cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A mathematical model of spontaneous calcium release in cardiac myocytes

In cardiac myocytes, calcium (Ca) can be released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum independently of Ca influx from voltage-dependent membrane channels. This efflux of Ca, referred to as spontaneous Ca release (SCR), is due to Ryanodine receptor fluctuations, which can induce spontaneous Ca sparks, which propagate to form Ca waves. This release of Ca can then induce delayed after-depolarizations (DADs), which can lead to arrhythmogenic-triggered activity in the heart. However, despite its importance, to date there is no mathematical model of SCR that accounts for experimentally observed features of subcellular Ca. In this article, we present an experimentally based model of SCR that reproduces the timing distribution of spontaneous Ca sparks and key features of the propagation of Ca waves emanating from these spontaneous sparks. We have coupled this model to an ionic model for the rabbit ventricular action potential to simulate SCR within several thousand cells in cardiac tissue. We implement this model to study the formation of an ectopic beat on a cable of cells that exhibit SCR-induced DADs.
Revision of Adiantopsis radiata (Pteridaceae) with Descriptions of New Taxa with Palmately Compound Laminae

Abstract Adiantopsis radiata has long been regarded as the only species with palmately compound laminae in the fern genus Adiantopsis (Pteridaceae). Here, three new species, A. dactylifera, A. timida , and A. crinoidea , with palmate laminar architecture are described. Additionally, a new combination is formalized for A. trifurcata , a typically ternate species originally assigned to Cheilanthes and frequently misidentified in herbarium collections as A. monticola, which is a pinnately compound species endemic to the states of Goias and Tocantins, Brazil. Adiantopsis ternata is affirmed as a distinct and valid species that should not be placed in synonymy with A. radiata. These six palmately compound species differ from each other in the form of their pseudoindusia, the position of attachment of the pinnules to the costae, the form of the adaxial carinae, the shape of the pinnae apices, as well as spore size and ornamentation. All six Adiantopsis species with palmately compound laminae are illustrated, an...
Structural Determinants for Phosphatidic Acid Regulation of Phospholipase C-β1

Signaling from G protein-coupled receptors to phospholipase C-beta (PLC-beta) is regulated by coordinate interactions among multiple intracellular signaling molecules. Phosphatidic acid (PA), a signaling phospholipid, binds to and stimulates PLC-beta(1) through a mechanism that requires the PLC-beta(1) C-terminal domain. PA also modulates Galpha(q) stimulation of PLC-beta(1). These data suggest that PA may have a key role in the regulation of PLC-beta(1) signaling in cells. The present studies addressed the structural requirements and the mechanism for PA regulation of PLC-beta(1). We used a combination of enzymatic assays, PA-binding assays, and circular dichroism spectroscopy to evaluate the interaction of PA with wild-type and mutant PLC-beta(1) proteins and with fragments of the Galpha(q) binding domain. The results identify a region that includes the alphaA helix and flexible loop of the Galpha(q)-binding domain as necessary for PA regulation. A mutant PLC-beta(1) with multiple alanine/glycine replacements for residues (944)LIKEHTTKYNEIQN(957) was markedly impaired in PA regulation. The high affinity and low affinity component of PA stimulation was reduced 70% and PA binding was reduced 45% in this mutant. Relative PLC stimulation by PA increased with PLC-beta(1) concentration in a manner suggesting cooperative binding to PA. Similar concentration dependence was observed in the PLC-beta(1) mutant. These data are consistent with a model for PA regulation of PLC-beta(1) that involves cooperative interactions, probably PLC homodimerization, that require the flexible loop region, as is consistent with the dimeric structure of the Galpha(q)-binding domain. PA regulation of PLC-beta(1) requires unique residues that are not required for Galpha(q) stimulation or GTPase-activating protein activity.
Elevation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases by Small Molecule AKT Inhibitors in Prostate Cancer Is Mediated by Pim-1

The PI3K/AKT pathway is hyperactivated in prostate cancer but its effective therapeutic targeting has proven difficult. In particular, the antitumor activity of AKT inhibitors is attenuated by upregulation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) through an uncharacterized feedback mechanism. In this report, we show that RNAi-mediated silencing or pharmacological inhibition of Pim-1 activity curtails AKT inhibitor-induced upregulation of RTKs in prostate cancer cells. Although Pim kinases have been implicated in cap-dependent translational control, we find that in the context of AKT inhibition the expression of RTKs is controlled by Pim-1 in a cap-independent manner, by controlling internal ribosome entry. Combination of Pim and AKT inhibitors resulted in synergistic inhibition of prostate tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Together, our results show that Pim-1 mediates resistance to AKT inhibition, and suggest its targeting to improve the efficacy of AKT inhibitors in anticancer therapy.
Perinatal risk factors for childhood obesity and metabolic dysregulation

Background: Childhood obesity has increased significantly in recent decades. Objective: The objective was to examine the perinatal risk factors related to childhood obesity. Design: In a prospective study, 89 women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their offspring were evaluated at birth and at 8.8 ± 1.8 y. At birth, obstetrical data, parental anthropometric measures, and neonatal body composition were assessed; at follow-up, diet and activity were assessed and laboratory studies were conducted. Weight was classified by using weight for age and sex, and body composition was measured by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. In childhood, data were analyzed as tertiles and prediction models were developed by using logistic and stepwise regression. Results: No significant differences in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention weight percentiles, body composition, and most metabolic measures were observed between children of mothers with NGT and GDM at follow-up. Children in the upper tertile for weight had greater energy intake (P = 0.02), skinfold thickness (P = 0.0001), and leptin concentrations (P 30 (odds ratio: 3.75; 95% CI: 1.39, 10.10; P = 0.009) and for percentage body fat was maternal pregravid BMI >30 (odds ratio: 5.45; 95% CI: 1.62, 18.41; P = 0.006). Conclusion: Maternal pregravid BMI, independent of maternal glucose status or birth weight, was the strongest predictor of childhood obesity.
The 2003 Supply Chain Management Trading Agent Competition

Supply Chain Management deals with the planning and coordination of bidding, production and procurement activities across the multiple organizations involved in the delivery of one or more products. With the emergence of electronic marketplaces, it is only natural to seek automated solutions that are capable of rapidly evaluating a large number of bidding and procurement options. In this paper, we present an integrated model that incorporates supply chain bidding, production and procurement. We discuss its computational complexity as well as the challenges that arise from the inherently stochastic and competitive nature of the resulting environment. A Web-based multi-agent simulation game based on this model was developed and validated in the context of the first Supply Chain Trading Agent Competition (TAC SCM 2003), where a total of 20 teams from around the world competed with one another. We review key agent strategies developed by competing teams and discuss the merits of competition-based research over more traditional research methodologies in this area.
Dynamic Compressive Behavior of EPDM Rubber Under Nearly Uniaxial Strain Conditions

Dynamic compressive stress-strain curves for ethylene-propylene-diene manomer (EPDM) rubber at various strain rates under nearly uniaxial strain conditions have been determined with a pulse-shaped split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The resultant stress-strain curves exhibited significantly nonlinear behavior, with strong sensitivities to strain rates. The dynamic stresses in the EPDM rubber at certain strains under uniaxial strain conditions increased significantly as compared to those under uniaxial stress conditions. A strain-rate-dependent material model, including a strain-rate-sensitive term, has been developed through a strain-energy function for compressible Mooney-Riylin hyperelastic solids. The model provided a good description of the compressive axial stress-strain response of the EPDM rubber at various strain rates under uniaxial strain conditions.
Understanding and negotiating friendships: Perspectives from an adolescent with Asperger syndrome

This case study explored perceptions of friendship of an adolescent with Asperger syndrome. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, photographs taken by the adolescent, and quality of life and friendship measures. Data were analyzed using grounded theory principles and organized into three themes: (1) characteristics of a friend, (2) family involvement, and (3) enjoyment of friendships and desire to have them. The adolescent appeared to enjoy having friends, was interested in pursuing friendships, and had a basic understanding of many characteristics of friendships. He described negotiating his own and his friend's focused interests. Family members played important roles in the establishment and maintenance of the adolescent's friendships.
Pathways of Commitment to Wed: The Development and Dissolution of Romantic Relationships

The authors used changes in commitment to wed and reasons for these changes to classify couples into developmental pathways. Using data from a random sample of dating couples (N = 376), they found 4 distinct commitment processes: (a) dramatic, (b) conflict ridden, (c) socially involved, and (d) partner focused. Dramatic commitments were defined by relatively frequent fluctuations in commitment and negative attributions about their relationships. Conflict-ridden commitments were defined by high levels of conflict and relatively frequent decreases in commitment. Individuals in socially involved commitments reported the highest proportion of positive dyadic attributions and references to joint interaction with social networks. Those in partner-focused commitments reported a high proportion of positive dyadic attributions and references to interaction with partners. Types also differed on important relational variables, including satisfaction, love, ambivalence, worries about marriage, and leisure. Dramatic commitments were more likely than any other type to break up and showed an increased likelihood of regression in stage of involvement.
Serotonin-immunoreactivity in peripheral tissues of the opisthobranch molluscs Pleurobranchaea californica and Tritonia diomedea.

The distribution of serotonin (5-HT)-immunoreactive elements in peripheral organs of the sea-slugs Pleurobranchaea californica and Tritonia diomedea was studied in cryostat sections. ForPleurobranchaea, 5-HT-immunoreactive (5-HT-IR) neuron cell bodies were found only in the central nervous system (CNS); 5-HT-IR cell bodies were not observed in foot, tentacles, rhinophores, oral veil, mouth, buccal mass, esophagus, gills, salivary glands, skin, reproductive system, and acidic glands, nor in peripheral tentacle and rhinophore ganglia. However, 5-HT-IR neuronal processes were widely distributed in these structures and the patterns of 5-HT-IR elements were characteristic for each particular peripheral tissue. 5-HT-IR elements were most dense in the sole of the foot and the reproductive system, followed by rhinophores, tentacles, oral veil, mouth, buccal mass, and esophagus. The sensory epithelium of rhinophores, tentacles, and mouth showed a highly structured glomerular organization of 5-HT-IR fibers, suggesting a role for 5-HT in sensory signaling. A much lower density of 5-HT-IR innervation was observed in gills, skin, salivary, and acidic glands. 5-HT-IR was observed in neuropil of tentacle and rhinophore ganglia with many transverse 5-HT-IR axons running to peripheral sensory areas. The distribution of 5-HT-IR elements in Tritonia was similar to that of Pleurobranchaea. A significant suggestion of the data is that central serotonergic neurons may modulate afferent pathways from sensory epithelia at the periphery. J. Comp. Neurol. 382:176‐188, 1997. r 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Simulating Stochastic Diffusions by Quantum Walks

Stochastic differential equation (SDE) and Fokker-Planck equation (FPE) are two general approaches to describe the stochastic drift-diffusion processes. Solving SDEs relies on the Monte Carlo samplings of individual system trajectory, whereas FPEs describe the time evolution of overall distributions via path integral alike methods. The large state space and required small step size are the major challenges of computational efficiency in solving FPE numerically. In this paper, a generic continuous-time quantum walk formulation is developed to simulate stochastic diffusion processes. Stochastic diffusion in one-dimensional state space is modeled as the dynamics of an imaginary-time quantum system. The proposed quantum computational approach also drastically accelerates the path integrals with large step sizes. The new approach is compared with the traditional path integral method and the Monte Carlo trajectory sampling.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The Health-Related Quality of Life in Long-Term Colorectal Cancer Survivors Study: objectives, methods and patient sample

Objectives: The objective of this paper is to describe the complex mixed-methods design of a study conducted to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes and ostomy-related obstacles a...
Coplanar waveguide discontinuities for p-i-n diode switches and filter applications

A full-wave space-domain integral equation (SDIE) analysis of coplanar waveguide (CPW) two-port discontinuities is presented. An experimental setup to measure the S-parameters of such discontinuities is described. Experimental and theoretical results for CPW realizations of passband and stopband filters are presented. The S-parameters of such structures are plotted in the frequency range 5-25 GHz. >
The Ultrastructure and Histopathology of an Acidophil Adenoma of the Canine Adenohypophysis

An acidophil adenoma in a 12-year-old spayed boxer dog resulted in clinical signs related to a space-occupying lesion of the hypophysis. There were two types of acidophils, as determined ultrastructurally, within the adenoma. The predominating type was interpreted to be in the storage phase of the secretory cycle as the cytoplasm was densely granulated and the organelles concerned with protein synthesis and packaging of secretory products were poorly developed. The second, less common type contained few secretory granules, had a well developed endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and was interpreted to be secretorily active. The secretory granules of the neoplastic acidophils were large (420 m μ), uniformly electron-dense, and had a narrow submembranous space. An adenoma of the pancreatic islets was also present.
Women at risk for homelessness: comparison between housed and homeless women.

The present study explored differences between women who are currently housed but are at risk for homelessness versus homeless women in a middle-sized city in the southeast. The research focused on experiences in the women's history which might explain some differences between homeless women and women who are at risk for homelessness but are currently housed through public-assistance programs. 98 women from a community emergency shelter and public-assistance programs were either interviewed or completed questionnaires. The questionnaires assessed the women's history of mental illness, employment and housing problems, physical and sexual abuse, drug and alcohol problems, and skills for building and maintaining relationships The women were young (18–35 years), about 80% were single mothers and about 50% had children living with them. t tests for independent samples indicated that compared to 48 at-risk housed women, the 50 homeless women reported a history of more symptoms of mental illness, more instabilit...
Advanced Tools for Exploring Large EB Datasets

Thanks to OGLE, Kepler, CoRoT and planned new ambitious survey projects, the eclipsing binary (EB) community is beginning to experience a long-predicted data deluge. Beyond the analysis of the many fascinating individual objects yielded by these programs, these complete datasets themselves should yield further insights. Because objects in such datasets are characterized by many parameters, tools that assist in understanding high-dimensional data are acquiring increasing relevance. Chiefly among these are new Advanced Visualization (AV) tools and various methods of clustering data, both approaches complementing each other naturally. We illustrate the use of these tools as applied to OGLE II LMC EB data and respective EBAI light curve solutions.
Hepatitis A virus infection in a chimpanzee: duration of viremia and detection of virus in saliva and throat swabs.

The pathogenesis of hepatitis A virus was studied by orally inoculating a chimpanzee with wild-type virus. The virus was initially detected in the animal's serum (day 14 after inoculation); then viral antigen was detected in the tonsils (day 16), virus in the saliva and throat swabs (day 18), and viral antigen in the liver (day 21). The animal was viremic for 2 w. While this study involved a single animal, the presence of hepatitis A virus in saliva and throat swabs suggests a possible oropharyngeal site for viral replication. The pathogenesis of hepatitis A infection is poorly understood. After oral infection in humans, a brief period of viremia occurs coincident with or followed by hepatic replication and shedding of the virus into the stool [1,2]. It is uncertain how hepatitis A virus (HAV) enters the bloodstream, but viremia may occur after replication at an extrahepatic site in the gastrointestinal tract.
Naturally Occurring Granular Cell Tumors of the Brain in Rats

A retrospective study was conducted to determine the incidence of granular cell tumors of the brain in ChR-CD rats, used as controls in two-year toxicity studies conducted at Haskell Laboratory (1971-73). Two (1.6%) such tumors were found in 127 male rats, 13 to 25 months of age. No granular cell tumors of the brain were found in 128 female ChR-CD rats, 13 to 25 months of age. These appear to be the first reported cases of granular cell tumors of the brain in this strain of Sprague-Dawley rat.
The infrared spectra of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with CnHm side groups

Abstract The infrared spectra of C54H18 and C96H24 with CH2, CH3, C2H3, C3H4, C3H5, C4H5, C5H6, C5H7, and C6H7 side groups have been studied using the B3LYP/4-31G approach. The spectra of the neutral species look very much like the superposition of the spectra of the parent and side group. The small perturbations in the spectra increase with the size of the side group. The spectra of cations show a similar trend of increasing perturbations in the parent spectra with number and size of the side group. However, for the cations, the change in the spectra become significant for the largest side groups considered.
Use of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography to aid in diagnosing intestinal adenocarcinoma in 2 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

Two aged female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) presented with weight loss and intermittent inappetence. The signalment and constellation of clinical signs led clinicians to suspect the presence of intestinal adenocarcinoma. Because of each animal's advanced age and inconclusive radiographic findings, a noninvasive diagnostic tool was preferred over exploratory laparotomy to assist in determining a diagnosis. Consequently, 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography–CT (FDG-PET–CT) was chosen to aid in confirming a suspicion of gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma in both animals. FDG is a glucose analogue labeled with fluorine-18 and is taken up by highly metabolically active cells, as observed in many cancers. Tomography revealed an annular constriction of the small intestine with focal FDG uptake in one animal, and an FDG avid transmural mass in the ascending colon of the second animal. Necropsy later confirmed both sites to be adenocarcinomas. This report supports the use of FDG-PET–CT as an adjunct to conventional radiography in the diagnosis of intestinal adenocarcinoma in nonhuman primates.
The Choice of International Institutions: Cooperation, Alternatives and Strategies

We develop a framework that explains the choice of institutions to address international cooperation problems. We begin with boundedly rational actors who make institutional choices based on the properties of the cooperation problem they face and the menu of international institutions available to them. If the institutional status quo offers an appropriate venue for the prevailing cooperation problem, then actors will either use a focal institution or select a readily available alternative; if no suitable venue is available in the institutional status quo then costlier and riskier strategies of institutional change and creation will be pursued. The framework further allows us to incorporate the impact of international organizations and governance arrangements on the menu for institutional choice, to combine elements of rationalist and constructivist institutional accounts, and to address distributional and power considerations inherent to the choice of international institutions. The paper contains many empirical illustrations and is followed by a companion paper that applies the framework to the ongoing development of international institutions for financial reporting.
Foreign Gene Expression in Photosynthetic Bacteria

Large-scale production of membrane proteins in functional form is an arduous task. The overexpression of membrane proteins is fraught with unique challenges, and systems presently in use often fail to generate products which are compatible with subsequent solubilization, stabilization, and purification steps. To address these requirements, it is possible to exploit the unique physiology of the Rhodobacter species of photosynthetic bacteria, which produces extremely large quantities of internal membranes (invaginations of the cytoplasmic membrane) under certain growth conditions in response to changes in light intensity and/or oxygen tension. Towards this end, an expression system has been designed that coordinates synthesis of foreign membrane proteins with synthesis of new membrane into which they can be incorporated. These intracytoplasmic membrane (ICM) vesicles sequestering the newly synthesized foreign proteins are readily isolated by differential centrifugation following cell lysis. A diverse set of foreign membrane proteins — spanning a range of isoelectric points, molecular weights and predicted membrane topologies and representing several prokaryotic and eukaryotic species — has been expressed heterologously in Rhodobacter. Many target membrane proteins can be produced and purified in a semi-automated fashion at levels greater than 10 mg per liter of culture.
Transport of Charged Particles in Gas Streams

This paper presents a brief description of electrodynamic screens and their applications for: (1) minimizing deposition of charged particles inside sampling tubes and (2) transporting charged particles away from nonconducting substrates for shielding and removal of contaminants. Ring electrodes attached to the inner wall of a sampling tube were used to produce a radial confinement force on the charged particles when an ac field was applied. Effects of varying the applied voltage and the frequency of the ac field are discussed. The higher the voltage, the stronger the confinement force on the charged particles, but the upper limit of the voltage is set by the breakdown of the dielectric medium between the rings. The distribution of the electrical field was calculated using a single-phase electrodynamic field, and the motion of particles inside the tube was computed using a theoretical model. Experiments were performed to design an optimal configuration of the electrodynamic screen. A computer model of the electrodynamic sampling tube for several ring-type electrodes with different wire and ring diameters, and for different spacings between rings, has been developed. Experimental data are compared with the values predicted from the model. Applications of the electrodynamic screen for sampling and measuring charge-to-mass ratio distributions of particles are discussed.
Molecular insights on the effect of TGF-β1/-β3 in human corneal fibroblasts

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) plays a critical role in wound healing and the pathogenesis of fibrosis (scarring). Three isoforms of TGF-β have been identified in mammals. Previous studies have shown that the addition of TGF-β1 (T1) or -β2 (T2) to human corneal fibroblasts (HCF) cultured in a 3-dimensional construct resulted in a fibrotic matrix, while the addition of TGF-β3 (T3) resulted in the production of enhanced non-fibrotic matrix as compared to control (Vitamin C [VitC] only). In the current investigation, we undertook the molecular comparison of fibrosis-related gene expression in T1 or T3-treated HCF to gain further insights into the regulation and roles of these two isoforms on the fibrotic response. HCF were cultured in 100 mm dishes in basic medium (Eagles minimum essential medium [EMEM] with 10% fetal bovine serum [FBS]). At 70-80% confluency, cells were exposed to basic medium with 0.5 mM 2-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-l-ascorbic acid (VitC) ± 2 ng/ml of T1 or T3. After 4 h or 3 days, cells were harvested, and mRNA or protein was isolated. Fibrosis related mRNA levels were assayed using a commercial qRT-PCR Array. Selected proteins were examined using Western blotting (WB). Experiments were performed 6 times for the qRT-PCR and 4 times for WB for each condition. qRT-PCR results showed that most of the fibrosis-related genes were up or downregulated in HCF exposed to T1 or T3 as compared with VitC control. At 4 h, only Smad7 expression was significantly altered in T3-treated HCF, compared to T1, and at 3 days, five genes were altered. WB confirmed that T1 significantly decreased Smad7 expression compared to T3 and control, and that the expression of thrombospondin-1 in T3-stimulated HCF was enhanced compared to T1-treated cells. Finally, both T1 and T3 decreased Smad3 expression dramatically at both time points. At early time points, T1 and T3 have similar effects on expression of fibrosis related genes; however, with a longer exposure, an increasing number of genes were differentially expressed. Interestingly, most of the differentially expressed gene products are secreted by the cells and may be related to the modulation of extracellular matrix.
Vertical Distribution of Adult Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in a Northern Deciduous Forest in Indiana

The vertical distribution of mosquitoes inhabiting a northern deciduous forest in Indiana was examined using suction traps and human bait collections from a high tower. Suction traps were placed at different elevations and within 5 different microhabitats at the forest study site. Specific preferences by Aedes triseriatus, Ae. hendersoni, Ae. vexans, Anopheles barberi and Culex (Culex) spp. ( Cx. pipiens pipiens, Cx. restuans ) for discrete microhabitats were established. Males, and females not seeking a blood meal, were collected in numbers using suction traps. Temporal and spatial biting activity of Ae. triseriatus, Ae. hendersoni, Ae. vexans and Coquillettidia perturbans were established from 2 high tower sampling stations extending 21 m into the canopy, and 2 adjacent ground-based sampling stations.
Social Construction of Problems under Resource Mobilization:The Formation Mechanism of Rural Land Expropriation Conflicts

In the process of urbanization,rural land expropriation scale by the government is rising and the land compensation continues to augment.However,conflicts with rural land expropriation are also intensified.What is the inherent logic between rural land expropriation and adversarial conflicts? What is the intrinsic mechanism of the expropriated land conflict and land acquisition?Our research shows that land expropriation conflicts are formed under the dual effect of benefit approval and identity.
GENERATION OF SQEEZING IN TWO-PHOTON THREE-LEVEL MEDIA

In this summary we extend the quantum theory of multiwave mixing by Holm and Sargent1,2 to a three-level cascade model with a two-photos pump and apply the results to the generation of squeezed states. The experimental observation of the suppresion of amplified spontaneous emission by the four-wave mixing process in this model has been reported by Malcuit, Gauthier, and Boyd.3 This experiment has been interpreted semiclassically by the same authors4 and quantum mechanically by Agarwal.5 Agarwal also has shown the generation of squeezed states in this model, but simplified his treatment by ignoring the spontaneous emission to and from the intermediate level. In contrast our treatment allows for arbitrary detunings of a classical pump and quantized sidemode fields, and includes a complete treatment of spontaneous emission.
Identifying the Three Discourses

There is broad support for the Irish language among Nationalists, and a rather generalized feeling that it is an important part of Irish identity. In spite of this, the symbolic and practical meanings of Irish and the revival are by no means agreed. Different groups seek to advance their own interpretations of the importance and meaning of the language, while representatives of the British government also compete to neutralize the impact of this powerful symbol of identity. The contested nature of the language is reflected in different interpretations of events and institutions associated with Irish, and played out in the very discourse used to talk about the language, its revival, and its social, cultural and political role in Ireland today.
Reversible high pressure sp2-sp3 transformations in carbon

The most striking aspect of the high pressure behaviour of carbon is its tendency to rehybridize from sp or sp2 bonding towards sp3 bonding. Rehybridization of graphite under high-pressure–high–temperature conditions is well–known and exploited in the commercial synthesis of diamond abrasives. The transformation to the thermodynamically stable cubic diamond phase is greatly aided by the presence of a catalyst, such as iron or nickel. In the absence of catalyst, hexagonal or lonsdaleite diamond is formed 1–3, illustrating the possibilities for synthesis of thermodynamically metastable phases during carbon transformations. We have research interests in the metastable materials formed by compression of solids and molecules containing carbon and hydrogen storage in carbon. Here we review a longstanding unsolved problem, the nature of the sp3 bonded “transparent phase” of carbon 4, as well as speculate regarding the possibilities for exploiting reversible sp2–sp3 bonding transformations in carbon based hydroge...
A PV module emulator based on GaN devices with over 99% peak efficiency

This paper presents a new hardware design of a photovoltaic (PV) module emulator using a synchronous buck converter topology with GaN MOSFETs to emulate typical voltage-current characteristics of actual PV modules. The emulator has a high power density offering significant compactness with high accuracy and resolution capable of operating at up to 48 V input and a variable DC output between 0–40 V and 0–10 A. The converter uses a variable switching frequency of 0.1–1 MHz and has a measured maximum efficiency of 99.4%. The methods used to carry out the design are discussed in detail including PV modeling, emulator design and experimental results.
Dynamical Majorana edge modes in a broad class of topological mechanical systems

Mechanical systems can display topological characteristics similar to that of topological insulators. Here we report a large class of topological mechanical systems related to the BDI symmetry class. These are self-assembled chains of rigid bodies with an inversion centre and no reflection planes. The particle-hole symmetry characteristic to the BDI symmetry class stems from the distinct behaviour of the translational and rotational degrees of freedom under inversion. This and other generic properties led us to the remarkable conclusion that, by adjusting the gyration radius of the bodies, one can always simultaneously open a gap in the phonon spectrum, lock-in all the characteristic symmetries and generate a non-trivial topological invariant. The particle-hole symmetry occurs around a finite frequency, and hence we can witness a dynamical topological Majorana edge mode. Contrasting a floppy mode occurring at zero frequency, a dynamical edge mode can absorb and store mechanical energy, potentially opening new applications of topological mechanics.
Minimal disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis: the need of the hour and a proposal for development.

Purpose of review Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory condition with articular and extra-articular manifestations. Remission, a state of absence of clinical and imaging signs of disease activity over time, is the goal of management. This review addresses the concept of minimal disease activity (MDA) in axSpA, which is less stringent than remission, and is closer to patient and provider acceptable low disease state. Recent findings Existing axSpA treatments improve physical function and quality of life, and lead to remission in a minority of patients. A consistent MDA state decreases disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. We argue a need to develop MDA in axSpA for clinical practice and clinical trials and propose methodology. Considering that MDA will be used in clinical practice, its elements must be easy to collect and cover both musculoskeletal and extra-articular domains. MDA will complement current disease activity measures in axSpA. Summary Defining an MDA target in axSpA would provide an outcome measure that is less stringent than remission, and will likely predict function and quality of life. We propose methods to develop MDA in axSpA and that further research be performed to determine if treating to an MDA target in axSpA improves patient outcomes.
Hydration and Mobility of Poly(ethylene oxide) Brushes

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) hydration is an important factor determining brush properties and application efficacy. Using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate hydration, static, and dynamic properties of PEO brushes on gold surface as functions of grafting density, σ. We found that at lower grafting densities PEO is well-hydrated except for the surface vicinity where we observe PEO adsorption substituting for the water layering. In pure THF or mixed THF/water solvent, there is no PEO adsorption on gold surface with water preferentially residing inside the PEO layer and THF forming a thin layer near the gold surface. In aqueous solutions, an increase in the grafting density results in PEO stretching away from the surface, the loss of hydration, and a steplike density profile with the brush height satisfying the expected σ1/3 scaling. We show that PEO hydration in the brush is the same as in aqueous solutions of the corresponding water content. While the residence time of hydrogen-bonded ...
FOSL1 promotes Kras-induced lung cancer through amphiregulin and cell survival gene regulation

The FOSL1/AP-1 transcription factor regulates gene expression, thereby controlling various pathophysiological processes. It is a major effector of RAS-ERK1/2 signaling and is activated in human lung epithelia by tumorigenic stimuli. Recent evidence shows an inverse correlation between FOSL1 expression and the survival of patients with lung cancer and adenocarcinomas; however, its role in lung tumorigenesis remains elusive. In this work, we sought to determine the role of FOSL1 in Kras-induced lung adenocarcinoma in vivo and its downstream effector mechanisms. We used mice expressing the Kras oncogene in the lung with concomitant Fosl1 deletion, Kras-activated murine alveolar epithelial cells (mAECs) with Fosl1 deletion, and KRAS mutant human lung adenocarcinoma (HLAC) cells with FOSL1 deficiency, and performed cell proliferation and gene expression analyses. Mutant Kras induced Fosl1 expression in vitro (mAECs) and in vivo (lung tissue), and mice with Fosl1 deletion showed reduced levels of mutant Kras-induced lung tumorigenesis and survived longer than Fosl1-sufficient mice. Studies with mutant Kras-activated mAECs and KRAS-mutant HLAC cells revealed that FOSL1 regulates mutant KRAS-induced gene expression, thereby controlling cell proliferation and survival. In contrast, FOSL1 depletion in non-KRAS-mutant HLAC cells and nonmalignant human lung epithelia had no effect. Our data support the notion that FOSL1-mediated expression of amphiregulin and apoptotic and antioxidative genes plays a role in regulating HLAC cell proliferation and survival. FOSL1 is a determinant of lung cancer in vivo and regulates HLAC cell proliferation and survival, largely in the context of KRAS mutations. Activation of FOSL1 in adenocarcinomas may be a prognostic marker and potential target for human lung cancer with KRAS mutations.
Research Article: Soil respiration in upper Great Lakes old-growth forest ecosystems

Forests, through photosynthetic fixation of carbon dioxide, serve as natural carbon (C) sinks, thereby offsetting a substantial fraction of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. However, forests of the upper Great Lakes region are on average getting older, prompting uncertainty in the region's future capacity to sequester C. Several studies demonstrate higher-than-expected rates of C sequestration in biomass and soils, or net ecosystem production (NEP), of older forests, with declining C losses from soils a proposed mechanism sustaining NEP as forests age. Forest plots spanning nearly 200 years of ecosystem development and including three different old-growth forest types were used to examine changes with age in growing season soil respiration (Rs) - the C emitted from soils by roots and soil microbes. How heterotrophic soil respiration (Rh) - the C emitted from soils by microbes only - varies among old-growth forest types and with soil environment was also examined. Mean growing season Rs and soil temperature were significantly lower in old-growth forests, with the former declining as forests aged. Laboratory incubations and scaled estimates of Rh suggest significantly higher rates in more tree species diverse mixed canopy old-growth forests than in less diverse conifer and deciduous old-growth forest stands. Soil moisture was an important driver of Rh in all old-growth forest types, particularly in the top, carbon-rich organic horizon. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that declining C emissions from the soils of old-growth forests may contribute to unexpectedly high rates of forest C sequestration as forests age.
Learning Landscapes: The Education Spectrum from Camps to Classrooms

Summer camps and school classrooms are intersecting institutions, both complementing the learning lives of young people. Each summer at camp children enjoy recreational, artistic, nature, and adventure programs that can help them acquire important skills that are not always or explicitly taught in the classroom. Campers practice sportsmanship, positive peer relations, social skills, and a sense of belonging. These activities develop the mindsets and noncognitive factors necessary to reduce summer learning loss and increase academic achievement when campers once again return to school as students in the fall. Including summer camps as a landscape on the education spectrum is essential to shaping more appropriate versions of teaching and learning—versions open to embracing and valuing all settings and the links that exist between these spaces.
The Effect of Cold on Platelets. I. Cold-induced Platelet Aggregation

Low temperatures induce platelet aggregation. This effect is greatest when chilled platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is stirred while it is warming or just after it has warmed. The stirring of chilled PRP at low temperature or after prolonged warming causes little aggregation. The extent of aggregation increases as the temperature at which the PRP is chilled is lowered, and as the time of chilling is lengthened. This phenomenon resembles ADP-induced aggregation in that the shape of the aggregation curves of both are similar and both are inhibited by the same compounds. In addition, both forms of aggregation require calcium. However, cold-induced aggregation is not mediated by ADP since this compound is not found in the supernatant of chilled PRP. Nor is the effect of cold on plasma proteins responsible for cold-induced aggregation since cold causes aggregation of platelets suspended in a nonprotein medium. The mechanism of this phenomenon may be similar to ADP-induced aggregation. Its clinical significance is that it may account for the deleterious effect of cold on the preparation and preservation of platelet concentrates.
Modeling B Uphill Diffusion in the Presence of Ge

Several models for B diffusion in Si1-x Gex have been proposed [1, 2]. In order to help discriminate between the models, an experiment was performed. Preamorphized Si wafers were implanted with varying doses of Ge, followed by a B implant. Samples were annealed at several temperatures. Ge implanted samples showed an increase in the B profile peak magnitude with anneal time, as well as its shift towards the surface. Control samples, receiving two Si implants, showed the expected enhanced B diffusion and none of the uphill diffusion behavior. Simulations accounting for the formation of GeB complex show qualitative fit to the measured profiles.
Programmed Necrosis and Disease:We interrupt your regular programming to bring you necroinflammation

Compared to the tidy and immunologically silent death during apoptosis, necrosis seems like a chaotic and unorganized demise. However, we now recognize that there is a method to its madness, as many forms of necrotic cell death are indeed programmed and function beyond lytic cell death to support homeostasis and immunity. Inherently more immunogenic than their apoptotic counterpart, programmed necrosis, such as necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and NETosis, releases inflammatory cytokines and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), skewing the milieu to a pro-inflammatory state. Moreover, impaired clearance of dead cells often leads to inflammation. Importantly, these pathways have all been implicated in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, therefore careful understanding of their molecular mechanisms can have long lasting effects on how we interpret their role in disease and how we translate these mechanisms into therapy.
Towards Robot-Based Cognitive and Motor Assessment Across the HIV-Stroke Spectrum

There is an increasing population of people living with both HIV and stroke around the world with no effective neurorehabilitation strategies to deal with the combination of physical, cognitive, and social impairment that result from both diseases. This gap is caused by a lack of tools that are able to assess the various impairments across the HIV-stroke spectrum. Rehabilitation robotics provide a potential approach to address this problem. In this study, we implement a motor and cognitive task on the Haptic TheraDrive, a single degree-of-freedom upper limb rehabilitation robot. We collect data on healthy and HIV-stroke subjects from both upper limbs. Our preliminary data show that mean performance error on a trajectory tracking task and total score and reaction time on the n-back task are metrics that show differences between HIV-stroke patients and a healthy population.
The Museum of the Bible’s “Fake” History of the Bible

With a whopping 43,000 objects in its stewardship, the Museum of the Bible (MOTB) constitutes the world’s largest private collection of Bible-related artifacts. In its breathtaking “History of the ...
Resistance to Divergent, Child-Centered Scientific Inquiry in the Elementary School and at the University: An Autoethnography of a Science Educator

With national initiatives for standardization and accountability, science education has been substantially impacted. In some areas, science instruction has been reduced or even eliminated due to the prioritization of math and language arts. In other areas, the science curriculum has been narrowed and paced in such a rigid way that alternative methods for instruction, scientific discourse, and criticality in science thinking have been precluded or marginalized. In spite of well-intentioned STEM programs, a high value has been placed on science content memorization, and a considerable resistance to divergent, child-centered practices in science instruction has been encountered at the P-12 level, as well as teacher education courses at the university level. This chapter explores the experiences of a former elementary teacher and current university professor in his journey to promote social justice, criticality, and child-centered practices in science education in both the elementary and university settings. Multiple barriers to divergent scientific inquiry are discussed through the elementary and university perspectives, and include: national initiatives, standards, narrow curricula, school culture, accreditation directives and the traditional, positivistic mindsets of many teachers, administrators, and parents. Additionally, pathways for creating spaces for discourse, making connections, and challenging the status quo in science education are discussed. Resistance from teachers and professors is explored through the author’s research in authentic scientific inquiry in the elementary school.
American Indians Have a Higher Risk of Sjögren's Syndrome and More Disease Activity Than European Americans and African Americans.

Objective To describe the clinical and serologic manifestations of Sjogren's syndrome (SS) in ethnic groups of the US. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 648 patients with primary SS: 20 African American (AA), 164 American Indian (AI), 426 European American (EA), and 38 patients of other races evaluated in a multidisciplinary Sjogren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance research clinic. Results AA subjects comprised 3.1% of the SS cohort, much lower than the percentage of AA in the state of Oklahoma (P = 3.01 × E - 05), the US (P = 2.24E - 13), or a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cohort at the same institution (P = 4.26 × 10E - 27). In contrast, the percentage of AI in the SS cohort (25.3%) was much higher than expected (P = 3.17E - 09 versus SLE cohort, P = 6.36 - 26 versus Oklahoma, and P = 8.14E - 96 versus US population). The SS classification criteria were similar between AA and EA, but subjects of AI ancestry had lower rates of abnormal tear and salivary flow, as well as anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies. Paradoxically, AI had higher levels of disease activity (mean ± SD European League Against Rheumatism Sjogren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index score 3.77 ± 4.78) in comparison to EA (2.90 ± 4.12; P = 0.011) and more extraglandular manifestations affecting mainly the articular and glandular domains. Meanwhile, AA patients were characterized by higher rates of hypergammaglobulinemia (odds ratio [OR] 1.39 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.39-8.65]; P = 0.01), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (OR 3.95 [95% CI 1.46-9.95]; P = 0.009), and parotid enlargement (OR 4.40 [95% CI 1.49-13.07]; P = 0.02). Conclusion AI are affected at high rates with SS but present with few classical features, potentially preventing timely diagnosis. In contrast to SLE, SS is infrequent and not more severe among AA, but the triad of hypergammaglobulinemia, increased ESR, and parotid enlargement warrants extra vigilance for lymphomagenesis.