cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An overview of oxygen vacancy dynamics in (1 − x)(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3–xBaTiO3 solid solution

(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3 (BNT) based ceramics have been the hot topic for a few years because of their multiple functions, from the piezoelectric properties to more recently the electrostatic energy storage performance. However, some basic issues are still unclear, preventing their wide application in real devices. One of them is the underlying conduction mechanism, the interplay of electronic and ionic carriers as a mixed ionic case and the subsequent quantification. This paper deals with the most basic compositions, which are the typical ones from the (1 − x)(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3–xBaTiO3 (BNT–xBT) phase diagram. The conductivity is primarily investigated by impedance spectroscopy, while different equivalent circuits are applied to different conduction mechanisms. A transition from predominantly ionic to predominantly electronic conduction is revealed to occur with the increase in BaTiO3 concentration. The mixed ionic–electronic conduction in the composition near the morphotropic phase boundary, namely BNT–7%BT, is identified and then quantified. To verify our interpretation of impedance results, dc degradation is, for the first time, conducted in this family of materials, from which the electronic and ionic conductions can be easily separated by accessing the mean time to failure. The successful combination of the two methods enables us to have an overview of how the oxygen vacancy dynamics in the BNT–xBT system depends upon the phase nature or the domain structure.
Audiovisual training rapidly reduces potentially hazardous perceptual errors caused by earplugs

Abstract Our ears capture sound from all directions but do not encode directional information explicitly. Instead, subtle acoustic features associated with unique sound source locations must be learned through experience. Surprisingly, aspects of this mapping process remain highly plastic throughout adulthood: Adult human listeners can accommodate acutely modified acoustic inputs (‘new ears’) over a period of a few weeks to recover near-normal sound localization, and this process can be accelerated with explicit training. Here we evaluated the extent of such plasticity given only transient exposure to distorted inputs. Distortions were produced via earplugs, which severely degrade sound localization performance, constraining their usability in real-world settings that require accurate directional hearing. Localization was measured over a period of ten weeks. Provision of feedback via simple paired auditory and visual stimuli led to a rapid decrease in the occurrence of large errors (responses >|±30°| from target) despite only once-weekly exposure to the altered inputs. Moreover, training effects generalized to untrained sound source locations. Lesser but qualitatively similar improvements were observed in a group of subjects that did not receive explicit feedback. In total, data demonstrate that even transient exposure to altered spatial acoustic information is sufficient for meaningful perceptual improvement (i.e., chronic exposure is not required), offering insight on the nature and time course of perceptual learning in the context of spatial hearing. Data also suggest that the large and potentially hazardous errors in localization caused by earplugs can be mitigated with appropriate training, offering a practical means to increase their usability.
Parental Feeding Practices Are Associated with Weight and Eating Styles of Preschoolers

Evidence links parental feeding practices to children's eating styles and weight, yet some links remain inconclusive. This study assessed the influence of maternal restriction, pressure, food acces...
Positive Interictal Spikes in Complex Partial Epilepsy: A Case Report

ABSTRACT.Positive interictal epileptiform discharges were recorded from the scalp of a patient with new onset complex partial epilepsy. A follow-up EEG revealed negative and positive spikes. The patient was treated successfully with phenytoin. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of exclusively surface positive spikes in an EEG of an adult without a skull defect who had epilepsy.
Pragmatic design of nanoscale multi-gate CMOS

Three-dimensional numerical device simulations are done to gain physical insights on multi-gate FinFETs, which portend the infeasibility of nanoscale triple-gate CMOS, and process/physics-based device/circuit simulations are done to check the concept of pragmatic nanoscale double-gate CMOS design, showing encouraging performance projections near the end of the SIA 2003 ITRS (2003).
Learning Curve: A Simulation-Based Approach to Dynamic Pricing

By employing dynamic pricing, sellers have the potential to increase their revenue by selling their goods at prices customized to the buyers' demand, the market environment, and the seller's supply at the moment of the transaction. As dynamic pricing becomes a necessary competitive maneuver, and as market mechanisms become more complex, there is a growing need for software agents to be used to automate the task of implementing instantaneous price changes. But prior to using dynamic pricing agents, sellers need to understand the implications of agent pricing strategies on their marketplaces. The following article presents the Learning Curve Simulator, a market simulator designed for analyzing agent pricing strategies in markets under finite time horizons and fluctuation buyer demand. Through an in-depth description of the simulator's capabilities and an example of strategy analysis, we demonstrate the strength of a simulation-based approach to understanding agent pricing strategies.
Housing as "capital"

Comment on Piketty, Thomas. 2014. Capital in the twenty-first century . Translated by Arthur Goldhammer. Cambridge, MA: The Belknap Press of Harvard University.
Conformational analysis of methylphenidate and its structural relationship to other dopamine reuptake blockers such as CFT

Purpose. This work was performed 1) to determine the conformational preferences of the threo and erythro isomers of the dopamine reuptake blocker methylphenidate, 2) to determine the crystal conformation of the threo isomer, 3) to confirm the absolute configuration of the more active threo enantiomer, and 4) to incorporate the compound into a previously determined pharmacophore for dopamine reuptake blockers.
Fractionation of the C-apoproteins from human plasma very low density lipoproteins.

Abstract The use of urea in gel and ion exchange chromatography is shown to facilitate greatly the fractionation of the C-apolipoproteins from human plasma very low density lipoproteins. However, it is demonstrated that the use of urea at room temperature can lead to the production of artifactual polymorphism through carbamylation of the C-apolipoproteins. The bead column technique of Sachs and Painter has been adapted for use with superfine Sephadex gels and urea solutions for the rapid and reproducible fractionation of the very low density apolipoproteins.
Loss of Landau Damping for Bunch Oscillations

Conditions for the existence, uniqueness and stability of self-consistent bunch steady states are considered. For the existence and uniqueness problems, simple algebraic criteria are derived for both the action and Hamiltonian domain distributions. For the stability problem, van Kampen theory is used. The onset of a discrete van Kampen mode means the emergence of a coherent mode without any Landau damping; thus, even a tiny couple-bunch or multi-turn wake is sufficient to drive the instability. The method presented here assumes an arbitrary impedance, RF shape, and beam distribution function. Available areas on the intensity-emittance plane are shown for resistive wall wake and single harmonic, bunch shortening and bunch lengthening RF configurations. Thresholds calculated for the Tevatron parameters and impedance model are in agreement with the observations. These thresholds are found to be extremely sensitive to the small-argument behaviour of the bunch distribution function. Accordingly, a method to increase the LLD threshold is suggested. This article summarizes and extends recent author's publications.
A Functional Language for Logarithmic Space

More than being just a tool for expressing algorithms, a well-designed programming language allows the user to express her ideas efficiently. The design choices however effect the efficiency of the algorithms written in the languages. It is therefore important to understand how such choices effect the expressibility of programming languages.
Development of Suppressor T-Cells in Mycobacterium habana-Infected Mice

Mice were infected intravenously with increasing numbers of Mycobacterium habana (simiae serotype II), and the levels of delayed-type hypersensitivity to purified protein derivative and M. habana cytoplasmic protein antigen were determined after 14, 30, and 90 days. A footpad delayed-type hypersensitivity response was seen in 14-day-infected mice and was followed by a persisting anergy. T-cell-enriched suspensions collected 30 and 90 days into the infection (anergic donors) showed depressed transformation indexes after phytohemagglutinin and M. habana cytoplasmic protein antigen treatment in vitro. The corresponding B-cell mitogen (lipopolysaccharide) responses were not affected. Mixing experiments with T-cell-enriched suspensions from day-90 M. habana-infected donors adoptively suppressed lymphocyte transformation by normal and day-14 spleen cells. This effect could be ablated by anti-theta serum and complement treatment of the day-90 cells, indicating that the lack of in vitro responsiveness to cytoplasmic protein antigen was mediated by a population of suppressor T-cells present in the heavily infected spleens. There was no evidence that similar cells were present in the spleens of the 14-day-infected animals. Suppressor T-cells could be induced in vitro by exposure of day-14 spleen cells to concanavalin A or M. habana cytoplasmic protein antigen before they were mixed with normal or day-14 indicator splenic lymphocytes. The timing of the appearance of suppressor T-cells in the infected spleens corresponded to a loss of footpad hypersensitivity by the M. habana-infected animals.
On a learning algorithm of feedback control for an aircraft in windshear: a case study

An algorithm for learning feedback control is presented. Based on the gradient method, a set of formulas for online updating of the weights of a neural controller is given. To demonstrate the algorithm, the proposed controller is used in a practical problem for an aircraft encountering windshear during take-off. The proposed controller is shown to be feasible for many nonlinear systems, and seems to be robust in the presence of windshear. >
Institutions, Politics, and Mental Health Parity:

Mental health parity laws require insurers to extend comparable benefits for mental and physical health care. Proponents argue that by placing mental health services alongside physical health services, such laws can help ensure needed treatment and destigmatize mental illness. Opponents counter that such mandates are costly or unnecessary. The authors offer a sociological account of the diffusion and spatial distribution of state mental health parity laws. An event history analysis identifies four factors as especially important: diffusion of law, political ideology, the stability of mental health advocacy organizations and the relative health of state economies. Mental health parity is least likely to be established during times of high state unemployment and under the leadership of conservative state legislatures.
Hybrid-compiled simulation: An efficient technique for instruction-set architecture simulation

Instruction-set simulators are critical tools for the exploration and validation of new processor architectures. Due to the increasing complexity of architectures and time-to-market pressure, performance is the most important feature of an instruction-set simulator. Interpretive simulators are flexible but slow, whereas compiled simulators deliver speed at the cost of flexibility and compilation overhead. This article presents a hybrid instruction-set-compiled simulation (HISCS) technique for generation of fast instruction-set simulators that combines the benefit of both compiled and interpretive simulation. This article makes two important contributions: (i) it improves the interpretive simulation performance by applying compiled simulation at the instruction level using a novel template-customization technique to generate optimized decoded instructions during compile time; and (ii) it reduces the compile-time overhead by combining the benefits of both static and dynamic-compiled simulation. Our experimental results using two contemporary processors (ARM7 and SPARC) demonstrate an order-of-magnitude reduction in compilation time as well as a 70p performance improvement, on average, over the best-known published result in instruction-set simulation.
Iron(III)-immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry for the purification and characterization of synthetic phosphopeptides.

A method based upon immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) is described for purification of phosphopeptides from the crude preparations of solid-phase peptide synthesis step. Affinity chromatography consists of iron(III) immobilized on iminodiacetate-agarose gel. The method was applied for purification of seven synthetic enkephalin-related phosphorylated peptides. The effectiveness of the method was evaluated by analyzing the IMAC-retained and -nonretained components using reversed-phase (RP) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and an on-line combination of RP-HPLC and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The UV and total ion current chromatograms demonstrated that the phosphopeptides were effectively separated and purified.
The Voting Rights Act in North Carolina: An Evaluation

This study evaluates the impact of the Voting Rights Act on the black electorate in North Carolina. A quasi-experimental research design compares progress made in the forty counties covered by the act (the experimental counties) with an equivalent group not covered by the act (the control counties). The results indicate that blacks in the experimental counties have made significant gains in registering voters, electing black officials, and improving their social and economic conditions.
Introduction to the special issue on lesbians of African descent: contemporary perspectives.

This article serves as an introduction to the special issue entitled, “Lesbians of African Descent: Contemporary Perspectives.” We briefly discuss our framing of this collection as a contemporary contribution to the canon of Black lesbian writing and art, and identify themes that appear to transcend both earlier and current works of lesbians of African descent.
Marketing ethics: a comparison between services and other marketing professionals

Discovers that services professionals, because of the nature of their marketing context, generally have more opportunity than other marketing professionals to engage in unethical behavior. Compares services marketing professionals with other marketing professionals on various components of marketing ethics. Finds the results generally indicate that members of the services profession do not differ from members of other marketing professions with respect to the components of ethics investigated.
Evaluation of Three Scoring Systems Predicting Non Sentinel Node Metastasis in Breast Cancer Patients with a Positive Sentinel Node Biopsy

Completion axillary lymph node dissection (cALND), performed after a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer patients, often results in no additional positive nodes. Scoring systems have been published to aid in the prediction of nonsentinel node metastasis. Our purpose was to assess the validity of these scoring systems in our patient population. For 39 consecutive patients who underwent cALND after a positive SLNB, scores were calculated using retrospective patient data for each of the three scoring systems used. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were drawn, and the areas under the curves were calculated to assess the discriminative power of each system. Univariate analysis was performed to assess the predictability of individual patient and tumor characteristics. Nonsentinel nodes were positive in 23 (59%) patients. The areas under the ROC curves were 0.63, 0.70, and 0.68, respectively. The proportion of sentinel nodes that were positive and the total number of sentinel nodes retrieved were the only individual predictors of nonsentinel node metastasis. Given the high incidence of retrieving no additional metastasis on cALND, individualized patient management according to risk is desirable. Scoring systems provide additional information regarding the likelihood of metastasis in nonsentinel nodes, but their predictability remains less than optimal. The use of scoring systems must be applied with caution until future studies provide a more accurate assessment of risk for patients with a positive SLNB.
A systematic replication of the prescriptive treatment of school refusal behavior in a single subject

We employed a multiple-baseline design to test the efficacy of a recently developed approach for reducing school refusal behavior. This approach uses a systematic method for conducting a functional analysis for the target behaviors and suggests specific intervention strategies based upon this analysis. To maximize external validity, the intervention was tested using a systematic replication strategy, whereby only the major conceptual elements of the intervention were retained from previous applications. The subject was a 10 year old girl who attended school with great difficulty and resistance and who was assigned DSM-III-R diagnoses of separation anxiety disorder and social phobia prior to treatment. Following 8 weeks of treatment, she showed marked reductions in problem behavior and no longer met criteria for any anxiety disorder diagnoses. The results highlight the importance of the use of functional analytic strategies to effect behavior change.
SFCP-007 – Urologie – CXorf6 : un nouveau gène de l’hypospadias

Objectif Des mutations de CXorf6, gene implique dans la synthese de la testosterone, ont recemment ete decrites chez les enfants 46 XY porteurs teurs d’anomalie du developpement sexuel (46XY DSD). Des anomalies de CXorf6 n’ont pas ete rapportees a ce jour chez des enfants porteurs d’hypospadias isoles sans ambiguite vraie. L’objectif de cette etude est d’evaluer le role de CXorf6 chez des patients hypospades. Materiel et methode 41 patients porteurs d’hypospadias isoles de severite variable, et 30 controles ont ete inclus dans cette etude. L’AND a ete extrait a partir de peau de prepuce en exces collectee au cours de la correction chirurgicale de la malfromation. Un sequencage direct de CXorf6 a ete realise. La structure tridimensionnelle des proteines a ete predite par les serveurs NNPredict et PhyrEngine (UC San Francisco et Imperial College of London). Resultat Quatre mutations (9,7 %) ont ete identifiees. - Une mutation missense (V432A) et 2 deletions (del324G, a l’origine d’un codon stop L112X et donc d’une proteine tronquee) ont ete retrouvees chez des patients avec des hypospades proximaux et penoscrotaux. Il est a noter que ces mutations surviennent toutes dans le meme exon (exon 3 qui code pour la majeure partie de la proteine) et qu’elles sont associes aux phenotypes les plus severes. - Une amplification du domaine polyglutamine par augmentation du nombre de triples CAG (un type de mutation generalement implique dans les maladies enzymatiques) a ete egalement identifiee chez un patient porteur d’un hypospadias anterieur. La prediction de la structure tertiaire a montre une alteration de la forme de la proteine, et un encombrement sterique entre les domaines. Ces resultats renforcent la presomption d’alteration de la fonction de la proteine. - Enfin, nous rapportons une incidence elevee de polymorphismes (12,2 %) chez les patients hypospades (haplotype N589S/P286S dans 4 cas). Conclusion Les mutations de CXorf6 sont presentes non seulement chez les patients 46XY, DSD, mais egalement dans une proportion significative de patients porteurs d’hypospadias isoles. Les mutations portant sur l’exon principal sont associees aux formes les plus severes d’hypospades. Nous rapportons egalement pour la premiere fois une amplification du domaine polyglutamique de CXorf6.
Vapor–liquid–solid grown silica nanowire based electrochemical glucose biosensor

Vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) grown silica nanowires (SiO(2)NWs) have been deposited electrophoretically on a gold electrode and utilized for covalent immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx). Covalent binding has been achieved via 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) modification and N-ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide chemistry. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry techniques have been used to characterize SiO(2)NW and GOx/APTES/SiO(2)NW/Au bioelectrode. Electrochemical studies reveal that SiO(2)NW increases the effective electro-active surface area thus resulting in higher loading of enzyme. Response characteristics show linearity in the range of interest 25-300 mg dl(-1), with a detection limit of 11 mg dl(-1), sensitivity: 0.463 µA (mg dl(-1))(-1) and regression coefficient of 0.992.
Narration and narrativity in film

(1976). Narration and narrativity in film. Quarterly Review of Film Studies: Vol. 1, Film: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Theory and Teaching, Part One, pp. 283-296.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibits Apoptosis in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Exposed to Ultraviolet B Irradiation

Deregulated apoptosis among vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) can undermine the integrity of an atherosclerotic plaque and contribute to the rupture of its fibrous cap. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is produced by VSMC and is present in atherosclerotic lesions. Although VEGF has well characterized interactions with endothelial cells, its effect on VSMC apoptosis has not been examined. We demonstrate that VEGF attenuates apoptosis in VSMC that have been exposed to UVB irradiation. Methods Cultured human VSMC were subjected to 40 J of UVB irradiation and then replenished with fresh media containing 10 ng/mL of VEGF. Control cells were shielded with opaque covers during UV exposure. Eighteen hours after exposure, the cells were collected and analyzed using an enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay for histone-associated DNA fragments. The degree of apoptosis was measured as light absorbance at 405 nm. Results UVB irradiation consistently induced apoptosis: the average absorbance of exposed cells was 1.43 versus 0.54 for control cells (n = 8). Adding 10 ng/mL of VEGF after UV exposure significantly reduced the level of apoptosis by an average of 42% (n = 4). VEGF did not have any effect on non-exposed cells. Discussion UVB irradiation is a reliable and valid model that induces apoptosis via the same molecular pathways that can be demonstrated in atherosclerotic lesions. Although VSMC reportedly do not express VEGF receptors, we have shown that VEGF significantly attenuates apoptosis in VSMC. In an ongoing project, immunohistochemistry will be used to determine whether apoptotic stimuli induce VEGF receptor expression in VSMC, and cellular proteins will be analyzed to study the mechanism whereby VEGF inhibits VSMC apoptosis. Our preliminary data implicate VEGF as an important regulator of VSMC apoptosis.
Peroxynitrite induces destruction of the tetrahydrobiopterin and heme in endothelial nitric oxide synthase: transition from reversible to irreversible enzyme inhibition

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is an important regulator of vascular and cardiac function. Peroxynitrite (ONOO−) inactivates eNOS, but questions remain regarding the mechanisms of this process. It has been reported that inactivation is due to oxidation of the eNOS zinc-thiolate cluster, rather than the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4); however, this remains highly controversial. Therefore, we investigated the mechanisms of ONOO−-induced eNOS dysfunction and their dose dependence. Exposure of human eNOS to ONOO− resulted in a dose-dependent loss of activity with a marked destabilization of the eNOS dimer. HPLC analysis indicated that both free and eNOS-bound BH4 were oxidized during exposure to ONOO−; however, full oxidation of protein-bound biopterin required higher ONOO− levels. Additionally, ONOO− triggered changes in the UV/visible spectrum and heme content of the enzyme. Preincubation of eNOS with BH4 decreased dimer destabilization and heme alteration. Addition of BH4 to the ONOO−-destabi...
Wrinkling criterion for an anisotropic shell with compound curvatures in sheet forming

Abstract Wrinkling criteria are proposed for an elastic isotropic and plastic anisotropic shell with compound curvatures in the noncontact region of a sheet subjected to internal forming stresses. A quasi-shallow shell is modeled by Donnell-Mushtari-Vlasov (DMV) shell theory. A bifurcation functional from Hill's general theory of uniqueness and bifurcation in elastic-plastic solids is used to model the local wrinkling phenomenon. Both strain hardening and transverse anisotropy are taken into consideration. This wrinkling criterion is especially useful as a failure criterion in three dimensional finite element modeling (FEM) of sheet forming. Given the principal stresses or strains and the geometry provided at each incremental deformation step, the criterion can be used to predict wrinkles in the elements in the unsupported region.
Inhibition of phospholipase A2-mediated arachidonic acid release by cyclic AMP defines a negative feedback loop for P2Y receptor activation in Madin-Darby canine kidney D1 cells.

In Madin-Darby canine kidney D1cells extracellular nucleotides activate P2Y receptors that couple to several signal transduction pathways, including stimulation of multiple phospholipases and adenylyl cyclase. For one class of P2Y receptors, P2Y2 receptors, this stimulation of adenylyl cyclase and increase in cAMP occurs via the conversion of phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-generated arachidonic acid (AA) to prostaglandins (e.g. PGE2). These prostaglandins then stimulate adenylyl cyclase activity, presumably via activation of prostanoid receptors. In the current study we show that agents that increase cellular cAMP levels (including PGE2, forskolin, and the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol) can inhibit P2Y receptor-promoted AA release. The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 blocks this effect, suggesting that this feedback inhibition occurs via activation of PKA. Studies with PGE2indicate that inhibition of AA release is attributable to inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase activity and in turn of P2Y receptor stimulated PLA2 activity. Although cAMP/PKA-mediated inhibition occurs for P2Yreceptor-promoted AA release, we did not find such inhibition for epinephrine (α1-adrenergic) or bradykinin-mediated AA release. Taken together, these results indicate that negative feedback regulation via cAMP/PKA-mediated inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase occurs for some, but not all, classes of receptors that promote PLA2 activation and AA release. We speculate that receptor-selective feedback inhibition occurs because PLA2activation by different receptors in Madin-Darby canine kidney D1 cells involves the utilization of different signaling components that are differentially sensitive to increases in cAMP or, alternatively, because of compartmentation of signaling components.
Effect of statistical yarn tensile strength on the probabilistic impact response of woven fabrics

The probabilistic impact response of flexible woven fabrics can be described through the V0–V100 or probabilistic velocity response (PVR) curve which describes the probability of fabric penetration as a function of projectile impact velocity. One source of variability that affects the probabilistic nature of fabric impact performance is the statistical distribution of yarn tensile strengths. In this paper the effects of the statistical yarn strength distribution characteristics on the probabilistic fabric impact response are computationally studied using five different strength distributions with differing mean strengths and distribution widths. Corresponding fabric PVR curves are generated for each strength distribution using a probabilistic computational framework that involves randomly mapping yarn strengths onto the individual woven yarns of a fabric finite element model and then running a series of impact simulations for the case of a four-sided clamped fabric impacted at the center by a spherical projectile.
Research on Constant Frequency Electrical Angle Start Method of LCI

Load-commutated inverters (LCIs) are the key starting device of wound-field synchronous motor. By detecting the rotor position and inputting a variable frequent current to the stator windings, the LCI can drive the motor from standstill to a given speed. Thus, rotor position detecting method comes to be the key techniques, but at the ultra-low speed period, the motor’s terminal voltage is too low to accurately sampling and is vulnerable to the interference, which brings risks to the variable frequency driving. In this paper, through analyzing the principles of LCIs and synchronous machine, a constant frequency electrical angle control methods is introduced to solve the difficulty of detecting the rotor position in the low speed period. A 98MW synchronous machine driven with an 18MW LCI are experimented in MATLAB and RTDS systems, the results show that the proposed control strategy can realize soft-start of the wound-field synchronous motor without detecting rotor’s position.
Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy measures clustering and mobility of a G protein-coupled receptor opsin in live cell membranes.

Determining membrane protein quaternary structure is extremely challenging, especially in live cell membranes. We measured the oligomerization of opsin, a prototypical G protein-coupled receptor with pulsed-interleaved excitation fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (PIE-FCCS). Individual cell measurements revealed that opsin is predominantly organized into dimeric clusters. At low concentrations, we observed that the population of oligomers increased linearly with the square of the individual monomer populations. This finding supports a monomer–dimer equilibrium and provides an experimental measurement of the equilibrium constant.
Isoeugenol concentrations in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) skin-on fillet tissue after exposure to AQUI-S™ at different temperatures, durations, and concentrations

AQUI-S™ is a fish anesthetic/sedative approved for use in several countries including Australia, Chile, and New Zealand and is being pursued for use in the United States. Legal use of AQUI-S™ as an anesthetic in U.S. fish culture depends on approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To gain approval in the United States, a number of drug attributes must be characterized including (1) depletion of a drug's total residues from edible fillet tissue taken from exposed fish and (2) depletion of one primary drug residue (a marker residue) from the fillet tissue. The marker residue is selected on the basis of data generated during the total residue depletion study. Characterizing marker residue depletion allows the FDA to establish a withdrawal time for exposed fish ensuring total residue concentrations reach safe levels before fish are made available for human consumption in the U.S. Before an AQUI-S™ total residue depletion study could be conducted with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), the exposure parameters (water temperature, isoeugenol concentration, and exposure duration) that generate the greatest total AQUI-S™ residues in fillet tissue need to be determined. Rainbow trout were exposed to AQUI-S™ in water temperatures of 7, 12, and 17 °C in one of two static exposure regimens: (1) AQUI-S™ concentrations of 14 mg/L (nominal concentration) with an exposure duration of 60 min or (2) AQUI-S™ concentrations of 34 mg/L (nominal concentration) with an exposure duration of 10 min (exposure conditions based on probable U.S. use regimens). Immediately after the end of an exposure, fish were rinsed, sacrificed, and skin-on fillets removed. The fillets were homogenized with dry ice, the homogenate extracted with acetonitrile, and extracts analyzed for isoeugenol (the active ingredient in AQUI-S™) by liquid chromatography with absorbance detection. At common water temperatures, the tissue concentration of isoeugenol in fillet tissue from fish exposed to 14-mg/L AQUI-S™ for 60 min was significantly greater than the isoeugenol concentration in fillet tissue from fish exposed to 34-mg/L AQUI-S™ for 10 min (P < 0.01). The isoeugenol concentration (78.8 μg/g) found in fillet tissue from fish exposed to 14-mg/L AQUI-S™ for 60 min at 17 °C was significantly greater than the isoeugenol tissue concentration (57.3 μg/g) generated at 7 °C (P < 0.01), but was not significantly greater than the isoeugenol tissue concentration (70.7 μg/g) generated at 12 °C (P = 0.22). AQUI-S™ exposure regimens and exposure temperatures can significantly impact drug residue concentrations in fillet tissue.
Glutathione depletion inhibits dendritic cell maturation and delayed-type hypersensitivity: Implications for systemic disease and immunosenescence

Background Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role as antigen-presenting cells in the immune system. There is growing evidence that the redox equilibrium of these cells influences their ability to induce T-cell activation and to regulate the polarity of the immune response. This could affect the outcome of the immune response during systemic diseases and aging. Objective Our aim was to elucidate the mechanism by which the redox equilibrium of antigen-presenting DCs affects the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response during experimental modification of glutathione levels, as well as during aging. Methods We looked at the effect of glutathione depletion by diethyl maleate in DCs as well as during systemic administration on the DTH response to the contact-sensitizing antigens, oxazolone, and 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene. We also determined whether glutathione repletion with N-acetyl cysteine could influence the decline of the DTH response in aged mice. Results Glutathione depletion in bone marrow–derived DCs interfered in their ability to mount a DTH response on adoptive transfer into recipient mice. Glutathione depletion interfered in IL-12 production and costimulatory receptor expression in DCs, leading to decreased IFN-γ production in the skin of recipient mice. Systemic diethyl maleate treatment exerted similar effects on the DTH response and IFN-γ production, whereas N-acetyl cysteine administration reversed the decline of the DTH response in aged animals. Conclusion Glutathione depletion downregulates T H 1 immunity through a perturbation of DC maturation and IL-12 production. Clinical implications These data show that the induction of oxidative stress in the immune system, under disease conditions and aging, interferes in T H 1 immunity.
Experimental Research of Fine Sandstone Strength and Deformation Characteristics under Different Confining and Hydraulic Pressure

In order to study sandstone rock strength and deformation parameters under pore water pressure conditions, triaxial compression tests of different hydraulic pressure were executed. Fitting equations of fine sandstone confining pressure and hydraulic pressure coupling effects were established. This research show that fine sandstone rock strength increases with confining pressure increases. Rock mass strength and cohesion have negative exponential relationship with hydraulic pressure. When the hydraulic pressure is 3MPa, elasticity and confining pressure fit to logarithmic relationship. Fine sandstone Elasticity modulus decreases with hydraulic pressure increases. Poisson’s ration and hydraulic pressure fit to linear relationship.
Olivine and pyroxene compositions in type II carbonaceous chondrites

Random surveys were made of olivine and pyroxene compositions in ten C2 chondrites. Olivine distributions were found to peak sharply at 0.6-2 mole % fayalite, but grains containing up to 69 % fayalite are also present, as noted by Fredriksson and Keil (1964). Among the C2 chondrites studied, five parameters were noted to vary: content of chondrules, content of Fe-Ni metal, pyroxene: olivine ratio, percentage of olivine with high fayalite contents and modal fayalite content of the low-Fe2+ olivine peaks. These variations correlate with one another, although imperfectly and it is suggested that they reflect stages through which primordial planetary or preplanetary material passed as it was more and more completely melted and reduced by early high-energy events. The dominant Fe2+ content of C2 olivine and pyroxene would have been stable in an environment in which O:H − 150. To achieve this locally in the solar nebula, gas-dust fractionations by a factor of ~5000 must be postulated. Grosnaja, a C3 chondrite, was also surveyed and its mineral compositions are discussed from the viewpoint of possible metamorphic effects.
Magnetohydrodynamic Solution to the Problem of the Origin of Galaxies in an Expanding Universe

In the universe prior to recombination the plasma conductivity $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ can range \ensuremath{\sim}${10}^{12}$-${10}^{3}$ mho/m. Plasma instabilities of a frozen-in magnetic field couple to the fluid motion to augment perturbations in density depending exponentially on the conductivity. Ultimately this leads to exponential growth of the density perturbations in an anisotropic, spatially homogeneous, magnetohydrodynamic background model at the rate $t\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{\lambda}t)$ for isothermal and $t\mathrm{exp}(4\ensuremath{\lambda}{t}^{\frac{1}{4}})$ for adiabatic perturbations.
Longitudinal Magnetoacoustic Effect in Aluminum

The experimental data on the longitudinal magnetoacoustic effect in aluminum are interpreted in detail in terms of the known Fermi surface and Fermi velocity. Both attenuation and dispersion of circularly polarized transverse waves and of longitudinal waves are considered. The "Doppler-shifted cyclotron resonance" peaks are discussed, and it is shown why they occur for transverse waves at considerably lower magnetic fields H than one might naively expect. The conductivity $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ is calculated from the shape of the Fermi surface and the variation of electron velocity over it. The relaxation time $\ensuremath{\tau}$ was determined from the measured residual resistance ratio, and the data could be fitted without invoking anisotropy of $\ensuremath{\tau}$. The theory for the attenuation involves terms which we have expressed as an effective number ${Z}^{*}$ of electrons. Existing theory suggests ${Z}^{*}=2.5$, whereas we find a valve ${Z}^{*}=\ensuremath{-}0.91$ is needed to fit the data. The ${Z}^{*}$ arises from the part of the conduction-electron density which follows the motion of the ions adiabatically because of "band-structure effects." The treatment of these effects appears, therefore, to be seriously incomplete in the existing theories.
Biliverdin protects the functional integrity of a transplanted syngeneic small bowel

Abstract Background & Aims: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protects against inflammation in many disease models. By degrading heme, HO-1 generates carbon monoxide (CO), iron and biliverdin. We investigated whether biliverdin would protect rat syngeneic small intestinal transplants (SITx) against damage and, if so, by what mechanism Methods: Motility was assessed by organ bath techniques. Inflammatory cytokines and mediators were assessed by RT-PCR and spectrophotometric assays. Myeloperoxidase histochemistry for neutrophils was performed in jejunal segments. Western blots were performed for biliverdin reductase and HO-1 expression. Permeability was expressed as the mucosal to serosal clearance of fluorescent dextran in everted gut sacs. NF-κB activation was assessed via EMSA. Results: Biliverdin significantly improved survival of recipients following SITx after prolonged intestinal ischemia (6 hours). Biliverdin treatment (1) led to a significant decrease in mRNA expression of iNOS, Cox-2, and ICAM-1 as well as the inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β; (2) decreased neutrophil infiltration into the jejunal muscularis; and (3) prevented SITx-induced suppression of intestinal circular muscle contractility. Conclusions: Biliverdin administration attenuates transplantation-induced injuries to the small bowel by its anti-inflammatory action. Importantly, biliverdin enhanced recipient survival. A comparison of the mechanisms by which biliverdin exerted these salutary effects compared with inhalation of CO, which we previously showed had salutary effects, suggests that the 2 compounds (biliverdin and CO) exert their effects in part by different mechanisms. This implies that the different products of HO-1 action on heme may exert protective effects that are additive or synergistic.
THE MINI-BEAST—GEORGE H. BUTLER (1838–1886)

George H. Butler was a Gilded Age writer, diplomat, and soldier, who was also a poster boy for what Richard Stott identifies as the “jolly fellow.” Butler parlayed a witty writing style to enter journalism, and with the help of his influencial uncle, Benjamin Butler, he obtained a diplomatic posting as consul general to Egypt. Overly fond of alcohol, George Butler participated in several newsworthy fights, often involving deadly force. His life serves as an archetype for out-of-control manliness, which was contrary to gender expectations of polite society in 1870s America.
The enthalpy of formation of FeF3 by fluorine bomb calorimetry

Abstract The energy of combustion of iron in fluorine was measured in a bomb calorimeter. The standard enthalpy of formation of crystalline FeF 3 , ΔH f o (FeF 3 , c, 298.15 K), was derived to be −(989.6 ± 2.2) kJ mol −1 .
A Thermal Model for the Differentiation of Asteroid 4 Vesta, Based on Radiogenic Heating☆

A finite element code has been developed to model the thermal history of Asteroid 4 Vesta. This is the first attempt to model the thermal history of a differentiated asteroid through core and crust formation and subsequent cooling until geochemical closure is attained. The results of the simulation are consistent with chronological measurements and other constraints provided by cumulate and noncumulate eucrites believed to have been derived from Vesta. The work solves two major problems with the hypothesis of heating by decay of26Al, an extinct radionuclide, postulated to be a plausible heat source in the early Solar System. First, the model demonstrates that it is possible to keep the mantle of Vesta hot for ∼100 Ma, thereby explaining the observed difference in ages between cumulate and noncumulate eucrites. Second, the simulation offers a possible explanation of why detectable excesses of26Mg (the decay product of26Al) are not observed in noncumulate eucrites. The simulation draws a model chronology of Vesta and predicts times (relative to CAI formation) for accretion at 2.85 Myr, core formation at 4.58 Myr, crust formation at 6.58 Myr, and geochemical closure at ∼100 Myr for a H-chondrite asteroidal bulk composition. Decay of60Fe is found to cause no perceptible difference in the thermal history of Vesta, even when sequestered into a central core. Although chondritic xenoliths have not been described in HED igneous lithologies, the thermal model suggests the possibility that a veneer of unmelted near-surface material should remain.
Implicit solution for estuarine hydrodynamic modelling

Abstract This is a two-dimensional, finite difference, vertically averaged hydrodynamic model for shallow water estuaries. It utilizes three time levels and solves for current components in alternating direction exclusively by an implicit scheme. The purpose of using the implicit approach is to minimize the instability problem by which the usual implicit-explicit alternating scheme is inherently plagued when grid size is small or when water depths are deep. This is due to the explicit scheme limitation, whose time step is governed by the Courant-Friedrich-Lewy criterion. By the implicit-implicit scheme, a large time step would greatly reduce the CPU time. An effort was also made to model the effects of canals in the estuarine system. A different grid system than Leendertse's was used to lessen the lateral smoothing in Chezy coefficients caused by the large gradient of water bottom features. This grid system has both water elevation and depth measured at the center of the grid and is especially applicable for uneven grid-size models. The computer program is written to ensure easy-to-use features so that this model can be readily applied to different estuaries.
Design and Development of a Novel Infant Surgical Table for 4-DOF Patient Manipulation

Retinopathy of Prematurity, caused by abnormal blood vessel development in the retina of premature infants, is a leading cause of childhood blindness. It is treated using laser photocoagulation. Current methods require the surgeon to assume awkward standing positions, which can result in injury to the surgeon if repeated often. To assist surgeons in providing quality care and prevent occupational injury, a new infant surgical table was designed. The engineered solution is an attachment to a standard surgical table, saving cost and space. This takes advantage of the adjustable height and tilt provided by the standard table, while 360° rotation designed into the attachment allows the surgeon to sit during surgery. The critical cords and tubes are routed through the attachment to avoid pulling and kinking. A four-bar locking mechanism allows easy attachment to standard medical railing. Finally, a straight line mechanism provides positive locking of the rotation, allowing precise positioning of the infant.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Interfacing diverse laser imagers into a comprehensive PACS: operational experiences and observations

In this paper, we describe the development strategies for integrating hard-copy output devices into a comprehensive picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). These strategies were created in response to a need for selective film-based hard copy in a filmless clinical ultrasound section.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Relationships between serum MCP-1 and subclinical kidney disease: African American-Diabetes Heart Study.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) plays important roles in kidney disease susceptibility and atherogenesis in experimental models. Relationships between serum MCP-1 concentration and early nephropathy and subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) were assessed in African Americans (AAs) with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Serum MCP-1 concentration, urine albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and atherosclerotic calcified plaque (CP) in the coronary and carotid arteries and infrarenal aorta were measured in 479 unrelated AAs with T2D. Generalized linear models were fitted to test for associations between MCP-1 and urine ACR, eGFR, and CP. Participants were 57% female, with mean ± SD (median) age 55.6±9.5 (55.0) years, diabetes duration 10.3±8.2 (8.0) years, urine ACR 149.7±566.7 (14.0) mg/g, CKD-EPI eGFR 92.4±23.3 (92.0) ml/min/1.73m2, MCP-1 262.9±239.1 (224.4) pg/ml, coronary artery CP 280.1±633.8 (13.5), carotid artery CP 47.1±132.9 (0), and aorta CP 1616.0±2864.0 (319.0). Adjusting for age, sex, smoking, HbA1c, BMI, and LDL, serum MCP-1 was positively associated with albuminuria (parameter estimate 0.0021, P=0.04) and negatively associated with eGFR (parameter estimate −0.0003, P=0.001). MCP-1 remained associated with eGFR after adjustment for urine ACR. MCP-1 levels did not correlate with the extent of CP in any vascular bed, HbA1c or diabetes duration, but were positively associated with BMI. No interaction between BMI and MCP-1 was detected on nephropathy outcomes. Serum MCP-1 levels are associated with eGFR and albuminuria in AAs with T2D. MCP-1 was not associated with subclinical CVD in this population. Inflammation appears to play important roles in development and/or progression of kidney disease in AAs.