cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abnormal tubulin aggregates induced by zinc sulfate in organotypic cultures of nerve tissue

Zinc ion-induced changes in nerve tissue were analyzed by electron microscopy. Four-week-old cultures of dorsal root ganglia explanted from 13- to 14-day-old mouse embryos were incubated in media containing several concentrations of added zinc ions. After 24 h in 1 mm zinc sulfate, most axons appeared swollen and contained few neurotubules. Instead, sheets and long structures with a diameter of approximately 250 nm were found. These abnormal structures morphologically resembled the zinc ion-induced aggregates of tubulin that formin vitro. Many neurons showed extensive vacuolation and degenerative changes, while most other cells appeared unchanged. Lower concentrations of zinc ions and/or shorter incubation times resulted in smaller changes in the number and structure of the neurotubules, fewer abnormal structures, less swelling of axons, and more conspicuous changes in the nuclei of neurons. This study demonstrates that neurotubule assembly and/or disassembly in dorsal root ganglion cultures is susceptible to the concentration of zinc ions and suggests that the divalent cationic environment can influence the structure and function of cells containing neurotubules.
Reading Comprehension Interventions for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Synthesis of Research

The authors synthesized reading intervention studies conducted between 1980 and 2012 with K-12 students identified with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Nine single-subject design studies, one quasi-experimental study, and two single-group design studies met the criteria for inclusion. Findings from the studies indicate that modifying instructional interventions associated with improved comprehension for students with reading difficulties may improve reading comprehension in students with ASD. Four studies implemented strategy instruction that included (a) question generation; (b) graphic organizers; and (c) making predictions. Two studies utilized anaphoric cueing instruction, three implemented explicit instruction, and three examined student grouping practices. Among the reviewed studies, the majority (n = 9) measured reading comprehension through researcher-developed probes, and two studies reported results from standardized measures.
Timing of solar cycles by rigid internal rotations.

The so-called 11-year cycle of solar activity is really more complex and contains many periods of greatly different lengths. Periods as long as 178 years and as short as 3.1 years are predicted by a theory based on beats between rigidly rotating, inertially oscillating g-modes inside the sun. Most of the beat periods are then confirmed to about 1 percent accuracy in sunspot observations. Since the agreement is of high statistical significance, one can conclude that approximate alignment of major solar oscillation modes contributes to high solar activity. The theory receives further support when tested against an independent class of observations - the large-scale magnetic sector structure. Predicted rotation rates of at least four solar oscillation modes are detected in the sector data with discrepancies all less than 0.3 percent. As a by-product of these successful fits to observation, the mean rotation of the entire solar mass becomes known. Its rotation frequency is 4.49 by 10 to the -7th power Hz, which is a sidereal period of 25.8 days. Magnetic fields have played no role in calculating the length of any of these solar cycles.
Open problems of Paul Erdos in graph theory

The main treasure that Paul Erd˝ os has left us is his collection of problems, most of which are still open today. These problems are seeds that Paul sowed and watered by giving numerous talks at meetings big and small, near and far. In the past, his problems have spawned many areas in graph theory and beyond (e.g., in number theory, probability, geometry, algorithms and complexity theory). Solutions or partial solutions to Erd˝ os problems usually lead to further questions, often in new directions. These problems provide inspiration and serve as a common focus for all graph theorists. Through the problems, the legacy of Paul Erd˝ os continues (particularly if solving one of these problems results in creating three new problems, for example.) There is a huge literature of almost 1500 papers written by Erd˝ os and his (more than 460) collaborators. Paul wrote many problem papers, some of which appeared in various (really hard-to-find) proceedings. Here is an attempt to collect and organize these problems in the area of graph theory. The list here is by no means complete or exhaustive. Our goal is to state the problems, locate the sources, and provide the references related to these problems. We will include the earliest and latest known references without covering the entire history of the problems because of space limitations. (The most up-to-date list of Erd˝ os’ papers can be found in [65]; an electronic file is maintained by Jerry Grossman at grossman@oakland.edu.) There are many survey papers on the impact of Paul’s work, e.g., see those in the books: “A Tribute to Paul Erd˝ os” [84], “Combinatorics, Paul Erd˝ os is Eighty”, Volumes 1 and 2 [83], and “The Mathematics of Paul Erd˝ os”, Volumes I and II [81]. To honestly follow the unique style of Paul Erd˝ os, we will mention the fact that Erd˝ os often offered monetary awards for solutions to a number of his favorite problems. In November 1996, a committee of Erd˝ os’ friends decided no more such awards will be given in Erd˝ os’ name. However, the author, with the help of Ron Graham, will honor future claims on the problems in this paper, provided the requirements previously set by Paul are satisfied (e.g., proofs have been verified and published in recognized journals).
Sequestration strikes again: rotavirus-induced accumulation of cellular transcripts in the nucleus inhibits host protein translation

Evaluation of: Rubio RM, Mora SI, Romero P, Arias CF, Lopez S. Rotavirus prevents the expression of host responses by blocking the nucleocytoplasmic transport of polyadenylated mRNAs. J. Virol. 87(11), 6336–6345 (2013). Rotaviruses are a leading cause of pediatric diarrhea worldwide and are estimated to be responsible for approximately 450,000 deaths each year. Although the incidence of severe diarrhea induced by rotavirus has fallen sharply in developed countries due to the introduction of vaccines, it remains a leading cause of diarrhea leading to death in low-income countries. A key feature of rotavirus replication is the robust production of viral proteins and simultaneous inhibition of host protein synthesis in infected cells. Studies have shown an accumulation of cytoplasmic poly(A)-binding protein (PABPC) in the nucleus of rotavirus-infected cells, but the consequences of this were unknown. Here, Rubio and colleagues show that the nuclear accumulation of PABPC inhibits the export of polyadenylated ...
A Micromethod for the On-Column Methylation of Valproic Acid by Gas-Liquid Chromatography

We described a simple procedure for the flash heater methylation of valproic acid and cyclohexylacetic acid (internal standard) by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). A small volume (100 microL) of sample is acidified with 10% perchloric acid and extracted into hexane. An aliquot is back extracted into 5% tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMH). A 1 microL sample of the TMH layer is injected into the GLC equipped with flame ionization detector (FID) and a 6 ft x 2 mm i.d. - nickel column packed with 3% OV-17 on 80/100 mesh Supelcoport. The injector temperature is set at 350 degrees C to ensure methylation. Recoveries are greater than 95% of theoretical value. The linearity for calibration points between 15 and 180 microgram/mL is excellent (coefficient of correlation and determination greater than 0.9999). The procedure is rapid and sensitive and does not require a dedicated column in the gas chromatograph.
Transmission of rabies virus from an organ donor to four transplant recipients.

Background In 2004, four recipients of kidneys, a liver, and an arterial segment from a common organ donor died of encephalitis of an unknown cause. Methods We reviewed the medical records of the organ donor and the recipients. Blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and tissues from the recipients were tested with a variety of assays and pathological stains for numerous causes of encephalitis. Samples from the recipients were also inoculated into mice. Results The organ donor had been healthy before having a subarachnoid hemorrhage that led to his death. Encephalitis developed in all four recipients within 30 days after transplantation and was accompanied by rapid neurologic deterioration characterized by agitated delirium, seizures, respiratory failure, and coma. They died an average of 13 days after the onset of neurologic symptoms. Mice inoculated with samples from the affected patients became ill seven to eight days later, and electron microscopy of central nervous system (CNS) tissue demonstrated rhabdovirus pa...
statistical approach to non-line-of-sight BS identification

One of the major challenges to finding accurate mobile terminal location is the non-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation caused by the blocking of the signal's direct path by obstacles. Traditional location algorithms perform poorly in NLOS environments and this has made it necessary to develop techniques to identify NLOS transmissions and then employ suitable error mitigation techniques. It is extremely difficult to characterize NLOS error because it varies with time and is location specific. We present statistical based techniques to distinguish LOS and NLOS propagation for various scenarios and present simulation results to validate them.
Enabling large-scale human activity inference on smartphones using community similarity networks (csn)

Sensor-enabled smartphones are opening a new frontier in the development of mobile sensing applications. The recognition of human activities and context from sensor-data using classification models underpins these emerging applications. However, conventional approaches to training classifiers struggle to cope with the diverse user populations routinely found in large-scale popular mobile applications. Differences between users (e.g., age, sex, behavioral patterns, lifestyle) confuse classifiers, which assume everyone is the same. To address this, we propose Community Similarity Networks (CSN), which incorporates inter-person similarity measurements into the classifier training process. Under CSN every user has a unique classifier that is tuned to their own characteristics. CSN exploits crowd-sourced sensor-data to personalize classifiers with data contributed from other similar users. This process is guided by similarity networks that measure different dimensions of inter-person similarity. Our experiments show CSN outperforms existing approaches to classifier training under the presence of population diversity.
Increased Hippocampal Glutamate and Volumetric Deficits in Unmedicated Patients With Schizophrenia

Importance Alterations in glutamatergic neurotransmission have been postulated to be a key pathophysiologic mechanism in schizophrenia. Objective To evaluate hippocampal volumetric measures and neurometabolites in unmedicated patients with schizophrenia and the correlations between these markers. Our a priori hypothesis was that glutamate levels would negatively correlate with hippocampal volume in schizophrenia. Design, Setting, and Participants Combined 3-T structural magnetic resonance imaging and single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, of 27 unmedicated patients with schizophrenia and 27 healthy controls. Main Outcomes and Measures Hippocampal volumetric measures and neurometabolites, and the correlations between volumetric measurements and neurometabolites. Results Hippocampal volumetric deficits, increased ratios of hippocampal glutamate and glutamine to creatine (Glx/Cr), and a loss of correlation between hippocampal N -acetylaspartate (NAA)/Cr and Glx/Cr in patients with schizophrenia were found. Significant correlations between hippocampal volumetric measures and Glx/Cr were also found in patients with schizophrenia but not healthy controls. Conclusions and Relevance Our findings support the theory that alterations in hippocampal glutamate levels potentially account for structural deficits in the hippocampus observed in schizophrenia neuroimaging studies.
Interleukin-18 Enhances Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E−/− Mice Through Release of Interferon-γ

We have previously shown that interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is a potent enhancer of atherogenesis. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) promotes inflammatory responses through release of IFN-γ, although it can also exert...
γ-Glutamyltransferases (GGT) in Colletotrichum graminicola: mRNA and enzyme activity, and evidence that CgGGT1 allows glutathione utilization during nitrogen deficiency.

Abstract Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT, EC 2.3.2.2) cleaves the γ-glutamyl linkage in glutathione (GSH). Three GGTs in the hemibiotrophic plant pathogen Colletotrichum graminicola were identified in silico. GGT mRNA expression was monitored by quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR. Expression of all three genes was detected in planta during the biotrophic and necrotrophic stages of infection. Of the three GGTs, CgGGT1 mRNA (from gene GLRG_09590) was the most highly expressed. All three GGT mRNAs were up-regulated in wild type nitrogen-starved germlings in comparison to non-starved germlings. CgGGT1 was insertionally mutagenized in C. graminicola, complemented with the wild type form of the gene, and over-expressed. Enzyme assays of two independent CgGGT1 knockouts and the wild type indicated that CgGGT1 is the major GGT and accounts for 86% and 68% of total GGT activity in conidia and mycelia, respectively. The over-expressing strain had 8-fold and 3-fold more enzyme activity in conidia and mycelia, respectively, than the wild type. In an analysis of the GGT knockout, complemented and over-expressing strains, GGT1 transcript levels are highly correlated (r = 0.95) with levels of total GGT enzyme activity. CgGGT1 and CgGGT2 genes in strains that had ectopic copies of CgGGT1 were not up-regulated by nitrogen-starvation, in contrast to the wild type. Deletion or over-expression of CgGGT1 had no effect on mRNA expression of CgGGT2 and CgGGT3. In broth in which 3 and 6 mM glutathione (GSH) was the nitrogen source, the CgGGT1 over-expressing strain produced significantly (P
Biological machines: Molecular motor teamwork.

Synthetic muscles built from DNA nanotube scaffolds can be used to study how myosin motors work together to make real muscles function.
Account of The Algerian Urban Guerrilla Network and Its Role in The FLN’s Campaign during The Battle of Algiers (1956-1958)

Algerian guerrilla network has been studied from different angles and perspectives within the framework of either Algerian history, or FLN nationalism. This paper is an attempt to highlight the birth, growth and demise of the Algiers Autonomous Zone, (ZAA) as was launched by the FLN in mid 1956 in Algiers. Its aim is also to investigate the FLN urban guerrilla and terror network in general, and see its impact on the Algerian rural campaign, including strategy and tactics. Accordingly, it will also search French counter-insurgency response using French paratroopers and institutionalisation of extensive torture as well as, interrogation to extract information from FLN captured guerrillas.
Analytic continuation of holomorphic correspondences and equivalence of domains in ℂ n

The following result is proved: Let D and D′ be bounded domains in ℂn, ∂D is smooth, real-analytic, simply connected, and ∂D′ is connected, smooth, real-algebraic. Then there exists a proper holomorphic correspondence f:D→D′ if and only if there exist points p∈∂D and p′∈∂D′, such that ∂D and ∂D′ are locally CR-equivalent near p and p′. This leads to a characterization of the equivalence relationship between bounded domains in ℂn modulo proper holomorphic correspondences in terms of local CR-equivalence of their boundaries.
Legal Mythmaking in a Time of Mass Extinctions: Reconciling Stories of Origins with Human Destiny

Biodiversity loss represents humanity's most urgent challenge. No other scientific problem, if left unsolved, will take longer to correct. A proper sense of natural history, spanning at a minimum the entirety of the Phanerozoic eon, informs us that human civilization represents the sixth major extinction event in the last 600 million years of geological history. At a practical level, American environmental law has two basic tools for forestalling the apocalyptic destruction of the biosphere. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as leading environmental super-statutes fulfill a legal function served by constitutional provisions in other countries. American leadership on environmental protection, particularly in the realm of biodiversity conservation, is threatened by the public's failure to understand evolution, natural history, and the significance of the on-going crisis in biodiversity loss. Opinions by Justice Antonin Scalia in prominent Supreme Court controversies over the teaching of evolution give unjustified aid and comfort to advocates of ignorance in American politics. Justice Scalia's pandering undermines thoughtful efforts to invigorate American environmental law with a conservationist ethic. If human society wishes to retard, let alone to reverse, its tragic record of spurring one of only six mass extinctions among complex life forms in the history of the planet, environmental law must embrace the scientifically valided history of the earth as its story of origins.
A guide to national security: threats, responses and strategies

Julian Richards’ book takes as its subject national security strategy in the contemporary world, with the 2010 United Kingdom National Security Strategy (NSS) and Strategic Defence and Security Rev...
Area-Specific Features of Pyramidal Neurons—a Comparative Study in Mouse and Rhesus Monkey

A principal challenge of systems neuroscience is to understand the unique characteristics of cortical neurons and circuits that enable area- and species-specific sensory encoding, motor function, cognition, and behavior. To address this issue, we compared properties of layer 3 pyramidal neurons in 2 cortical areas that span a broad range of cortical function-primary sensory (V1), to cognitive (frontal)-in the mouse and the rhesus monkey. Hierarchical clustering and discriminant analyses of 15 physiological and 25 morphological variables revealed 2 fundamental principles. First, V1 and frontal neurons are remarkably similar with regard to nearly every property in the mouse, while the opposite is true in the monkey, with V1 and frontal neurons exhibiting significant differences in nearly every property assessed. Second, neurons within visual and frontal areas differ significantly between the mouse and the monkey. Neurons in mouse and monkey V1 are the same size, but differ in nearly every other way; mouse frontal cortical neurons are smaller than those in the monkey and also differ substantially with regard to most other properties. These findings have broad implications for understanding the differential contributions of heterogeneous neuronal types in construction of cortical microcircuitry in diverse brain areas and species.
Brand Experience on the Website: Its Mediating Role Between Perceived Interactivity and Relationship Quality

ABSTRACTThis study examined the mediating effect of brand experience on the linkage between perceived interactivity of a website and relationship quality with the brand in the online marketplace. The proposed mediation model was tested with online survey data collected from 265 college students. With the use of a mediation test, this study found that active control and two-way communication features of interactivity led to more positive brand experience, which subsequently influenced relationship quality with the brand. Contrary to our expectations, a perceived synchronicity feature was not found to be related to either brand experience or relationship quality with the brand. This study highlights the important role of brand experience on the website in enhancing consumer–brand relationship building and aids e-marketers to develop digital strategies in designing more interactive brand websites, which can improve brand experience on the website and relationship quality with the brand.
Earth Phenomena Observation System (EPOS) for Coordination of Asynchronous Sensor Webs

Draper’s Earth Phenomena Observation System (EPOS) has developed mission management solutions for sensor webs over the past decade. We are extending the EPOS capability to include coordination of asynchronous sensor webs, with a particular focus on enhancing both the quantity and value of the data available to scientists in developing science models related to hurricanes. We describe our efforts supporting the Hurricane Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3) mission. We discuss our approach to improving on key collection metrics of interest to hurricane scientists, e.g., persistent surveillance of measurements in the hurricane box, through greater use of available sensor web assets and optimization of coordination planning decisions, e.g., take-off time of HS3 mission aircraft.
Playing for the Big Time: Musicians, Concerts, and Reputation-Building in Cincinnati, 1872–82

Like many midwestern cities in the nineteenth century, Cincinnati, Ohio, was home to large numbers of German immigrant musicians, among them the founders of the Cincinnati Grand Orchestra in 1872. Their model of musician-based organization eventually ran counter to the prestige-building potential of Western art music, which made it attractive to local civic leaders determined to earn respect for their city at a national level. The successful Cincinnati May festivals beginning in 1873 under the artistic leadership of conductor Theodore Thomas brought the city the desired renown. But the musical monumentality needed for large festival performances could not be obtained locally, leaving Cincinnati's players with opportunities to perform at a high level but without a way to define their performance as a significant achievement in the world of high art. Although their orchestra was ultimately unsuccessful, however, these musicians demonstrated an agency that transcends their historical obscurity and helps incorporate aesthetic and practical aspects of institution-building into the social arguments common to discussions of Western art music in the United States.
Puccinia Holcina and P. Poarum Redefined

Revised concepts of Puccinia holcina Eriks. and P. poarum Niels. were initiated by Cummins (1956) who indicated by synonymy that several named species were morphologically similar to P. schismi Bubak, and by J^rstad (1932) who distinguished P. poarum and P. poae-sude? ticae (West.) J^rst. (later changed to P. poae-nemoralis Otth.). Later it became evident that P. holcina was morphologically equivalent to P. schismi and, because of date of publication, took precedence. Re? cently, Cummins and Greene (1966) treated P. poae-nemoralis as a variety of P. brachypodii Otth. During those studies, and in a general review of the rust fungi of Aveneae, we concluded that there is a series of rust fungi of similar morphology that produces aecia on Allium (P. holcina) and another that produces aecia on various genera of the Compositae (P. poarum). Both species are widely distributed geographically and as to grass hosts, both belong to Group VI (Cummins, 1956), and both have covered telia with variable development of paraphyses. They are easily separable from one another but apt to be confused with P. recondita Roberge ex Desm. Both, in contrast to P. recondita, show a preference for the oat grasses but have few or no hordeaceous hosts. To summarize our conclusions we present descriptions, hosts, and distribution of P. holcina and P. poarum.
Application of Micronewton Thrusters for Control of Multispacecraft Formations in Earth Orbit

Previous studies have explored options for separated spacecraft interferometers for planet detection as well as optical imaging of astrophysical objects. In this study, the feasibility of micronewton thrusters (100μN maximum) to provide a “drag -free” platform for earth orbital missions is investigated. The representative mission selected for this study consists of two identical spacecraft in a near polar (i=88.5o), elliptic (e = 0.001), orbit with a nominal 475 km altitude and 220 km in-track separation. Using a full-state feedback control law, it is found that the assumed 100μN maximum thrust level (in each axis) is adequate to maintain the desired orbital altitude and in-track separation with a total ΔV of 24.9 m/s for a five year mission. In addition, the required maximum dynamic response from the thrusters for the assumed control law was evaluated and found to be approximately 0.89 μN/s.
Characterization of Particulate Matter Emissions from a Current Technology Natural Gas Engine

Experiments were conducted to characterize the particulate matter (PM)-size distribution, number concentration, and chemical composition emitted from transit buses powered by a USEPA 2010 compliant, stoichiometric heavy-duty natural gas engine equipped with a three-way catalyst (TWC). Results of the particle-size distribution showed a predominant nucleation mode centered close to 10 nm. PM mass in the size range of 6.04 to 25.5 nm correlated strongly with mass of lubrication-oil-derived elemental species detected in the gravimetric PM sample. Results from oil analysis indicated an elemental composition that was similar to that detected in the PM samples. The source of elemental species in the oil sample can be attributed to additives and engine wear. Chemical speciation of particulate matter (PM) showed that lubrication-oil-based additives and wear metals were a major fraction of the PM mass emitted from the buses. The results of the study indicate the possible existence of nanoparticles below 25 nm formed as a result of lubrication oil passage through the combustion chamber. Furthermore, the results of oxidative stress (OS) analysis on the PM samples indicated strong correlations with both the PM mass calculated in the nanoparticle-size bin and the mass of elemental species that can be linked to lubrication oil as the source.
Abstract SY01-02: Mapping the landscape of conditional vulnerabilities in non-small cell lung cancer

Recognition that cancer is a diverse disease, driven by discordant patient-specific aberrations of cell function, has launched intense efforts to identify drugs matched to the needs of individual patients. However, selection of appropriate treatment is dramatically limited by the paucity of available drugs and by the difficulty of linking treatment options to the appropriate patients. We are employing an extensive panel of non-small cell lung cancer-derived cell lines and clinically pathologically annotated tumor samples to model the diversity of molecular etiologies driving lung cancer initiation and progression. By using quantitative measures of molecular correlates together with concordant responses to whole-genome genetic perturbations and 200,000 small molecule perturbations, we have parsed this heterogeneous panel into a limited number of clades defined by shared liabilities coupled to robust molecular biomarkers. Many of these liabilities represent new intervention targets together with chemical matter that intersects those targets. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr SY01-02. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-SY01-02
Practice and Exploration of Constructing Catalog Database of Chinese Professional Periodicals Based on GDLIS NET Library Automation Integrated System

Chinese professional periodicals are the basic channel for the sci-technology workers to acquire their specialized information and carry on science and technology exchange and scientific research.Therefore,establishing the standard and formal periodical catalog database and using the periodical automatic management system that adapted to it and the modern scientific means for the management are the powerful safeguard for carrying out the scientific research smoothly.In this article,the construction of the catalog database of Chinese professional periodicals was discussed with the person of the same occupation.
Mechanix: a sketch-based tutoring system for statics courses

Introductory engineering courses within large universities often have annual enrollments which can reach up to a thousand students. It is very challenging to achieve differentiated instruction in classrooms with class sizes and student diversity of such great magnitude. Professors can only assess whether students have mastered a concept by using multiple choice questions, while detailed homework assignments, such as planar truss diagrams, are rarely assigned because professors and teaching assistants would be too overburdened with grading to return assignments with valuable feedback in a timely manner. In this paper, we introduce Mechanix, a sketch-based deployed tutoring system for engineering students enrolled in statics courses. Our system not only allows students to enter planar truss and free body diagrams into the system just as they would with pencil and paper, but our system checks the student's work against a hand-drawn answer entered by the instructor, and then returns immediate and detailed feedback to the student. Students are allowed to correct any errors in their work and resubmit until the entire content is correct and thus all of the objectives are learned. Since Mechanix facilitates the grading and feedback processes, instructors are now able to assign free response questions, increasing teacher's knowledge of student comprehension. Furthermore, the iterative correction process allows students to learn during a test, rather than simply displaying memorized information.
Enhanced Preservation of Acutely lschemic Myocardium Using Glucose-Insulin-Potassium Solutions

“Surgical myocardial stunning” represents a model of both ischemia and infarction that unlike regular “stunning” has the potential for permanent or partially reversible cellular function. While substrate enhancement may not play an important role in myocardial stunning, it may be critical during surgical stunning when mitochondrial dysfunction is present. The primary myocardial substrate for the normal myocardium is free fatty acids; however, this may not be the optimal energy source for the ischemic heart. Exogenous glucose appears to be a superior substrate during periods of myocardial ischemia. Glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) solutions appear to have an important role in the revascularization of acutely ischemic myocardium. In isolated hearts with regional ischemia, GIK was shown to decrease infarct size, increase ATP and creatine phosphate levels, and Improve ventricular function. GIK appears to protect the ischemic myocardium by preserving cellular function and improving myocardial perfusion. Our preliminary experimental studies indicate that GIK may effectively reduce necrosis and stunning in a model of acute surgical revascularization.
DESENSITIZATION OF DA1 DOPAMINE RECEPTORS COUPLED TO ADENYLYL CYCLASE IN OPOSSUM KIDNEY CELLS

Peripheral dopamine receptors are classified as DA1 and DA2 receptors, similar to but distinct from central D1 and D2 receptors. Here we report the characterization of DA1 dopamine receptors in the...
Photorefractive Incoherent-To-Coherent Optical Conversion

Reference EPFL-ARTICLE-158570View record in Web of Science Record created on 2010-11-25, modified on 2017-05-10
Daughters of the enamel organ: Development, fate, and function of the stratum intermedium, stellate reticulum, and outer enamel epithelium

The tooth enamel organ (EO) is a complex epithelial cell assembly involved in multiple aspects of tooth development, including amelogenesis. The present study focuses on the role of the nonameloblast layers of the EO, the stratum intermedium, the stellate reticulum, and the outer enamel epithelium (OEE). The secretory stage stratum intermedium was distinguished by p63-positive epithelial stem cell marks, highly specific alkaline phosphatase labeling, as well as multiple desmosomes and gap junctions. At the location of the presecretory stage stellate reticulum, the pre-eruption EO prominently featured the papillary layer (PL) as a keratin immunopositive network of epithelial strands between tooth crowns and oral epithelium. PL cell strands contained numerous p63-positive epithelial stem cells, while BrdU proliferative cells were detected at the outer boundaries of the PL, suggesting that the stellate reticulum/PL epithelial cell sheath proliferated to facilitate an epithelial seal during tooth eruption. Comparative histology studies demonstrated continuity between the OEE and the general lamina of continuous tooth replacement in reptiles, and the outer layer of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath in humans, implicating the OEE as the formative layer for continuous tooth replacement and tooth root extension. Cell fate studies in organ culture verified that the cervical portion of the mouse molar EO gave rise to Malassez rest-like cell islands. Together, these studies indicate that the nonameloblast layers of the EO play multiple roles during odontogenesis, including the maintenance of several p63-positive stem cell reservoirs, a role during tooth root morphogenesis and tooth succession, a stabilizing function for the ameloblast layer, the facilitation of ion transport from the EO capillaries to the enamel layer, as well as safe and seamless tooth eruption.
Extension of TOUGH-FLAC to the finite strain framework

The TOUGH-FLAC simulator for coupled thermal-hydraulic-mechanical processes modeling has been extended to the finite strain framework. In the approach selected, this extension has required modifications to the flow simulator (TOUGH2) and to the coupling scheme between the geomechanics and the flow sub-problems. In TOUGH2, the mass and energy balance equations have been extended to account for volume changes. Additionally, as large deformations are computed by FLAC3D, the geometry is updated in the flow sub-problem. The Voronoi partition needed in TOUGH2 is computed using an external open source library (Voro++) that uses the centroids of the deformed geomechanics mesh as generators of the Voronoi diagram. TOUGH-FLAC in infinitesimal and finite strain frameworks is verified against analytical solutions and other approaches to couple flow and geomechanics. Within the finite strain framework, TOUGH-FLAC is also successfully applied to a large-scale case. The extension of TOUGH-FLAC to the finite strain framework has little impact to the user as only one additional executable is needed (for Voro++), and the input files and the workflow of a simulation are the same as in standard TOUGH-FLAC. With this new provision for finite strains, TOUGH-FLAC can be used in the analysis of a wider range of engineering problems, and the areas of application of this simulator are therefore broadened.
A 45nm 8-core enterprise Xeon ® processor

A 2.3B transistors, 8-core, 16-thread 64-bit Xeon® EX processor with a 24MB shared L3 cache was implemented in a 45nm 9-metal process. Multiple clock and voltage domains are employed to reduce power consumption. Long channel devices and cache sleep mode are used to minimize leakage. Core and cache recovery improve manufacturing yields and enable multiple product flavors using the same silicon die and package. The disabled blocks are both clock and power gated to minimize their power consumption. Idle power is reduced by shutting off the un-terminated I/O links and shedding phases in the voltage regulator to improve the power conversion efficiency.
Robust estimation of conditional variance of time series using density power divergences

Suppose Zt is the square of a time series Yt whose conditional mean is zero. We do not specify a model for Yt, but assume that there exists a p×1 parameter vector Φ such that the conditional distribution of Zt|Zt−1 is the same as that of Zt|ΦTZt−1, where Zt−1=(Zt−1,…,Zt−p)T for some lag p⩾1. Consequently, the conditional variance of Yt is some function of ΦTZt−1. To estimate Φ, we propose a robust estimation methodology based on density power divergences (DPD) indexed by a tuning parameter α∈[0,1], which yields a continuum of estimators, {Φ^α;α∈[0,1]}, where α controls the trade-off between robustness and efficiency of the DPD estimators. For each α, Φ^α is shown to be strongly consistent. We develop data-dependent criteria for the selection of optimal α and lag p in practice. We illustrate the usefulness of our DPD methodology via simulation studies for ARCH-type models, where the errors are drawn from a gross-error contamination model and the conditional variance is a linear and/or nonlinear function of ΦTZt−1. Furthermore, we analyze the Chicago Board Options Exchange Dow Jones volatility index data and show that our DPD approach yields viable models for the conditional variance, which are as good as, or superior to, ARCH/GARCH models and two other divergence-based models in terms of in-sample and out-of-sample forecasts.
A hands-on hands-off approach: governance of managed long-term care services in a context of rapid policy change

ABSTRACTAmidst state-level budgetary pressures and growing elderly populations, many US states have adopted managed care for home-based services funded through the Medicaid program. New York State’s managed care mandate is part of a Medicaid ‘Redesign’ targeting health outcomes, cost control, and administrative efficiency, reflecting features emphasized by both governance and New Public Management frameworks, but neither adequately captures this case. Incorporating a Polanyian perspective can elucidate this market expansion and related reactions and re-regulation. Drawing from interviews with staff of service-providing agencies, this case study reveals outcomes contrary to goals: administrative complexity, containment of care, and unexpected costs.
Enhanced Antibacterial Properties of Self-Assembling Peptide Amphiphiles Functionalized with Heparin-Binding Cardin-Motifs

The emergence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria has caused many healthcare problems and social burdens. In this study, a type of self-assembled peptide amphiphiles (PA) functionalized with a heparin-binding Cardin-motif peptide (sequence (AKKARK)2) has been designed to combat bacterial drug resistance. Above the critical micelle concentration (CMC) at 45 μM, these amphiphilic Cardin antimicrobial peptide (ACA-PA) can self-assemble into cylindrical supramolecular structures (7-10 nm in diameter) via hydrophobic interactions and β-sheet secondary conformation. The ACA-PA displays excellent antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This work also demonstrates the effects of molecular self-assembly on antibacterial activity of peptide amphiphiles. The ACA-PA exhibits antibacterial activity on Gram-positive bacteria in a dose-dependent manner, but in the case of Gram-negative bacteria, the antibacterial potency of ACA-PA is remarkably enhanced at concentrations above the CMC. The ACA-PA has been shown to cause bacterial cytoplasmic leakage, causing localized membrane disruption in Gram-positive bacteria and blisters on disorganized membranes of Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, these peptide-based nanoparticles have promising potential as antimicrobial agents without resorting to the use of antibiotics, and, thus, should be further studied for a wide range of biomaterial applications.
CMS MDS 3.0 Section M Skin Conditions in Long-term Care: Pressure Ulcers, Skin Tears, and Moisture-Associated Skin Damage Data Update.

GENERAL PURPOSE:The purpose of this learning activity is to provide information about the updates to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) MDS 3.0 Section M, Skin Conditions documentation in long-term care.TARGET AUDIENCE:This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, ph
Distinct roles for motor neuron autophagy early and late in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS

Mutations in autophagy genes can cause familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the role of autophagy in ALS pathogenesis is poorly understood, in part due to the lack of cell type-specific manipulations of this pathway in animal models. Using a mouse model of ALS expressing mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1G93A), we show that motor neurons form large autophagosomes containing ubiquitinated aggregates early in disease progression. To investigate whether this response is protective or detrimental, we generated mice in which the critical autophagy gene Atg7 was specifically disrupted in motor neurons (Atg7 cKO). Atg7 cKO mice were viable but exhibited structural and functional defects at a subset of vulnerable neuromuscular junctions. By crossing Atg7 cKO mice to the SOD1G93A mouse model, we found that autophagy inhibition accelerated early neuromuscular denervation of the tibialis anterior muscle and the onset of hindlimb tremor. Surprisingly, however, lifespan was extended in Atg7 cKO; SOD1G93A double-mutant mice. Autophagy inhibition did not prevent motor neuron cell death, but it reduced glial inflammation and blocked activation of the stress-related transcription factor c-Jun in spinal interneurons. We conclude that motor neuron autophagy is required to maintain neuromuscular innervation early in disease but eventually acts in a non–cell-autonomous manner to promote disease progression.
An Examination of Policy Options for Achieving Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions in New Jersey

An Examination of Policy Options for Achieving Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions in New Jersey surveys emissions and energy trends, describes a “deep decarbonization pathway” for the state, and identifies the types of policies that would be necessary to achieve those reductions. Many of the policies address the power and transportation sectors, which account for more than 60 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions from New Jersey. The report also includes options for improving building efficiency, reducing methane leaks from natural gas infrastructure, restoring natural carbon sinks in forests and wetlands, and incorporating equity considerations to address the needs of frontline populations.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Twins Case Series.

Background: Use or abuse of opioids and related drugs during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal and neonatal morbidities, including increased susceptibility to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Severity of NAS is determined by both environmental and genetic factors, but the level of influence each one of them has in determining the severity of NAS is not fully understood. Since the incidence and severity of NAS varies a lot among susceptible infants, twin studies might give us valuable insights into understanding the relative roles of environmental and genetic factors at the onset of the disease and during its progression. Higher concordance of occurrence and severity of NAS in monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins would suggest a genetic role in the pathogenesis of NAS. However, comparable concordance suggests a non-genetic or an environmental basis. In this case series, we report neonatal outcomes including severity of NAS among monozygotic and dizygotic twins. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for all newborn twins who were at risk of developing NAS, were born in our institution between January 2006 and December 2014, and had a gestational age of, or greater than, 30 weeks. Results: During the study period, we identified seven sets (total of 14 infants) of eligible twins, which comprised of six dizygotic and one monozygotic twins, from a total of 550 infants who were at risk of developing NAS. Among the seven sets of twins, two sets were concordant for severe NAS and required pharmacological management, three sets of twins were concordant in not having severe NAS and did not require pharmacological management, and the remaining two sets were discordant, where one of the twins required pharmacological treatment. Conclusion: Five out of the seven sets of twins in our study exhibited concordance and two sets showed discordance in withdrawal severity. Larger studies may help in understanding the roles of genetic and environmental factors in determining the severity of NAS.
Mechanisms of Drug Interactions I: Absorption, Metabolism, and Excretion

Understanding the basic mechanisms of drug interactions allows ­researchers and clinicians to best interpret and apply drug interaction data, and make predictions about patient-specific interactions. Drug interactions can occur at the site of action (pharmacodynamic interactions), and during the absorption, ­distribution, metabolism and excretion phases of drug distribution (pharmacokinetic interactions). The consequences of unintended interactions can be extremely harmful and potentially fatal, such as those leading to cardiac conduction abnormalities. Knowledge of the mechanisms of drug interactions has also identified ­useful interactions with therapeutic benefits, such as in the development of feasible dosing regimens for protease inhibitors in the treatment of HIV infection. This chapter describes the mechanisms of drug interactions for each of the aforementioned pharmacokinetic processes. The cytochrome P450 family of enzymes, the P-glycoprotein drug transporter, and their mechanisms for inhibition, induction, and suppression are reviewed. Preclinical methods used to study cytochrome P450 are discussed. The chemical and physiologic changes that affect absorption and elimination, and how they are influenced by drugs, are explained.
On the mechanism of homocysteine pathophysiology and pathogenesis: a unifying hypothesis.

Summary. Studies have shown that hyperhomocysteinemia is an important and independent risk factor for a variety of human cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, a unifying hypothesis is proposed which suggests that hyperhomocysteinemia may exert its pathogenic effects largely through metabolic accumulation of Sadenosyl-L-homocysteine, a strong noncompetitive inhibitor of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)mediated methylation metabolism of various catechol substrates (such as catecholamine s and catechol estrogens). In the case of endogenous catecholamines in peripheral tissues, inhibition of their methylation by Sadenosyl-L-homocysteine will result in elevation of blood or tissue levels of catecholamines, and consequently, over-stimulation of the cardiovascular system’s functions. Moreover, because the vasculature is constantly exposed to high levels of endogenous catecholamines (due to high levels of circulating neurohormone epinephrine plus rich innervation with sympathetic nerve terminals), vascular endothelial cells would incur chronic cumulative damage caused by the large amounts of the oxidative products (catechol quinones/semiquinones and oxyradicals) generated from endogenous catecholamines. This mechanistic explanation for the vascular toxicity of hyperhomocysteinemia is supported by many experimental findings, and it also fully agrees with the known protective effects of folate, vitamins B 6 and B 12 in hyperhomocysteinemic patients. In addition, based on the predictable effects of hyperhomocysteinemia on the methylation of catecholamines in the central nervous system as well as on the methylation of catechol estrogens in estrogen target organs, it is also suggested that hyperhomocysteinemia is an important risk factor for the development of neurodegerati ve disorders (Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases) and estrogeninduced hormonal cancers. More studies are warranted to test these intriguing ideas.
Laplace’s Equation

In this chapter we shall study the standard examples of elliptic equations, which bear the name of the French mathematician Laplace. Our setting will be, in general, a region in En. We shall, however, restrict ourselves to E1, E2, or E3 in various instances for computational purposes, since the techniques to be used are easily extended to higher dimensions.