cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Caloric restriction extends yeast chronological lifespan by altering a pattern of age-related changes in trehalose concentration.

The nonreducing disaccharide trehalose has been long considered only as a reserve carbohydrate. However, recent studies in yeast suggested that this osmolyte can protect cells and cellular proteins from oxidative damage elicited by exogenously added reactive oxygen species (ROS). Trehalose has been also shown to affect stability, folding and aggregation of bacterial and firefly proteins heterologously expressed in heat-shocked yeast cells. Our recent investigation of how a lifespan-extending caloric restriction (CR) diet alters the metabolic history of chronologically aging yeast suggested that their longevity is programmed by the level of metabolic capacity - including trehalose biosynthesis and degradation - that yeast cells developed prior to entry into quiescence. To investigate whether trehalose homeostasis in chronologically aging yeast may play a role in longevity extension by CR, in this study we examined how single-gene-deletion mutations affecting trehalose biosynthesis and degradation impact 1) the age-related dynamics of changes in trehalose concentration; 2) yeast chronological lifespan under CR conditions; 3) the chronology of oxidative protein damage, intracellular ROS level and protein aggregation; and 4) the timeline of thermal inactivation of a protein in heat-shocked yeast cells and its subsequent reactivation in yeast returned to low temperature. Our data imply that CR extends yeast chronological lifespan in part by altering a pattern of age-related changes in trehalose concentration. We outline a model for molecular mechanisms underlying the essential role of trehalose in defining yeast longevity by modulating protein folding, misfolding, unfolding, refolding, oxidative damage, solubility and aggregation throughout lifespan.
Development of the cyclic AMP response to parathyroid hormone and prostaglandin E2 in the embryonic chick limb

The developing chick limb was studied to determine the ability of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to increase intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) during various stages of development. All developmental stages examined (stages 20–21, 24–25, and 26–28) responded to PGE2 when the cells were assayed immediately following the removal of the limbs from the embryos. In contrast, only stage 26–28 limb cells responded to PTH when assayed in a similar manner. The response to PTH was temporally correlated with the appearance of cartilage matrix in vivo. Undifferentiated limb cells were also cultured and assayed at various times for hormone responsiveness. Stage 24–25 high-density cell cultures responded initially to PGE2 but not to PTH. However, by 36 h and in all subsequent itme intervals tested, the response to PTH was significantly greater than that to PGE2. The PTH receptor, in contrast to that of PGE2, was shown to be sensitive to trypsin treatment, but could be regenerated during subsequent cell culture. The majority of the hormoneresponsive cells were found in cartilaginous regions of the limb, and were shown to respond to both hormones in a dose-dependent manner. The PTH-induced cAMP response was affected by low cell density and mouse serum, both of which significantly inhibit the chondrogenic potential of cultured limb cells. These findings are consistent with a temporal correlation between the development of the PTH response and chondrogenesis in vivo.
Evaluation of respiratory function in health and disease.

Abstract From a conceptual standpoint, the tests of pulmonary function can be divided into those that assess the ventilatory function of the lungs and those concerned with gas exchange. Tests of ventilatory function reflect alterations of the elastic resistance and flow resistance of the respiratory apparatus. the elastic properties of the lungs are assessed by determining the position and shape of the curve representing the relationship between the pressure acrosss the lungs and absolute lung volume. When there is reduced distensibility of either the lungs or the chest wall, the volume-pressure curve is shifted down and to the right. The slope of the curve is reduced in the patient with pulmonary fibrosis, while it is normal in the patient with obesity. In astham (or chronic bronchitis) and emphysema, the volume-pressure curve is shifted up and to the left. In emphysema, the slope of the curve is increased, while it is normal in patients with asthma or bronchitis. In practice, lung volume is used as an index of alterations and the volume-pressure characteristics of the lungs and/or chest wall. The vital capacity is often used as a surrogate for the TLC but it is lower than expected in both restrictive and obstructive disorders. The FEV1.0 reflects the degree of expiratory flow limitation. In a restrictive disorder, lung volume and the FEV1.0 are reduced, but the FEV 1.0 FVC ratiio is normal. In airflow limitation, lung volume, the FEV1.0, and the FEV 1.0 FVC ratio are lower than expected. In airflow limitation, the reversibility with inhaled bronchodilator should be determined. Tests of airway responsiveness are indicated when evaluating patients with unexplained chronic cough, chest tightness, or wheezing, particularly if other lung function tests are normal. The adequcy of gas exchange is assessed by determining the arterial blood gas tensions—PaO2 and PaCO2—and the alveolarterial pO2 gradient—P(A-a)O2. A lower-than-expected PaO2 can result from several different physiologic disturbances. When alveolar hypoventilation is the sole disturbance, the oxygen in the alveoli and in the blood perfusing them virtually comes into equilibrium, so that the P(A-a)O2 is normal. An elevated P(A-a)O2 is caused by either mismatching of ventilation and perfusion, true venous admixture, a diffusion abnormality, or a combination of these disturbances. Because dyspnea on exertion is a cardinal symptom of respiratory disease, exercise tolerance should be assessed. A reduced exercise tolerance may result from ventilatory limitation, impaired gas exchange, cardiac impairment, impaired delivery of the oxygen to the working muscles, or an inability to use the energy.
An anthropologist on the team: Studying baseball as a former player

This essay describes the experiences of an anthropologist who once having been a professional baseball player returned to study his former profession. Discussed are personal challenges in doing fieldwork among elite athletes, the fallibility of memory, the transfer of skills from sport to academe, and the opinions of professors towards the study of sport, and the status of the anthropology of sport in the U.S.
Phylogenetic interpretations from selected floral vasculature characters in the Nymphaeaceae sensu lato

Abstract The Nymphaeales are assigned a key, basal, pivotal evolutionary position in nearly every old and modern system of classification. Over the past three decades many of the studies on this plant group have focused on floral aspects, especially vasculature and developmental studies. In this investigation, literature on the floral vasculature of the taxon has been reviewed with 12 characters selected for cladistic analysis. Results of phylogenetic analysis of floral vascular features are in agreement with other sets of data (e.g. morphological, biochemical, molecular) in retaining the Nelumbonales as a separate order from the Nymphaeales. Floral vasculature features offer less resolution, however, of relationships within the Nymphaeales.
Methotrexate content in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck after low-dose methotrexate.

Eleven patients with squamous carcinoma of the head and neck who were scheduled for surgical resection or endoscopic biopsy of tumor received 15 mg/m2 of methotrexate (MTX). Samples of tumor, normal mucosa, and plasma were obtained at surgery or endoscopy, 18-24 hours after the last MTX dose. Tissue content and plasma concentration of MTX and folate were measured using sequential radioligand-binding assays. Median MTX content was 50.0 pmol/g wet weight in tumor, 19.0 in normal mucosa, and <0.5 nM (pmol/ml) in plasma. Since dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) content of human tumors has previously been shown to be less than 5 pmol enzyme/g wet weight, tumor MTX content exceeded expected DHFR content in all but one patient. These data support the concept that low doses of MTX saturate tumor DHFR and that, in this regard, dose escalation may have limited value. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Impact of Teaching Facility Status and High-Volume Centers on Outcomes for Lung Cancer Resection: An Examination of 13,469 Surgical Patients

Studies suggest that institutional case volume and teaching status significantly affect patient survival. We sought to compare outcomes of surgical resection for lung cancer at teaching facilities (TF) and at high-volume centers (HVC). Patients undergoing lung cancer resection with curative intent were examined using a linked dataset from 1998 to 2002 between the Florida Cancer Data System and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. A total of 13,469 patients were analyzed and outcomes adjusted for comorbidities. Median survival time (MST) was superior for patients treated at TF versus nonteaching facilities (NTF) (47.1 versus 40.5 months, P < 0.001). Mortality rates at NTF were higher at 30 days (2.6% versus 1.1%, P < 0.001), 90 days (6.8% versus 3.8%, P < 0.001), and at 5 years (63.9% versus 59.2%, P = 0.005). Similarly, MST was superior in the cohort treated at HVC versus low-volume center (LVC) (45.1 versus 39.8 months, P < 0.001). Mortality was observed to be higher in LVC than HVC at 30 days (2.7% versus 1.6%, P < 0.001), 90 days (7.5% versus 4.0%, P < 0.001), and at 5 years (63.5% versus 59.3%, P = 0.002). Significant preoperative, independent predictors of survival include age, sex, smoking status, and the existence of certain comorbidities. Treatment at a TF or HVC were independent predictors of better outcome. Race, use of chemotherapy or radiation did not affect outcomes. Surgical treatment for lung cancer at TF or HVC results in significantly better short- and long-term patient outcomes.
Identification of GIYWHHY as a novel peptide substrate for human p60c-src protein tyrosine kinase

Abstract We have recently determined that -Ile-Tyr- were the two critical residues as a peptide substrate for p60 c-src protein tyrosine kinase (Lou, Q. et al., Lett. Peptide Sci. , 1995, 2 , 289). Here, we report on the design and synthesis of a secondary ‘one-bead, one-compound’ combinatorial peptide library based on this dipeptide motif (XIYXXXX, where X = all 19 eukaryotic amino acids except for cysteine). This secondary library was screened for its ability to be phosphorylated by p60 c-src PTK using [ γ 32 P]ATP as a tracer. Five of the strongest [ 32 P]-labeled peptide-beads were identified and microsequenced: GIYWHHY, KIYDDYE, EIYEENG, EIYEEYE, and YIYEEED. A solid-phase phosphorylation assay was used to evaluate the structure-activity relationship of GIYWHHY. It was determined that Ile 2 , Tyr 3 , His 5 , and His 6 were crucial for its activity as a substrate.
From Electioneering to Governing: Obama’s Transition as Legitimation Ritual

This essay reviews Barack Obama’s 2008-2009 transition from president-elect to president. Not only must the new and old presidents coordinate practical, bureaucratic matters, but in the United States, the president-elect is put through an 11-week legitimation ritual. As his status is transformed from campaigner to president, his words and actions in various situations are viewed as tests of strengths, weaknesses, vision, prudence, negotiative skill, humanity, fiber, and resolve. Not only is he tested but his words and actions are read by the press, commentators, and bloggers as signs of good or bad fortune for the country, just as the augurs of old read natural signs before momentous events. In general, Obama passed the tests and for the most part, an era of good fortune was predicted.
Assessing representation error in point-based coverage modeling

Accurately representing geographic space in a digital environment continues to confound and challenge researchers. Carrying out spatial analysis in a setting where geographic representation is subject to change poses problems to be addressed. In this paper we examine spatial representation in the context of coverage-based location modeling. A geographic region can be represented in a variety of ways. We present an evaluation of spatial representation in the location of facilities that provide coverage oriented services. The analysis shows that the modeling results are sensitive to how spatial demand for service is represented in a digital environment. We develop an approach for evaluating representational appropriateness. This research contributes to spatial analysis integrated in geographic information system environment.
Use of Computer Modeling of Site-Directed Mutagenesis of a Selected Enzyme: A Class Activity for an Introductory Biochemistry Course

For an introductory undergraduate biochemistry class, we developed an interactive, out of classroom, team project that would allow students to gain a better understanding of protein structure and function. This project involved the use of the molecular visualization program RasMol and computer simulated site-directed mutagenesis of selected amino acids of the enzyme, Uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase. Survey data from students after completion of the project indicated that they had developed a more complete understanding of protein three-dimensional structure leading to functionality.
An alternative approach to (the teaching of) rank, basis, and dimension

Abstract It is the author's contention that the time now spent in a linear algebra course proving results about linear independence, spanning, and the like is better spent on deepening the understanding of the basic concepts of maps, such as the properties of being 1-1, onto, invertible. Further, the time now spent on discussing sequences of vectors is better spent discussing linear maps whose domain is some coordinate space. The key idea is to make the rank of a linear map the basic concept.
An integrated model of environmental effects on growth, carbohydrate balance, and mortality of Pinus ponderosa forests in the southern Rocky Mountains

Climate-induced tree mortality is an increasing concern for forest managers around the world. We used a coupled hydrologic and ecosystem carbon cycling model to assess temperature and precipitation impacts on productivity and survival of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). Model predictions were evaluated using observations of productivity and survival for three ponderosa pine stands located across an 800 m elevation gradient in the southern Rocky Mountains, USA, during a 10-year period that ended in a severe drought and extensive tree mortality at the lowest elevation site. We demonstrate the utility of a relatively simple representation of declines in non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) as an approach for estimating patterns of ponderosa pine vulnerability to drought and the likelihood of survival along an elevation gradient. We assess the sensitivity of simulated net primary production, NSC storage dynamics, and mortality to site climate and soil characteristics as well as uncertainty in the allocation of carbon to the NSC pool. For a fairly wide set of assumptions, the model estimates captured elevational gradients and temporal patterns in growth and biomass. Model results that best predict mortality risk also yield productivity, leaf area, and biomass estimates that are qualitatively consistent with observations across the sites. Using this constrained set of parameters, we found that productivity and likelihood of survival were equally dependent on elevation-driven variation in temperature and precipitation. Our results demonstrate the potential for a coupled hydrology-ecosystem carbon cycling model that includes a simple model of NSC dynamics to predict drought-related mortality. Given that increases in temperature and in the frequency and severity of drought are predicted for a broad range of ponderosa pine and other western North America conifer forest habitats, the model potentially has broad utility for assessing ecosystem vulnerabilities.
A holonomic systems approach to special functions identities

Abstract We observe that many special functions are solutions of so-called holonomic systems. Bernstein's deep theory of holonomic systems is then invoked to show that any identity involving sums and integrals of products of these special functions can be verified in a finite number of steps. This is partially substantiated by an algorithm that proves terminating hypergeometric series identities, and that is given both in English and in MAPLE.
Conversion of a metallaenolate complex to a bimetallic μ-ketene complex: molecular structure of (η5-C5Me5)(NO)(PPh3)Re[μ-(COCH2)-C1:C2]Re(CO)4(PPh3)

Abstract Reaction of rhenaenolates [(η5-C5Me5)(NO)(PPh3Re(COCH2Li)] (2) and [Re(CO)4(PPh3)(OSO2CF3)] in THF at −78°C gave the μ-ketene complex [(η5-C5Me5) (NO)(PPh3)Re[μ-(COCH2)-C1:C2]Re(CO)4(PPh3)] (5). The structure of (5) was determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis.
Fragmentation of rapidly expanding jets and sheets

Abstract A common consequence of hypervelocity impact phenomena, or other intense loading process, is the creation of rapidly expanding hydrodynamic jets or sheets. Theoretical results are derived for the time to failure and fragment size associated with the catastrophic breakup of jets and sheets. Physical effects leading to the enhanced ductility of materials during dynamic expansion are discussed. Theoretical results are compared with impact plumes and shaped-charge jets.
Toll-like receptor-4 in human and mouse colonic epithelium is developmentally regulated: a possible role in necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an immature intestinal condition resulting in devastating intestinal inflammation due to unknown mechanisms. Evidence has suggested that intestinal maturation attenuates the severity of NEC and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been suggested to play a critical role in its pathogenesis. We investigated whether maturational effects of TLR4 expression in immature colon might contribute to the development of NEC. TLR4 colonocyte expression was detected by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were assayed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). TLR4 expression was high in fetal colonic epithelium in human and mouse, with earlier gestation having a higher surface/cytoplasm distribution. TLR4 remained high in mouse postnatal day 1 but the surface/cytoplasm distribution was reduced. TLR4 decreased in amount and then was expressed in crypts in the mature human and mouse colon. Hydrocortisone (HC) reduced the surface/cytoplasm distribution of TLR4 in human fetal colon. Elevated IL-6 levels in immature colon after lipopolysaccharide were attenuated by HC in human and mouse. Expression, localization, and signaling of TLR4 in colonic epithelium may be developmentally regulated. HC may accelerate the TLR developmental pathway change to an adult type, which may account for its impact on TLR4 signaling.
Exploring the effects of size and luminance of visual targets on the pupillary light reflex

In driving simulator studies pupil diameter is often employed as a physiological measure of cognitive load. However, pupil size is primarily influenced by the pupillary light reflex (PLR). In this paper, we explore the influence of the size and luminance of visual targets on the PLR. Our results indicate that even for small targets (angular radius of 2.5°) changes in luminance can result in PLR that can obscure cognitive load-related pupil diameter changes. We propose a weighting function to be used to predict the PLR and present initial results that support its utility.
A history of architecture : settings and rituals

Ten years in the making, A History of Architecture ranges from the first prehistoric environments on record to the most recent examples of urban design. A landmark work of impressive scope, the book is enhanced by 700 halftone illustrations and 150 drawings especially prepared by architect Richard Tobias. Kostof's range of study includes not only the monumental religious, governmental and upper-class structures around which architectural history has usually been written but also the diversity of ordinary domestic, rural, and urban buildings, and landscapes which surround them. Moreover, Kostof evaluates Western achievement in the context of contemporary cultures elsewhere. Thus he duscusses the high points of imperial Rome along with Buddhist stupas and Han palaces, compares medieval Florence with medieval Cairo, and introduces Inca and Aztec cities as the Spanish conquistadores would have seen them. The author's premise is that buldings are conditioned by the social, economic, and political frame of their time; in this sense, Kostof concludes, the history of architecture can be considered an aspect of the history of human institutions. "Architecture, in the end," he writes, "is nothing less than the gift of making places for some human purpose." About the Author: Spiro Kostof is Professor of Architectural History at the University of California at Berkeley. He is a former president of the Society of Architectural Historians and is the author of several books, among them Caves of God and The Third Rime, 1870-1950: Traffic and Glory, and editor of The Architect: Chapters in the History of the Profession
How quickly can GABAA receptors open

We have examined GABAA receptor activation by making rapid applications of GABA to outside-out patches excised from cultured postnatal rat cerebellar neurons. The rate of development of current increases with increasing GABA concentration from a low to a high concentration asymptote. The low concentration asymptote is about 10 s-1 for patches taken from granule cells and 4 s-1 for patches from Purkinje cells. The high concentration asymptote is about 6000 s-1 for patches taken from either granule cells or Purkinje cells. The high concentration asymptote gives an estimate of the fastest rate at which these channels can open and indicates that agonist binding steps are not rate limiting. The concentration dependence of the development of current indicates that more than one GABA molecule is bound to most receptors with open channels and that the final binding step is of low affinity (about 500 microM). A comparison with GABA-mediated postsynaptic currents suggests that the properties of the GABAA receptor play a major role in determining the shape of inhibitory synaptic responses and that the cleft concentration of GABA reaches at least 500 microM.
Dental anomalies within extant members of the mammalian Order Pilosa

McAfee R.K. 2014. Dental anomalies within extant members of the mammalian Order Pilosa. —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 00 :0 00–000 Recent discovery of a supernumerary dental anomaly in two-toed sloths led to an extensive review of extant sloth specimens to look for additional anomalies. In total, 881 museum specimens were examined. These revealed two primary types of anomalies, hyperdontia (extra teeth) and anodontia (loss of teeth), occurring at a rate of 2.4% (n = 21). Two-toed sloths, Choloepus, were more likely to have hyperdontia in the anterior dentition, whereas three-toed sloths, Bradypus ,e xperienced anodontia more frequently with the upper caniniforms. Both genera experienced both anomalies. The majority affected the upper dentition, with only three specimens exhibiting mandibular anomalies. Beyond the patterns of tooth positioning, all anomalies were random with respect to age, sex and geography. A few specimens not counted in the initial assessment expressed incomplete anodontia, indicating that the loss occurred postnatally and was not an embryological anomaly. For Bradypus, the findings provide new support for the hypothesis that the taxon represents a neotenic lineage and opens new possibilities about its relationship to the extinct ground sloths with a suggested rooting above that of the basal position it typically occupies for Folivora.
Undependability of Construct Validity Patterns for Tests and Items1

Validity scores for items were obtained by comparing the rank order of the correlations between each item and six criterion measures with the corresponding rank order for the test as a whole. For samples of about 85 cases, the validity pattern for each of two tests showed limited consistency from sample to sample and the item validity scores had low correlations between samples. While sample size contributed to these undependabilities, the additional undependability of item responses themselves raises strong doubts about the practicality of selecting items on the basis of their validity patterns.
Selective oxygenation of N-arachidonylglycine by cyclooxygenase-2.

Abstract Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prevent hyperalgesia and inflammation by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) catalyzed oxygenation of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin (PG) H2. The lipoamino acid N-arachidonylglycine (NAGly) has also been shown to suppress tonic inflammatory pain and is naturally present at significant levels in many of the same mammalian tissues that express COX-2. Here, we report that COX-2 selectively metabolizes NAGly to PGH2 glycine (PGH2-Gly) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic glycine (HETE-Gly). Site-directed mutagenesis experiments identify the side pocket residues of COX-2, especially Arg-513, as critical determinants of the COX-2 selectivity towards NAGly. This is the first report of a charged arachidonyl derivative that is a selective substrate for COX-2. These results suggest a possible role for COX-2 in the regulation of NAGly levels and the formation of a novel class of eicosanoids from NAGly metabolism.
Surface Activation of Electrocatalysis at Oxide Electrodes. Concerted Electron-Proton Transfer

Dramatic rate enhancements are observed for the oxidation of phenols, including tyrosine, at indium−tin oxide electrodes modified by the addition of the electron-transfer relays [MII(bpy)2(4,4′-(HO)2P(O)CH2)2bpy)]2+ (M = Ru, Os) with clear evidence for the importance of proton-coupled electron transfer and concerted electron−proton transfer.
THE EFFECT OF DIETARY PROTEIN ON ADRENAL WEIGHTS AND ON GROWTH AFTER UNILATERAL ADRENALECTOMY

RECENT WORK on the adrenal cortex has emphasized its role in nitrogen metabolism particularly in regard to gluconeogenesis from protein. Long, Katzin and Fry (1940) found increased nitrogen excretion associated with the increased liver glycogen in fasted normal and adrenalectomized rats and mice when cortical extracts or adrenal steroids were given. Tepperman, Engel and Long (1943a) have suggested that hypertrophy of adrenal cortical tissue under a great variety of conditions may be due to an increased cortical activity associated with increased nitrogen metabolism. The possibility that changes in the level of dietary protein might be associated with changes in adrenal weight has been explored by several authors. Tepperman, Engel and Long (1943b) report an adrenal weight increase in rats fed a high protein diet, whereas Ingle, Ginther and Nezamis (1943) report no significant change in adrenal weights in rats fed a diet with similar protein levels.
A kinetic study of the effects of hydrogen peroxide and pH on ascorbate oxidase.

Abstract Addition of hydrogen peroxide to ascorbate oxidase results in formation of a complex which has been analyzed kinetically. Since reduction of molecular oxygen to water by this enzyme occurs in more than one step, the peroxide complex may be a mimic for a catalytic intermediate. The properties of the complex are similar to those reported for a peroxide complex with laccase. Changes in the activity of ascorbate oxidase as a function of pH indicate the presence of a group in the enzyme with an apparent pK of 7.8 which must be protonated in order for the enzyme to function. The ascorbate K m is known to be insensitive to pH in this region and the present work indicates the same to be true for the oxygen K m . It would appear that the rate determining step in the catalytic mechanism involves protonation of an intermediate.
Water quality modeling under hydrologic variability and parameter uncertainty using erosion-scaled export coefficients

Water quality modeling is important to assess the health of a watershed and to make necessary management decisions to control existing and future pollution of receiving water bodies. The existing export coefficient approach is attractive due to minimum data requirements; however, this method does not account for hydrologic variability. In this paper, an erosion-scaled export coefficient approach is proposed that can model and explain the hydrologic variability in predicting the annual phosphorus (P) loading to the receiving stream. Here sediment discharge was introduced into the export coefficient model as a surrogate for hydrologic variability. Application of this approach to model P in the Fishtrap Creek of Washington State showed the superiority of this approach compared to the traditional export coefficient approach, while maintaining its simplicity and low data requirement characteristics. In addition, a Bayesian framework is proposed to assess the parameter uncertainty of the export coefficient method instead of subjective assignment of uncertainty. This work also showed through a joint variability-uncertainty analysis the importance of separate consideration of hydrologic variability and parameter uncertainty, as these represent two independent and important characteristics of the overall model uncertainty. The paper also recommends the use of a longitudinal data collection scheme to reduce the uncertainty in export coefficients.
Impossible “mental rotation” problems: A mismeasure of women's spatial abilities?

Abstract Current textbooks report that men's visual–spatial skills are superior to women's. However, the research is not consistent with this sweeping generalization. We hypothesized that sex differences would be more pronounced on “impossible problems” (mirror images) than possible rotations. We also hypothesized that males' performance would be adversely affected by visual interference, whereas females' performance would be adversely affected by auditory interference. Ninety-five college students (25 males, 70 females) viewed images of a train station from various perspectives, including some that were impossible rotations of the original image. There were no sex differences in accuracy or response time on the possible rotation problems, but males were more accurate than females on impossible problems. Neither auditory nor visual interference affected accuracy. The alleged sex difference in mental rotation problems is largely due to the use of problems that are not actually mental rotation problems.
Large-area high efficiency single crystalline silicon solar cells

Abstract This paper reports on a 100 cm 2 single crystalline silicon solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 19.44% ( J sc = 37.65 mA/cm 2 , V oc = 638 mV, FF = 0.809). The cell structure is as simple as only applying the textured surface, oxide passivation, and back surface field by the screen printing method. The comparison between cell performances of the CZ (Czochralski) and FZ (Floating zone) silicon substrates was investigated. The higher efficiency cells were obtained for the FZ substrate rather than the CZ substrate. The influence of the phosphorus concentration of the emitter on the cell efficiency has also been investigated. A good result was obtained when the surface concentration of phosphorus was 3 × 10 20 cm −3 and the junction depth was about 0.6 μm.
Flower flavonoids of Opuntia subgenus Cylindropuntia

Abstract Flavonoids were identified by PC and HPLC from the flowers of three cholla species and their known diploid and triploid hybrids. All the individuals examined produce quercetin 3-glucoside, quercetin 3-rutinoside and kaempferol 3-glucoside, which vary quantitatively among taxa.
The CADE-21 automated theorem proving system competition

The CADE ATP system competition (CASC) is an annual evaluation of fully automatic, first order Automated Theorem Proving (ATP) systems. CASC-21 was the twelfth competition in the CASC series. Twenty ATP systems and system variants competed in the various competition and demonstration divisions. An outline of the competition design, and a commentated summary of the results, are presented.
Air-coupled ultrasound time-of-flight estimation for shipping container cargo verification

The falling cost of embedded sensor systems has opened up the possibility of in-transit air-coupled ultrasound interior imaging of shipping container cargo. This new technology could allow for real-time cargo integrity verification and improved shipping and transportation security. This paper takes the initial steps in developing a temperature invariant descriptor by comparing three time-of-flight (TOF) estimation methods from the literature using in situ data. The methods compared are matched filter, leading edge envelope line fit, and a simple envelope half-peak intercept. The results show that the simple half-peak intercept method provided the most consistent TOF estimate with respect to overlapping pulse data.
CAM03-2: Cheetah Virtual Label Switch Router Design and Deployment in GMPLS Optical Networks

In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of a GMPLS software engine that is used to enable non-GMPLS switches (e.g., Ethernet switches, routers and other cross-connects) to participate in the dynamic setup and release of end-to-end bandwidth guaranteed connections. We have deployed this engine in the experimental Cheetah optical network, and hence we call it the Cheetah Virtual Label Switching Router (CVLSR). It allows users to share the network resources dynamically and makes it possible to extend the connections across the local area network to the end-users. The CVLSR engine is also equipped with a function called dynamic network clustering which is needed to enable a broad range of applications such as remote visualization, grid computing and e-learning. We have successfully demonstrated the inter-operability of the CVLSR with commercially available GMPLS enabled SONET-based cross-connect switches. The purpose of this paper is to share our experience in designing and deploying the CVLSR in the Cheetah network. We believe that these and similar efforts will result in significant progress towards enabling connection-oriented high performance networking.
A Novel Vector-based Keyword Extracting Tool

The quality of indexing is important for successful retrieval results. This paper describes a novel keyword extracting tool that is distinguished itself from existing ones by its efficient keyword significance measure. The measure integrates term frequency retrieval characteristics, document collection characteristics, and both the term width and depth distribution characteristics. Experimental results show that the tool achieves satisfactory performance
Cell volume control in three dimensions: Water movement without solute movement

Cell volume primarily represents the amount of water in a cell. Osmotically active metabolites and mechanical forces can cause changes in cell volume, but cell volume is under feedback control around a characteristic set point. Traditionally, the analysis of cell volume regulation treats the cell as
Energy sharing within EH-enabled wireless communication networks

As energy harvesting (EH) technologies advance, wireless networks will potentially and eminently be powered by harvested energy such that carbon footprints can be reduced. Challenged by the dynamic nature of green energy source availability, various methods have been proposed so that harvested energy can be hoarded for future use or transferred to other devices, such as the storage unit of individual EH devices and energy sharing policy among multiple EH devices within the network. This article provides an overview of the architecture of EH enabled base stations and discusses two energy sharing mechanisms within the wireless communication network: direct energy transfer based schemes (through either the wired power grid or wireless energy transfer), and non-direct energy transfer based schemes (traffic offloading and cooperative transmission). We compare the energy sharing schemes and lay out basic design principles and research challenges on optimizing energy harvesting enabled wireless networks.
Phase separation, pore structure, and properties of nanofibrous gelatin scaffolds

The development of three-dimensional (3D) biomimetic scaffolds which provide an optimal environment for cells adhesion, proliferation and differentiation, and guide new tissue formation has been one of the major goals in tissue engineering. In this work, a processing technique has been developed to create 3D nanofibrous gelatin (NF-gelatin) scaffolds, which mimic both the physical architecture and the chemical composition of natural collagen. Gelatin matrices with nanofibrous architecture were first created by using a thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) technique. Macroporous NF-gelatin scaffolds were fabricated by combining the TIPS technique with a porogen-leaching process. The processing parameters were systematically investigated in relation to the fiber diameter, fiber length, surface area, porosity, pore size, interpore connectivity, pore wall architecture, and mechanical properties of the NF-gelatin scaffolds. The resulting NF-gelatin scaffolds possess high surface areas (>32 m(2)/g), high porosities (>96%), well-connected macropores, and nanofibrous pore wall structures. The technique advantageously controls macropore shape and size by paraffin spheres, interpore connectivity by assembly conditions (time and temperature of heat treatment), pore wall morphology by phase separation and post-treatment parameters, and mechanical properties by polymer concentration and crosslinking density. Compared to commercial gelatin foam (Gelfoam), the NF-gelatin scaffold showed much better dimensional stability in a tissue culture environment. The NF-gelatin scaffolds, therefore, are excellent scaffolds for tissue engineering.
Variation in a surface-exposed region of the Mycoplasma pneumoniae P40 protein as a consequence of homologous DNA recombination between RepMP5 elements.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a human pathogen that causes a range of respiratory tract infections. The first step in infection is adherence of the bacteria to the respiratory epithelium. This step is mediated by a specialized organelle, which contains several proteins (cytadhesins) that have an important function in adherence. Two of these cytadhesins, P40 and P90, represent the proteolytic products from a single 130 kDa protein precursor, which is encoded by the MPN142 gene. Interestingly, MPN142 contains a repetitive DNA element, termed RepMP5, of which homologues are found at seven other loci within the M. pneumoniae genome. It has been hypothesized that these RepMP5 elements, which are similar but not identical in sequence, recombine with their counterpart within MPN142 and thereby provide a source of sequence variation for this gene. As this variation may give rise to amino acid changes within P40 and P90, the recombination between RepMP5 elements may constitute the basis of antigenic variation and, possibly, immune evasion by M. pneumoniae. To investigate the sequence variation of MPN142 in relation to inter-RepMP5 recombination, we determined the sequences of all RepMP5 elements in a collection of 25 strains. The results indicate that: (i) inter-RepMP5 recombination events have occurred in seven of the strains, and (ii) putative RepMP5 recombination events involving MPN142 have induced amino acid changes in a surface-exposed part of the P40 protein in two of the strains. We conclude that recombination between RepMP5 elements is a common phenomenon that may lead to sequence variation of MPN142-encoded proteins.
Optimizing dopaminergic differentiation of pluripotent stem cells for the manufacture of dopaminergic neurons for transplantation.

Abstract Background aims We have previously described a xeno-free scalable system to generate transplantable dopaminergic neurons from human pluripotent stem cells. However, several important questions remain to be answered about our cell therapy efforts. These include determining the exact time at which cells should be transplanted and whether cells at this stage can be frozen, shipped, thawed and injected without compromising their ability to mature and survive the transplantation procedure. We also needed to determine whether further optimization of the culture process could shorten the development time and reduce variability and whether a current Good Manufacture Practice (CGMP) facility could manufacture cells with fidelity. Methods We developed an optimized protocol that included modulating the sonic hedgehog homolog gradient with bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP2) and addition of activin to the culture medium, which shortened the time to generate Lmx1A and FoxA2 immunoreactive cells by 4–6 days. Results We showed that cells at this stage could be safely frozen and thawed while retaining an excellent ability to continue to mature in vitro and survive transplant in vivo. Importantly, we successfully adapted this process to a CGMP facility and manufactured two lots of transplant-ready dopaminergic neurons (>250 vials) under CGMP-compatible conditions. In vitro characterization, including viability/recovery on thawing, whole genome expression as well as expression of midbrain/dopaminergic markers, showed that the cells manufactured under GMP-compatible conditions were similar to cells produced at lab scale. Conclusions Our results suggest that this optimized protocol can be used to generate dopaminergic neurons for Investigational New Drug enabling studies.
Hydrogen bonding in the ethanol–water dimer

We report the first rotational spectrum of the ground state of the isolated ethanol–water dimer using chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy between 8–18 GHz. With the aid of isotopic substitutions, and ab initio calculations, we identify the measured conformer as a water-donor/ethanol-acceptor structure. Ethanol is found to be in the gauche conformation, while the monomer distances and orientations likely reflect a cooperation between the strong (O–H⋯O) and weak (C–H⋯O) hydrogen bonds that stabilizes the measured conformer. No other conformers were assigned in an argon expansion, confirming that this is the ground-state structure. This result is consistent with previous vibrationally-resolved Raman and infrared work, but sheds additional light on the structure, due to the specificity of rotational spectroscopy.
Block Description Language (BDL): A Structural Description Language

The Block Description Language (BDL), a language for capturing the structure of an electronic system, is described. The structure of a system may be specified hierarchically in this language. Additional information may be associated with the structural description with general properties. A facility for declaring and using arrays and records of the structure elements is provided.
Assessing the Utility of Current Counterpiracy Initiatives Off the Horn of Africa

This article examines the current international response to piracy and armed robbery off the Horn of Africa (HoA). It first describes the measures that are presently in place before going on to assess the relevance of these responses, both in terms of serving as a viable deterrent and in the context of addressing the root causes driving armed maritime crime in this part of the world. The article concludes by offering some tentative recommendations on how best to improve the regime of antipiracy in the HoA, focusing on capacity-building, the development of sub-regional maritime security arrangements, incentives to better engage the shipping industry in mitigation efforts and micro socioeconomic development projects in coastal regions of Somalia that support piracy.
Variation in daily shedding patterns of Staphylococcus aureus in naturally occurring intramammary infections

The goal of the current prospective field study was to examine the shedding patterns of naturally occurring Staphylococcus aureus intramammary infections and the association of pulsed field gel electrophoresis pulsotype with shedding. Milk samples from 5 multiparous and 2 primiparous cows identified with S. aureus intramammary infections were collected for 21 consecutive days, 3 times throughout the lactation (63 days total). Cyclicity of each quarter was evaluated using a locally weighted regression. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis was used for genotypic cluster comparisons to evaluate the association of strain type and shedding patterns. Although the amount of shedding varied greatly, 97.5% of the samples were culture positive. There were notable differences in S. aureus shedding patterns among cows as well as within cows; however, no consistent cyclic pattern was identified. Quarters infected with S. aureus isolates grouped in genotypic cluster 1 appeared to shed at consistently higher levels with a m...
J-integral expressions for semi-elliptical cracks in round bars

Abstract A finite element analysis (FEA) using the J-integral crack tip parameter has been employed to study 3-D semi-elliptical crack growth in round bars for a strain hardening material subject to uniaxial fatigue loading in both linear-elastic and elastic–plastic low cycle fatigue (LCF) conditions. The bar and crack geometries as well as the loading conditions are based on experimental observations. Similar FEA can be found in the literature, but they are limited to linear elastic conditions where a J-integral analysis is not necessary. To extend the analysis to incorporate plasticity, material Ramberg–Osgood hardening constants are input into the models. A generalized form of the stress intensity correction factor for the elastic and plastic parts of ΔJ is obtained by manipulating the elastic and plastic solutions for the J-integral and utilizing the FEA solutions for estimating ΔJ under elastic and elastic–plastic conditions. The correction factor for the plastic part of ΔJ is derived to be dependent on the bar and crack geometry and also strongly dependent on the Ramberg–Osgood hardening exponent, which conflicts with previous results for 2-D and 3-D crack geometries.
A simplified overlay design model against reflective cracking utilizing service life prediction

ABSTRACT Although it is the major mode of failure in rehabilitated pavement structures, reflection of cracking seldom has been considered in the overlay design process mainly due to its complexity. This paper presents the development of an overlay design procedure to predict the service life of rehabilitated flexible pavement structures against reflective cracking. A simple equation was derived based on three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) models and by utilizing linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) principles. The FE models simulate a variety of rehabilitated cracked pavement structures. A detailed sensitivity analysis was performed to establish the accuracy of the FE models. Then, accurate simulation of the crack singularity was achieved by modeling several contour integral evaluations along the crack front. Both crack initiation and propagation phases were considered in the formulation. The crack initiation phase is described using a traditional fatigue law developed by the Belgium Road Resea...