cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of bioavailability of amorphous versus crystalline itraconazole nanoparticles via pulmonary administration in rats.

Abstract The effect of supersaturation on bioavailability of inhaled nebulized aerosols is compared for amorphous versus crystalline nanoparticulate dispersions. The nanocrystalline formulations of itraconazole (ITZ) were made by wet milling ( i.e. Wet-milled ITZ), whereas amorphous nanostructured aggregates (ITZ/mannitol/lecithin = 1:0.5:0.2, weight ratio) were made by an ultra-rapid freezing process ( i.e. URF–ITZ). Dissolution tests revealed the extent of supersaturation was 4.7-times higher for URF–ITZ versus Wet-milled ITZ, though their dissolution rates were similar. The aerodynamic performances of both aqueous colloidal dispersions were comparable and suitable for deep lung delivery. Single-dose 24-h pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in Sprague–Dawley rats following inhalation of the nebulized colloidal dispersions (equivalent to 20 mg ITZ/mL dispersion in 5 mL) in a nose-only dosing apparatus. Lung depositions following inhalation were similar for both compositions. In systemic circulation, Wet-milled ITZ and URF–ITZ achieved C max of 50 and 180 ng/mL at 2.7 and 4.0 h, and AUC 0–24 of 662 and 2543 ng h/mL, respectively, based on a one-compartmental analysis. Pulmonary delivery of the nanoparticulate amorphous ITZ composition resulted in significantly higher systemic bioavailability than for the nanocrystalline ITZ composition, as a result of the higher supersaturation that increased the permeation.
Fecundity and Egg Diameter of Primiparous and Multiparous Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus (Brachyura: Portunidae) in Mississippi Waters

Blue crabs Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 support large commercial and recreational fisheries along the Atlantic coast and in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Female blue crabs are traditionally believed to produce one to six broods in their lifetime. However, recent evidence has shown that females have the ability to spawn up to eight broods in a single spawning season, with as many as 18 broods over their lifespan. In this study, fecundity and egg diameter were examined by brood class (primiparous, multiparous) in the spring and summer/fall. Mean carapace width of females was significantly different between brood class and season, with the largest females in the spring. There was a positive relationship between fecundity and carapace width. Although primiparous spring females were the most fecund (3.2 ± 1.5 million eggs), no statistically significant differences in fecundity by brood class and season were found. Loss of eggs occurred during embryonic development; primiparous females lost ∼0.9 million eggs whereas multiparous females lost ∼0.1 million. Egg diameter and carapace width of the female were positively correlated. There was no difference in egg diameter between brood classes, but eggs were 9.9% larger in diameter during the spring than summer/fall. There was an inverse relationship between fecundity and egg diameter. Seasonality appeared to play an important role in the reproductive life history of blue crabs in the northern GOM. Larger crabs and larger eggs in the spring may be related to quality and quantity of available food and temperature conditions for optimal growth.
Lipoxin A4 Regulates Natural Killer Cell and Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cell Activation in Asthma

Asthma is a prevalent disease of chronic inflammation in which endogenous counterregulatory signaling pathways are dysregulated. Recent evidence suggests that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), including natural killer (NK) cells and type 2 ILCs (ILC2s), can participate in the regulation of allergic airway responses, in particular airway mucosal inflammation. We have identified both NK cells and ILC2s in human lung and peripheral blood in healthy and asthmatic subjects. NK cells were highly activated in severe asthma, were linked to eosinophilia, and interacted with autologous eosinophils to promote their apoptosis. ILC2s generated antigen-independent interleukin-13 (IL-13) in response to the mast cell product prostaglandin D2 alone and in a synergistic manner with the airway epithelial cytokines IL-25 and IL-33. Both NK cells and ILC2s expressed the pro-resolving ALX/FPR2 receptors. Lipoxin A4, a natural pro-resolving ligand for ALX/FPR2 receptors, significantly increased NK cell-mediated eosinophil apoptosis and decreased IL-13 release by ILC2s. Together, these findings indicate that ILCs are targets for lipoxin A4 to decrease airway inflammation and mediate the catabasis of eosinophilic inflammation. Because lipoxin A4 generation is decreased in severe asthma, these findings also implicate unrestrained ILC activation in asthma pathobiology.
Chemisorption and chemical reaction effects on the resistivity of ultrathin gold films at the liquid-solid interface.

Ultrathin gold films, with thicknesses between the onset of conductivity (d ∼ 5 nm) and the electron mean free path (d ∼ 80 nm), display surface-sensitive resistivities, which have been exploited t...
A statistical method for estimating wood thermal diffusivity and probe geometry using in situ heat response curves from sap flow measurements

The heat pulse method is widely used to measure water flux through plants; it works by using the speed at which a heat pulse is propagated through the system to infer the velocity of water through a porous medium. No systematic, non-destructive calibration procedure exists to determine the site-specific parameters necessary for calculating sap velocity, e.g., wood thermal diffusivity and probe spacing. Such parameter calibration is crucial to obtain the correct transpiration flux density from the sap flow measurements at the plant scale and subsequently to upscale tree-level water fluxes to canopy and landscape scales. The purpose of this study is to present a statistical framework for sampling and simultaneously estimating the tree's thermal diffusivity and probe spacing from in situ heat response curves collected by the implanted probes of a heat ratio measurement device. Conditioned on the time traces of wood temperature following a heat pulse, the parameters are inferred using a Bayesian inversion technique, based on the Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling method. The primary advantage of the proposed methodology is that it does not require knowledge of probe spacing or any further intrusive sampling of sapwood. The Bayesian framework also enables direct quantification of uncertainty in estimated sap flow velocity. Experiments using synthetic data show that repeated tests using the same apparatus are essential for obtaining reliable and accurate solutions. When applied to field conditions, these tests can be obtained in different seasons and can be automated using the existing data logging system. Empirical factors are introduced to account for the influence of non-ideal probe geometry on the estimation of heat pulse velocity, and are estimated in this study as well. The proposed methodology may be tested for its applicability to realistic field conditions, with an ultimate goal of calibrating heat ratio sap flow systems in practical applications.
Speciation of organic-soluble europium(III) α1-Wells–Dawson complexes

In this contribution, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the speciation of the Eu(III) complex of the lacunary Wells–Dawson isomer, α1-[P2W17O61]10− in organic media. The Wells–Dawson polyoxometalate, α1-[P2W17O61]10− (abbreviated as α1) forms well-defined complexes with europium(III) (and other lanthanide(III)) ions in aqueous solution of predominantly 1 : 1 stoichiometries. The 8-coordinate Eu(III) ion is bound to 4 basic terminal oxygens (Oα1) and four water molecules (OH2O) that complete the coordination sphere. Tetra-n-butylammonium (TBA) cations are employed to render the [(H2O)4Eu(α1-P2W17O61)]7 − (Eu-α1) complex soluble in acetonitrile. Europium(III) provides the unique opportunity to employ luminescence spectroscopy and multinuclear NMR to probe the coordination environment. We interrogate the innermost coordination sphere of the Eu(III) ion in acetonitrile solution and in MeCN/H2O mixtures. We provide evidence toward the fractional displacement and coordination of acetonitrile within the TBA salts, that is consistent with recent EXAFS data. 31P NMR and Stern–Volmer quenching studies suggest that dimerization to the 2 : 2 species is negligible in acetonitrile and MeCN–H2O mixtures. The decreasing transition energy in the excitation spectroscopy of the TBA-Eu-α1 analog upon dilution is consistent with a nephelauxetic effect, which is attributed to a slight increase in covalency upon replacement of water with acetonitrile. Determination of the number of bound waters (q) is also consistent with acetonitrile–water exchange. The reactivity of the 1 : 1 TBA-Eu-α1 with heterocyclic aromatic amines (1,10-phenanthroline, phen, and 2,2′ bipyridine, bipy) in MeCN was probed by titrations monitoring the Eu(III) emission upon sensitization by the “antenna ligands”. Binding constants for the products 1 : 1 TBAx−yHy[(Phen)(H2O)2Eu(α1-P2W17O61)] and 1 : 2 TBAx−yHy[(Phen)2Eu(α1-P2W17O61)] (denoted 1 : 1 TBA-Eu-α1:phen and 1 : 2 TBA-Eu-α1:phen, respectively), were determined: logK1: 7.05 ± 0.04 and logK2: 4.63 ± 0.10. These are reasonably strong formation constants for Ln phenanthroline complexes. In comparison the bipyridine complexes are much weaker. Excitation spectroscopy reveals that the coordination environment about the Eu(III) center is consistent with the ternary 1 : 1 TBA-Ln-α1:phen or 1 : 2 TBA-Ln-α1:phen complexes. Multinuclear NMR spectroscopy shows significant chemical shift changes at 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 stoichiometries and the chemical shift of bound water tracks with the titration to validate expulsion of the H2O upon coordination of phenanthroline.
Photographic and clinical techniques for outcome assessment in sixth nerve palsy.

Abstract Purpose There are few data on the reproducibility of clinical assessment of ductions and alignment. We evaluated photographic methods that may be used for masked outcome determination in a clinical trial and compared them with clinical measures. Design Interexaminer reliability study. Participants Twenty-three patients with unilateral sixth nerve palsy and three control participants were clinically evaluated by two masked examiners. Main outcome measures Abduction deficit was graded as 0 to −5. Simultaneous prism and cover tests (SPCT) and alternate cover tests (ACT) were performed at distance and near fixation. Photographs were taken of abduction and distance alignment by each examiner. The photographs were evaluated by a third masked reader, who assigned abduction grade, measured absolute abduction (mm) and relative abduction (%), and calculated alignment in prism diopters (pd). Agreement was evaluated by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (r i ), weighted kappa statistics (κ), and Spearman rank correlation coefficients (r S ). Results There was excellent agreement between the two clinicians in clinical abduction deficit (κ = 0.86) SPCT and ACT at distance and near (r i 0.94–0.96), between the clinical grade and masked photographic grade (κ = 0.83), and between the two sets of photographs for absolute abduction and relative abduction (r i = 0.98 and 0.97). Both photographic measures of abduction correlated well with the clinical grade (r S = −0.96 for each). Measurements of alignment from photographs correlated with clinical SPCT measurement (r i = 0.88), but had a lower level of absolute agreement (38% within 5 pd) than between two independent SPCT measurements (96% within 5 pd). Conclusions The excellent interexaminer agreement of our new photographic abduction assessment and of masked clinical measures suggest that these methods would be useful in clinical trials. In contrast, our simple method of photographic assessment of alignment lacks excellent agreement with the clinical assessment. These data are important in planning clinical trials in strabismus.
ALTER: exploiting breakable dependences for parallelization

For decades, compilers have relied on dependence analysis to determine the legality of their transformations. While this conservative approach has enabled many robust optimizations, when it comes to parallelization there are many opportunities that can only be exploited by changing or re-ordering the dependences in the program.This paper presents Alter: a system for identifying and enforcing parallelism that violates certain dependences while preserving overall program functionality. Based on programmer annotations, Alter exploits new parallelism in loops by reordering iterations or allowing stale reads. Alter can also infer which annotations are likely to benefit the program by using a test-driven framework.Our evaluation of Alter demonstrates that it uncovers parallelism that is beyond the reach of existing static and dynamic tools. Across a selection of 12 performance-intensive loops, 9 of which have loop-carried dependences, Alter obtains an average speedup of 2.0x on 4 cores.
Novel Polar-fluoropolymer Blends with Tailored Nanostructures for High Energy Density and Low Loss Capacitor Applications

Dielectric polymers with high energy density with low loss at high electric fields are highly desired for many energy storage and regulation applications. A polar-fluoropolymer blend consisting of a high energy density polar-fluoropolymer of poly(vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-CTFE)) with a low dielectric loss polymer of poly(ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (ECTFE) was developed and investigated. We show that the two polymers are partially miscible which leads to blends with high energy density and low loss. Moreover, by introducing crosslinking to further tailor the nano-structures of the blends a markedly reduction of losses in the blend films at high field can be achieved. The crosslinked blend films show a dielectric constant of 7 with a dielectric loss of 1% at low field. Furthermore, the blends maintain a high energy density and low loss (~3%) at high electric fields (> 250 MV/m).
The effects of substrate composition, quantity, and diversity on microbial activity

Variation in organic matter inputs caused by differences in plant community composition has been shown to affect microbial activity, although the mechanisms controlling these effects are not entirely understood. In this study we determine the effects of variation in substrate composition, quantity, and diversity on soil extracellular enzyme activity and respiration in laboratory microcosms. Microbial respiration responded predictably to substrate composition and quantity and was maximized by the addition of labile substrates and greater substrate quantity. However, there was no effect of substrate diversity on respiration. Substrate composition significantly affected enzyme activity. Phosphatase activity was maximized with addition of C and N together, supporting the common notion that addition of limiting resources increases investment in enzymes to acquire other limiting nutrients. Chitinase activity was maximized with the addition of chitin, suggesting that some enzymes may be stimulated by the addition of the substrate they degrade. In contrast, activities of glucosidase and peptidase were maximized by the addition of the products of these enzymes, glucose and alanine, respectively, for reasons that are unclear. Substrate diversity and quantity also stimulated enzyme activity for three and four of the six enzymes assayed, respectively. We found evidence of complementary (i.e., non-additive) effects of additions of different substrates on activity for three of the six enzymes assayed; for the remaining enzymes, effects of adding a greater diversity of substrates appeared to arise from the substrate-specific effects of those substrates included in the high-diversity treatment. Finally, in a comparison of measures of microbial respiration and enzyme activity, we found that labile C and nutrient-acquiring enzymes, not those involved in the degradation of recalcitrant compounds, were the best predictors of respiration rates. These results suggest that while composition, quantity, and diversity of inputs to microbial communities all affect microbial enzyme activity, the mechanisms controlling these relationships are unique for each particular enzyme.
Structural Complexity of Neural Signals by Matching Pursuits

Matching pursuits (MP) based adaptive approximation represents a signal with linear combination of a group of atom functions, which is closely related to the structural characteristics of the corresponding signal. In this study, we propose to use the average atom density (AAD) and the average atom scale (AAS) to evaluate the structural complexity of neural signals. For a simulated dynamic model, logistic map, both measurements behave similarly to the Lyapunov exponent spectrum. We apply them to the analysis of neural signal, namely EEG, from the brain with hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury. The results show that AAD and AAS decrease in the early stage of the HI injury recovery because of the bursting and spiky activities. The preliminary results imply that the AAD and AAS can be used to describe the structural complexity changes in the neural signals, and can be used to segment the stages of HI injury and its recovery
Prevention of cardiovascular disease and the future of cardiovascular disease epidemiology.

d Coronary heart disease is preventable. The improved interpretation of risk factors, in vivo non-invasive measuring of arteries, brain and heart, and proven efficacy of both non-pharmacological and pharmaceutical therapies provides the model for both cardiovascular prevention programmes and new epidemiological studies. Risk factors can be subdivided into those related to the development of atherosclerosis with relatively long incubation periods, and risk factors that moderate the changes in atherosclerotic plaque, thrombosis and fibrinolysis, i.e. those with short incubation periods, or proximate risk factors. The level of ApoB containing lipoproteins, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) are the primary determinants of atherosclerosis. Using non-invasive methods of measuring atherosclerosis, we can evaluate the efficacy of intervention to both prevent the development of atherosclerosis and the progression of disease. The importance of proximate risk factors, especially inflammatory markers, is less estimated than long incubation period factors. It is possible that a combination of measures of subclinical atherosclerosis and proximate risk factors may provide the best estimate of the risk of clinical disease, especially among higher risk older individuals. s The measurement of subclinical disease and new proximate risk factors (i.e. inflammation, fibrinolysis) may be useful for comparing reported differences in rates of clinical disease among populations and monitoring the emerging epidemic of cardiovascular disease in countries that currently have low death rates due to cardiovascular disease.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Platelet (PF-4) Factor 4 Inputs Modulate Human Microvascular Endothelial Signaling in a Three-Dimensional Matrix Migration Context

The process of angiogenesis is under complex regulation in adult organisms, particularly as it often occurs in an inflammatory post-wound environment. As such, there are many impacting factors that will regulate the generation of new blood vessels which include not only pro-angiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, but also angiostatic factors. During initial postwound hemostasis, a large initial bolus of platelet factor 4 is released into localized areas of damage before progression of wound healing toward tissue homeostasis. Because of its early presence and high concentration, the angiostatic chemokine platelet factor 4, which can induce endothelial anoikis, can strongly affect angiogenesis. In our work, we explored signaling crosstalk interactions between vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet factor 4 using phosphotyrosine-enriched mass spectrometry methods on human dermal microvascular endothelial cells cultured under conditions facilitating migratory sprouting into collagen gel matrices. We developed new methods to enable mass spectrometry-based phosphorylation analysis of primary cells cultured on collagen gels, and quantified signaling pathways over the first 48 h of treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor in the presence or absence of platelet factor 4. By observing early and late signaling dynamics in tandem with correlation network modeling, we found that platelet factor 4 has significant crosstalk with vascular endothelial growth factor by modulating cell migration and polarization pathways, centered around P38α MAPK, Src family kinases Fyn and Lyn, along with FAK. Interestingly, we found EphA2 correlational topology to strongly involve key migration-related signaling nodes after introduction of platelet factor 4, indicating an influence of the angiostatic factor on this ambiguous but generally angiogenic signal in this complex environment.
EVALUATION OF EXOTIC SOLANUM SPP. (SOLANALES: SOLANACEAE) IN FLORIDA AS HOST PLANTS FOR THE LEAF BEETLES LEPTINOTARSA DEFECTA AND L. TEXANA (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Tropical soda apple, Solanum viarum Dunal, wetland nightshade, S. tampicense Dunal, and turkey berry, S. torvum Swartz, are considered three of Florida's most invasive plant species. These nonnative perennial broadleaf weeds are disrupting native plant communities in agricultural areas and natural ecosystems. The lack of natural enemies in Florida is thought to be an important factor contributing to their invasiveness. The North American leaf beetles Leptinotarsa defecta (Stal) and L. texana (Schaeffer) that attack silverleaf nightshade, Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav., a native congener of the three nonnative solanums, were evaluated for their potential as biological control agents. The suitability of tropical soda apple, wetland nightshade and turkey berry as host plants for the native Leptinotarsa beetles was studied in a quarantine laboratory using single plant and paired plant tests. Neonate larvae of L. defecta developed to the pupal stage only on their natural host plant silverleaf nightshade. Feeding damage on turkey berry and wetland nightshade was negligible and no feeding occurred on tropical soda apple. In contrast, development and reproduction of L. texana on the nonnative turkey berry were comparable with silverleaf nightshade. These results suggest the nonnative turkey berry may be included in the potential host range of the native silverleaf nightshade beetle L. texana.
Optical compensation of PMD-induced power fading for single sideband subcarrier-multiplexed systems

We experimentally demonstrate a novel technique for compensating the PMD-induced power fading that occurs in single sideband SCM transmission systems. PMD-induced power fading can be understood in the optical domain as caused by the polarization state of the optical carrier being different from that of the SSB.
The use of witness trees as pyro-indicators for mapping past fire conditions

Understanding and mapping presettlement fire regimes is vitally important for ecosystem restoration, helping ensure the proper placement of fire back into ecosystems that formerly burned. Witness trees can support this endeavor by serving as pyro-indicators of the past. We mapped fire-adapted traits across a landscape by categorizing trees into two classes, pyrophiles and pyrophobes, and applying this classification to a geospatial layer of witness-tree points centered on the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia. A pyrophilic percentage was calculated for each point and spatially extrapolated via ordinary kriging to form a continuous geospatial cover. Regression analyses showed pyrophilic percentage was significantly related to a number of key environmental factors and changed along an elevation gradient from low, dry valleys (high pyrophilic percentage) to high, wet mountaintops (low pyrophilic percentage). This approach represents a significant advancement through the direct use of witness trees to depict past fire regimes applicable to both Public Land Survey and metes-and-bounds records.
Minimizing noise via shield and repeater insertion

Two techniques, shield and repeater insertion, are simultaneously investigated. Based on resource optimization, the relationship among noise, power, and delay is investigated. Coupling noise as a function of power dissipation is shown to behave parabolically. Due to this parabolic behavior, the minimum noise can be established. The resulting design expressions are compared with SPICE simulations, exhibiting good agreement. A design case is compared with only shielding and only repeater insertion techniques, exhibiting enhanced performance for different resources.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in key cytokines may modulate food allergy phenotypes.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can play a direct or indirect role in phenotypic expression in food allergy pathogenesis. Our goal was to quantitate the expression of SNPs in relevant cytokines that were expressed in food allergic patients. SNPs in cytokine genes IL-4 and IL-10 are known to be important in IgE generation and regulation. We examined IL-4 (C-590T), IL-4Rα (1652A/G) and IL-10 (C-627A) SNPs using real-time PCR followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Our results show that the AA, AG and GG genotypes for IL-4Rα (1652A/G) polymorphisms were statistically different in radioallergosorbent test (RAST) positive versus negative patients, and although no statistically significant differences were observed between genotypes in the IL-4 (C-590T) and IL-10 (C-627A) SNPs, we observed a significant decrease in IL-4 (C-590T) gene expression and increase in IL-4Rα (1652A/G) and IL-10 (C-627A) gene expression between RAST+ versus RAST− patients, respectively. We also observed significant modulation in the protein expression of IL-4 and IL-10 in the serum samples of the RAST+ patients as compared to the RAST− patients indicating that changes in SNP expression resulted in altered phenotypic response in these patients.
Complement Factor H Antibodies from Lung Cancer Patients Induce Complement-Dependent Lysis of Tumor Cells, Suggesting a Novel Immunotherapeutic Strategy

Characterization of the humoral immune response in selected patients with cancer who uniformly do well may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. We have previously shown an association between patients with early-stage nonmetastatic lung cancer and autoantibodies to complement factor H (CFH). CFH protects normal and tumor cells from destruction by the alternative complement pathway by inactivating C3b, a protein that is essential for formation of a lytic complex on the cell surface. Here, we show that CFH autoantibodies in lung cancer patients recognize a conformationally distinct form of CFH in vitro, are IgG3 subclass, and epitope map to a crucial functional domain of CFH known to interact with C3b. Purified CFH autoantibodies inhibited binding of CFH to A549 lung tumor cells, increased C3b deposition, and caused complement-dependent tumor cell lysis. This work demonstrates that CFH autoantibodies isolated from patients with lung cancer can kill tumor cells in vitro, suggesting that they may perform this function in vivo as well. Development of specific antibodies to the conformationally distinct epitope of CFH may lead to a useful biologic therapy for lung cancer.
An Extensible Framework for Real-Time Task Generation and Simulation

In real-time systems research, validations are usually performed by executing synthetically generated tasks through programmatic implementations of derived algorithms or theoretical results. For every new result, real-time researchers have to develop systems, several times from scratch, for generating task sets as well as implementing their derivations. Another issue arises when the results are submitted for peer review. Reviewers only have access to results in the form of numerical values given in the paper, and have no easy way of validating the results themselves. To solve these two issues, we present a new extensible system for real-time task generation and simulation. Using modern software engineering principles of object and reflection-oriented programming, we show how real-time analysis can be partitioned into sub-systems, where each such subsystem can be implemented as a run-time 'plug-in' which can be independently developed by different research groups. This technique is intended to save real-time researchers the significant amount of time spent in result validation, as well as allow reviewers easy access to the experimental setup of the submitted paper for a more efficient review process.
SEGMENTAL ANEUPLOIDY AND THE GENETIC GROSS STRUCTURE OF THE DROSOPHILA GENOME

By combining elements of two Y-autosome translocations with displaced autosomal breakpoints, it is possible to produce zygotes heterozygous for a deficiency for the region between the breakpoints, and also, as a complementary product, zygotes carrying a duplication for precisely the same region. A set of Y-autosome translocations with appropriately positioned breakpoints, therefore, can in principle be used to generate a non-overlapping set of deficiencies and duplications for the entire autosomal complement.-Using this method, we have succeeded in examining segmental aneuploids for 85% of chromosomes 2 and 3 in order to assess the effects of aneuploidy and to determine the number and location of dosage-sensitive loci in the Drosophila genome (Figure 5). Combining our data with previously reported results on the synthesis of Drosophila aneuploids (see Lindsley and Grell 1968), the following generalities emerge.-1. The X chromosome contains no triplo-lethal loci, few or no haplo-lethal loci, at least seven Minute loci, one hyperploid-sensitive locus, and one locus that is both triplo-abnormal and haplo-abnormal. 2. Chromosome 2 contains no triplo-lethal loci, few or no haplo-lethal loci, at least 17 Minute loci, and at least four other haplo-abnormal loci. 3. Chromosome 3 contains one triplo-lethal locus that is also haplo-lethal, few or no other haplo-lethal loci, at least 16 Minute loci, and at least six other haplo-abnormal loci. 4. Chromosome 4 contains no triplo-lethal loci, no haplo-lethal loci, one Minute locus, and no other haplo-abnormal loci.-Thus, the Drosophila genome contains 57 loci, aneuploidy for which leads to a recognizable effect on the organism: one of these is triplo-lethal and haplo-lethal, one is triplo-abnormal and haplo-abnormal, one is hyperploid-sensitive, ten are haplo-abnormal, 41 are Minutes, and three are either haplo-lethals or Minutes. Because of the paucity of aneuploid-lethal loci, it may be concluded that the deleterious effects of aneuploidy are mostly the consequence of the additive effects of genes that are slightly sensitive to abnormal dosage. Moreover, except for the single triplo-lethal locus, the effects of hyperploidy are much less pronounced than those of the corresponding hypoploidy.
Fraternization in Accounting Firms: A Case Study

This case study sheds light on how to avoid risks caused by manager-subordinate dating relationships ( fraternization ) such as employee misunderstandings, retaliation charges, favoritism complaints, wrongful termination lawsuits, and sexual harassment lawsuits, as well as associated ethical risks. Risk avoidance can be accomplished through a better understanding of the pervasive guidance offered by judicial outcomes and typical accounting firm directives. This case study can be used in the classroom to amplify the difficult issues that accompany fraternization in accounting firms. The authors estimate that classroom presentation and discussion of this case would require a minimum of 30 minutes of classroom time. Background information and inherent risks associated with fraternization are discussed. We conclude with practical steps to mitigate those risks.
Preparing Globally Minded Teachers through the Incorporation of the International Baccalaureate.

In this article, we describe the initiative of one university's teacher education program to incorporate the International Baccalaureate Teacher Certificate. Responding to the growing number of pub...
Combinatorial codon scrambling enables scalable gene synthesis and amplification of repetitive proteins

Most genes are synthesized using seamless assembly methods that rely on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). However, PCR of genes encoding repetitive proteins either fails or generates nonspecific products. Motivated by the need to efficiently generate new protein polymers through high-throughput gene synthesis, here we report a codon-scrambling algorithm that enables the PCR-based gene synthesis of repetitive proteins by exploiting the codon redundancy of amino acids and finding the least-repetitive synonymous gene sequence. We also show that the codon-scrambling problem is analogous to the well-known travelling salesman problem, and obtain an exact solution to it by using De Bruijn graphs and a modern mixed integer linear programme solver. As experimental proof of the utility of this approach, we use it to optimize the synthetic genes for 19 repetitive proteins, and show that the gene fragments are amenable to PCR-based gene assembly and recombinant expression.
Politics, Institutions and Administrative Procedure: What Exactly Do We Know from the Empirical Study of State-Level APAs, and What More Can We Learn?

Empirical research to date on state-level administrative procedure acts (SLAPAs) is inconclusive regarding when states will adopt and amend SLAPAs. However, there is reason for optimism that more comprehensive empirical study could shed light on the McNollgast hypothesis and its variations - allowing researchers to better understand the relationship between commitments, politics, and administrative procedure. This will require the assembly of much more exhaustive and comprehensive data than has previously been collected. Once data is assembled, empirical study could shed light on: a) the extent to which administrative procedures are neutral or whether they are likely to have a partisan bias; b) the effects of divided government on the adoption of administrative procedures; c) the influences of the length (or durability) of procedural commitments in SLAPAs; and d) the extent to which model statutes are effective in minimizing partisan influence in the adoption and amendment of SLAPAs. This Essay addresses how the collection and analysis of such data might proceed, and how such analysis could open up possibilities for important future research, including research on the effects of administrative procedure reforms in states. The Essay also argues that there are benefits to having administrative lawyers participate with social scientists in the empirical enterprise of examining SLAPAs.
Release of arsenic from metal oxide sorbents under simulated mature landfill conditions

• Non-redox sensitive sorbents leach arsenic to an equal or greater extent than a ferric sorbent.
Automated detection of inflammatory cells in whole anterior chamber of a uveitis mouse from swept-source optical coherence tomography images

Cell grading in a rodent anterior chamber is essential for anterior inflammation evaluation in preclinical vision research. This paper describes a computerized method for detection and counting of the anterior chamber cells from swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) images of a experimental rodent model of uveitis. The volumetric anterior segment OCT data is obtained from 100 kHz SS-OCT imaging of mouse eye in vivo. For the OCT cross-sections, each OCT structural image is de-speckled and binarized. After removal of cornea, iris, and crystalline lens structures connected to the binary image border, an area thresholding is then employed for each labeled region to isolate only celllike objects in the anterior chamber, followed by roundness estimation of the objects to identify potential cell candidates in the data. Eventually, the cell candidates are counted and graded as total number of cells in the anterior chamber.
Genetic Changes of Regulatory Mechanisms Occurred in Leucine and Valine Producing Mutants Derived from Brevibacterium lactofermentum 2256

The regulatory mechanisms in branched-chain amino acid synthesis were compared between 2-thiazolealanine (2-TA) resistant L-leucine and L-valine producing mutants and the 2-TA sensitive original strains of Brevibacterium lactofermentum 2256. In the original strains, sensitive to 2-TA, α-isopropylmalate (IPM) synthetase, the initial enzyme specific for L-leucine synthesis, is sensitive to feedback inhibition and to repression by L-leucine, and α-acetohydroxy acid (AHA) synthetase, the common initial enzyme for synthesis of L-isoleucine, L-valine as well as L-leucine, is sensitive to feedback inhibition by each one of these amino acids, and to repression by them all. In strain No. 218, a typical L-leucine producer resistant to 2-TA, IPM synthetase was found to be markedly desensitized and derepressed, and AHA synthetase remained unaltered. On the contrary, in strain No. 333, L-valine producer resistant to 2-TA, AHA synthetase was found to be desensitized and partially derepressed, and IPM synthetase remained unaltered. The genetic alteration of these regulatory mechanisms was discussed in connection with the accumulation pattern of amino acids.
Examining Flake Production Strategies: Examples from the Middle Paleolithic of Southwest Asia

AbstractRecent studies of Middle Paleolithic technology suggests that raw material resource constraints are visible in the morphological variation of stone tool assemblages. This study focuses on five Middle Paleolithic assemblages (Warwasi Rocksheiter, Bisitun Cave, Tabun Cave, Skuhl Cave, and Ksar Akil Rockshelter) from two regions (Zagros and Levant), which have previously shown substantial technological differences suggesting a disparity in raw material availability. Differences in raw material availability will be emphasized through the identification of changes in blank production that may be sensitive to resource constraints. A conservation index is developed to investigate possible behavioral responses to raw material scarcity. The conservative nature of blank production is highlighted as well as the effect of different patterns of blank production on resource use. Finally, the investigation of innovative blank production strategies and core reduction sequences may reflect a conscious effort by Mi...
Aspheric Collimating and Shaping Element Design for Diode Laser Range Finders

Collimation and shaping optical system design can improve the measurement range and precision of semiconductor laser ranging.Using aspheric optical element has prominent advantages.Some ranging device using 4×1 semiconductor laser array,whose wavelength is 905nm,divergence angle is 25°(V)×10°(H).According to semiconductor laser's far field divergence characteristics,aspheric collimation and shaping part has been designed based on aspheric optical design theory using ZEMAX.The calculation results show that the vertical and parallel direction of junction divergence is 3.33mrad and 2.67mrad respectively,and the spot is more uniform,which can improve energy utilization.
The Interaction of Ouabagenin and (Na+ + K+)-ATPase in the Presence of Na+, Mg2+, and ATP

(Na+ + K+)-ATPase-rich membrane fragments from the electric organ of the electric eel were used to study the association and dissociation of ouabagenin (a reversibly bound cardiac aglycone) in the Na+-Mg2+-ATP system. To measure these rates, one or three second assays for ATPase were performed using [γ-32P]ATP. This method assays the reversible binding, the binding of the steroid moiety. With this short-period assay, the pseudo-first order association rate constant (K9a) of 1 µM ouabagenin was found to be 0.78 min-1 at 30°—the same as that of 1 µM ouabain. However, the K9a of 1 µM ouabain was 0.40 min-1 by the dilution method which measures the pseudo-irreversible binding, the binding of the sugar moiety. These results support our previous hypothesis that the cardiac steroid binds with the enzyme by the steroid moiety at first, and the pseudo-irreversible binding of sugar moiety follows. In the dissociation of the ouabagenin-(Na+ + K+)-ATPase complex, the presence of K+ in the dissociation medium did not stabilize the complex, unlike the effect of K+ on the ouabain-enzyme complex. However, by elevating the pH value, the dissociation rate of the ouabagenin-enzyme complex was reduced, like that of the ouabain complex. Moreover, at pH 7.35, ouabagenin dissociates biphasically, and it is concluded that two forms of ouabagenin-(Na+ + K+)-ATPase complex exist in the Na+-Mg2+-ATP system, where the dissociation rate constants (Kd) of these complexes were 0.30 min-1 and 2.5 min-1 at 30°, respectively. Similar results were observed with the digoxigenin complex, where the Kd values were 0.46 min-1 and 3.1 min-1 at 30°.
An epidemic of maternal thrombocytopenia associated with elevated antiplatelet antibody. Platelet count and antiplatelet antibody in 116 consecutive pregnancies: relationship to neonatal platelet count.

Abstract Twenty-eight (24%) of 116 pregnant women studied prospectively during an 8-month period in 1983 had platelet counts of 3 at least once during pregnancy. Thirteen of these were thrombocytopenic in both the prenatal and the peripartum period. Eighteen were restudied 3 to 12 months after delivery. One woman, who was pregnant again, had a platelet count of 140,000/mm 3 . In the others, platelet counts were in the normal range. Platelet-associated immunoglobulin G and serum antiplatelet antibody levels were elevated in 79% and 61%, respectively, of these 28 women on at least one occasion. However, 59% of 73 pregnant nonthrombocytopenic women had increased platelet-associated immunoglobulin G levels and 59% had positive serum antiplatelet antibody test results. Twenty women who had increased platelet-associated immunoglobulin G levels and positive serum antiplatelet antibody test results were normal 6 to 10 months after delivery. Of 105 infants studied, 10 were thrombocytopenic. Neonatal thrombocytopenia was not predicted by maternal platelet count, platelet-associated immunoglobulin G, or serum antiplatelet antibody. By the fall of 1984, the incidence of thrombocytopenia had dropped to two in 280 consecutive pregnancies. We conclude that (1) epidemics of thrombocytopenia can occur in pregnant women and (2) if a women is found to be thrombocytopenic for the first time during pregnancy, she should not be subjected to the measures advocated for the management of pregnancy in women with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura.
Modified deformable mirror stroke minimization control for direct imaging of exoplanets

For direct imaging of faint exoplanets, coronagraphs are widely used to suppress light and achieve a high contrast. Wavefront correction algorithms based on adaptive optics are introduced simultaneously to mitigate aberrations in the optical system. Stroke minimization is one of the primary control algorithms used for high-contrast wavefront control. This technique calculates the minimum deformation across the deformable mirrors' surface under the constraint that a targeted average contrast level in the search areas, namely the dark holes, is achieved. In this paper we present a modified linear constraint stroke minimization algorithm. Instead of using a single constraint on intensity averaged over all pixels, we constrain the electric field's real and imaginary part of each pixel in the dark holes. The new control algorithm can be written into a linear programming problem. Model reduction methods, including pixel binning and singular value decomposition (SVD), are further employed to avoid over-constraining the problem and to speed up computation. In numerical simulation, we find that the revised algorithm leads to more uniform dark holes and faster convergence.
MicroRNAs as paracrine signaling mediators in cancers and metabolic diseases

The contribution of microRNAs to the regulation of mRNA expression during physiological and developmental processes are well-recognized. These roles are being expanded by recent observations that emphasize the capability of miRNA to participate in inter-cellular signaling and communication. Several factors support a functional role for miRNA as mediators of cell-to-cell signaling. miRNA are able to exist within the extracellular milieu or circulation, and their stability and integrity maintained through association with binding proteins or lipoproteins, or through encapsulation within cell-derived membrane vesicles. Furthermore, miRNA can retain functionality and regulate target gene expression following their uptake by recipient cells. In this overview, we review specific examples that will highlight the potential of miRNA to serve as paracrine signaling mediators in metabolic diseases and cancers. Elucidating the mechanisms involved in inter-cellular communication involving miRNA will provide new insights into disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic opportunities.
The Influence of Coursework and School-Based Community Service on Developing Public Service Motivation

Despite the theoretical importance of public service motivation (PSM) for workers’ sector selection, little is known about the malleability and causal determinants of PSM. Formal schooling is one possible determinant of PSM. Using data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS:2002), this study analyzes the effects of civics courses and school-based community service in high school on PSM and its component values. A propensity score matching strategy that compares observationally similar individuals who participated in school service activities or took a civics course to those who did not finds that participation in school-based service activities for credit increases students’ reported prosocial values, such as helping others in the community, one underlying component of PSM. However, taking a civics course does not affect PSM or associated values. The results suggest that PSM is malleable and particularly responsive to early service experiences. The values underlying PSM may evolve over time. That is, the development of prosocial values in adolescence may lead to the future development of other values important to PSM.
Likelihood ratios and kalman filtering for random fields

An exact formula for likelihood-ratios for random fields is developed as well as a Kalman-filter for stationary fields with the correct state space (infinite dimensional).
“El pasado refleja el futuro”: Pre-service teachers’ memories of growing up bilingual

ABSTRACTThis study examined the school memories of a cohort of bilingual pre-service teachers who experienced school as English Learners. As part of a course assignment, participants described a memory from elementary school and later used that memory to reflect on its future impact on their teaching. Data were inductively analyzed, and themes were identified that captured the struggles and promise of growing up as English Learners. The most robust themes were: (a) the vulnerability associated with school transitions, (b) embarrassing moments in the classroom, (c) English language acquisition, (d) turning points in students’ education, and (e) pre-service teachers’ call to teaching. Each memory-related theme was linked to anticipated dispositions and actions as bilingual teachers, as well as contrasted against the memories of pre-service teachers who experienced school as monolingual English speakers. Implications are offered for schools and practitioners.