an efficient strategy to cope with these limitations. We exploit these advantages in the analysis of different scenarios arising in the operation of LDPE reactors. In particular, we propose a multi variable optimization strategy able to compensate for time-varying disturbances in order to keep the reactor temperature profile and final properties of the polymer at targets. Finally, we show that the optimizer can easily be extended to incorporate economic decisions in the objective and we illustrate the potential benefits and bottlenecks of this approach.
Remote Detection Sodium Cell Magnetometry Using Amplitude Modulated Light

We have investigated the performance of a remote-detection sodium cell magnetometer using synchronous optical pumping with amplitude modulated light. The magnetometer is used to measure ambient geomagnetic field with high-sensitivity using backscattered resonance fluorescence.
A Compact Hybrid-Fed Microstrip Antenna for Harmonics-Based Radar and Sensor Systems

In this letter, we propose and experimentally validate a compact hybrid-fed microstrip antenna for the harmonics-based radar and sensor systems, which receive the fundamental tone and retransmit the modulated second harmonic. The proposed microstrip antenna is based on a simple single-layered and dual-feed structure, consisting of an inner circular patch operating in the TM110 mode (second harmonic; 6 GHz) and an outer split-ring patch operating in the higher order TM210 or TM310 mode (fundamental frequency; 3 GHz). By varying the feed position and the geometry of the split-ring patch, a specific higher order mode can be excited at the fundamental frequency. Moreover, analytical expressions were derived for calculating the antenna's resonant frequencies. Our measurement results show that the maximum realized gain is 1.17 dB at 3 GHz and is 3.33 dB at 6 GHz, with good impedance matching (| S 11| < −15 dB) and high isolation (< −20 dB).
2D and 3D Characterization of PtNi Nanowire Electrode Composition and Structure

Extended surface Pt or Pt–M (M = Ni or Co) catalysts are a viable alternative to supported nanoparticle catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode in proton exchange membrane ...
Modification of mechanical properties and resolution of printed stereolithographic objects through RAFT agent incorporation

Abstract Stereolithography (SL) is an additive manufacturing technique that uses light to cure liquid resins into thin layers and fabricate 3-dimensional objects layer by layer. SL is of high interest for small-volume manufacturing and rapid prototyping because of its ability to relatively quickly create objects with intricate 100 μm or smaller features. However, widespread adoption of SL faces a number of obstacles including unsuitable thermomechanical properties, anisotropic properties, and limited resolution and fidelity. In this work, we incorporate a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent into a glassy acrylate formulation to modify mechanical properties and improve resolution of objects printed using digital light processing (DLP) SL. Incorporating a small amount of a trithiocarbonate RAFT agent into the formulation leads to increased elongation and toughness accompanied by a small decrease in tensile modulus. To determine anisotropic properties of DLP SL, samples were printed in “horizontal” or “vertical” directions, where the long axis of the sample was printed in the x-axis or z-axis, respectively. RAFT samples printed in a vertical orientation exhibit a higher modulus than non-RAFT controls prior to post-cure in addition to a similar modulus with increased toughness upon UV post-cure due to the living/controlled nature of RAFT polymerization. Furthermore, incorporating a RAFT agent into the formulation allows significantly higher fidelity printing of a broad range of positive and negative features as small as 100 μm. The RAFT formulation allows objects to be printed with significantly better fidelity than non-RAFT formulations, even when a radical scavenger is incorporated to mimic reaction rates observed from the RAFT formulation. Additionally, the RAFT agent significantly increases the critical energy parameter determined from the SL working curve, indicating an increase in gel point conversion. This work demonstrates the benefits of using controlled/living polymerization in a highly cross-linked acrylate system to improve toughness, modify anisotropic properties, and print high-fidelity features with enhanced properties in 3D printed materials.