cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional profiling and growth kinetics of endothelium reveals differences between cells derived from porcine aorta versus aortic valve.

Objective: Valvular tissue and aorta calcify at different rates when placed as fresh homografts or cryopreserved allografts. Furthermore, differences between valvular endothelial cells and aortic endothelial cells are not well appreciated. We established primary cultures of valve and aortic endothelial cells derived from swine and tested transcriptional and proliferative differences on various extracellular matrices. Methods: Transcriptional profiling was performed on primary cultures of porcine valve and aortic endothelial cells. We extracted total RNA from both cell types and created cDNA libraries. We scored for 847 genes important in signal transduction pathways, and measured their expression on valve and aortic endothelial cells. To determine if there were functional differences between aortic and valvular cells, their growth rate was determined by cell counting on various extracellular matrices. Results: Of 847 genes investigated, 69 (8.1%) were transcriptionally active on aortic endothelial cells and 89 (10.5%) on valve endothelial cells. Common to both cell types were 55 genes, which represents 79.7% (55/69) of activated genes on aortic endothelial cells and 61.8% (55/89) of those in valve endothelial cells. Remarkable features of the analysis included Ephrin ligand and receptor specificity for cell type, a potential fibroblast growth factor autocrine loop in both cell types, as well as upregulation of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor in valvular cells. Aortic endothelial cells were noteworthy of upregulation of vascular endothelial cell growth factor-B and vascular cell adhesion molecule. Proliferation analysis revealed that valve endothelial cells grew more rapidly (12-fold over control) than aortic endothelial cells (3-fold over control). Furthermore, valve endothelial cells proliferated most rapidly on gelatin or collagen, whereas aortic endothelial cells were most proliferative on lysine or laminin. Conclusions: Valve and aortic endothelial cells have different transcriptional and proliferative profiles. The knowledge of these differences may be an exploitable strategy in the future rational design of artificially engineered valve surfaces and in the study of the valve antigenicity, immunogenicity and structural failure. q 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The effect of solute concentration on hindered gradient diffusion in polymeric gels

The effect of solute concentration on hindered diffusion of sphere-like colloidal solutes in stiff polymer hydrogels is examined theoretically and experimentally. In the theoretical development, it is shown that the presence of the gel fibres enhances the effect of concentration on the thermodynamic driving force for gradient diffusion, while simultaneously reducing the effect of concentration on the hydrodynamic drag. The result is that gradient diffusion depends more strongly on solute concentration in gels than it does in pure solution, by an amount that depends on the partition coefficient and hydraulic permeability of the gel-solute system. Quantitative calculations are made to determine the concentration-dependent diffusivity correct to first order in solute concentration. In order to compare the theoretical predictions with experimental data, rates of diffusion have been measured for nonionic micelles and globular proteins in solution and agarose hydrogels at two gel concentrations. The measurements were performed by using holographic interferometry, through which one monitors changes in refractive index as gradient diffusion takes place within a transparent gel. If the solutes are modelled as spheres with short-range repulsive interactions, then the experimentally measured concentration dependence of the diffusivities of both the protein and micelles is in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.
SN2′ Substitutions of 1,3-Dichloropropenes with the Functionalized Copper-Zinc Reagents RCu(CN)ZnX

Summary: The addition of benzenesulfenyl (or benzeneselenyl) chlorides to propargylic chlorides affords regio- and stereospecifically (E)-l,3-dichloro-2-phenylsulfenyl (or phenylselenyl) propenes (2a-c). These new reagents were found to react with excellent SN2" selectivity with the highly functionalized copper-zinc reagents RCu(CN)ZnX, affording polyfunctional vinylic-thioethers or -selenides of type 3. The acidic hydrolysis of 3 furnishes symmetrical ketones in good yields. Many functionalized allylic compounds have proven to be versatile reagents for organic synthesis. 1 1,3-Dihalopropenes are potentially interesting multicoupling 2 reagents, since two successive SN2' substitutions would allow a 1,3-bis-functionalization of the allylic system. Unfortunately a comprehensive literature search shows that 1,3-dihalopropenes usually/undergo only SN2 substitutions leading to terminal vinylic halides which are unreactive towards further substitution. 3 We have found during a general study on the reactivity of the functionalized copper-zinc organometaUics RCu(CN)ZnX 4 1 that these copper derivatives 5 react with a high SN2' selectivity (> 98%) with various 1,3-dichloropropenes 2 to afford functionalized olefins of type 36 (see Scheme I and Table I). Typically the 1,3-dichloro
The Mizuno-Todd-Ye algorithm in a larger neighborhood of the central path

The Mizuno–Todd–Ye predictor–corrector method based on two neighborhoods DðaÞ� DðaÞ of the central path of a monotone homogeneous linear complementarity problem is analyzed, where DðaÞ is composed of all feasible points with d-proximity to the central path less than or equal to a. The largest allowable value for a is� 1.76. For a specific choice of a and a a lower bound of vn= ffiffiffi n p is obtained for the stepsize along the affine-scaling direction, where vn has an asymptotic value greater than 1.08. For n P 400 it is shown that vn > 1:05. The algorithm has Oð ffiffiffi n p LÞ-iteration
An outsider's review of the astronomical theory of the climate: is the eccentricity-driven insolation the main driver of the ice ages?

Abstract Although the astronomical theory of the climate (also known as the “Milankovitch” theory) explains a number of key features of the paleoclimate time series (especially frequency and phase distribution) in terms of orbital influence on the waxing and waning of ice sheets, it still faces several important unresolved challenges. In this review, we discuss five main challenges we believe the theory must resolve in order to survive: (1) The large amplitude of the ∼100 ky ice age cycles; (2) the switch from 41-ky- to 100-ky-long glaciations around 0.9 Ma BP; (3) the absence of significant spectral power at 413 ky over the past 1.2 Ma; (4) the variation in glacial cycle duration in the last 800 ky; and (5) the presence of non-orbital spectral peaks in the climate record. But in spite of these problems, we conclude that the Milankovitch theory may still be a viable one; at least in the original sense of Hays et al. [Science 194 (1976) 1121], that orbital changes somehow influenced the ice ages. Many investigators, ourselves included, appear to see the impact of orbital forcing in the data, clear evidence of astronomical forcing, as well as evidence which suggests that the climate system responds nonlinearly to all Milankovitch (orbital) frequencies.
Definitions in phylogenetic taxonomy: critique and rationale.

A general rationale for the formulation and placement of taxonomic deenitions in phy- logenetic taxonomy is proposed, and commonly used terms such as "crown taxon" or "node-based deenition" are more precisely deened. In the formulation of phylogenetic deenitions, nested refer- ence taxa stabilize taxonomic content. A deenitional coneguration termed a node-stem triplet also stabilizes the relationship between the trio of taxa at a branchpoint, in the face of local change in phylogenetic relationships or addition/deletion of taxa. Crown-total taxonomies use survivorship as acriterion for placementof node-stem triplets within ataxonomic hierarchy. Diversity, morphol- ogy, and tradition also constitute heuristic criteria for placement of node-stem triplets. (Content; crown; deenition; node; phylogeny; stability; stem; taxonomy.) Does one type of phylogenetic deenition (apomorphy, node, stem) stabilize the taxo- nomic content of a taxon more than another in the face of local change of relationships? Is one type of phylogenetic deenition more suitable for clades with unresolved basal re- lationships or uncertain outgroups? Which type of phylogenetic deenition is preferable forcladeswhosemembersareentirelyliving or extinct? Questions like these have not been rigor- ously addressed in phylogenetic taxonomy. Rather,attention has been focused on (1) the adaptation of traditional rules governing synonymy and redundancy for use within the phylogenetic system, and (2) the recom- mendation that "widely recognized" names are better restricted to crown taxa than to more-inclusivetaxawithextinctbasalmem-
Isolated diffusing capacity reduction in systemic sclerosis.

Objective. To determine the long-term outcome of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and an isolated reduction in the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) at the time of initial evaluation. Methods. Patients with an isolated reduction in DLco (i.e., normal forced vital capacity [FVC] and normal ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1] to the FVC) on initial evaluation were identified from among 815 patients with SSc who were carefully followed up throughout their illness. We requested that patients have repeat pulmonary function testing (PFT), and the outcomes of these tests, as well as cardiopulmonary and survival outcomes, were determined. Results. An isolated reduction in DLco, with a normal FVC was detected in 152 (19%) of the 815 patients. A subset of those with an isolated reduction in DLco (11%) developed isolated pulmonary hypertension and had severely reduced survival rates. Pulmonary hypertension was strongly associated with an initial DLco of 1.4. Among all patients in whom this ratio was > 1.4, 22% developed isolated pulmonary hypertension, compared with only 2% of those whose ratio was 20%) at followup testing that could not be explained by the demographic, clinical, or laboratory findings at the first visit. Conclusion. Isolated reduction in DLco is a frequent abnormality in SSc. Overall, it is associated with a good prognosis for survival and for pulmonary morbidity. A small subset of patients (11%) who have a very low DLco (<55% of predicted) have developed isolated pulmonary hypertension, all of whom had limited scleroderma.
Anaerobic p-Coumarate Degradation by Rhodopseudomonas palustris and Identification of CouR, a MarR Repressor Protein That Binds p-Coumaroyl Coenzyme A

The phenylpropanoid p-coumarate and structurally related aromatic compounds are produced in large amounts by green plants and are excellent carbon sources for many soil bacteria. Aerobic bacteria remove the acyl side chain from phenylpropanoids to leave an aromatic aldehyde, which then enters one of several possible central pathways of benzene ring degradation. We investigated the pathway for the anaerobic degradation of p-coumarate by the phototrophic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris and found that it also follows this metabolic logic. We characterized enzymes for the conversion of p-coumarate to p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) encoded by the couAB operon. We also identified a MarR family transcriptional regulator that we named CouR. A couR mutant had elevated couAB expression. In addition, His-tagged CouR bound with high affinity to a DNA fragment encompassing the couAB promoter region, and binding was abrogated by the addition of nanomolar quantities of p-coumaroyl-CoA but not by p-coumarate. Footprinting demonstrated binding of CouR to an inverted repeat sequence that overlaps the -10 region of the couAB promoter. Our results provide evidence for binding of a CoA-modified aromatic compound by a MarR family member. Although the MarR family is widely distributed in bacteria and archaea and includes over 12,000 members, ligands have been identified for relatively few family members. Here we provide biochemical evidence for a new category of MarR ligand.
Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders

Abstract The author responds to Hill et al.'s “Gender Identity Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence: A Critical Inquiry” and Moser and Kleinplatz's “DSM-IV-TRand the Paraphilias: An Argument for Removal.” The author sees the paper as raising the issue of whether there are any cases for which sexual and gender identity diagnoses are appropriate. The author believes a central issue is how does one decide that something is just unusual (normal variation) or something is disordered (pathological). The author believes the concept of “medical disorder” can be applied to human behavior and gives examples to support that view. The author supports an essentialist view that some “things” (like being human and modes of sexual expression) have properties or qualities that are invariable and represent the true essence of the “thing.” From this perspective, the author finds the arguments for eliminating the categories of GID and paraphilias from the DSM as weak at best.
Solvent-free production of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) with precision milling

Despite its effectiveness in degrading a wide array of environmental contaminants and superior physical characteristics for subsurface delivery, large-scale applications of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) for environmental remediation have been inhibited by the high costs associated with its conventional production technologies. In this contribution, an environmentally-benign and cost-effective production method of nZVI is demonstrated using a precision milling system. Unlike conventional methods such as chemical synthesis and vapor phase condensation, which typically involve toxic chemicals, sophisticated equipment and extensive labor, the precision milling method relies solely on the mechanical impact forces generated by stainless steel beads in a high-speed rotary chamber to break down the micro iron particles. The system uses no toxic solvents, is completely scalable to large-scale manufacturing. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and BET surface area analysis independently verify that, after 8 hours of milling, the feed micro iron was effectively reduced to particles with sizes below 50 nm. The surface chemistry and crystal composition of the milled iron were characterized with high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HR-XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Reactivity of the milled nZVI was probed through reactions with water and seven model chlorinated aliphatic compounds. The results demonstrate the milled nZVI (8 hour) is more reactive for contaminant degradation than the nZVI synthesized by the widely-adopted borohydride reduction method. The ball milling method thus stands as a promising green process for large-scale nZVI production and enhances the prospect of the nZVI technology for large-scale environmental remediation.
Wilcoxon-Type Scale Tests

Wilcoxon-type tests are surveyed for a comparison of scale parameters of two continuous distributions. Considerations are given to situations where the locations are equal and known, equal but unknown, and unequal and unknown. The tests are distribution-free and include some that are linear rank tests and some that are not. Keywords: scale; Wilcoxon; nonparametric; Mann–Whitney; confidence interval; Sukhatme
Synthesis, characterization, and C–H/C–C cleavage reactions of two rhodium–trispyrazolylborate dihydrides

Treatment of Tp 0 Rh(PMe3)Cl2 and Tp 0 Rh(CNCH2CMe3)Cl2 with Cp2ZrH2 produces Tp 0 Rh(PMe3)H2 and Tp 0Rh(CNCH 2CMe3)H2, respectively, in excellent yield. Photolysis of benzene solutions of each dihydride complex generates hydrogen and the fragment [Tp 0 Rh(L)] which inserts into the solvent C–H bond. The phosphine dihydride has also been shown to be a catalyst for the hydrogenation of biphenylene, showing a capability to cleave C–C bonds. Reductive elimination of benzene from Tp 0Rh(PMe 3)PhH is nearly 250 ;
Aeroacoustics of Turbulent Shear Flows

Recent analytical, numerical-simulation and experimental studies of sound generation by high-Reynolds-number turbulent shear flows are reviewed, with a focus on the application of linear rapid-distortion theory to the calculation of the unsteady flow field producing the sound. This approach is considered the most important alternative to acoustic-analogy methods. Topics surveyed include the linear theory of solid-surface interactions, the jet-noise problem, extensions to more complex turbulent flows, and supersonic flows. Graphs comparing theoretical and experimental results are shown.
Ant inspired server population management in a service based computing environment

This paper presents an approach, experiments and a practical application to balancing service availability for a multi-agent system deployed on a wireless mobile ad hoc network. Finding the optimal number of services required to achieve the desired effect is a difficult and problem-specific task. We propose an approach inspired by the quorum sensing behavior of the leptothorax albipennis ants. Similar to a real ant colony, the solution exhibits properties of emergent stability, decentralized control, and resilience to possible disturbances. The experiments confirm the validity of our technique in wireless ad hoc network environments.
Characterization of Grain Boundaries in Alumina

Alpha alumina is used in such applications as substrates in electronic packaging or envelopes for Na vapor lamps. Thus, a large amount of research has been devoted to improving the sintering of alpha alumina. MgO is routinely used as an additive in alumina to enhance the densification of alpha alumina compacts (1). This additive not only enhances densification but also inhibits grain growth: exaggerated grain growth is detrimental to product performance. However, it is still not fully understood how this additive affects the grain boundaries of the compacts (2,3). It has previously been reported that the combination of this additive and impurities which may be present in concentrations exceeding the solid solubility limit, causes the formation of second-phase particles (2). The purpose of the present paper is to review some recent studies on alpha alumina grain boundaries and to report some new results. Reports on TEM observations on grain boundaries in alumina in most cases have not related the structure at the boundaries, for example (3,4). Of the studies that did report boundary structure, the most frequently discussed boundaries were twins, specifically basal and rhombohedral twins (8).
From sustainability to adaptation: Goldman Sachs’ corporate real estate strategy

This paper is premised on a conceptual framework that attempts to draw theoretical and practical connections between sustainability, resilience and adaptation. The framework is explored through a case study of the corporate real estate (property) strategies of Goldman Sachs (a multinational investment banking and investment management company) developed over the course of the consolidation and development of its corporate headquarters. This case seeks to identify the existence and nature of the relationships by and between sustainable corporate real estate strategies, resilient operations planning and the firm's adaptive capacity. A secondary proposition seeks to evaluate whether the capacity of the firm to adapt and be resilient to changing conditions has been positively advanced by the firm's sustainable corporate real estate strategies. The findings support the proposition that these connections do exist, as well as the proposition that sustainability was promoting adaptive capacity and operational res...
Assessing Student Performance in a Computational-Thinking Based Science Learning Environment

Computational Thinking (CT) can effectively promote science learning, but K-12 curricula lack efforts to integrate CT with science. In this paper, we present a generic CT assessment scheme and propose metrics for evaluating correctness of computational and domain-specific constructs in computational models that students construct in CTSiM – a learning environment that combines CT with middle school science. We report a teacher-led, multi-domain classroom study using CTSiM and use our metrics to study how students’ model evolution relates to their pre-post learning gains. Our results lay the framework for online evaluation and scaffolding of students in CTSiM.
Reflection on infection commentary on an article by Brandon A. Ramo, MD, et al.: "surgical site infections after posterior spinal fusion for neuromuscular scoliosis. A thirty year experience at a single institution"

Patients with neuromuscular scoliosis are a diverse group who are challenging to treat, with higher rates of surgical site infection following posterior spinal fusion than patients with idiopathic scoliosis1. Surgical site infection after posterior spinal fusion is costly, is difficult to manage, and may require multiple procedures including implant removal. Ramo et al. performed a retrospective review of patients at one institution who underwent posterior spinal fusion for neuromuscular scoliosis over a thirty-year period. They examined surgical site infection in this population and reviewed patient and treatment factors associated with surgical site infection. The study, which spans three decades, is the largest reported in the literature, with 428 patients and an …
Multicenter randomized comparative trial of two low-dose triphasic combined oral contraceptives containing desogestrel or norethindrone.

Between March 1989 and October 1990 a multicenter trial at 20 sites in the US and Canada with 812 women aged 18-35 compared the safety acceptability and efficacy of 2 triphasic oral contraceptives (OCs). The new triphasic OC was a 7/7/7 regimen with desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol (DSG/EE) while the other OC also a 7/7/7 regimen contained norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol (NE/EE). No in-treatment pregnancies occurred in the DSG/EE group. User failure was responsible for the 2 in-treatment pregnancies in the NE/EE group (0.61% cumulative 6 cycle life table pregnancy rate). Noncompliance was high (20-25%) in both groups. The DSG/EE triphasic OC achieved better cycle control than did the NE/EE triphasic OC. Breakthrough spotting was more common in the NE/EE group than the DSG/EE group overall (13.6% vs. 7.2%; p < 0.05) especially at months 1 and 2 (19.8% vs. 8.4% and 14.5% vs. 6.4% respectively; p < 0.05). Intermenstrual bleeding also occurred more frequently in the NE/EE group than the DSG/EE group overall (18.2% vs. 10.3%; p < 0.05) especially during the first 3 cycles (e.g. 1st cycle 26.7% vs. 9.9%; p < 0.05). The stronger and longer progestational activity of DSG and the well-balanced composition of the triphasic DSG/EE regimen may explain the difference in intermenstrual bleeding. Few women from either group discontinued the triphasic OC for adverse menstrual events (1.5% for DSG/EE group and 2% for triphasic NE/EE group) or for any adverse event directly related to the OCs (total 3.2%) suggesting high acceptability of both formulations. No one experienced a serious drug-related adverse experience or thromboembolic event. The incidence of nonserious drug-related adverse events was low (e.g. dysmenorrhea 14.7%; breast pain about 7.2%) and fell over the 6 months. There was no significant difference in these events between the 2 groups. These findings suggest that overall the new DSG/EE triphasic OC was superior to the NE/EE triphasic OC.
Secure state reconstruction in differentially flat systems under sensor attacks using satisfiability modulo theory solving

We address the problem of reconstructing the state of a differentially flat system from measurements that may be corrupted by an adversarial attack. In cyber-physical systems, malicious attacks can directly compromise the system's sensors or manipulate the communication between sensors and controllers. We consider attacks that only corrupt a subset of sensor measurements. We show that the possibility of reconstructing the state under such attacks is characterized by a suitable generalization of the notion of s-sparse observability, previously introduced by some of the authors in the linear case. We also extend our previous work on the use of Satisfiability Modulo Theory solvers to reconstruct the state under sensor attacks to the context of differentially flat systems. The effectiveness of our approach is illustrated on the problem of controlling a quadrotor under sensor attacks.
Mechanism for Low Temperature Growth of Boron Nitride Nanotubes

Selective growth of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) was demonstrated by plasma-enhanced pulsed laser deposition (PE-PLD). Although PLD is a physical vapor deposition technique for the growth of bor...
Coevolution of cooperation, causal cognition and mindreading

The evolution of cooperation between unrelated individuals has long been a puzzle in evolutionary biology. Formal models show that reciprocal altruism is approximately as stable as kin-based altruism when cooperators can assort. Why, then, is reciprocal altruism so rare? We suggest that the key lies in the difficulty of assortment based on underlying intentions: if individuals are able to reliably detect others' cooperative intent then cooperation is stable, but detecting intentions is notoriously difficult, especially when there are incentives to deceive. For this reason, we suggest, there is likely to be a coevolutionary relationship between human cooperativeness and our skills of social causal cognition; it is not a coincidence that we are both extraordinarily social, cooperating with non-kin to a degree not seen in other species and extraordinarily good at inferring others' beliefs, intentions and motivations, a skill sometimes known as mindreading. We discuss results of a recent study that provides evidence for this coevolutionary view of cooperation and social cognition.
PDGF induces SphK1 expression via Egr-1 to promote pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive, life-threatening disease for which there is currently no curative treatment available. Pathologic changes in this disease involve remodeling ...
A research on the dietary intake of selenium among rural and urban residents

Objective To understand the dietary intake of selenium and its influencing factors among rural and urban residents in Zhejiang province. Methods From 2010 to 2012,a total of 2,659 residents were selected from large urban sites,small-medium urban sites and rural sites in Zhejiang. Using 24-hour dietary recall method,a 3-day household dietary survey to analysis the dietary intake of selenium. Results The average daily dietary intake of selenium for residents aged 1-,4-,7-,11-,14-,18-,45-and 60-was 21. 96,26. 39,31. 62,35. 26,29. 39,41. 78,39. 12 and38. 40 μg,respectively. According to formulation of Chinese Nutrition Society,the dietary selenium intake of 42. 56%juveniles and 52. 09% of adults was below the estimated average requirement( EAR). Significant statistical differences were found between normal group and insufficient dietary selenium intake group in terms of age,sex,region,level of education,per capita annual income,physical exercise and smoking status( all P 0. 01). Influencing factors of insufficient selenium intake were female( OR = 1. 86,95% CI: 1. 59-2. 63),rural area( OR = 1. 46,95% CI: 1. 23-1. 73),lower level of education( OR = 0. 70,95% CI: 0. 57-0. 86) and lower income( OR = 0. 72,95% CI: 0. 60-0. 88). Conclusion Influencing factors of dietary selenium intake are sex,region,level of education and per capita income. Dietary selenium supplement should be strengthened through a variety of ways,especially in target population.
255 INCREASED TRANSIENT OUTWARD CURRENT, SHORTENED ACTION POTENTIAL DURATION AND “SHORT-QT SYNDROME” IN NA+/CA2+ EXCHANGER KNOCKOUT MICE.

Shortening of the ventricular action potential (AP) is a critical mechanism for the maintenance of Ca 2+ homeostasis and contractility in cardiac-specific Na + -Ca 2+ exchanger (NCX) knockout (KO) mice. The shortened AP limits Ca 2+ influx and increases efficiency of SR Ca 2+ release. To investigate the hypothesis that up-regulation of the transient outward current (I to ) shortens the AP in KO myocytes, we recorded I to in patch-clamped myocytes isolated from NCX KO mice. The pipette solution contained (in mM) 130 KCl, 5.4 NaCl, 1 MgCl 2 , 10 HEPES, 5 MgATP, 0.1 cAMP, pH 7.2 with KOH. Na + and Ca 2+ currents were blocked by nifedipine (2 μM) and TTX (10 μM) in the external solution, which also contained (in mM) 136 NaCl, 5.4 KCl, 10 HEPES, 1 MgCl 2 , 0.33 NaH 2 PO 4 , 1 CaCl 2 , 10 glucose, pH 7.4 with NaOH, 26°C. I to was increased in KO versus WT when cells were depolarized from -80 mV to potentials ranging from -60 to +50 mV (KO: 41 ± 3 pA/pF at +50 mV; n = 13; WT: 20 ± 2 pA/pF at +50 mV; n = 16; p (.01). I to decay kinetics were also slower in KO. Consistent with increased I to , electrocardiograms from KO mice exhibited shortened QT intervals (WT: 51 ± 4 ms; n = 8; KO: 38 ± 2 ms; n = 8; p 2+ , we hypothesize that altered Ca 2+ handling in NCX KO mice leads to up-regulation of Kv4.2. which. in turn. reduces AP duration and limits Ca 2+ influx. This may comprise an important negative feedback mechanism against Ca 2+ overload in situations of reduced myocyte Ca 2+ extrusion capacity such as during myocardial ischemia.
Experience with the Jonas Penile Prosthesis

AbstractBetween April 1981 and June 1983 the Jonas penile prosthesis was inserted in 57 patients. There were 10 early complications (17.5 per cent), with 8 operations for revision or removal (14 per cent). Late complications were rare and the over-all success rate was 96 per cent.
Activation of carbamoyl phosphate synthase by N-acetyl-L-aspartate.

Carbamoyl phosphate synthase from liver of both rat and frog, normally dependent on N -acetyl-l-glutamate (on the basis of K m and physiological concentrations) as an activator, was shown to be activated by high concentrations of N -acetyl-l-aspartate. However, the high concentrations of N -acetyl-l-aspartate required for activation produce non-competitive inhibition. Similarly, high concentrations of N -acetyl-l-glutamate, in very large excess of the amount required to activate the enzyme, inhibit. The limit for N -acetyl-l-glutamate as an impurity in N -acetyl-l-aspartate was found to be less than 1 in 5000 parts, far below the 1 in 250 parts needed to produce the activation observed with N -acetyl-l-aspartate.
Control of an Electric Machine Integrated With the Trans-Rotary Magnetic Gear in a Motor Drive Train

This paper studies the dynamic performance of an electric machine integrated with the transrotary magnetic gear (MITROMAG) in a motoring mode of operation. MITROMAG is formed by mechanically coupling a rotary electric machine to the rotor of a trans-rotary magnetic gear (TROMAG). TROMAG is a magnetic device that, through magnetic fields, converts a low-torque, high-speed rotation of its rotor to a high-force, low-speed linear motion of its translator, and vice versa. In a motoring mode of operation, the rotor of the TROMAG is driven by a rotary electric motor, and as a result, its translator drives a reciprocating load. A nonlinear dynamic model is developed for the TROMAG. Oscillation tests are presented as examples of how the model can be used to predict the dynamic behavior of the device. The model is then linearized to derive system transfer functions and study the dynamic response of the MITROMAG to speed commands. Experimental results confirm the analysis.
The Role of the Gut Microbiota in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Induced Hypertension

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by repeated closure of the upper airway during sleep, is a significant clinical problem affecting upwards of 25% of the adult population in the United S...
Understory vegetation dynamics 15 years post-thinning in 50-year-old Douglas-fir and Douglas-fir/western hemlock stands in western Oregon, USA

Abstract Recent trends in forest management practices designed to restore or enhance late-successional structure for habitat values typically include provisions for the creation and maintenance of structural and compositional diversity within and among stands. The Pacific Northwest in particular has expanses of young, structurally simple forests that range from high stocking (unthinned and little understory development) to relatively lower stocking having been previously thinned or initially regenerated at low densities. We have remeasured two long-term study sites in Oregon, USA, for 15 years to examine structural development and understory persistence at a range of overstory canopy cover, spatial arrangement, and understory treatments (spraying and planting). Understory responses to thinning varied primarily by site and species group, given the range of pre-existing plant communities, and through time. In general, shrub cover increased after thinning, while forb cover increased initially after thinning and then declined. Though spraying effects were still visible 15 years after treatment driven by reductions in one dominant understory species, it had little effect on the long-term development of structure at these overstory densities. Indeed, the range of overstory densities and spatial arrangements in this study did not have any large effects because all of the thinning treatments resulted in increased light availability to the understory at least through fifteen years after thinning. Combining more extensive overstory removal and understory treatments likely can be used to stimulate heterogeneous structure and composition development in these forests, including the possible stimulation of persistent early-seral vegetation within older stands.
Temperature dependance of the mechanical properties of an RF MEMS switch

In the Institute for Microstructural Sciences we have been developing a surface micromachining process for the fabrication RF MEMS on quartz substrates. In a previous paper we reported on the microwave performance of these switches [1]. In this paper we report on the characterization of the switch mechanical properties as a function of temperature. Real world electronic devices must meet a minimum of 0°C to 70°C operation range. Many devices must work in the range of −40°C to 85°C such as portable devices like hand phones. Since we are developing a relatively unique process, we do not have a reference that indicates how our MEMS device will behave as a function of temperature. Since the device uses silicon nitride for the main suspension and the substrate is quartz, we expect to find temperature dependent stress due to difference in expansion coefficient. We have also found that the metals used for the electrostatic actuator may change properties with low temperature 50°C annealing. Hence we are concerned with the possibility of hysteretic behaviour. We focus on the mechanical stiffness or spring constant. This is a key parameter in determining the actuation voltage. Any changes in this parameter would be an indicator of a long term reliability problem. We are testing our devices in the temperature range 10°C–80°C using the apparatus shown in Figure 1.
Psychosocial Research on Marijuana Use: An Early Review

The principal aim of this chapter is to review the contribution that psychosocial research has made to an understanding of marijuana use by young people in the late seventies. A time of increasing acceptance in societal attitudes about its use. After a review of the epidemiology of marijuana use, research documenting the influence of the social environment, of personality, and of other behaviors on marijuana use is considered. Finally, research on the role of marijuana in psychosocial development is explored. The chapter concludes with consideration of decriminalization of marijuana use, and regulation of its use as is done with alcohol, a legal drug.
Video steganography using encrypted payload for satellite communication

In November 2014, a massive cyber-attack on a major company leaked sensitive data including thousands of personal records. Despite the fact that a lot of research and development has gone in the past decade to develop robust encryption algorithms, hackers have managed to break them. Effective information security is an important aspect and cannot be undermined in today's times. When an adversary intercepts encrypted data, it can be known that a secret message was sent. This can raise alarms and invite attacks. Moreover, many times it is important to communicate secretly without drawing any attention and not raise suspicion even if the message is intercepted. We feel that the key to heightened security is to not only encrypt the data but to hide the fact that secret message is being sent. This is implemented by steganography. Steganography is the science of concealing information (secret message) in an apparently innocuous media file (image, audio, video). We use an algorithm to hide the message inside the carrier (cover) media. Although steganography facilitates covert communication, it suffers from attacks like detection, modification, extraction and destruction. In this paper, we present a powerful combination of steganography and cryptography — a novel method to realize a highly secured level of communication. The proposed system encrypts the secret message via secure encryption algorithms and spreads it out over a broad bandwidth using spread spectrum technique. Then, we embed it into the cover media without affecting the perceptual fidelity as the amount of encoded information is below the threshold of perception and is regarded as noise. The original video is available at the receiver for successful retrieval of the secret message. This paper achieves additional security layer of data authentication and integrity check by adding a Hash-based Message Authentication Code (HMAC) module to the message. Further, we analyze the performance of the proposed technique towards different detection, modification and destruction attacks. The proposed blend of techniques showcases a higher immunity to these attacks while maintaining private, confidential communication. The proposed system is briefly discussed in the context of satellite communication.
Simulated Hanford Waste: A Study of Physical Properties, Gas Retention, and Gas Generation

This study helps to establish the physical and chemical processes responsible for the generation and retention of gases within high-level waste contained in Tank 101-SY on the Hanford Site. Conducted on a laboratory scale with simulated waste, this research supports the development of mitigation/remediation strategies for Tank 101-SY. The simulated waste formulations used here are based on the composition of actual waste. Selected physical properties of the simulated waste are compared to properties of actual Tank 101-SY waste samples. There is a close correlation between the simulated waste and the actual waste from the convective slurry layer in Tank 101-SY. Gas retention in the simulated waste occurs by bubble attachment to solid particles. This attachment phenomenon is related to the organic constituents (HEDTA, EDTA, and citrate) in the simulated waste. A mechanism is discussed that relates the gas bubble/particle interactions to the partially hydrophobic surface produced on the solids by the organic constituents. Laboratory studies using aged simulated waste show that significant gas generation occurs thermally at current tank temperatures (approx.60°C). Gas compositions include those gases produced in actual tank waste, primarily N 2 , N 2 O, and H 2 . Gas stoichiometries are greatly influenced by several organic and inorganic constituents within the simulated waste.
Biosynthesis of cardiolipin in Escherichia coli.

Cell-free particulate fractions from Escherichia coli have been found to catalyze the synthesis of cardiolipin from cytidine diphosphate diglyceride and l -glycerol 3-phosphate. Evidence is presented that phosphatidylglycerol is the immediate precursor of cardiolipin in a reaction involving the transfer of a phosphatidyl moiety from CDP-diglyceride.
Surface grinding of CFRP composites using rotary ultrasonic machining: design of experiment on cutting force, torque and surface roughness

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites provide excellent properties, which make them attractive in many industries. However, due to the properties of high stiffness, anisotropy, and high abrasiveness of carbon fiber in CFRPs, they are regarded as difficult-to-cut materials. To find an efficient surface grinding process for CFRP, this paper conducts an investigation using RUM. Design of experiment (DOE) is vital to evaluate effects of input variables on output variables, and it could be used to obtain the optimal values of variables in such a process. DOE could also be used to decrease the test numbers, the research cost etc. However, there are no investigations on DOE in such a process. This investigation firstly tests the effects of three input variables, including tool rotation speed, feedrate, and ultrasonic power, on output variables, including cutting force, torque, and surface roughness, at two levels. This investigation will provide guides for future research.
The Active Viewer and the Problem of Interpretation: Reconciling Traditional and Critical Research

(1992). The Active Viewer and the Problem of Interpretation: Reconciling Traditional and Critical Research. Annals of the International Communication Association: Vol. 15, Communication Yearbook 15, pp. 91-106.
A Bi-level heuristic solution for the nurse scheduling problem based on shift-swapping

This paper presents a novel heuristic solution to the well-known Nurse Scheduling Problem (NSP). The NSP has several constraints to satisfy: some are mandatory and specified by the hospital administration, these are known as hard constraints, while other constraints are set by the nurses themselves according to their schedule preferences, these are known as soft constraints. Our solution is based on the practice of shift-swapping performed by nurses who receive an unsatisfactory schedule. The constraints are arranged in order of importance. Our technique works on two levels; first we generate a schedule that satisfies all the hard constraints and guarantees fairness. The second level is to attempt to satisfy as many of the soft constraints as possible, by shift-swapping while maintaining the hard constraints. The technique was implemented as a simulation and demonstrated a satisfactory outcome.
Multidimensional Scaling and Distance Geometry

Imagine you have a map of a particular geographical region, which includes a number of cities and towns. Usually, such a map will be accompanied by a two-way table displaying how close a selected number of those towns and cities are to each other. Each cell of that table will show the degree of “closeness” (or proximity) of the row city to the column city that identifies that cell. The notion of proximity between two geographical locations is easy to understand, even though it could have different meanings: for example, proximity could be defined as straight-line distance or as shortest traveling distance.
The Male Self

“Why, I am a man” … usually is the first statement made by an American man when he is asked the question “who are you?” Following this statement, American men generally will go on to describe themselves in terms of their behaviors and attitudes about themselves learned from others. In doing so, they reveal, in addition to their gender identity—Richardson (1981) feels that few people are confused on this point—information about whether they think their behaviors and attitudes are consistent with society’s norms for them (Richardson’s contention here is that many more people worry about this). In other words, self-concept responses are frequently given in males— further elaborations on the “self.” But, what is the male self? How does it come about? What is the “male self’s” relationship to “male self-concept,” “male self-esteem,” “male behavior,” and so on? Answers to these questions, as well as others, constitute the focus of this chapter.
Mobile Association for Heterogeneous Networks

Traditional way of mobile association is based on a best-power approach where each UE associates with the eNB that it receives the highest power from. In heterogeneous networks, however, due to the disparity in transmit power of the macro and small cell eNBs, if best-power based mobile association is again used, most of the UEs will associate with the macro eNBs leaving the small cell eNBs largely under-utilized.
Maximizing network lifetime on the line with adjustable sensing ranges

Given n sensors on a line, each of which is equipped with a unit battery charge and an adjustable sensing radius, what schedule will maximize the lifetime of a network that covers the entire line? Trivially, any reasonable algorithm is at least a $\frac{1}{2}$ -approximation, but we prove tighter bounds for several natural algorithms. We focus on developing a linear time algorithm that maximizes the expected lifetime under a random uniform model of sensor distribution. We demonstrate one such algorithm that achieves an average-case approximation ratio of almost 0.9. Most of the algorithms that we consider come from a family based on RoundRobin coverage, in which sensors take turns covering predefined areas until their battery runs out.
Long-Term Effects of Iloperidone on Cerebral Serotonin and Adrenoceptor Subtypes.

The atypical antipsychotic drug iloperidone has high affinity for a wide range of neurotransmitter receptors, including serotonin and adrenoceptors. We examined the long-term effects of multiple doses of iloperidone (0.5, 1.5, or 5 mg/kg) on serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A receptor subtypes, and adrenoceptors α1 and α2 subtypes. Rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of different doses of iloperiodone or vehicle for 4 weeks. Receptor autoradiography quantified the levels of 5-HT and adrenoceptors in medial prefrontal cortex (MPC), dorsolateral frontal cortex (DFC), caudate putamen (CPu), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and hippocampal CA1 (HIP-CA1) and CA3 (HIP-CA3) regions. Four weeks of iloperidone treatment significantly and dose-dependently increased 5-HT1A and decreased 5-HT2A receptors in the MPC and DFC. Higher doses of iloperidone (1.5 and 5 mg/kg) increased 5-HT1A and decreased 5-HT2A receptors in HIP-CA1 and HIP-CA3 regions. In addition, repeated iloperidone treatment produced significant increases in α1- and α2-adrenoceptors in MPC, DFC, HIP-CA1, and HIP-CA3 regions. No changes in 5-HT and adrenoceptors were observed in other brain regions examined. These results suggest that long-term iloperidone treatment exerts region- and dose-specific effects on forebrain 5-HT and adrenoceptors, which may contribute to its therapeutic benefits in improving positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia as well as maintaining a benign safety profile.