cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation does not improve Western diet-induced cardiomyopathy in rats.

Obesity increases risk for cardiomyopathy in the absence of hypertension, diabetes or ischemia. The fatty acid milieu, modulated by diet, may modify myocardial structure and function, lending partial explanation for the array of cardiomyopathic phenotypy. We sought to identify gross, cellular and ultrastructural myocardial changes associated with Western diet intake, and subsequent modification with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation. Wistar and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats received 1 of 3 diets: control (CON); Western (WES); Western + DHA (WES+DHA). After 12 weeks of treatment, echocardiography was performed and myocardial adiponectin, fatty acids, collagen, area occupied by lipid and myocytes, and ultrastructure were determined. Strain effects included higher serum adiponectin in Wistar rats, and differences in myocardial fatty acid composition. Diet effects were evident in that both WES and WES+DHA feeding were associated with similarly increased left ventricular (LV) diastolic cranial wall thickness (LVWcr/d) and decreased diastolic internal diameter (LVIDd), compared to CON. Unexpectedly, WES+DHA feeding was associated additionally with increased thickness of the LV cranial wall during systole (LVWcr/s) and the caudal wall during diastole (LVWca/d) compared to CON; this was observed concomitantly with increased serum and myocardial adiponectin. Diastolic dysfunction was present in WES+DHA rats compared to both WES and CON. Myocyte cross sectional area (CSA) was greater in WES compared to CON rats. In both fat-fed groups, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed myofibril degeneration, disorganized mitochondrial cristae, lipid inclusions and vacuolation. In the absence of hypertension and whole body insulin resistance, WES+DHA intake was associated with more global LV thickening and with diastolic dysfunction, compared to WES feeding alone. Myocyte hypertrophy, possibly related to subcellular injury, is an early change that may contribute to gross hypertrophy. Strain differences in adipokines and myocardial fatty acid accretion may underlie heterogeneous data from rodent studies.
Performance of a Zero-Energy House

A comparative study is reported to measure the actual performance of a zero-energy house (ZEH) of typical tract design. Ideally, a ZEH produces as much energy as it consumes in a year's time. Two identically sized tract houses (149.6 m 2 (1610 ft 2 ) ) were constructed side by side in southwest Las Vegas, NV One house is used as a base line (standard comparison) house and was built using conventional construction techniques. The other house, the ZEH, employs many energy saving features, solar power generation, and supplemental solar water heating. Both houses have been equipped with a network of sensors that measure virtually every aspect of energy usage in each home. Initially, both houses have been utilized as model homes in a tract housing development, so it was reasonable to believe that both experienced similar and consistent usage. Performance data are logged and are posted on the web. This paper describes the differences in construction details between the two houses. Results of monitoring are presented that contrast the performance of the two houses.
Binding of trifluoperazine and fluorene-containing compounds to calmodulin and adducts.

Abstract Calmodulin can be specifically acylated with a fluorene-containing hydrophobic spin-labeling reagent at just Lys 75 or at Lys 75 and Lys 148. The binding of trifluoperazine to calmodulin and the two adducts was determined using a Hummel-Dreyer procedure, and binding of the phenothiazine was found to be characterized by apparent positive cooperativity and an apparent limiting stoichiometry of about seven binding sites per protein molecule. Two non-reactive fluorene-containing compounds were synthesized, and both reagents exhibited far less binding to calmodulin than did trifluoperazine. One of these was also assayed for binding to the monolabeled adduct, and this binding was about half that observed with calmodulin and was non-cooperative. Thus, the qualitative andquantitative binding parameters of hydrophobic groups to calmodulin can be quite different.
High-throughput nanofabrication of plasmonic structures and metamaterials with high resolution nanostencil lithography

We demonstrate a novel fabrication approach for high-throughput fabrication of engineered plasmonic antenna arrays and metamaterials with Nanostencil Lithography (NSL). NSL technique, relying on deposition of materials through a shadow mask, offers the flexibility and the resolution to fabricate radiatively engineer nanoantenna arrays for excitation of collective plasmonic resonances. We confirmed that the antenna arrays fabricated by NSL shows high optical quality similar to EBL fabricated ones. Furthermore, we show nanostencils can be reused multiple times to fabricate selfsame structures with identical optical responses repeatedly and reliably. This capability is particularly useful when highthroughput replication of the optimized nanoparticle arrays is desired. In addition to its high-throughput capability, NSL permits single step nanofabrication of plasmonic devices on surfaces that are difficult to work with electron/ion beam techniques. Nanostencil lithography is a resist free process thus allows the transfer of the nanopatterns to any planar substrate whether it is conductive, insulating or magnetic. As proof of the versatility of the NSL technique, we show fabrication of plasmonic structures and metamaterials in variety of geometries. In metamaterial and plasmonic devices, unique geometries with small gaps and asymmetries can induce novel electromagnetic responses such as plasmon induced transparency and also giant near-field intensities that are important for enhanced vibrational spectroscopy and non-linear optics applications. This nanofabrication scheme, enabling the reusability of stencil and offering flexibility on the substrate choice and nano-pattern design could significantly enhance wide-use of plasmonics in sensing technologies.1
The completion agenda, community colleges, and civic capacity

AbstractIn this article, we present a new critique of the Completion Agenda as inscribed in Reclaiming the American dream, a policy document published in April 2012 by the American Association of Community Colleges. Our critique is grounded on the premise that community colleges should improve completion rates, but this should be motivated by a desire to empower students and prepare them for a richer life in an evolving democracy and not simply satisfy the national economic objectives commonly offered to justify the Completion Agenda. Accordingly, following our critique, we outline an alternative vision based on a text in the literature of democracy as problem solving, a body of work that remains largely unacknowledged in higher education research and scholarship. We specifically focus on Briggs (2008) who found that six different global communities were successful in addressing serious social and economic problems through an organic process grounded in a nontraditional view of democracy. Using Briggs’ wo...
Transport of ferritin and horseradish peroxidase into the systemic circulation of three species of teleost fish following oral and anal intubation

Abstract The absorption of ferritin, following either oral or anal intubation, into the systemic circulation of carp, rainbow trout and a tilapian species was examined and quantified using rocket immunoelectrophoresis, whereas the appearance of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the systemic circulation of the tilapian species after either oral or anal intubation was quantified using an ELISA. In all three species greater levels of ferritin were detected in the plasma after anal intubation and significantly greater amounts were taken up by the intestine of the tilapian than the other two species. In the tilapian species there was no significant difference in the plasma levels of HRP following either oral or anal intubation, but in both cases peak levels were detected within 90 min of intubation.
Making flat art for both eyes

By adding an additional dimension to the traditional two dimensional art we make, we are able to expand our visual experience, what we see, and thus what we might become. This visual expansion changes or adds to the patterns that produce our thoughts and behavior. As 2D artists see and create in a more three dimensional space, their work may generate within the viewer a deeper understanding of the thought processes in themselves and others. This can be achieved by creating images in three dimensional. The work aligns more closely with natural physiology, that is, it is seen with both eyes. Traditionally, color and rules of perspective trick the viewer into thinking in three dimensions. By adding the stereoscopic element, an object is experienced in a naturally 3D space with the use of two eyes. Further visual expansion is achieved with the use of ChromaDepth glasses to actually see the work in 3D as it is being created. This cannot be done with other 3D methods that require two images or special programming to work. Hence, the spontaneous creation of an image within a 3D space becomes a new reality for the artist. By working in a truly three dimensional space that depends on two eyes to experience, an artist gains a new perspective on color, transparency, overlapping, focus, etc. that allows him/her new ways of working and thus seeing: a new form of expression.
Genomic Structure and Functional Characterization of the Promoter Region of Human IκB Kinase-related Kinase IKKi/ IKKɛ Gene

The inducible IκB kinase (IKKi/IKKɛ) is a recently described serine-threonine kinase that activates the transcription factors NFκB, interferon regulatory factor-3 (IRF3) and CCAAA/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBPδ). Several inflammatory agents have been shown to induce the expression of the IKKi gene in macrophages and other cell types but the mechanism is unknown. We have found that the IKKi expression was constitutive in human chondrocytes from OA cartilage and a human chondrocytic cell line C28/I2 but was up-regulated by the inflammatory cytokines TNFα or IL-1β in an NFκB dependent manner. To understand the constitutive and inducible expression of the IKKi gene we localized the transcription start site (TSS), cloned and sequenced a 2 kb genomic DNA fragment 5’ of the TSS and characterized the putative promoter region (PPR), and identified the motifs therein that are required for basal and cytokine-induced IKKi gene promoter activity. We found that IKKi core promoter was TATA-less and by using PCR generated deletion mutants of the PPR we found that the cis-elements responsible for basal transcriptional activity were located between −51 to −100 bp upstream of the TSS while the cytokine response elements were located distally between −501 and −1000 bp upstream of the TSS. The DNA region containing the cytokine response elements had two κB sites as the most relevant regulatory motifs. The results of site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the κB site located between −833 and −847 bp upstream of the TSS was biologically functional and required for cytokine-induced IKKi promoter activity in human chondrocytes and HeLa cells. The silencing of the other κB site (−816/−802) was positional, rather than sequence-specific. Over-expression of NFκB p65 mimics the TNFα-induced activation of the IKKi promoter. In addition, the gel shift assay suggested that NFκB p65 is responsible for activation of the IKKi promoter. These data for the first time characterize the promoter region of IKKi and provide further insights into its transcriptional regulation in human chondrocytes and other cell types.
Iterative Learning Velocity and Tension Control for Single Span Axially Moving Materials

Precise tension and speed control of axially moving material systems enables high speed processing of paper, plastics, fibers, and films. A single span model is developed that includes distributed longitudinal vibration, a torque-controlled roller at the left boundary, and a speed-controlled roller at the right boundary. The speed trajectory of the right roller is assumed periodic but unknown. A proportional and derivative (PD) feedback and iterative learning control (ILC) feedforward control law is developed for the left roller torque based on the measured tension and speed at the left boundary. PD tension/ speed control is proven to ensure boundedness of distributed displacement and tension. ILC is proven to provide the same theoretical result but greatly improved simulated response to an aggressive stop/start right roller speed trajectory.
The APC Tumor Suppressor Inhibits DNA Replication by Directly Binding to DNA via Its Carboxyl Terminus

Background & Aims: The APC tumor suppressor is well known for its ability to regulate Wnt signaling through mediation of β-catenin levels in the cell. Transient over expression of the tumor suppressor gene APC in colon cancer cells prevents entry into S phase of the cell cycle, a phenotype only partially restored by cotransfection of a transcriptionally active form of β-catenin. In an attempt to define its transcription-independent tumor suppressor functions, we tested whether APC directly affects DNA replication. Methods: A transcriptionally quiescent in vitro DNA replication system, the polymerase chain reaction, DNA binding assays, and transient transfections in colon cancer cell lines were used to determine the effects of APC on DNA replication and the mechanism by which it works. Results: We report that exogenous full-length APC inhibits replication of template DNA through a function that maps to amino acids 2140–2421, a region of the protein commonly lost by somatic or germline mutation. This segment of APC directly interacts with DNA, while mutation of the DNA-binding S(T)PXX motifs within it abolishes DNA binding and reduces inhibition of DNA replication. Phosphorylation of this segment by cyclin-dependent kinases also reduces inhibition of DNA replication. Furthermore, transient transfection of an APC segment encoding amino acids 2140–2421 into a colon cancer cell line with mutant APC prevents cell cycle progression into or through S phase. Conclusions: Our results suggest that APC can negatively regulate cell cycle progression through inhibition of DNA replication by direct interaction with DNA.
Automated high-throughput protein purification using an ÄKTApurifier and a CETAC autosampler.

As the pace of drug discovery accelerates there is an increased focus on screening larger numbers of protein therapeutic candidates to identify those that are functionally superior and to assess manufacturability earlier in the process. Although there have been advances toward high throughput (HT) cloning and expression, protein purification is still an area where improvements can be made to conventional techniques. Current methodologies for purification often involve a tradeoff between HT automation or capacity and quality. We present an AKTA combined with an autosampler, the AKTA-AS, which has the capability of purifying up to 240 samples in two chromatographic dimensions without the need for user intervention. The AKTA-AS has been shown to be reliable with sample volumes between 0.5 mL and 100 mL, and the innovative use of a uniquely configured loading valve ensures reliability by efficiently removing air from the system as well as preventing sample cross contamination. Incorporation of a sample pump flush minimizes sample loss and enables recoveries ranging from the low tens of micrograms to milligram quantities of protein. In addition, when used in an affinity capture-buffer exchange format the final samples are formulated in a buffer compatible with most assays without requirement of additional downstream processing. The system is designed to capture samples in 96-well microplate format allowing for seamless integration of downstream HT analytic processes such as microfluidic or HPLC analysis. Most notably, there is minimal operator intervention to operate this system, thereby increasing efficiency, sample consistency and reducing the risk of human error.
FTIR spectra of the HF complexes with alkyl cyanides in solid argon

Abstract Ethyl-, i-propyl, and t-butyl cyanide were separately condensed at 9–12K with HF in excess argon producing complexes of the form RCNHF. Diffusion of HF was accomplished by warming the matrix above 18K which produced 1:2 and 1:3 complexes RCN(HF)2 and RCN(HF)3. The HF submolecule stretching frequencies for the 1:1 complexes were very similar, giving absorptions at 3515, 3530 and 3520 cm−1, respectively, while the HF librational modes were observed centered around 650 cm−1. The CN symmetric stretch in the complexes was perturbed to higher energy in each case implying a strengthening of the CN bond, with the C-C3 symmetric stretch in t-butyl cyanide also shifted to higher energy.
Weighted-superposition approximation for x-ray and neutron reflectance.

An approximate formula is derived for the x-ray and neutron reflectance of a one-dimensional scattering-length-density (SLD) profile based on the principle of superposition of the wave field. The SLD profile is regarded as being composed of an infinite number of histogramlike differential SLD steps which are distributed along the depth direction. A simple Fresnel reflection is assumed to occur at each differential step. The elemental Fresnel reflections from all the differential steps, weighted by their respective propagation effects, add up to the overall reflectance of the one-dimensional SLD profile in the form of an integral. The reflectance obtained this way is shown to reduce to the Born approximation for large-wave-vector transfer Q and to the modified Born approximation for very thin surface structures. The accuracy of the formula is evaluated through comparisons with Parratt's recurrence formula, the Born approximation, and the distorted-wave Born approximation (DWBA) for a few selected SLD profiles imitating actual experimental SLD profiles. It is concluded that the formula is, in general, more accurate than the Born and DWBA approximations and is valid in the entire range of wave-vector transfer Q except slight deviations in the narrow region around the total reflection edge. The formulation also applies to absorptive materials when the SLD profile is taken to be complex. Owing to the high accuracy and simplicity of the formula, a scheme is proposed to use the formula for the reconstruction of the SLD profile from measured reflectance and reflectivity data.
The efficiency extrapolation method in coincidence counting

Abstract A variety of nuclear species can now be measured by 4 π βγ-coincidence methods making use of extrapolation procedures, but without requiring detailed knowledge of decay scheme parameters. By varying the β-detector efficiency an experimental function is obtained giving the β-channel counting rate in terms of the coincidence-to-γ-channel counting ratio, N c / N γ . This function is taken to give the source disintegration rate when N c / N γ has unit value. The techniques used in practice are reviewed and the theory examined in some detail to show how valid measures can be achieved experimentally. Since least squares data fitting plays an important role in the extrapolation procedures, methods are outlined which currently appear to be essentially free of major ambiguities.
Crystal structure of the orange isomer of [(C6H5)3P]2[C2S2(CF3)2]RuCO

The structure of the title compound has been determined by X-ray analysis. It is monoclinic:a = 10.147,b = 10.081,c = 38.627 A, β = 102.27 °,Z = 4,P21/c. The structure was solved by standard methods and refined by least squares to a (conventional)R-factor of 4.7%. The Ru atom is in square-pyramidal configuration: the Ru-S distances (2.286, 2.336A) are significantly different, but the Ru-P distances average to 2.389 A. Comparisons are made with the violet isomer.
Relationship between vascular thermotolerance and intratumor pH.

Abstract The changes in blood flow, intratumor pH, and clonogenicity of tumor cells after one and two heatings were studied in SCK tumors of A/J mice. When SCK tumors were heated at 42.5°C for 1 hr, vascular thermotolerance promptly developed and peaked at 18 hr post-heating. The intratumor pH was 7.05 ± 0.14 (mean±S.D.) in control SCK tumors of A/J mice, with a significant decrease ( p ≤50.001) to 6.86 ± 0.08 and 6.70 ± 0.08 when heated for 1 hr at 43.5°C and 44.5°C, respectively. However, when the vascular thermotolerance was at its peak, heating at the same doses caused little change in the intratumor pH. When SCK tumors were heated for the first time at 44.5°C for 1 hr and left in situ , the number of clonogenic cells significantly declined. Such a secondary cell death could be attributed to the deterioration of the intratumor environment ensuing from the vascular damage. When the tumor vessels were thermotolerant, however, virtually no secondary cell death occurred after heating.
A Prototype Continuous Flow Polymerase Chain Reaction LTCC Device

There is a growing need for remote biological sensing in both laboratory and harsh field environments. Sensing and detection of biological entities such as anthrax, Ebola and other micro-organisms of interest involves sampling of the environment, amplification, analysis and identification of the target DNA. A key component of such a sensor is a low cost, portable, reusable, continuous flow polymerase chain reaction (PCR) thermal cycler. Fabrication with low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) can provide a reusable low cost device capable of operating in a wide range of environments The design and manufacture of a prototype continuous flow micro-fluidic PCR device using low temperature co-fired ceramic is presented. Initial modeling of flow characteristics and heat transfer was carried out in SolidWorks™. The prototype device employs resistance heaters below the channels, buried and surface thermocouples for temperature monitoring, and air gaps for thermal isolation.
US inflation with trace and simultaneous fear conditioning

Two experiments with rat subjects in a conditioned punishment paradigm are reported. These experiments attempted to determine if the events entering into association with the CS following conditioning with informative (forward) and noninformative (simultaneous) CSs were comparable. In Experiment 1, exposure to intense shock alone following trace (ISI = 10 sec) conditioning with moderate shock enhanced the suppressive effects of a 2-sec CS. A similar manipulation following explicitly unpaired CS-US presentations (ISI = 2 min) had no effect. These data were taken as evidence that the CS and US were associated during trace conditioning. Experiment 2 showed that exposure to intense shock following simultaneous conditioning also enhanced suppression to the CS. These results suggested that simultaneous and forward conditioning procedures yield similar forms of associative learning.
Pleiotropic effects of heterozygosity at the mating-type locus of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on repair, recombination and transformation

Abstract Sexual ( MAT a / α ) and sexual ( MAT a / a ) strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae , which are completely isogenic except at the MAT locus, were compared in their response to ultraviolet radiation. The effects of UV on survival, mitotic intragenic recombination, photoreactivation, and transformation efficiency with UV-irradiated plasmid DNA were examined. The sexual strain had enhanced survival and higher rates of mitotic intragenic recombination compared with the asexual strain. Exposure to visible light subsequent to irradiation increased the survival of both sexual and asexual strains, and decreased their rates of mitotic intragenic recombination. Similar results were obtained by Haladus and Zuk (1980) in their examination of sexual strains homozygous for rad 6-1, and wild-type sexuals. Our sexual strain was also consistently more proficient at transforming plasmid DNA, whether that DNA had been irradiated or not. When pre-irradiated with 25 J/m 2 of UV, MAT a / α cells transformed more efficiently than MAT a / a cells. When subsequently exposed to light, the ability of these pre-irradiated cells to transform decreased for both strains with increasing irradiation of the plasmid. A smaller decrease in transformation efficiency occurred when cells of both strains were kept in the dark. When pre-irradiated with 100 J/m 2 , the MAT a / α cells showed a 2-fold increase in their transformation efficiency of both irradiated and unirradiated plasmids by up to 2-fold, a phenomenon not seen in the MAT a / a cells even when pre-irradiated with much higher doses of UV. This increase in transformation efficiency was not, however, seen in the MAT a / α cells when they were exposed to visible light after UV irradiation. These results suggest that cells with the MAT aα genotype have a UV-inducible system that increases the efficiency of transformation in the absence of visible light. This increase in transformation is not an induced increase in the repair of plasmid DNA, but rather an increase in the ability of pre-irradiated MAT a / α cells to take up exogenous DNA. MAT a / a cells do not appear to have a similarity inducible system. To the best of our knowledge, this phenomenon has not been previously reported.
Gas phase RNA and DNA ions 2. Conformational dependence of the gas-phase H/D exchange of nucleotide-5'-monophosphates.

The conformational dependence of the gas-phase hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange of nucleotide-5-monophosphate anions with the H/D exchange reagent D2S is reported here. The electrospray-generated [M − H]− anions of adenosine-5′-monophosphate, adenosine-5′-carboxylic acid, ribitol-5-phosphate, and 2-deoxy-ribitol-5-phosphate were reacted with D2S in the gas phase. Their reactivity (adenosine-5′-monophosphate exchanged 2 of 5 labile hydrogens, adenosine-5′-carboxylic acid exchanged 1 of 4, ribitol-5-phosphate exchanged 2 of 3, and 2-deoxy-ribitol-5-phosphate exchanged 1 of 2) suggests that the hydroxyl group in the 2 position of the ribose sugar and the amino hydrogen on the nucleobase do not exchange readily with D2S. Semiempirical molecular orbital calculations suggest that the labile hydrogens in these positions are thermodynamically facile to exchange but as a conformation inaccessible to the presumed phosphate anion, consistent with a mechanism in which the phosphate anion complexes with the exchange reagent and assists H/D exchange at a neighboring site.
Stretch-orientation of LaRC™ RP50 Polyimide Film:

An addition-curable poly(amic acid) film was subjected to various thermal pretreatments and then to uniaxial or biaxial drawing. Hot-stretching to 300% of the initial length produced better than twofold increases in tensile modulus and strength of partially-cured films. Most of the improvement was maintained upon completion of the curing at constant length.
A diffusion model for droplet deposition in gas/liquid annular flow

Abstract Droplet deposition in vertical gas/liquid annular flow is modeled by considering dispersion from a ring source on the wall. Flow situations such as fully developed flow or droplet concentrations downstream of a film removal unit are then described by appropriate distributions of ring sources at the wall.
How Mobile Affects Business Processes?: The Research Perspective

During the MobileDeli'14 workshop held at the SPLASH'14 conference we facilitated a panel, comprised of four distinguished, senior participants from industry. They started by presenting their position with respect to a set of predefined questions, and then we opened the floor to questions from the audience
4499 Effect of variable stiffness colonoscopes on cecal intubation times for routine colonoscopy in sedated patients.

Background: Variable stiffness (VS) colonoscopes allow passage of the rectosigmoid in a flexible mode followed by stiffening to prevent looping. In this study cecal intubation time was compared with 4 Olympus colonoscopes: standard adult CF-140(SA), standard pediatric PCF-140 (SP), VS adult (VSA) and VS pediatric (VSP). Method: All exams were performed by a single experienced examiner. 110 were excluded for the following reasons: colon resection (N=42), pediatric scope selected for stricture, known severe diverticulosis, etc. (n=24), IBD (n=32), failed colonoscopy at another facility (n=6) acute GI bleed (n=6). For 355 remaining consecutive sedated examinations, scopes were rotated with scopes left out of rotation if they were not yet sterile or needed repair. All patients were sedated independently by nurses. Results: 99.2% of exams were complete to the cecum. The stiffness device was activated in 61% of VSA and 80% of VSP exams. The number of exams with each scope was SA n=125, SP n=92, VSP n=75, VSA n=63. There was no difference between scope groups in percent male (55%), mean age (55 years), or percent of women with prior hysterectomy (44%). The examiner judged the device very useful, somewhat useful and no help in 46%, 44% and 10% of VSA exams and 55%, 33% and 12% of VSP exams Mean cecal intubation time in minutes for SA was 4.09, SP 4.05, VSP 4.04, VSA 3.93 (P=0.98). The percent of intubations in 5 min 23.7% with no difference between scopes. Nurses assessment of pain was not different between scopes (p=0.8). Use of abdominal pressure was numerically lower with VS scopes (44% vs. 53%), but not significant (p=0.4). Conclusion: VS scopes were frequently judged useful by an experienced examiner but did not impact cecal intubation times. Additional studies by other experienced and inexperienced examiners as well as evaluation of additional technical improvements and evaluation in unsedated patients are needed.
Characterization of esters of fatty acids and dicarboxylic acids with Guerbet alcohols

Esters of some common fatty acids and diacids with Guerbet alcohols were prepared by p-toluenesulfonic acid-catalyzed esterification. Such materials are of interest in applications such as additives in various industrial products. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with chemical ionization using methane as ionization gas is an efficient characterization method for these Guerbet esters and diesters. Under these conditions, structural features such as molecular weight and site of branching are easily determined. The spectra of the present compounds were compared to those of di-Guerbet esters reported earlier and differences noted. The compounds were also characterized by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Compositional variation of coexisting olivine, orthopyroxene and Fe/Mg-ferrite as a function of T and \(f_{O_2 }\): a geothermometer and oxygen-barometer

A thermodynamic model is developed that describes the compositional variation of coexisting olivine, orthopyroxene, and ferrite (Fe_3O_4-MgFe_2O_4) as a function of f_O_2 and T. The ferrite phase has a cation distribution which varies from nearly inverse to nearly random with increasing T and is described with a model in which the number of sites per formula unit on which mixing occurs varies from 1.67 to 2.0. Given this model and the equilibrium phase composition data for coexisting olivine and ferrite at 1,300° C of Jamieson and Roeder (1984), the ferrite solution is described to an excellent approximation by a symmetric regular solution model with W_(ft) =+14.0 ±0.3 kJ/mole. Orthopyroxene and olivine non-ideality are also considered. The T-dependence of the equilibrium constant for the oxidation reaction 6Fs+2Mt=6Fa+O_2 and the two Fe/Mg exchange reactions between olivine-ferrite and olivine-orthopyroxene, are used to calculate the compositional variation of coexisting phases as a function of f_O_2 and T. The results are summarized on an isobaric (1 bar) f_O_2−1/Tplot with the compositional variation of olivine, ferrite, and orthopyroxene shown by sets of isopleths. The ferrite isopleths intersect those of olivine and orthopyroxene at sufficiently high angles for this assemblage to serve as a sensitive geothermometer and oxygen-barometer. The model is applied to orthopyroxene-ferrite symplectite in coronas around olivine in a metamorphosed gabbro, to olivine-hosted orthopyroxene-ferrite symplectite in unmetamorphosed gabbros and norites and to olivine-hosted orthopyroxene-ferrite symplectites developed within the rims of lherzolite xenoliths.
Transgenic Expression of CXCR3 on T Cells Enhances Susceptibility to Cutaneous Leishmania major Infection by Inhibiting Monocyte Maturation and Promoting a Th2 Response

Cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused mainly by Leishmania major, an obligate intracellular parasite, is a disfiguring disease characterized by large skin lesions and is transmitted by a sand fly vector. We previously showed that the chemokine receptor CXCR3 plays a critical role in mediating resistance to cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major. Furthermore, T cells from L. major-susceptible BALB/c but not L. major-resistant C57BL/6 mice fail to efficiently upregulate CXCR3 upon activation. We therefore examined whether transgenic expression of CXCR3 on T cells would enhance resistance to L. major infection in susceptible BALB/c mice. We generated BALB/c and C57BL/6 transgenic mice, which constitutively overexpressed CXCR3 under a CD2 promoter, and then examined the outcomes with L. major infection. Contrary to our hypothesis, transgenic expression of CXCR3 (CXCR3(Tg)) on T cells of BALB/c mice resulted in increased lesion sizes and parasite burdens compared to wild-type (WT) littermates after L. major infection. Restimulated lymph node cells from L. major-infected BALB/c-CXCR3(Tg) mice produced more interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10 and less gamma interferon (IFN-γ). Cells in draining lymph nodes from BALB/c-CXCR3(Tg) mice showed enhanced Th2 and reduced Th1 cell accumulation associated with increased neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes. However, monocytes displayed an immature phenotype which correlated with increased parasite burdens. Interestingly, transgenic expression of CXCR3 on T cells did not impact the outcome of L. major infection in C57BL/6 mice, which mounted a predominantly Th1 response and spontaneously resolved their infection similar to WT littermates. Our findings demonstrate that transgenic expression of CXCR3 on T cells increases susceptibility of BALB/c mice to L. major.
Does aging differentially reduce heart rate variability related to respiration

Segments of resting heart rate were submitted to spectral analysis in order to assess changes in spectral power with age. Different frequencies of heart rate variability have been related to vagal and sympathetic cardiac control. Data were from 56 male volunteers ranging in age between 18 and 65 years of age. Spectral results revealed that respiratory sinus arrhythmia declined less with age than lower (vasomotor) frequencies. Assessment of total (rather than relative) power at respiratory frequencies revealed the expected drop in power with age. Thus, the decline in heart rate variability with age may not be due predominantly to a decline in frequencies related to respiration.
Information theoretic framework for process control

Abstract This paper proposes a general framework for constructing control charts based on information theory. The potential applications include developing information charts , for monitoring moments and distributions of a process variable and process attributes. In information theoretic process control (ITPC), process moments are mapped to process distributions at in-control and monitoring states, and then to a control function via constrained maximization of entropy and minimization of Kullback–Leibler function (cross-entropy). Variants of information charts can be developed without using distributional assumptions and based on a single criterion function, the information discrepancy between two distributions . An example of an information chart, Information mean-variance chart, IMV-chart , for monitoring process mean and variance is developed. The IMV-chart combines the standard x -chart and s 2 -chart, and provides an information theoretic explication of the traditional procedures. Based on a run-length study, it is found that the IMV-chart singly possesses certain advantages over the standard two-chart implementation of x -chart and s 2 -chart. Multivariate extension, monitoring counts and proportions, and monitoring distributional changes are briefly discussed.
Postpartum depression: a cross-cultural perspective

Abstract The postpartum period represents a time of increased risk for psychiatric disorders. Mood disorders include postpartum blues, transient depressive symptoms occurring between postpartum days 3–12 in 50%–80% of new mothers. There is consensus that the incidence of new onset of depression using standard clinical interviews is between 10%–15% in North American and European women who give birth. Therefore postpartum depression is a frequent and significant risk for the new mother. Detection of postpartum depression by primary care providers requires recognition of symptoms of depression or the screening of women with standardized instruments. These tasks are complicated when assessing women from different cultures. This article gives practical recommendations for the many obstetricians who treat women from different cultures. Somatization is a prominent expression of depression in Hispanic, Asian, and African cultures. Complaints of sadness and feelings of guilt are more characteristic of depression in Western cultures than in Hispanic, Asian, or African cultures. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), a widely used self-report screening instrument, does not detect depression in Japanese women and caution needs to be exercised in using it to screen women from non-Western cultures. Low rates of postpartum depression are reported in some studies of Asian women in their native country in contrast to high rates of depression in some immigrant populations. The stress of acculturation could contribute to these differences. Postpartum rituals practiced in several different cultures (Hispanic, Asian, African) can assist the woman in the transition to motherhood. When practiced by immigrant women these rituals could alleviate the acculturation stress. As the United States and Europe become increasingly multicultural, clinicians will want to be aware of the role of culture in the rite of passage to parenthood and in postpartum practices, so that they can better mobilize the woman’s internal and external resources.
X-Ray Diffraction and Electron Optical Studies on Smectite and α -Cristobalite Associations

Alteration products of volcanic materials from various localities in Wyoming, U.S.A., Italy, Yugoslavia and Mozambique are mainly smectites and cristobalites with small amounts of kaolinite. Smectite and cristobalite form separate and intergrown aggregates of microcristallinity. X-ray diffraction studies show that the silica is a-cristobalite with a noticeable stacking disorder. Small aggregates of optically pure o~-cristobalite, which were separated by an appropriate mixture ofbromo- form and carbon tetrachloride, are shown to contain a noticeable amount of smectite on Debye- Scherrer diffraction photographs for the samples from Italy and Wyoming, U.S.A. Transmission electron micrographs and selected area electron diffraction photographs show, in addition to smectite and c~-cristobalite aggregates, the presence ofidiomorph single crystals of kaolinite.
Civil liberties and economic development

Skepticism prevails among a substantial number of economists over a possible connection between civil liberties and the level of economic activity. Until now, empirical research on economic growth has found mixed evidence on the influence of civil liberties. Disaggregation of the Freedom House Civil Liberties Index allows a fresh empirical look at the effect of human rights on long-term growth or economic development. Our results show that one of the four subcategories of the index outperforms all available indicators of property rights institutions in explaining long-term economic growth. This subcategory, Personal Autonomy and Individual Rights, captures the level of second generation human rights that affect the mobility of individuals with respect to housing, employment and university education, as well as the level of protection of property rights. This result is robust with respect to reverse causation, important omitted variables such as geography and human capital, as well as to a variety of sensitivity tests. We also discuss in our conceptual framework how civil liberties work as an indicator of the prevalence of the rule of law and how the latter affects growth or development as an essential public input.
A case of fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy misdiagnosed as Becker's muscular dystrophy for 20 years

A 60-year-old man diagnosed clinically with Becker’s muscular dystrophy 20 years ago by another physician presented with gradually progressive proximal muscle weakness since teenage years. Family history revealed a strong paternal familial inheritance pattern of similar distribution of weakness—face, forearm flexion, knee extension and foot dorsiflexion. Work-ups revealed B12 deficiency and allele 1 deletion in fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) DNA testing. FSHD is the third most common muscular dystrophy. Clinical diagnosis is made from the distinctive pattern of weakness, autosomal-dominant inheritance, and confirmed by genetic testing. This case strongly demonstrates the importance of a thorough and careful clinical evaluation even in a case with a long standing diagnosis.
Our Changing Planet: An Introduction to Earth System Science and Global Environmental Change, 2nd Edition

Anyone who has taught in Earth systems science is aware of the difficulties in making the subject accessible and understandable while at the same time not losing the “big picture.” It is easy to get lost while traipsing through the myriad contributing sciences. The field is evolving rapidly given the exigencies of current global concerns. Resources such as the book under review, directed as they are toward the nonspecialist college audience, have the chance to influence how the field will actually be taught and practiced.
REGIONAL TRANSPORT INVESTMENT PLANNING

Strategies that can be implemented in regional-transport investment planning are discussed. Suggested are ways to ensure proper investment decision making when planning variables are uncertain. Models that can be used to determine minimum levels of capital investment, transport project robustness, and project stability are presented. The models are used to evaluate transport investment alternatives for a development project in S. Sulawesi, Indonesia. 1 diagram, 3 graphs, 2 tables.
Large-scale maintenance of dual projections by callosal and frontal cortical projection neurons in adult mice

Integration of sensory-motor information in premotor cortex of rodents occurs largely through callosal and frontal cortical association projections directed in a hierarchically organized manner. Although most anatomical studies in rodents have been performed in rats, mammalian genetic models have focused on mice, because of their successful manipulation on the genetic and cell biological levels. It is therefore important to establish the normal patterns of anatomical connectivity in mice, which potentially differ from those in rats. The goal of this study is to investigate the anatomical development of callosal and frontal premotor projection neurons (CPN and FPN, respectively) in mouse sensory-motor and premotor cortex and to investigate quantitatively the potential laminar differences between these neurons with simultaneous callosal and frontal projections during development. The retrograde tracers Fluoro-Gold and DiI were injected into sensory-motor and premotor cortices, respectively, C57Bl/6 mice at different developmental times (P2, P8, P21, adult). We found that, in contrast to the case in primate and cat, there is widespread overlap in populations of long-distance projection neurons in mice; many projection neurons have simultaneous projections to both contralateral somatosensory cortex and ipsilateral frontal cortex, and a considerable number of these dual projections persist into adulthood. In addition, there are significant laminar differences in the percentage of neurons with simultaneous callosal and frontal projections, and an isolated population of layer V FPN has bilateral projections to both premotor cortical hemispheres. Taken together, our results indicate that a large proportion of individual projection neurons maintains simultaneous callosal and frontal projections in adult mice, suggesting that these dual projections might serve the critical function of integrating motor coordination information with multimodal association areas.
Solution of the ‘inverse problem of diastole’ via kinematic modeling allows determination of ventricular properties and provides mechanistic insights into diastolic heart failure

Because 50% of heart failure hospital admissions have diastolic heart failure (DHF) quantifying diastolic function (DF) has reached new prominence. Conventionally DF indices have been computed from shape-based features (height, duration, area) of Doppler waveforms such as the E-wave, (transmitral flow velocity), or E'-wave (mitral annular velocity) without regard to causal mechanisms. Solution of the ‘inverse problem’ has been achieved via the parametrized diastolic filling (PDF) formalism, a linear, kinematic model which treats the elastic, recoil-driven suction-pump attribute of the left ventricle as a damped simple harmonic oscillator (SHO). PDF uses the E-wave as input and generates stiffness (k), relaxation/ damping (c) and load (x o ) as output. Scientific successes include the prediction that filling must be driven by a linear, bi-directional spring, later validated as a property of the giant cardiac protein titin, which generates a recoiling force at the cellular level in early diastole. Selected recent kinematic modeling achievements include: explanation why E-wave deceleration time must be determined jointly by stiffness (k) and relaxation (c), rather than by stiffness alone; LV equilibrium volume is the volume at diastasis; solution of the load-independent index of diastolic function (LIIDF) problem; solution of the isovolumic pressure decay (IVPD) problem. Clinical application reveals that contrary to dogma, chamber relaxation/viscoelasticity (PDF parameter c) rather than chamber stiffness (PDF parameter k) most often differentiates between controls vs. diastolic dysfunction subjects, thereby providing mechanistic insights into DHF.
Gauss-Laguerre calculation of free-free Gaunt factors

Abstract An analysis is made of some earlier calculations by Grant of the Maxwell-averaged free-free Gaunt factor in the Born approximation by means of Gauss-Laguerre integration. A discrepancy between one of his results and the exact value given by Berger is shown to be due to error in the integration procedure rather than failure of the Born approximation as Grant had surmised.
13C label identifies eelgrass (Zostera marina) Carbon in an Alaskan estuarine food web

The food web of Izembek Lagoon, Alaska draws most of its carbon from eelgrass (Zostera marina) and phytoplankton. The13C:12C ratios of these primary producers are sufficiently different to enable their contributions to consumers to be estimated from consumer13C:12C ratios. Although the technique is conceptually simple, carbon inputs from other sources and isotope fractionations occurring in the food web limit its precision. Isotopic data nevertheless helps to establish the major carbon fluxes through the community and to assess the importance of eelgrass carbon to individual animals. It is particularly useful when dealing with detritus food chains, where direct observations of animal feeding habits are difficult to make. The Izembek community draws much of its carbon from eelgrass. Detritus food chains provide the major pathway for assimilation of eelgrass carbon by the community, but grazers are also important. Eelgrass carbon is more important to benthic animals than to the eelgrass epibiota and the fishes, which depend mainly on phytoplankton carbon.