cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Porcine sperm fertilizing potential in relationship to sperm functional capacities

Fertile males vary in the fertilization efficiency of their sperm, but these differences are not readily detected with the currently routine in vitro semen analyses. Inseminating females with mixed semen containing equal numbers of sperm from two males, heterospermic insemination, is an efficient means to detect these differences in vivo. In this study, heterospermic insemination procedure was used to estimate relative in vivo fertility of the nine pairs of ejaculates from 12 fertile boars. In vitro assays that model various steps in the fertilization process were used to estimate the contribution of various steps in the fertilization process to the variation in sperm fertilizing potential. These assays included sperm binding to the porcine zona pellucida (ZP), acrosomal status in conjunction with viability before and after capacitation, interaction with the hamster oocyte plasma membrane and characteristics of sperm motion. The ejaculates exhibited significant variation in sperm fertilizing potential as assessed by the heterospermic insemination procedure. The ability to interact with the oocyte plasma membrane was significantly correlated with relative in vivo fertility (R2 = 0.80; P < 0.005); the other functional characteristics of these samples were not correlated with in vivo fertility. The lack of correlation between in vivo sperm fertilizing potential and some of the functional characteristics such as motility is likely a reflection of the very limited variation in these characteristics in fertile males. The high correlation between in vivo fertility and ability of porcine sperm to interact with hamster oocyte plasma membrane suggests assessment of this interaction may improve the in vitro assessment of sperm fertilizing potential.
Celiac vagotomy attenuates the ingestive responses to epinephrine and hypertonic saline but not insulin, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, or polyethylene glycol

The ingestive responses of rats given celiac vagotomy (C), combined celiac and hepatic vagotomy (CH), or low total vagotomy (removal of all tissue from around the esophagus, stomach and duodenum; LT) were compared with sham operated controls (S) in a series of regulatory challenges. The vagotomized groups responded normally to 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG; 125, 250, 500 mg/kg, IP), insulin (4, 8, 12 U/kg, IP), and polyethylene glycol (10 ml/kg: 30% w/v, SC), but displayed attenuated responses to epinephrine (40, 80, 120 micrograms/kg, IP) and hypertonic saline (10 ml/kg: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 M, IP). These results can be interpreted as evidence that the celiac vagus carries a major component of hepatic afferent innervation. Additionally, when considered with other findings they suggest that whereas the anorectic activity of epinephrine is mostly confined to the liver, 2DG hyperphagia involves stimulation of a wider population of peripheral metabolic receptors.
Succinic dehydrogenase activity in cysticercoids of Hymenolepis (Cestoda: Hymenolepididae) measured by the tetrazolium technique☆

The enzyme succinic dehydrogenase is present in cysticercoids of Hymenolepis diminuta and H. nana as determined by the tetrazolium-formazan dye test. Suitable conditions for utilizing this technique for tapeworm larvae are as follows: Cysticercoids are placed in buffered sodium succinate or glucose in balanced saline with 0.5% tetrazolium. Tests are carried out for 18 hours in evacuated Thunberg tubes in a 30 °C water bath shaker. Results were recorded after microscopic examination. Malonate controls verified the specificity of the succinic dehydrogenase reaction. An increased intensity of the stain was observed in cysticercoids developed in beetles maintained at 37 °C over those developed at 30 °C. In H. nana this increase was maintained for at least 40 days after the host beetles were returned to 30 °C.
Is the Behavior of Hours Worked Consistent with Implicit Contract Theory

This paper examines the determinants of hours worked when employment relationships are influenced by risk-sharing considerations. The environment considered is an extension of the standard symmetric-information risk-sharing model that allows for the possibility of enforcement problems on the part of both the employer and the employee. We show that this class of risk-sharing models unambiguously predicts hours to be influenced by wages only through an income effect. Using data from the PSED, we find evidence in favor of this extended version of the risk-sharing model.
A class of compatible cache consistency protocols and their support by the IEEE futurebus

Standardization of a high performance blackplane bus, so that it can accommodate boards developed by different vendors, implies the need for a standardized cache consistency protocol. In this paper we define a class of compatible consistency protocols supported by the current IEEE Futurebus design. We refer to this class as the MOESI class of protocols; the term “MOESI” is derived from the names of the states. This class of protocols has the property that any system component can select (dynamically) any action permitted by any protocol in the class, and be assured that consistency is maintained throughout the system. Included in this class are actions suitable for copyback caches, write through caches and non-caching processors. We show that the Berkeley protocol and the Dragon protocol fall within this class, and can be extended to be compatible with other members of the class. The Illinois, Firefly and Write-Once protocols can be adapted to be compatible with this class; the facilities of he Futurebus currently do not support those protocols without adaptation. We discuss very briefly performance choices among protocols, and also other issues relating to a standard bus consistency protocol.
Low-temperature specific heat of F.C.C alloys of 3d-transition elements

Abstract For strongly ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic alloys, as well as nonmagnetic alloys, the γ values determined by low temperature specific heat measurements correlate quite well with the electron concentration. These values may be considered as representative of the electronic specific heat of the alloys concerned. From them the approximate shape of the d -band was determined for f.c.c. alloys in the electron concentration range 7 to 10 e / a . However, for alloys known from magnetic measurements to have a complex magnetic structure (such as long range ferromagnetism with superimposed short range antiferromagnetism), γ does not correlate with the electron concentration. As shown for disordered MnNi 3 by specific heat measurements after magnetic cooling to 1·4°K, in such cases γ comprises, in addition to the electronic specific heat, a magnetic contribution, which is in some cases very large.
The Four-Electrode Vacuum Tube as Beat-Frequency Oscillator

This paper describes briefly the use of one UX-222 four-electrode vacuum tube as a double oscillator and detector. Audio-frequency output is obtained in the beat note between the fundamental of the oscillation due to one grid and the second harmonic of that due to the other, giving a beat-frequency oscillator.
PREVALENCE, PROXIMITY AND PREDICTORS OF ALCOHOL ADS IN CENTRAL HARLEM

Aims: This study examined the prevalence of alcohol ads, the spatial relationship between alcohol ads and schools, churches and playgrounds, and area-level determinants of alcohol ad density in Central Harlem, New York City. Methods: Alcohol advertising was quantified using street observation. Data on city demographics and infrastructure were obtained from the census and municipal databases. Results: Alcohol ads were densely distributed; almost half of ads fell within a 152 m buffer of schools, churches and playgrounds; and ad density was positively associated with retail liquor outlet density. Conclusions: Predominantly Black neighbourhoods continue to face high exposure to outdoor alcohol advertising, including around sites at which youth congregate.
Health and productivity gains from better indoor environments and their implications for the U.S. Department of Energy

Presented at the E-Vision 2000 Conference, October 11-13, Washington DC. Health and Productivity Gains from Better Indoor Environments and Their Implications for the U.S. Department of Energy William J. Fisk Indoor Environment Department Environmental Energy Technologies Division Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720 fax: 510 486 6658 WJFisk@LBL.GOV October 1, 2000 ABSTRACT A substantial portion of the U.S. population suffers frequently from communicable respiratory illnesses, allergy and asthma symptoms, and sick building syndrome symptoms. We now have increasingly strong evidence that changes in building design, operation, and maintenance can significantly reduce these illnesses. Decreasing the prevalence or severity of these health effects would lead to lower health care costs, reduced sick leave, and shorter periods of illness-impaired work performance, resulting in annual economic benefits for the U.S. in the tens of billions of dollars. Increasing the awareness of these potential health and economic gains, combined with other factors, could help bring about a shift in the way we design, construct, operate, and occupy buildings. The current goal of providing marginally adequate indoor environments could be replaced by the goal of providing indoor environments that maximize the health, satisfaction, and performance of building occupants. Through research and technology transfer, DOE and its contractors are well positioned to help stimulate this shift in practice and, consequently, improve the health and economic well-being of the U.S. population. Additionally, DOE’s energy-efficiency interests would be best served by a program that prepares for the potential shift, specifically by identifying and promoting the most energy- efficient methods of improving the indoor environment. The associated research and technology transfer topics of particular relevance to DOE are identified and discussed. Key Words: economics, energy, health, indoor environment, productivity INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Analyses by Fisk and Rosenfeld (1997) provided the first broad review in the U.S. of the potential to improve both health and productivity through improvements in indoor environments. Subsequent papers (Fisk 2000a, 2000b) have upgraded and updated the analyses. This paper summarizes these prior analyses of the potential improvements in health and associated economic
Novel Regulatory Factors Interacting with the Promoter of the Gene Encoding the mRNA Cap Binding Protein (eIF4E) and Their Function in Growth Regulation

Regulation of the mRNA cap binding protein (eIF4E) is critical to the control of cellular proliferation since this protein is the rate-limiting factor in translation initiation and transforms fibroblasts and since eIF4E mutants arrest budding yeast in the G1 phase of the cell cycle (cdc33). We previously demonstrated regulation of eIF4E by altered transcription of its mRNA in serum-stimulated fibroblasts and in response to c-myc. To identify additional factors regulating eIF4E transcription, we used linker-scanning constructs to characterize sites in the promoter of the eIF4E gene required for its expression. Promoter activity was dependent on sites at −5, −25, −45, and −75; the site at −75 included a previously described myc box. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays identified DNA-protein interactions at −25 and revealed a binding site (TTACCCCCCCTT) that is unique to the eIF4E promoter. Proteins of 68 and 97 kDa bound this site in UV cross-linking and Southwestern experiments. Levels of 4E regulatory factor activities correlated with c-Myc levels, eIF4E expression levels, and protein synthesis in differentiating U937 and HL60 cells, suggesting that these activities may function to regulate protein synthesis rates during differentiation. Since the eIF4E promoter lacked typical TATA and initiator elements, further studies of this novel initiator-homologous element should provide insights into mechanisms of transcription initiation and growth regulation.
Automatic extraction of circuit models from layout artwork for a BiCMOS technology

An approach to modeling BiCMOS circuitry in which a simulation card desk is produced directly from the circuit layout artwork is described. The cards contain sufficient information about the device dimensions and net interconnections to form a complete circuit model. The approach allows extensive integration of the devices into an optimal layout and includes the interaction of a PFET and an NPN built in the same well. The active device menu includes NFETs, PFETs, NPNs, and resistors. Parasitic capacitances associated with the source and drain diffusions are calculated and a resistor mesh in the subcollector is created. The individual steps leading to the formation of the circuit model are described, and examples of bipolars and BiCMOS circuits are shown. >
Scale-dependence of environmental effects on species richness in oak savannas

Abstract In order to investigate how scale (grain size) affects the relationships between species richness and environmental drivers (such as stress and disturbance), we collected 12 nested quadrats (from 0.25 m2 to 1023 m2) from seven remnant oak savannas located in the floodplain of the Chippewa River in western Wisconsin, USA. Large and small-scale richness were not significantly correlated, suggesting that small-scale richness is not strongly controlled by sampling effects of the local species pool. Linear and curvilinear regressions between species richness and disturbance, canopy cover, biomass, and soil organic matter were dependent on sampling scale (grain size). Disturbance by fire was strongly related to richness at small scales, while tree canopy cover was strongly related to richness at larger scales. While there was some evidence suggesting the transition from disturbance to canopy effects occurs between 10 and 100 m2, the transition was not particularly abrupt. The results cast doubt on the ...
Diuretic resistance : mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

The mechanism(s) responsible for diuretic resistance differ in different clinical conditions. Renal insufficiency is a prototype of a pharmacokinetic mechanism wherein the disease causes decreased delivery of diuretic to its urinary site of action. Hepatic cirrhosis, on the other hand, is a prototype of a phar-macodynamic mechanism wherein normal amounts of diuretic reach the site of action but nephron response is subnormal. The mechanism of this effect is unknown. In congestive heart failure and in nephrotic syndrome, both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms occur. The different mechanisms of diuretic resistance in these various diseases dictate specific therapeutic strategies for each clinical condition.
Stress-Induced Loss of Heterozygosity in Candida: a Possible Missing Link in the Ability to Evolve

ABSTRACT Diploid organisms are buffered against the effects of mutations by carrying two sets of each gene, which allows compensation if one is mutated. But recombination between “mom” and “dad” chromosomes causes loss of heterozygosity (LOH), stretches of “mom-only” or “dad-only” DNA sequence, suddenly revealing effects of mutations accumulated in entire chromosome arms. LOH creates new phenotypes from old mutations, drives cancer development and evolution, and, in a new study by Forche et al., is shown to be induced by stress in Candida albicans [Forche A, et al, mBio 2(4):e00129-11, 2011]. Stress-induced LOH could speed evolution of Candida specifically when it is poorly adapted to its environment. Moreover, the findings may provide a missing link between recombination-dependent mutagenesis in bacteria and yeast, suggesting that both might be stress induced, both maximizing genetic variation when populations could benefit most from diversity.
Combined effects of fatigue and eccentric damage on muscle power

Many physical activities can induce both transient and long-lasting muscle dysfunction. The separate and interactive effects of short-term fatigue and long-lasting contraction-induced damage were e...
WHO WINS THE OLYMPIC GAMES: ECONOMIC RESOURCES AND MEDAL TOTALS

This paper examines determinants of Olympic success at the country level. Does the United States win its fair share of Olympic medals? Why does China win only 6% of the medals even though it has one-fifth of the world's population? We consider the role of population and economic resources in determining medal totals from 1960 to 1996. At the margin, population and income per capita have similar effects, suggesting that both a large population and high per capita GDP are needed to generate high medal totals. We also provide out-of-sample predictions for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
Connectivity preservation in a network of single integrator agents

This paper proposes a general class of distributed potential-based control laws with the connectivity preserving property for single integrator agents. Given a connected information flow graph, the potential functions are designed in such a way that when an edge in the graph is about to lose connectivity, the gradient of the potential function lies in the direction of the corresponding edge aiming to shrink it. Therefore, the corresponding control laws preserve the connectivity of the information flow graph. The potential functions are chosen to be bounded with bounded partial derivatives, resulting in bounded control inputs. The results are developed for the case of static information flow graph, but can be easily extended to the case of dynamic edge addition. Other constraints may be imposed on the potential functions to satisfy other design criteria such as consensus and formation convergence. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is illustrated via simulation.
Kinetics of reactions of Ni contact pads with Si nanowires

For development and integration of Si nanowires into nanoelectronic devices, an understanding of Ni silicide formation in electrical contacts to Si nanowires is necessary. Here, we examine the kinetics of Ni silicide phase formation. For Si nanowires with [111] growth directions, NiSi2 is the only phase to form in the temperature range 400–550 °C, and the NiSi2 growth exhibits linear kinetics from 400 to 500 °C with an activation energy of 0.76 ± 0.10 eV. In the case of Si nanowires with [112] growth directions, growth of the θ-Ni2Si phase in contact with the Si nanowire occurs with parabolic kinetics over the temperature range 400–550 °C, and an activation energy of 1.45 ± 0.07 eV/atom is extracted. Differences in the growth rates for Ni silicide phases with different SiNW growth directions implies that for simultaneous preparation of SiNW devices with Ni silicide contacts, SiNWs with the same growth direction are necessary.
Image-guide leaky-wave antenna with wide beam-scan angle

A leaky-wave antenna with the image line made of a 10.8-relative dielectric constant material was described. Alternating the films with different strip spacings varied the main-beam angle in the E-plane effectively. Due to the high dielectric constant image line, 70-degree beam-scan angle was achieved with steering angle approximately symmetric to the broadside radiation.
Search-Theoretic Models of Organization Control by Budgeted Multiple Goals

Models of situations in which individuals are faced with multiple activities among which they must allocate their effort are postulated. Optimal allocations are found for four assumed motivational structures---profit maximization and three involving performance goals in each of the activities. Heuristic approximations to the optimal allocations are developed. Also, the relationships between the various motivation structures are explored.
Hexosamine-induced fibronectin protein synthesis in mesangial cells is associated with increases in cAMP responsive element binding (CREB) phosphorylation and nuclear CREB: the involvement of protein kinases A and C.

Hyperglycemia-induced alterations in mesangial (MES) cell function and extracellular matrix protein accumulation are seen in diabetic glomerulopathy. Recent studies have demonstrated that some of the effects of high glucose (HG) on cellular metabolism are mediated by the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP), in which fructose-6-phosphate is converted to glucosamine 6-phosphate by the rate-liming enzyme glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFA). In this study, we investigated the role of HBP on HG-stimulated fibronectin protein synthesis, a matrix component, in SV-40–transformed rat kidney MES cells. Treatment of MES cells with 25 mmol/l glucose (HG) for 48 h increases cellular fibronectin levels by two- to threefold on Western blots when compared with low glucose (5 mmol/l). Glucosamine (GlcN; 1.5 mmol/l), which enters the hexosamine pathway distal to GFA action, also increases fibronectin synthesis. Azaserine (AZA; 0.5 μmol/l), an inhibitor of GFA, blocks the HG- but not the GlcN-induced fibronectin synthesis. Fibronectin contains cAMP responsive element (CRE) consensus sequences in its promoter and the phosphorylation of CRE-binding protein (CREB) may regulate its expression. On Western blots, HG and GlcN stimulate two- to threefold the phosphorylation of CREB at Ser 133, whereas CREB protein content was unaltered by either HG or GlcN. In addition, nuclear CREB activity was increased by HG and GlcN on gel-shift assays using 32P-CRE oligonucleotides. AZA impeded the HG-enhanced CREB phosphorylation and CRE binding but had no effect on GlcN-mediated CREB phosphorylation and CRE binding. Pharmacologic inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) and protein kinase A (PKA), which are involved in hexosamine-mediated matrix production, blocked the CREB phosphorylation and fibronectin synthesis seen in HG and GlcN conditions. We conclude that the effects of HG on fibronectin synthesis in the mesangium are mediated by the HBP possibly via hexosamine regulation of CREB and PKC/PKA signaling pathways. These results support the hypothesis that the HBP is a sensor and regulator of the actions of glucose in the kidney.
In Situ Scanning Electron Microscopy Observations of Contraction Twinning and Double Twinning in Extruded Mg-1Mn (wt.%)

The tensile deformation mechanisms of an extruded Mg-1Mn (wt.%) alloy at 323 K (50°C) was investigated by a combination of in situ tensile testing and electron backscatter diffraction analysis. The strong basal texture of the material resulted in placing the c-axis of most of the grains under compression during tensile loading parallel to the extrusion axis. Basal, prismatic, and pyramidal 〈c+a〉 slip activity was observed along with \( \left\{ {10\overline{1}2} \right\} \) extension twinning. However, \( \left\{ {10\overline{1}1} \right\} \) contraction twinning dominated the deformation. Although contraction twinning and pyramidal 〈c+a〉 slip both allow for c-component deformation, contraction twinning was preferred over pyramidal 〈c+a〉 slip, and this was expected to be due to the lower critical resolved shear stress (CRSS) value for the former mechanism at ambient temperatures. The contraction twins evolved into \( \left\{ {10\overline{1}1} \right\} - \left\{ {10\overline{1}2} \right\} \) double twins with an increase in strain. The propensity of double twins to form shear bands due to shear localization within the double twinned region, which eventually resulted in cracks, led to the failure of the material. The shear localization in the double twins was expected to be due to the enhanced activity of basal slip in the twinned volume. The observations from the present study suggest that contraction twinning may play a critical role in the limited cold formability of magnesium and its alloys.
Modeling of three-way catalytic converter performance with exhaust mixture from natural gas-fueled engines

Abstract The ability of a three-way catalytic converter (TWC) to treat the exhaust from a natural-gas fueled engine was evaluated by numerical simulation. A comprehensive and thermodynamically consistent surface reaction mechanism describing the surface reactions in the TWC was built by compiling elementary-step reaction kinetics involving CH4, CO, formaldehyde, NO, NH3 and N2O from literature sources. The reaction parameters are taken from literatures and fitting calculations. The mechanism was implemented in a one-dimensional PFR model describing a single channel of the catalyst. The simulation results were evaluated by comparison with field data collected from a TWC operated isothermally at steady-state. The model predicted the major trends in conversion/formation of all species in the TWC over a wide range of air to fuel ratios. Sensitivity analysis was utilized to study the key reaction steps that impact the exhaust emission mole fraction. It was found that methane, NO, CO and formaldehyde are most sensitive to the corresponding adsorption steps, while NH3 and N2O are sensitive to the reactions that relate to their formations, such as reactions involving surface hydrogen atoms for NH3 and NO for N2O.
Isolation, Synthesis, and Antimicrobial Activities of Naturally Occurring θ-Defensin Isoforms from Baboon Leukocytes

θ-Defensins are macrocyclic antimicrobial peptides that were previously isolated from leukocytes of a single species, the rhesus macaque. We now report the characterization of baboon θ-defensins (BTDs) expressed in bone marrow and peripheral blood leukocytes. Four cDNAs encoding θ-defensin precursors were characterized, allowing for the prediction of 10 theoretical θ-defensins (BTD-1 to BTD-10) produced by binary, head-to-tail splicing of nonapeptides excised from paired precursors. Five of the predicted θ-defensins were purified from baboon leukocytes, and synthetic versions of each were prepared. Anti-θ-defensin antibody localized the peptides in circulating neutrophils and monocytes and in immature and mature myeloid elements in bone marrow. Each of the BTDs possessed antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal test organisms in vitro. Peptide activities varied markedly despite a high degree of sequence conservation among the θ-defensins tested. Thus, baboons express numerous θ-defensins which appear to differentially contribute to host defense against diverse pathogens.
Enhanced multimode fiber link performance using a spatially resolved photodetector

Summary form only given. We demonstrate enhanced bit error-rate performance using spatially diverse detection, where multiple photodetector segments are used to detect separate regions of the emitted optical power. The low loss multimode fiber retains significant modal diversity which appears as a spatial diversity in the far field. The weighted electrical signals are recombined in a simple fashion to compensate for differential mode delay.
Ocular blast injuries in modern warfare

Improvised explosive devices have become the signature of modern warfare and were the leading cause of injury and death of coalition soldiers during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Blasts generate a massive amount of kinetic energy that can cause devastating injuries. Modern munitions are highly fragmentary with a large blast radius leading to an increased rate of eye injuries. They are often much more severe than those commonly seen after civilian trauma. Open-globe injuries, particularly when combined with oculoplastic or neuro-ophthalmologic injury, have the worst visual outcomes. Closed-globe injuries can also cause significant visual loss. It is important for ophthalmologists to monitor soldiers with blast injuries extremely closely as there is not enough data to know the rates of eventual secondary eye diseases.
Evaluation of SCC Crack Growth Rate in BWR Water Based on Elastic-Plastic Fracture Mechanics Parameters

This paper presents an applicability of elastic-plastic fracture mechanics parameters for evaluating a crack growth rate of stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Currently linear fracture mechanical approaches have been applied for the SCC crack growth evaluation, even though some cracks due to SCC are found in plastic deformation zones near welding where linear fracture mechanics is no longer applicable. In this paper, the authors have proposed an elastic-plastic parameter “equivalent stress intensity factor KJ” for evaluating the SCC crack growth rate based on the J-integral value, which is valid in both elastic and plastic stress fields. In order to verify the applicability of the evaluation by KJ, SCC crack growth tests were carried out in a simulated boiling water reactor (BWR) water. When the SCC crack growth rate was evaluated by the stress intensity factor K, no linear relationship between the K values and the crack growth rates was observed in the high K-value region, where a small-scale yielding condition was not met. The crack growth rates increased exponentially according to increasing the stress intensity factor to exceed the linear relationship. On the other hand, when the crack growth rate was evaluated by the elastic-plastic parameter KJ, a linear correlation between the KJ values and the crack growth rates was confirmed regardless the specimen size and the stress condition. This result suggests that by applying the elastic-plastic parameter KJ, the SCC crack growth rates in a wider range could be estimated easily with using a smaller specimen.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Effects of Different Types of Grinding Fluids on Grinding Force with a Semi-Empirical Based Model

In present paper, a semi-empirical grinding force model is developed combined with the achievements of previous researchers by composing effects of normal and tangential grinding forces in two main parts respectively: cutting force and sliding force. Final equations for the total normal and tangential force components is established. This model is used to predict the total normal and tangential force in the surface grinding. These force components were expressed in terms of the grinding process parameters. There are four unknown coefficients in each equation which can be determined by experiment results at specific conditions with the variations of grinding process parameters. An equation for sliding force is established with the effect of specific sliding energy in terms of the experimental parameters. The average contact pressure and friction coefficient are taken into account. Four different water-based grinding fluids were tested for different specific grinding conditions. Low viscosity grinding fluid can have better performance than the high viscosity one due to the higher useful flow in the grinding contact area. The calculated normal and tangential grinding results are compared with the experimental ones. The verifications show that deviations can be affected by the performance of the fluid at heavy grinding conditions due to the sliding friction inside of rolling friction. To have a better agreement with experiment data. Shallow grinding condition is chosen to obtain the modified model.
Programmable nanoparticle ensembles via high-throughput directed self-assembly.

We present a simple and facile strategy for the directed self-assembly of nanoparticles into complex geometries using a minimal set of post guiding features patterned on a substrate. This understanding is based on extensive studies of nanoparticle self-assembly into linear, dense-packed, circular, and star-shaped ensembles when coated onto patterned substrates of predefined post arrays. We determined the conditions under which nanoparticles assemble and “connect” two adjacent post features, thereby forming the desired shapes. We demonstrate that with rational design of the post patterns to enforce the required pairwise interactions with posts, we can create arbitrary arrangements of nanoparticles—for example, to write “IBM” in a deterministic manner. This demonstration of programmable, high-throughput directed self-assembly of nanoparticles shows an alternative route to generate functional nanoparticle assemblies.
A Mathematical Model With Preliminary Experiments of a Gyroscopic Ocean Wave Energy Converter

Global attempts to increase generation of clean and reproducible natural energy have greatly contributed to the progress of solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal energy generation. To meet the goal set by the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) in the United States, it is advisable for several of the coastal states to tap into the least explored resource: ocean-wave energy. There are many advantages to ocean-wave energy generation. First, the energy per unit area is 20 to 30 times larger compared with solar and five to ten times larger when compared to wind energy. Second, waves are more easily predicted than wind. Currently, there are several challenges with capturing ocean energy: With respect to the environment, noise pollution and effects on marine life need to be taken into consideration; with respect to design, ocean-wave power generators need to withstand large waves due to hurricanes and be designed to lessen visual pollution.There are various methods and devices used to capture ocean wave energy. Point absorbers, such as PowerBuoy, can harness vertical or heaving motion into electricity while attenuators like Pelamis use the induced movement of its joints from the incoming waves. Unfortunately, many have few parameters that can be varied to optimize power generation and or suffer from the various challenges mentioned above. The gyroscopic ocean wave energy converter harnesses the rocking or pitching motion induced by the ocean waves and converts it into rotary motion that is then fed to a generator. Furthermore, it is a fully enclosed floating device that has several parameters that can be varied to optimize power output. Previous work has demonstrated the viability of such a device, but the theoretical modeling of these converters is still in its infancy compared to that of other ocean wave energy converters. The objective of the research presented is to fully understand the mechanisms of power generation in the gyroscopic ocean wave energy converter. Using the moving frame method, a mathematical model of the device is developed. The nonlinear equations of motion are derived through the use of this novel method and then solved numerically. The results are then used to optimize the system and identify key parameters and their effect on the output power generated. Additionally, the resulting equations serve as a tool for identifying an appropriate control strategy for the system. Finally, a scale model of a gyroscopic ocean wave energy converter is developed to validate the equations of motion that have been derived.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The Nervous System of Thysanura.

The central ganglia of representative genera, Campodea, Evalljapax, Lepisma and Machilis were examined.
Effect of age of worker honey bees ( Apis mellifera ) on tracheal mite ( Acarapis woodi ) infestation

The susceptibility of worker honey bees,Apis mellifera L., as a function of age, to infestation by tracheal mites,Acarapis woodi Rennie, was investigated. Bees 4 days old were rarely infested in colonies during active brood rearing. Only 2 of 255 bees >8 days old, and 1 of 246 bees >16 days old, became infested. Most of the eggs found in bees>3 weeks old apparently were produced by the progeny of the original infestation.
Minimally Invasive Techniques for Total Aortic Arch Reconstruction

The cumulative experience with endovascular aortic repair in the descending thoracic and infrarenal aorta has led to increased interest in endovascular aortic arch reconstruction. Open total arch replacement is a robust operation that can be performed with excellent results. However, it requires cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest and, therefore, may not be tolerated by all patients. Minimally invasive techniques have been considered as an alternative and include hybrid arch debranching, parallel stent graft deployment in the chimney and snorkel configurations, and complete endovascular branched reconstruction with multi-branched devices. This review discusses the evolving use of endovascular techniques in the management of aortic arch pathology and considers their relevance in an era of safe and durable open aortic arch reconstruction.
Aspects of Accounting Codes of Ethics in Canada, Egypt, and Japan

Ethics is defined as the branch of philosophy that concerns values regarding human behavior, pertaining to the rightness and wrongness of actions and to the goodness and badness of the intent and consequences of such actions. Professional accounting organizations recognize the profession's duty to provide ethical guidance to its members. For example, in its Code of Ethics, the Institute of Internal Auditors states the principles and expectations governing behavior of individuals and organizations in the conduct of internal auditing. This article offers a review of ethics codes of accounting professional organizations in Canada, Egypt, and Japan. By considering these codes, accounting professionals, including corporate accountants and internal auditors, will enhance their appreciation of the important role of accounting ethics in countries around the globe.
Retrieval of Canopy Chlorophyll Density Based on Hyperpectral Vegetation Indices

Remote sensing of chlorophyll content holds an important potential for evaluating crop growth status.To develop an applicable statistical model for retrieving canopy chlorophyll density,we collected the canopy spectra and canopy chlorophyll content data of winter wheat at National Experimental Station for Precision Agriculture of China and summer maize at the Farm of Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences at different growth stages,and analyzed the correlations between hyperspectral vegetation indices and canopy chlorophyll density.There were 8hyperspectral vegetation indices selected based on the statistical correlation analysis,and the precision and applicability of the statistical models for canopy chlorophyll density based on the 8selected vegetation indices were examined by the dataset of winter wheat and summer maize at different growth stages.The results show that:1)there is a good correlation between most hyperspectral vegetation indices and canopy chlorophyll density,and hyperspectral vegetation indices is effective to retrieve chlorophyll density;2)the statistical models based on Simple Ratio Index(SRI),Ratio Vegetation Index I(RVI I),Red Model(R-M)and MERIS Terrestrial Chlorophyll Index(MTCI)give better retrieval precision at all growth stages of winter wheat with a relative error of less than 27%;3)the statis-tical model based on MTCI gives the best validation precision between two crops at different growth stages,with a relative error of less than 35%.
Abstract B07: Tead and AP1 coordinate transcription and motility in cancer cells

The Tead family transcription factors are the major mediators of the Hippo-Yap pathway. Although misregulation of Hippo signaling has been implicated in many human cancers, Tead dependent downstream transcriptional programs in cancer cells remain poorly understood. Here we characterize Tead4-mediated transcriptional networks in diverse cancer cells, including neuroblastoma, colorectal, lung, and endometrial carcinomas. By intersecting genome-wide chromatin occupancy analyses of Tead4, JunD, and Fra1/2, we find that Tead4 cooperates with AP1 factors to coordinate target gene transcription. We find that the interaction of AP1 and Tead4 is JNK independent, but engages the SRC coactivators to promote downstream transcription. Furthermore we show that Tead and AP1 drive the expression of a unique core set of target genes to direct cell motility and invasion. Together, our data unveil a critical regulatory mechanism coordinating AP1 and Tead -controlled transcriptional and functional output in cancer cells. Citation Format: Xiangfan Liu, Huapeng Li, Mihir Rajurkar, Jennifer Cotton, Arthur Mercurio, Roger Davis, Junhao Mao. Tead and AP1 coordinate transcription and motility in cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Developmental Biology and Cancer; Nov 30-Dec 3, 2015; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(4_Suppl):Abstract nr B07.
Myogenic tone is coupled to phospholipase C and G protein activation in small cerebral arteries.

The cellular transduction mechanisms underlying the response of blood vessels to mechanical forces such as pressure or stretch are largely unknown. In this report we test the hypothesis that myogen...
"Casi Nomás Me Dicen Qué Escribir" / They Almost Just Tell Me What to Write: A Longitudinal Analysis of Teacher-Student Interactions in a Linguistically Diverse Mainstream Secondary Classroom.

To explore the challenges that can arise in teacher-student interactions in linguistically diverse mainstream classrooms, this case study analyzes the ways in which a native Spanish speaker of high-beginning English proficiency and his teacher negotiated an extended writing task in a tenth-grade mainstream humanities course. An “interactional histories” analysis, which offers a contiguous (Maxwell & Miller, 2008) and multimodal analysis of classroom discourse and texts at multiple steps throughout the writing process, is used to demonstrate the pedagogical and conversational moves through which the teacher adapts the academic task and the teacher and student co-construct this assistance. This study illustrates the ways in which opportunities for language minority students' literacy development are locally created through teacher-student interaction but are reflective of linguistic, cultural, and institutional concerns related to the academic performance and achievement of language minority students in sch...
Applications of Discrete-Time Signals and Systems

This chapter presents applications of the theory of discrete-time signals and systems to three important areas: digital signal processing, digital control, and digital communications. It discusses how the theoretical results related to digital signal processing, digital control, and digital communications. Due to advances in digital technologies and computers, processing of signals is being done digitally. Early results in sampling, analog-to-digital conversion, and the fast computation of the output of linear systems using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), made it possible for digital signal processing to become a technical area on its own. The fast Fourier transform made possible the establishment and significant growth of digital signal processing as a technical area. The theory of sampled data shows the connection between the Laplace and the Z-transform. The difficulty in the analysis of these systems is the mixing of continuous and discrete-time signals. Digital communication systems provide a more efficient way to communicate information than analog communication systems, but they are more demanding in terms of bandwidth. Efficient use of the radio spectrum and efficient processing has become the objectives of modern wireless communication systems such as spread spectrum and orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing. The chapter also discusses the connection of the discrete-time signals and systems with digital control and communications. Theory and applications of digital signal processing, preferably including some theory of random variables and processes, toward statistical signal processing, speech, and image processing are presented in the chapter.
Computation of π using arithmetic-geometric mean (1976)

Paper 1: Eugene Salamin, “Computation of pi using arithmetic-geometric mean,” Mathematics of Computation, vol. 30, no. 135 (July 1976), pg. 565–570. Reprinted by permission of the American Mathematical Society.
The Importance Of Being

Good patient care is found not on a computer screen but in being truly present with patients.
Fully Soft 3D-Printed Electroactive Fluidic Valve for Soft Hydraulic Robots.

Abstract Soft robots are designed to utilize their compliance and contortionistic abilities to both interact safely with their environment and move through it in ways a rigid robot cannot. To more completely achieve this, the robot should be made of as many soft components as possible. Here we present a completely soft hydraulic control valve consisting of a 3D-printed photopolymer body with electrorheological (ER) fluid as a working fluid and gallium–indium–tin liquid metal alloy as electrodes. This soft 3D-printed ER valve weighs less than 10 g and allows for onboard actuation control, furthering the goal of an entirely soft controllable robot. The soft ER valve pressure-holding capabilities were tested under unstrained conditions, cyclic valve activation, and the strained conditions of bending, twisting, stretching, and indentation. It was found that the max holding pressure of the valve when 5 kV was applied across the electrodes was 264 kPa, and that the holding pressure deviated less than 15% from t...
Barcoded nanoparticles for high throughput in vivo discovery of targeted therapeutics

Nucleic acid therapeutics are limited by inefficient delivery to target tissues and cells and by an incomplete understanding of how nanoparticle structure affects biodistribution to off-target organs. Although thousands of nanoparticle formulations have been designed to deliver nucleic acids, most nanoparticles have been tested in cell culture contexts that do not recapitulate systemic in vivo delivery. To increase the number of nanoparticles that could be tested in vivo, we developed a method to simultaneously measure the biodistribution of many chemically distinct nanoparticles. We formulated nanoparticles to carry specific nucleic acid barcodes, administered the pool of particles, and quantified particle biodistribution by deep sequencing the barcodes. This method distinguished previously characterized lung- and liver- targeting nanoparticles and accurately reported relative quantities of nucleic acid delivered to tissues. Barcode sequences did not affect delivery, and no evidence of particle mixing was observed for tested particles. By measuring the biodistribution of 30 nanoparticles to eight tissues simultaneously, we identified chemical properties promoting delivery to some tissues relative to others. Finally, particles that distributed to the liver also silenced gene expression in hepatocytes when formulated with siRNA. This system can facilitate discovery of nanoparticles targeting specific tissues and cells and accelerate the study of relationships between chemical structure and delivery in vivo.
Selective spiking in neuronal populations

The use of extrinsic stimulation to control activity in neuronal networks i.e., neurocontrol, is a key problem in control engineering and neuroscience. Here, we study the general problem of selective spiking in a population of neurons. The goal is to use an input stimulus in order to induce a spike in a specific neuron of a population while keeping all others suppressed. We formulate a strict version of this problem for the class of Integrate-and-Fire neuron models, which amounts to an optimal control problem with state constraints. While possible to solve in low dimensions, the strict problem is harder to handle for larger networks. Thus, we relax the problem via regularization and derive the ensuing optimal controls for selective spiking. The properties of the solution are highlighted through several examples. The results provide a tractable, scalable solution for a baseline neurocontrol problem.
Does cyberbullying impact youth suicidal behaviors

Even though several youth fatal suicides have been linked with school victimization, there is lack of evidence on whether cyberbullying victimization causes students to adopt suicidal behaviors. To investigate this issue, I use exogenous state-year variation in cyberbullying laws and information on high school students from the Youth Risk Behavioral Survey within a bivariate probit framework, and complement these estimates with matching techniques. I find that cyberbullying has a strong impact on all suicidal behaviors: it increases suicidal thoughts by 14.5 percentage points and suicide attempts by 8.7 percentage points. Even if the focus is on statewide fatal suicide rates, cyberbullying still leads to significant increases in suicide mortality, with these effects being stronger for men than for women. Since cyberbullying laws have an effect on limiting cyberbullying, investing in cyberbullying-preventing strategies can improve individual health by decreasing suicide attempts, and increase the aggregate health stock by decreasing suicide rates.