cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasma-Arc Studies for Alloy Analysis

An evaluation of the plasma-arc spectrochemical technique for alloy analysis was made. Matrix effects were studied and found to be present at all concentrations investigated, but were not significant enough to preclude the use of one set of standards for any one particular base metal. The application of the technique for the analysis of aluminum, iron, nickel, and possibly cobalt base alloys has been demonstrated using identical operating conditions and with only three sets of standards. Tungsten was determined with a graphite cap covering the plasma's tungsten transfer electrode to prevent spectral lines from this source. The maintenance required by the nebulizer is the main disadvantage of the technique.
Dihydropyridine-sensitive skeletal muscle Ca channels in polarized planar bilayers. 1. Kinetics and voltage dependence of gating

Rabbit skeletal muscle transverse tubule (T) membranes were fused with planar bilayers. Ca channel activity was studied with a "cellular" approach, using solutions that were closer to physiological than in previous studies, including asymmetric extracellular divalent ions as current carriers. The bilayer was kept polarized at -80 mV and depolarizing pulses were applied under voltage clamp. Upon depolarization the channels opened in a steeply voltage-dependent manner, and closed rapidly at the end of the pulses. The activity was characterized at the single-channel level and on macroscopic ensemble averages of test-minus-control records, using as controls the null sweeps. The open channel events had one predominant current corresponding to a conductance of 9 pS (100 mM Ba2+). The open time histogram was fitted with two exponentials, with time constants of 5.8 and 30 ms (23 degrees C). Both types of events were virtually absent at -80 mV. The average open probability (fractional open time) increased sigmoidally from 0 to a saturation level of 0.08, following a Boltzmann function centered at -25 mV and with a steepness factor of 7 mV. Ensemble averages of test-minus-control currents showed a sigmoidal activation followed by inactivation during the pulse and deactivation (closing) after the pulse. The ON time course was well fitted with "m3h" kinetics, with tau m = 120 ms and tau h = 1.2 s. Deactivation was exponential with tau = 8 ms. This study demonstrates a technique for obtaining Ca channel events in lipid bilayers that are strictly voltage dependent and exhibit most of the features of the macroscopic ICa. The technique provides a useful approach for further characterization of channel properties, as exemplified in the accompanying paper, that describes the consequences on channel properties of phosphorylation by cAMP dependent protein kinase.
Differences in Redox Status in Maturation Alter Hyperoxic Regulation of Lung Heme Oxygenase-1 • 322

Differences in Redox Status in Maturation Alter Hyperoxic Regulation of Lung Heme Oxygenase-1 • 322
Evolutionarily conserved intracellular gate of voltage-dependent sodium channels

Members of the voltage-gated ion channel superfamily (VGIC) regulate ion flux and generate electrical signals in excitable cells by opening and closing pore gates. The location of the gate in voltage-gated sodium channels, a founding member of this superfamily, remains unresolved. Here we explore the chemical modification rates of introduced cysteines along the S6 helix of domain IV in an inactivation-removed background. We find that state-dependent accessibility is demarcated by an S6 hydrophobic residue; substituted cysteines above this site are not modified by charged thiol reagents when the channel is closed. These accessibilities are consistent with those inferred from open- and closed-state structures of prokaryotic sodium channels. Our findings suggest that an intracellular gate composed of a ring of hydrophobic residues is not only responsible for regulating access to the pore of sodium channels, but is also a conserved feature within canonical members of the VGIC superfamily.
Expression pattern of the bullous pemphigoid-180 antigen in normal and neoplastic epithelia

BP180 is a 180kDa hemidesmosomal protein recognized by bullous pemphigoid (BP) and pemphigoid gestationis (PG) autoantibodies. Recent cloning and sequence analysis performed by our laboratory have revealed that BP180 is a transmembrane protein with a long extracellular collagen-like region. A rabbit polyclonal antibody has been generated against a recombinant protein, designated GST-N delta 1, containing a segment of the BP180 ectodomain. The resulting antiserum, RN delta 1A, was shown to specifically react with BP180 on immunoblot, and labelled the extracellular region of the epidermal hemidesmosome on immunoelectron microscopy. A panel of normal and neoplastic human tissues were analysed by indirect immunofluorescence (IF) and RN delta 1A, to determine the distribution of BP180. A total of nine basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and four squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the skin were also studied. Intense IF staining was seen along the basement membrane zone (BMZ) of the epidermis, hair follicles, and the periphery of sebaceous gland lobules. The sebaceous lobules showed more intense staining in areas close to the duct. The epithelial BMZ of the following tissues also reacted with RN delta 1A: cornea, ocular conjunctiva, buccal mucosa, upper oesophagus, placenta (amnion placentum), umbilical cord and transitional epithelium of the bladder. The epithelium of the jejunum and ovary failed to react with RN delta 1A. Staining of the BCCs and SCCs was variable. Five of six nodular BCCs showed some anti-BP180 staining at the tumour-stromal interface, although the level of staining was less intense than that observed in the overlying normal epidermis. All three morphoeic BCCs analysed in this investigation did not show any staining with RN delta 1A. Three of four SCCs showed weak staining at the tumour-stromal interface. Thus, the tissue distribution of BP180 paralleled that of hemidesmosomes, and expression of this protein was found to be decreased or absent in cutaneous neoplasms.
Informal mentoring and young adult employment.

Abstract This study explores the role of informal mentoring (i.e., developing an important relationship with a non-parental adult) in the transition to full time employment among young adults (age 23–28). Multivariate analysis of the Add Health data reveals that mentoring is positively related to the likelihood of full time employment, and the relationship involves both selection and causation processes. Entrance into the world of work facilitates the development of mentoring relationships, especially among youth who identify work-related mentors after adolescence. These relationships have the potential for promoting attachment to the labor force. Mentoring relationships that develop outside of work settings and during adolescence have a positive impact on the odds of full time employment. The receipt of guidance and advice from mentors, as well as access to weak-tied mentoring relationships, teacher mentors, and friend mentors all contribute to the increased odds of employment in young adulthood. However, adolescent mentoring may be less effective among young women than it is among young men.
Simple and Convenient Synthetic Procedure Leading to Ruthenium Olefin Metathesis Catalysts Bearing the N,N‘-Bis(mesityl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IMes) Ligand

The highly active olefin metathesis catalyst precursors RuCl2(CHR‘)(IMes)(PR3)2 (R‘ = Ph, R = Cy (4), R‘ = CHCMe2, R = Cpy (5)) can be conveniently synthesized from their phosphine analogues RuCl2(CHR‘)(PR3)2 (R‘ = Ph, R = Cy (cyclohexyl) (2), R‘ = CHCMe2, R = Cpy (cyclopentyl) (3)), imidazolium salts, and a base by a facile procedure. The ligand exchange reaction is performed in a “one-pot” procedure, and an easy workup leads to good yields of 4 and 5.
Liquid chromatographic mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) determination of plasma hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin concentrations after hydroxocobalamin antidote treatment for cyanide poisoning.

Abstract Cyanide poisoning occurs in individuals after fire smoke inhalation and after oral ingestion of cyanide. Hydroxocobalamin (HOCbl), a hydroxylated form of vitamin B 12 , is often used as an antidote to treat cyanide toxicity. It has a high affinity for cyanide and rapidly removes cyanide from tissue by forming cyanocobalamin (CNCbl). Little information is available on the pharmacokinetics of HOCbl and CNCbl largely because of the lack of analytical methods for analyzing HOCbl and CNCbl. In this study, we developed a new liquid chromatographic mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) method for the quantitative analysis of plasma HOCbl and CNCbl in the porcine (Sus scrofa) model. The method uses on-column extraction, reversed phase gradient chromatography, and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for quantitation. MRM transitions monitored were 664.7 → 147.3 and 664.7 → 359.2 for HOCbl and 678.8 → 147.3, 678.8 → 359.1 678.8 → 457.1 for CNCbl. The limit of detection (LOD) and the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) were 1.0 and 1.0 μmole/L, respectively, for plasma HOCbl and 0.1 and 0.5 μmole/L for plasma CNCbl. The within-day and between-day CVs were 4.3 and 6.4% for plasma HOCbl at 500.0 μmole/L and 5.5 and 5.7% for CNCbl at 100.0 μmole/L ( n = 6). The plasma HOCbl and CNCbl calibrations curves were linear from 100.0 to 2000.0 and 50.0 to 500.0 μmole/L, respectively. Based on 6 separate calibration curves the average linear regression coefficient ( R 2 ) for both HOCbl and CNCbl was 0.992. The LC/M/MS method was found to be accurate and precise and has been validated by determining the plasma HOCbl and CNCbl concentrations in 11 pigs that were treated with HOCbl for cyanide poisoning.
Immunosorbent analysis of ricin contamination in milk using colorimetric, chemiluminescent and electrochemiluminescent detection

Analytical methodology to detect active ricin in food matrices is important because of the potential use of foodborne ricin as a terrorist weapon. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bind ricin were used as both capture and detection ligands in sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and electrochemiluminescent (ECL) immunosorbent assays. ELISA employed two types of substrate for colorimetric or chemiluminescent detection. Although both fat content and protein content of samples influenced the recovery of ricin, the lower limit of detection (LOD) in ELISA and ECL systems permitted detection of 0.1 ng/mL for milk samples containing 0–4% fat. The assay systems detect pure ricin- or crude ricin-containing castor extract, but do not significantly respond to isolated ricin chains, heat-denatured ricin or the related agglutinin, Ricinus communis agglutinin 1 (RCA-1). Using the standard 96-well-plate formats, the assays detect less than 0.01% of an adult human lethal dose in a typical serving of milk.
The geo-internet and how we may use it

It is becoming increasingly apparent that geographically indexed information has value. Associating information of all kinds with geographic location allows for the correlation and synthesis of information that would otherwise be incommensurate. The value shows up in scientific circles, social networking applications, commercial settings, command and control systems and a wide range of other uses. The incorporation of a large number of devices on the Internet contributes to this trend. These values will also be realized in space exploration applications and this talk will finish with a brief summary of the state of the art of space networking.
Attribution of success as a function of locus of control and objective self-awareness

Several studies have failed to validate Rotter’s IE control of reinforcement construct through the attribution of ambiguously caused successes by Internals and Externals. The present study was another attempt to validate the construct using a new locus of control measure. Additionally, two predictions derived from self-awareness theory were tested. Attributions were made as estimated influences of four causal categories, and as a global partition of responsibility into internal vs. external factors. Internals and Externals differed only on attribution to chance. On the global measure, self-awareness produced more internality among Externals and an opposite tendency among Internals. Two possible interpretations of this result were discussed.
Abstract 5470: Safe and targeted anticancer therapeutic efficacy of a novel antioxidant-conjugated difluoro-diarylidenyl-piperidone (HO-3867) against ovarian cancer

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC The anticancer efficacy of a novel difluorodiarylidenyl piperidone (H-4073) and its N-hydroxypyrroline modification (HO-3867) against ovarian cancer is reported. Studies were performed using established human ovarian cancer cell lines (A2870, A2780cDDP, OV-4, SKOV3, PA-1 and OVCAR3, as well as in a murine xenograft tumor (A2780) model. Both compounds were comparably and significantly cytotoxic to A2780 cells. However, HO-3867 demonstrated a preferential toxicity towards ovarian cancer cells, while sparing healthy cells. HO-3867 induced G2/M cell-cycle arrest in A2780 cells by modulating cell-cycle regulatory molecules p53, p21, p27, cdk2 and cyclin, and promoted apoptosis by caspase-8 and caspase-3 activation. It also caused an increase in the expression of functional Fas/CD95 and decreases in STAT3 (Tyr705) and JAK1 phosphorylation. There was a significant reduction in STAT3 downstream target protein levels including Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, survivin, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), suggesting that HO-3867 exposure disrupted the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. In addition, HO-3867 significantly inhibited the growth of the ovarian tumors in a dosage-dependent manner without any apparent toxicity. We further analyzed of xenografted tumor tissues showed that HO-3867 inhibits pSTAT3 (Tyr705 and Ser727) and Jak1 and increased apoptotic markers of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP. The results clearly showed that HO-3867 exhibited significant cytotoxicity towards ovarian cancer cells by inhibiting the JAK/STAT3-signaling pathway. The study suggested that HO-3867 may be useful as a safe and effective anticancer agent for ovarian cancer therapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5470.
Theoretical limits on brain cooling by external head cooling devices

Numerous experimental studies have demonstrated that mild hypothermia is a rather promising therapy for acute brain injury in neonates. Because measurement of the resultant cooling of human brain in vivo is beyond current technology, an understanding of physical factors limiting the possible brain cooling would be a substantial achievement. Herein brain cooling by external head cooling devices is studied within the framework of an analytical model of temperature distribution in the brain. Theoretical limits on brain hypothermia induced by such devices are established. Analytical expressions are obtained that allow evaluation of changes in brain temperature under the influence of measurable input parameters. We show that a mild hypothermia can be successfully induced in neonates only if two necessary conditions are fulfilled: sufficiently low cerebral blood flow and sufficiently high value of the heat transfer coefficient describing the heat exchange between the head surface and a cooling device.
Retained bullet removal in civilian pelvis and extremity gunshot injuries: a systematic review.

Background Although gunshot injuries are relatively common, there is little consensus about whether retained bullets or bullet fragments should be removed routinely or only in selected circumstances.
What Kind of School Would You like for Your Children? Exploring Minority Mothers' Beliefs to Promote Home-School Partnerships

The purpose of this article is to describe an approach that can be used by schools to understand low income minority parents’ goals for the education of their children and to design responsive strategies to support these goals. Focus groups of minority mothers with low income levels are conducted and the information collected is used by schools for promoting dialogue and self-reflection to potentially improve the quality of the school’s home-school partnerships. The article includes examples of information collected through focus groups with two groups of mothers: Latina and African-American. Findings from the focus groups are used to design home-school partnership practices more responsive to the needs and beliefs of minority parents with low income levels.
Subject-generated and experimenter-supplied associations as cues in recall of associatively encoded words and paralogs

Subjects were instructed to make associations to words and paralogs (i.e.. associatively encode the units to be recalled) during the study phase of a cued recall experiment. During the recall phase. one group was cued with the associations made during the study phase (subject­ generated associations); a second group was cued with words previously established as the modal associates to the units to be recalled (experimenter-supplied associations); a third group was not cued. The group cued with subject-generated associations recalled more units than the group cued with experimenter-supplied associations. and both cued groups recalled more units than the uncued groups. Short-latency associative reaction time units were recalled more frequently than long-latency units under the experimenter-supplied cued recall condition, and high-meaningfulness units were recalled more frequently than low-meaningfulness units under all experimental conditions. The results were interpreted as evidence in support of Ley and Locascio's hypothesis that retrieval from memory is a function of associations made at the time of storage. Ley and Locascio (I 970a) have proposed that making an association to a verbal unit during study (associative encoding) facilitates the recall of that unit, and that associative reaction time is related to recall in that it indexes the facility with which an association can be made. These hypotheses were supported in a free recall experiment (Locascio & Ley, 1972a) in which it was found that subjects instructed to make associations to verbal units during study recalled more units than sub­ jects instructed to repeat the units aloud. The results of this study also suggested that subjects instructed "to rehearse silently" may be making associations during study although not specifically instructed to do so. Although the effects of associative reaction time appear to be related primarily to recall rather than to recogni­ tion memory (Ley & Locascio, 1970a, 1970b), it is not clear whether making associations improves recall · through the facilitation of memory storage, retrieval from memory, or both. Informal observations of subjects during free recall experiments and reports from
Dozoku : An Example of Evolution and Transition in Japanese Village Society *

“ …from the moment when a tribal community settles down finally upon a definite space of land, the land begins to be the basis of society in place of the Kinship. The change is extremely gradual, and in some particulars it has not even now been fully accomplished, but it has been going on through the whole course of history. The constitution of the Family through actual blood-relationship is of course an observable fact, but, for all groups of men larger than the Family, the Land on which they live tends to become the bond of union between them, at the expense of Kinship, ever more and more vaguely conceived.”
Nicotine Decreases Food Intake Through Activation of POMC Neurons

Smoking decreases appetite, and smokers often report that they smoke to control their weight. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the anorexic effects of smoking would facilitate the development of novel treatments to help with smoking cessation and to prevent or treat obesity. By using a combination of pharmacological, molecular genetic, electrophysiological, and feeding studies, we found that activation of hypothalamic α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors leads to activation of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons. POMC neurons and subsequent activation of melanocortin 4 receptors were critical for nicotinic-induced decreases in food intake in mice. This study demonstrates that nicotine decreases food intake and body weight by influencing the hypothalamic melanocortin system and identifies critical molecular and synaptic mechanisms involved in nicotine-induced decreases in appetite.
A study of restriction fragment length polymorphisms at the human alpha-1-antitrypsin locus

A cloned cDNA for α-1-antitrypsin (α-1-AT) was selected from a human liver cDNA library. The identity of the clone was established by hybrid-selected translation and partial DNA sequencing. The cDNA was used as a probe to search for restriction site polymorphisms (RSPs) near the α-1-AT gene. Only two RSPs were found using 29 different restriction enzymes. Each of these polymorphisms resulted from the loss of a restriction site, one for EcoRI and the other for Taq I. The frequency of polymorphic restriction was calculated to be 1.1% to 2.6% of all sites tested, a figure lower than the 9.3% value observed for 12 RSPs in the human β-globin gene cluster. Since the corresponding figure for detectable polymorphisms at the α-1-AT locus at the protein level is 12%, restriction enzymes are comparatively inefficient in detecting genetic variability. The basis of this inefficiency was studied by computing the nucleotide diversity from the RSP data. On the average, one in 500 to 1000 bases is polymorphic around the α-1-At locus. This value is comparable to that which we have calculated for the human β-globin gene cluster and the human growth hormone gene cluster (both one in 500). These data demonstrate the limited usefulness of linked RSPs for genetic linkage studies at the α-1-AT locus.
An approximate image-space approach for interactive refraction

Many interactive applications strive for realistic renderings, but framerate constraints usually limit realism to effects that run efficiently in graphics hardware. One effect largely ignored in such applications is refraction. We introduce a simple, image-space approach to refractions that easily runs on modern graphics cards. Our method requires two passes on a GPU, and allows refraction of a distant environment through two interfaces, compared to current interactive techniques that are restricted to a single interface. Like all image-based algorithms, aliasing can occur in certain circumstances, but the plausible refractions generated with our approach should suffice for many applications.
Self-assembled dummy patterns for lithography process margin enhancement

Over the last couple of years, Design For Manufacturability (DFM) has progressed from concept to practice. What we thought then is actually applied to the design step to meet the high demand placed upon very high tech devices we make today. One of the DFM procedures that benefit the lithography process margin is generation of dummy patterns. Dummy pattern generated at design step enables stable yet high lithography process margin for many of the high technology device. But actual generation of the dummy pattern is very complex and risky for many of the layer used for memory devices. Dummy generation for simple pattern layers such as Poly or Isolation layer is not so difficult since pattern composed for these layers are usually 1 dimensional or very simple 2 dimensional patterns. But for interconnection layers that compose of complex 2 dimensional patterns, dummy pattern generation is very risky and requires lots of time and effort to safely place the dummy patterns. In this study, we propose simple self assembled dummy (SAD) generation algorithm to place dummy pattern for the complex 2 dimensional interconnection layers. This algorithm automatically self assembles dummy pattern based on the original design layout, therefore insuring the safety and simplicity of the generated dummy to the original design. Also we will evaluate SAD on interconnection layer using commercial Model Based Verification (MBV) tool to verify its applicability for both litho process margin and DFM perspective.
Part of the plan: A holistic approach to leading in a family business

Family businesses face unique problems that threaten their chances of not only success but also survival. Considering family businesses' contributions to the economy and culture, their sustainability should be a concern to everyone, including policymakers. Here are some steps that family business leaders can take to keep their companies healthy.
Marginal gap width of a new refractory porcelain system.

Abstract This study was conducted to determine whether matching the physical properties of refractory die material to porcelain could increase the marginal accuracy of porcelain inlays. Restorations made with a matched Fortune refractory porcelain system were compared with restorations made with unmatched Vita porcelain and Polyvest refractory material. Thirty addition-silicone impressions were made of a master mesioocclusodistal inlay preparation. Fifteen refractory dies were made for each of the refractory materials. The dies were prepared and the porcelain applied according to the manufacturer's specifications. Three measurements of marginal gap were recorded adjacent to premarked points on each proximal box by use of a Unitron microscope with micrometer adjustment. The mean marginal gap was 51.24 ±; 20.84 um for the matched material and 100.43 ± 17.30 um for the unmatched material. A Student's t -test was performed, which showed a significantly greater mean gap for the unmatched system compared with the matched system (t[28] = 7.03, p
Influence of mica surfaces on pore-water pH

Abstract The close spatial association of detrital biotite with diagenetic carbonate, prehnite, or laumontite is attributed to attraction of H+ to the mica surface, resulting in an increase in pore-water pH and stabilization of carbonate or calcium aluminosilicates in the adjacent pore space. Experimental results at 25°C with biotite and muscovite show that in the pH range of 10-4 biotite adsorbs H+ whereas muscovite does not adsorb H+ until pH is less than ∼6.5 (for 0.01 M NaCl solutions) or less than ∼5.8 (for 0.5 M NaCl solutions). Increasing salinity reduces the H+ affinity of the micas. At seawater-type salinities (0.5 M NaCl), biotite is still capable of adsorbing from ∼1· 10−5 mol H + g (pH = 7) to 2 · 10−5 mol H + g (pH = 6). During late-stage diagenetic compaction, if iotite/pore fluid ratios are high, this effect can substantially raise pore-fluid pH. Biotite may also have an inherited net negative charge in the framework, or develop such a charge by incongruent loss of K+ from cleavage surfaces. The theoretical cation distribution adjacent to such a charged surface has been evaluated by the Guoy—Chapman double-layer theory. Calculations show that within 10 A of the biotite surface pH can be several orders of magnitude lower than in the bulk fluid, and [ Na + ] [ Ca 2+ ] ratios may be more than three times higher than the bulk fluid.
Responses of photosynthesis and phosphorylation of the light-harvesting complex of photosystem II to chilling temperature in ecologically divergent cultivars of rice

Abstract Rice ( Oryza sativa L.), which is susceptible to chilling damage, is cultivated in diverse environments ranging from tropical to temperate regions. In the present study photosynthetic responses to long-term chilling were evaluated for five rice cultivars differing in their ecological origins. Furthermore, the hypothesis was tested that when chilled over several days, rice adapted to temperate climates may maintain a greater capacity for phosphorylation of the light-harvesting protein complex of PSII (LHCII) than rice bred for tropical environments. Seedlings were grown at 28/22°C day/night temperature and PPFD of 550 μmol m −2 s −1 until the third leaf was fully expanded, at which time they were transferred to 10/8°C day/night temperature under the same light intensity for 6 d, followed by recovery at 18/15°C and 25/21°C, for 1 and 2 d, respectively. Leaf photosynthesis decreased by 40–89% within 3 d after transfer to 10/8°C for the cultivars studied, with significant differences developing within 2 d. Photochemical efficiency of PSII, measured by F V / F M , followed a similar trend. After rewarming plants, photosynthesis and photochemistry fully recovered in two temperate Japonica cultivars studied, while only partial recovery was observed for Indica and tropical Japonica cultivars. Long-term chilling led to only a slight reduction in the capacity for LHCII phosphorylation in a temperate Japonica rice, while it was inhibited by 45% in a tropical Japonica type. The results indicate that the responses of CO 2 assimilation rate and photochemical efficiency significantly vary among ecologically divergent cultivars of rice to chilling, as does their rate of recovery from chilling. Additionally, maintenance and/or development of resistance to the loss in capacity for the phosphorylation of LHCII, and other thylakoid proteins associated with PSII, may help to prevent photodamage.
Spontaneous embryonic death on Days 20 to 40 in heifers.

Abstract Transrectal ultrasound examinations were used in nulliparous Holstein heifers to study the association between time of spontaneous embryonic death (cessation of heartbeat) and luteal regression, and to determine the fate of the conceptus after embryonic death. There was no significant difference between nonbred heifers (n = 135) and bred, nonpregnant heifers (embryonic heartbeat never detected, n = 40) for day of onset of luteal regression (means, 17.6 and 17.9, respectively) or for length of interovulatory interval (means, 20.6 and 20.9 days, respectively). Pregnancy was confirmed by detection of an embryonic heartbeat on Day 24 (ovulation = Day 0) or later, or on two consecutive days prior to Day 24; on average, an embryonic heartbeat was detected on Day 22.0 (n = 104). Pregnancy rate on Day 24 was higher (P
Comment on ''localization of the gas-liquid interface by capillary effects.''

Localization of gas-liquid interface by capillary effects, noting error in adverse acceleration equation
The international magnetospheric study

Abstract During the past 15 years, the study of the earth's magnetosphere—man's immediate plasma and radiation environment—has undergone a successful stage of discovery and exploration. We have obtained a morphological description of the magnetospheric field, the particle population embedded in it, and its interface with the solar wind, and we have identified and are beginning to understand many of the physical processes involved. Quite generally, the magnetosphere reveals itself as a region where we can observe some of the fundamental plasma processes at work that are known to occur elsewhere in the universe. Time has come now for a transition from the exploratory stage to one in which satellite missions and ground-based, aircraft, balloon, and rocket observations are planned with the specific objective of achieving a quantitative understanding of the physical processes involved. Some of the principal targets of current research are: the electric field in the magnetosphere, the dynamics of the two main plasma reservoirs (plasmasphere and plasmasheet) and their boundaries, the interaction between trapped particles and waves, the transfer of particles, energy and momentum from the solar wind to the magnetosphere and from there into the ionosphere, and the development of a fundamental instability, the magnetospheric “substorm.” It is expected that the International Magnetospheric Study 1976–1978 will solve many of the problems involved, particularly those related to the timing of dynamical changes during substorms, the identification of spatial locations for these changes, the nature of magnetospheric boundaries and the energy budget in the solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere system.
Endemic-Exotic Earthworm Competition in the American Midwest

IT is commonly believed that in areas of European colonization introduced lumbricids tend to supplant the endemic earthworm fauna. Stephenson1 gives several examples. More recently the spread of Allolobophora caliginosa in New Zealand has been documented2,3, and G. E. Gates4 has described the distribution of European species in India.
Some thoughts on graduate education in computer science

Computer science is a rapidly growing discipline which is having an impact not only on computer specialists but also on the wider scientific community. Its development in the next decade will be determined both by specific technical issues internal to the discipline and by the "sociology" of a growing discipline whose great practical utility has tended to overshadow the intrinsic conceptual richness of the subject matter. Educational policy in computer science should be governed in part by practical considerations such as the supply and demand of computer scientists, in part by general considerations of educational purpose and educational policy, and in part by technical considerations concerning specific subject matter, The present discussion is deliberately biased towards an "ideal" world where questions of educational purpose and motivation take precedence over practical considerations. Four aspects of computer science are considered below, each of which is loosely related to graduate education.
Anaerobic Biodegradation and Hydrogeochemical Controls on Natural Attenuation of Trichloroethene in an Inland Forested Wetland

ABSTRACT A field and laboratory investigation of natural attenuation, focusing on anaerobic biodegradation, was conducted in a forested wetland where a plume of trichloroethene discharges from a sand aquifer through organic-rich wetland and stream-bottom sediments. The rapid response of the wetland hydrology to precipitation events altered groundwater flow and geochemistry during wet conditions in the spring compared to the drier conditions in the summer and fall. During dry conditions, partial reductive dechlorination of trichloroethene to cis-1,2-dichloroethene occurred in methanogenic wetland porewater. Influx of oxygenated recharge during wet conditions resulted in a change from methanogenic to iron-reducing conditions and a lack of 1,2-dichloroethene production in the wet spring conditions. During these wet conditions, dilution was the primary attenuation mechanism evident for trichloroethene in the wetland porewater. Trichloroethene degradation was insignificant in anaerobic microcosms constructed w...
An efficient extraction method to enhance analysis of low abundant proteins from soybean seed.

Large amounts of the major storage proteins, β-conglycinin and glycinin, in soybean (Glycine max) seeds hinder the isolation and characterization of less abundant seed proteins. We investigated whether isopropanol extraction could facilitate resolution of the low abundant proteins, different from the main storage protein fractions, in one-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1D-PAGE) and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE). 1D-PAGE of proteins extracted by different concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% and 80%) of isopropanol showed that greater than 30% isopropanol was suitable for preferential enrichment of low abundant proteins. Analysis of 2D-PAGE showed that proteins which were less abundant or absent by the conventional extraction procedure were clearly seen in the 40% isopropanol extracts. Increasing isopropanol concentration above 40% resulted in a decrease in the number of less abundant protein spots. We have identified a total of 107 protein spots using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrophotometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Our results suggest that extraction of soybean seed powder with 40% isopropanol enriches lower abundance proteins and is a suitable method for 2D-PAGE separation and identification. This methodology could potentially allow the extraction and characterization of low abundant proteins of other legume seeds containing highly abundant storage proteins.
Robotic hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery: lessons learned and predictors for conversion.

Background The use of surgical robots has slowly gained an increasing presence in the realm of hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HPB) surgery. With additional experience, anecdotal evidence has been useful in guiding patient selection for complex robotic procedures. In the following analysis, we reviewed our case series and looked for predictors of conversion in robotic HPB surgery. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent robotic HPB procedures by a single surgeon at two institutions during March 2006–June 2012. Patient demographics, operative data, procedure type and conversion information were recorded. Trends were analysed for indications for conversion. A subset analysis of robotic-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatomy was performed and compared with laparoscopic and open distal pancreatectomy during the same time period by the same surgeon. Results During this time period, 77 patients underwent robotic hepatobiliary and pancreatic procedures. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon (J.M.) and included 38 males (49%) and 39 females (51%). Median age was 59 and the majority of patients were ASA class III. There were 24 conversions, which decreased in frequency from 2009 (7) to 2011 (3). Reasons for conversion included significant obesity and technical difficulty. Patients with conversions had more intraoperative blood loss (966 vs 176 ml), more frequently received transfusion (29% vs 2%) and were more likely to have postoperative intensive care. Overall length of stay was longer following conversion (8.3 vs 5.6 days). Conclusions Robotic-assisted hepatobiliary and pancreatic procedures are often extremely complex, with a significant learning curve. Recognizing factors that prohibit successful completion of a robotic-assisted surgical procedure is key for patient safety. Careful patient selection in the appropriate settings facilitates the maximal benefit of robotic-assisted complex HPB surgery. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi-phase array redistribution: modeling and evaluation

Array redistribution is used in languages such as High Performance Fortran to allow programmers to dynamically change the distribution of arrays across processors. Distributed-memory implementations of several scientific applications require array redistribution. In this paper, efficient methods for performing array redistribution are presented. Precise closed forms for determining the processors involved in the communication and the data elements to be communicated are developed for two special cases of array redistribution involving block-cyclically distributed arrays. The general array redistribution problem involving block-cyclically distributed arrays can be expressed in terms of these special cases. Using the closed forms, a cost model for estimating the communication overhead for array redistribution is developed. A multi-phase approach for reducing the communication cost of array redistribution is presented. Experimental results on the Cray T3D to evaluate the multi-phase approach are provided. >
Adapting task utility in externally triggered energy harvesting wireless sensing systems

Energy harvesting sensor nodes eliminate the need for post-deployment physical human interaction by using environmental power and wireless communication; however, they must adapt the utility of their tasks to accommodate the energy availability. For example, on sunny days, a solar-powered sensor node can perform highly accurate tasks requiring more extensive computation and communication, but on cloudy days, it must reduce utility due to a decrease in harvested energy. In this paper, we present a controller that uses two algorithms to balance task utility and execution time subject to an energy constraint. One algorithm determines the total execution time of a set of tasks such that desired task utilities are met, while the other solves the converse problem by approximating the maximum task utilities achievable within a global deadline. We apply our methods to a prototype Structural Health Monitoring system, demonstrating the controller's ability to adapt at runtime.
Macrophage activation and skeletal muscle healing following traumatic injury.

Following injury to different tissues, macrophages can contribute to both regenerative and fibrotic healing. These seemingly contradictory roles of macrophages may be related to the markedly different phenotypes that macrophages can assume upon exposure to different stimuli. We hypothesized that fibrotic healing after traumatic muscle injury would be dominated by a pro-fibrotic M2a macrophage phenotype, with M1 activation limited to the very early stages of repair. We found that macrophages accumulated in lacerated mouse muscle for at least 21 days, accompanied by limited myofiber regeneration and persistent collagen deposition. However, muscle macrophages did not exhibit either of the canonical M1 or M2a phenotypes, but instead upregulated both M1- and M2a-associated genes early after injury, followed by downregulation of most markers examined. Particularly, IL-10 mRNA and protein were markedly elevated in macrophages from 3 day injured muscle. Additionally, though flow cytometry identified distinct subpopulations of macrophages based on high or low expression of TNFα, these subpopulations did not clearly correspond to M1 or M2a phenotypes. Importantly, cell therapy with exogenous M1 macrophages but not non-activated macrophages reduced fibrosis and enhanced muscle fiber regeneration in lacerated muscles. These data indicate that manipulation of macrophage function has potential to improve healing following traumatic injury.
Regulation of adrenal steroidogenesis during chronic stress

The mechanism of the altered adrenal responsiveness during chronic stress was studied by analysis of ACTH and Ang II responses and the expression and activity of steroidogenic enzymes in the adrenal cortex of rats subjected to repeated immobilization (2 hr/day for 14 days), or repeated i.p. injection of 1.5 M NaC1. Concomitant with increased pregnenolone production and reduced aldosterone secretion by isolated adrenal glomerulosa cells of chronically stressed rats, P-450scc mRNA were increased and P-450aldo mRNA levels were decreased in adrenal zona glomerulosa. Consistent with elevated plasma corticosterone levels, isolated adrenal fasciculata cells from stressed rats showed higher cAMP, pregnenolone and corticosterone responses to ACTH. Adrenal fasciculata area and levels of P-450scc, but not those of P-45011β hydroxylase were significantly increased. The effects of repeated stress on adrenal steroidogenesis were mimicked by repeated ACTH injections. The half life of corticosterone in plasma measured wi...
Intrinsic Bubbles and Fat Tails in Stock Prices

We study the constant discount rate present value model for stock pricing in a stochastic setting where the exogenous dividend stream is modeled as a random walk with innovations drawn from the family of stable distributions. We derive an exact analytical solution for the fundamental stock price. We evaluate the ability of the model fundamentals and the dividends-driven intrinsic bubbles to explain the observed variation in annual US stock prices. We compare results obtained in this setting with those from the traditional model where all stochastic processes are driven by Gaussian shocks.
Ecological roles and conservation challenges of social, burrowing, herbivorous mammals in the world's grasslands

The world's grassland ecosystems are shaped in part by a key functional group of social, burrowing, herbivorous mammals. Through herbivory and ecosystem engineering they create distinctive and important habitats for many other species, thereby increasing biodiversity and habitat heterogeneity across the landscape. They also help maintain grassland presence and serve as important prey for many predators. However, these burrowing mammals are facing myriad threats, which have caused marked decreases in populations of the best-studied species, as well as cascading declines in dependent species and in grassland habitat. To prevent or mitigate such losses, we recommend that grasslands be managed to promote the compatibility of burrowing mammals with human activities. Here, we highlight the important and often overlooked ecological roles of these burrowing mammals, the threats they face, and future management efforts needed to enhance their populations and grassland ecosystems.
Letter to the Glyco-Forum: Since there are PAMPs and DAMPs, there must be SAMPs? Glycan “self-associated molecular patterns” dampen innate immunity, but pathogens can mimic them

The ∼500-million-year-old adaptive immune system detects foreign (“non-self”) epitopes via B cell-derived antibodies and/or T cell receptor interactions with major histocompatibility complex (MHC)/peptide complexes (Hedrick 2004). Cells of the more ancient innate immune system display receptors that detect foreign glycans, for example, fungal glycan recognition by the macrophage mannose receptor (Stahl and Ezekowitz 1998) or by circulating collectins and pentraxins (Bottazzi et al. 2010). The latter field was revolutionized by definition of “pathogen-associated molecular patterns” (PAMPs; Medzhitov and Janeway 1997), microbial products that can be detected by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), particularly the Toll-like receptors (TLRs; Beutler 2009), Nod-like receptors (Davis et al. 2011) and dendritic cell receptors such as C-type lectins (Geijtenbeek et al. 2004). Many PAMPs are glycoconjugates (e.g., bacterial lipo-oligosaccharides) or glycan-based polymers (e.g., bacterial peptidoglycans), including bacterial DNA or viral RNA (which are (deoxy)ribose-based polymers). The innate immune system also recognizes “danger-associated molecular patterns” (DAMPs; Matzinger 2002; Chen and Nunez 2010), molecules released during tissue damage, such as heat-shock proteins, high mobility group box 1 (Lotze and Tracey 2005), hyaluronan (HA) fragments (Taylor and Gallo 2006), glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-bearing matrix proteoglycans (Moreth et al. 2010) and certain crystals (Martinon et al. 2009), all of which originate from damaged host cells or matrices. Signals initiated by DAMPs and PAMPs are transduced via similar pathways, activating innate immune inflammatory responses.
The Role of Agenda Setting in Pension Market Integration

Abstract Through a study of pension market integration, this article analyzes variation in the European Commission’s ability to use its agenda setting tools effectively. Contrasting failed and successful negotiations over European pension directives, the main argument is that efficient agenda setting in this policy area requires the Commission to build strategic coalitions, frame issues in a way that resonates with key actors, set aside internal rivalries, trim a crowded agenda, and enhance the quality of information flows regarding workplace pension reform options and limits in other countries.
Electrical Conduction Behavior of Cement-Matrix Composites

In this work, the electrical conduction behavior of cement-matrix composites is reviewed, with a focus on the resistive, thermoelectric and electromagnetic behavior, in addition to the effect of strain and of damage on the resistive behavior. Admixtures such as short fibers are effective for enhancing the electrical behavior and for providing p-type and n-type cement matrix composites.