cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrooptic modulation up to 40 GHz in a barium titanate thin film waveguide modulator.

The high frequency operation of a low-voltage electrooptic modulator based on a strip-loaded BaTiO3 thin film waveguide structure has been demonstrated. The epitaxial BaTiO3 thin film on an MgO substrate forms a composite structure with a low effective dielectric constant of 20.8 at 40 GHz. A 3.9 V half-wave voltage with a 3.7 GHz 3-dB bandwidth and a 150 pm/V effective electrooptic coefficient is obtained for the 3.2mm-long modulator at 1.55 µm. Broadband modulation up to 40 GHz is measured with a calibrated detection system. Numerical simulations indicate that the BaTiO3 thin film modulator has the potential for a 3-dB operational bandwidth in excess of 40 GHz through optimized design.
Extending and evaluating flow-insenstitive and context-insensitive points-to analyses for Java

This paper presents extensions to Steensgaard's and Andersen's algorithms to handle Java features. Without careful consideration, the handling of these features may affect the correctness, precision, and efficiency of these algorithms. The paper also presents the results of empirical studies. These studies compare the precision and efficiency of these two algorithms and evaluate the effectiveness of handling Java features using alternative approaches. The studies also evaluate the impact of the points-to information provided by these two algorithms on client analyses that use the information.
H(2)-CO(2)-Dependent Anaerobic O-Demethylation Activity in Subsurface Sediments and by an Isolated Bacterium.

The ability of microorganisms in sediments from the Atlantic Coastal Plain to biodegrade methoxylated aromatic compounds was examined. O-demethylation activity was detected in deep (121- and 406-m) sediments, as well as in the surface soil. A syringate-demethylating consortium, containing at least three types of bacteria, was enriched from a deep-sediment sample in a medium containing syringate as the sole organic carbon source and with a N2-CO2 atmosphere. An isolate which demethylated syringate was obtained from the enrichment on an agar medium incubated under a H2-CO2 but not a N2-CO2 or N2 atmosphere. O demethylation of syringate of this isolate was dependent on the presence of both H2 and CO2 in the gas phase. The metabolism of syringate occurred in a sequential manner: methylgallate accumulated transiently before it was converted to gallate. Mass balance analysis suggests that the stoichiometry of the reaction in this isolate proceeds in accordance with the following generalized equation: C7H3O3(OCH3)n- + nHCO3- + nH2 → C7H3O3(OH)n- + nCH3COO- + nH2O. Images
Morphological changes in the trophoblast, uterus and corpus luteum during delayed implantation and implantation in the western spotted skunk

Morphological interactions of trophoblast and uterus from stages of preimplantation and implantation were studied in 14 western spotted skunks. In addition, the granulosa lutein cells and plasma progesterone levels were studied. In animals several days from implantation the height of epithelial cells decreased, but began to increase in animals approaching implantation. During the preimplantation period a few leucocytes infiltrated the epithelium, but in animals just prior to implantation many leucocytes infiltrated the epithelium. However, in the implanted animals leucocyte infiltration was not observed. The increased infiltration of epithelium was possibly in response to the proximity of trophoblast or due to some antigenic material from the trophoblast. The unimplanted blastocyst had a layer of trophoblast and the embryonic disc. As implantation approached, the trophoblast formed trophoblastic knobs which apposed the luminal epithelium. Subsequently microvilli of trophoblastic and epithelial cells interdigitated. Junctional complexes were observed between many adhering microvilli and/or cell processes. The first attachment of trophoblast and epithelium occurred in the abembryonic region. Later the trophoblastic cell processes and/or individual cells penetrated the epithelium and reached the basal lamina. In addition to the penetration of the trophoblast, sometimes individual trophoblastic and epithelial cells fused. In the fused cells, remnants of junctional complexes and plasma membranes were observed. The fused cells did not penetrate the basal lamina and were not observed in the stroma. During the delay period the corpus luteum contained predominantly small granulosa cells and some large granulosa lutein cells, but only large lutein cells were observed in the implanted animals. The plasma progesterone levels fluctuated during the time of implantation and should not be regarded as a basis to predict nidation in the skunk.
Chronic inflammatory responses to microgel-based implant coatings

Inflammatory responses to implanted biomedical devices elicit a foreign body fibrotic reaction that limits device integration and performance in various biomedical applications. We examined chronic inflammatory responses to microgel conformal coatings consisting of thin films of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel microparticles cross-linked with poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate deposited on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Unmodified and microgel-coated PET disks were implanted subcutaneously in rats for 4 weeks and explants were analyzed by histology and immunohistochemistry. Microgel coatings reduced chronic inflammation and resulted in a more mature/organized fibrous capsule. Microgel-coated samples exhibited 22% thinner fibrous capsules that contained 40% fewer cells compared to unmodified PET disks. Furthermore, microgel-coated samples contained significantly higher levels of macrophages (80%) than unmodified PET controls. These results demonstrate that microgel coatings reduce chronic inflammation to implanted biomaterials. (c) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010.
Oscillation and comparison results for delay difference equations

Abstract We establish a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of positive solutions and obtain Sturm-type comparison theorem for the difference equation x n+1 −x n + ∑ i=1 m pi(n)x n−ki =O, n ⩾ 0 . (∗) We also obtain the following comparison result: Equation (∗) oscillates if and only if x n+1 −x n + ∑ i=1 m qi(n)x n−ki =O, n ⩾ 0 . (∗∗) oscillates provided n → ∞ lim pi(n) qi , i = 1, 2, …, m .
Refocusing on nature: holistic assessment of ecosystem services.

The benefits people obtain from ecosystems vary from direct benefits that are easily monetized (e.g., timber) to indirect benefits that are not easily monetized (e.g., maintenance of water quality). Commonly, there is wide variation among individuals in the values placed on ecosystem benefits or services. The lack of consensus both in identifying ecosystem services and in valuing them with respect to other services poses a great challenge to those charged with evaluating changes in the provision of ecosystem service after, for example, a natural disaster. Natural resource economics provides some tools, but economics alone will not ensure a balanced, holistic assessment. An inherent complexity in valuing services is often associated with the interrelationships between services and the background and expertise of those leading the assessment. We argue that a holistic evaluation of ecosystems founded on solid expertise in ecosystem dynamics is essential for the accurate assessment of ecosystem services. A reductionist approach to ecosystem service valuation often fails to capture ecological dynamics that are vital to the functioning and ultimate provision of services. In this article, we present case studies of ecosystem services valuation for forest fires, dam removal, and chemical contamination of sediment to explore the complexity of ecosystem service valuation. Additionally, we offer assessment strategies for recognizing the importance of holistic assessment of ecosystem services. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2012; 8: 401–411. © 2012 SETAC
Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration Against Main Female Partners Among HIV-Positive Male Injection Drug Users

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a serious public health and social problem and is associated with a host of adverse health outcomes and behaviors, HIV risk behaviors included, among women who are victimized. Historically, research has focused on correlates of IPV victimization among women; thus, there is less information on the role of men in perpetrating IPV, particularly among men at risk for transmitting HIV to their female partners. We assessed the self-reported prevalence and correlates of perpetration and threat of perpetration of physical and/or sexual IPV against a main female partner among 317 HIV-positive men who were current injection drug users (IDUs). More than 40% of men reported perpetrating physical (39%) and/or sexual (4%) violence against their main female partners in the past year. Multivariate analyses revealed that low education, homelessness, psychologic distress, and unprotected sex with main and nonmain HIV-negative female partners were positively associated with IPV perpetration against main female partners. These findings reveal that IPV perpetration is prevalent among HIV-positive male IDUs and associated with sexual HIV transmission risk behaviors. IPV assessment and treatment among HIV-positive men in HIV care is recommended as a way to prevent IPV perpetration and victimization and to reduce potential HIV transmission.
Mirror Technology Roadmap for Future Space Telescopes

Large-aperture lightweight space optics are critical for future NASA space science missions. To enable missions such as SAFIR, SUVO, MTRAP and TPF, NASA requires a unified technology development effort between government, industry and academia. The goal of this effort is to return a 10X cost savings on each dollar invested.
Analysis of Mll1 deficiency identifies neurogenic transcriptional modules and Brn4 as a factor for direct astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming.

Author(s): Potts, Matthew B; Siu, Jason J; Price, James D; Salinas, Ryan D; Cho, Mathew J; Ramos, Alexander D; Hahn, Junghyun; Margeta, Marta; Oldham, Michael C; Lim, Daniel A | Abstract: BackgroundMixed lineage leukemia-1 (Mll1) epigenetically regulates gene expression patterns that specify cellular identity in both embryonic development and adult stem cell populations. In the adult mouse brain, multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs) in the subventricular zone generate new neurons throughout life, and Mll1 is required for this postnatal neurogenesis but not for glial cell differentiation. Analysis of Mll1-dependent transcription may identify neurogenic genes useful for the direct reprogramming of astrocytes into neurons.ObjectiveTo identify Mll1-dependent transcriptional modules and to determine whether genes in the neurogenic modules can be used to directly reprogram astrocytes into neurons.MethodsWe performed gene coexpression module analysis on microarray data from differentiating wild-type and Mll1-deleted subventricular zone NSCs. Key developmental regulators belonging to the neurogenic modules were overexpressed in Mll1-deleted cells and cultured cortical astrocytes, and cell phenotypes were analyzed by immunocytochemistry and electrophysiology.ResultsTranscriptional modules that correspond to neurogenesis were identified in wild-type NSCs. Modules related to astrocytes and oligodendrocytes were enriched in Mll1-deleted NSCs, consistent with their gliogenic potential. Overexpression of genes selected from the neurogenic modules enhanced the production of neurons from Mll1-deleted cells, and overexpression of Brn4 (Pou3f4) in nonneurogenic cortical astroglia induced their transdifferentiation into electrophysiologically active neurons.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that Mll1 is required for the expression of neurogenic but not gliogenic transcriptional modules in a multipotent NSC population and further indicate that specific Mll1-dependent genes may be useful for direct reprogramming strategies.
Determinants of hospital stay after modified radical mastectomy.

The most expeditious way of reducing surgical costs is through reducing hospital stay. Multivariate analysis was used to identify potentially alterable factors affecting postoperative hospital stay for 73 consecutive patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy by 6 surgeons during a 12-month period. Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify independently significant preoperative variables associated with hospital stays equal to or greater than the median of 5 days. Intraoperative techniques and postoperative management were then evaluated using Cox proportional hazards model, with length of stay as the dependent variable after consideration for the significant independent preoperative factors. Age, history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) risk were significantly associated with prolonged stay (more than 4 days) in univariate analysis. Only age (P
Solvothermal fabrication of ZnO nanorods using ethanolic quantum dot precursors

ZnO nanorods were obtained by solvothermal reaction using quantum dot precursors suspended in ethanol. The ZnO suspensions were prepared from ethanolic zinc acetate solutions in the presence of lithium hydroxide, and treated by solvothermal synthesis under different reaction temperatures and duration times. Parameters of processing of these nanorods were investigated, including the concentration of precursors and solvothermal temperature. The ZnO nanorod powders were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR, thermal analysis, and isothermal N2(g) adsorption analyses. Commercially available ZnO nanopowders were studied for comparison. Resulting ZnO nanorod powders were pure ZnO and showed higher surfaces area than commercial ZnO nanopowders. Length and diameter of ZnO nanorods depended on the concentration of precursors and the annealing temperature employed. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Racial and ethnic differences in reproductive potential across the life cycle.

Objective To review variations in specific reproductive health outcomes by race and ethnicity. A growing number of reports have explored potential gaps in the quality of reproductive health and healthcare across racial and ethnic groups. Diverse results from numerous investigations have made it challenging for practitioners to confirm the significance of these disparities. Method(s) Three specific areas of the reproductive life cycle were examined: pubertal onset, outcomes from treatment with assisted reproductive technologies (ART), and the menopausal transition. These areas were selected as they encompass a continuum of events across the reproductive life span of women. Outcomes were compared in black, white, Asian, and Hispanic women. Medline searches querying on keywords puberty, IVF, ART, menopause, menopausal symptoms, racial disparity, race, Asian, Japanese, Chinese, African American, black, Hispanic, and Latino were performed to isolate relevant publications for review. Result(s) Differences across race and ethnicity were noted in each clinical endpoint. The most notable findings included earlier puberty in blacks and Hispanics compared with whites, significantly lower live birth rates after ART in all racial and ethnic groups compared with whites, and differences in perimenopausal symptomatology and possibly timing in various racial/ethnic groups compared with whites. Additional research is needed to completely unravel the full significance and basic underpinnings of these disparities. Some of the limitations of the current state of the literature in drawing conclusions about the independent effect of race/ethnicity on reproductive disparities include small samples sizes in some studies, inconsistencies in the characterization of racial/ethnic groups, and incomplete control of potential confounding. Conclusion(s) Race and ethnicity appear to be important correlates of outcomes from the initiation of reproduction functioning through to its conclusion. The ultimate goal of identifying racial disparities in reproduction is to isolate the basic determinants of disparities and formulate strategies to improve outcomes for women at risk. The differences demonstrated in this review of the literature could represent environmental, sociocultural, and/or genetic correlates of race that influence these important milestones.
Intercellular complement C3 binding in normal skin of patients without pemphigus

We report here direct immunofluorescence studies of normal skin biopsies that exhibited only complement C3 staining in intercellular areas of epithelium with a view toward evaluating the significance of such findings. During a 5- year period, 11,000 skin biopsy specimens were examined for in vivo binding of immunoglobulins, fibrin, and complement C3 by means of defined direct immunofluorescence methods. Four of ten patients demonstrating intercellular C3 deposits alone had drug-related reactions or erythema multiforme, and four were subsequently shown to have a connective tissue disease. Pemphigus was ruled out in all ten cases in these retrospective studies. These observations indicate that the finding of intercellular C3 deposits in the absence of IgG in normal skin is not a sign of pemphigus but, rather, a sign either of an unusual type of drug reaction or, possibly, of some connective tissue disease. However, the finding of intercellular C3 plus IgG (with or without other immunoglobulins) is a sign of pemphigus. The mechanism of C3 deposition without immunoglobulins is not clear.
Thinking Styles: Maximizing Online Supported Learning

Internet supported teacher education programs at the university are increasing, as is the need for qualified teachers in rural areas and inner cities. This study focused on the thinking styles of o...
A Role for Lipid Rafts in B Cell Antigen Receptor Signaling and Antigen Targeting

The B cell antigen receptor (BCR) serves both to initiate signal transduction cascades and to target antigen for processing and presentation by MHC class II molecules. How these two BCR functions are coordinated is not known. Recently, sphingolipid- and cholesterol-rich plasma membrane lipid microdomains, termed lipid rafts, have been identified and proposed to function as platforms for both receptor signaling and membrane trafficking. Here we show that upon cross-linking, the BCR rapidly translocates into ganglioside GM1-enriched lipid rafts that contain the Src family kinase Lyn and exclude the phosphatase CD45R. Both Igα and Lyn in the lipid rafts become phosphorylated, and subsequently the BCR and a portion of GM1 are targeted to the class II peptide loading compartment. Entry into lipid rafts, however, is not sufficient for targeting to the antigen processing compartments, as a mutant surface Ig containing a deletion of the cytoplasmic domain is constitutively present in rafts but when cross-linked does not internalize to the antigen processing compartment. Taken together, these results provide evidence for a role for lipid rafts in the initial steps of BCR signaling and antigen targeting.
A perhaps unexpected role of norepinephrine in actions of MDMA.

In this issue, Hysek and colleagues present new data describing the impact of treatment with reboxetine on the effects produced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) in human volunteers. They demonstrate that several effects of MDMA are mediated by reboxetine's actions on norepinephrine (NE) transporters, an unexpected finding. Building on earlier work, their new data provide new insights into the pharmacodynamics of MDMA and other monoamine-releasing agents. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2011) 90 2, 215–216. doi:10.1038/clpt.2011.125
X-ray scattering from liquid-liquid interfaces

Abstract Liquid–liquid interfaces play an important role in many chemical and biological systems in addition to being interesting model systems to study the statistical physics of interfaces and membranes. Water–oil interfaces are a model for the interaction of water with a hydrophobic molecular environment, important for protein folding and the formation of structures in complex fluids. Biological membranes exist at aqueous–aqueous interfaces and provide a dynamic platform for important cell processes. Recent advances in X-ray scattering measurements of liquid–liquid interfaces allow for the study of ordering and fluctuations on the molecular length scale. Several fundamental issues can be addressed, including (a) ordering of solvents (bulk liquids), surfactants, and electrolytes at liquid–liquid interfaces, and the influence of the solvents on surfactant ordering, and (b) the existence of monolayer domains at these interfaces, the issue of domain equilibrium (creation and annihilation of domains), and phase transitions in these domain phases. Studies of water–oil interfaces that address the first of these issues will be presented.
A case of Sjögren's syndrome leading to mitral and aortic valve replacement.

From the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center, Iowa City, Iowa. Disclosures: None. Received for publication Sept 13, 2009; accepted for publication Nov 28, 2009; available ahead of print Feb 22, 2010. Address for reprints: Robert Saeid Farivar, MD, PhD, University of Iowa, Cardiothoracic Surgery, 200 Hawkins Dr, SE517GH, Iowa City, IA 52242-1062 (E-mail: robert-farivar@Uiowa.edu). J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2010;139:e139-40 0022-5223/$0.00 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery doi:10.1016/j.jtcvs.2009.11.068
A FRET-based method for probing the conformational behavior of an intrinsically disordered repeat domain from Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase.

A better understanding of the conformational changes exhibited by intrinsically disordered proteins is necessary as we continue to unravel their myriad biological functions. In repeats in toxin (RTX) domains, calcium binding triggers the natively unstructured domain to adopt a β roll structure. Here we present an in vitro F€ resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based method for the investigation of the conformational behavior of an RTX domain from the Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase consisting of nine repeat units. Equilibrium and stopped-flow FRET between fluorescent proteins, attached to the termini of the domain, were measured in an analysis of the end-to-end distance changes in the RTX domain. The method was complemented with circular dichroism spectroscopy, tryptophan fluorescence, and bis-ANS dye binding. High ionic strength was observed to decrease the calcium affinity of the RTX domain. A truncation and single amino acid mutations yielded insights into the structural determinants of β roll formation. Mutating the conserved Asp residue in one of the nine repeats significantly reduced the affinity of the domains for calcium ions. Removal of the sequences flanking the repeat domain prevented folding, but replacing them with fluorescent proteins restored the conformational behavior, suggesting an entropic stabilization. The FRET-based method is a useful technique that complements other low-resolution techniques for investigating the dynamic conformational behavior of the RTX domain and other intrinsically disordered protein domains.
Nemo iudex in causa sua as the Basis of Law, Justice and Justification in Luther’s Thought

In the wake of the investiture struggle and against the background of burgeoning humanist thought, Martin Luther's affirmation of the secular realm as a discrete area of divine activity may be lauded as a judicious recovery of the thought of Augustine and perhaps of Gelasius I. In light of subsequent developments in sociopolitical theory, however, this progressive aspect of the reformer's thought appears to be immediately undercut by its seemingly unbending social conservatism. Instituted by God (Rom 13; 1 Pet 2:13–14), the “law of [the] temporal sword has existed from the beginning of the world,” Luther writes. And while he asserts that “God cannot and will not permit anyone but himself to rule over the soul,” he does, nevertheless, forbid Christians to resort to violence to defend their cause: “For the governing authority must not be resisted by force, but only by confession of the truth. If it is influenced by this, well and good; if not, you are excused, you suffer wrong for God's sake.”
Advanced Communication Technology Satellite (ACTS) multibeam antenna analysis and experiment

The in-house developed NASA Lewis Research Center thermal/structural/RF analysis program was designed to accurately simulate the ACTS in-orbit thermal environment and predict the RF antenna performance. The program combines well-established computer programs (TRASYS, SINDA, and NASTRAN) with a dual-reflector-physical-optics RF analysis program. The ACTS multibeam antenna configuration is analyzed, and several thermal cases are presented and compared with measurements (preflight). The overall simulation results were in agreement with the measurements. The thermal/structure/RF analysis program could provide an indirect means of verifying in-orbit antenna performance. >
Computing the moments of k-bounded pseudo-Boolean functions over Hamming spheres of arbitrary radius in polynomial time

We show that given a k-bounded pseudo-Boolean function f, one can always compute the cth moment of f over regions of arbitrary radius in Hamming space in polynomial time using algebraic information from the adjacency structure (where k and c are constants). This result has implications for evolutionary algorithms and local search algorithms because information about promising regions of the search space can be efficiently retrieved, even if the cardinality of the region is exponential in the problem size. Finally, we use our results to introduce a method of efficiently calculating the expected fitness of mutations for evolutionary algorithms.
Ion complexation in nonactin, monactin, and dinactin: a Raman spectroscopic study.

The ability of the macrotetrolide nactins to complex selectivity with a wide variety of cations makes these ionophorous antibiotics important model systems for the study of biologic ionic transport. We report a Raman spectroscopic investigation of the Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, Tl+, NH4+, NH3OH+, C(NH2)3+, and Ba++ complexes of nonactin, monactin, and dinactin in 4:1 (v/v) CH3OH/CHCl3 and in the solid state. The nactins display characteristic spectral changes upon complexation, some of which are specific for a given cation. In the K+, Rb+, Cs+, NH3OH+, and C(NH2)3+ complexes, which are apparently isosteric, the ester carbonyl stretch frequency is found to be linearly proportional to the cation–carbonyl electrostatic interaction energy, as calculated from a simplified model. Deviations for the Na+, NH4+, Tl+, and Ba++ complexes are interpreted as arising from additional nonelectrostatic interactions. Additional information is obtained from other spectral regions and from measurements of depolarization ratios. Spectra of the nactin complexes differ from each other more in the solid state than in solution, reflecting the effects of crystalline contact forces.
Avian scale development. II. A study of cell proliferation

The spatial and temporal distribution of DNA synthesis and the cell cycle duration change during scale development in the chick embryo. Previous histological studies indicated that the two epidermal surfaces of the scale, outer and inner, originated from the placode and interplacode regions, respectively. The present autoradiographic study demonstrated that the epidermal placodes did not incorporate tritiated thymidine for 20–35 hours after their appearance, while the interplacode regions incorporate continuously during this period. The synthetic indices (number of labeled nuclei/total number of basal nuclei) of the two surfaces of the scale also differed early in formation. An explanation for this observation became evident, when it was found that the generation time of the cells constituting the outer and inner surfaces of the scale differed during development. The DNA synthetic phase was constant, whereas the G1-phase varied concurrently with the generation time.
Local thermodynamic consistency of vapor‐liquid equilibrium data for binary and multicomponent systems

The Gibbs-Duhem equation, integrated over specific concentration ranges, is used to determine local thermodynamic consistency of vapor-liquid equilibrium data. Several specific applications of the test are given for binary systems, although the method is equally applicable to linear paths in multicomponent systems. The test is particularly useful for evaluating the consistency of incomplete data, that is, data measured over only part of the concentration range.
Confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy of intact unfixed rat lungs

Abstract Fluorescence microscopy is a potentially powerful tool for assessing the pulmonary disposition of drugs. Difficulties maintaining lung tissue in its native hydrated state, sectioning, and other disruptions of the internal milieu create artifacts and complicate data interpretation. Confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy, which obviates many of the liabilities of conventional microscopy, was used to image intact, fully-hydrated, unfixed rat lung at depths up to 25 μ m beneath the outer pleural surface. Rhodamine B, a relatively lipophilic fluorescent marker introduced ex vivo either intratracheally or by vascular perfusion, was used to help define endothelial and epithelial barriers to drug transport, macrophages, interstitial spaces, and Type II alveolar epithelial cells. The technique was used to characterize the disposition of the fluorescent `model drug' 6-carboxyfluorescein at a single time point following its intratracheal instillation into anesthetized rats. Dual wavelength excitation of both rhodamine B and 6-carboxyfluorescein resulted in `multi-colored' images showing the latter within pulmonary interstitial spaces and localized within punctate regions along alveolar epithelial surfaces.
An update of grounding experience

This paper presents an update of history and experience with successful applications of high resistance grounding in continuous process industrial power systems. The primary purpose of moving to high resistance grounding systems was to reduce the number of screwdriver flash hazard accidents caused by personnel inadvertently grounding one of the phases. Ground schemes seem to be as different as there are as many manufacturers. This paper is an attempt to standardize grounding schemes. These high resistance grounding systems are arranged for alarming only. The 600 volt class and 5000 volt class systems have proven reliable with an inherent total system charging current to ground (3I/sub CO/) of about 4 amperes, or less. A new design, complete with a list of equipment, is presented based on actual experience. The paper also provides two interesting and specific experiences with the new systems. >
EUS-guided injection of paclitaxel (OncoGel) provides therapeutic drug concentrations in the porcine pancreas (with video).

Background OncoGel (ReGel/paclitaxel) is an intralesional injectable formulation of the chemotherapeutic drug, paclitaxel, for local tumor management. Objective The aim of this study was to determine if a minimally invasive EUS-guided injection of paclitaxel, bound to a thermosensitive gel carrier, would lead to therapeutic tissue concentrations of the chemotherapeutic agent in the porcine pancreas. Design Eight Yorkshire breed pigs were sedated by general anesthesia and OncoGel was injected, under EUS-guidance, with a 22-gauge needle into the tail of the pancreas. Main Outcome Measurements During the 7-day (n = 4) or 14-day (n = 4) observational period, the animals were monitored by serum levels of amylase and lipase, and by a CT on day 4. The outcome was determined by gross and microscopic evidence of inflammation of the pancreas, clinical tolerance, and quantitation of tissue paclitaxel concentrations. Results Eight pigs underwent injection of 1, 2, 3, or 4 mL OncoGel (6 mg paclitaxel per 1 mL OncoGel) (n = 2 per group). An intrapancreatic hyperechoic focus, with an average diameter of 2.1 ± 0.8 cm, was visible by EUS, and a hypodense area in the tail of the pancreas was visible by contrast CT. Clinically, the animals appeared to tolerate the procedure without sequelae. Blood levels of amylase and lipase were normal. At euthanasia, a depot of OncoGel, with an average diameter of 14.7 ± 5.0 mm), was located both grossly and histologically in the pancreatic tail. After 14 days, clinically significant tissue concentrations of paclitaxel were detected at a distance of 30 to 50 mm from the depot in the animals that underwent an injection of 3 and 4 mL of the agent (n = 2). Conclusions The EUS-guided injection of OncoGel into the pancreas of the pig provided high and sustained localized concentrations of paclitaxel. This technique is a potential minimally invasive local treatment option for unresectable pancreatic tumors.
Molecular Similarity Methods and QSAR Models As Tools for Virtual Screening

Virtual screening has become a major attraction in pharmaceutical research for computational screening of compound source databases. This screening method provides significant computational ability at a low price. This article discusses virtual screening based on quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) and molecular similarity analysis. Keywords: virtual screening; pharmaceutical research; computational screening; quantitative structure-activity relationships; molecular similarity
How to interpret studies of adverse drug reactions.

Drawing interpretations about the causal nature of associations in pharmaco-epidemiology is ordinarily a straightforward matter when certain criteria are met. The purpose of this commentary is to discuss these criteria and point out the systematic and logical methods used by epidemiologists and to explain why certain study results may lead to confusion.
Partisan differences in the relationship between newspaper coverage and concern over global warming

The effects of news media on public opinion about global warming have been a topic of much interest in both academic and popular discourse. Empirical evidence in this regard, however, is still limited and somewhat mixed. This study used data from the 2006 General Social Survey in combination with a content analysis of newspaper coverage of the same time period to examine the relationship between general news climate and public concern about global warming. Results showed a pattern of political polarization, with increased coverage associated with growing divergence between Democrats and Republicans. Further analysis also showed evidence of reactivity in partisan response to coverage from different news outlets. These findings point to a particular form of politically motivated, biased processing of news information.
Differential control of the functional cell surface expression and content of hexose transporter GLUT-1 by glucose and glucose metabolism in murine fibroblasts

The present paper evaluates the contributions of glucose and its metabolites to the post-translational regulation of hexose transport and GLUT-1 content in murine fibroblasts. The effects of 3-O-methylglucose, a nearly non-metabolizable glucose analogue, on 2-deoxyglucose-uptake, cell-surface expression and content of GLUT-1, glucose 6-phosphate levels, and phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) and hexokinase activities of murine fibroblasts were compared with those of glucose and fructose. Glucose (EC50 approximately 6 mM) or 3-O-methylglucose (EC50 approximately 12 mM), which are substrates of GLUT-1, but not fructose, which is not transported by GLUT-1, are able to prevent the glucose-deprivation-induced increases in both hexose transport and cell-surface expression of GLUT-1. In contrast, glucose (EC50 approximately 6 mM), but not 3-O-methylglucose or fructose, prevents the glucose-deprivation-induced accumulation of total GLUT-1 polypeptides. Glucose (> or = 5 mM), but not fructose or 3-O-methylglucose, leads to significant glucose 6-phosphate accumulation. Although 3-O-methylglucose is weakly phosphorylated by fibroblasts, accumulation of phosphorylated product does not correlate with hexose-transport regulation. The activities of hexokinase and PGI are not altered by glucose, fructose or 3-O-methylglucose. We suggest that, in murine fibroblasts: (i) hexose transport and GLUT-1 content are differentially regulated; (ii) substrates of GLUT-1 and/or their immediate metabolites regulate the cell-surface expression of functional GLUT-1; and (iii) glucose metabolism is required for the regulation of GLUT-1 content.
Imparting of Knowledge and Competence Training: Teaching Reform Practice and Reviewing on Civic Procedure Law in Ethnic Universities

Traditional teaching mode of Civic Procedure Law,basically can reach the requirement of imparting knowledge to students,yet the malpractice is the lack of the training for students of their independent thinking and issues analyzing. In this article,the authors suggest the reform of theoretic teaching,practice and examination etc.,which can mobilize students with full aspects.
The Impact of Long-Term Home Parenteral Nutrition on the Patient and the Family: Achieving Normalcy in Life

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a technologically complex, life-sustaining therapy for individuals who have intestinal failure. Accepting an invasive lifelong therapy like HPN is challenging for patients and their family caregivers. There is a desire to maintain a sense of normalcy in life and to carry on as usual. Using qualitative methodology, the authors explored and described the lived experience of HPN-dependent adults and identified normalization as a repeating and strong theme. Understanding how individuals adapt, cope, or experience this complex therapy provides insight into how they manage their lives in as normal a way as possible. By understanding the perspective of normalization, home infusion nurses and nutrition support clinicians can embrace caregiving strategies and tools consistent with the changing social environment in which the HPN experience is lived.
Preparing for In Situ Processing on Upcoming Leading-edge Supercomputers

High performance computing applications are producing increasingly large amounts of data and placing enormous stress on current capabilities for traditional post-hoc visualization techniques. Because of the growing compute and I/O imbalance, data reductions, including in situ visualization, are required. These reduced data are used for analysis and visualization in a variety of different ways. Many of he visualization and analysis requirements are known a priori, but when they are not, scientists are dependent on the reduced data to accurately represent the simulation in post hoc analysis. The contributions of this paper is a description of the directions we are pursuing to assist a large scale fusion simulation code succeed on the next generation of supercomputers. These directions include the role of in situ processing for performing data reductions, as well as the tradeoffs between data size and data integrity within the context of complex operations in a typical scientific workflow.
Effect of sand dilation on distortions and pattern allowances during steel sand casting

AbstractMechanical interactions between the sand mold and casting have a great impact on pattern allowances. In this study, the effect of core expansion on distortions during steel casting is investigated. A hollow steel cylinder is cast using silica and zircon sand cores. The evolution of the cylinder’s inner diameter is measured in situ using LVDTs. During solidification, core expansion is found to distort the inner diameter into a barrel-shaped profile, generating the largest expansion at the mid-height. The experiments are simulated using a sequential thermo-mechanical coupling. In the stress analysis, the steel and sand are modeled using an elasto-visco-plastic constitutive law and the Drucker–Prager Cap model, respectively. The simulations reveal that sand dilation due to shear stresses, as opposed to thermal expansion, accounts for the majority of the increase in the inner diameter. The measured and predicted pattern allowances are found to be in excellent agreement.
Introduction to this special section: Data analytics and machine learning

The explosion of data types and volumes we are experiencing in the oil field, particularly in unconventional reservoir development, is stretching the capabilities of traditional manual workflows. The complex interactions between dynamic reservoir properties and the many-faceted well completions process are governed by complex physics that may be only partially understood. Furthermore, our best attempts to perform controlled experiments can often produce highly varied results, suggesting the stochastic nature of production from unconventionals and that we may benefit from adding new tools to our toolkit of deterministic, physics-based analysis.
Atrial Tachycardias After Surgical Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Clinical Characteristics, Electrophysiological Mechanisms, and Ablation Outcomes From a Large, Multicenter Study

Abstract Objectives The clinical characteristics, electrophysiological mechanisms, and ablation outcomes of post-surgical atrial fibrillation ablation (SAFA) atrial tachycardias (ATs) have not been studied in a large, multicenter cohort. Background ATs are often seen following SAFA. Methods Analysis was performed on 137 patients (age, 62 ± 10 years; 74% male) who underwent catheter ablation for symptomatic post-SAFA AT from 2004 to 2013 at 3 high-volume institutions in the United States. Results A total of 137 patients had 149 ATs that were mapped; 103 (69%) had a left atrial (LA) origin and 46 (31%) had a right atrial origin. Of the 149, a total of 44 (30%) had a focal mechanism, with 29 (66%) having an LA origin, with 53% localized to LA posterior wall. Of the 105 re-entrant ATs, 74 (71%) were of LA origin. The predominant circuits were cavotricuspid isthmus (n = 25), perimitral (n = 19), LA roof (n = 17), left pulmonary veins (n = 13), right pulmonary vein/LA septum (n = 12), and LA appendage (n = 7). A total of 93% of patients had ≥1 pulmonary vein reconnection requiring reisolation. Catheter ablation resulted in termination and noninducibility of 97% of right atrial and 93% of LA ATs. Over a 12-month follow-up, 80% of patients were free of any AT or AF. Conclusions In this large multicenter cohort of post-SAFA ATs, most were of LA origin, with macro–re-entry being the most common arrhythmia mechanism. Wide variability in location of AT circuits was seen in both right atrial and LA and likely reflects underlying arrhythmogenic substrate and differences in modified SAFA techniques. Catheter ablation was highly successful in eliminating the culprit AT with favorable long-term outcomes.
Who changed you?: obfuscator identification for Android

Android developers commonly use app obfuscation to secure their apps and intellectual property. Although obfuscation provides protection, it presents an obstacle for a number of legitimate program analyses such as detection of app cloning and repackaging, malware detection, identification of third-party libraries, provenance analysis for digital forensics, and reverse engineering for test generation and performance analysis. If the obfuscator used to create an app can be identified, and if some details of the obfuscation process can be inferred, subsequent analyses can exploit this knowledge. Thus, it is desirable to be able to automatically analyze a given app and determine (1) whether it was obfuscated, (2) which obfuscator was used, and (3) how the obfuscator was configured. We have developed novel techniques to identify the obfuscator of an Android app for several widely-used obfuscation tools and for a number of their configuration options. We define the obfuscator identification problem and propose a solution based on machine learning. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to formulate and solve this problem. We identify a feature vector that represents the characteristics of the obfuscated code. We then implement a tool that extracts this feature vector from Dalvik bytecode and uses it to identify the obfuscator provenance information. We evaluate the proposed approach on real-world Android apps obfuscated with different obfuscators, under several configurations. Our experiments indicate that the approach identifies the obfuscator with about 97% accuracy and recognizes the configuration with more than 90% accuracy.
Mouse models and induced pluripotent stem cells in researching psychiatric disorders

Psychiatric disorders are a problem for society both on a micro level involving patients and their families as well as on a macro level involving global economic costs. For years, scientists have relied on mouse models for research, but these have shortcomings that greatly hinder efforts to understand the pathophysiology and genetic factors of psychiatric disorders. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have shown potential to overcome obstacles that mouse models face and can provide patient-specific cells that allow for better understanding of genetic effects on psychiatric disorders. This review explores the current progress using iPSCs to model psychiatric disorders, specifically bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, while discussing remaining issues with iPSC use and how these issues can be resolved in the future.
Impact of Sex on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Related Causes of Premature Mortality in the United States

Abstract Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is a source of significantly decreased life expectancy in the United States. This study investigated causes of deaths among males and females with SLE. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study used the national death certificate database of ∼2.7 million death records in the United States, 2014. SLE was defined using Tenth Revision of the International Classification of Diseases codes: M32.1, M32.9, and M32.8. We compared sex-stratified demographic characteristics and the most commonly listed comorbidities in decedents with and without SLE. Relative risks (RRs) quantified the risk of dying with the most commonly listed comorbidities among decedents with SLE aged ≤50 years compared with non-SLE decedents. Results: There were 2,036 decedents with SLE in the United States (86.2% female). Female SLE decedents were 22 years younger than non-SLE females (median: 59 years vs. 81 years). This difference was 12 yea...
EZH2 enables germinal centre formation through epigenetic silencing of CDKN1A and an Rb-E2F1 feedback loop.

The EZH2 histone methyltransferase is required for B cells to form germinal centers (GC). Here we show that EZH2 mediates GC formation through repression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor CDKN1A (p21Cip1). Deletion of Cdkn1a rescues the GC reaction in Ezh2 −/− mice. Using a 3D B cell follicular organoid system that mimics the GC reaction, we show that depletion of EZH2 suppresses G1 to S phase transition of GC B cells in a Cdkn1a-dependent manner. GC B cells of Cdkn1a −/− Ezh2 −/− mice have high levels of phospho-Rb, indicating that loss of Cdkn1a enables progression of cell cycle. Moreover, the transcription factor E2F1 induces EZH2 during the GC reaction. E2f1 −/− mice manifest impaired GC responses, which is rescued by restoring EZH2 expression, thus defining a positive feedback loop in which EZH2 controls GC B cell proliferation by suppressing CDKN1A, enabling cell cycle progression with a concomitant phosphorylation of Rb and release of E2F1. The histone methyltransferase EZH2 silences genes by generating H3K27me3 marks. Here the authors use a 3D GC organoid and show EZH2 mediates germinal centre (GC) formation through epigenetic silencing of CDKN1A and release of cell cycle checkpoints.