cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of UV, ns-laser damage resistance of hafnia films produced by electron beam evaporation and ion beam sputtering deposition methods

Laser-induced damage in coating materials with a high index of refraction, such as hafnia, limits the performance of high power and high energy laser systems. Understanding the underlying physics responsible for laser damage holds the key for developing damage-resistant optical films. Previous studies have reported a substantial difference in laser damage onset for hafnia films produced by different deposition methods, yet the underlying mechanisms for the observed difference remain elusive. We combined laser damage testing with analytical characterizations and theoretical simulations to investigate the response of hafnia films produced by electron (e-) beam evaporation vs ion beam sputtering (IBS) methods upon UV ns-laser exposure. We found that e-beam produced hafnia films were overall more damage resistant; in addition, we observed a polarization anisotropy associated with the onset of damage in the e-beam films, while this effect was absent in the latter films. The observed differences can be attributed to the stark contrast in the pressure inside the pores inherent in both films. The high pressure inside the IBS-induced nanobubbles has been shown to reduce the threshold for laser-induced plasma breakdown leading to film damage. The polarization effects in the e-beam coatings can be related to the asymmetric electric field intensification induced by the columnar void structure. Our findings provide a fundamental basis for developing strategies to produce laser damage-resistant coatings for UV pulsed laser applications.
Endothelial ARHGEF26 is an angiogenic factor promoting VEGF signaling.

Aims Genetic studies have implicated the ARHGEF26 locus in the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the causal pathways by which DNA variants at the ARHGEF26 locus confer risk for CAD are incompletely understood. We sought to elucidate the mechanism responsible for the enhanced risk of CAD associated with the ARHGEF26 locus. Methods and results In a conditional analysis of the ARHGEF26 locus, we show that the sentinel CAD-risk signal is significantly associated with various non-lipid vascular phenotypes. In human endothelial cell (EC), ARHGEF26 promotes the angiogenic capacity, and interacts with known angiogenic factors and pathways. Quantitative mass spectrometry showed that one CAD-risk coding variant, rs12493885 (p.Val29Leu), resulted in a gain-of-function ARHGEF26 that enhances proangiogenic signaling and displays enhanced interactions with several proteins partially related to the angiogenic pathway. ARHGEF26 is required for endothelial angiogenesis by promoting macropinocytosis of VEGFR2 on cell membrane and is crucial to VEGF-dependent murine vessel sprouting ex vivo. In vivo, global or tissue-specific deletion of ARHGEF26 in EC, but not in vascular smooth muscle cells, significantly reduced atherosclerosis in mice, with enhanced plaque stability. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that ARHGEF26 is an angiogenic factor, and that DNA variants within ARHGEF26 that are associated with CAD risk could affect angiogenic pathways by promoting VEGF signaling. Translational perspective Understanding the genetic architecture of coronary artery disease (CAD) is critical to developing new therapeutics. Here, we present work that revealed the causal mechanism by which DNA variants at the ARHGEF26 locus confer risk for CAD. Angiogenesis-related vascular phenotypes are associated with the ARHGEF26 locus, and ARHGEF26 promotes the angiogenic capacity of human endothelial cells.Together, our work demonstrates that ARHGEF26 is a novel angiogenic factor, and endothelial-specific inhibition of ARHGEF26 may be beneficial to treating CAD. The causal pathway and the actionable therapeutic hypotheses from our work will facilitate the development of new therapeutics for CAD.
Upsilon Spectroscopy-Experimental Review

The properties of bound states of the bb system provide important tests for QCD [1]. This year, CLEO studies of 2π transitions from the ?(3S) have provided detailed tests of QCD-motivated multipole models. CUSB has refined their previously reported results on photon transitions from the ?(3S), testing potential models via level splittings and transition rates. Both ARGUS and CLEO have new data on the transition ?(1S) → γgg, which can be used to measure α s and search for resonant states possibly made up of gluons. The results of each of these experiments is based on accumulations of over one-half million T events.
Models for the Study of Racemization

A solution of 2,2′-dipyridyldisulfide [3] (2.20 g, 10 mmol) and benzoyl-L-leucine [1] (2.35 g, 10 mmol) in dichloromethane (60 ml) is stirred at room temperature while a solution of triphenylphosphine (2.62 g, 10 mmol) and glycine ethyl ester (1.04 g, 10 mmol) is added dropwise. After the addition is complete stirring is continued for 1/2 hour. The solution is washed with N HCl (50 ml), water (50 ml), a 5% solution of NaHCO3 in water (50 ml) and water (50 ml). It is dried over anhydrous Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue is triturated with light petroleum ether (b.p. 30–50 °C), the solid product filtered, washed with petroleum ether and dried. The benzoyl-dipeptide ester (2.92 g, 91%) melts at 148–152 °C; [α] D 20 — 32.6° (c 3.1, ethanol). This value of specific rotation corresponds [1] to a mixture of 96% L and 4% D isomer.
Strategies for enabling software reuse within the Earth Science Community

The Earth Sciences software development community is often challenged to provide cost effective, highly reliable and easy-to-use software to achieve scientific missions. In the process, the NASA Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) spends a significant amount of resources developing software components and other software development artifacts that may also be of value if reused in other projects requiring similar functionality. A recent study performed under the NASA's Strategic Evolution of ESE Data Systems (SEEDS) initiative suggests that reuse of ESE software can drive down the cost and time of system development, increase flexibility and responsiveness of these systems to new technologies and requirements; and increase effective and accountable community participation. In 2004, the Earth Science Software Reuse Working Group was created to oversee the development of a process that maximizes the reuse potential of existing software components while recommending strategies for maximizing the reusability potential of yet-to-be-designed components
Fibronectin receptors from Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus. Involvement of conserved residues in ligand binding.

The nucleotide sequence of two genes encoding fibronectin (Fn) receptors FnBA and FnBB of Streptococcus dysgalactiae S2 revealed the presence of repeated motifs (called RA1-A3 and RB1-B3, respectively) which encode Fn binding activity (Lindgren, P.-E., McGavin, M. J., Signas, C., Guss, B., Gurusiddappa, S., Hook, M., and Lindberg, M. (1993) Eur. J. Biochem. 214, 819-827). Synthetic peptides of 32-37 amino acids, corresponding to individual repeated motifs, were assayed for the ability to inhibit Fn binding to cells of S. dysgalactiae. Within the RA motifs, peptide A2 was 10-fold more active than either A1 or A3, while in the RB motifs, only B3 was active. The same level of activity is observed when these synthetic peptides were assayed for inhibition of Fn binding to cells of Staphylococcus aureus. Likewise, synthetic peptides corresponding to the RD1-D3 motifs, which comprise a ligand binding domain in a Fn receptor from S. aureus, inhibit binding of Fn to both S. aureus and S. dysgalactiae. Assays of chemically modified peptides and peptide fragments derived from chemical or proteolytic cleavage suggest that a conserved core sequence, defined as ED(T/S) (X9,10)GG(X3,4)(I/V)DF, within a 30-amino acid-long segment is present in the active RA and RD motifs. Analyses of the importance of individual residues of this core sequence indicate that the ED(T/S) motif is nonessential, whereas the GG and the (I/V)DF together with additional acidic residues in the C-terminal half of the peptide are required for activity.
Biogeography and conservation of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in Texas: patterns of diversity and threats

Aim Geographic patterns of species distributions and the factors contributing to species endangerment are necessary for the development of integrative conservation strategies. Freshwater mussels Unionidae have among the highest levels of imperilment recorded in North America. This paper describes the biogeography and diversity of Unionidae along climate and habitat gradients in Texas, evaluates human impact, and identifies the hot spots of diversity and endemism that should be targeted for conservation. Location Texas, North America. Methods Unionids were surveyed in all major Texas river basins in 2003–2009. Multivariate statistics were used to test for differences in environmental parameters and among unionid assemblages in different bioprovinces, and to determine to what extent the multivariate pattern of species distribution was affected by environmental factors. To estimate human impact, we examined the relationship between human population density and the proportion of rare species, as well with the proportion of historically present species that persist in the watershed. Results Correlation between biotic and environmental similarity matrices indicated concordance in the differences among unionid assemblages and environmental factors that could cause these differences. Lake surface evaporation rate and percentage of forest cover in the watershed were among the most important parameters explaining the differences in unionid assemblages. Human population density was negatively correlated with the proportion of rare species. The proportion of species found live relative to the total number of live and relic species found in our surveys and to the number of historically known species decreased with the increase in human population density. Main conclusions Climate, landscape, geology, and land use type were important factors influencing unionid distribution patterns among biotic provinces. Increased human population density was associated with the loss of rare species over several decades, but this loss was not recognized because of a lack of assessing the conservation status of unionids.
What is the contribution of obesity to the metabolic syndrome

Many prospective studies show that obesity is accompanied by increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Obesity affects metabolism of lipids and glucose, regulation of blood pressure, thrombotic and fibrinolytic processes, and inflammatory reactions. Multiple aberrations exist in each of these systems; obesity acting alone probably is not sufficient to produce full-blown metabolic syndrome. There must be other factors, including genetic and aging factors. It is difficult to sort out all pathogenic factors that link obesity to cardiovascular disease risk. It is worthwhile to investigate individually the components of the obesity-induced metabolic syndrome for their atherogenic potential, because out of that investigation likely will come new targets for clinical or public health intervention to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.
Irene Eulriet. Women and the Military in Europe: Comparing Public Cultures

Irene Eulriet's Women and the Military in Europe: Comparing Public Cultures probes political debates on women's participation in military institutions comparatively across three European nations. P...
Motor protein with nonequilibrium potential: Its thermodynamics and efficiency.

A nonequilibrium potential function is introduced for a motor protein modeled by a rectified Brownian motion. This result provides a concrete case for a class of nonequilibrium systems in steady state with dissipation which possess a potential function. The potential \ensuremath{\mu} is a natural generalization of the chemical potential for isothermal chemical species and \ensuremath{\mu}=const if and only if the system is in an equilibrium. The steady-state flux J\ensuremath{\propto}-\ensuremath{\nabla}\ensuremath{\mu}, and the total heat dissipation ${h}_{d}$ equals a surface integral $\ensuremath{\int}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathbf{J}\ensuremath{\cdot}dS,$ representing the energy input. In terms of \ensuremath{\mu} and ${h}_{d}$ the thermodynamic energy conservation in the mesoscopic stochastic system can be rigorously established and various types of motor efficiency are elucidated.
QRS score versus ST-segment changes in patients undergoing Tl-201 scintigraphy using dipyridamole infusion

Background ST-segment changes after dipyridamole infusion followed by handgrip isometric stress lack diagnostic value, because of the low sensitivity for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD). In addition, an abnormal QRS score during exercise had a greater diagnostic ability than ST-segment changes to detect CAD. This study was undertaken to compare QRS score values with ST-segment changes during thallium 201 scintigraphy via dipyridamole infusion. Methods and results In this study 128 patients (101 men and 27 women), aged 53 to 72 years (mean, 59 ± 8 years), underwent Tl-201 scintigraphy after dipyridamole infusion and handgrip isometric stress, as well as coronary angiography. QRS score values and ST-segment changes after dipyridamole infusion and handgrip isometric stress were also estimated. CAD was detected in 96 patients (75%), whereas normal coronary arteries were found in 32 (25%). According to scintigraphic data, 48 patients (37%) had no reversible perfusion defects whereas 80 (63%) had at least 1 reversible perfusion defect. Sensitivities for an abnormal QRS score and ST-segment deviation were 68% versus 18% ( P P P = not significant). Conclusions An abnormal QRS score significantly improves the low sensitivity of ST-segment changes for the detection of myocardial ischemia and CAD by use of Tl-201 scintigraphy with dipyridamole infusion and handgrip isometric stress.
Convergent and General One-Step DNA-Catalyzed Synthesis of Multiply Branched DNA

We report a deoxyribozyme (DNA enzyme) that catalyzes the convergent and general synthesis of branched DNA. The 15HA9 deoxyribozyme mediates nucleophilic attack of the 2′-hydroxyl group of a ribonucleotide embedded within one DNA substrate into a 5′-adenylate of the second DNA substrate. This approach can be used to synthesize multiply branched DNA with a wide range of DNA sequences.
Interactive solution of partial differential equations by the Method-of-lines

A convenient, generally applicable technique for programming Method-of-lines solutions of linear or nonlinear partial differential equations employs a new implementation of W. Schiesser's general-purpose differentiation operators. A novel vector compiler reads a vector equation or differential equation and produces efficient code for n corresponding scalar equations without causing any runtime loop overhead. Simulations can combine partial and ordinary differential equations. Programs compile and run immediately on a mouse click to permit truly interactive modeling and simulation. Originally designed for experiments with Monte Carlo simulation, neural networks, and fuzzy logic, the new runtime compiler easily generates many different Method-of-lines algorithms for partial-differential equation systems. As a simple example, we exhibit the complete solution of a heat-conduction problem with one space dimension.
Vascular neuroprotection via TrkB‐ and Akt‐dependent cell survival signaling

The cerebral endothelium can be a vital source of signaling factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor that defends the neuronal parenchyma against stress and injury. But the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully defined. Here, we use cell models to ask how vascular neuroprotection is sustained. Human brain endothelial cells were grown in culture, and conditioned media were transferred to primary rat cortical neurons. Brain endothelial cell-conditioned media activated neuronal Akt signaling and protected neurons against hypoxia and oxygen-glucose deprivation. Blockade of Akt phosphorylation with the PI3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 negated this vascular neuroprotective effect. Upstream of Akt signaling, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor receptor TrkB (neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor, type 2) was involved because depletion with TrkB/Fc eliminated the ability of endothelial-conditioned media to protect neurons against hypoxia. Downstream of Akt signaling, activation of GSK-3β (glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta), caspase 9, caspase 3 and Bad pathways were detected. Taken together, these findings suggest that the molecular basis for vascular neuroprotection involves TrkB-Akt signaling that ameliorates neuronal apoptosis. Further investigation of these mechanisms may reveal new approaches for augmenting endogenous vascular neuroprotection in stroke, brain injury, and neurodegeneration.
Correlation between 96-h mortality and 24-h acetylcholinesterase inhibition in three grass shrimp larval life stages.

Abstract Three life stages of larval grass shrimp were tested to determine whether acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity expressed as 24-h sublethal effect endpoints (EC20 and EC50) could be used to predict 96-h mortality (lowest observable effect concentration (LOEC) and LC50) for shrimp exposed to three organophosphate insecticides. With regard to mortality, newly hatched larvae and 18-day-old larvae were the most sensitive in the malathion and azinphosmethyl exposures. In the chlorpyrifos exposures, newly hatched larvae and postlarvae were the most sensitive life stages. Results of the 24-h AChE inhibition tests showed that newly hatched larvae were generally more sensitive in the three organophosphate exposures. A regression analysis of the EC50's and LC50's yielded the strongest correlation with R 2 = 0.9 8 7 (correlation coefficient=0.994 and 95% confidence intervals 0.969–0.999). The LOEC/EC20 relationship yielded R 2 = 0.9 6 2 . For these grass shrimp life stages and pesticides, sublethal effect endpoints could be used as a predictor of 96-h mortality.
Infrared Absorption of Dilute Solutions of HCl and HBr

The infrared absorption of dilute solutions of HCl and HBr in benzene, chlorbenzene, carbon tetrachloride, and tin tetrachloride, was investigated by a prism grating spectrograph of high dispersion with effective slit widths of between one and two wave numbers. There was found a single absorption band for all solutions with the exception of tin tetrachloride which showed a double band for HCl and a single band for HBr located at the position of one of the HCl bands. These results for tin tetrachloride are attributed to the formation of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$Sn${\mathrm{Cl}}_{6}$ in the case of the HCl solution, and to the formation of a compound in such a manner that free HCl was liberated in the case of the HBr solution. From the experimental values of the areas under the curves, their half-widths, and the maximum extinction, it is concluded that the dissolved molecules could be treated as a dilute gas composed of damped simple harmonic oscillators. From the half-widths of the bands the damping constants of the dissolved molecules are calculated, and the force constants are determined from the position of the peaks of the absorption bands. In all cases the value of the force constant is diminished from its value for the molecule in the vapor state. The ratio of the change in the force constant of HCl to the change in the constant of HBr in the solvents, benzene, chlorbenzene, and carbon tetrachloride, is close to 1.32 which is the ratio of the dipole moments of the two substances in the vapor state. Likewise, the ratio of the half-widths of the bands for the two molecules is close to 1.32. Values of the Einstein coefficient of absorption and values of $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ in the equation, $\ensuremath{\mu}={\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}+\ensuremath{\epsilon}(r\ensuremath{-}{r}_{0})$ for the electric moment of the molecules are calculated.
Neurocognitive Assessment in the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) Project Schizophrenia Trial: Development, Methodology, and Rationale

Patients with schizophrenia are severely impaired in crucial aspects of neurocognitive function. This impairment is the strongest clinical correlate of poor long-term outcome and adaptive dysfunction. Reports of neurocognitive enhancement with second generation antipsychotic medications have thus offered promise for improvement in the long-term outcome of patients with schizophrenia. However, the majority of these studies have had serious weaknesses in methodology, such as open-label design, small samples, or inappropriate dosing of medications. More recent studies have addressed these methodological issues but have been of short duration and have largely been sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. The Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) project is a unique opportunity to address the comparative neurocognitive effectiveness of available antipsychotic medications. This article describes the neurocognitive methods used in the schizophrenia trial of the CATIE project, including the selection and training of neurocognitive raters, patient inclusion criteria for assessment, rationale for the choice of neurocognitive instruments, and methodology for each neurocognitive test.
Arctic sea ice: use of observational data and model hindcasts to refine future projections of ice extent

This manuscript presents an evaluation of global climate models to guide future projections of Arctic sea ice extent (SIE). Thirty-five model simulations from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, Phase 5 were examined to select model subsets using comparison to observational data (1979–2013). The study extends previous work by highlighting the seasonality of sea ice trends, utilizing a multi-step selection process to demonstrate how the timing of an ice-free Arctic varies with the hindcast performance of the models, and extending the analysis to include sudden ice loss events (SILE). Although the models' trends for the historical period are generally smaller than observed, the models' projected trends show a similar seasonality, largest in September and smallest in March to April. A multi-step evaluation process is applied to obtain progressively smaller subsets of the best-performing models. As the number of models retained becomes smaller, the simulated historical trend becomes larger and the median d...
Partners in Genocide: The German Police and the Wehrmacht in the Soviet Union

Abstract In the Soviet Union, SS and police forces adopted the strategy of the direct approach as the keystone of German security policy in the occupied territories. Operating in conjunction with Wehrmacht units and indigenous auxiliaries, Reich Leader of the SS and Chief of the German Police Heinrich Himmler's Uniformed Police (Ordnungspolizei) battalions, became essential instruments in the subjugation, exploitation, and pacification of the German rear areas. This essay examines the cooperative relationship that developed between SS and police forces, the Wehrmacht, and indigenous auxiliaries during the German anti-partisan campaign in the East. On the one hand, the cooperation of the police with the German armed forces reflected a true ‘inter-agency’ approach to counter-insurgency warfare; an approach formalised in policy agreements between both organisations prior to the 1941 invasion of Russia and cemented in combined operations aimed at Soviet partisans and their supporters. On the other hand, this ...
Specific rearrangements of dihydropyrimidinediones to pyridones via diazacyclooctatetraene intermediates

Abstract The rearrangement of a uracil-alkyne photoadduct has been studied by 13 C- and 15 N-labeling experiments. A diazacyclooctatetraene intermediate suggested as an intermediate from these labeling studies has been independently prepared and shown to undergo rapid rearrangement to a pyridone.
Mechanisms of peptide repertoire selection by HLA-DM

Recently, crystal structures of key complexes in antigen presentation have been reported. HLA-DM functions in antigen presentation by catalyzing dissociation of an invariant chain remnant from the peptide binding groove and stabilizing empty MHC class II proteins in a peptide-receptive conformation. The crystal structure of a MHC class II–HLA-DM complex explains how HLA-DM stabilizes an otherwise short-lived transition state and promotes a rapid peptide exchange process that favors the highest-affinity ligands. HLA-DO has sequence similarity with MHC class II molecules yet inhibits antigen presentation. The structure of the HLA-DO–HLA-DM complex shows that it blocks HLA-DM activity as a substrate mimic. Alterations in the efficiency of DM-mediated peptide selection may contribute to autoimmune pathologies, which will be an exciting area for future investigation.
Molecular Charmonium: A New Spectroscopy?

Recent data compel us to interpret several peaks in the cross section of ${e}^{\ensuremath{-}}{e}^{+}$ annihilation into hadrons as being due to the production of four-quark molecules, i.e., resonances between two charmed mesons. A rich spectroscopy of such states is predicted and may be studied in ${e}^{\ensuremath{-}}{e}^{+}$ annihilation.
Grey Parrot Number Acquisition: the Inference of Cardinal Value from Ordinal Position on the Numeral List

A Grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) had previously been taught to use English count words ("one" through "sih" [six]) to label sets of one to six individual items (Pepperberg, 1994). He had also been taught to use the same count words to label the Arabic numerals 1 through 6. Without training, he inferred the relationship between the Arabic numerals and the sets of objects (Pepperberg, 2006b). In the present study, he was then trained to label vocally the Arabic numerals 7 and 8 ("sih-none", "eight", respectively) and to order these Arabic numerals with respect to the numeral 6. He subsequently inferred the ordinality of 7 and 8 with respect to the smaller numerals and he inferred use of the appropriate label for the cardinal values of seven and eight items. These data suggest that he constructed the cardinal meanings of "seven" ("sih-none") and "eight" from his knowledge of the cardinal meanings of one through six, together with the place of "seven" ("sih-none") and "eight" in the ordered count list.
Applying team heuristics to future human-robot systems

In this paper we briefly describe teaming heuristics as they are applied to human-human teams, and demonstrate their adaptability to human-robot (HR) teams. We discuss a framework developed from Salas's models on teamwork and team training. As HRI technology moves from tele-operative control methods to teamwork with intelligent robots, it is pertinent to properly integrate knowledge about teams into the development of robotic systems. This should lead to highly effective team systems, and may provide insight into the design of robotic entities and system protocols.
Compassion and loving‐kindness: heartsongs for healing spirit

Rogers' science of unitary human beings has been an influential, if controversial, model affecting the development of nursing and health care. Some of the main tenets are explored and debated in the context of loving-kindness and personal reflections on the author's own life and contact with Rogers. Key concepts such as healing, spirituality and caring are explored with reference to the work of Rogers and others, including recent stories of women with breast cancer, to illuminate how these concepts underpin the potential for illness and suffering to be the source of transformation rather than despair. Indeed, the influences of such transformation, it is argued, extend way beyond the individual person to embrace a whole philosophy of interconnectedness with all of creation. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Multi-class cancer classification using multinomial probit regression with Bayesian gene selection

We consider the problems of multi-class cancer classification from gene expression data. After discussing the multinomial probit regression model with Bayesian gene selection, we propose two Bayesian gene selection schemes: one employs different strongest genes for different probit regressions; the other employs the same strongest genes for all regressions. Some fast implementation issues for Bayesian gene selection are discussed, including preselection of the strongest genes and recursive computation of the estimation errors using QR decomposition. The proposed gene selection techniques are applied to analyse real breast cancer data, small round blue-cell tumours, the national cancer institute's anti-cancer drug-screen data and acute leukaemia data. Compared with existing multi-class cancer classifications, our proposed methods can find which genes are the most important genes affecting which kind of cancer. Also, the strongest genes selected using our methods are consistent with the biological significance. The recognition accuracies are very high using our proposed methods.
EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX PROTEO‐GLYCANS INVOLVED IN DIATOM ADHESION AND MOTILITY

Although diatom extracellular matricies are usually thought of exclusively in terms of the beautiful, architecturally complex silicious frustule, polymers exuded through the frustule are critical mediators of interactions with the external environment. In several species, complex proteoglycans appear to be the primary components involved in adhesion and motility. When viewed with high-resolution cryo-scanning electron microscopy methods, the ubiquity and pervasiveness of these polymers was revealed in both freshwater and marine taxa. Monoclonal antibody mapping of carbohydrate epitopes characterized by NMR, methylation and monosaccharide analysis and correlated with structural observations by EM revealed an organizational pattern far more complex than previously proposed. Modeling assembly of extracellular “stalks” in the marine biofouling diatom Achnanthes longipes involves intracellular sequestering of multiple components, deposition at the protoplasmic membrane/diatotepum interface, transport through the multilayered diatotepum and holes in the silica, extrusion from the frustule, and assembly into a very complex multi-laminate biocomposite structure. The mechanism of extracellular polymer participation in motility is complex in a different way, as some current models of raphe associated motility involve cytoskeletal interactions and molecular motors.
Isolating the entire posterior left atrium improves surgical outcomes after the Cox maze procedure.

Objectives The importance of each ablation line in the Cox maze procedure for treatment of atrial fibrillation remains poorly defined. This study evaluated differences in surgical outcomes of the procedure performed either with a single connecting lesion between the right and left pulmonary vein isolations versus 2 connecting lesions (the box lesion), which isolated the entire posterior left atrium. Methods Data were collected prospectively on 137 patients who underwent the Cox maze procedure from April 2002 through September 2006. Before May 2004, the pulmonary veins were connected with a single bipolar radiofrequency ablation lesion (n = 56), whereas after this time, a box lesion was routinely performed (n = 81). The mean follow-up was 11.8 ± 9.6 months. Results The incidence of early atrial tachyarrhythmia was significantly higher in the single connecting lesion group compared with that in the box lesion group (71% vs 37%, P P = .015) and 3 (96% vs 85%, P = .028) months. The use of antiarrhythmic drugs was significantly lower in the box lesion group at 3 (35% vs 58%, P = .018) and 6 (15% vs 44%, P = .002) months. Conclusions Isolating the entire posterior left atrium by creating a box lesion instead of a single connecting lesion between the pulmonary veins showed a significantly lower incidence of early atrial tachyarrhythmias, higher freedom from atrial fibrillation recurrence at 1 and 3 months, and lower use of antiarrhythmic drugs at 3 and 6 months. A complete box lesion should be included in all patients undergoing the Cox maze procedure.
Ultrahigh speed graphene diode with reversible polarity

Abstract The ability to tune the carrier-type concentration ratio with applied field along with a mean-free path length approaching 1 μm in graphene enables a new diode in which the diode polarity can be reversed. The diode consists of a thin graphene film with a geometric asymmetry that determines a preferred direction for charge-carrier transport, independent of whether the carriers are electrons or holes. We fabricated submicron geometric diodes by patterning and etching exfoliated graphene. Applying field-effect voltages to the substrate, we reversed the carrier type and demonstrated reversal of the diode polarity. The graphene geometric diodes exhibited rectification at 28 THz, opening the way to ultrahigh speed applications for these versatile devices.
NMDA or non-NMDA Receptor Antagonism within the Amygdaloid Central Nucleus Suppresses the Affective Dimension of Pain in Rats: Evidence for Hemispheric Synergy

Abstract The amygdala contributes to generation of affective behaviors to threats. The prototypical threat to an individual is exposure to a noxious stimulus and the amygdaloid central nucleus (CeA) receives nociceptive input that is mediated by glutamatergic neurotransmission. The present study evaluated the contribution of glutamate receptors in CeA to generation of the affective response to acute pain in rats. Vocalizations that occur following a brief noxious tail shock (vocalization afterdischarges) are a validated rodent model of pain affect, and were preferentially suppressed by bilateral injection into CeA of the NMDA receptor antagonist D-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (AP5, 1 μg, 2 μg, or 4 μg) or the non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione disodium (CNQX, .25 μg, .5 μg, 1 μg, or 2 μg). Vocalizations that occur during tail shock were suppressed to a lesser degree, whereas spinal motor reflexes (tail flick and hind limb movements) were unaffected by injection of AP5 or CNQX into CeA. Unilateral administration of AP5 or CNQX into CeA of either hemisphere also selectively elevated vocalization thresholds. Bilateral administration of AP5 or CNQX produced greater increases in vocalization thresholds than the same doses of antagonists administered unilaterality into either hemisphere indicating synergistic hemispheric interactions. Perspective The amygdala contributes to production of emotional responses to environmental threats. Blocking glutamate neurotransmission within the central nucleus of the amygdala suppressed rats’ emotional response to acute painful stimulation. Understanding the neurobiology underlying emotional responses to pain will provide insights into new treatments for pain and its associated affective disorders.
Isoform-selective effects of isoflurane on voltage-gated Na+ channels.

Background: Voltage-gated Na + channels modulate membrane excitability in excitable tissues. Inhibition of Na + channels has been implicated in the effects of volatile anesthetics on both nervous and peripheral excitable tissues. The authors investigated isoform-selective effects of isoflurane on the major Na + channel isoforms expressed in excitable tissues. Methods: Rat Na v 1.2, Na v 1.4, or Na v 1.5 a subunits heterologously expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells were analyzed by whole cell voltage clamp recording. The effects of isoflurane on Na + current activation, inactivation, and recovery from inactivation were analyzed. Results: The cardiac isoform N av 1.5 activated at more negative potentials (peak I Na at -30 mV) than the neuronal N av 1.2 (0 mV) or skeletal muscle N av 1.4 (-10 mV) isoforms. Isoflurane reversibly inhibited all three isoforms in a concentration- and voltage-dependent manner at clinical concentrations (IC 50 = 0.70, 0.61, and 0.45 mM, respectively, for N av 1.2, N av 1.4, and N av 1.5 from a physiologic holding potential of -70 mV). Inhibition was greater from a holding potential of -70 mV than from - 100 mV, especially for N av 1.4 and N av 1.5. Isoflurane enhanced inactivation of all three isoforms due to a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of steady state fast inactivation. Inhibition of N av 1.4 and N av, 1.5 by isoflurane was attributed primarily to enhanced inactivation, whereas inhibition of N av 1.2, which had a more positive V1/2 of inactivation, was due primarily to tonic block. Conclusions: Two principal mechanisms contribute to Na + channel inhibition by isoflurane: enhanced inactivation due to a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of steady state fast inactivation (N av 1.5 ≈N av 1.4 > N av, 1.2) and tonic block (N av, 1.2 > N av 1.4 ≈ N av 1.5). These novel mechanistic differences observed between isoforms suggest a potential pharmacologic basis for discrimination between Na + channel isoforms to enhance anesthetic specificity.
Computational Aeroacoustics: An Overview of Computational Challenges and Applications

The objective of this paper is to present an overview of recent advances in computational aeroacoustics (CAA). During the last decade, CAA has developed quite independent of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). There are computational issues that are unique to CAA and are, generally, not considered in CFD. In this paper, these issues are discussed and explained. In CAA, there is a great need to resolve high-frequency short waves with the minimum number of mesh points per wavelength. There is also a special need to minimize numerical dispersion and dissipation associated with wave propagation computation. All these have led to the development of large-stencil high-resolution schemes for CAA. A careful examination of dispersion and dissipation errors due to spatial and temporal discretization is provided. These errors are quantified and analyzed in wave number space through the use of Fourier-Laplace transforms. At this time, some of the original computational challenges to CAA have been resolved satisfactor...
The principles of grain refinement in equal-channel angular pressing

Abstract Equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) is a convenient processing tool for introducing very significant grain refinement, typically to the submicrometer level, in a wide range of metals. It is shown by experiment that processing by ECAP produces very similar microstructures in single crystals and in polycrystalline materials. Thus, after a single ECAP pass, aluminum single crystals and polycrystalline high-purity aluminum both exhibit microstructures consisting of bands of elongated subgrains and the experiments on single crystals have established unambiguously that these bands lie with their longer axes oriented parallel to the primary slip system. A model for grain refinement is developed incorporating the major experimental observations. Calculations of the shearing patterns for different processing routes lead to the conclusion that an equiaxed microstructure is achieved most rapidly in ECAP when slip occurs on three orthogonal planes over a wide range of angles: an example is route BC where the sample is rotated by 90° in the same sense about the longitudinal axis after every pass through the ECAP die.
Demand for ozone-depleting substances and hydrofluorocarbons estimated by a Tier 2 emission inventory model compared to top-down chemical consumption data for the US

In preparing inventories of ozone-depleting substance (ODS) substitutes, primarily hydrofluorocarbons, the US employs models consistent with Tier 2 methodologies from the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. The model calculates chemical consumption and emissions for 60 sub-applications, which are aggregated to five application levels. So-called “bottom-up” models require data and assumptions regarding the sub-application industries, including number of products introduced and retired each year, the type and amount of chemicals initially used, the emission pattern of the chemicals and if any released chemical is replaced. Once developed, the bottom-up model's estimates of chemical demand can be compared to “top-down” chemical consumption or sales. Combining these types of data gives a partial picture of the amount of ODS and substitutes introduced to the US economy. This paper examines the top-down data in comparison to the bottom-up estimates derived from the inventory models and...
Evidence for a diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI) benzodiazepine receptor-like mechanism in ecdysteroidogenesis by the insect prothoracic gland.

The diazepam-binding inhibitor (DBI) is a 10-kDa highly evolutionarily conserved multifunctional protein. In mammals, one of DBI’s functions is in the activation of steroid hormone biosynthesis via binding to a specific outer mitochondrial membrane receptor (benzodiazepine receptor, BZD) and promoting cholesterol transport to the inner membrane. In this work, a multitiered approach was utilized to study the role of this receptor-like activity in ecdysteroidogenesis by larval insect prothoracic glands (PGs). First, both DBI protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were correlated with peak PG ecdysteroid production. In vitro ecdysteroid production was stimulated by the diazepam analogue FGIN 1-27 and inhibited anti-DBI antibodies. The DBI protein was found distributed throughout PG cells, including regions of dense mitochondria, supposed subcellular sites of ecdysteroid synthesis. Finally, a potential mitochondrial BZD receptor in PG cells was demonstrated by photoaffinity labeling. These results suggest an important role for the insect DBI in the stimulation of steroidogenesis by prothoracic glands and indicate that a pathway for cholesterol mobilization leading to the production of steroid hormones appears to be conserved between arthropods and mammals.
Clinical and histological significance of the testicular remnant found on inguinal exploration after diagnostic laparoscopy in the absence of a patent processus vaginalis.

Purpose: We reviewed the histological findings of cord structures excised at inguinal exploration after diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with a nonpalpable testis with the vas deferens and spermatic vessels exiting the internal inguinal ring in the absence of a patent processus vaginalis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 809 laparoscopic explorations for nonpalpable testes between 1981 and 2003 was conducted. The histological findings of the excised remnants of those patients with a closed processus vaginalis were reviewed. Results: A total of 110 patients underwent excision of a testicular remnant at inguinal exploration in association with a closed processus vaginalis. Of the specimens 31 (28%) were on the right side and 79 (72%) were on the left side. The incidence of viable germ cell elements was 8 of 110 (7%). The presence of hemosiderin, calcification and fibrosis was identified in all 8 remnants with viable germ cell elements. Conclusions: The incidence of viable germ cell elements in the excised remnant when the vas deferens and spermatic vessels are identified exiting a closed internal ring in patients with a nonpalpable testis is 7%. To our knowledge no prior study has evaluated the incidence of viable germ cell elements in remnants associated with a closed internal inguinal ring. Based on these findings, we advocate inguinal exploration and excision of testicular remnants in these patients.
DNA-Damage-Induced Differentiation in Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Aging of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is accompanied by diminished functional potential. Wang et al. now provide evidence for an HSC-specific differentiation checkpoint mediated by the transcription factor BATF, which limits self-renewal of HSCs in response to the accumulation of DNA damage.
Phenotypic flexibility in passerine birds: Seasonal variation of aerobic enzyme activities in skeletal muscle

Abstract Improved winter cold tolerance is widespread among small passerines resident in cold climates and is generally associated with elevated summit metabolic rate (Msum=maximum thermoregulatory metabolic rate) and improved shivering endurance with increased reliance on lipids as fuel. Elevated Msum and improved cold tolerance may result from greater metabolic intensity, due to mass-specific increase in oxidative enzyme capacity, or increase in the masses of thermogenic tissues. To examine the mechanisms underlying winter increases in Msum, we investigated seasonal changes in mass-specific and total activities of the key aerobic enzymes citrate synthase (CS) and β-hydroxyacyl CoA-dehydrogenase (HOAD) in pectoralis, supracoracoideus and mixed leg muscles of three resident passerine species, black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), and white-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis). Activities of CS were generally higher in winter than in summer muscles for chickadees and house sparrows, but not nuthatches. Mass-specific HOAD activity was significantly elevated in winter relative to summer in all muscles for chickadees, but did not vary significantly with season for sparrows or nuthatches, except for sparrow leg muscle. These results suggest that modulation of substrate flux and cellular aerobic capacity in muscle contribute to seasonal metabolic flexibility in some species and tissues, but such changes play varying roles among small passerines resident in cold climates.
Analysis of the spin-spin interactions in layered oxides α'-NaV 2 O 5 , CaV 2 O 5 and MgV 2 O 5 and the spin-Peierls distortion in α'-NaV 2 O 5 by molecular orbital, Madelung energy and bond valence sum calculations

Abstract The spin–spin exchange parameters of α′-NaV2O5, CaV2O5 and MgV2O5 were examined by calculating the spin–spin interaction energies of their spin dimers, and the probable pairing distortion leading to the (2a×2b×4c) superstructure of α′-NaV2O5 was investigated by performing Madelung energy and bond valence sum analyses. In the V2O5 layers of α′-NaV2O5, CaV2O5 and MgV2O5, ladder chains of vanadium atoms are arranged in a staggered manner. CaV2O5 and MgV2O5 have an unpaired spin at each vanadium site, while α′-NaV2O5 has one unpaired spin in each rung of the ladder chains. The latter makes α′-NaV2O5 behave as a spin 1/2 Heisenberg linear chain system. Madelung energy and bond valence sum calculations for α′-NaV2O5 show that the pairing distortion from the uniform spin lattice to the zigzag spin lattice proposed by Seo and Fukuyama is energetically favorable. In the zigzag spin lattice the paired spins do not reside in the ladder chains but in between the ladder chains, which makes α′-NaV2O5 different from a simple spin-Peierls system.
The existence of a positive solution of semilinear elliptic equations with limiting Sobolev exponent

Our paper concerns the existence of a positive solution for the equation:A new condition, which guarantees the existence of a solution of the above equation, has been established. It has also given some sharp information in the cases where: (1) a(x) = λ = const. and Ω is a “thin” domain; (2) Ω is a ball and a(x) is a radially symmetrical function.
Bacterial removal of pyrite from coal

Abstract The bacterial process for removing pyritic sulphur from coal deserves attention because it has low operating costs and fits naturally into any project in which coal is slurried in water. A kinetic model is presented for use in the design of bacterial desulphurization systems, based on the fact that bacteria can attack a pyritic inclusion only if it is exposed at the coal surface. The model incorporates a distribution function to describe the sizes of the inclusions. Shake-flask experiments were performed with a 20 wt% slurry of Pittsburgh seam coal. Both mixed cultures of Thiobacillus ferroxidans and T. Thiooxidans , and cultures recycled from previous experiments were studied. With the latter there was no lag phase and 90 wt% of the pyrite was removed in 10 days. All the required parameter values for a particular coal can be determined by comparing the model with data from such experiments. The comparison shows the Pittsburgh seam coal has inclusions in the size range O ≈57 μm which agrees with data from other sources.