cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calcium Currents in Chronically Dysfunctional Pig Myocardium

Chronic reduction in coronary artery blood flow due to stenosis results in reduced myocardial contractile function, termed “hibernating” myocardium. This change involves electrical remodeling and a propensity for sudden cardiac death in the absence of infarction. We used a pig model of chronic left anterior descending artery stenosis to study calcium currents associated with the hibernating myocardium. We developed a cell isolation technique from punch biopsies of the left ventricle. This yields calcium-tolerant isolated myocytes with brick shaped morphology and clear striation patterns. Myocyte length from hibernating myocardium averaged 145 ± 7.7 (n=15) vs. 124 ± 4.8 μm (n=42) for control, suggesting cellular hypertrophy. The cell shortening of hibernating cells was also reduced compared to the remote region from 6.4 ± 1% (n=21) to 4.45 ± 1% (n=11) suggesting that the reduced contractility seen in the hibernating region was preserved in the isolated myocytes. Furthermore, cells isolated from hibernating myocardium had significantly higher numbers of premature contractions 4/15 for hibernating vs. 0/19 for control suggesting a cellular propensity for arrhythmias. The L-type calcium channel current (ICa,L) in myocytes from hibernating myocardium (1.35 ± 0.08 pA/pF, n=22) was reduced compared to normal myocardium (1.96 ± 0.07 pA/pF, n=33; P<0.01). The voltage dependence of steady state activation and inactivation were nearly identical. Isoproterenol (100 nM) shifted the activation curves nearly identically for both groups, but the ability of isoproterenol to enhance the current was decreased from a 4.1 ± 0.48 fold increase to a 2.64 ± 0.37 (p < 0.05). Finally, the recovery rate for calcium current was reduced by hibernation, reflecting an approximate 20 mV shift. These changes in L-type calcium current and isoproterenol response may explain the reduced contractility of hibernating myocytes and the increased the likelihood of sudden cardiac arrhythmias.
Suture techniques in rhinoplasty by use of the endonasal (closed) approach.

The benefits of both the open and closed approaches were combined by use of an extended closed rhinoplasty. It is theorized that circulation would be improved, while providing greater visualization of the tip cartilages for suture techniques in those patients considered at risk for the open approach (e.g., patients who smoke, patients with multiple scars of the tip area, and patients with very thick skin who might be predicted to have a great deal of edema with subsequent fibrosis). The basic technique involves extension of the usual rim incision in the cartilage delivery technique of a closed rhinoplasty. A transfixion and intercartilaginous incision are required along with an extended rim incision, allowing more thoroughly delivered tip cartilages. Most of the usual suture techniques can then be performed: dome, intercural, and crura-septal sutures. With the tips completely delivered, tip grafts can be sutured in place under direction vision. The one suture that is not possible at this time is the spanning suture. Thirty-two cases of extended closed rhinoplasties have been performed in patients who were not candidates for the open approach. There were no healing complications. Five patients had undesirable results, and a revision for aesthetic problems was required. The extended closed rhinoplasty offers many of the advantages of both the open and closed approaches.
Satellite maps show Chesapeake Bay urban development

The extent, density, and configuration of the built environment—such as buildings, roads, parking lots, and other materials constructed for human use—have an impact on a wide range of biogeochemical and hydrological processes. These built areas, which are impervious to water infiltration, modify hydrology through the combined influence of increased peak flows, reduced base flows, flashier stream hydrographs (decreased lag times between storm events and peak discharge), and changes in bank and streambed erosion [Nilsson et al., 2003]. Additionally, increasing impervious cover has long been known to amplify point source pollution discharges into streams, including chemical runoff from parking lots and roads [Schuelen 1994]. Two maps of the built environment, expressed in terms of impervious surface area, have been derived for areas that encompass the 168,000-square-kilometer Chesapeake Bay watershed (Figure l), a region that has been highly altered by human land use [Goetz et al., 2004; Jantz et al., 2005]. One map was developed for the region at fine (30-square-meter) spatial resolution, and the other covers the extent of the conterminous United States at one-square-kilometer resolution [Elvidge et al., 2004].A finer-resolution regional map was used to assess the quality of the national map, demonstrating the utility the latter map for a range of applications related to monitoring land transformation and assessing watershed impacts.
Effects of lipotoxicity and diabetes on hepatocyte function

Background and Objectives: Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of liver disease and diabetes and there is currently a pandemic of diabetes that is associated with a very high incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and consequent deregulation of liver function. The overall objective of this project is to determine whether non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hyperglycemia affect calcium homeostasis via altering the expression of the plasma membrane calcium release-activated calcium channel protein, Orai1, the endoplasmic reticulum calcium sensor protein, STIM1, and store-operated Ca2+ entry, SOCE, in rat hepatocytes. Methods: Rat H4IIE liver cells exposed to amiodarone were used as a cell culture model of steatosis and Western Blot, RT-PCR and fura-2 techniques were used to assess protein, mRNA and changes in Ca2+ homeostasis, respectively. Rat H4IIE liver cells were grown either in normal glucose (5.5 mM) or high glucose (25 mM) for 24 hours, then each group was treated with either vehicle (methanol), amiodarone for 24 hours, or amiodarone for 24 hours followed by normal glucose for another 24 hours. Intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i was measured using fura-2am. Results: Expression of both STIM1 and Oai1 increases after treating with amiodarone for 24 hours in both normal and high glucose, but decreases after treating with amiodarone for 24 hours when followed by normal glucose treatment. In addition high glucose enhances SOCE whereas amiodarone treatment suppresses SOCE. Conclusion: Changes in the concentration of intracellular Ca2+ in hepatocytes play a central role in mediating the actions of insulin, glucagon, catecholamines and other hormones and growth factors on carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism in the liver. Both hyperglycemia and steatosis result in alterations in Ca2+ homeostasis suggesting that such changes may be contributing factors by which hyperglycemia, obesity and fatty liver result in insulin resistance in the liver. The results from this UREP project may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms whereby diabetes, obesity and fatty liver disease result in liver malfunction.
Applying the concepts of density functional theory to simple systems

Equations are derived for the chemical potential and local hardness of the ground states of helium and the related two electron ions. With these properties it is possible to correct the energies of the simple single-zeta wave functions to the nearly exact values. The calculations are simple for these simple systems. In principle, it is possible to extend this method to all atoms and molecules. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Site-controlled formation of InGaAs quantum nanostructures-Tailoring the dimensionality and the quantum confinement

We report on InGaAs quantum disks (QDks) controllably formed on the top (001) facet of nano-patterned GaAs pyramidal platforms. The QDks exhibit pyramidal shape with special facets and varied dimensions, depending on the GaAs pyramidal buffer and the amount of InGaAs deposited. The formation of QDks is explained by the overgrowth of an InGaAs layer and thereafter coalescence of small InGaAs islands. Photoluminescence (PL) characteristics of ensemble QDks and exciton features of individual QDks together demonstrate that we may achieve a transition from zero-dimensional (0D) to two-dimensional (2D) quantum structure with increasing QDk size. This transition provides the flexibility to continuously tailor the dimensionality and subsequently the quantum confinement of semiconductor nanostructures via site-controlled self-assembled epitaxy for device applications based on single quantum structures.
Best for Whom? Changing Design for Creative Customers

Our traditional design has been producer-centric. But to respond to the frequent and extensive changes and increasing diversification, we have to change our design to user-centric. But it is not a straightforward extension and just listening to the voice of the customer is not enough. Value is defined as value = performance/cost, but performance has been interpreted in the current design solely as functions of a final product and all other factors such as manufacturing are considered as cost. This framework has been effective until recently because there has been asymmetry of information between the producer and the customer. As the producer had a greater amount of information, they only had to produce a product which they think best and it really satisfied the customer who needed a product. The 20th century was the age of products. But as we approached the 21st century, we entered information society and sometimes the customer knows more than the producer. Thus, such a one way flow of development to fill the information (water level) gap doe not work any more, because the gap is quickly disappearing. The difference was evaluated as value in the traditional design and it meant profit for the producer. Therefore, a new approach to create value is called for. One solution is to raise the water level together by the producer and the customer so that the level increase serves for profit for the producer and for the true value for the customer. In order to achieve this goal, we have to identify what is the true value for the customer. We have to step outside of our traditional notion of value being functions of a final product. What is the true value for the customer? It is customers’ satisfaction. Then, how can we satisfy our customers. This paper points out if we note that our customers are very active and creative, we can provide satisfaction to them by getting them involved in the whole process of product development. Then our customers can enjoy not only product experience but also process experience, which will satisfy their needs for self actualization and challenge, i.e., their highest human needs.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
A linear differential output of threshold-based CMOS temperature sensor with enhanced signal range

This work focuses on a new compact 6-transistor CMOS temperature sensor with improved flexibility for achieving target temperature linearity with small die area and low power consumption. The temperature information is provided in a differential output voltage that is based upon the linear dependence of threshold voltage on temperature. Implemented in a 0.18µm process, simulation results indicate the temperature linearity is at the 0.03°C level over the temperature range of −20 °C ∼100 °C without any trimming. Over the standard process corners, the untrimmed structure has temperature nonlinearity at the 0.11oC level and Monte Carlo simulation shows the mean nonlinearity with both process and mismatch is also around 0.11°C. Current consumption of this design is around 40µA and active area is approximately 40 µm2
Anatomic and clinical aspects of the junction of the ileum with the large intestine.

The termination of the ileum at its junction with the large intestine looks like a papilla and, therefore, has been called the ileal papilla. The ileal papilla projects into the large intestine for a distance of 2 to 3 cm and can be misinterpreted as having a valvular configuration when it is distorted after death. An anatomic muscular mechanism, the ileal pylorus, can be demonstrated within the ileal papilla and terminal ileum. It consists of longitudinal and circular muscle fibers which open and close the starshaped ileal orifice, respectively. Although the clinical significance of the ileal pylorus remains to be fully elucidated, it appears advisable to preserve this muscular mechanism whenever possible.
Grating holographic interferometry

A holographic interferometric technique, combining an image hologram with a grating approach, is proposed for three-dimensional deformation measurements on opaque planar object surfaces. In this technique, the holographic plate is brought close to the object surface, onto which a high-frequency crossed-line diffraction grating has been replicated. The grating surface produces multiple object waves rather than the usual diffusely reflected object waves. The double-exposed single holograms can be reconstructed at multiple off-axis angles. Four independent high-contrast fringe patterns are extracted simultaneously. Displacement vectors over the entire measurement area are separated in three orthogonal directions. The resultant displacements are presented as three-dimensional meshed plots and topographic contour maps. The optical system for both recording and reconstruction of the holograms has been simplified compared to conventional holographic interferometry. Experimental errors associated with fringe readout and system geometry are reduced because of the sharp images and the well-defined spatial orientation in the reconstruction system.
It Takes One to Know One: A Class Exercise in Mental Models

An active learning class exercise is presented that gives students the personal experience of the decision-making limitations of mental models. This innovative exercise was shown to increase student learning through greater understanding of the concept and higher retention of knowledge. The results suggest that student critical thinking skills were enhanced by the awareness of their own vulnerabilities to mental models in decision making.
Morphology and response properties of single olivocochlear fibers in the guinea pig.

Abstract Cochlear efferent and afferent units were recorded from the spiral ganglion in anesthetized guinea pigs. Efferent units were identified by their regular discharge patterns and their long response latencies to tone bursts. In some cases these physiological criteria were confirmed by anatomical tracing of single axons labeled with horseradish peroxidase. Labeled efferent axons traveled in the vestibular nerve root and the intraganglionic spiral bundle and crossed the tunnel to innervate up to 61 outer hair cells over longitudinal distances of 0.15 to 2.1 mm. Efferent units were subdivided into classes by their excitatory responses to monaural tone bursts. Fifty-seven percent responded only to ipsilateral-ear sound, 28% only to contralateral-ear sound and 15% to sound in either ear. Tuning curves from efferent units were generally similar in shape to afferent units, often having equally low thresholds and equally high Q 10 s . Efferent Q 10 s were somewhat lower from preparations anesthetized with a Urethane/Innovar combination than from preparations anesthetized with a Nembutal/Innovar combination. Efferent units with spontaneous activity were uncommon at the start of the recording sessions but were more frequently encountered later in the experiments. Spontaneous activity could often be suppressed by tonal stimuli, even sometimes to the non-excitatory ear of Ipsi and Contra units.
Fifth-harmonic production in neon and argon with picosecond 248-nm radiation

The results of a study of fifth-harmonic production in neon and argon irradiated with 248-nm picosecond laser pulses are presented. Focused intensities range from 1013 to 1015 W/cm2. Data for fifth-harmonic intensity as a function of both target density and focused laser intensity are presented and compared with theory. For the laser intensities and medium densities studied, estimates for the linear and nonlinear components of Δk, the wave-vector mismatch between the fundamental and harmonic waves, indicate that the nonlinear component is much greater than the linear component.
Hypoxia impedes the formation of chromium DNA-adducts in a cell-free system.

The metabolic reduction of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] in the presence of DNA generates several lesions which impede DNA replication and gene transcription. However, the relative contribution of molecular oxygen to Cr-induced genetic damage is unclear. To elucidate the role of dioxygen in Cr genotoxicity, we studied the formation of Cr-induced lesions in DNA treated with either Cr(VI) and the physiological reductant, ascorbic acid (Asc), or Cr(III), under ambient and hypoxic (<1% oxygen) conditions. We found that hypoxia did not impede the reduction of Cr(VI) by Asc throughout a 2 h treatment. In contrast, Cr-DNA binding under these conditions was reduced up to 70% by hypoxia, and a 50–90% decrease in the frequency of Cr-induced Taq polymerase-arresting DNA adducts was also observed. In the presence of Cr(VI)/Asc, formation of Cr-DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) under hypoxia was 50% or less of that under ambient conditions. Kinetic studies found that hypoxia reduced the rate at which Cr interacted with DNA, but not the ultimate steady state level of Cr-DNA binding. The inhibitory effect of hypoxia on Cr(VI)/Asc genotoxicity could not be explained solely by alterations in the reactivity of intermediate Cr(V) species because Cr(III)-DNA binding and Cr(III)-induced ICL formation were also impaired by hypoxia. Moreover, Cr(V) was generated to similar levels in ambient and hypoxic reactions. Hypoxia did not affect ICL formation by the inorganic chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin, suggesting that these effects were specific for Cr(III). Taken together, these results support a role for dioxygen in facilitating the formation of Cr-DNA coordination complexes.
On element-values and realizability conditions of canonical digital networks

Explicit formulas for the element-values and realizability conditions of the recently obtained basic canonical forms are presented.
Surface characterization for prediction of food particle behavior at interfaces : theoretical considerations and limitations

Abstract Currently there is no universally accepted, reproducible method for characterization of solid surfaces in contact with liquid foods, i.e. quantitative evaluation of surface thermodynamic properties. Two methods used at present for evaluation of solid surface energetics are presented as inadequate. A modified sessile drop technique is described and its use is defended as having a sound basis in surface chemical theory. Quantitative analysis of preliminary results suggests the existence of a measurable surface property related to the previously unmeasurable polar component of contact surface energy. Direction is provided toward a means for rapid, unambiguous surface characterization which may aid the development and use of models describing food contact behavior at interfaces.
Oxidation-resistant fluorogenic probe for mercury based on alkyne oxymercuration.

Mercury continues to be a major safety hazard to the general public. Therefore, a fluorescence method that has potential for on-site use can be very useful. Most fluorescent probes for mercury are based on the interaction between mercury ions and sulfur atoms, which may not be compatible with mercury samples prepared by oxidation processes. Herein we report a fluorogenic probe for mercury based on the unique ability of Hg2+ to convert an alkyne to a ketone. By this methodology, the probe, prepared in two steps in 80% overall yield, is converted to a very bright green fluorescent molecule by Hg2+ in pH 7 buffer. This fluorescence method is sensitive, showing a signal-to-background ratio of 3 at 8 ppb mercury level, and highly specific for this metal ion. Since this detection method does not rely on mercury−heteroatom interactions, the probe is resistant to oxidants and thus can be used against mercury samples prepared by oxidative procedures. We demonstrate that our method can be applied to fish and dental...
Cu(II) organizes β‐2‐microglobulin oligomers but is released upon amyloid formation

β-2-Microglobulin (β2m) is deposited as amyloid fibrils in the bones and joints of patients undergoing long-term dialysis treatment as a result of kidney failure. Previous work has shown that biologically relevant amounts of Cu(II) can cause β2m to be converted to amyloid fibrils under physiological conditions in vitro. In this work, dynamic light scattering, mass spectrometry, and size-exclusion chromatography are used to characterize the role that Cu plays in the formation of oligomeric intermediates that precede fibril formation. Cu(II) is found to be necessary for the stability of the dimer and an initial form of the tetramer. The initially formed tetramer then undergoes a structural change to a state that no longer binds Cu(II) before progressing to a hexameric state. Based on these results, we propose that the lag phase associated with β2m fibril formation is partially accounted for by the structural transition of the tetramer that results in Cu(II) loss. Consistent with this observation is the determination that the mature β2m amyloid fibrils do not contain Cu. Thus, Cu(II) appears to play a catalytic role by enabling the organization of the necessary oligomeric intermediates that precede β2m amyloid formation.
Multiresolution Modeling of the Dynamic Loading of Metal Matrix Composites

The mechanical behavior of metal matrix composites (MMCs) varies significantly under rapid straining as compared to quasi-static loading and is often dominated by underlying microstructural features (grain structure, porosity, inclusions, and defects). Analysis of the behavior of MMCs under dynamic loading requires theoretical and experimental approaches that integrate the strain rate and microstructural effects. In this article, we introduce a multiresolution modeling capability for studying nonlinear planar wave propagation in heterogeneous materials with an application to MMCs. This framework is based on direct numerical simulation (DNS) and compared to an upscaled microcontinuum model. The DNS explicitly accounts for microstructural features characterizing the materials and is based on a combination of a crystal plasticity formulation for the behavior of the host matrix and the Johnson–Holmquist model for the particulate reinforcements. The nonuniformity of the wave propagating through MMCs is spatially resolved. The results from the mesoscale DNS are used to inform a microcontinuum model that introduces richer kinematics to account for microstructural features without explicitly modeling them and with far fewer total degrees of freedom. A quantitative comparison of the reduced degrees of freedom model against DNS is performed and enables us to draw conclusions on the predictive capability of the microcontinuum model to study the dynamic response of heterogeneous materials.
ALS LOX/H2 subscale coaxial injector testing

Tests of a 40K subscale LOX/H2 coaxial LOX swirl injector conducted without injector or chamber degradation are reported. Chamber pressures ranged from 1572 to 2355 psia with overall mixture ratios from 5.04 to 6.39. The highest characteristic velocities were measured when the mixture ratio across the injector face was uniform. Scarfing of the outer row LOX posts had the largest effect on chamber heating rates. As a result of the tests, the LSI design was modified to arrange the outer row LOX posts in a circular pattern, eliminate O/F biasing and fuel film cooling, and modify the interpropellant plate to allow for larger pressure differentials during the start and cutoff transients. Testing of a 100 K LOX/H2 coaxial LOX swirl injector involved chamber pressure ranging from 700 to 2500 psia with overall mixture ratios from 3.2 to 8.8. Stable combustion was observed to a fuel temperature of 90R and characteristic velocity efficiencies were good.
Laboratory test ordering at physician offices with and without on-site laboratories.

Background Physician self-referral, ordering a test or procedure or referring to a facility in which a physician has a financial interest, has been associated with increased utilization of health care services.
Effect of sampling site on Doppler-derived right ventricular systolic time intervals.

FmmEi.CakdathofQRSurbudng~IandaVFin pathtswllhnonndaxls(A),leflaxkdevlatl6n(B)and lightward axh (c) (see text). QRS deflection in aVF is negative. Similarly, in Figure 1 C, the angle of 1 I .2” is added to 90” (lead aVF, largest net QRS defection) since the net QRS deflection in lead I is negative. Rapid calculation of the electrocardiographic frontal axis is desirable. The method described is simple and provides an acceptable approximation of the axis determined using the trigonometric tangent. The calculated angle may underestimate the true angle by less than 4.1 O without overestimation. Alternative methods to determine the axis are reliable but may require the use of tables or reference diagrams.3-6 Thus, advantages of this formula include its simplicity, which allows for rapid calculation of frontal plane axis without use of the more cumbersome hexaxial reference diagram or tables. It may be particularly useful where there is no equiphasic lead, such that Grant’s method’ is not easily applicable. The mean frontal plane axis may vary by 35O in an individual patient when different lead combinations are used.’ When more accurate determination is desired, an average of several lead combinations may be useful.’
Review article: infectious diarrhoea.

SUMMARY In this review we will briefly consider the important aetiological agents implicated in acute diarrhoea, the settings where illness most often occurs, the diagnostic approach needed to address proper management, followed by a discussion of therapy.
Body water content over a range of ambient salinities in the sheepshead minnow

Body water content was determined on groups of Cyprinodon variegatus after sequential acclimation to ambient salinities in the range from fresh water to 100%. A multiple linear regression model applied to the data included body mass (M) of individuals and acclimation salinity (S) as independent variables, and body water content (W) as the dependent variable. The model that described the relationship was W(g) = 0·059 + 0·723 M (g)–0001 S (%). Converting values of body water content to percent of wet body mass produced a range of values from 74·5% in fresh water to 72·0% at 100%, only a 2·5% difference in body water content over this wide range of ambient salinities.
Delay analysis for cognitive radio networks supporting heterogeneous traffic

Cognitive radio networking is emerging as a promising paradigm for future wireless networks. In this paper, the delay performance of cognitive radio networks supporting heterogeneous traffic is analyzed. In order to guarantee primary users' (PUs) licensed membership, packets from PUs are distinguished from secondary users (SUs) by employing an absolute priority scheme. Meanwhile, various delay requirements over the packets from SUs are fully considered. The packets from SUs are classified into either delay-sensitive packets or delay-insensitive packets. Moreover, a novel relative priority strategy is designed between these two types of traffic by proposing a “transmission window” strategy. The delay performance of both a single-PU scenario and a multiple-PU scenario is thoroughly investigated employing queueing theory. In the multiple-PU scenario, a dynamic and adaptive channel selection scheme based on learning automata is developed with the objective of reducing the average delay for all SU packets. Numerical experiments are conducted and the results demonstrate the delay performance with respect to varied transmission window sizes. The results in the multiple-PU scenario verify that the proposed learning automata channel selection scheme significantly improves the delay performance of SU packets.
Evaluating ecosystem responses to rising atmospheric CO2 and global warming in a multi‐factor world

Summary Analyses of ecosystem responses to global change must embrace the reality of multiple, interacting environmental factors. Ecosystem models demonstrate the importance of examining the combined effects of the gradually rising concentration of atmospheric CO2 and the climatic change that attends it. Models to forecast future changes need data support to be useful, and data–model fusion has become essential in global change research. There is a wealth of information on plant responses to CO2 and temperature, but there have been few ecosystem-scale experiments investigating the combined or interactive effects of CO2 enrichment and warming. Factorial experiments to investigate interactions can be difficult to design, conduct, and interpret, and their results may not support predictions at the ecosystem scale – in the context of global change they will always be case studies. An alternative approach is to gain a thorough understanding of the modes of action of single factors, and rely on our understanding (as represented in models) to inform us of the probable interactions. Multifactor (CO2 × temperature) experiments remain important, however, for testing concepts, demonstrating the reality of multiple-factor influences, and reminding us that surprises can be expected.
Pliocene equatorial temperature: Lessons from atmospheric superrotation

[1] There is proxy evidence that the pronounced east-west temperature difference observed today across the equatorial Pacific Ocean may not have existed in the early Pliocene (4–5 Ma BP) and that the east Pacific cold tongue developed gradually toward the end of the Pliocene (2 Ma BP). The east Pacific temperature influences weather and climate worldwide, and the Pliocene climate may be an instructive analogue to a future warm climate arising from anthropogenic elevation of CO2, making understanding the Pliocene equatorial SST gradient especially relevant. A mechanism for maintaining a weaker Pliocene equatorial temperature gradient is proposed that borrows from theories of atmospheric superrotation. The mechanism is based on enhanced or rearranged tropical convective activity during the warmer Pliocene climate exciting atmospheric Rossby waves that propagated poleward from the equator. These waves produced an equatorward flux of westerly momentum that weakened the surface easterlies and therefore the east-west thermocline slope and SST gradient.
Can relatively perfect translation between English and Chinese be achieved

It may be hypothesized that translation is always possible among diverse languages (Lakoff, 1987) or that it is never possible (Givon, 1989). In order to provide empirical evidence, 250 speakers of English and Chinese were tested in randomly selected blocks of 25 subjects each on one version of an original and another of a translated text in their respective native languages. A fixed- ratio cloze procedure was used deleting every fifth word from two distinct versions over each text so that every word of both texts was clozed exactly once in one of the five versions. English speaking subjects (n = 125) completed two cloze tests in English: one over the text originally written in English and another over the text translated from Chinese. Chinese-speaking subjects (n = 125) also completed two tests: one over the text originally written in Chinese, and the other over the translation from English. MANOVA comparisons between originals and translations irrespective of group showed no significant contrast. There ...
A Novel Approach for Untargeted Post-translational Modification Identification Using Integer Linear Optimization and Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A novel algorithm, PILOT_PTM, has been developed for the untargeted identification of post-translational modifications (PTMs) on a template sequence. The algorithm consists of an analysis of an MS/MS spectrum via an integer linear optimization model to output a rank-ordered list of PTMs that best match the experimental data. Each MS/MS spectrum is analyzed by a preprocessing algorithm to reduce spectral noise and label potential complimentary, offset, isotope, and multiply charged peaks. Postprocessing of the rank-ordered list from the integer linear optimization model will resolve fragment mass errors and will reorder the list of PTMs based on the cross-correlation between the experimental and theoretical MS/MS spectrum. PILOT_PTM is instrument-independent, capable of handling multiple fragmentation technologies, and can address the universe of PTMs for every amino acid on the template sequence. The various features of PILOT_PTM are presented, and it is tested on several modified and unmodified data sets including chemically synthesized phosphopeptides, histone H3-(1–50) polypeptides, histone H3-(1–50) tryptic fragments, and peptides generated from proteins extracted from chromatin-enriched fractions. The data sets consist of spectra derived from fragmentation via collision-induced dissociation, electron transfer dissociation, and electron capture dissociation. The capability of PILOT_PTM is then benchmarked using five state-of-the-art methods, InsPecT, Virtual Expert Mass Spectrometrist (VEMS), Modi, Mascot, and X!Tandem. PILOT_PTM demonstrates superior accuracy on both the small and large scale proteome experiments. A protocol is finally developed for the analysis of a complete LC-MS/MS scan using template sequences generated from SEQUEST and is demonstrated on over 270,000 MS/MS spectra collected from a total chromatin digest.
Turbulent Erosion of Persistent Cold-Air Pools: Numerical Simulations*

AbstractHigh-resolution idealized numerical simulations are used to examine the turbulent removal of cold-air pools commonly observed in mountain valleys and basins. A control simulation with winds aloft increasing from 0.5 to 20 m s−1 over 20 h combined with typical cold-air pool stratification illustrates the interplay over time of lowering of the top of the cold-air pool, spillover downstream of the valley from the upper reaches of the cold-air pool, wavelike undulations affecting the cold-air pool’s depth and stratification across the valley, and smaller temporal- and spatial-scale Kelvin–Helmholtz waves within the uppermost layers of the cold-air pool. The heat budget within the cold-air pool demonstrates the nearly compensating effects of vertical and horizontal advection combined with turbulent heating of the upper portion of the cold-air pool and cooling in the layers immediately above the cold-air pool. Sensitivities of turbulent mixing in cold-air pools to stratification and upstream terrain are...
Nuclear Factor E2-related Factor-2 (Nrf2) Is Required for NLRP3 and AIM2 Inflammasome Activation

Despite the number of extensive studies on the immune function and signaling of inflammasomes in various diseases, the activating mechanism of inflammasome, especially the NLRP3 inflammasome, is not fully understood. Nuclear factor E2-related Factor-2 (Nrf2), a key transcription factor that regulates cellular redox homeostasis, has been reported to play both protective and pathogenic roles depending on the disease conditions through undefined mechanism. This study reveals an essential role of Nrf2 in inflammasome activation. LPS stimulation increased Nrf2 protein levels in a Myd88-dependent manner. When compared with wild-type controls, Nrf2-deficient (Nrf2−/−) macrophages showed decreased maturation and secretion of caspase-1 and IL-1β and reduced apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC) speck formation in response to various NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome stimuli. In contrast, NLRC4 inflammasome activation was not controlled by Nrf2. Biochemical analysis revealed that Nrf2 appeared in the ASC-enriched cytosolic compartment after NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species-induced NLRP3 activation also required Nrf2. Nrf2−/− mice showed a dramatic decrease in immune cell recruitment and IL-1β generation in alum-induced peritonitis, which is a typical IL-1 signaling-dependent inflammation animal model. This work discovered a critical proinflammatory effect of Nrf2 by mediating inflammasome activation.
Magnetic Meters: Effects of Electrical Resistance in Tissues on Flow Measurements, and an Improved Calibration for Square-Wave Circuits

Apparent sensitivity of magnetic meters applied to intact vessels can be altered by changes in conductivity of vessel walls or of the contained fluid, and by variable contact of the vessel with surrounding tissue or fluid. An experimental study of these problems was begun by designing a built-in magnetometer for complete electrical calibration of the square-wave meter. It was then found that flow of mercury, saline or blood of various hematocrits through nonconductive tubes gave signals equal to those calculated on the basis of Faraday9s principle, providing that the magnetic field was practically uniform across the electrodes. Adequate uniformity was obtained with parallel pole faces at least 1.3 times as wide as the gap. Variable loss of signal (up to 50%), owing to contact of conductive vessels with surrounding tissue or fluid, could be practically eliminated by an electrical shield extending 2.6 times the diameter along the vessel at the electrodes. Specific conductances of canine aortas were from 0.52 to 0.73 times the conductances of blood from the same animals. Alterations in this ratio, readily produced by changes in composition of vessel or fluid, can result in significant changes of flow signal. Indirect flow calibrations require matching of the conductance ratio to that occurring at the time of measurement.
Passive set-position modulation approach for haptics with slow, variable, and asynchronous update

We consider the following problem in haptics: information update from the virtual world is slow w.r.t. the local servo-loop rate of the haptic device, and the information transmission/update between the haptic device and the virtual world is of variable rate and/or asynchronous. For this, we propose a novel control framework, that, by relying on our recently proposed passive set-position modulation (PSPM) and discrete-time passive non-iterative integrators, enables us to enforce two-port hybrid (i.e. continuous-discrete) passivity for such slow and variable/asynchronous haptics as well as to separate the virtual world simulation design from the device's servo-loop tuning. Relevant experimental results are also presented.
Expert system detection of drug interactions: Results in consecutive inpatients

Although drug interactions (DI) are a common cause of morbidity, their large number precludes remembering them. To address this problem, we constructed a microcomputer-based expert system and assessed its efficacy in 90 consecutive inpatients. It was found that, without the expert system, a knowledge of the patient's medication list did not affect the frequency of occurrence of DI. Also, without the expert system, no DI were predicted, clinically, whereas the expert system predicted 27 DI of which, in retrospect, 10 actually occurred. Unsuspected DI were most likely if: a drug was not within the specialty of the clinician, DI host factors were present, or the DI involved a commonly prescribed drug pair. Although none of the drug interactions were life-threatening, in two cases, the DI was the cause for admission. Since the offending medications could usually be adjusted in dose, drug interactions were easily corrected once clinicians were made aware of them.
Injury to Apical Meristem of Cranberry by Dasineura oxycoccana (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Reduces Production of Floral-Units in the Next Growing Season

ABSTRACT Cranberry tipworm, Dasineura oxycoccana Johnson (a gall-making fly), disrupts normal growth of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) by injuring the apical meristem of shoots or uprights. The impact of larval feeding injury on reproductive parameters of cranberry was determined, from one growing season to next, at upright (Maine and Massachusetts, 2008–2009) and plot levels (Massachusetts, 2009–2010 and 2010–2011). We also estimated the proportions of uprights injured because of tipworm feeding at several cranberry production sites (Massachusetts and Maine) and the proportions of uprights that produced flowers and fruits in the next growing season. Tipworm-injured uprights tagged at the end of the growing season did not produce floral-units (following year) across sites in both Massachusetts and Maine. There was significant variation among the sampled sites in the proportions of tipworm-injured uprights and also in the proportions of uprights with flowers in the next growing season (Massachuset...
Middle School Teachers’ Perceptions of the Benefits and Barriers of Common Planning

This quantitative study investigated what one group of middle school teachers (N = 50) perceived to be the benefits and barriers of Common Planning Time (CPT). The teachers surveyed were from one suburban public middle school in a Mid-Atlantic state. Results reported in the present study derived from 26 items included in the Benefits and Barriers of Common Planning Time section of The National Middle Grades Research Project Common Planning Time Teacher Survey. These items focused on how teachers perceived CPT at their school, what they found that did and did not work during CPT, and their professional development needs with regard to CPT. Results indicated the three primary benefits of CPT for teachers were: (1) open lines of communication with their team leaders; (2) their ability to work with others; and (3) their high expectations for student achievement. The most commonly reported barrier to CPT was that teachers believed they did not have enough time to achieve their goals. This study reports on these findings and discusses implications of implementation of CPT for researchers and practitioners.
TRANSPIRATION RESISTANCE IN VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS

A B S T R A C T Measurements of transpiration resistance of Vaccinium myrtillus at various wind speeds indicate that this quantity is relatively insensitive to variations in wind speed in the range normally experienced under field conditions. The resistance is relatively low when compared with values reported in the literature for other plants. Placed in an identical environment, V. myrtillus plants from sunny sites were found to have measurably lower resistance and lower leaf temperatures than those from shady sites. Transpiration resistance appears to be inversely related to stomatal density. THIS INVESTIGATION of the transpiration resistance of the mountain blueberry Vaccinium myrtillus L. was made in connection with an ecological study of this plant in the Front Range of Colorado (Janke, 1968). One phase of the investigation was to determine how constant the transpiration resistance remains under the changing wind conditions which the plant normally experiences in the field. Another was to compare the transpiration resistance of plants found in the forest (shade plants) with those in the open (sun plants) under equivalent environmental conditions. Vaccinium myrtillus is a low shrub varying in height from 3-35 cm and spreading by horizontal rhizomes to form extensive clones. The leaves are small and elliptical, with an average length of 1.5 cm. In the Front Range of Colorado this species of blueberry comprises more than 95 % of the vascular plant ground cover in the sub
A first principles atmospheric propagation & characterization tool: the laser environmental effects definition and reference (LEEDR)

The Air Force Institute of Technology Center for Directed Energy (AFIT/CDE) has developed a first principles atmospheric propagation and characterization model called the Laser Environmental Effects Definition and Reference or LEEDR. This package enables the creation of profiles of temperature, pressure, wa ter vapor content, optical turbulence, and atmospheric particulates and hydrometeors as they relate to line-by-line layer extinction coefficient magnitude at wavelengths from the UV to the RF. Worldwide seasonal, di urnal, and geographical variability in these parameters is accessed from probability density function (P DF) databases using a variety of recently available resources to include the Extreme and Percentile Environmental Reference Tables (ExPERT), the Master Database for Optical Turbulence Research in Support of the Airborne Laser, and the Global Aerosol Data Set (GADS). GADS provides aerosol constituent number densities on a 5o x 5o grid worldwide. ExPERT mapping software allows the LEEDR operator to choose from specific site or regional upper air data to characterize correlated molecular absorption, aerosol absorption and scattering by percentile. The integration of the Surf ace Marine Gridded Climatology database, the Advanced Navy Aerosol Model (ANAM), and the Navy Surface Layer Optical Turbulence (NSLOT) model provides worldwide coverage over all ocean regions on a 1° x 1° grid. Molecular scattering is computed based on Rayleigh theory. Molecular absorption effects are computed for the top 13 absorbing species using line strength information from the HITRAN 2004 database in conjunction with a community standard molecular absorption continuum code. Aerosol scattering and absorption are computed with the Wiscombe Mie model. Each atmospheric particulate/hydrometeor is evaluated based on its wavelength-dependent forward and off-axis scattering characteristics and absorption effects on laser energy delivered at any wavelength from 0.355 µm to 8.6 m. LEEDR can also produce correlated optical turbulence profiles in percentile format. In addition, probability of cloud free line of sight (CFLOS) for hundreds of land sites worldwide is available in LEEDR. Effect s of layers of fog, several types of rain and several types of water droplet and ice clouds can also be considered. In addition to describing some of the underlying theory to the LEEDR calculations, this paper presents graphical results for several different scenarios. These generic scenarios are meant to exemplify how LEEDR enables the physically realistic data capture of atmospheric effects on electromagnetic propagation. Keywords : atmospheric effects, aerosol extinc tion, optical turbulence, correlated climatology, cloud free line of sight
If Intuitions Must Be Evidential then Philosophy is in Big Trouble

Many philosophers claim that intuitions are evidential. Yet it is hard to see how introspecting one's mental states could provide evidence for such synthetic truths as those concerning, for example, the abstract and the counterfactual. Such considerations have sometimes been taken to lead to mentalism---the view that philosophy must concern itself only with matters of concept application or other mind-dependent topics suited to a contemplative approach---but this provides us with a poor account of what it is that philosophers take themselves to be doing, for many of them are concerned with the extra-mental facts about the universe. Evidentialism therefore gestates a disaster for philosophy, for it ultimately demands an epistemology for the investigation into such matter as the abstract and the modal that simply will not be forthcoming. We make a different suggestion: That intuitions are inclinations to believe. Hence, according to us, a philosophical argument does well, as a socio-rhetorical matter of fact, when it is founded on premises philosophers are generally inclined to believe, whether or not those inclinations to believe connect appropriately to the extra-mental facts. Accordingly, the role of intuitions (inclinations to believe) in philosophical methodology is non-evidential, and the question of how they could be used as evidence falls away.