cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microvascular and biochemical compensation during ventricular hypertrophy in male rainbow trout

Abstract We investigated whether there are compensatory changes in the coronary microvasculature, cardiac lipid metabolism, and myocyte ultrastructure associated with ventricular enlargement in male rainbow trout. Epicardial tissue was sampled at different stages of sexual maturation, and we estimated arterial capillary density, intercapillary diffusion distance, and applied a diffusion model to predict PO2 at different workloads. We also measured biochemical indices of lipid metabolism and estimated fractional volumes of mitochondria and myofibrils in myocytes. Immature fish with nonenlarged ventricles had the highest capillary length densities (1620±158 mm mm−3). Maturing trout with moderate ventricular hypertrophy had lower capillary length densities (1103±58 mm mm−3) and similar diffusion distances (13.9±0.7 μm) compared with immature fish (11.7±0.9 μm). The largest ventricles had intermediate capillary length densities (1457±288 mm mm−3) and diffusion distances (12.8±0.8 μm). Modelling predicted that enlarged ventricles would not become anoxic even at maximal workloads. Biochemical markers of fatty acid metabolism and aerobic capacity were unchanged with hypertrophy. Volume densities of mitochondria and myofibrils were also not influenced by cardiac growth. In summary, ventricle hypertrophy results in expansion of the coronary capillary bed and the maintenance of the epicardial capacities for fat and oxidative metabolism.
Gas Prices, Traffic, and Freeway Speeds in Los Angeles

Abstract Using detailed data on traffic speeds for 12 Los Angeles freeway routes from 2001 to 2006, we investigate aggregate behavioral response to gasoline prices. If traffic is free flowing, drivers should slow to more fuel-efficient speeds as the price of gasoline rises. However, we find little evidence that drivers respond to increased fuel costs by slowing down. When congestion constrains traffic flow, freeway speeds should rise with gasoline price, and we find a $1.00 increase in price raises average freeway speeds by approximately 7% during rush-hour periods. Finally, we introduce a novel method to calculate the short-run vehicle miles traveled demand elasticity during rush hour.
Effect of a Novel Sanitizer on Pathogenic, Spoilage, and Indicator Populations of Bacteria from Chicken Carcasses

Abstract Research was conducted to determine whether a new sanitizer, Timsen (N-Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride-ADBAC) was effective for killing populations of bacteria that are of concern to the poultry industry. Populations of pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes), spoilage bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens, P. putida, P. fragi, and Shewanella putrfaciens), aerobic bacteria, and coliform bacteria were exposed to various levels of ADBAC, then monitored to determine their survival rate. ADBAC was able to completely eliminate the pathogenic bacteria tested at concentrations of 150 ppm or less, which is much lower than the allowable use concentration of 400 ppm. ADBAC eliminated or reduced the growth of spoilage bacteria at a level of 200 ppm or less. ADBAC eliminated Escherichia coli at a concentration of 100 ppm. ADBAC significantly inhibited the growth of aerobic and coliform populations of bacteria. Therefore, Timsen (ADBAC) appears to be an effective means of eliminating pathogenic and spoilage bacteria, and the feral indicator E. coli.
Political anti-theology

Abstract In The Stillborn God, Mark Lilla argues that political theology invariably leads to apocalyptic politics, and that we can avoid this fate only by maintaining a “Great Separation” between politics and religion, such as the one that Hobbes initiated, but which was overturned by Rousseau and German liberal theology—leading to Nazism. We argue that Hobbes never established such a divide; political theology is far more diverse than Lilla suggests; and liberal German political theology was not a significant source of Nazism. Moreover, liberalism is itself a political theology, suggesting that religion and politics should not, and perhaps cannot, be divided—although they may be reconciled.
A vibration analysis of composite laminated plates

Abstract A finite element formulation of the equations governing laminated anisotropic plates using Reddy's higher-order theory is presented. This simple higher-order shear deformable theory takes into account the parabolic distribution of the transverse shear deformation through the thickness of the plate and contains the same unknowns as in the first-order shear deformation theory. Finite element solutions are presented for rectangular plates of different layups, such as cross-ply, antisymmetric angle-ply, and sandwich plates with various material properties, boundaries, and plate aspect ratios. The numerical results are compared with the available closed-form results, the 3-D linear elasticity theory results, and the other available numerical results. A comparison is also made with test data from a laminated cantilever plate.
Synthesis of an ionic liquid with an iron coordination cation

An iron-based ionic liquid, Fe((OHCH2CH2)2NH)6(CF3SO3)3, is synthesized in a single-step complexation reaction. Infrared and Raman data suggest NH(CH2CH2OH)2 primarily coordinates to Fe(III) through alcohol groups. The compound has Tg and Td values of −64 °C and 260 °C, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry reveals quasi-reversible Fe(III)/Fe(II) reduction waves.
Compression behavior of stitched stiffened panel with a clearly visible stiffener impact damage

Damage tolerance of stitched stiffened composite panels with clearly visible impact damage to a stiffener was investigated. Two-blade stiffened composites panels were fabricated using resin film infiltration technique. The effects of stitching are assessed using unstitched, selectively stitched and fully stitched panels. Impact damage was induced using a drop weight impact of 30 J from the skin side over the stiffener. The experimental results indicate that selectively stitched panels showed 14.4% improvement in compression after impact strength compared to both the unstitched and fully stitched panels. Post-buckling finite element analysis was performed to predict the buckling and failure strengths of these stiffened panels.
Scheffler's symbols

Contre la predilection de la philosophie pour l'absolu, l'A. montre comment l'inscriptionalisme de I. Scheffler nous delivre de ce besoin en developpant une forme de nominalisme capable de resoudre les problemes poses par le platonisme
Electrodeposition of Silver-Aluminum Alloys from a Room-Temperature Chloroaluminate Molten Salt

The electrodeposition of silver-aluminum alloys was investigated at platinum and tungsten electrodes in the Lewis acidic aluminum chloride-1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AlCl 3 -EtMelmCl) molten salt containing electrogenerated silver(I) at 25°C. Sampled-current voltammetry indicated that it is possible to electrodeposit Ag-Al alloys at potentials positive of that where the bulk deposition of aluminum is normally observed (∼0 V). The aluminum content of these alloys varied with the applied potential and displayed an inverse dependence on the silver(I) concentration, indicating that the alloy formation process was kinetically limited. Experiments conducted in melts with different compositions revealed that at a fixed potential and silver(I) concentration. the atomic fraction of aluminum in the alloy is virtually independent of the melt composition. At high concentrations, silver(I) adsorbs on platinum and tungsten, but this process is inhibited by the addition of benzene. The adsorption process does not appear to affect the codeposition of aluminum with silver. X-ray diffraction analysis of bulk Ag-Al alloy electrodeposits prepared in melt containing benzene as a cosolvent indicated the presence of both face-centered cubic Ag and hexagonal close-packed δ-Ag 2 Al.
Seasonal and interannual variability of pan-Arctic surface mixed layer properties from 1979 to 2012 from hydrographic data, and the dominance of stratification for multiyear mixed layer depth shoaling

Abstract Using 21,406 hydrographic profiles from 1979 to 2012, we present the first observational, pan-Arctic assessment of Mixed Layer (ML) properties, including quantification of seasonal and interannual variability, and identification of multiyear ML depth shoaling. Arctic Mixed Layer Depths (MLDs) vary strongly seasonally, being deeper (∼25 to >50 m) in winter than summer (∼5–30 m). Eastern Arctic MLDs (regional mean ∼20 m in summer, ∼70 to 100+ m in winter) are deeper than western Arctic MLDs (∼8 m in summer, 30 m in winter). Patchiness, likely related to small-scale sea ice cover variability, is large – standard deviations ∼40% of the regional mean. By binning data into 6 regions (i.e., Chukchi Sea, Southern Beaufort Sea, Canada Basin, Makarov Basin, Eurasian Basin and Barents Sea), we quantify regional seasonal climatologies and interannual variability of ML depth, temperature and salinity. In most regions, ML changes are consistent with seasonal ice melt (∼1–3 m) with a ∼1.5 times greater sea ice change required in the western Arctic than in the eastern Arctic. In the Southern Beaufort Sea and the Canada Basin, however, other freshwater sources contribute to observed seasonality. MLDs are significantly correlated with wind only during ice-free times, and even then the relationship only explains 1–20% of the MLD variance. The same wind is 2–3 times more effective at deepening the ML in the eastern Arctic than in the (more stratified) western Arctic. Changes in underlying stratification (Δρ) explain ∼60% of the MLD variance, with MLDs proportional to Δρ−0.45. Weak eastern Arctic stratification permits a wind–MLD coupling comparable to an Ekman model, while the stronger western Arctic stratifications reduce the wind’s effectiveness by a factor of 6. Remarkably, record-length (up to 30-year) trends indicate almost ubiquitous ML shoaling, order 0.5–1 m/yr, both in winter and summer over all the high Arctic (Canada, Makarov and Eurasian basins) and in winter in the peripheral seas (Chukchi, Southern Beaufort and Barents seas), coincident with ML freshening and increased stratification, while wind speed trends are either not significant or decreasing. The freshwater change related to this shoaling is small – order 100 km3/yr. In contrast, the Southern Beaufort Sea shows ML deepening, coincident with decreasing stratification, possibly related to river water being driven away from the coast. Changes in T–S space suggest decreased convection in the Eurasian Basin in the 2000s. Although in these results it is the absence of sea ice that allows wind-driven ML deepening, the dominance of stratification over wind in determining MLD suggests that even small changes in the Arctic freshwater budget may control MLD variability, with implications for mixing nutrients and heat up into the surface layer and photic zone.
Further Studies with a Noninvasive Method of Intracranial Pressure Estimation

A linear relationship between elevated intracranial pressure in patients with hydrocephalus and with cerebral edema and a latency shift of the N2 wave of the flash-evoked cortical potential is demonstrated. Although the relationship is good at pressures of 200 to 300 mm H2O, it is excellent at pressures above 300 mm H2O. This relationship establishes a reliable noninvasive method of estimating intracranial pressure.
Wavefront control system for the Keck telescope

The laser guide star adaptive optics system currently being developed for the Keck 2 telescope consists of several major subsystems: the optical bench, wavefront control, user interface and supervisory control, and the laser system. The paper describes the design and implementation of the wavefront control subsystem that controls a 349 actuator deformable mirror for high order correction and tip-tilt mirrors for stabilizing the image and laser positions.
On the 16°K anomaly in europium metal

Abstract Mossbauer measurements in the temperature range between 4.2 and 196°K on a sample of europium metal reveal that the transition at 16.1°K, which was previously observed in specific heat data, is due to an impurity; most likely EuH 2 .
Organization of the rat γ-fibrinogen gene: Alternative mRNA splice patterns produce the γA and γB (γ′) chains of fibrinogen

Abstract In a variety of species, including rodents and man, the γ chain of fibrinogen consists of two nonallelic forms, called γA and γB, or γ and γ′. We have found that these two fibrinogen γ chains in the rat arise by translation of two mRNAs of 1700 and 2200 nucleotides, which are produced from a single gene by alternative splice patterns. The more abundant, γA chain mRNA is 1561 nucleotides long, excluding the polyadenylated region, and encodes a protein 83% homologous with the human γA chain. A hydrophobic "signal" polypeptide of 25 amino acids is present at the amino terminus. The γB (γ′) mRNA is identical with the γA sequence with the exception of a 513 bp insert located 202 bp from the poly(A) extension. This 513 bp insert is identical to the seventh and final intron of the γ-fibrinogen gene, and is located four codons prior to the termination codon for the γA chain. Translation into this sequence produces a unique 12 amino acid carboxylterminus in the rat γB (γ′) polypeptide that is homologous with the known carboxylterminus of the human γB (γ′) chain.
Noncompliance and late graft loss: Implications for long-term clinical studies

Long-term studies will be necessary to determine cost-effectiveness of new immunosuppressive agents. Yet most long-term studies do not consider the role of noncompliance. In some analyses, noncompliance has been shown to be associated with decreased graft survival. Others report an association between noncompliance and an increased rate of acute rejection episodes. Importantly, an acute rejection episode is a major risk factor for development of chronic rejection and long-term graft loss. Thus, noncompliance can have a major impact on the outcome of clinical trials. This should be factored into trial design.
SECRETION OF THE SWEET-TASTING PLANT PROTEIN THAUMATIN BY Bacillus subtilis.

With the α-amylase promoter and ribosome binding site,Bacillis subtilis was used to express the sweet plant protein thaumatin II cDNA fused in the correct reading frame to the α-amylase leader peptide. The r-thaumatin was purified from the medium on a S-Sepharose column and detected with western blots by sheep α-thaumatin antibodies. The r-thaumatin and authentic thaumatin were the same size when reduced by 2-ME and the same size when not reduced.
Enzymatic esterification of fatty acid mixtures from milk fat and anhydrous milk fat with canola oil in supercritical carbon dioxide

The ester ethyl oleate was synthesized from oleic acid and ethanol by using the lipase, Candida cylindracea, immobilized on Celite 545 and in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) as the solvent. The enzymatic esterification reaction is much faster in SC-CO2 than in organic solvents. This technique was then applied to the hydrolysis products of milk fat to determine the feasibility of using it as a process to enhance flavor. Gas chromatographic (GC) analysis of the ethyl esters showed that short-chain fatty acids (C4-C8) esterify more completely than long-chain fatty acids (C16-C18). The technique was then applied to interesterify a mixture of triglycerides from canola oil (CNO) and anhydrous milk fat (AMF). The starting mixture contained predominantly C52-C56 triglycerides from the CNO and C32-C38 triglycerides from the AMF. The product exhibited predominantly the C42-C50 and C54 triglycerides.
Size-dependent work function and single electron memory behavior of pentacene non-volatile memory with embedded sub-nanometer platinum nanoparticles

We present a low operation voltage pentacene-based non-volatile memory transistor by embedding sub-2 nm size-tunable platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) between the tunneling and blocking dielectric layers. Controllable work function was observed in the embedded Pt NPs through the size-dependent threshold voltage shift. Non-volatile memory transistors containing embedded Pt NPs exhibited significant memory windows in their transfer characteristics, which was attributed to charging and discharging behaviors of electrons and holes by the Pt NPs. Additionally, the memory transistor showed controllable Pt NP size- and density-dependent memory window behavior. While devices with small (0.5 nm) Pt NPs demonstrated strong Coulomb blockade and quantum confinement with electron addition energy as large as 1.993 eV, those made with larger (1.8 nm) Pt NPs allowed for storage of a single charge per NP memory.
Should we treat localized prostate cancer? an opinion

Summary Localized prostate cancer is a progressive disease if left untreated. However, cancer-specific mortality is low in patients with moderately and well-differentiated prostate cancer treated with observation and delayed hormonal therapy, being 13% at 10 years and 20% to 30% at 15 years. By and large, radiation therapy does not appear to improve survival in these patients. With modern surgical techniques, mortality from prostate cancer is lowered by 23% to 65% in patients with moderately or well-differentiated tumors. However, the impact on relative cancer-specific survival is modest, since the mortality rate in untreated patients is low. The survival of conservatively managed patients with poorly differentiated prostate cancer is dismal: here radiation therapy or surgery significantly improves outcome. The QOL of patients with localized prostate cancer is significantly affected by the occurrence of distant metastasis. Metastatic rates are high in patients who are followed with observation and delayed endocrine treatment (19% to 85%). We were unable to deduce the effects of radiation therapy on grade-specific metastatic rates at 10 and 15 years. The only surgical series that addresses the issue shows a 50% to 80% reduction in metastatic rates. This results in an improvement in metastasis-free survival of 19% to 300%. The reduction in metastatic rates with surgery holds true for patients with poorly, moderately, or well-differentiated tumors. However, a significant proportion of the surgical patients were treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy, and it is impossible to identify the benefit from surgery and the benefit from adjuvant therapy. Radical prostatectomy improves survival in men who are 65 years or younger with moderately or well-differentiated adenocarcinoma of the prostate, and in men 75 years or younger who have poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Its efficacy in reducing cancer-specific mortality in patients who have a survival expectancy of less than 15 years (older than 65 years) and moderately or well-differentiated adenocarcinoma of the prostate is less clear. Radical prostatectomy, with or without adjuvant hormonal therapy, decreases metastatic rates in men with a life expectancy of 10 years or more (age 75 years or younger) irrespective of tumor grade and, thus, should improve the QOL expectancy in these men. Nevertheless, between 20% and 60% of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy have biochemical recurrence, as defined by a detectable PSA, at 10 years of follow-up. This is worrisome and may portend clinical failure with longer follow-up. Further improvements in survival in patients with localized prostate cancer must necessarily come from a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Perhaps, cure is possible in some (many) men for whom it is necessary and is necessary in some (many) for whom it is possible.
3' UTR elements enhance expression of Pgs28, an ookinete protein of Plasmodium gallinaceum.

In Plasmodium parasites the fusion of gametes to form a fertilized zygote and morphogenesis into the motile ookinete are critical developmental stages in the parasite’s complex life cycle. In analogous developmental stages of metazoan organisms 3′ gene flanking regions are critical in the regulation of gene expression. To determine whether these mechanisms are conserved in the protozoan parasite we studied the 3′ gene flanking elements necessary for the expression of Pgs28, the major surface protein of mature zygotes and ookinetes of the chicken malaria Plasmodium gallinaceum. The DNA sequence of the pgs28 3′ gene flanking region contains 7 eukaryotic polyadenylation consensus signals (AATAAA/ATTAAA). An unusual 82% T-rich region is located 55 nucleotides upstream of the fifth polyadenylation signal (ATTAAA). The pgs28 mRNA terminates approximately 20 nucleotides from the polyadenylation signal in a poly (A) tail. To determine whether the T-rich region and polyadenylation signals were necessary for Pgs28 protein expression, sexual stage parasites were transfected with plasmids containing deletions of these elements utilizing firefly luciferase (LUC) and β-glucuronidase (GUS) as markers of transient gene transfection. The parasites were allowed to develop in vitro to the ookinete stage and assayed for enzymatic activity. Cells transfected with plasmids containing deletions of the T-rich region or fifth eukaryotic polyadenylation consensus signal expressed 89 and 92% less enzymatic activity respectively than those transfected with the full length pgs28 3′ gene flanking region. The U-rich element and fifth eukaryotic polyadenylation consensus sequence within the pgs28 3′ UTR are therefore necessary for Pgs28 protein expression.
Cellular and Biochemical Mechanisms of the Retroviral Restriction Factor SAMHD1

Replication of HIV-1 and other retroviruses is dependent on numerous host proteins in the cells. Some of the host proteins, however, function as restriction factors to block retroviral infection of target cells. The host protein SAMHD1 has been identified as the first mammalian deoxynucleoside triphosphate triphosphohydrolase (dNTPase), which blocks the infection of HIV-1 and other retroviruses in non-cycling immune cells. SAMHD1 protein is highly expressed in human myeloid-lineage cells and CD4+ T-lymphocytes, but its retroviral restriction function is only observed in noncycling cells. Recent studies have revealed biochemical mechanisms of SAMHD1-mediated retroviral restriction. In this review, the latest progress on SAMHD1 research is summarized and the mechanisms by which SAMHD1 mediates retroviral restriction are analyzed. Although the physiological function of SAMHD1 is largely unknown, this review provides perspectives about the role of endogenous SAMHD1 protein in maintaining normal cellular function, such as nucleic acid metabolism and the proliferation of cells.
An Analysis of Some of J. J. C. Smart's Objections to the ‘Proofs’

I submit as a good rule of thumb (but one which is sometimes wrong) that if a discussion of any major philosophical position or proposition ends with the conclusion that that position or proposition is ‘absurd’ or ‘meaningless’ then a mistake has been made in the discussion. The mistake often turns out to be the accuser's failure to appreciate precisely what the position being attacked really is.
Developing a Physical Model of an Electromechanically Actuated Valve to Model Valve Disease In Vitro

Onset of valve disease, mainly stenosis, is common in post left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Hydraulically, this condition manifests itself as a change in the opening profile of the heart valve; smaller effective hydraulic diameters. Studying the onset of this disease during mock circulatory loop analysis of an LVAD design enables the cardiovascular condition changes to be more appropriately modeled. This would provide insight to the impact on changes in operating demands for a device over the course of its use; power demand and performance impact. The challenge of producing a valve that can control its opening profile to mimic both healthy and stenosis states is difficult due to the low valve differential pressures experienced in vivo (<1 psi). A novel design of a mono-leaflet swing valve that is electromechanically actuated is being developed to simulate onset of stenosis in a human aortic valve. Finite element analysis (FEA) was employed to produce a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the design for the purpose of estimating the torque delivered to the actuator by the fluid flow against the leaflet. Modeling a wide range of flow rates through various valve angles of operation provided data on the full operating range for the device. Calculation of the torque on the driveshaft manipulating the leaflet angle was derived from pressure data for 38 points on the valve’s surface. Utilizing this data in a Simulink Simscape physical model of the electromechanical system enables accurate control architecture to be developed for the device through the use of design optimization. Discussion of the CFD model results and how to employ them in the Simscape model will be discussed. Performance of the physical model in a pulsatile flow study, analogous to the human circulatory system, will be presented illustrating the ability of the design to model onset of stenosis in an aortic valve.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Assessment of the absorption, metabolism and absolute bioavailability of maraviroc in healthy male subjects

AIMS Two studies were conducted to: (i) quantify the amount of drug-related radioactivity in blood, plasma, urine and faeces following a 14C-labelled dose of maraviroc; and (ii) investigate the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of intravenous (i.v.) maraviroc and determine the absolute bioavailability of oral maraviroc. Metabolite profiling was also conducted. Data from both of these studies were used to construct a mass-balance model for maraviroc. METHODS Study 1 was an open-label study in three healthy male subjects. All subjects received a single 300-mg oral solution dose of 14C-labelled maraviroc. Study 2 included two cohorts of subjects. Cohort 1 involved a double-blind (third party open), four-way crossover study where eight subjects received escalating i.v. doses of maraviroc (3, 10 and 30 mg) with placebo insertion. Cohort 2 involved an open, two-way crossover study where 12 subjects received 30 mg maraviroc by i.v. infusion and 100 mg maraviroc orally in random order. In study 1, blood samples and all urine and faeces were collected up to at least 120 h postdose. In study 2, blood samples were taken at intervals up to 48 h postdose. Urine was also collected up to 24 h postdose in cohort 1 only. RESULTS After oral administration in study 1, maraviroc was rapidly absorbed with a plasma Tmax reached by 2 h postdose for all three subjects. The maximum concentrations of radioactivity also occurred within 2 h for all subjects. There was a higher amount of radioactivity in plasma than in blood (blood/plasma ratio ∼0.6 for AUCt and Cmax). Unchanged maraviroc was the major circulating component in plasma, accounting for ∼42% of the circulating radioactivity. Following a 300-mg 14C-labelled maraviroc dose, means of 76.4% and 19.6% of radioactivity were recovered in the faeces and urine, respectively. The mean total recovery of dosed radioactivity was 96%, with the majority of radioactivity being recovered within 96 h postdose. Profiling of the urine and faeces showed similar and extensive metabolism in all subjects. Unchanged maraviroc was the major excreted component (33%). The major metabolic pathways were determined and involved oxidation and N-dealkylation. Intravenous doses of maraviroc (3–30 mg) were well tolerated in study 2, and drug exposure was approximately proportional to dose within the studied range. Approximately 23% of total clearance (44 l h−1) was accounted for by renal clearance (10.2 l h−1). Mean volume of distribution at steady state was 194 l. Absolute bioavailability of a 100-mg oral tablet dose, by comparison with a 30-mg i.v. dose, was calculated to be 23.1%. CONCLUSIONS Maraviroc is rapidly absorbed and extensively metabolized, although unchanged maraviroc is the major circulating component in plasma and is the major excreted component after oral dosing. The pharmacokinetics of maraviroc after i.v. administration is approximately proportional over the dose range studied. Renal clearance contributes 23% of total clearance. The absolute bioavailability of 100 mg oral maraviroc is 23%.
A heightfield on an isometric grid

We describe a data structure for improved quality of real-time rendering for large and dynamic heightfields on programmable graphics hardware. The new isometric heightfield has a more accurate surface and smoother shading, normals, and curvature.
Okun's Law and Productivity Innovations

A long tradition in macroeconomics dating back to Arthur Okun (1965) and Walter Oi (1962) regards cyclical productivity fluctuations as an artifact, a residual generated from the incomplete and lagged response of employment and labor hours to demand-driven fluctuations in real output. In Okun’s version a one percent decline in output relative to trend is divided up into a reduction of 1 ⁄3 point in productivity and 2 ⁄3 point in aggregate hours. The latter is further subdivided into a reduction of 1 ⁄3 point in the employment rate, with the remaining adjustment taking the form of lower hours per employee and in the labor force participation rate (hereafter LFPR). Yet this tradition of regarding cyclical productivity fluctuations as a byproduct of demand-driven output cycles has been almost forgotten over the past three decades as a result of widespread adoption of the real business cycle (RBC) model in which productivity shocks are treated as exogenous, as unexplained, as unrelated to aggregate demand, and as the sole driver of business cycles. Even in the more enlightened modern macro work on Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Models, aggregate demand and sticky prices have reappeared, but most recent papers still include an autonomous “technology shock” as one of several causes of short-term business cycle fluctuations. Revisiting and Rethinking the Business CyCle †
The Fetal Visual Evoked Potential

ABSTRACT. Five singleton fetal lambs were surgically instrumented at 110-121 days gestation (term gestation=145 days) for measurement of visual evoked potentials (VEP) in utero. Light flashes were generated by a small incandescent bulb secured under the right fetal eyelids and the visual responses were recorded through stainless steel electrodes implanted in the fetal scalp. Four of the five fetal lambs were surgically instrumented between 110-113 days. VEPs recorded in these four animals from 111-114 days exhibited N1, P1, and N2, but lacked the P2 component. All VEP components (N1, P1, N2, P2) were measureable by 115-118 days in these fetuses. One fetus was surgically instrumented at 121 days and VEPs containing all components were measurable until 125 days gestation when the equipment dislodged in utero. Serial VEP recordings from all five fetal lambs from 111-128 days indicated no change in latency to N, while significant latency changes occurred in P1, N2, and P2 suggesting maturational development of the visual system. Histological assessment of the eyes from three animals at delivery revealed only thickening and increased vascularity of the cornea in response to the light source resting on the fetal eye. In conclusion, these results suggest that the fetal visual evoked potential has application in the longitudinal study of normal visual development in utero and offers a technique for studying visual response changes to adverse perinatal events.
The significance of apical K + channels in mudpuppy feeding behavior

Behavioral experiments were conducted to determine the effects of known potassium channel blockers, minnow extract (a natural food substance), and other taste stimuli on feeding behavior in the mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus). Groups of 10-15 mudpuppies were presented with one or more of the following chemicals dissolved in gelatin cubes: H2O (control), NaCl (1.0 M; 0.2 M), crude minnow extract (0.1 g/ml), CaCl2 (1.0 M), citric acid (0.1 M; pH 2, 0.01 M; pH 3), quinine HCl (0.1 M), tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA; 0.1 M), KCl (1.0 M) and an amino acid mixture containing L-phenylalanine, L-arginine, L-histidine, L-valine, L-glutamic acid and L-lysine at concentrations of 0.02 M and 0.04 M each. Crude minnow extract was centrifuged and separated into components consisting of the following fractions: > 500 D, > 1000 D and > 14,000 D, each of which was presented to mudpuppies in cubes. Results were expressed as the percentage of animals rejecting the cube within 5 min of taking the cube into the oral cavity. Statistical analysis using the Fisher exact test indicated that cubes containing chemicals known to block (CaCl2, TEA, citric acid and quinine) or permeate (KCl) apical K+ channels in mudpuppy taste cells were more aversive than control cubes, and aversion was concentration-dependent. In contrast, cubes containing minnow extract and components of minnow extract < 14,000 D were significantly preferred over control cubes. Cubes containing a mixture of minnow extract and an aversive chemical were significantly less aversive than cubes containing only an aversive chemical. These findings suggest that activation of the apical K+ conductance in mudpuppy taste cells triggers an aversive response, but the aversion can be ameliorated by low molecular weight compounds present in minnow extract.
An improved model for fixed-bed coal combustion and gasification: sensitivity analysis and applications

Abstract Detailed sensitivity analysis and applications of an improved, comprehensive, one-dimensional model for combustion and gasification of coal in fixed beds, FBED-1, are presented. The effects of the devolatilization, oxidation and gasification submodels on the model predictions are discussed. The product gas compositions predicted by various options for gas-phase chemistry are shown. The effects of five model parameters and one operational variable on the predictions of the model are also presented. The sensitivity analysis presented is quantitative since the boundary conditions for both the feed coal and the feed gas streams are satisfied exactly. The utility of the model as a design and analysis tool is demonstrated by simulating two gasifiers: an METC medium-pressure gasifier, and a PyGas high-pressure staged gasifier. Submodels and areas that need further improvements are identified; among these are submodels for large-particle devolatilization, oxidation and gasification and a robust solution method suitable for stiff, highly non-linear problems. Additional features that should be implemented to develop a model for general industrial applications are also identified. These include provisions for additions and withdrawals of gases at multiple locations and options for different flow configurations.
Structure of a muramic acid containing capsular polysaccharide from the pathogenic strain of Vibrio vulnificus ATCC 27562

Vibrio vulnificus strains isolated from septicemia cases and from the environment show a wide variety of capsular types. In an attempt to find common structural features which can be correlated with pathogenicity and toxicity, we have determined structures of the capsular polysaccharides (CPS) from several pathogenic strains. We report the complete structure of the polysaccharide from the pathogenic V. vulnificus strain ATCC 27562 using a combination of homonuclear and heteronuclear one-dimensional and two dimensional NMR experiments. The 13C and 1H NMR spectra, including the exchangeable amide proton resonances, have been completely assigned. The amide linkage between Ser and C6 of GalA has been unambiguously determined by water-suppressed 2D NOESY. To verify the structure established by NMR, we have fragmented the polymer employing the Smith degradation procedure. The Smith product identified by NMR and matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry is consistent with the proposed structure for the CPS, which is composed of D-GlcNAc, MurNAc, D-GalA, L-Rha and is serine-linked as shown: [formula: see text]
Evidence for Restriction of Ancient Primate Gammaretroviruses by APOBEC3 but Not TRIM5α Proteins

Because of evolutionary pressures imposed through episodic colonization by retroviruses, many mammals express factors, such as TRIM5α and APOBEC3 proteins, that directly restrict retroviral replication. TRIM5 and APOBEC restriction factors are most often studied in the context of modern primate lentiviruses, but it is likely that ancient retroviruses imposed the selective pressure that is evident in primate TRIM5 and APOBEC3 genes. Moreover, these antiretroviral factors have been shown to act against a variety of retroviruses, including gammaretroviruses. Endogenous retroviruses can provide a ‘fossil record’ of extinct retroviruses and perhaps evidence of ancient TRIM5 and APOBEC3 antiviral activity. Here, we investigate whether TRIM5 and APOBEC3 proteins restricted the replication of two groups of gammaretroviruses that were endogenized in the past few million years. These endogenous retroviruses appear quite widespread in the genomes of old world primates but failed to colonize the human germline. Our analyses suggest that TRIM5α proteins did not pose a major barrier to the cross-species transmission of these two families of gammaretroviruses, and did not contribute to their extinction. However, we uncovered extensive evidence for inactivation of ancient gammaretroviruses through the action of APOBEC3 cytidine deaminases. Interestingly, the identities of the cytidine deaminases responsible for inactivation appear to have varied in both a virus and host species–dependent manner. Overall, sequence analyses and reconstitution of ancient retroviruses from remnants that have been preserved in the genomes of modern organisms offer the opportunity to probe and potentially explain the evolutionary history of host defenses against retroviruses.
Pemphigoid: clinical, histologic, immunopathologic, and therapeutic considerations.

Autoimmune blistering diseases are generally distinct entities characterized by relatively consistent clinical, histologic, and immunopathologic findings. These disorders may cause impaired adhesion of epidermis to epidermal basement membrane (eg, the pemphigoid group of disorders [bullous, gestational, and mucous membrane]) or impaired adhesion of epidermal cells to each other (eg, the pemphigus group of disorders). Recent studies have shown that these disorders are characterized by autoantibodies that often display pathogenic (ie, blister-forming) activity in passive transfer models. Interestingly, the autoantigens targeted by these patients' autoantibodies represent important structural proteins that promote cell matrix (eg, pemphigoid) or cell-to-cell (eg, pemphigus) adhesion in skin. Autoimmune blistering diseases are characterized by substantial morbidity (pruritus, pain, disfigurement), and in some instances, mortality (secondary to loss of epidermal barrier function). Treatment with systemic immunosuppressives has reduced morbidity and mortality in patients with these diseases.
Turn-On Fluorescence Sensing of Cyanide Ions in Aqueous Solution at Parts-per-Billion Concentrations

Cyanide is a highly toxic anion that has become a key component of many industrial processes. It is also produced naturally by a number of higher plants, which use it as a protection against predators. Release of this anion in the environment and an increase in the farming and consumption of cyanogenic plants such as cassava have served to spark a renewed interest in methods that can be used to sense the presence of this anion, especially in aqueous media. One of the current strategies adopted for the design of cyanide sensors is based on the use of electrophilic organic derivatives, which interact with the cyanide anion through formation of a new covalent bond. Although advantageous properties have been discovered, only a limited number of receptors function in water. f,m,7] Some of these receptors necessitate basic pH and high cyanide concentrations. Because of these limitations, strategies that rely on the use of Lewis acidic derivatives have been considered. Such derivatives include zinc–porphyrins, iron–hemes, corrins, and transition-metal complexes that interact with the cyanide anion through formation of a strong coordination bond. This approach, which is typically characterized by elevated binding constants, has been successfully applied to the detection of cyanide at the ppm level. Some of these receptors have also been shown to be compatible with biological matrices, making the detection of cyanide possible directly in plants. As demonstrated by a series of recent contributions, three-coordinate boranes possessing an accessible boron center can also be used as sensors for cyanide anions. Whereas neutral boranes can only be used in mostly organic environments, we and others have demonstrated that the incorporation of peripheral cationic groups in such compounds could be used to enhance their cyanide ion affinity. Although the cyanide affinity displayed by some of these boranes is very high, their practical use remains limited by the nature of the photophysical response observed during the recognition event. Indeed, cyanide coordination leads to population of the empty p orbital of boron, thus quenching the absorbance and fluorescence of the triarylboron chromophore. The turn-off rather than turn-on response observed in these complexes is not ideal from an analytical point of view and constitutes one of the major limitations affecting the practical use of cationic boranes as cyanide sensors. In order to overcome this limitation, we have now synthesized para-phenylene phosphonium borane/fluorophore conjugates, which behave as highly sensitive fluorescence turn-on sensors for the cyanide anion in aqueous solutions. Reaction of p-Ph2P-C6H4-BMes2 (Mes=mesityl) with 9bromomethyl anthracene in toluene, which was heated to reflux, afforded [1]Br in 82% yield (Scheme 1). A similar reaction involving p-Ph2P-C6H4-BMes2 and N-(3-bromo-
Association between granzyme B and perforin I polymorphisms and allograft outcomes in Hispanic kidney transplant recipients

Granzyme B (GZMB) and perforin 1 gene (PRF1) are key effector molecules of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, in causing acute and chronic solid organ transplant rejection. In this study, we analyzed the impact of GZMB and PRF1 polymorphism on kidney allograft outcomes. In all, 527 de novo kidney Hispanic allograft recipients were genotyped for PRF1 (rs10999426, rs35947132) and GZMB (rs8192917, rs7144366). PRF1 (rs10999426, rs35947132) G alleles and GG genotypes were negatively associated with allograft rejection, demonstrating protection against allograft rejection (OR = 0.61, p = 0.005 for rs1099946; OR = 0.4, p = 0.01 for rs 35947132). On the other hand, the GA heterozygosity of PRF1 was found marginally associated with the rejection group (OR = 1.53, p = 0.05 for rs10999426; OR = 2.24, p = 0.07 for rs35947132). There was a significant increase in allograft survival in time period studied for the PRF1 (rs10999426) GG genotype, while the GA heterozygosity was associated with graft failure. We found no association for polymorphic markers in GZMB gene with allograft rejection. Survival was significantly improved for patients who were homozygous TT for the GZMB (rs8192917) (TT vs. CC/TT, p = 0.041). The result suggests that PRF1 and GZMB gene polymorphisms may determine the incidence of acute rejection or graft survival among Hispanic allograft recipients.
Evaluation with optimal coherence tomography for vulnerable plaque detected by black-blood MRI for carotid artery stenting

Purpose: Optimal coherence tomography (OCT) is an intravascular imaging modality to assess plaque characteristics. The aim of this study is to evaluate surface and inside of vulnerable plaques in carotid stenotic lesions which are detected as high-intensity area in T1-weighted-image by MRI (Black blood method), using OCT compared with VH-IVUS before carotid artery stenting (CAS). Methods: We performed CAS in consecutive 15 patients (mean age of 76±5 years) with carotid artery stenotic lesions in which MRI (T1-weighted image by Black blood method) detected the plaque as high intensity area. It has been reported that plaques which is detected as high-intensity area in T1-weighted image of black blood-MRI are considered most vulnerable plaques. Vulnerable plaque detected by MRI were evaluated by OCT and VH-IVUS before performing CAS. Before stenting, we assessed plaque at the stenotic lesions by frequency-domain OCT (Ilumien OCT imaging system) and by VH-IVUS (Eagle Eye) which classified plaque into four color components: fibrous, fibro-fatty, calcium and necrotic core. During OCT-image acquisition carotid blood flow was replaced by dextran or contrast medium injection from the guiding catheter at 5-6 mL/sec with an injector pump. In analyzing OCT images, lipid rich plaque was defined as signal intensity-poor lesion covered by signal-rich bands that correspond to fibrous cap. Thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) was defined as <65μm of cap thickness. Results: In all cases, OCT and VH-IVUS image acquisition was successfully obtained. In VH-IVUS images, vulnerable plaque included 53.0±5.2% fibrous plaque, 35.6±11.3% fibrofatty plaque, 2.4±1.8% calcium and 9.0±7.8% necrotic core. In OCT images, lipid rich plaques are detected in all patients, but deep inside of the plaque was not observed because OCT has a penetration depth of only 2-3mm. Fibrous caps which covered the vulnerable plaque were detected by OCT in all cases, whereas TCFA were detected in 8 cases (53%) and ruptured fibrous cap were detected in 8 cases (53%). Conclusions: Approximately half area of the vulnerable plaques detected by black blood-MRI consists of fibrofatty tissue and necrotic core in VH-IVUS images. Even in carotid artery, OCT is effective in evaluating superficial lipid-rich plaques and fibrous caps, especially TCFA as well as in coronary artery. OCT is a useful modality to evaluate characteristics of surface and inside of vulnerable plaques of carotid artery detected as high-intensity area in T1-weighted-image by Black-blood MRI.
The Advantages of Combining an EBIS with the PIGMI Technology

The Electron Beam Ion Source (EBIS) produces highly charged heavy ions by electron impact ionization of ions electrostatically trapped within a dense energetic electron beam. Because of its pulsed operation and the highly charged ions produced, the EBIS is ideally suited as an injector for a high-gradient, low duty-cycle linac such as that being developed at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (LASL) in the program to design a Pion Generator for Medical Irradiation (PIGMI). This combination of new technologies would produce an efficient, small heavy ion linac useful in a variety of research and practical applications.
Space-charge effects on Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance signals: Experimental observations and three-dimensional trajectory simulations

Space-charge effects were studied by monitoring Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance spectra while scanning the laser wavelength near the origin of a two-photon resonant 3s ← n Rydberg transition of acetaldehyde. The rotational contour of the origin band permits the experimental control of space-charge density. Both the frequency shift and the inhomogeneous line broadening were observed as a function of space-charge density. Three-dimensional ion trajectories in the presence of Coulomb interactions between ions were simulated under the quadratic and exact trapping potentials. The simulated Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance spectra were obtained from the image-charge signals induced by a uniform field of chirp or impulse excitation. Comparisons of experiments with three-dimensional simulations reveal that the inhomogeneous line broadening observed in experiments is most likely due to both large-amplitude oscillations of ions and Coulomb interactions between different m/q ions.