cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The transmission and activation of endogenous mouse retroviral genomes

Abstract Proviral copies of the mouse leukemia viruses behave as classical Mendelian loci and as mobile genetic elements. As mobile elements they can reinsert in somatic and germ cells; these insertions may lead to cancer or heritable mutations. The mobility of these proviral elements results in great diversity among mice in the number and chromosomal position of proviral genes. We discuss factors which may influenced the rate of acquisition of novel proviruses in the germ line.
Developments in the high-performance liquid chromatography of metallo-organic compounds

Abstract A number of developments in the high-performance liquid chromatography of metallo-organic complexes are described. Micellar chromatography of cobalt(III)—iminodiacetate isomer anions has been carried out with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide surfactant, with full resolution of cis and facial trans isomers. A dynamic ion-exchange micellar mechanism is proposed. Neutral N,N′-ethylenebis(acetylacetoneimine) chelates of copper(II) and nicker(II) are separated using sodium dodecyl sulfate in methanol—water as the mobile phase, which constrains the copper complex to be eluted before the nickel chelate. The separation of thermally labile isomers of aluminium trifluoroacetylacetonates is described, isomerization being precluded at O°C. Direct-current argon plasma emission spectral detection is used to confirm elution of cobalt, chromium at aluminum complexes.
Effect of Periodontal Therapy on Alveolar Bone as Measured by Subtraction Radiography

Changes in the periodontal alveolar bone are often evaluated by comparing a series of radiographs taken over time. This investigation used a technique that allowed the image registration to be geometrically standardized each time a radiograph was taken. Radiographs of 24 patients from an ongoing double-blind, clinical study using metronidazole were obtained: (1) before any treatment, (2) at the completion of scaling and root planing and surgery (when performed) and (3) during the maintenance phase. One hundred six (106) paired comparisons were analyzed by subtraction radiography using a computerized system. Of these, 95 (89%) exhibited a minimal degree of geometric distortion and could be successfully substracted. Most areas (67%) showed no change in bone structure following periodontal treatment. Bone gain was noted in 12% of the sites examined, while bone loss was seen in 21% of the sites. This bone loss was statistically associated with sites that had received some form of surgical treatment.
Hot film anemometer calibration and use in fluids at varying background temperature

Abstract A new apparatus of calibrating hot-film/wire probes at low speeds using a traversing mechanism is described. This allows calibration over a fairly wide range of speeds, and also permits simulation of flow direction from vertical to horizontal. The calibrated probes were then used to measure low velocities in water, over regions of varying local temperature. The method of varying probe resistance ratio during calibration, at a constant ambient temperature, was used for correcting measured velocities. Measured and theoretical velocities are in good agreement.
Determining the Optimal Ceftriaxone MIC for Triggering Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Confirmatory Testing

As routine testing of clinical isolates for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production (screen plus phenotypic confirmatory testing) is no longer required by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), a number of clinical microbiology laboratories use ceftriaxone MICs as a proxy means of identifying bacteria as potential ESBL producers. Data from 1,386 clinical isolates suggest that a ceftriaxone MIC cutoff of 8 μg/ml is an excellent predictor of ESBL production, with a positive predictive value and negative predictive value approaching 100% and 99.5%, respectively.
Ultramicro fatty acid analysis of polar lipids: Gas-liquid chromatography after column and thin-layer chromatographic separation

A procedure is described for the analysis of the fatty acid composition of polar lipid classes in the nanogram range. The lipids are first fractionated by column chromatography followed by further separation into pure lipid classes by thin-layer chromatography. Lipid spots scraped from the thin-layer plates are esterified directly (i.e., without prior elution) with 6% sulfuric acid in methanol. The methyl esters are then analyzed by gasliquid chromatography with a hydrogen flame ionization detector. Samples of 200 nanograms or less give accurate results with helium as carrier gas, oxygen rather than air to support combustion, careful adjustment of the recorder and general attention to optimum electrical connections, dissociation of the column oven from the recorder and electrometer, and careful preconditioning of columns. Under proper conditions the base line is stable and a 10% of full scale deflection of the recorder can be obtained from 1 nanogram of a methyl ester, allowing highly precise analyses of fatty acid composition from the amount of lipid obtainable from one spot on a thin-layer chromatogram. Control studies demonstrated that extraneous peaks did not arise from the procedure or from the sphingosine and dihydrosphingosine of sphingolipids. The thin-layer chromatographic procedure did not influence the fatty acid composition of a pure sample of glucocerebroside isolated by column chromatography and the method was applied to lecithin and sphingomyelin or normal and pathological human brain specimens.
DES Decoding Using FPGA and Custom Instructions

Data Encryption Standard (DES) encryption has been commercially available and implemented for many years, and offers some insights into the use of FPGA and custom hardware instructions to decipher coded DES messages. This paper presents an approach using FPGA based processing instructions to decipher messages using parallel processing on the chip.
Withholding consumption: A social dilemma perspective on consumer boycotts.

This article draws on social dilemma theory and reference group theory to understand the individual boycott decision and tests the predictions stemming from this conceptualization in two experiments. Consistent with our predictions, consumers' likelihood of participating in both economic and social-issue boycotts is jointly determined by their perceptions of the boycott's likelihood of success, their susceptibility to normative social influences, and the costs they incur in boycotting. Consumers' success perceptions are, in turn, determined by their expectations of overall participation and efficacy, as well as the message frame inherent in proboycott communications. Two key determinants of consumers' boycotting costs are their preference for the boycotted product and their access to its substitutes. More specifically, consumers who are more susceptible to the normative influence exerted by the reference group of potential boycotters are more influenced by expected overall participation rates in their boycott likelihood.
Novel exon combinations generated by alternative splicing of gene fragments mobilized by a CACTA transposon in Glycine max

Background The recent discoveries of transposable elements carrying host gene fragments such as the Pack-MULEs (Mutator-like transposable elements) of maize (Zea mays), rice (Oryza sativa) and Arabidopsis thaliana, the Helitrons of maize and the Tgm-Express of soybeans, revealed a widespread genetic mechanism with the potential to rearrange genomes and create novel chimeric genes affecting genomic and proteomic diversity. Not much is known with regard to the mechanisms of gene fragment capture by those transposon elements or the expression of the captured host gene fragments. There is some evidence that chimeric transcripts can be assembled and exist in EST collections.
Kinetics of the β″‐to‐β Transformation in the System Na2O‐A12O3

Mixtures of α-A12O3 and NaAlO2 corresponding to the eutectic composition 65 mot % A12O 3 were heated in sealed platinum crucibles above the eutectic temperature (measured to be 1572°C in this study). Once melting was complete, the liquid was quenched and the resultant solid examined by X-ray diffraction. Sodium aluminate, beta alumina, and beta″ alumina were detected in all cases. However, the relative amounts of beta and beta″ present were a function of the cooling rate, with the amount of beta″ increasing with a decreasing cooling rate. Subsequent annealing (in platinum envelopes) of the solidified eutectic at 1400° and 1530°C showed that the amount of beta″ present decreased with increasing annealing time. Based on this observation, it is apparent that, in the temperature range studied, beta″-is metastable. Analysis of the time-transformation data shows that the reaction kinetics are consistent with the diffusion-controlled growth of the beta phase at the expense of the beta″-phase.
Search for a glacial‐age 14C‐depleted ocean reservoir

[1] Measurements of the radiocarbon age difference between mixed benthic foraminifera and several coexisting planktic entities were made in hopes of finding evidence for the existence of an isolated glacial-age abyssal ocean reservoir whose demise would explain the large drops in the 14 C to C ratio in atmosphere and surface ocean carbon which occurred during the period of deglaciation. Forty-six new radiocarbon results were obtained at seven depths covering the full range of glacial time (i.e., ∼27 to 15 14 C kyrs) from an equatorial Pacific sediment core at 4.4-km water depth. Even though age reversals for foraminifera (but not for coccoliths) at two of the eight depths and large age differences between G. sacculifer and three submixed-layer planktic species mar this data set, there remains little likelihood that such a reservoir existed.
Low plasma retinol concentrations increase the risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia and long-term respiratory disability in very-low-birth-weight infants

BACKGROUND The effect of inadequate vitamin A during the neonatal period on lung status is still unknown. OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that low plasma retinol concentrations during the first month of life are independently associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and long-term respiratory morbidity at 6 mo gestationally corrected age (ie, the age the infant would be had the pregnancy gone to term). DESIGN Respiratory outcome information was obtained to 6 mo corrected age for a historical cohort of very-low-birth-weight neonates (<1250 g) who were admitted to intensive care over a 7-y period. Neonates with one or more plasma measurements of retinol concentrations < 0.35 micromol/L (<100 microg/L) on days 1-28 were classified as having low vitamin A. BPD was defined at day 28 by clinical and radiologic criteria and by use of supplemental oxygen at 36 wk postmenstrual age (PMA). Dependence on supplemental oxygen was used to identify long-term respiratory disability at 6 mo corrected age. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS Of the 350 study infants, 192 (55%) had low vitamin A status. BPD occurred in 52% of survivors at day 28 (173/331) and at 36 wk PMA (147/285). Fourteen percent (33/244) required oxygen support at 6 mo corrected age. Adjusted odds ratios of BPD with low vitamin A were 3.5 (95% CI: 1.7, 7.2) at day 28 and 1.7 (1.0, 2.7) at 36 wk PMA. At 6 mo corrected age, the adjusted odds ratio was 2.6 (1.1, 6.4) for respiratory disability with low vitamin A. CONCLUSION Poor vitamin A status during the first month of life significantly increased the risk of developing BPD and long-term respiratory disability.
Evaluating Power-Monitoring Capabilities on IBM Blue Gene/P and Blue Gene/Q

Power consumption is becoming a critical factor as we continue our quest toward exascale computing. Yet, actual power utilization of a complete system is an insufficiently studied research area. Estimating the power consumption of a large scale system is a nontrivial task because a large number of components are involved and because power requirements are affected by the (unpredictable) workloads. Clearly needed is a power-monitoring infrastructure that can provide timely and accurate feedback to system developers and application writers so that they can optimize the use of this precious resource. Many existing large-scale installations do feature power-monitoring sensors, however, those are part of environmental- and health monitoring sub systems and were not designed with application level power consumption measurements in mind. In this paper, we evaluate the existing power monitoring of IBM Blue Gene systems, with the goal of understanding what capabilities are available and how they fare with respect to spatial and temporal resolution, accuracy, latency, and other characteristics. We find that with a careful choice of dedicated micro benchmarks, we can obtain meaningful power consumption data even on Blue Gene/P, where the interval between available data points is measured in minutes. We next evaluate the monitoring subsystem on Blue Gene/Q, and are able to study the power characteristics of FPU and memory subsystems of Blue Gene/Q. We find the monitoring subsystem capable of providing second-scale resolution of power data conveniently separated between node components with seven seconds latency. This represents a significant improvement in power monitoring infrastructure, and hope future systems will enable real-time power measurement in order to better understand application behavior at a finer granularity.
InterBALANCE: cooperative load-balancing system

A cooperative system architecture is proposed for systemization of scheduling work, taking account of the desirable relationship between an expert and a computer. The architecture emphasizes the significance of a system structure in which decision-making and trial operation can be easily performed by the expert and the system can simulate the expert's intentions. Since an expert expresses his intentions mainly by mouse operations, using only a narrow bandwidth of communication from a human to a computer, the authors propose that domain knowledge should be used to grasp the expert's intentions. The load-balancing problem is analyzed and an example is given that shows such a problem is cooperatively solved by the InterBALANCE system. >
Normal cell phenotypes of breast epithelial cells provide the foundation of a breast cancer taxonomy

The current classification system for breast cancer is based on expression of empirical prognostic and predictive biomarkers. As an alternative, we propose a hypothesis-based ontological breast cancer classification modeled after the taxonomy of species in evolutionary biology. This approach uses normal breast epithelial cell types and differentiation lineages as the gold standard to classify tumors. We show that there are at least eleven previously undefined normal cell types in human breast epithelium and that each breast carcinoma is related to one of these normal cell types. We find that triple negative breast cancers do not have a ‘basal-like’ phenotype. Normal breast epithelial cells conform to four novel hormonal differentiation states and almost all human breast tumors duplicate one of these hormonal differentiation states which have significant survival differences. This ontological classification scheme provides actionable treatment strategies and provides an alternative approach for understandi...
Impaired expression of certain prereplicative bacteriophage T4 genes explains impaired T4 DNA synthesis in Escherichia coli rho (nusD) mutants.

Abstract The Escherichia coli rho 026 mutation that alters the transcription termination protein Rho prevents growth of wild-type bacteriophage T4. Among the consequences of this mutation are delayed and reduced T4 DNA replication. We show that these defects can be explained by defective synthesis of certain T4 replication-recombination proteins. Expression of T4 gene 41 (DNA helicase/primase) is drastically reduced, and expression of T4 genes 43 (DNA polymerase), 30 (DNA ligase), 46 (recombination nuclease), and probably 44 (DNA polymerase-associated ATPase) is reduced to a lesser extent. The compensating T4 mutation goF1 partially restores the synthesis of these proteins and, concomitantly, the synthesis of T4 DNA in the E. coli rho mutant. From analyzing DNA synthesis in wild-type and various multiply mutant T4 strains, we infer that defective or reduced synthesis of these proteins in rho 026-infected cells has several major effects on DNA replication. It impairs lagging-strand synthesis during the primary mode of DNA replication; it delays and depresses recombination-dependent (secondary mode) initiation; and it inhibits the use of tertiary origins. All three T4 genes whose expression is reduced in rho 026 cells and whose upstream sequences are known have a palindrome containing a CUUCGG sequence between the promoter(s) and ribosome-binding site. We speculate that these palindromes might be important for factor-dependent transcription termination-antitermination during normal T4 development. Our results are consistent with previous proposals that the altered Rho factor of rho 026 may cause excessive termination because the transcription complex does not interact normally with a T4 antiterminator encoded by the wild-type goF gene and that the T4 goF1 mutation restores this interaction.
Effect of Pricing Intervals on Congestion-Sensitivity of Network Prices

One of the key issues for implementing congestion pricing is the pricing granularity (i.e. pricing interval or time-scale). The Internet traffic is highly variant and hard to control without a mechanism that operates on very low time-scales, i.e. on the order of round-trip-times (RTTs). However, pricing naturally operates on very large time-scales because of human involvement. Moreover, structure of wide-area networks does not allow frequent price updates for many reasons, such as RTTs are very large for some cases. In this paper, we investigate the issue of pricing granularity and identify problems. We first focus on how much level of control over congestion can be achieved by congestion pricing. To represent the level of control over congestion, we use correlation between prices and congestion measures. We develop analytical and statistical models for the correlation. In order to validate the correlation model, we develop packet-based simulation of our congestion pricing scheme Dynamic Capacity Contracting. We then present the fit between simulation results of the pricing scheme and the correlation model. The correlation model reveals that the correlation degrades at most inversely proportional to an increase in the pricing interval. It also reveals that the correlation degrades with an increase in mean or variance of the traffic. Secondly, we discuss implications of the correlation model. According to the model and simulation results, we find that control of congestion by pricing degrades significantly as pricing granularity increases.
Basic Models for Solving Distribution Center Location Problems: A Review

Distribution is one of the important parts in logistics. This article shortly presents the source, extension and deep research about distribution center location problem. It focuses on basic models of this problem and discusses the establishment of model about distribution center location problem under electronic commerce. It also points out future research directions about this problem.
Infrared microspectroscopy of individual human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells.

We report infrared (IR) spectra observed for individual, cultured human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells. Spectra were collected microscopically, in reflection/absorption modes, from cells deposited and dried on microscope slides or from cells grown directly on slides. Within the spectra of the dried cells, significant spectral heterogeneity exists that was previously attributed to different stages of the cell cycle [Boydston-White. S., et al., Biospectroscopy 1999, 5, 219–227; Holman, H. Y., et al., Biopolymers Biospectrosc 2000, 57, 329–335; Tobin, M. J., et al., in First BASIE Workshop, Karlsruhe, Germany, 2003]. The results reported here confirm earlier findings and present the possibility of determining the abundance of cells within each stage of the cycle from the IR spectra. In an accompanying paper, we show that the spectra of cells in suspension exhibit spectral intensity distributions that are different from that of the dried cells. This result has far-reaching implications for the use of infrared microspectroscopy to screen dried cell preparations for the presence of abnormal cells.
Characterization of cultured microglia that can be infected by HIV-1

Parenchymal microglia are targets of HIV infection. We, as well as others, have used in vitro microglia culture systems to study the tropism and replication of HIV. Characterization of perivascular and parenchymal microglia surface markers in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo, has led to the understanding that these cell populations are different, and data from both the HIV and SIV models support the hypothesis that they may play different roles in infection of the CNS. We determined that human adult parenchymal microglia cultured from temporal lobe tissue for use in HIV replication studies, were CD11c+, CD45+, CD68+, CD14- when cultured with standard serum/cytokine-supplemented media. To determine the influence of serum and cytokines on HIV replication in microglia, we designed a new protocol for culturing microglia, and compared the results obtained with this protocol with the standard approach previously described. Microglia cultured in the presence of a 'feeder' layer of glial cells and in the absence of serum and cytokines expressed the same surface markers as pure microglia (>95%) cultured in supplemented media. However, pure microglia cultured in the absence of both serum/cytokines supplements and other glial cells, did not have characteristic microglial morphology and did not support HIV replication to as high a level. Lastly, we determined that unlike monocytes, ex vivo parenchymal microglia were capable of supporting HIV replication.
Textual Organization, Advance Organizers and the Retention of Prose Material.

In order to study the interaction of passage structure and advance organizers a prose passage containing information about 6 obscure American Presidents was presented to 144 college students either in 1 long paragraph or 6 separate paragraphs. Half of the subjects in each condition were given an advance organizer describing the passage organization and half were not. Contrary to expectation, subjects given a passage with neither paragraph cues nor an advance organizer recalled better than subjects given paragraph cues but no advance organizer. Subjects given advance organizers were intermediate regardless of paragraph structure. Results were interpreted from an activity or levels of processing position.
Enterovesical fistula presenting as life-threatening normal anion gap metabolic acidosis

Enterovesical fistula is a rare complication of a variety of inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. It usually presents with pneumaturia, fecaluria, urinary tract infections, or irritable bladder symptoms in the setting of either diverticulitis or malignancy. For the first time, we describe a patient with an enterovesical fistula who presented with a life-threatening normal anion gap metabolic acidosis. The direction of flow through the fistula, ie, bladder to intestine, was contingent on a spastic bladder and was responsible for the atypical presentation.
Effect of thyroid hormone concentration on the transcriptional response underlying induced metamorphosis in the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma)

Thyroid hormones (TH) induce gene expression programs that orchestrate amphibian metamorphosis. In contrast to anurans, many salamanders do not undergo metamorphosis in nature. However, they can be induced to undergo metamorphosis via exposure to thyroxine (T4). We induced metamorphosis in juvenile Mexican axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) using 5 and 50 nM T4, collected epidermal tissue from the head at four time points (Days 0, 2, 12, 28), and used microarray analysis to quantify mRNA abundances. Individuals reared in the higher T4 concentration initiated morphological and transcriptional changes earlier and completed metamorphosis by Day 28. In contrast, initiation of metamorphosis was delayed in the lower T4 concentration and none of the individuals completed metamorphosis by Day 28. We identified 402 genes that were statistically differentially expressed by ≥ two-fold between T4 treatments at one or more non-Day 0 sampling times. To complement this analysis, we used linear and quadratic regression to identify 542 and 709 genes that were differentially expressed by ≥ two-fold in the 5 and 50 nM T4 treatments, respectively. We found that T4 concentration affected the timing of gene expression and the shape of temporal gene expression profiles. However, essentially all of the identified genes were similarly affected by 5 and 50 nM T4. We discuss genes and biological processes that appear to be common to salamander and anuran metamorphosis, and also highlight clear transcriptional differences. Our results show that gene expression in axolotls is diverse and precise, and that axolotls provide new insights about amphibian metamorphosis.
Fast integral equation solver for Maxwell’s equations in layered media with FMM for Bessel functions

The paper presents a new fast integral equation solver for Maxwell’s equations in 3-D layered media. First, the spectral domain dyadic Green’s function is derived, and the 0-th and the 1-st order Hankel transforms or Sommerfeld-type integrals are used to recover all components of the dyadic Green’s function in real space. The Hankel transforms are performed with the adaptive generalized Gaussian quadrature points and window functions to minimize the computational cost. Subsequently, a fast integral equation solver with O(Nz2NxNy log(NxNy)) in layered media is developed by rewriting the layered media integral operator in terms of Hankel transforms and using the new fast multipole method for the n-th order Bessel function in 2-D. Computational cost and parallel efficiency of the new algorithm are presented.
Colonoscopy Identifies Increased Prevalence of Large Polyps or Tumors in Patients 40–49 Years Old With Hematochezia vs Other Gastrointestinal Indications

Background & Aims There is an unclear role for colonoscopy in the evaluation of symptomatic individuals younger than 50 years old. We aimed to determine the prevalence of large polyps (>9 mm) or tumors in individuals 40 to 49 years old who underwent colonoscopy for various signs and symptoms, and compare the results with those from average-risk individuals ages 50 to 54 years who underwent screening colonoscopy. Methods We collected data from a national endoscopy database, from 2000 through 2012, and identified patients 40 to 49 years old who underwent colonoscopy for bleeding and nonbleeding indications. The prevalence of large polyps (>9 mm) or tumors was compared with the prevalence in a reference group (n = 99,713 average-risk individuals ages 50–54 undergoing screening colonoscopy). Results A total of 65,892 patients ages 40 to 49 years underwent colonoscopy for a variety of indications. Significantly larger proportions of male and female patients with hematochezia without anemia or iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) had large polyps or tumors (7.2%) compared with the reference group (men, 7.2% vs 6.2%; P = .0001; and women, 5.5% vs 4.1%; P P P Conclusions An analysis of a national endoscopy database supports the role of colonoscopy to evaluate hematochezia in patients 40 to 49 years old. A lower proportion of patients with anemia, weight loss, and general abdominal symptoms had large polyps or tumors compared with average-risk patients 50 to 54 years old. A significantly lower proportion of patients younger than 50 years with general gastrointestinal symptoms had large polyps—these patients are therefore less likely to benefit from colonoscopy.
What is “Covered” by Res Judicata in Brazilian Civil Procedural Law: The Current Law and Perspectives of Change

[This chapter was drafted prior to the final change of the law, but its analysis is nonetheless a great contribution to our understanding of the dynamism of civil procedure. Indeed, the fact that the law changed during the editing process (in the manner proposed and discussed below) is itself relevant to readers' appreciation of the dynamism of civil procedure around the world - editors note]This article deals with something very new in Brazilian law, a new Civil Procedure Code (2015). This chapter focuses on the new rule that determines that res judicata covers not only the decisum but also its reasons. This law is not typical of civil law systems, but the author believes it will produce good results, as it leads to efficiency.
Pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PKPD) of blinatumomab in patients with relapsed/refractory B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r ALL).

2561 Background: Blinatumomab is a CD19-directed bispecific T-cell engager antibody construct indicated for treatment of Ph-negative r/r ALL. We evaluated blinatumomab PK/PD and explored their asso...
Enhanced gyroscope scale factor in an area-chirped array of coupled matter-wave interferometers

The utilization of atom interferometry for gyroscopes is of considerable interest because the detection of inertial rotations via the Sagnac effect has a potential ${10}^{10}$ greater sensitivity than optical gyroscopes. Here we analyze, in the presence of a rotation $\ensuremath{\Omega}$, phase-coherent transport of atomic matter waves in a one-dimensional chain of $N$ ring interferometers in which the sizes of the rings are chirped symmetrically about the center ring. The gyroscope scale factor of the area-chirped array for $N\ensuremath{\lesssim}10$ is several orders of magnitude larger than that for the unchirped array, which itself is larger than the scale factor of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with the same enclosed area. This enhancement is achieved with total enclosed areas that are larger or smaller than that of the unchirped array by less than 25$%$. As such, the area chirp achieves rotation sensitivities with $N\ensuremath{\lesssim}10$ interferometers that would normally require $N\ensuremath{\gg}100$ rings of identical sizes.
Genetic variation in Neodiprion (Hymenoptera: Symphyta: Diprionidae) sawflies and a comment on low levels of genetic diversity within the Hymenoptera

Starch-gel electrophoresis was used to investigate the biochemical genetics of seven species of Neodiprion sawflies and the confamilial Diprion similis (Hartig). Interspecific Rogers' distance coefficients ranged from 0.14 to 0.74. Cladistic and phenetic cluster algorithms are consistent regarding interspecific relationships. Average genetic diversity values do not differ from those in the literature for vertebrate groups, Crustacea, or other hymenopterans. The sawfly heterozygosity value (0.06) differs significantly from those of insects excluding hymenopterans and Drosophila (0.10), and from Drosophila (0.12). Small effective population sizes and inbreeding may account for much of the difference.
Using ecosystem services to inform decisions on U.S. air quality standards.

The ecosystem services (ES) framework provides a link between changes in a natural system’s structure and function and public welfare. This systematic integration of ecology and economics allows for more consistency and transparency in environmental decision making by enabling valuation of nature’s goods and services in a manner that is understood by the public. This policy analysis (1) assesses the utility of the ES conceptual framework in the context of setting a secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), (2) describes how economic valuation was used to summarize changes in ES affected by NOx and SOx in the review, and (3) uses the secondary NOxSOx NAAQS review as a case study to highlight the advantages and challenges of quantifying air pollutant effects on ES in a decision making context. Using an ES framework can benefit the decision making process by accounting for environmental, ecological, and social elements in a holistic manner. As formal quantitative linkages are developed between...
Mechanical Characters of Lattice Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine Structure

By comparing with horizontal-axis wind turbines,the advantages of vertical-axis wind turbine(VAWT) are explained.Conventional VAWT normally uses solid web axis.In present paper,softwares ANSYS and SAP2000 are used to build finite element model of a giant lattice VAWT,as well as to perform static analysis under wind load and self-weight.Main axis stability is an important problem in VAWT design.Through model and buckling analysis,the lattice main axis satisfies stability requirements.Because of its many advantages,such as small structural frontal area,low wind load,and reasonable loading condition,etc.,the lattice axis design should be promoted.
Long-term mixed cultures of human hemic cells, with granulocytic, lymphocytic, plasmocytic and erythrocytic series represented.

New culture strains containing humman hemic cells of monocytic, lymphocytic, granulocytic, plasmocytic and erythrocytic series are described with suggestions as to maintenance of the desired cell series in culture. The addition of cells from lymphocytic, plasmocytic and erythrocytic series to a previously well established culture has made possible long-term culture of these cell types, since this procedure aids in maintaining the necessary high gradient factor for their growth and multiplication. Although the life span of these cells has been considerably shortened in culture and immature forms predominate, the cells show recognizable characteristics of the cell series of origin. A high population density must be maintained in cultivation of the mixed cultures or the desired cell type may be lost.
Local cutaneous flaps.

Numerous local cutaneous flaps are discussed in detail in this article, including pivotal, rotation, transposition, interpolation, advancement, hinge, and multiple cutaneous flaps.
Immunobiology of carcinoma of the prostate.

Limited evidence suggests that prostatic cancer cells express antigens that are immunogenic in the host. Some of these tumor-associated antigens are fetal antigens and others may be oncogenic viral-induced tumor antigens. In addition, both benign and malignant prostatic epithelial cells produce an antigenically distinctive form of acid phosphatase, but it is unknown whether acid phosphatase can function as a target for cytotoxic mechanisms. There is ample evidence that host cell-mediated immunologic activity is depressed in many prostatic cancer patients. The mechanisms underlying these impairments are unclear, but a number of factors has been implicated including uncharacterized "serum blockers," alpha-2 globulins, and circulating antigen-antibody complexes. Endocrine manipulations can also alter host immune mechanisms. There is some evidence to suggest that host immune competence correlates inversely with tumor progression in patients who have relapsed after endocrine therapy. Immunotherapy for prostatic cancer has not been adequately studied. There have been a few inconclusive attempts at active immunotherapy using bacille Calmette Guerin and cryosurgery and virtually no attempts at passive immunotherapy. The future prospects for immunology as a useful tool in the management of prostatic cancer patients are discussed.
Prolonged versus Intermittent Infusion of β-Lactams for the Treatment of Nosocomial Pneumonia: A Meta-Analysis

Background The primary objective of this meta-analysis is aimed at determining whether β-lactams prolonged infusion in patients with nosocomial pneumonia (NP) results in higher cure rate and improved mortality compared to intermittent infusion.
Lack of Correlation between the Enterotoxigenicity of Clostridium perfringens Isolates and Propionic Acid Formation or Amylase Activity at 46°C.

The absence in the supernatant fluid of either extracellular amylase in cultures grown at 46°C or propionic acid has been proposed for the presumptive identification of enterotoxin-positive strains of Clostridium perfringens . However we found that propionic acid was formed by several enterotoxin-positive, as well as enterotoxin-negative, strains of this organism. In addition 4 of 13 ent+ stains produced extracellular amylase during growth at 46°C. These results indicate that neither trait can be used as a reliable indicator of the enterotoxigenicity of isolates of this organism.
Schelling’s Nothingness—the Figuration of the Death Drive in German Idealism in Žižek’s reading of Ages of the World

Abstract : This article examines Slavoj Žižek’s reading of F.W.J. Schelling’s Ages of the World (1813 second draft) from the standpoint of the ontological status of nothingness in Schelling’s idealism as contrasted with Žižek’s methodology of dialectical materialism. Although Schelling’s theosophical theism differs from Žižek’s materialist hermeneutic, Schelling’s thought nevertheless enacts an important breakthrough in Western philosophy that anticipates the dynamics of the Marxist interpretation of the dialectic. In particular, his positing of opposed unconscious drives within the ante-cosmic Godhead prefigures Sigmund Freud’s theory of the death drive.
A simple HCCI engine model for control

The homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine is an attractive technology because of its high efficiency and low emissions. However, HCCI lacks a direct combustion trigger making control of combustion timing challenging, especially during transients. To aid in HCCI engine control we present a simple model of the HCCI combustion process valid over a range of intake pressures, intake temperatures, equivalence ratios, and engine speeds. The model provides an estimate of the combustion timing on a cycle-by-cycle basis. An ignition threshold, which is a function of the in-cylinder motored temperature and pressure is used to predict start of combustion. This model allows the synthesis of nonlinear control laws, which can be utilized for control of an HCCI engine during transients.
What Do We Really Know about How Habituation to Warnings Occurs Over Time?: A Longitudinal fMRI Study of Habituation and Polymorphic Warnings

A major inhibitor of the effectiveness of security warnings is habituation: decreased response to a repeated warning. Although habituation develops over time, previous studies have examined habituation and possible solutions to its effects only within a single experimental session, providing an incomplete view of the problem. To address this gap, we conducted a longitudinal experiment that examines how habituation develops over the course of a five-day workweek and how polymorphic warnings decrease habituation. We measured habituation using two complementary methods simultaneously: functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and eye tracking. Our results show a dramatic drop in attention throughout the workweek despite partial recovery between workdays. We also found that the polymorphic warning design was substantially more resistant to habituation compared to conventional warnings, and it sustained this advantage throughout the five-day experiment. Our findings add credibility to prior studies by showing that the pattern of habituation holds across a workweek, and indicate that cross-sectional habituation studies are valid proxies for longitudinal studies. Our findings also show that eye tracking is a valid measure of the mental process of habituation to warnings.
Abstract 272: Epidermal Growth Factor Dependent Collagen Loss in Human Carotid Plaques is Mediated by Matrix Metalloproteinase-9

Aims Atherogenesis is a chronic progressive process that develops over several decades. Changes in the structure and composition of extracellular matrix (ECM) play an important role in the process of atherosclerosis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and growth factors present in atherosclerotic human plaques could be related to plaque remodeling and increased risk for plaque destabilization and rupture. Hypothesis Selective inhibition of elevated MMP-9 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) increases fibrillar collagens (Type I and III) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from symptomatic (S) and asymptomatic (AS) patients with carotid stenosis. Methods and results Cultured human VSMCs from both AS and S patients were treated with or without epidermal growth factor (EGF). The proteolytic activity of MMP-9 and MMP-2 was quantified by gelatin zymography. The mRNA transcripts of MMP-9, MMP-1, EGFR and collagen types I (COL1A1 and COL1A2) and III (COL3A1) were analyzed by qPCR. EGF treatment significantly increased MMP-9 activity and mRNA transcripts for MMP-9, MMP-1and EGFR, while mRNA transcripts for collagen types I and III were decreased in both AS and S groups. Collagen type I and type III mRNA transcripts were significantly decreased in symptomatic VSMCs compared to cells from AS. Inhibition of EGFR with AG1478 and MMP-9 using small molecule inhibitor and transfection with MMP-9 siRNA decreased the activity and mRNA expression of MMP-9 and increased mRNA transcripts of collagen I and III in EGF treated VSMCs. Conclusion These results reveal a novel mechanism by which MMP-9 induced by EGFR activation could be a leading cause of plaque instability in patients with carotid stenosis; and the selective blockade of EGFR and MMP-9 may be a novel strategy and a promising target for treating human unstable and vulnerable plaques.
Mitigation of Current Distortion in a Three-Phase Microinverter With Phase Skipping Using a Synchronous Sampling DC-Link Voltage Control

To improve light load efficiency, a three-phase photovoltaic (PV)-based microinverter may operate in single-phase, two-phase or three-phase mode depending on the available input power. Therefore, its dc-link capacitor may be subjected to large peak-to-peak voltage ripple when operating in phase skipping mode. This paper determines the minimum value of the dc-link capacitor by allowing the maximum acceptable voltage ripple on the dc link. This allows for the use of film capacitors instead of electrolytic capacitors in order to improve the microinverter reliability. Unfortunately, higher dc-link voltage ripple introduces harmonic distortion on the inverter output current waveform if it is not compensated for by the dc-link voltage controller. This paper proposes a simple synchronous control method to regulate the dc-link voltage with the presence of large voltage ripple. The dc-link voltage controller is synchronized with the phase-locked loop and samples the average value of dc-link voltage without introducing unwanted harmonics into the voltage sense path. Experimental results were obtained from a 300-W three-phase half-bridge microinverter prototype to verify the proposed dc-link voltage control performance. Inverter output current total harmonic distortion of 1.6% was achieved even though the dc-link peak-to-peak voltage ripple reached as high as 87 V with 219-V split dc-link voltage. Dynamic response is fast enough to easily track the most extreme ramp change in input PV power.
Quantum detectors using cycling excitation process in disordered medium

Cycling excitation process (CEP) is a signal amplification mechanism showing high gain, low noise at low operation bias1,2. Depending on Auger excitation that involves localized states, CEP effect may be prominent in amorphous silicon, which has abundant localized states as a disordered material. Here we present a carbon-doped amorphous Si photodiode with ultra-high gain-bandwidth product with exceedingly low excess noise factor.
The New Civic–Sacred: Designing for Life and Death in the Modern Metropolis

The environmental and social imperatives of twenty-first century cities require a rethinking of mortuary practices. Cemeteries across the globe are nearing capacity, and the number of deaths annual...
Nota crítica sobre La paradoja de Orayen

La Paradoja de Orayen es dos cosas en una. Primeramente, es un homenaje al filosofo argentino Raul Orayen (1942–2003). Pocos filosofos hispanoamericanos han gozado de la solidez intelectual y agudeza filosofica de Orayen, y pocos han sido tan queridos. Se trata, pues, de un homenaje bien merecido y que mucho agradecemos los que tuvimos la fortuna de interactuar con Raul y aprender de el. En segundo lugar, el libro es una contribucion a la filosofia hispanoamericana. Alberto Moretti y Guillermo Hurtado tuvieron el acierto de reconocer el valor de un proyecto que la prematura muerte de Orayen dejo inconcluso, y apreciar su potencial para generar discusion filosofica de alto nivel. El resultado es un volumen que recompensara la atencion de sus lectores, y dara al trabajo de Orayen justa prominencia en el mundo hispanoamericano.
Role of Mcl-1 in regulation of cell death in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes in vitro.

Abstract Targeting the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1 holds a promise to improve therapy of multiple types of Mcl-1 dependent cancers but raises concerns of on-target cardiotoxicity due to the presence and reported role of Mcl-1 in heart. Herein, we investigated the importance of Mcl-1 in the survival and contractile function of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes in culture. Effective knockdown of Mcl-1 with siRNAs reproducibly resulted in early (measured at Day 3) marginal alterations in caspase 3/7 activity, LDH leakage, ATP content and cellular impedance. After 14 days of Mcl-1 knockdown, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, deteriorating effects on mitochondrial ultrastructure, and alterations in beat rate and amplitude were revealed. Inhibition of Bcl-xL by siRNA-mediated knockdown or selective inhibitors did not cause any overt cellular responses except for a minimal increase in caspase 3/7 activity; however, loss of Mcl-1 concomitant with down-regulated Bcl-xL activated apoptosis and caused extensive cell death as reflected by an 80% loss in cell index, activation of caspase-3 with associated PARP cleavage, and a decrease in beat amplitude and mitochondrial membrane potential after 3 days of Mcl-1/Bcl-xL knockdown., Together, these findings suggest that Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL provide duplicate safeguard measures in maintaining structural and functional integrity of cardiomyocytes. Hence, BH3-mimetic drugs targeting Mcl-1 may be well tolerated in the presence of intact Bcl-xL.
What Salespeople Don’t Say: A Review of Literature on Nonverbal Communication of Salespeople: An Abstract

Salespeople play a vital role in presenting information, discovering needs, and building relationships with customers. Salespeople in the service sector, retail and direct selling and industrial selling, all interact with customers directly. The communications, both verbal and nonverbal, of salespeople contribute to interaction outcomes.
Effects of nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure therapy in patients with resistant hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea.

Study Objective:To examine the long-term effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on blood pressure (BP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and resistant hypertension.Met...
Teaching Courses in Macroeconomics and Monetary Policy with Bloomberg Analytics

AbstractIn this article, the authors illustrate the use of Bloomberg for analyzing topics in macroeconomics and monetary policy in economics and finance courses. The hands-on experience that students gain from such a course has many benefits, including deeper learning and clearer understanding of data. The authors describe goals and learning objectives, then compare Bloomberg with Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED). In addition, they provide examples of how to use Bloomberg in the classroom, describe how to have students perform sector analysis, show how Bloomberg tools are useful for analyzing monetary policy, discuss how to use Bloomberg to analyze the financial sector, and illustrate the platform’s use in a case study.