cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recovery and development of parasexual fusion products in Enteromorpha linza (L.) J. Ag. (Ulvales, Chlorophyta)

Newly released zoospores fromEnteromorpha linza (L.) J. Ag. lack significant cellulose cell wall material and are suitable for treatment as protoplasts in a parasexual fusion process using high pH-Ca+ +, PEG and centrifugation. Treated zoospores settled on glass cover slips within 3 h and were examined microscopically at 1000 ×. Presumptive fusion products were identified by their larger size and presence of twin chloroplasts and eyespots. Unfused zoospores adjacent to fusion cells were killed by 2–3 min exposure to blue light (410–490 nm) from a high pressure mercury illuminator. Unexposed fusion cells developed into uniseriate germlings within 10 days at which stage they could be readily identified at 60 × with a dissecting microscope and isolated by micropipette. Ten-day germlings from both unfused zoospores and fusion cells were stained with the DNA-localizing fluorochrome hydroethidine and relative nuclear DNA content determined with epi-(incident) UV illumination. All germlings were found to be uninucleate. Germlings from unfused zoospores had haploid nuclei with 1N = 10 and 1C and 2C levels of DNA, while germlings from fusion cells had diploid nuclei with 2N = 20 and 2C and 4C levels of DNA. These result are interpreted as evidence of karyogamy following parasexual zoospore fusions. Isolated diploid germlings, cultured for 10 weeks were found to conserve their 2N chromosome complements and elevated levels of nuclear DNA. Although most diploid germlings were morphologically similar to haploid control plants, some exhibited ‘gigas’ characteristics, including larger cells, chloroplasts, and nuclei. These results are discussed in terms of unique phenotypes that result when nuclear and organellar genes are combined in different ways.
Accurate coarse modeling of well-driven, high-mobility-ratio displacements in heterogeneous reservoirs

High mobility ratios are often encountered in improved-oil-recovery processes because the displaced oil can be much more viscous than the injected water or gas. In this work, a new two-phase upscaling approach for modeling high-mobility-ratio displacements is developed and applied. For the near-well region, a specialized upscaling procedure, which includes single-phase and two-phase upscaling components, is presented. In this upscaling, local regions around each well are considered and the coarse-scale well indices, wellblock transmissibilities, and relative permeabilities are determined such that the fine- and coarse-scale flow rates are in agreement. Away from wells, the upscaled relative permeabilities for each coarse block are computed by imposing effective flux boundary conditions, which have been shown to provide better accuracy than standard procedures. The performance of these techniques is demonstrated by considering multiple realizations of synthetic 3D models with varying correlation structures and degrees of spatial variability, as well as different fluid mobility contrasts and production scenarios (involving horizontal wells and five-spot patterns). By quantifying the upscaling errors using well-defined metrics, the contribution of each component of the overall procedure to the accuracy of the coarse models is assessed. Application of the overall upscaling methodology is shown to provide significantly more accurate coarse models than those generated using standard procedures.
GPS detection of ionospheric perturbations following a space shuttle ascent

The exhaust plume of the Space Shuttle during its ascent is a very powerful source of energy that excites atmospheric acoustic perturbations. Because of the coupling between neutral particles and electrons at ionospheric altitudes, these low frequency acoustic perturbations induce variations of the ionospheric electron density. We computed ionospheric electron content time series using Global Positioning System data collected on Bermuda island during the STS-58 Space Shuttle launch. The analysis of these time series shows a perturbation of the ionospheric electron content following the launch and lasting for 35 mn, with periods less than 10 mn. The perturbation is complex and shows two sub-events separated by about 15 mn at 200 km from the source. The phase velocities and waveform characteristics of the two sub-events lead us to interpret the first impulsive arrival as the direct propagation of the shock wave front, followed by oscillatory guided waves probably excited by the primary shock wave and propagating along horizontal atmospheric interfaces at 120 km altitude and below.
Influences on Sibling Relations in Families with Married and Divorced Parents: Family Form or Family Quality?

Two regression analyses were performed that tested the relationships between the amount of negative sibling interaction and the amount of positive sibling interaction and measures of relationship quality and family form. When measures of husband-wife, mother-child, and father-child relationship quality were controlled, marital status was not significantly related to either measure of sibling interactions. However, when the marital status of the parents (family form) was controlled, both the quality of husband-wife relationship and the quality of mother-child relationship were positively related to positive sibling interaction and negatively related to negative sibling interaction. Regardless of family form, the quality of other relationships in the family were important predictors of sibling interactions.
Critical boiling, vapor block, and prospects for control of miniquenches in channel-cooled magnets

A correlation to ±13% is given for the wide-ranging data of 7 groups who have measured steady-state critical nucleate boiling heat flux, CHF, from a channel wall to helium flowing at known mass flux G. There is no discernible trend in any of the plots of CHF deviation with respect to the six relevant experimental parameters. To achieve quench control in a partially quenched multichanneled magnet, the average mass flux \bar{G} must exceed G, due to vapor block in the quench-affected channels. Equations derived here for \bar{G}/G are based on both laminar and turbulent flow models. In a proposed method of quench control, isolated miniquenches (involving up to one full turn in separate layers of the conductor) are eliminated by a calculable flow of coolant provided by an immersed circulating pump in parallel with the magnet channels. Prospects for success are enhanced by the fact that in typical forced-flow channel boiling, the first (breakaway) and second (recovery) CHF's are reported to be identical, in strong contrast to typical pool boiling. It is also noteworthy that among systems designed to provide (steady-state) CHF, the one considered here is unique in providing a transient heat flux that is greater than the critical steady state flux.
The antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides

Wegener's granulomatosis, microscopic polyangiitis, and Churg-Strauss syndrome are small- to medium-vessel vasculitides linked by overlapping pathology and the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). Commonly referred to as the ANCA-associated vasculitides, these diseases are challenging to diagnose and to treat. Distinguishing the ANCA-associated vasculitides from other forms of vasculitis or nonvasculitic processes (such as infection) can be particularly difficult. This review describes the clinical and pathologic hallmarks of the ANCA-associated vasculitides, discusses the role of ANCA assays in diagnosis and treatment, and outlines an approach to the evaluation and management of these diseases.
Bcl-xL prevents apoptosis of late-stage erythroblasts but does not mediate the antiapoptotic effect of erythropoietin

The long form of B-cell lymphoma-x (Bcl-xL), an outer mitochondrial membrane protein, has been proposed to mediate the antiapoptotic action of erythropoietin on erythroid progenitor cells and to be necessary for heme synthesis in erythroblasts. Mice with conditional knockout of Bcl-xL (conditional bcl-x-/- mice) develop severe anemia that has been attributed to hemolysis and is accompanied by splenomegaly. We characterized further the anemia of conditional bcl-x-/- mice and investigated the role of Bcl-xL in the action of erythropoietin and in heme synthesis. We analyzed peripheral blood cells and cultured splenic erythroblasts of conditional bcl-x-/- mice and littermates that were rendered anemic by bleeding. Although they had massive splenic erythroblastosis, conditional bcl-x-/- mice had decreased circulating reticulocytes compared to littermates even prior to bleeding the littermates. Compared to erythroblasts of bled littermates, bcl-x-/- erythroblasts cultured with erythropoietin underwent apoptosis during the later, hemoglobin-synthesizing stages of differentiation. The bcl-x-/- erythroblasts synthesized heme, but at reduced rates compared to bled littermate erythroblasts. When cultured without erythropoietin, bcl-x-/- erythroblasts underwent apoptosis at early stages of differentiation, prior to hemoglobin synthesis. Bcl-xL is not required for heme synthesis and does not mediate the antiapoptotic effects of erythropoietin, but it prevents ineffective erythropoiesis due to apoptosis in late-stage, hemoglobin-synthesizing erythroblasts. (Blood. 2005;106:1857-1863)
Potential enhancement of endometrial receptivity in cycles using controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with antiprogestins: A hypothesis

Objective To manipulate the luteal endometrial progression by the use of antiprogestins. Design Prospective controlled clinical trial. Setting The IVF program of the University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California. Patient(s) Thirteen oocyte donors and 20 oocyte recipients. Intervention(s) Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation of oocyte donors, administration of two doses of 2.5 mg of RU486 to the study group, and endometrial biopsies. Main Outcome Measure(s) Serum E 2 and P levels, histologic dating of the endometrium, endometrial ultrastructure by scanning electron microscopy. Result(s) No difference in serum E 2 or P levels was noted after RU486 administration. The histologic dating was advanced in oocyte donors as compared with recipients undergoing artificial cycles but returned to normal (in phase) after RU486. Pinopods were noted in all recipient biopsies and in donors treated with RU486 but in only one of four biopsies in donor controls. Conclusion(s) Cycles with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation are associated with high early luteal P levels and advanced endometrial histology. Low doses of RU486 may correct the precocious luteinization and restore endometrial receptivity. Fertil Steril ® 1997;67:321-5
OH radical and temperature measurements during ignition of H2-air mixtures excited by a repetitively pulsed nanosecond discharge

Ignition delay time, time-resolved temperature, and time-resolved absolute OH concentration are measured in mildly preheated H2–air mixtures (T = 473–500 K), excited by a repetitive nanosecond pulse discharge in a plasma flow reactor. The measurements are done in decaying plasma after the discharge pulse burst (pulse repetition rate 10–40 kHz). Ignition delay increases steeply as the number of pulses in the burst is reduced, exhibiting threshold-like behavior. Temperature and OH concentration during the ignition process are measured by two-line OH LIF, as functions of time delay after the discharge burst. Absolute calibration is done using a near-adiabatic flame. The results show that the temperature at the end of the discharge burst is 700–750 K, rising to 1500–1600 K within a few ms after the burst, indicative of ignition. During ignition, OH concentration increases by a factor of 20–50, from (0.5–1.1) � 10 14 cm � 3 at the end of the burst to peak value of (2.3–2.6) � 10 15 cm � 3 . Kinetic modeling calculations show good agreement with the experimental results, demonstrating quantitative insight into kinetics of plasma-assisted ignition. Modeling calculations demonstrate that ignition is induced primarily by accumulation of H atoms and gradual temperature rise in the discharge, at temperatures significantly lower than autoignition temperature, by up to 200 K.
Hemodynamic analysis of the ischemic complications of arteriovenous fistulas.

The steal syndrome and its concomitant ischemic complications have long been known to occur in some patients following the construction of various types of access fistulas. A hemodynamic analysis of the flow at a bifurcation provides the basis for understanding the conditions which lead to steal. The analysis also suggests a method for assessing the potential for steal and supports the concept of banding of a fistula as a control measure.
All-optical clock recovery using a modelocked figure eight laser with a semiconductor nonlinearity

A novel geometry for all-optical clock recovery is demonstrated using a semiconductor laser amplifier in a nonlinear optical loop mirror to modelock a figure eight laser. A clock signal can be recovered over a broad locking bandwidth of 0.5 MHz when random data at 1 Gbit/s are input to the system.< >
The resolution of closely spaced signals

This paper presents a method for resolving signals closely spaced in parameter space in the sense that the parameters of the signals being measured (i.e., time of arrival, frequency, etc.) are close together. A maximum-likelihood method is used to resolve M signals in K -dimensional space, where M may be unknown. The resulting procedure first generates a K -dimensional cross-ambiguity function and then passes this function through a K -dimensional linear filter. The procedure effectively reduces the problem from its original form of optimally searching for a maximum in the (M \times K) -dimensional space to searching for M maxima in the K -dimensional parameter space. The method is obviously sub-optimal; its advantage lies in the relatively simple form of the detection scheme.
Combining beamforming and quasi-orthogonal space-time block coding using channel mean feedback

Recently, G. Jongren et al., (see IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory, vol.48, p.611-27, 2002) and S. Zhou and G.B. Giannakis (see IEEE Trans. Sig. Process., vol.50, no.10, p.2599-613, 2002) proposed a new design criterion and algorithm that combine space-time block coding with linear beamforming. This method is very successful when it is applied to the orthogonal space-time block code (STBC). However, the same method cannot be directly applied to the more advanced quasi-orthogonal STBCs, due to the non-orthogonal nature of the quasi-orthogonal designs. Based on the same design criterion, we consider the quasi-orthogonal codes as beamforming candidates. Through asymptotic analysis, we dramatically simplify the design criterion and construct the beamforming matrix for the quasi-orthogonal designs. The proposed quasi-orthogonal STBC beamformer can be presented as a novel full rate eigen-beamformer that works for any system with four or more transmit antennas. Simulation results for a system with channel mean feedback demonstrate that the new beamforming scheme has significant gains over the orthogonal STBC based beamforming schemes.
Phosphates, DNA, and the search for nonterrean life: a second generation model for genetic molecules.

Phosphate groups are found and used widely in biological chemistry. We have asked whether phosphate groups are likely to be important to the functioning of genetic molecules, including DNA and RNA. From observations made on synthetic analogs of DNA and RNA where the phosphates are replaced by nonanionic linking groups, we infer a set of rules that highlight the importance of the phosphodiester backbone for the proper functioning of DNA as a genetic molecule. The polyanionic backbone appears to give DNA the capability of replication following simple rules, and evolving. The polyanionic nature of the backbone appears to be critical to prevent the single strands from folding, permitting them to act as templates, guiding the interaction between two strands to form a duplex in a way that permits simple rules to guide the molecular recognition event, and buffering the sensitivity of its physicochemical properties to changes in sequence. We argue that the feature of a polyelectrolyte (polyanion or polycation) may be required for a "self-sustaining chemical system capable of Darwinian evolution." The polyelectrolyte structure therefore may be a universal signature of life, regardless of its genesis, and unique to living forms as well.
Evidence for the validity of a Sleep Habits survey for adolescents

Study Objectives: To examine the validity of self-reported survey estimates of sleep patterns in adolescents through a comparison of retrospective survey descriptions of usual school- and weekend-night sleep habits with diary-reported sleep patterns and actigraphically estimated sleep behaviors over a subsequent week. Design and Setting: High school students completed a Sleep Habits Survey about the previous 2 weeks and then wore an actigraph (AMI, Ardsley, NY) for 8 days while keeping a daily sleep diary. Matched-pair t tests assessed average differences between survey and diary reports and between survey and actigraph estimates. Pearson correlations assessed the extent to which survey reports were in agreement with diary reports and actigraphy estimates. Participants: 302 high school students (196 girls, 106 boys) in grades 912 from five high schools. Results: School-night survey total sleep times and wake times did not differ from sleep amounts reported in the diary or estimated by actigraphy; survey bedtimes were slightly earlier. On weekends, survey total sleep times and wake times were longer and later, respectively, than estimated with actigraphy and reported on diaries. Moreover, school- and weekendnight survey variables were significantly correlated both with diary and actigraphy variables. Strengths of the associations were consistently greater for school-night variables than the corresponding weekend-night variables. Conclusions: The findings support the validity of the Sleep Habits Survey estimates in comparison with diary and actigraphy. Strengths and limitations for survey measures of high school students’ usual sleep/wake patterns are discussed.
Immuno-inspired heterogeneous mobile robotic systems

Artificial immune systems are primarily inspired by human immune functions that exhibit self organization, learning, adaptation, recognition, robustness and scalability. This makes such systems a suitable choice to be experimented in robotic applications in unstructured environments. Out of many models of immune system, immune network model is applied in this research on mobile robotic systems with heterogeneous capabilities. The environment is translated into antigen according to the sensory arrangement of each robot. Antibody stimulation and suppression is implemented to navigate robots along with the idiotypic connections to establish inter-robot communications. These immune metaphors have been translated and simulated to exhibit a search and rescue operation in an obstacle filled arena. Experimental results show that search-robot can efficiently arbitrate the behaviors of wander, obstacle avoidance, target search and inter-robot communication. The rescue robot(s) can then navigate through the obstacles to effectively rescue the target(s).
Borrelia burgdorferi Infection in a Natural Population of Peromyscus Leucopus Mice: A Longitudinal Study in an Area Where Lyme Borreliosis Is Highly Endemic

Blood samples from Peromyscus leucopus mice captured at an enzootic site in Connecticut were examined for antibodies to and DNA of Borrelia burgdorferi, to characterize the dynamics of infection in this reservoir population. From trappings conducted over the course of 2 transmission seasons, 598 (75%) of 801 serum samples from 514 mice were found to be positive by enzyme immunoassay. Seropositivity correlated with date of capture and mouse age, was similar among locations within the site, increased from 57% to 93% over the course of the transmission season, and was associated with antibodies to outer surface protein (Osp) C, but not to OspA. Longitudinal samples from 184 mice revealed an incidence of 0.2 cases/mouse/week. Nineteen (10%) of 187 samples were found by polymerase chain reaction to be positive for B. burgdorferi, and, of those, 14 (74%) were found to be seropositive. Nearly the entire population of P. leucopus mice became infected with B. burgdorferi by late August, coinciding with the peak activity period of host-seeking larvae uninfected with the spirochete Ixodes scapularis, thereby perpetuating the agent through succeeding generations of ticks.
Selective Criteria for Successful Long-term Prosthetic Use

The purpose of this study was to identify criteria contributing to successful long-term prosthetic use in patients with an amputation secondary to vascular disease. All elderly patients with a unilateral below-knee amputation or an above-knee amputation, secondary to vascular disease, seen in our clinic between 1977 and 1982 were included in this telephone survey. Of those contacted, 37 of 38 below-knee amputees (BKAs) and 7 of 18 above-knee amputees (AKAs) still wore their prostheses at least part of every day (success). We used a two-tailed chi-square to compare the success of the BKAs with the success of the AKAs. The BKAs were successful more often (X2 = 24.81, df = 1, p less than .001). All AKAs also were characterized according to age, time from prescription, obesity, ambulatory status, strength, range of motion, sex, general compliance, and medical problems after prosthetic prescription. Of these criteria, only compliance and medical problems after prescription showed a significant difference between successful and nonsuccessful long-term AKA prosthetic users (X2 = 5.76, df = 1, p less than .05 for each criterion). As the demands of quality assurance and diagnostic related groupings increase, these results can assist the physical therapy clinician in setting realistic goals for the geriatric amputee and help predict if the patient will be a successful prosthetic user.
Bibliographic analysis of scientific research on selected topics in public health nutrition in West Africa: Review of articles published from 1998 to 2008.

Abstract Few countries in West Africa have the capacity for carrying out advanced training in nutrition and public health. To provide additional information on current regional applied nutrition research capacity and productivity, we analysed peer-reviewed articles on key public health nutrition topics that were published from 1998 to 2008. Using MEDLINE/PubMed, the following terms were searched: ‘breast feeding’, ‘infant nutrition physiology’ (comprising complementary feeding and weaning), ‘protein energy malnutrition’, ‘nutrition and infection’, ‘vitamin A’, ‘iodine’, ‘zinc’ and ‘overweight’, each linked with the term ‘Western Africa’. In total, 412 unique articles (37±6 articles per year) were identified. Most research focused on infant and young child feeding practices, selected micronutrient deficiencies, and the emerging problem of overweight and obesity. The primary author of nearly half (46%) the publications was located in an institution outside of West Africa. Most articles were published in Eng...
Brain delta2 opioid receptors mediate SNC-80-evoked hypothermia in rats

Despite insights into an increasingly significant role for delta opioid receptors in thermoregulation, it is unclear whether delta receptors located in the brain or periphery play the more critical role in body temperature regulation. Moreover, it is not entirely clear which delta receptor phenotype, delta1 or delta2, mediates the hypothermic actions of delta agonists. Because SNC-80 distributes into central and peripheral compartments and produces rapid hypothermia following systemic injection, the nonpeptide delta agonist is particularly useful in discriminating the site of action of delta receptor-mediated hypothermia. To determine the locus and phenotype of delta receptor which mediates SNC-80-induced hypothermia, we injected SNC-80 and phenotype selective delta antagonists to male Sprague-Dawley rats. SNC-80 (10-50 mg/kg, im) evoked hypothermia that peaked 30 min post-injection. Naltrexone (5 mg/kg, sc), an opioid antagonist, or naltrindole (5 mg/kg, sc), a delta antagonist, blocked the hypothermic response to SNC-80 (35 mg/kg, im). The hypothermia caused by SNC-80 (35 mg/kg, im) was blocked by a delta2 antagonist, naltriben (2.5 mg/kg, sc), but was not affected by BNTX (5 and 10 mg/kg, sc), a delta1 antagonist. The administration of naltriben (10 microg/rat, icv) 30 min before SNC-80 (35 mg/kg, im) prevented SNC-80-evoked hypothermia. In contrast, methylnaltrexone (5 mg/kg, sc), a peripherally restricted opioid antagonist, did not affect the hypothermia caused by SNC-80. The present data demonstrate that selective activation of brain delta2 receptors is a major mechanism of SNC-80-evoked hypothermia in rats.
Control using equal length shaped commands to reduce vibration

Input shaping, a feedforward method used to reduce system vibration, typically lengthens the duration of an input command. This paper considers shaped bang-off-bang commands which do not lengthen the duration of the input command. Analytical expressions are developed to describe the vibration due to shaped commands and unshaped commands of equal length. These are then used to analyze sensitivity to parameter variation. The vibration is analyzed over a range of frequencies, damping factors, and command lengths to show that the equal length shaped inputs often reduce residual vibration even when the actual frequency varies from the modeled frequency and to demonstrate the possible advantages of an equal length shaped bang-off-bang input. Last, an equal length shaped input is applied to a tape drive head system to demonstrate reduced settling time.
Familial patterns of testicular cancer

To date only 6 cases of testicular cancer have occurred in father-and-son pairs, 7 cases in monozygotic twins, and 11 in nontwin siblings. Of particular interest in reviewing these and other reports of cancer in family members are the age of onset of the cancer and the concordance of cell types among the variously related family members affected. We report a case of familial testicular cancer occurring in a patient, summarize known or suggested epidemiologic factors, and present a literature review of familial occurrences of testicular cancer.
Photocured biodegradable polymer substrates of varying stiffness and microgroove dimensions for promoting nerve cell guidance and differentiation

Photocross-linkable and biodegradable polymers have great promise in fabricating nerve conduits for guiding axonal growth in peripheral nerve regeneration. Here, we photocross-linked two poly(e-caprolactone) triacrylates (PCLTAs) with number-average molecular weights of ~7000 and ~10,000 g mol(-1) into substrates with parallel microgrooves. Cross-linked PCLTA7k was amorphous and soft, while cross-linked PCLTA10k was semicrystalline with a stiffer surface. We employed different dimensions of interests for the parallel microgrooves, that is, groove widths of 5, 15, 45, and 90 μm and groove depths of 0.4, 1, 5, and 12 μm. The behaviors of rat Schwann cell precursor line (SpL201) cells with the glial nature and pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells with the neuronal nature were studied on these microgrooved substrates, showing distinct preference to the substrates with different mechanical properties. We found different threshold sensitivities of the two nerve cell types to topographical features when their cytoskeleton and nuclei were altered by varying the groove depth and width. Almost all of the cells were aligned in the narrowest and deepest microgrooves or around the edge of microgrooves. Oriented SpL201 cell movement had a higher motility as compared to unaligned ones. After forskolin treatment, SpL201 cells demonstrated significantly upregulated S-100 and O4 on stiffer substrates or narrower microgrooves, suggesting more differentiation toward early Schwann cells (SCs). PC12 neurites were oriented with enhanced extension in narrower microgrooves. The present results not only improve our fundamental understanding on nerve cell-substrate interactions, but also offer useful conduit materials and appropriate feature dimensions to foster guidance for axonal growth in peripheral nerve regeneration.
Fuzzy variant of a statistical test point Kalman filter

In this paper, we propose the conceptual use of fuzzy clustering techniques as iterative spatial methods to estimate a posteriori statistics in place of the weighted averaging scheme of the unscented Kalman filter. Specifically, instead of a linearization methodology involving the statistical linear regression of the process and measurement functions through some deterministically chosen set of test points (sigma points) contained within the "uncertainty region" around the state estimate, we present a variant of the unscented transformation involving fuzzy clustering techniques which will be applied to the test points yielding "degrees of membership" in which Gaussian shapes can be "fit" using a least squares scheme. Implementation into the Kalman methodology will be shown along with low-dimension state and parameter estimation examples.
Stealth soapboxes: political information efficacy, cynicism and uses of celebrity weblogs among readers

This study tests the effects of personalized and `stealth' political discourse on weblogs (or blogs) and the repercussions on levels of political trust, information efficacy and political uses/gratifications. By surveying readers of three different blogs (N=1838), this study identified significant effects as a result of exposure to political statements on blogs. Indeed, there were differences in the levels of political cynicism depending on how political statements were communicated. Readers of non-political blogs were more confident in their level of political information and their ability to participate in politics. Finally, political uses/approaches and avoidances were examined, as were differences based on gender and age.
The Role of Sea Surface Temperatures in Interactions between ENSO and the North Pacific Oscillation

The North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) is a decadal to interdecadal fluctuation of sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the North Pacific. Previous works have shown that during individual El Nino and La Nina winters, atmospheric circulation anomalies over North America are characteristically different for different phases of the NPO. Two physical mechanisms could account for this observed link between North Pacific SSTs and ENSO's effects over North America: 1) NPO SSTs could force changes in the overlying atmosphere that modulate ENSO's effects, and 2) the atmosphere could undergo internal variability that both modulates ENSO's effects and imprints a characteristic pattern of North Pacific SSTs. The first mechanism suggests methods for increasing the skill of seasonal climate predictions by incorporating the state of the North Pacific, using simple persistence of SSTs if nothing else. The second mechanism implies that North Pacific SSTs add no information that could be used to improve seasonal climate predictions of ENSO's effects. Analysis of a 300-yr run of a coupled ocean-atmosphere model shows that it exhibits links between NPO and ENSO similar to those observed. It is found that specifying NPO SSTs does not force these links. This suggests that the association found between NPO SSTs and ENSO's effects is primarily due to the fact that both are responding to the same internal atmospheric variability. In such a case, incorporating accurate predictions of NPO SSTs into ENSO prediction schemes would have little ability to improve forecasts of ENSO's effects.
Ventricular-vascular uncoupling by acute conotruncal occlusion in the stage 21 chick embryo

Embryonic ventricular diastolic and systolic function was evaluated during normal ejection (coupled) and during acute ventricular outflow tract occlusion (uncoupled) in thestage 21 chick embryo. We...
Will my Spoken Dialogue System be a Slow Learner

This paper presents a practical methodology for the integration of reinforcement learning during the design of a Spoken Dialogue System (SDS). It proposes a method that enables SDS designers to know, in advance, the number of dialogues that their system will need in order to learn the value of each state-action couple. We ask the designer to provide a user model in a simple way. Then, we run simulations with this model and we compute confidence intervals for the mean of the expected return of the state-action couples.
Effects of high-intensity interval training on cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight/obese women

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to evaluate two practical interval training protocols on cardiorespiratory fitness, lipids and body composition in overweight/obese women. Thirty women (mean ± SD; weight: 88.1 ± 15.9 kg; BMI: 32.0 ± 6.0 kg · m2) were randomly assigned to ten 1-min high-intensity intervals (90%VO2 peak, 1 min recovery) or five 2-min high-intensity intervals (80–100% VO2 peak, 1 min recovery) or control. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), peak power output (PPO), body composition and fasting blood lipids were evaluated before and after 3 weeks of training, completed 3 days per week. Results from ANCOVA analyses demonstrated no significant training group differences for any primary variables (P > 0.05). When training groups were collapsed, 1MIN and 2MIN resulted in a significant increase in PPO (∆18.9 ± 8.5 watts; P = 0.014) and time to exhaustion (∆55.1 ± 16.4 s; P = 0.001); non-significant increase in VO2 peak (∆2.36 ± 1.34 ml · kg−1 · min−1; P = 0.185); and a significant decrease in fat ...
User-centric design of a personal assistance robot (FRASIER) for active aging

We present our preliminary results from the design process for developing the Worcester Polytechnic Institute's personal assistance robot, FRASIER, as an intelligent service robot for enabling active aging. The robot capabilities include vision-based object detection, tracking the user and help with carrying heavy items such as grocery bags or cafeteria trays. This work-in-progress report outlines our motivation and approach to developing the next generation of service robots for the elderly. Our main contribution in this paper is the development of a set of specifications based on the adopted user-centered design process, and realization of the prototype system designed to meet these specifications.
In vitro cultivation of the parasitic phase of Coccidioides immitis.

SummaryThe in vitro cultivation of the parasitic phase of C. immitis is reported and the composition of the medium detailed. Sporangia were formed by all strains studied though in varying numbers and after varying periods of incubation. Mature culture-grown sporangia were indistinguishable from mature tissue sporangia.
Suppressing Surface Reconstruction of Superhydrophobic PDMS using a Superhydrophilic Zwitterionic Polymer

Poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) is extensively used for biomedical applications due to its low cost, ease of fabrication, high durability and flexibility, oxygen permeability, and self-healing properties. PDMS, however, has some significant drawbacks. PDMS endures unacceptably high levels of nonspecific protein fouling when used with biological samples due to its superhydrophobic characteristics. Unfortunately, conventional surface modification methods do not work for PDMS due to its low glass transition temperature. This phenomenon has been well-known for years as "hydrophobic regeneration". For the same reason, it is also very difficult to bring functionalities onto PDMS surfaces. Herein, we demonstrate how a superhydrophilic zwitterionic material, poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (pCBMA), can provide a highly stable coating with long-term stabilty due to the sharp contrast in hydrophobicity between pCBMA and PDMS. This material is able to suppress nonspecific protein adsorption in complex media and functionalize desired biomolecules needed in applications, such as diagnostics, without sacrificing its nonfouling characteristics.
Serum complement in hepatobiliary diseases.

SummaryThe serum complement titer was determined in 20 patients with acute hepatitis, 20 with hepatic cirrhosis, and 25 with (benign and malignant) biliary obstruction. The only distinctly subnormal values were encountered in 2 moribund patients suffering from cirrhosis. The data speak against formation of complement in or through the liver and fail to indicate usefulness of complement titration in diagnosis of hepatobiliary diseases.
Nonuniqueness of solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations on Riemannian manifolds

We construct nonunique solutions of Leray–Hopf type of the Navier–Stokes equations on a noncompact three-dimensional manifold of negative curvature. This answers a question raised by C. Chan and M. Czubak.
Application of MFN Clauses to Dispute Settlement Provisions in BITs and its Consequences for Investor-State Arbitration

This note provides a policy perspective to the debate of applying MFN clauses to dispute settlement provisions in BITs, and addresses some of the ramifications associated with such application. Several tribunals have had a difficult time addressing this dilemma. The paper extrapolates the very nature of dispute resolution clauses and consent to international arbitration as evinced in those clauses. This consent is binary in nature – either it is present or it is absent. Moreover, dispute settlement clauses contain conditions which must be fulfilled before consent can be construed as present, and before the tribunal can even interpret a treaty’s MFN provisions. Therefore, the paper argues, unless a dispute resolution clause explicitly provides for an MFN treatment, ratione consensus should not be modified to presume a State’s consent to a new set of conditions absent in the basic treaty. Secondly, the paper approaches MFN debate from a wider perspective. It presents that such application jeopardizes the very future of investment arbitration by fostering distrust of investor state arbitration and encouraging nations to withdraw from this mechanism. Moreover, broad interpretation of MFN clauses and treaty preambles besmirches the perception of arbitrator neutrality by incentivizing a tribunal to rule in favor of the investor at the jurisdictional stage. I address these concerns and argue that this debate must end before it further jeopardizes investor-state arbitration.
Apoptotic cell death of cultured salamander photoreceptors induced by cccp: CsA-insensitive mitochondrial permeability transition.

Photoreceptor degeneration is mediated by apoptosis in several animal models, although the underlying mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. We present here an apoptotic model based on a primary cell culture of tiger salamander photoreceptors, in which treatment with carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (cccp), a protonophore, induced apoptosis. Cells exposed to cccp showed condensed nuclei and displayed positive TdT-dUTP terminal nick-end labeling (TUNEL). In addition, 10–100 microM cccp rapidly induced a reduction of Delta psi(m) and > or = 30 microM cccp induced a significant leakage of calcein from mitochondria to cytosol and nucleus, indicating a change in mitochondrial inner membrane permeability. Cyclosporin A (CsA), a transition pore blocker, did not prevent the cccp-induced MPT or the cccp-evoked apoptotic cell death, suggesting that cccp-induced apoptotic process was mediated by a CsA-insensitive pathway. This cell model provides an in vitro tool for studying mechanisms of photoreceptor apoptosis in isolated photoreceptors and may provide clues to the etiology of retinal degeneration.
TREM2 Haplodeficiency in Mice and Humans Impairs the Microglia Barrier Function Leading to Decreased Amyloid Compaction and Severe Axonal Dystrophy

Haplodeficiency of the microglia gene TREM2 increases risk for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) but the mechanisms remain uncertain. To investigate this, we used high-resolution confocal and super-resolution (STORM) microscopy in AD-like mice and human AD tissue. We found that microglia processes, rich in TREM2, tightly surround early amyloid fibrils and plaques promoting their compaction and insulation. In Trem2- or DAP12-haplodeficient mice and in humans with R47H TREM2 mutations, microglia had a markedly reduced ability to envelop amyloid deposits. This led to an increase in less compact plaques with longer and branched amyloid fibrils resulting in greater surface exposure to adjacent neurites. This was associated with more severe neuritic tau hyperphosphorylation and axonal dystrophy around amyloid deposits. Thus, TREM2 deficiency may disrupt the formation of a neuroprotective microglia barrier that regulates amyloid compaction and insulation. Pharmacological modulation of this barrier could be a novel therapeutic strategy for AD.
Use of tandem affinity chromatography for purification of cannabinoid receptor CB

Tandem affinity purification has been increasingly applied to isolation of recombinant proteins. It relies on two consecutive chromatographic steps that take advantage of the affinity tags placed at opposing ends of the target protein. This allows for efficient removal of contaminating proteins, including products of proteolytic degradation of the fusion that lack either N- or C-terminal tags. Here, we describe the use of two small affinity tags, a poly-histidine tag and a Strep-tag for expression and purification of the human cannabinoid receptor CB2, an integral membrane G protein-coupled receptor.
A Comparison of Prediction Variance Criteria for Response Surface Designs

[This abstract is based on the author's abstract.] The IV-criterion is a design evaluation criterion for response surface designs based on the average prediction variance (APV). The author examines various computer-generated APV measures and their relat..
E. E. Cummings

The dramatic output of the poet E. E. Cummings is small: three complete plays, of which two are one-acters. While the title Anthropos (written 1929) indicates its subject, Man, Cummings labels its three most talkative characters Infrahuman Creatures; Man, who is human, is an artist. Whereas those beneath him wear ‘filthy skins’ in the cave that is the set, Man, back towards the audience, is naked, as the artist is when he displays his art, an emanation of himself. He draws a sort of monster, whose model rattles, hisses and clanks behind an upstage curtain. The Infrahumans have letters, not names: G, O and D. So that spectators can understand, they exclaim in sequence phrases that begin with the letters: ‘Gee — that’s swell!’, ‘o-boy!’, ‘de-cidedly!’ TO manipulate the Mob, this collective god finds slogans, which are cliches: ‘Time is money’, ‘Nothing succeeds like success’, and finally ‘Evolution’, which represents ‘the Ford’s truth’, ‘So help me Lenin!’: indicating that under both capitalism and communism hollow slogans control the masses. Meanwhile, the artist tries to create. To re-examine the ‘mammoth’ he draws he removes the curtain, revealing a large steamshovel — a twentiety-century mammoth, therefore the source of contemporary art. It terrifies the Infrahumans but fascinates him. Whereas Man the artist ignores the cliches of the day, he sees its reality with creative wonder, not fear.
Designing Standards-Driven Curriculum to Support

The national debate regarding the adoption of more uniform standards across the United States has reignited our discussion of the relationship between educational expectations, student learning and teacher pedagogy. Since their inception, standards have served as guideposts for establishing learning outcomes for students, and, more recently, for educators working to meet expectations that are aligned with accountability testing.
Auditory Training With Frequent Communication Partners.

Purpose Individuals with hearing loss engage in auditory training to improve their speech recognition. They typically practice listening to utterances spoken by unfamiliar talkers but never to utte...
PACAP Modulation of CNS and Peripheral Inflammation

Initially defined as a defense against infection, the immune system is known to function in injury and repair and in age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Because of the capacity of immune cells to execute highly aggressive responses, precise control mechanisms are required to prevent collateral damage to healthy cells and to facilitate repair. PACAP is a neuropeptide that has evolved to function in these latter capacities and appears to do so at multiple levels. While PACAP is known to act directly on peripheral immune cells to modify their activities in vitro and to strongly modify inflammation and clinical symptomatology in rodent models of inflammatory diseases (see Chap. 7), considerable evidence indicates that PACAP is upregulated and acts within the compromised brain to regulate inflammatory and regenerative functions of astrocytes and microglia. Moreover, PACAP acts as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator in the hypothalamus and peripheral nervous system and may thereby regulate inflammation in the periphery via its regulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA) and autonomic control of immune cells in lymph nodes and other immune organs. While many details remain to be elucidated, we will describe in this chapter potential neural circuitries and mechanisms by which PACAP might regulate CNS and peripheral inflammation and immune cell function.
U.S. Market for Solar Photovoltaic Plug-and-Play Systems

Abstract Plug and play solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are affordable, easy to install and portable grid-tied solar electric systems, which can be purchased and installed by an average prosumer (producing consumer). The combination of recent technical/safety analysis and trends in other advanced industrialized nations, indicate that U.S. electrical regulations may allow plug and play solar in the future. Such a shift in regulations could radically alter the current PV market. This study provides an estimate of this new U.S. market for plug and play PV systems if such regulations are updated by investigating personal financial decision making for Americans. The potential savings for the prosumer are mapped for the U.S. over a range of scenarios. The results show the total potential U.S. market of over 57 GW, which represents an opportunity for sales for retailers from $14.3–$71.7 billion depending on the capital cost of plug and play solar systems ($0.25-$1.25/W). These systems would generate ∼108,417,000 MWh/year, which is 4 times the electricity generated from U.S. solar in 2015. This distributed solar energy would provide prosumers approximately $13 billion/year in cost savings, which would be expected to increase by about 3% per year over the year lifetime of the systems.