cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Excess heme upregulates heme oxygenase 1 and promotes cardiac ferroptosis in mice with sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by increased hemolysis which results in plasma heme overload and ultimately cardiovascular complications. Here, we hypothesized that increased heme in SCD causes upregulation of heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1) which consequently drives cardiomyopathy through ferroptosis, an iron-dependent non-apoptotic form of cell death. First, we demonstrated that the Townes SCD mice had higher levels of hemopexin-free heme in the serum and increased cardiomyopathy, which was corrected by hemopexin supplementation. Cardiomyopathy in SCD mice was associated with upregulation of cardiac Hmox1, and inhibition or induction of Hmox1 improved or worsened cardiac damage, respectively. Since free iron, a product of heme degradation through Hmox1, has been implicated in toxicities including ferroptosis, we evaluated the downstream effects of elevated heme in SCD. Consistent with Hmox1 upregulation and iron overload, levels of lipid peroxidation and ferroptotic markers increased in SCD mice, which were corrected by hemopexin administration. Moreover, ferroptosis inhibitors decreased cardiomyopathy, whereas a ferroptosis inducer erastin exacerbated cardiac damage in SCD and induced cardiac ferroptosis in non-sickling mice. Finally, inhibition or induction of Hmox1 decreased or increased cardiac ferroptosis in SCD mice, respectively. Together, our results identify ferroptosis as a key mechanism of cardiomyopathy in SCD.
"Shots fired! We have many people down!": Common recommendations for managing high-casualty active shooter events in the USA

Abstract Active shooter events are disasters that continue to impact communities and people in the United States. Responses to active shooter events by first responder organizations have improved since the Columbine event; however, problems still exist in these responses. Using systems theory and the qualitative method known as thematic analysis, the purpose of the current study was to examine the recommendations provided in after-action reports of high-casualty active shooter events to identify improvements that can be made by first responder organizations to provide a more effective response to active shooter events. Three main themes were identified and are discussed.
Synthetic peptide analogs compared with phage display

Phage display techniques have been used extensively to identify peptide ligands of antibodies. One such library having a random 12 amino acid sequence at the Nterminus of the gene III protein (pIII) of phage Ml3 was used to identify peptide ligands for a murine anti-phosphocholine IgA class antibody, McPC603. A high-resolution X-ray structure of the target antibody is available, but peptide ligands have not been previously described [1].
The Geophysics of Sea Ice: Overview

Terrestrial temperatures happen to lie in a range where, in the course of a year, the sea surface at high latitudes becomes cold enough to freeze. According to paleoclimatic studies of the sea floor sediments, this has been the case for at least several million years. During that time, however, the extent of sea ice underwent large fluctuations. For instance, at the last glacial maximum 18,000 years ago, Atlantic sea ice extended as far south as the shores of France and northern Spain in Europe, and the eastern coastal states in North America. The heat of fusion released by the sea surface to form an ice layer of, say, one meter thickness is an order of magnitude smaller than the mean annual total of either short-wave or long-wave radiation at the surface. In a single year, these annual totals may easily deviate ten percent from their mean values. Thus it is not surprising that small changes in the climatic forcing are accompanied by large changes in the extent of the ice-covered area.
Parallel linear equation solvers for CEM problems

Intel provides a number of optimized matrix solvers which make it easy to obtain high performance for computational electromagnetics (CEM). The iPSC/860 is a hypercube system which can be configured with up to 128 processors with a peak 64-b performance of 7.6 Gigaflops. The Paragon is a two-dimensional mesh which can be configured with over 1000 processors and a peak spread of over 100 Gflops. A parallel file system is available which distributes files across an arbitrary number of disks. >
Energy shaping of hybrid systems via control Lyapunov functions

This paper presents a method for adding robustness to periodic orbits in hybrid dynamical systems by shaping the energy. This energy shaping method is similar to existing methods but improves upon them by utilizing control Lyapunov functions which allow for formal results on stability. The main theoretical result, Theorem 1, states that, given an exponentially-stable limit cycle in a hybrid dynamical system, application of the presented energy shaping controller results in a closed-loop system which is exponentially stable. As illustrated through simulation on the compass gait biped, this method turns out to be useful in practice, providing an improvement in robustness and convergence properties while maintaining existing stability.
Modeling the vehicle‐to‐vehicle propagation channel: A review

In this paper we provide a review of the vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) wireless propagation channel. This “car-to-car” application will be used to improve roadway efficiency, provide unique traveler services, and can also enable safety applications that can save lives. We briefly review some currently envisioned applications and the initial V2V radio technology, then address the V2V propagation channel. Propagation basics germane to the V2V setting are described, followed by a discussion of channel dispersion and time variation. The channel impulse response and its Fourier transform, the channel transfer function, are described in detail, and their common statistical characterizations are also reviewed. The most common models for the V2V channel—the tapped delay line and geometry-based stochastic channel models—are covered in some detail. We highlight key differences between the V2V channel and the well-known cellular radio channel. These differences are the more rapid time variation and the higher probability of obstruction of the direct line of sight component; modeling of these effects has required some novel approaches. The V2V channel's nonstationary statistical behavior is addressed, as is the use of multiple-antenna systems. The remaining areas for future work are also described.
Thermo-acoustic instability: Theory and experiments

Abstract This article deals with thermo-acoustic instability (TAI) on a simple Rijke tube, an extensively studied combustion test platform. We revisit the mathematical model of the dynamics and show that when linearized it falls into the class of linear time-invariant neutral time delay systems. In order to analyze its stability characteristics, we implement a recent mathematical paradigm called the cluster treatment of characteristic roots (CTCR). It can reveal the stable operating regions in the space of the operational parameters, such as the geometric dimensions of the Rijke tube. The results of this prediction mechanism are very favorably compared with experimental findings.
Estimating Large Distances in Phylogenetic Reconstruction

A major computational problem in biology is the reconstruction of evolutionary (a.k.a. "phylogenetic") trees from biomolecular sequences. Most polynomial time phylogenetic reconstruction methods are distance-based, and take as input an estimation of the evolutionary distance between every pair of biomolecular sequences in the dataset. The estimation of evolutionary distances is standardized except when the set of biomolecular sequences is "saturated", which means it contains a pair of sequences which are no more similar than two random sequences. In this case, the standard statistical techniques for estimating evolutionary distances cannot be used. In this study we explore the performance of three important distance-based phylogenetic reconstruction methods under the various techniques that have been proposed for estimating evolutionary distances when the dataset is saturated.
Rapid error reduction for block Gauss–Seidel based on p-hierarchical basis

SUMMARY We consider a two-level block Gauss–Seidel iteration for solving systems arising from finite element discretizations employing higher-order elements. A p-hierarchical basis is used to induce this block structure. Using superconvergence results normally employed in the analysis of gradient recovery schemes, we argue that a massive reduction of the H1-error occurs in the first iterate, so that the discrete solution is adequately resolved in very few iterates—sometimes a single iteration is sufficient. Numerical experiments on uniform and adapted meshes support these claims. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phlorizin Administration Increases Hepatic Gluconeogenic Enzyme mRNA Abundance but Not Feed Intake in Late-Lactation Dairy Cows

Gluconeogenic capacity may be an important factor regulating dry matter intake (DMI) in lactating dairy cows. To determine whether increased glucose demand affects feed intake and hepatic gene expression, lactating Holstein cows were treated with phlorizin or vehicle (propylene glycol) for 7 d. Multiparous cows (n = 12; 269 +/- 65 d in milk, mean +/- SD) were randomly assigned to treatment sequence in a crossover design and were adapted to a common diet for 7 d before the beginning of the experiment. Phlorizin injected s.c. at 4 g/d caused glucose excretion in urine at the rate of 474 g/d. Although phlorizin decreased lactose synthesis and milk production (both P < 0.01), DMI and 3.5% fat-corrected milk production were not altered by treatment. A net deficit of 383 g glucose/d in milk and urine for phlorizin (relative to control) was likely replaced partially through increased gluconeogenesis. The molar insulin:glucagon ratio was decreased 17% by phlorizin (P < 0.001) and hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and pyruvate carboxylase mRNA abundance increased (all P < 0.05). Late-lactation dairy cows adapted quickly to an increase in peripheral glucose demand; adaptation mechanisms likely included enhanced gluconeogenic capacity, whereas DMI was not altered.
Mendelian and Molecular Genetics

Genetic influences are important for almost every psychological behavior, including clinically relevant traits and disorders. This entry reviews some basic genetic definitions, provides a discussion of the history of genetic research as it applies to human behavior, and then discusses behavior genetic research with a focus on clinical psychology findings. Mendelian genetics, behavioral genetics, and molecular genetics studies have demonstrated the value of considering genotype when investigating the etiology of psychological variables. Although the picture is complicated as genes correlate with and interact with the environment and other genes, nonetheless this is clearly a critical road to follow for future research as we strive to understand the underpinnings of psychological behaviors. Keywords: behavioral genetics; DNA; Darwin, Charles; psychopathology; twins
Enhanced Hydrogen Storage on Li-Dispersed Carbon Nanotubes

High storage capacity and a moderate binding strength are two important requirements that must be met for the successful development of hydrogen storage materials. In the present work we demonstrate that optimizing the number and position of dopants, a configuration of eight Li dispersed at the hollow sites above the hexagonal carbon rings, can lead to an extremely high H2 storage capacity of 13.45 wt %. Moreover, our local density approximation calculations predict that the average adsorption energy is −0.17 eV/H2, which is close to the lowest requirement (−0.20 eV/H2) as proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy. The electronic analysis demonstrates two salient points, namely that the best dopants are those whose bands overlap strongly with those of H2 and the nanotube simultaneously; second, all carbon atoms in the nanotube are fully ionized and thus the high capacity is attainable. These results provide insight into the binding mechanisms that govern hydrogen storage.
Compact optical steganography based on amplified spontaneous emission noise

We experimentally demonstrate a compact optical steganography method using chirped fiber Bragg gratings. The stealth signals are carried by wide band amplified spontaneous emission noise, which has strong dispersion effect for pulse stretching.
In Vivo Effect of Sex Hormones on the in Vitro Synthesis of Prolactin and Growth Hormone in Normal and Pituitary Tumor-Bearing Rats

The in vivo effects of hormone-secreting pituitary tumors MtTW5, StW5 and 7315a on the in vitro synthesis of prolactin and growth hormone by rat pituitary gland have been studied. The in vitro incorporation of leucine-4,5-3H into these hormones of male and female rats was followed by subjecting homogenates of the pituitary glands and the incubation medium to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Transplantation of 7315a, a prolactin- and ACTH-secreting tumor; MtTW5, a prolactin- and growth hormone-secreting tumor; or StW5, a growth hormone-secreting tumor, into intact female or male rats, caused a decrease in the incorporation of leucine-4,5-3H into prolactin. This decrease in prolactin synthesis was promptly reversed by administration of polyestradiol phosphate to tumor-bearing rats. The labeling of prolactin was also greatly stimulated in intact and castrated nontumor rats by the administration of estrogen and testosterone, while 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate injection was without effect. The incorpora...
Digital Down Converter optimization

A Digital Down Converter (DDC) using four times intermediate frequency (4fIF) sampling is analyzed to simplify the required hardware. The DDC is controlled by a two bit counter. One counter bit controls the mixer, implemented as a two input multiplexer, while the other bit controls data flow in direct or transposed form finite impulse response (FIR) filters. The resulting FIR filters significantly reduce the number of multipliers and adders required while still allowing additional filter reduction techniques to be applied.
Design of an embedded piezoceramic actuator for active control applications

The design of a piezoceramic actuators which is to be embedded in a composite structure is examined. The actuator device must: (1) include a collocated accelerometer; (2) meet certain actuation authority (force, stroke) requirements; (3) be able to survive the embedding process; and (4) have a minimal effect on structural integrity. The need to accommodate an accelerometer limits the minimum thickness of the device. To ensure that the (brittle) piezoceramic material is not broken during the embedding process, it is encased within a frame which has been designed to protect the piezoceramic from short durations of high temperature and pressure. Additionally, the frame is used to apply a compressive prestress to the piezoceramic, ensuring that the piezoceramic is protected from tensile stresses encountered in the operating environment. The output strain levels of the piezoceramic are maximized by using a co-fired stack (178 layers) oriented such that the piezoceramic is excited in the 3 - 3 direction. Because the layers of the piezoceramic stack are to be driven at high voltages, a special high power amplifier was designed which can source the current required by the actuator. The performance of the actuator alone has been tested by driving it uniaxially into a known impedance and measuring the output force and displacement at low frequency. Results form the tests and associated models are presented, which demonstrate the performance capabilities of the actuator.
Two octaves of frequency generation by cascaded intermodal nonlinear mixing in solid optical fiber

We generate over two octaves of light in Bessel-beam-like fiber modes by pumping in the LP 06 mode of a custom fiber. Distinct lines are generated in the visible in mode orders that increase monotonically from LP 07 at 678 nm to LP 016 at 453 nm.
The Development of Outflow Tract Obstruction of the Left Ventricle in Idiopathic Myocardial Hypertrophy

A patient was found to have unexplained left ventricular and septal hypertrophy at age 11, but no pressure gradient across the left ventricular outflow tract. At age 13, there was a mean ejection gradient of 82 mm. Hg. The patient died suddenly 1 month later. This patient demonstrates the development of muscular subaortic stenosis in idiopathic myocardial hypertrophy with obstruction due to increasing muscular hypertrophy. A second patient with left ventricular hypertrophy secondary to a fixed left ventricular outflow tract obstruction produced by an anomalous insertion of a mitral valve leaflet developed additional obstruction due to septal hypertrophy. We believe that the cases presented establish that "muscular subaortic stenosis" may be the result of ventricular hypertrophy of different etiologies. A schema is presented to assist classification of muscular subaortic stenosis.
Locke And The Categories Of Value In Eighteenth century British Aesthetic Theory

It would be, at this hour of the day, supererogatory to argue the pre-eminence of Locke's influence on eighteenth-century thought. But though this claim has been made often enough, 1 and has often enough been shown to be true, it has not been shown for aesthetics. I believe it to be true of aesthetics as well, but that the fact has gone unremarked, because the line of influence here is not so overt as in the case of, say, political theory or epistemology. It is, rather, oblique and devious; that the influence is there at all is, even, paradoxical.
Gas–liquid two-phase flow patterns and pressure drop in a horizontal micro-rod bundle

Abstract Two-phase flow patterns and frictional pressure drop in a horizontal micro-rod bundle were experimentally studied, using air and water. The rod bundle was 23 cm long and consisted of seven 3.17-mm diameter rods arranged in a rectangular pattern with 3.71-mm pitch. The rod bundle hydraulic diameter was 1.29 mm. The liquid and gas superficial velocities in the rod bundle center covered the 0.03–5.0 and 0.02–4.0 m/s ranges, respectively. Six distinct flow patterns were observed: bubbly, plug/slug, froth, stratified–intermittent, annular–intermittent and annular. Complete stratification, bundle-wide or in individual subchannels, did not occur. The frictional pressure drops were strongly flow pattern-dependent.
Paper people versus direct observation: An empirical examination of laboratory methodologies

This study used Signal Detection Theory (SDT) measures to test competing predictions derived from stimulus presentation mode and signal-to-noise ratio hypotheses about differences between paper person and direct observation laboratory studies of individuals' judgments. Subjects viewed a videotape, read a script, or read a list of critical behaviors depicting one of two hypothetical college lectures. Subjects then completed a recognition test of memory for performance behaviors, and rated the lecturer's performance on five performance dimensions. Results supported the signal-to-noise hypotheses: behavioral memory and performance ratings were more accurate, and ratings contained less halo in the performance-signal-only (list) condition than in the signal-plus-noise (script and videotape) conditions. Implications for the conception of performance in laboratory manipulations and the potential effects of performance-irrelevant information on rating outcomes are discussed.
A method to infer coupon availability from coupon redemption in the supermarket scanner panel data

Abstract Measuring the impact of coupon availability on consumers’ purchase decisions often poses a problem in forecasting market shares of brands in a retail environment. Because, data on actual coupon availability do not exist or can only be obtained by costly field experiments. The widely used supermarket scanner panel data sets offer information on coupons redeemed by the household for only the specific brand that is bought. However, using the redemption variable introduces bias in brand choice or purchase incidence models because redeeming a coupon implies buying the brand or making the purchase. This study presents a way to infer availability from coupon redemption data and to predict market shares for each brand in a supermarket product category.
Tactual Perception of Embossed Morse Code and Braille: The Alliance of Vision and Touch

In three experiments observers made visual matches to tangible embossed patterns. Stained glass was used to blur vision and thus allow the effect of visual guidance of tactual exploration on the accuracy of symbol recognition to be evaluated. Stained glass rendered the embossed code invisible, but allowed sight of the hand. In the first experiment subjects identified patterns made up of dots and dashes drawn from Morse code; in the second and third experiments they studied braille. The results show that subjects are more accurate in 'reading' tangible codes when provided with visual guidance. Performance was higher for braille than for Morse code. Vision aided touch through the provision of a frame of reference and through sight of scanning movements. Naive sighted observers were able to identify invisible braille dots by watching other individuals touch the symbols, suggesting the importance of vision of kinesthetic patterns.
Screening for Alcoholism

To the Editor.— I read with interest the recent article by Drs Cyr and Wartman 1 regarding the use of screening questions for the detection of alcoholism in ambulatory care. Studies such as these are greatly needed, as most existing instruments for alcohol screening are too lengthy to be used in the course of a routine office interview. In addition, the validity of other instruments in the outpatient setting is uncertain, as most were developed using male inpatients with advanced alcoholism as index cases. The methods used in this study, however, raise concerns in two areas. To begin with, of the patients screened, 52% were unemployed, raising the question of how transferable the results of this study would be to a practice setting in which most patients are employed. Second, the results of the study were based on an "alcoholic" population identified using a cutoff score of 5 on the
A study of the wear of some materials in connection with total hip replacement

Abstract Failure of total hip prostheses due to wear is examined. It is concluded that wearing out of these devices should not be a problem. However, it is desirable to look for materials of improved wear resistance due to possibilities of long-term response to wear debris. A series of experiments is described to evaluate the wear resistance of candidate materials on an annular wear tester. The results indicate that the wear resistance of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene may be improved by increase in molecular weight, by irradiation or by the use of fillers. Pyrolytic carbon containing silicon is also a good candidate.
Group technology in multichamber and in-situ processing

ABSTRACT Group technology is a useful technique of general manufacturing systems thatprovides production efficiency in fabrication of similar but not identical devices onthe same machines. In this paper, we extend this concept to computer-integrated-manufacturing of custom VLSI semiconductor devices, particularly in the area ofmultichamber and in-situ processing. 1. INTRODUCTION Some emerging directions in semiconductor devices and circuits are the reduced lateral dimensions, increased density, thin material layers, increased wafer size, increased use of heterojunctions, and expanded material combinations. The objectives are the manufacturing of ASICs (Application Specific ICs), ULSI (UltraLarge System Integration) devices, three-dimensional circuits, and quantum-baseddevices. Fundamental R & D work lies at the design and development of single waferprocessing modules and other new techniques. Multichamber and in-situ processingcan be defined as the processing of semiconductor wafers one at a time in processing
Use of swirl-induced particle separation to clean nuclear rocket plumes

A detailed computational analysis is undertaken of a vortex cleaning system designed to remove radioactive particulates from the plumes of nuclear rockets. An axisymmetric, inviscid flow model coupled with particletracking is used to analyze swirling flow in a nuclear rocket. The model shows that under some conditions a vortex-based particle removal system can have removal efficiencies of over 99%. However, it is also shown that the effectiveness of the system depends heavily on the size and density of the particles in the flow. Two critical parameters, the particle coupling velocity and a dimensionless frequency, are shown to govern the effectiveness of the system. These parameters are based on the length of the separation chamber, the swirl velocity, and the composition of particulates in the plume. It is concluded that the system can have negligible specific impulse losses associated with it, although there may be very substantial mass and thrust penalties associated with its use.
Shelf-life extension of Michigan apples using sucrose polyester

Golden Delicious, Ida Red and McIntosh apples were treated with the sucrose polyester (SPE) SemperfreshTM, to determine its influence on apple maturity parameters, assess its value to delay ripening and to improve shelf life during cold storage. Apple quality objective and sensory measurements included: Hunter color differences, Magness-Taylor texture and Kramer Shear Press firmness, soluble solids, total acidity, sensory difference from control and consumer acceptability tests. the influences of Semperfresh on storage quality of the apple cultivars varied. SPE retarded apple ripening as shown by persistence of green tissue colors, and increased tissue firmness and titratable acidity. Soluble solids were not significantly affected by Semperfresh treatments. SPE treated apples exhibited sensory differences when compared to the controls, but SPE treatments did not have the same sensory effects on each cultivar. SPE treatment improved consumer acceptability ratings for Golden Delicious and McIntosh apples, but had no significant improvement for Ida Red apples.
A virtual tutor for relational schema normalization

The idea of virtualization has been successfully practiced in many fi elds of information technology such as the virtualizations of operating systems, memories, networks, and even human tutors. This research is a virtualization of human tutoring in the domain of relational database schema normalization implemented as an intelligent tutoring system usable as a virtual tutor to facilitate the knowledge acquisition of relational database schema normalization.
Greasing the wheels of sputtering export engines: Widwestern grains and American growth☆

One can argue that Britain was at the center of late 19th~century world financial and commodity markets without encountering much intellectual resistance. The trouble begins with the assertion that primary product demand in the United Kingdom conditioned development at the periphery. Britain’s small size, limited market, and modest growth makes such a position vulnerable, to say the least.* It is a little less naive to argue that the state of primary product demand in Europe conditioned development at the periphery. Like any other monocausal theory of history, Nurkse’s “engine of growth” thesis has not survived the test of time very well either (Nurkse, 1958). Historical studies continue to accumulate, all of which document that export expansion was neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for growth. A somewhat more comfortable position is to argue that world demand conditions had a significant quantitative impact on the pace and character of development at the periphery. In Irving Kravis’ words, trade may best be viewed as a “handmaiden of growth” (Kravis, 1970). A less arresting assertion than the two preceding, perhaps, but it has the distinct advantage of closer conformity to historical fact.
Otitis Media: Effect On a Child's Learning:

Issues dealing with the effects of otitis media on auditory processing skills, language, and learning are addressed, and strategies offered for suspected problems.
Mechanical scribing as a quality and reliability analysis tool for CIGSeS thin film solar cells

One of the important issues involved while taking a process from lab environment to pilot plant scale is the yield of the process. Mechanical scribing that is used for making integral interconnects in CIGSeS thin film solar cells can be used to test the mechanical properties of the absorber film. Hence, it is necessary that the process delivers cohesive absorber films that exhibit good adhesion to molybdenum back contact and high efficiencies that are amenable to mechanical scribing. Optical and scanning electron microscopy can be used to study the effect of scribing on the absorber film and the morphology of the scribe lines.
The Field Instruction Component in the Administration Concentration: Some Problems and Suggested Remedies.

Abstract The need to prepare social work administrators for the field is now recognized. As schools belatedly mobilize to address this need, there is uncertainty concerning our knowledge base and ability to perform in this area. While these concerns are genuine, there is a wealth of experience in curriculum development that should guide the profession. This paper focuses on the field instruction component of the administration concentration. Problems pertaining to the development of administration placements are identified and special arrangements are suggested to engage them that require a departure from traditional field instruction models and school-agency relationships.
Harvesting can increase severity of wildlife disease epidemics

Theoretical studies of wildlife population dynamics have proved insightful for sustainable management, where the principal aim is to maximize short-term yield, without risking population extinction. Surprisingly, infectious diseases have not been accounted for in harvest models, which is a major oversight because the consequences of parasites for host population dynamics are well-established. Here, we present a simple general model for a host species subject to density dependent reproduction and seasonal demography. We assume this host species is subject to infection by a strongly immunizing, directly transmitted pathogen. In this context, we show that the interaction between density dependent effects and harvesting can substantially increase both disease prevalence and the absolute number of infectious individuals. This effect clearly increases the risk of cross-species disease transmission into domestic and livestock populations. In addition, if the disease is associated with a risk of mortality, then the synergistic interaction between hunting and disease-induced death can increase the probability of host population extinction.
Effects of Storage, Soaking and Cooking Method on Cookability of Cowpeas

Abstract Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) stored in covered polyethylene containers at -18°C/ambient humidity (control) and 30°C/64% RH (aged) for 12 mo were soaked in water for up to 24 h before 1 h cooking in two different ways: bringing seeds to boil from cold water or dropping into boiling water. For control seeds, the soaking and cooking method had little effect. However, for aged seeds, which were harder to cook, soaking led to a significant further increase in hardness. After being soaked for a given time, aged seeds cooked initially from cold water were firmer than those cooked initially in boiling water. It is recommended that during preparation of certain legume seeds prolonged water soaking be avoided and that cooking from a boiling water rather than a cold water starting point be practiced.
Effect of catalyst on electrolysis of ammonia effluents

Abstract The electrolysis of ammonia (NH3) was studied as a remediation process for the removal of ammonia from wastewater, with the advantage of producing hydrogen while returning clean water to the environment. An electro-catalyst able to support the electro-oxidation of ammonia at low concentrations was designed. Two substrates were tested, Raney nickel and carbon fiber. Carbon fiber was found to be a better substrate for the electrolysis of ammonia at low concentrations. The performance of noble metals such as Rh, Pt and Ir, electroplated on the carbon fiber substrate was also evaluated. Rh–Pt–Ir and Pt–Ir on carbon fiber substrate were found to be the most promising electrodes for the electrolysis of ammonia at low concentrations. The maximum ammonia conversion was 91.49 ± 0.01% for a typical concentration of ammonia found in sewage water and the Faradaic efficiency was 91.81 ± 0.13% on the selected anode.
Branding the bio/biomedical engineering degree

The future challenges to medical and biological engineering, sometimes referred to as biomedical engineering or simply bioengineering, are many. Some of these are identifiable now and others will emerge from time to time as new technologies are introduced and harnessed. There is a fundamental issue regarding “Branding the bio/biomedical engineering degree” that requires a common understanding of what is meant by a B.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, or Biological Engineering. In this paper we address some of the issues involved in branding the Bio/Biomedical Engineering degree, with the aim of clarifying the Bio/Biomedical Engineering brand.
Dronpa-1, Dronpa-2 And Dronpa-3 Separation Using Phase Resolved Optical Lock-in Detection (pholid) Microscopy

In living cells, protein complexes are dynamic structures that control many distinct aspects of cell behavior. Addressing the complexity of protein function requires a comprehensive understanding of subcellular localization and protein stoichiometry. Fluorescence microscopy provides a high contrast method to determine specific localizations of individual proteins contained within living cells. Determining localizations of protein pairs is made difficult by inherent photobleaching, cross-talk, and autofluorescence contained within the sample being imaged. Traditionally, to separate fluorescent proteins (FPs) with overlapping spectra, techniques such as linear unmixing and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) have been used. Such techniques rely on complex microscope configurations and often require a compromise in signal to noise ratios. In these studies we use phase information derived from optical lock in detection (OLID) (Mao et al. Biophys J. 2008 Jun;94(11):4515-2) to separate the photoswitchable FPs Dronpa-1, Dronpa-2, and Dronpa-3 from GFP and autofluorescence with no effect in signal to noise. Additionally, relative stochiometric ratios between each of the Dronpa variants contained within microinjected zebrafish embryos were obtained with a standard confocal microscope.
Understanding the Occupation of Small Continental Islands: Seasonality and δ18O Evidence From Anacapa Island, California

Understanding the Occupation of Small Continental Islands: Seasonality and δO Evidence From Anacapa Island, California Nicholas P. Jew & Torben C. Rick a Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA b Program in Human Ecology and Archaeobiology, Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA Published online: 06 Nov 2014.
Neuronal representations of distance in human auditory cortex

Neuronal mechanisms of auditory distance perception are poorly understood, largely because contributions of intensity and distance processing are difficult to differentiate. Typically, the received intensity increases when sound sources approach us. However, we can also distinguish between soft-but-nearby and loud-but-distant sounds, indicating that distance processing can also be based on intensity-independent cues. Here, we combined behavioral experiments, fMRI measurements, and computational analyses to identify the neural representation of distance independent of intensity. In a virtual reverberant environment, we simulated sound sources at varying distances (15–100 cm) along the right-side interaural axis. Our acoustic analysis suggested that, of the individual intensity-independent depth cues available for these stimuli, direct-to-reverberant ratio (D/R) is more reliable and robust than interaural level difference (ILD). However, on the basis of our behavioral results, subjects’ discrimination performance was more consistent with complex intensity-independent distance representations, combining both available cues, than with representations on the basis of either D/R or ILD individually. fMRI activations to sounds varying in distance (containing all cues, including intensity), compared with activations to sounds varying in intensity only, were significantly increased in the planum temporale and posterior superior temporal gyrus contralateral to the direction of stimulation. This fMRI result suggests that neurons in posterior nonprimary auditory cortices, in or near the areas processing other auditory spatial features, are sensitive to intensity-independent sound properties relevant for auditory distance perception.
Production of particles by gravitational fields

The production of particles by gravitational fields is calculated within the framework of quantum field theory. It turns out that the expansion of the universe---giving rise to a time-dependent gravitational field---does not lead to an appreciable production at present, since the frequencies involved are too low. Particle production was, however, of importance during the first ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}20}$ sec after a "big bang." This mechanism of particle creation leads to equal numbers of particles and antiparticles.
An unconstrained convex programming view of linear programming

The major interest of this paper is to show that, at least in theory, a pair of primal and dual “ɛ-optimal solutions” to a general linear program in Karmarkar's standard form can be obtained by solving an unconstrained convex program. Hence unconstrained convex optimization methods are suggested to be carefully reviewed for this purpose.
Remedying the Achilles heel of behavior research and therapy: Prescriptive matching of intervention and psychopathology

Abstract Recent calls for eclecticism in clinical practice have been fueled by the putative limitations of behavioral techniques in treating a variety of psychological problems. However, calls for such integration do not appear to be justified for two related reasons. First, the precise conditions under which behavioral interventions are and are not effective have not yet been adequately delineated. consequently, rejection of behavioral interventions in favor of relatively indiscriminate application of cognitive strategies is premature. Second, behavior therapy has as its hallmark a thorough grounding in inductive empiricism, while cognitive/dynamic theories are wholly based in deductive rationalism. As a result, wholesale acceptance of alternative theories and techniques by behaviorists is both inconsistent and retrogressive. Cognitive interventions have their place, but only when cognitive distortions have been specifically identified. Therefore, refinement of behavioral treatments into prescriptive interventions is warranted. The parameters of prescriptive behavior therapy are described in this paper.
Photosynthetic recovery of resurrection spikemosses from different hydration regimes.

Patterns and mechanisms of recovery of photosynthetic activity of two resurrection spikemoss species from different hydration environments in the Chihuahuan desert of southwest Texas, USA were compared in the laboratory. Selaginella lepidophylla Hook. and Grev. is the dominant poikilohydric plant found in hot, arid low-elevation desert scrub communities and S. pilifera A. Br. is one of many poikilohydric species found in more mesic, high-elevation woodland communities in Big Bend National Park, Texas. Infrared gas analysis of CO2 exchange during hydration of desiccated plants indicated that photosynthetic competence was achieved significantly more rapidly in S. lepidophylla tha S. pilifera. Chloramphenicol, a chloroplast protein synthesis inhibitor at 100 μg·ml-1 in the hydration medium, significantly inhibited the resumption of CO2 uptake in both species, but the level of inhibition was significantly greater in S. pilifera. The level of conserved ribulose 1,5 bis phosphate carboxylase specific activity in desiccated plants was significantly greater in S. lepidophylla. These results support the hypothesis that poikilohydric plants from increasingly xeric environments are capable of more rapid photosynthetic recovery, due to increased conservation of the photosynthetic system during desiccation and a reduced requirement for photosynthetic system repair during hydration, than those from more mesic environments.
Adenine metabolism and urate storage in the cockroach, Leucophaea maderae☆

Abstract 14 C-adenine, injected into cockroaches, Leucophaea maderae , was rapidly metabolized and stored in the fat body as uric acid. The fat body always contained the highest concentrations of radio-labelled metabolites followed by the midgut, haemolymph, and hindgut. 14 C-urates progressively accumulated in fat body deposits with no apparent turnover during long periods of time while there was a gradual decline of radioactivity in other tissues. External excretory processes accounted for little loss of 14 C with less than 2 per cent of the total dose eliminated in the faeces in 12 days. Respiratory 14 CO 2 accounted for less than 5 per cent of the total adenine during the initial 15 hr, with metabolism of ring carbon greatest in the early intervals and declining to low levels after 6 hr. Turn-over of the No. 2 ring carbon was slightly greater than the No. 8 carbon. The major fat body metabolite of adenine was uric acid which was strongly bound to proteins and ninhydrin-positive molecules at physiological pH. Free uric acid partially dissociated in alkaline media and could be separated from the bound fraction by electrophoresis. The bound urates always migrated with a ninhydrin-positive substance, possibly a peptide or amino acid, but not with protein in alkaline buffers. The association of fat body urates with protein or other substances is discussed in relation to their storage excretion mechanism.
Local strategies and equilibria with an application to the committee decision process

In this paper, a formalization of the idea of “lookingk turns ahead” in the context of an-person non-cooperative game, in which the rules specify a sequence of turns, is considered. At thei-th move, there is a game ofk turns an equilibrium of which gives a behavioral strategy for thei-the move. In general, this strategy is not an equilibrium but is attractive as an explanation of the behavior of experienced players playing a complicated game. As an application of this idea, a committee voting game is analyzed.
Caspase-cleaved arrestin-2 and BID cooperatively facilitate cytochrome C release and cell death

Apoptosis is programmed cell death triggered by activation of death receptors or cellular stress. Activation of caspases is the hallmark of apoptosis. Arrestins are best known for their role in homologous desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Arrestins quench G protein activation by binding to activated phosphorylated GPCRs. Recently, arrestins have been shown to regulate multiple signalling pathways in G protein-independent manner via scaffolding signalling proteins. Here we demonstrate that arrestin-2 isoform is cleaved by caspases during apoptosis induced via death receptor activation or by DNA damage at evolutionarily conserved sites in the C-terminus. Caspase-generated arrestin-2-(1-380) fragment translocates to mitochondria increasing cytochrome C release, which is the key checkpoint in cell death. Cells lacking arrestin-2 are significantly more resistant to apoptosis. The expression of wild-type arrestin-2 or its cleavage product arrestin-2-(1-380), but not of its caspase-resistant mutant, restores cell sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli. Arrestin-2-(1-380) action depends on tBID: at physiological concentrations, arrestin-2-(1-380) directly binds tBID and doubles tBID-induced cytochrome C release from isolated mitochondria. Arrestin-2-(1-380) does not facilitate apoptosis in BID knockout cells, whereas its ability to increase caspase-3 activity and facilitate cytochrome C release is rescued when BID expression is restored. Thus, arrestin-2-(1-380) cooperates with another product of caspase activity, tBID, and their concerted action significantly contributes to cell death.
Malignant Pheochromocytoma in Childhood

• A child had malignant pheochromocytoma. Her tumor originally was thought to be a benign one, but persistent elevation of catecholamine values in the post-operative period, and consequent appearance of lytic bone lesions, proved her disease to be metastatic. Malignancy is rare in this tumor, and difficult to diagnose even with sophisticated biochemical and radiologic techniques. Treatment with chemotherapy and radiation failed to halt the spread and growth of this patient's tumor. (Am J Dis Child130:1252-1255, 1976)
CH3SHmolecules deposited on Cu(111) and deprotonation

We demonstrate that when a methanethiol adsorbed on the regular Cu(111) surface, the dissociative structure is thermodynamically more stable than the intact one. The computational results show that at low temperature, the methanethiol adsorbate prefers the atop site of the regular Cu(111) surface. As the temperature is increased, the S-H bond is broken and the methylthiolate favors the hollow sites. On the defected Cu(111) surface, the dissociative configuration is still thermodynamically more stable than the nondissociative one. The calculation indicates that the hydrogen initially attached to the sulfur would like to form a bond with the copper surface rather than desorb from it. Even though both copper and gold are the noble metals, the stability of the methanethiol adsorption on the Cu(111) substrate is almost the reverse of that on the Au(111).
Hotspot detection with bivariate data

The upper level set (ULS) scan statistic, its theory, design and implementation, and its extension to the bivariate data are discussed. We provide the ULS-Hotspot algorithm that obtains the response rates, maintains a list of connected components at each level of the rate function, and yields the ULS-tree. The tree is grown in the immediate successor list, which provides a computationally efficient method for likelihood evaluation, visualization, and storage. An example shows how the zones are formed and the likelihood function is developed for each candidate zone. The general theory of bivariate hotspot detection is explained, including the bivariate binomial model, the multivariate exceedance approach, and the bivariate Poisson distribution. We propose the Intersection method that is simple to implement, using a univariate hotspot detection method. We study the sensitivity of the joint hotspots to the degree of association between the variables. An application for the mapping of crime hotspots in the counties of the state of Ohio is presented.
Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of DNA from senescing cotyledon tissue

Abstract The restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) pattern of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Straight Eight) cotyledon DNA during 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (ethephon) induced senescence was used a means of evaluating the structural integrity of DNA during senescence. Ethephon treatment resulted in almost a complete loss of chlorophyll over a 7-day period. The yield and structural integrity of DNA from these cotyledons did not appear to change during this period. These observations are consistent with the idea that DNA remains intact during senescence.