cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Separation of arsenic(III) and arsenic(V) in ground waters by ion-exchange.

The predominant species of arsenic in ground water are probably arsenite and arsenate. These can be separated with a strong anion-exchange resin (Dowex 1 x 8; 100-200 mesh, acetate form) in a 10 cm x 7 mm column. Samples are filtered and acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid (1 ml per 100 ml of sample) at the sample site. Five ml of the acidified sample are used for the separation. At this acidity, As(III) passes through the acetate-form resin, and As(V) is retained. As(V) is eluted by passage of 0.12M hydrochloric acid through the column (resulting in conversion of the resin back into the chloride form). Samples are collected in 5-ml portions up to a total of 20 ml. The arsenic concentration in each portion is determined by graphite-furnace atomic-absorption spectrophotometry. The first two fractions give the As(III) concentration and the last two the As(V) concentration. The detection limit for the concentration of each species is 1 mug l .
A strongly absorbing class of non-natural labels for probing protein electrostatics and solvation with FTIR and 2D IR spectroscopies.

A series of non-natural infrared probes is reported that consist of a metal-tricarbonyl modified with a −(CH2)n– linker and cysteine-specific leaving group. They can be site-specifically attached to proteins using mutagenesis and similar protocols for EPR spin labels, which have the same leaving group. We characterize the label’s frequencies and lifetimes using 2D IR spectroscopy in solvents of varying dielectric. The frequency range spans 10 cm–1, and the variation in lifetimes ranges from 6 to 19 ps, indicating that these probes are very sensitive to their environments. Also, we attached probes with −(CH2)–, −(CH2)3–, and −(CH2)4– linkers to ubiquitin at positions 6 and 63 and collected spectra in aqueous buffer. The frequencies and lifetimes were correlated for 3C and 4C linkers, as they were in the solvents, but did not correlate for the 1C linker. We conclude that lifetime measures solvation, whereas frequency reflects the electrostatics of the environment, which in the case of the 1C linker is a mea...
How Does Catalase Release Nitric Oxide? A Computational Structure–Activity Relationship Study

Hydroxyurea (HU) is the only FDA approved medication for treating sickle cell disease in adults. The primary mechanism of action is pharmacological elevation of nitric oxide (NO) levels which induces propagation of fetal hemoglobin. HU is known to undergo redox reactions with heme based enzymes like hemoglobin and catalase to produce NO. However, specific details about the HU based NO release remain unknown. Experimental studies indicate that interaction of HU with human catalase compound I produces NO. Presently, we combine flexible receptor–flexible substrate induced fit docking (IFD) with energy decomposition analyses to examine the atomic level details of a possible key step in the clinical conversion of HU to NO. Substrate binding modes of nine HU analogs with catalase compound I were investigated to determine the essential properties necessary for effective NO release. Three major binding orientations were found that provide insight into the possible reaction mechanisms for producing NO. Further res...
Harmonic Analysis of AlN Piezoelectric Mesa Structures

In this work we report the displacement response of piezoelectric Aluminum Nitride (AlN) thin film MESA in an electrical circuit consisting of a circular MESA in series with a resistance subjected to time varying electrical loads. ANSYS was utilized for the simulation of 3D piezoelectric structures; using coupled field analysis to understand the electro-mechanical behavior of AlN thin film mesas. ANSYS applies finite element analysis (FEM) method to simulate the transient piezoelectric trends. Ringing and overshoot effects were observed in the thin simulation results on applying pulse voltages of varying frequencies to the circuit. The fast rise time of the voltage pulse could be exciting these effects. The effect of fast rising pulse voltages on the RC time constant of the circuit is still unclear at this point and needs to be further investigated.
Biophysical Characterization of Proteins in the Post-genomic Era of Proteomics

Proteomics focuses on the high throughput study of the expression, structure, interactions, and, to some extent, function of large numbers of proteins. A true understanding of the functioning of a living cell also requires a quantitative description of the stoichiometry, kinetics, and energetics of each protein complex in a cellular pathway. Classical molecular biophysical studies contribute to understanding of these detailed properties of proteins on a smaller scale than does proteomics in that individual proteins are usually studied. This perspective article deals with the role of biophysical methods in the study of proteins in the proteomic era. Several important physical biochemical methods are discussed briefly and critiqued from the standpoint of information content and data acquisition. The focus is on conformational changes and macromolecular assembly, the utility of dynamic and static structural data, and the necessity to combine experimental approaches to obtain a full functional description. The conclusions are that biophysical information on proteins is a useful adjunct to "standard" proteomic methods, that data can be obtained by high throughput technology in some instances, but that hypothesis-driven experimentation may frequently be required.
An experimental test of evolutionary trade-offs during temperature adaptation.

We used experimental evolution to test directly the important and commonplace evolutionary hypothesis that adaptation, increased fitness within the selective environment, is accompanied by trade-off, a loss of fitness in other nonselective environments. Specifically, we determined whether trade-offs at high temperature generally and necessarily accompany genetic adaptation to low temperature. We measured the relative fitness increment of 24 lineages of the bacterium Escherichia coli evolved for 2,000 generations at 20°C and the relative fitness decrement of these lines at 40°C. Trade-offs at the higher temperature were examined for their generality, universality, quantitative relationship, and historical contingency. Considering all 24 lines as a group, a significant decline in fitness was found at 40°C (mean decline = 9.4%), indicating the generality of the trade-off effect. However, in a lineage-by-lineage analysis, only 15 of 24 showed a significant trade-off, and one lineage increased fitness at high temperature. Thus, although general, trade-offs were not universal. Furthermore, there was no quantitative association between the magnitude of adaptive fitness increment at 20°C and fitness decline at 40°C, and no effect of lineages' historical thermal environment on either their improvement at 20°C or the extent of their trade-off at high temperature. We do not yet know the underlying mechanisms responsible for the trade-off, but they are sufficiently prevalent to drive a general effect. However, approximately one-third of the experimental lineages achieved low-temperature adaptation without detectable high-temperature trade-offs; therefore, it cannot be necessary that every change conferring benefit in cold environments has a negative effect on function in warmer environments.
Where is Cu(0) generated by disproportionation during SET-LRP?

The nucleation and growth of nascent Cu(0) nanoparticles formed by disproportionation during SET-LRP on the surface of Cu(0) wire was demonstrated by Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis of the surface of Cu(0) wire before and after disproportionation and polymerization. The dynamics of nascent Cu(0) formation, activation of dormant species and their nucleation and growth on the existing Cu(0) surface determines the Cu(0) consumption during polymerization.
Asian Americans and Leadership A Levels of Analysis Perspective

A levels of analysis perspective involving four views of leadership in groups is presented. Using this framework, relevant literature on Asian Americans vis-a-vis Caucasian Americans and leadership...
Auditory-visual discourse comprehension by older and young adults in favorable and unfavorable conditions

This investigation examined how age and test condition affect one's ability to comprehend discourse passages, and determined whether age and test condition affect discourse comprehension and closed-set sentence recognition in a similar way. Young and older adults were tested with closed-set sentences from the newly-created build-a-sentence test (BAS) and a series of discourse passages in two audiovisual conditions: favorable, where the talker's head was clearly visible and the signal-to-babble ratio (SBR) was more optimal; and unfavorable, where the contrast sensitivity of the visual signal was reduced and the SBR was less optimal. The older participants recognized fewer words in the BAS than the young participants in both test conditions. Degrading the viewing and listening conditions led to a greater decline in their performance than in the young participants’ performance. The older participants also did not perform as well at comprehending spoken discourse in the two test conditions. However, unlike th...
SAMP1/YitFc Mice Develop Ileitis via Loss of CCL21 and Defects in Dendritic Cell Migration

Background & Aims The lymphatic chemokine CCL21 is required for dendritic cell (DC) migration from tissues to lymph nodes, which helps establish tolerance to foreign yet harmless antigens. We demonstrate that CCL21 is almost completely absent from SAMP1/YitFc (SAMP) mice, which spontaneously develop chronic ileitis that resembles Crohn's disease, and that DC migration is severely impaired in these mice compared with AKR mice (controls). Toll-like receptor agonists like the Toll-like receptor 7 agonist R848 induce DC maturation and mobilization. Methods We collected intestinal and other tissues and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) from SAMP mice. Expression of CCL21 was measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence analyses; spontaneous and induced migration of DCs were assessed by flow cytometry. We analyzed production of retinoic acid by DCs and their ability to induce development of regulatory T cells. Mice were fed R848 to determine its effects on migration of DCs and development of ileitis in SAMP mice. Results SAMP mice expressed almost no CCL21 in any tissue tested. Their CD11b + CD103 + DCs were defective in migration from the ileal lamina propria to the MLN. DCs from SAMP mice also had a greatly reduced ability to produce retinoic acid and induce development of regulatory T cells compared with control mice. Young SAMP mice had reduced CCL21 expression and decreased DC migration before developing ileitis. Administration of R848 to adult SAMP mice increased migration of DC to the MLN and development of regulatory T cells there, and reduced the severity of ileitis. Conclusions Loss of CCL21 signaling and DC migration is required for development of ileitis in SAMP mice. Reagents such as R848, which activate DC migration to the MLN, may be developed as treatments for patients with Crohn's disease.
Wet dressing therapy in conjunction with topical corticosteroids is effective for rapid control of severe pediatric atopic dermatitis: Experience with 218 patients over 30 years at Mayo Clinic

Background At our institution, hospitalization for intensive treatment (combining wet dressings and topical corticosteroids) is a primary intervention for severe pediatric atopic dermatitis. Prior reports of this treatment are limited. Objective We sought to review the efficacy of wet dressings for pediatric atopic dermatitis. Methods We reviewed records of pediatric patients hospitalized from January 1, 1980, through April 20, 2010, who received intensive topical treatments for atopic dermatitis. Results In total, 218 pediatric patients had widespread atopic dermatitis severe enough to warrant hospitalization, despite prior outpatient topical treatments and other interventions such as immunomodulating agents, phototherapy, dietary manipulation, or contact allergen avoidance. Mean (SD) age was 5.97 (4.91) years (range, 2 months-17 years); 141 patients (65%) were female. There were 266 hospitalizations: 192 patients (72%) had one admission, 15 (6%) had two admissions, and 11 (4%) had 3 or more admissions. Mean (SD) duration of hospitalization was 3.61 (2.23) days (range, 1-16 days). Upon discharge, all patients showed improvement. In 239 of 266 hospitalizations, patient records showed quantification of improvement (global assessment): 121 (45%) had 75% to 100% improvement, 102 (38%) had 50% to 75% improvement, and 16 (6%) had 25% to 50% improvement. Limitations This was a retrospective study. Conclusion Intensive inpatient treatment (with wet dressings and topical corticosteroids) was highly effective in controlling severe and recalcitrant atopic dermatitis. Intensive topical treatment, although underused, is an effective first-line approach for patients with severe atopic dermatitis.
Protease Nexin I Immunostaining in Alzheimer’s Disease

The NATO Conference which provided the impetus for this book was focused on protease and protease inhibitor activity in the nervous system. The conference covered both the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and the Central Nervous System (CNS) and addressed both developmental and pathological conditions. A recurrent theme throughout the conference was that of a crucial balance between proteolytic enzyme and inhibitor activity. Another theme of the conference was that of neuron-glia interaction. This chapter will report on immunohistochemical studies on Protease Nexin I (PN I), a glial-derived serine protease inhibitor with neurite promoting activity, in Alzheimer brain and will discuss the results in light of material presented at the conference.
Effluent regulation and long-run optimality

A regulator faced with free entry of firms is concerned not only with the implications of public policy for the discharges from a representative firm but also with the total pollution observed at the long-run market equilibrium. The regulator must take into account not only the effects of regulations upon the net marginal returns of the firm but must also consider the total profit of the firm and incentives for entry and exit. This paper shows that effluent charges and tradeable effluent permits lead to long-run optimality with entry of small firms. The difference between firm payments and environmental damages is interpreted as the rent accruing to the environmental resource. This result applies only to the competitive case with small polluters. The analysis presented here allows a comparison and clarification of the literature on small and large polluters. In a multi-input framework, with social damages dependent upon total effluents, effluent charges are shown here to result in socially optimal entry, confirming an assertion of Baumol and Oates [2, p. 179, fn. 161, and the important result of Schulze and D’Arge [15]. By taking average as well as marginal damages into account, the effluent charge results in optimal firm scale levels and the correct input mix. At the free entry market equilibrium, the firm subject to an effluent tax will operate above or below the private minimum efficient scale depending upon whether average external costs exceed or are less than marginal external costs. Since public policy to reduce effluents is often directed at reducing the effluentgenerating activity, some policy recommendations include a tax on the final output of the polluting firm. In some theoretical analyses, a relation between the output of the firm and the effluent level is identified and a Pigouvian output tax is applied. This approach should not be followed by policymakers since an output tax does not provide firms with the correct incentives for either input substitution or market entry. It is shown that while a lump-sum transfer is needed to provide correct entry incentives when a Pigouvian output tax is applied, no such transfer is needed if the tax is correctly applied to effluents, contrary to [5]. Even if optimal firm scale and ‘I thank the referees for helpful suggestions. The support of the National Science Foundation under Grant SES 82-19121 is gratefully acknowledged. Any errors are my responsibility. 103
The Microstructure of Nitrogen Ceramics

Since the nitrogen ceramics meeting(1) held in 1976, our knowledge and understanding of the role of the microstructure of this class of material has expanded and matured. At that time knowledge was scanty and restricted mainly to Si3N4 hot pressed with MgO; it had been established that the material consisted principally of grains of β-Si3N4 with impurity crystalline phases, such as WC and WFeSi2, and relatively large pockets of a noncrystalline intergranular phase.(2–6) Despite a limited amount of circumstantial evidence(7,8) for the presence of a continuous intergranular phase at all grain boundaries (other than at subgrain boundaries) its existence had not been unequivocally confirmed. By comparison our knowledge today is much more comprehensive, as this review serves to illustrate, being based on micro-structural observations of a wide variety of nitrogen ceramics in both the as-fabricated condition and after use. The microstructures of hot-pressed Si3N4 are used for illustration since they are representative of many other nitrogen ceramics. Similar and equivalent observations of the microstructure of the β’-Sialons have been made by Lewis and his colleagues in a series of studies.(9–12)
Frequency offset estimation for differential OFDM

This paper proposes a novel frequency offset (FO) estimator for differential orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. By separating the normalized FO into integral and fractional parts, our FO estimation is carried out in two successive stages. In the first stage, we take advantage of differential coding and the finiteness of signal constellation to derive a channel-independent cost function whose minimization leads to an accurate estimate of the fractional part. It is proved that under certain mild assumptions, the identifiability of the fractional part can be guaranteed with probability one. After compensating the fractional part, the second stage estimates the remaining integral part with the aid of a judiciously designed initial block of differential coding. Combining these two stages, the proposed estimator is shown capable of offering full-range FO estimation without relying on any training or virtual subcarriers. Furthermore, unlike some existing estimators, the proposed estimator is applicable in both frequency-flat and frequency-selective fading channels. Another salient feature of the proposed estimator is that accurate FO estimation can be achieved with two received data blocks only, making it very attractive especially for short-burst communications. The merits of our FO estimator have been confirmed by theoretical analysis as well as corroborating simulations.
On asymmetric error detection performance

A lower bound for the detected error probability for systematic asymmetric error detecting (AED) codes is introduced, using the Z-channel model. This bound finds applicability in evaluating any feedback control system for asymmetric transmission channels.
Ethics of Ongoing Cancer Care for Patients Making Risky Decisions

Patients who decline conventional cancer therapy yet seek to continue follow-up while pursuing alternative therapy can pose an ethical challenge.
Inoculation Dose of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Does Not Influence Priming of T Cell Responses in Lymph Nodes

The effect of Mycobacterium tuberculosis inocula size on T cell priming in the lymph node and effector T cells in the lung remains controversial. In this study, we used a naive mouse model, without the transfer of transgenic T cells, in conjunction with mathematical model to test whether infection with higher aerosolized inocula would lead to increased priming of M. tuberculosis-specific T cells in the lung-draining lymph node. Our data do not support that inoculum size has a measurable influence on T cell priming in the lymph nodes but is associated with more cells overall in the lung, including T cells. To account for increased T cells in the lungs, we tested several possible mechanisms, and recruitment of T cells to the lungs was most influenced by inoculum dose. We also identified IL-10 as a possible mechanism to explain the lack of influence of inoculum dose on priming of T cells in the lymph node.
Long-Term Outcome of Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain Management

Study Design. This is a retrospective study on 102 patients subjected to implantation of a spinal cord stimulation system for nonmalignant chronic pain management. The study was conducted through an extensive questionnaire and telephone interviews by a neutral third party. All the patients were implanted with a complete spinal cord stimulation system without a preliminary trial with a temporarily implanted electrode. Diagnostic categories were neuropathic pain, failed back syndrome, spinal cord Injury pain, and miscellaneous. Average follow-up was 3.8 years (6 months to 8 years). Patients were divided in two groups: all the implanted patients in the survey (Group A) and the implanted patients who experienced some degree of pain relief with the stimulation (Group B). Group B (80 patients) closely matches previously published series where an initial temporary screening was performed. Results. Twenty-one percent of the patients never experienced any pain relief. Of the remaining 80, 75% were still using the stimulator. Fifty-one percent of the 80 patients were experiencing good to excellent results and 20% moderate results. There was no reduction over time in the amount of pain relief in patients who initially had at least 75% pain relief. Patients with initial pain relief between 50% and 74% observed a moderate reduction in their pain relief after two years. Patients who initially experienced less than 50% pain relief observed a dramatic reduction in their results in the long term follow-up. Psychological screening contributed to the success of the procedure. Conclusions. With proper medical and psychological screening and with demonstrated initial pain relief, spinal cord stimulation remains an effective modality in the long-term management of severe chronic pain.
N‐Phenyl Triflimide, Poly(ethylene glycol)‐supported

[37595-74-7]P] (MW ∼3400} (soluble polymer-supported reagent used for preparation of trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate) esters of aryl alcohols and lithium enolates)2 Alternative Name: PEG-triflimide. Solubility: soluble in CHCl3, CH2Cl2, benzene, toluene, DMF, DMSO, CH3CN, CH3OH, H2O, acetone. Insoluble in diethyl ether, t-butyl methyl ether, iso-propanol. Form Supplied in: ivory/pale brown powder. Analysis of Reagent Purity: 19F NMR of a CDCl3 solution of the reagent (δ −67.1). Preparative Methods: by treatment of PEG3400-bis-(methanesulfonate ester)2 with 4-nitrophenol, followed by catalytic reduction (Pd/C, H2) and triflation of the resultant PEG3400-supported aniline with trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride in the presence of trioctylamine. Purification: dissolve in a minimum of CH2Cl2 and precipitate in a cold anhydrous diethyl ether solution. Recover the precipitate by filtration and wash with anhydrous diethyl ether. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: to minimize decomposition, store under dry nitrogen atmosphere.
Urinary Netrin-1 Is an Early Predictive Biomarker of Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery

Background and objectives: Netrin-1, a laminin-related axon guidance molecule, is highly induced and excreted in the urine after acute kidney injury (AKI) in animals. Here, we determined the utility of urinary netrin-1 levels to predict AKI in humans undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Design, setting, participants, & measurements: Serial urine samples were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for netrin-1 in 26 patients who developed AKI (defined as a 50% or greater increase in serum creatinine after CPB) and 34 controls (patients who did not develop AKI after CPB). Results: Using serum creatinine, AKI was detected on average only 48 hours after CPB. In contrast, urine netrin-1 increased at 2 hours after CPB, peaked at 6 hours (2462 ± 370 pg/mg creatinine), and remained elevated up to 48 hours after CPB. The predictive power of netrin-1 as demonstrated by area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve for diagnosis of AKI at 2, 6, and 12 hours after CPB was 0.74, 0.86, and 0.89, respectively. The 6-hour urine netrin-1 measurement strongly correlated with duration and severity of AKI, as well as length of hospital stay (all P Conclusion: Our results suggest that netrin-1 is an early, predictive biomarker of AKI after CPB and may allow for the reliable early diagnosis and prognosis of AKI after CPB, before the rise in serum creatinine.
Thoracic Deformation and Velocity Analysis in Frontal Impact

The objective of the present study was to measure dynamic chest deformations and compute chest velocity and viscous criterion during real world frontal impacts conducted on a horizontal sled. Four unembalmed human cadavers were restrained using a three-point belt restraint in the driver seat of a sled buck. Two chest bands (each with a 24 gauge capability) were placed on the thorax to record the temporal deformation patterns during impact. All tests were conducted at a velocity of approximately 50 kph. Biomechanical data were gathered digitally at a sampling rate of 12,500 Hz. Multiple rib fractures were identified in all specimens at autopsy. Analysis of approximately 800 temporal deformation contours of the thorax demonstrated regional differences. The overall mean maximum normalized chest deflections, maximum chest compression velocities, and peak viscous response variables ranged from 0.15 to 0.51, 1.79 to 4.87 m/s, and 0.15 to 1.95 m/s, respectively. These findings clearly illustrate the potential use of the chest band output to correlate injury with biomechanical variables and establish thoracic impact tolerance.
A normative code of conduct for admissions officers

The work of admissions officers serves clients who include prospective students and their families and the college or university they represent. This chapter presents tenets toward a code of conduct for admissions work that safeguards the welfare of such clients.
Effects of adrenergic blocking agents and catecholarnines in human pregnancy

Abstract The actions of adrenergic blocking agents were studied, especially as they affect the actions of epinephrine and norepinephrine in term human pregnancy during induced or spontaneous labor. The beta-blocking agent, propranolol, was infused intravenously on 24 occasions in 21 subjects. The influence of propranolol upon the actions of epinephrine was studied in 8 subjects and the effects of propranolol on the actions of norepinephrine were studied in 5 subjects. Three subjects received the alpha-blocking agent, phentolamine, prior to an infusion of norepinephrine. The results demonstrated the ability of propranolol to reverse the usual uterine inhibitory and cardioaccelerator action of epinephrine, the inability of propranolol to block the uterine stimulatory action of norepinephrine, and the ability of phentolamine to block the latter. The results suggest the investigational use of a beta-blocking agent to determine potential inhibitory effects of endogenous epinephrine upon labor.
Configurable variable length code with genetic algorithms

The variable length code (VLC) tables in MPEG-1/2/4 and H.26X are fixed and optimized for a limited range of bit-rates, and they cannot handle a variety of applications. The universal variable length code (UVLC) is a new scheme to encode syntax elements and has some configurable capabilities. It is being considered in the ITU-T H.26L. However, the configurable feature of UVLC has not been well explored. In this paper we describe a VLC scheme which uses configurations as parameters to adapt UVLC to different symbol distributions of different applications. We also propose a method to automatically determine the configuration parameters based on a genetic algorithm (GA). Experimental results show that our method can achieve very good coding efficiency while drastically simplifying the encoding and decoding process, and is applicable to a variety of applications.
Sticky predators: a comparative study of sticky glands in harpactorine assassin bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Zhang, G. and Weirauch, C. 2013. Sticky predators: a comparative study of sticky glands in harpactorine assassin bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Reduviidae). — Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 94: 1–10. For more than 50 years, specialized dermal glands that secrete sticky substances and specialized setae have been known from the legs of New World assassin bugs in the genus Zelus Fabricius (Reduviidae: Harpactorinae). The gland secretions and specialized ‘sundew setae’ are involved in enhancing predation success. We here refer to this predation strategy as ‘sticky trap predation’ and the specialized dermal glands as ‘sticky glands’. To determine how widespread sticky trap predation is among Reduviidae, we investigated taxonomic distribution of sticky glands and sundew setae using compound light microscopical and scanning electron microscopical techniques and sampling 67 species of Reduviidae that represent 50 genera of Harpactorini. We found sticky glands in 12 genera of Harpactorini and thus show that sticky trap predation is much more widespread than previously suspected. The sticky glands vary in shape, size and density, but are always located in a dorsolateral position on the fore tibia. Sundew setae are present in all taxa with sticky glands with the exception of Heza that instead possesses unique lamellate setae. The sticky trap predation taxa are restricted to the New World, suggesting a New World origin of this unique predation
14,15-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid inhibits prostaglandin E2 production in vascular smooth muscle cells

14,15-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET), a cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase product of arachidonic acid (AA), reduced PGE2 formation by 40–75% in porcine aortic and murine brain microvascular smooth muscl...
Waveguide saturable absorbers in chalcognide glass fabricated by ultrafast lasers

We report a waveguide gap structure for nonlinear coupling, written in chalcognide glass with an ultrafast laser. The coupling efficiency between two waveguides is enhanced by the self focusing of shorter and stronger input pulse.
The Word-Frequency Mirror Effect in Young, Old, and Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease: Evidence for Two Processes in Episodic Recognition Performance

Two experiments address the nature of the word-frequency mirror effect in episodic recognition performance and the underlying cognitive changes that occur in both healthy aging and in early-stage Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type (DAT). In Experiment 1, five groups of participants (young, healthy old, healthy old-old, very mildly demented individuals, and mildly demented individuals) studied lists of high- and low-frequency words and were given a yes/no episodic recognition test. The results indicated that there was a dramatic decrease in hit rate for low-frequency words across age and DAT, but no decrease for high-frequency words, thereby eliminating the low-frequency advantage typically found in recognition performance for the DAT individuals. For the distractor items, there was a clear advantage in rejecting low-frequency words compared to high-frequency words, and the size of this advantage was constant across groups of participants. This between-group pattern was replicated in a second experiment, in which only young adults were required to respond either under short or long response deadlines. The results are discussed with respect to an attentional control framework in which cognitively impaired groups of participants, and young adults at a short response deadline, rely more on baseline familiarity processes than on recollection-based processes. Discussion focuses on the nature of the recollection- and familiarity-based processes.
Fixturing faceted parts with seven modular struts

Building on results in modular fixturing of 2D parts, this paper describes a new approach to fixturing 3D parts for assembly or inspection using a particularly simple set of modular elements. The approach uses seven modular struts mounted on a regular lattice of sockets embedded in a rectangular frame. Each strut extends normal to a contact surface on the part so that only compressive forces are required to hold the part in form closure: no bending moments are exerted on the struts and the fixture does not rely on contact friction. We give an algorithm for synthesizing such fixtures. Given as input a polygonal part and desired 3D pose, the algorithm enumerates all fixtures that will hold the part in form closure and rank them based on a quality metric. We also describe a fast test for form closure in 3D.
Evaluation of border gateway protocol (BGP) version 4 (V4) in the tactical environment

The Army Technical Architecture (ATA) mandated the use of BGP V4 as the exterior gateway dynamic routing protocol for use across communications systems that employ Internet Protocol (IP). This paper provides an analysis of the behavior of BGP under certain network states that exists in the tactical environment, such as network re-initialization, steady state, topology change, and task re-organization. Based on the analysis, BGP parameters are selected to minimize the bandwidth utilization for the above-mentioned network states.
Respiratory viral infection in neonatal piglets is associated with up regulation of microglial sensome transcripts in the hippocampus and increased microglial cell activity

The effect of respiratory viral infection on neuroimmune responses in the hippocampus was studied in a neonatal piglet model. Piglets were given saline (CON) or porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) intranasally at postnatal day 7 and hippocampal tissue was collected 3-wks later, when signs of infection were waning, for gene expression analysis by Illumina RNA-Sequencing. Infection altered expression of 459 genes (Cuffdiff q -value 0.05), of which 335 were up-regulated and 124 were down-regulated. Functional annotation (DAVID Bioinformatics 6.7) revealed that immune function genes were enriched among the up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEG), whereas calcium binding, cytoskeleton organization, and synaptic vesicle genes were enriched among the down-regulated DEGs. Twenty-five genes that are part of the microglia sensome were up-regulated (e.g. IL1R1 , TLR2 , and TLR4 ), whereas 15 genes associated with the synaptosome and post-synaptic receptors (e.g. NPTX2 , GABRA2 , and SLC5A7 ) were down-regulated. In a follow-up study microglia were isolated from hippocampus of CON and PRRSV piglets to assess functional activity. Consistent with amplification of the microglia sensome, microglia from PRRSV piglets secreted more TNF-alpha in response to LPS and Poly I:C ( p 0.001 ) and exhibited increased phagocytosis ( p less than 0.05). In conclusion, neonatal respiratory infection resulted in a robust induction of the microglia sensome and increased microglia activity. Neonatal infection resulting in changes in the microglia sensome may foretell hypersensitivity.
Routing in Three-Dimensional Wireless Sensor Networks

Advances in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) technology have been undergoing a revolution that promises a significant impact on society. Most existing wire-less systems and protocols are based on two-dimensional design, where all wire-less nodes are distributed in a two-dimensional (2D) plane. However, 2D assumption may no longer be valid if a wireless network is deployed in space, atmosphere, or ocean, where nodes of a network are distributed over a three-dimensional (3D) space and the differences in the third dimension are too large to be ignored. In fact, recent interest in wireless sensor networks hints at the strong need to design 3D wireless networks. The characteristics of 3D wireless sensor networks require more effective methods to ensure routing and data dissemination protocols in these networks. In this chapter, we present a survey of the state-of-the-art routing techniques in 3D WSNs.
Restating Implied, Prescriptive, and Statutory Easements

This article argues that the law governing implied, prescriptive and statutory easements requires significant, fundamental reform. Rights of use should only be implied when the law is within the proper scope of the state’s police and eminent domain power and when either the intent of the parties clearly establishes the claimed right or the requirements of estoppel are met. With the possible exception of easements implied by prior use, none of the easements analyzed in this article properly satisfy these basic principles. Rather, the law often unjustifiably imposes utilitarian public policy mandates notwithstanding the contrary intent of the parties. This is problematic because virtually all easement disputes solely implicate private interests. In such cases, the law should seek to do justice between the parties, which is best achieved by giving effect to the intent embodied in their agreement, rather than impose policy standards that serve little or no public interest. This article accordingly advocates the following reforms: (1) allowing easements implied by necessity only when the parties intended to create an easement but mistakenly neglected to do so and also landlocked the subject tract at severance; (2) abolishing easements implied by necessity based solely on public policy grounds despite the parties’ contrary intent; (3) basing easements implied by prior use explicitly on the parties’ intent to create an easement and not on the mere openness and convenience of the preexisting use; (4) imposing an irrevocable license only when the licensor misled the licensee into believing he would not revoke the license, and the licensee reasonably and detrimentally relied on that misleading conduct, and requiring compensation for the licensor; (5) abolishing prescriptive easements, with meritorious claims currently covered by prescription being addressed through the application of estoppel principles or intent-based reform or supplementation of deeds; and (6) abolishing private statutory easements and only allowing for the exercise of eminent domain to create easements that are open to the public. In the absence of these fundamental reforms, lesser reforms should be adopted, including providing compensation to the landowner who will be burdened by the implied easement.
“Here I go again”: An examination of repetitive behaviors during interpersonal conflicts

The study investigates factors that might influence an individual to repeatedly manifest unwanted behaviors during arguments with others. Processes are discussed that may occur as individuals enact repetitive non‐optimal (RNO) behaviors during interpersonal conflict interactions. Three hypotheses predicted that RNO behaviors are the result of shifting communication goals and intense negative affect ensuing from an increased salience of identity related objectives during conflict. 134 university students (73 female, 61 male) provided written detailed descriptions of two arguments (one RNO and one non‐RNO argument) they have had with the same person. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two ordered conditions (describing the RNO argument first or describing the non‐RNO argument first). MANOVA results revealed support for all three hypotheses. Participants reported experiencing more goal shifts, more feelings of threatened identity, and higher degrees of negative affect in the RNO arguments than in ...
Always Possible Frontiers

This note addresses the issue of impossible mean-variance frontiers â€“ those on which there are no portfolios all of whose weights are positive. This is a concern because the market portfolio should be mean-variance efficient, and it has entirely positive weights. It has been argued that impossible frontiers are likely and occur with probability one as the number of assets increases. This criticism, however, is purely statistical in nature. Similar analysis shows that arbitrage is also ubiquitous. When we recognize that the returns available in the market are not randomly distributed, but are the consequence of equilibrium process, then both of these concerns vanish. Possible frontiers will always arise.
Optimizing Nutrition Education in WIC: Findings From Focus Groups With Arizona Clients and Staff.

Abstract Objective To understand staff and clients' experiences with delivering and receiving nutrition education in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Methods Focus groups involving WIC staff, clients, and former clients in Arizona. Client and staff perceptions of WIC nutrition education, preferences, and suggestions for improvement were examined. Transcripts were analyzed using a deductive thematic approach to identify emerging themes. Results Findings from 10 focus groups with 25 WIC staff and 29 clients suggested that existing materials were time-consuming and unresponsive to client needs, and additional resources were needed to engage children while parents were in session; new delivery formats for nutrition education, including videos and interactive demonstrations focused on child-friendly preparations of WIC foods, were preferred. Conclusions and Implications Collaboration among existing nutrition education programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education , Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program , community gardens, and Head Start , can complement and enhance WIC nutrition educations in this region.
Multi-channel Mueller-matrix optical coherence tomography

A multiple-channel polarization-sensitive system based on optical coherence tomography was built to measure the Mueller matrix of scattering biological tissue. The Jones matrix of a sample can be determined with a single scan and subsequently converted into an equivalent non-depolarizing Mueller matrix. As a result, the system can be used to measure the Mueller matrix of soft tissue. Birefringence, axis orientation, and diattenuation can be extracted.
Design and use of an infrared Pupilometer for real-time pupil mapping in response to incremental illumination levels

The design of an infrared Pupilometer is discussed for real-time monitoring of pupil size, shape and position. Preliminary results from this instrument are presented and its application in modern refractive surgeries is discussed.
Issues in Ice Accretion Aerodynamic Simulation on a Subscale Model

This paper presents the results of a study that examined the aerodynamic effects of two important ice-simulation features. It first examines two types of pressure-tap instrumentation, a pressure-slice configuration and a tapped-casting configuration, on streamwise and horn-ice simulations. It then examines the aerodynamic sensitivity of small changes in the geometry of horn-ice simulations. These experiments were carried out using ice simulations from icing-tunnel testing on 18-inch chord NACA 0012 and 23012 models. The subsequent aerodynamic testing was performed at the University of Illinois at Reynolds numbers of 1.0×10 6 to 1.8×10 6 and Mach numbers of 0.10 to 0.18. The results of the first part showed that there were no major differences in integrated aerodynamic performance between the pressure-slice and tapped-casting configurations. Therefore, either method is acceptable provided that care is taken in determining pressure tap placement. The results of the second part showed that small changes in upper-surface horn height and tip radius can significantly affect maximum lift. This is important as it has application to how ice accretions are traced in order to make two-dimensional ice simulations for aerodynamic testing.
Oxidized-LDL Signals through Rho-GTPase to Induce Endothelial Cell Stiffening and Promote Capillary Formation

Endothelial biomechanics is emerging as a key factor in endothelial function. Here, we address the mechanisms of endothelial stiffening induced by oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and investigate the role of oxLDL in lumen formation. We show that oxLDL-induced endothelial stiffening is mediated by CD36-dependent activation of RhoA and its downstream target, Rho kinase (ROCK), via inhibition of myosin light-chain phosphatase (MLCP) and myosin light-chain (MLC)2 phosphorylation. The LC-MS/MS analysis identifies 7-ketocholesterol (7KC) as the major oxysterol in oxLDL. Similarly to oxLDL, 7KC induces RhoA activation, MLCP inhibition, and MLC2 phosphorylation resulting in endothelial stiffening. OxLDL also facilitates formation of endothelial branching networks in 3D collagen gels in vitro and induces increased formation of functional blood vessels in a Matrigel plug assay in vivo. Both effects are RhoA and ROCK dependent. An increase in lumen formation was also observed in response to pre-exposing the cells to 7KC, an oxysterol that induces endothelial stiffening, but not to 5α,6α epoxide that does not affect endothelial stiffness. Importantly, loading cells with cholesterol prevented oxLDL-induced RhoA activation and the downstream signaling cascade, and reversed oxLDL-induced lumen formation. In summary, we show that oxLDL-induced endothelial stiffening is mediated by the CD36/RhoA/ROCK/MLCP/MLC2 pathway and is associated with increased endothelial angiogenic activity.
Forged in War, Battling for Peace

The US government’s Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) is aimed at making the world safe for democracy. It has instead perpetuated a number of other problems — such as, violations of human rights, environmental degradation, racism, and sexism — thus bringing more violence, in the name of security. The activist organization, Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) — comprised of military veterans who have fought in the GWOT — seeks to resist the continuous war through a number of different tactics, i.e. Going AWOL, occupying spaces, war reenactments. One of the ways in which resistance is found is through the act of what Michel Foucault calls parrhēsia, which translates into “frankness,” or ”telling all,” but Foucault extends this definition into a technique that is meant to encompass a “moral attitude or ethos,” that creates an indisputable truth, “…so that at a given moment the person whom is speaking finds himself in a situation in which he no longer needs the other’s discourse." The truth that is exercised through parrhēsia acts as “a weapon to be used for a partisan victory,” as it ‘deciphers the discourse that perpetuates the permanent presence of war in society. A good example of parrhēsia — that will be the focus of the second half of this paper — was a series of testimonies by IVAW in 2008, which was called the Winter Soldier project. In these testimonies, veterans of war reveal the atrocities that they had witnessed and participated in. The veterans’ acts of parrhēsia work to counter the narrative and effects of the government’s perpetual “war on terror” by exposing the racism, sexism, lack of care for life, the environmental degradation, and fiscal irresponsibility’s. Therefore, this paper will first provide a historical background of IVAW, and then explore the concept of parrhēsia and how it is performed by IVAW members, at Winter Soldier and in other forums. These acts are not only a form of resistance, but also provide space for an alternative discourse to the current GWOT literature, and are also used as a form of healing the mental and emotional trauma caused by war.