cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of the N-terminal domain of Nup358/RanBP2.

Key steps in mRNA export are the nuclear assembly of messenger ribonucleoprotein particles (mRNPs), the translocation of mRNPs through the nuclear pore complex (NPC), and the mRNP remodeling events at the cytoplasmic side of the NPC. Nup358/RanBP2 is a constituent of the cytoplasmic filaments of the NPC specific to higher eukaryotes and provides a multitude of binding sites for the nucleocytoplasmic transport machinery. Here, we present the crystal structure of the Nup358 N-terminal domain (NTD) at 0.95 A resolution. The structure reveals an α-helical domain that harbors three central tetratricopeptide repeats (TPRs), flanked on each side by an additional solvating amphipathic α helix. Overall, the NTD adopts an unusual extended conformation that lacks the characteristic peptide-binding groove observed in canonical TPR domains. Strikingly, the vast majority of the NTD surface exhibits an evolutionarily conserved, positive electrostatic potential, and we demonstrate that the NTD possesses the capability to bind single-stranded RNA in solution. Together, these data suggest that the NTD contributes to mRNP remodeling events at the cytoplasmic face of the NPC.
Influence of temperature and organic amendments on the mobilization of selenium in sediments

Abstract Toxic amounts of selenium have been found in sediments and water at Kesterson Reservoir (Merced County, Calif.). A sediment column study was established for determination of Se0 (Se volatilization potential) and k (Se voltalization rate coefficient) derived from a first-order kinetics model. Increasing the temperature from 15 to 35°C promoted volatilization of Se (Q10 = 1.96). The amount of Se leached out of the sediments was independent of the initial total Se inventory. Volatilization of Se followed a first-order reaction and was highly dependent on the initial Se concentration. The Se0 ranged from 0.18 to 3.63 mg Se kg−1 sediment with k values ranging from 0.003 to 0.053 day−1. The addition of organic amendments promoted volatilization with Se being less available for leaching. The application of gluten, a wheat storage protein, was found to enhance voltilization of Se (1.7 to 3.2-fold over the control) more strongly than other treatments (e.g. casein, orange peel and cattle manure). Volatilization may be an important dissipation mechanism for detoxification of seleniferous sediments.
112-Gb/s DP-QPSK transmission over 7,860-km DMF using phase-conjugated copy and digital phase-sensitive boosting with enhanced noise and nonlinearity tolerance

We demonstrate a phase-sensitive boosting technique for extending the reach of 112-Gb/s DP-QPSK. We transmit the signal alongside a phase-conjugated idler. Nonlinearity is partially mitigated by detecting them jointly and summing them with phase conjugation.
Programming Cellular Permutation Networks Through Decomposition of Symmetric Groups

A fundamental problem in interconnection network theory is to design permutation networks with as few cells as possible and a small programming or setup time. The well-known networks of Benes and Waksman have asymptotically optimal cell counts, but the best setup algorithm available for such networks with n inputs requires O(n log2 n) sequential time. As an alternative, this paper considers another class of permutation networks which are collectively referred to as cellular permutation arrays. Using a group theoretic formulation, a natural correspondence is established between such permutation networks and iterative decompositions of symmetric groups through cosets. Based on this correspondence, the setup problem is reduced to iteratively determining the leaders of the cosets to which the permutation to be realized belongs. This, in turn, leads to linear-time setup algorithms for cellular permutation arrays. The paper describes these algorithms in detail for two families of cellular permutation arrays reported in the literature.
The Role of Out-of-School Factors in the Literacy Problem.

When U.S. children enter school, their reading skills vary widely by their socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity, and immigrant status. Because these literacy gaps exist before children enter school, observes Jane Waldfogel, the disparities must arise from conditions outside of schools--from the children's families and communities. And the same out-of-school factors may continue to influence reading skills as children progress through school. Waldfogel examines how specific out-of-school factors may contribute to literacy gaps at school entry and to the widening of the gaps for some groups thereafter. Some factors are important across groups. For instance, differences in parenting help explain black-white literacy gaps as well as gaps associated with socioeconomic status. Other factors differ by group. For instance, key influences on early literacy for immigrant children are the language spoken at home, parental proficiency in English, and whether a child participates in preschool. What happens to early gaps in literacy during the school years also varies by group. Reading gaps for Hispanic children tend to close or stabilize after a few years, perhaps because of such out-of-school factors as strong families, less crime, or better peer group attitudes in Hispanic communities. But black-white gaps and gaps between children from socioeconomically disadvantaged and more advantaged families tend to widen during the school years. An important challenge for future research is to understand why that is the case. Waldfogel concludes that addressing early literacy gaps, and later gaps, requires tailoring policy responses depending on which group is being targeted. But across all groups, one important conclusion holds. Although out-of-school factors contribute--sometimes in major ways--to literacy disparities, says Waldfogel, schools have a responsibility to try to close such gaps. Research on the out-of-school sources of literacy problems can support schools in this effort by helping practitioners and policy makers better understand which children are likely to encounter problems in literacy and why, as well as what schools and others can do to address those problems.
Finite Element Analysis of Nonlinear Oscillators

Presented in this paper is a finite element method for the analysis of nonlinear oscillations which exhibit periodic response. The basic idea of the method is to recast the initial value problem as a boundary value problem in which the domain (that is, period) may be unknown. We apply the method to study the free response of the conservative oscillator u + mu + ϵf(u)=0, where m is either − 1, 0 or 1, f(u) is an odd nonlinear function, and ϵ need not be small. The harmonically forced case, u + mu + ϵf(u) = Psin Ωt, is also considered, and it is shown that the superharmonic response can be efficiently calculated using this technique.
Conservation and community in the new South Africa: A case study of the Mahushe Shongwe Game Reserve

Abstract The idealization of natural landscapes and peoples during colonialism, coupled with the popularity of sustainable development in the postcolonial era, has contributed to the expansion of conservation planning throughout the African continent. Concerns surrounding the promotion of national and international conservation agendas at the expense of local livelihood needs have generated interest in community conservation projects that attempt to include local participation and knowledge in natural resource management. The early excitement associated with community conservation has waned in light of recent assessments that it has been unsuccessful in meeting its ecological and social goals. This parallels other research that suggests communities are understood in generic or homogenous ways that influence how these initiatives are understood. Using a case study of the Mahushe Shongwe Game Reserve, this paper evaluates how rural households access environmental and economic resources to produce livelihoods, and how these access patterns impact their views of the project. It is argued that there are significant livelihood variations within the community that shape the ways households engage with, and benefit from, conservation planning. Rather than strictly viewing Mahushe Shongwe as a constraint to environmental resource access or site for limited employment, community members identify a number of benefits from its existence including education and development opportunities. Additionally, transformations in governance systems in the region impact community views of the project since younger residents are less likely to engage with the Matsamo Tribal Authority, which participates in managing the reserve. The consequence is that conservation has various impacts and meanings within a specific community that remain tied to the livelihood and governance systems being renegotiated in the post-apartheid era.
Analysis of confocal microscopy under ultrashort light-pulse illumination

The resolution of confocal laser scanning microscopes is analyzed if they are used in measurements that are to combine high spatial and high temporal resolution. A generalized Fourier-optical treatment is developed in which the system characteristics contain all necessary information regarding the optical arrangement and the illuminating light pulses. Coherent and incoherent imaging are considered in detail.
Topology Selection in Graphical Models of Autoregressive Processes

An algorithm is presented for topology selection in graphical models of autoregressive Gaussian time series. The graph topology of the model represents the sparsity pattern of the inverse spectrum of the time series and characterizes conditional independence relations between the variables. The method proposed in the paper is based on an l1-type nonsmooth regularization of the conditional maximum likelihood estimation problem. We show that this reduces to a convex optimization problem and describe a large-scale algorithm that solves the dual problem via the gradient projection method. Results of experiments with randomly generated and real data sets are also included.
Read/Write Isolated Memory

We find upper and lower bounds on the code rate for a binary, rewritable medium in which adjacent locations may not both store 1’s, and adjacent locations may be not altered during a single rewriting pass. If the true rate is close to our lower bound, then a trivially simple code comes close to optimality.
Decision-theoretic user interface generation

For decades, researchers have debated the pros and cons of adaptive user interfaces with enthusiastic AI practitioners often confronting skeptical HCI experts (Shneiderman & Maes, 1997). This paper summarizes the SUPPLE project’s six years of work analyzing the characteristics of successful adaptive interfaces and developing efficient algorithms for their automatic generation (Gajos & Weld, 2004; Gajos et al., 2005; Gajos & Weld, 2005; Gajos et al., 2006; Gajos, Wobbrock, & Weld, 2007; Gajos et al., 2008; Gajos, Wobbrock, & Weld, 2008). We conclude that personalized user interfaces, which are adapted to a person’s devices, tasks, preferences and abilities, can improve user satisfaction and performance. Further, we demonstrate that automatic generation of these interfaces is computationally feasible. We developed two systems which autonomously construct a broad range of personalized adaptive interfaces: 1) SUPPLE/ARNAULD uses decision-theoretic optimization to automatically generate user interfaces adapted to target device, usage patterns, and a learned model of user preferences, and 2) SUPPLE++ first performs a one-time assessment of a person’s motor abilities and then automatically generates user interfaces adapted to that user’s abilities. Our experiments show that these automatically generated interfaces significantly improve speed, accuracy and satisfaction of users with motor impairments compared to manufacturers’ defaults. We also provide the first characterization of the design space of adaptive interfaces and demonstrate how such interfaces can significantly improve the quality and efficiency of daily interactions for typical users.
A Scalable Cross-Platform Infrastructure for Application Performance Tuning Using Hardware Counters

The purpose of the PAPI project is to specify a standard API for accessing hardware performance counters available on most modern microprocessors. These counters exist as a small set of registers that count “events”, which are occurrences of specific signals and states related to the processor's function. Monitoring these events facilitates correlation between the structure of source/object code and the efficiency of the mapping of that code to the underlying architecture. This correlation has a variety of uses in performance analysis and tuning. The PAPI project has proposed a standard set of hardware events and a standard cross-platform library interface to the underlying counter hardware. The PAPI library has been or is in the process of being implemented on all major HPC platforms. The PAPI project is developing end-user tools for dynamically selecting and displaying hardware counter performance data. PAPI support is also being incorporated into a number of third-party tools.
Long-term and seasonal variations in CO2: linkages to catchment alkalinity generation

Abstract. As atmospheric emissions of S have declined in the Northern Hemisphere, there has been an expectation of increased pH and alkalinity in streams believed to have been acidified by excess S and N. Many streams and lakes have not recovered. Evidence from East Bear Brook in Maine, USA and modelling with the groundwater acid-base model MAGIC (Cosby et al. 1985a,b) indicate that seasonal and yearly variations in soil PCO2 are adequate to enhance or even reverse acid-base (alkalinity) changes anticipated from modest decreases of SO4 in surface waters. Alkalinity is generated in the soil by exchange of H+ from dissociation of H2CO3, which in turn is derived from the dissolving of soil CO2. The variation in soil PCO2 produces an alkalinity variation of up to 15 meq L-1 in stream water. Detecting and relating increases in alkalinity to decreases in stream SO4 are significantly more difficult in the short term because of this effect. For example, modelled alkalinity recovery at Bear Brook due to a decline of 20 meq SO4 L-1 in soil solution is compensated by a decline from 0.4 to 0.2% for soil air PCO2. This compensation ability decays over time as base saturation declines. Variable PCO2 has less effect in more acidic soils. Short-term decreases of PCO2 below the long-term average value produce short-term decreases in alkalinity, whereas short-term increases in PCO2 produce short-term alkalization. Trend analysis for detecting recovery of streams and lakes from acidification after reduced atmospheric emissions will require a longer monitoring period for statistical significance than previously appreciated. Keywords: CO2 , alkalinity, acidification, recovery, soils, climate change
Renal Dietitians' Perceptions of Roles and Responsibilities in Outpatient Dialysis Facilities.

Objective This study was designed to determine what job responsibilities renal dietitians working in outpatient dialysis facilities consider as most important and most time-consuming. We hypothesized that more time-consuming activities would not always be considered most important. Design and Participants An online survey was sent to 3,382 renal dietitians via professional organization e-mail lists. The survey included 30 activities that renal dietitians perform, grouped into 3 categories (general responsibilities, assessments, and interventions) and based on the National Kidney Foundation-Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative nutrition guidelines. For each category of activities, respondents were asked to rank the 10 activities from 1 (most important or time-consuming) to 10 (least important or time-consuming). For analysis, the rankings were combined into 3 groups: 1 to 3 = most; 4 to 6 = mid; and 7 to 10 = least important or time-consuming. Demographic and professional questions were also included. Results Four hundred sixty six renal dietitians responded, and represented a broad range of experience in renal dietetics and type of dialysis facility. The mean number of patients per 40 hours full-time equivalent dietitian was 115.5 ± 38.4. There was good agreement between the respondents' ranking of importance and time consumed. Those activities identified as most important were traditional dietitian roles such as diet assessment and nutrition education. Many respondents provided write-in response of other activities they considered important and time-consuming such as communicating with family members or caregivers, enrolling and managing patients in the in-house pharmacy program, and serving as a care coordinator. Conclusions It appears that the renal dietitian's role of providing nutrition assessments and counseling in outpatient dialysis facilities is being expanded to include administrative and coordination responsibilities. The impact of these changes on patient outcomes is unclear; however, previous research has indicated that administrative responsibilities take away from patient care time and decrease dietitian job satisfaction.
Bedside ultrasound diagnosis of a spontaneous splenic hemorrhage after tissue plasminogen activator administration

Emergency physicians (EPs) can use bedside ultrasound to diagnosis of intraabdominal free fluid in a variety of clinical scenarios.The purpose of this study is to review the sonographic appearance of intraabdominal free fluid and incidence of spontaneous splenic rupture. An EP used bedside ultrasound to diagnose spontaneous splenic rupture in a patient who had received tissue plasminogen activator for suspected acute ischemic stroke. Bedside ultrasound by a physician trained in basic ultrasound and the focused assessment with sonography for trauma can diagnose intraabdominal free fluid, facilitating appropriate and more rapid consultation, advanced imaging, and treatment.
Development Review Integrative Literature Review: Increasing Retention and Success of First-Time Managers: A Model of Three Integral Processes for the Transition to Management

Making the transition to management is one of the most difficult challenges first-time managers face. Organizations pay for the failure of first-time managers and benefit from their success. The pu...
Simplifying Fatty Acid Analyses Using a Standard Set of Gas—Liquid Chromatographic Conditions: II. Equivalent Chain Length Values for cis- and trans- Isomers of Monoethylenic C18 Fatty Acid Methyl Esters for Carbowax-20M Liquid Phase

The Carbowax-20M liquid phase is becoming the standard in gas chromatography for general fatty acid analyses because it simplifies the work and reduces the chance for errors in identification of fatty acids. Isothermal analysis using the Carbowax-20M column, as opposed to temperature-programming, provides further simplification and ruggedness to the analysis. An extensive compilation of characteristic separation factors for 59 different fatty acid methyl esters has appeared, but it included gas-liquid chromatography elution information on only four of the approximately 20-24 isomeric octadecenoates that occur in foods containing ruminate fats and partially-hydrogenated vegetable oils. This contribution serves to fill that void by providing the equivalent chain length elution factors for 25 additional trans- and cis-monoethylenic fatty acid methyl esters.
Dystrophic dendrites in prefrontal cortical pyramidal cells of dopamine D1 and D2 but not D4 receptor knockout mice

Recent data indicate that cortical dopamine denervation results in dystrophic changes in the dendrites of pyramidal cells, including decreases in dendritic spine density and length. However, it is not known if the loss of signaling through specific dopamine receptors subserves these dendritic changes. We examined the dendritic structure of layer V pyramidal cells in the prefrontal cortex of D(1), D(2), and D(4) dopamine receptor null mutant mice and their wild-type littermates. Decreased basal dendritic length and spine density were observed in the D(1) knockout mice. Similarly, a decrease in basal dendritic spine density was uncovered in the D(2) knockout mice relative to wild-type littermates. No changes in any dendritic parameter were observed in the D(4) knockout mice. These observations suggest that the dystrophic changes observed in prefrontal cortical pyramidal cell dendrites are due to loss of signaling through D(1) and possibly D(2) receptors. The current data also suggest that caution should be exercised in the interpretation of behavioral, physiological, and biochemical studies of the prefrontal cortex in dopamine receptor knockout mice.
Surgical Technique Differences Between Posterior-Substituting and Cruciate-Retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty

Fundamental differences in implant design and the relative size of the flexion and extension spaces suggest that subtle, different surgical techniques should be used for cruciate-retaining and posterior-substituting total knee arthroplasties. Sacrificing the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) selectively opens the flexion space approximately 2 mm more than the extension space, which accounts for some of the technical differences. When performing a cruciate-retaining knee, the key points are to avoid stiffness due to an extra tight flexion space caused by a tight PCL and to avoid flexion instability from overrelease of the PCL. When performing a posterior-substituting knee, the key points are to avoid flexion instability due to an extra large flexion space caused by PCL sacrifice and to avoid postoperative knee flexion contracture by underresection of the distal femur. For posterior-sacrificing knees, cam-post impingement is a potential problem and can be avoided by avoiding excessive femoral component flexion and tibial component slope.
Endoscopic Antireflux Procedures: A Good Wrap?

Background & Aims: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is prevalent worldwide. Until recently patients and physicians have had a choice between long-term medical therapy, usually in the form of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or surgical fundoplication. During the past several years, endoscopic antireflux therapies have been approved for GERD patients to potentially obviate the risks of surgery and avoid long-term medication use. The objective of this review was to critically evaluate existing literature on endoscopic antireflux therapies with regards to efficacy and safety. Methods: A review of human studies by using Pub Med was performed. Results: Injectable LES implants, endoscopically placed gastric plications, and radio frequency energy application to the LES comprise the 3 modes of antireflux therapies. These techniques received approval by the Food and Drug Administration on the basis of symptomatic evidence supplied by numerous uncontrolled trials. As a group, these techniques have demonstrated efficacy less than medical and surgical options, and yet they carry a rare but significant risk of serious complications and even death. Conclusions: The field is still evolving at this stage, and there is a need for more randomized sham and placebo-controlled trials to better define the subjective and objective outcomes of these endoscopic procedures. At this time endoscopic antireflux procedures should be used with caution after discussing risks and benefits with the patient.
Glucocorticoid therapy for trauma - ready for prime time?

developed hospital-acquired pneumonia by day 28 (hazard ratio (HR), 0.51; 95% confi dence interval (CI), 0.30-0.83; P = 0.007). In the modifi ed ITT analysis, 20 of 56 patients (35.7%) in the hydrocortisone group and 31 of 57 patients (54.4%) in the placebo group developed hospital-acquired pneumonia by day 28 (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.25-0.86; P = 0.01). Mechanical ventilation–free days increased with hydrocortisone use by 4 days (95% CI, 2-7; P = 0.001) in the ITT analysis and 6 days (95% CI, 2-11; P < 0.001) in the modifi ed ITT analysis. Hyponatremia was observed in 7 of 76 (9.2%) in the placebo group vs. none in the hydrocortisone group (absolute diff erence, −9%; 95% CI, −16% to −3%; P = 0.01). Four of 76 patients (5.3%) in the placebo group and 6 of 73 (8.2%) in the hydrocortisone group died (absolute diff erence, 3%; 95% CI, −5% to 11%; P = 0.44).
Laboratory Investigation of Mean Drag in a Random Array of Rigid, Emergent Cylinders

This paper investigates the drag exerted by randomly distributed, rigid, emergent circular cylinders of uniform diameter d . Laboratory measurements are presented for solid volume fraction ϕ=0.091 , 0.15, 0.20, 0.27, and 0.35 and cylinder Reynolds number Rep ≡ Up d∕ν=25 to 685, where Up =temporally and cross-sectionally averaged pore velocity and ν =kinematic viscosity. These ranges coincide with conditions in aquatic plant canopies. The temporally and cross-sectionally averaged drag coefficient, CD , decreased with increasing Rep and increased with increasing ϕ under the flow conditions investigated. The dimensionless ratio of the mean drag per unit cylinder length ⟨ fD ¯ ⟩H to the product of the viscosity, μ , and Up exhibits a linear Rep dependence of the form ⟨ fD ¯ ⟩H ∕(μ Up )= α0 + α1 Rep , consistent with Ergun’s formulation for packed columns. In the range of experimental conditions, α1 increases monotonically with ϕ . In contrast, α0 is constant within uncertainty for 0.15⩽ϕ⩽0.35 , which suggests...
Upscheduling of Hydrocodone: Convenience and Access vs Patient Safety Measures

The Controlled Substance Act of 1970 designates drugs into one of five schedules, based upon medicinal value, harmfulness, and potential for abuse and addiction [1]. Schedule I drugs are those considered to have a high potential for abuse with no medicinal value, Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse with medicinal value, Schedule III designates drugs that have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I and II drugs, Schedule IV drugs have a low potential for abuse, and Schedule V drugs are thought to have an abuse potential even lower than those designated as Schedule IV. A controversial decision by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1971 permitted hydrocodone to have a split Schedule, with pure hydrocodone designated as a Schedule II drug and hydrocodone combined with acetaminophen designated as Schedule III [2]. However, at present, hydrocodone is not sold commercially in the United States in its pure form, but rather always in combination with another medication. In January of 2013, an FDA advisory committee determined that hydrocodone required tighter regulation owing to its high abuse potential. Accordingly the recommendation was to upschedule hydrocodone combination products from Schedule III to Schedule II. Currently, the FDA is deciding whether it will enact the advisory committee’s recommendation. The issue, the committee recommendation, and the history of FDAs stance have generated significant controvery. In this month’s Ethics Forum, Dr. Andrew Kolodny, the President of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing (PROP) elucidates the position that the upscheduling of hydrocodone is an imperative based upon its potential for abuse and lethality. The opposing viewpoint is presented by Dr. Anna Lee and Dr. Jeffrey Gudin, a nationally renowned pain management specialist; both physicians are concerned with the potential negative consequences associated with reclassification; namely, the undertreatment of pain.
1.3 /spl mu/m InGaAsN quantum well vertical cavity surface emitting lasers on GaAs substrates

We report characteristics of 1.3 /spl mu/m electrically pumped InGaAsN quantum well VCSELs grown on GaAs. The epitaxial structure was grown by MBE in a single growth run using in-situ optical reflectance feedback control to accurately control layer thicknesses. The top and bottom distributed Bragg reflector mirrors contained 28 and 33 periods, respectively. With the exception of a single period of the upper mirror nearest the cavity, both mirrors were doped n-type to reduce free carrier absorption losses. A reverse-biased GaAs tunnel diode provided a high-conductivity transition between n- and p-type regions of the upper mirror. Electrical and optical confinement were provided by selectively oxidized AlAs layers adjacent to the cavity. CW room-temperature lasing was obtained in these devices at wavelengths as long as 1294 nm, while pulsed lasing was obtained at wavelengths as long as 1305 nm. A side mode suppression of 28 dB is observed in devices operating CW at slightly shorter wavelengths. A maximum single mode output power of 140 /spl mu/W at 1289 nm was obtained at 20/spl deg/C and continuous wave operation was observed up to 50/spl deg/C. VCSELs operated with threshold currents varying from 1.5 to 7 mA. Equivalent threshold current densities were as low as 4 kA/cm/sub 2/. Open eye diagrams were obtained for devices driven on-wafer with pseudo-random bit sequences at 2.5 Gb/s. With modifications to the mirror design to lower the device voltage and modest improvements to the InGaAsN quality, we expect significantly improved optical and electrical performance.
Current challenges in image analysis for in toto imaging of zebrafish

We are developing an approach called in toto imaging whose goal is to track all the cell movements and divisions that give rise to an embryo. We can also capture protein expression and localization throughout development using GFP transgenics. Our long term goal is to integrate these data into a “Digital Fish” that shows how the genetic circuits encoded in the genome turn an egg into an embryo. We have a two pronged approach. We use confocal and 2-photon, time-lapse microscopy to capture very high spatial and temporal resolution movies of developing zebrafish embryos which permit single cell tracking but for only a portion of an embryo. We also use a robotic, 96-well plate based system that can screen 5000 embryos per day but at much lower resolution. Both approaches generate ∼100,000 images per experiment. We are developing software systems for analyzing these large image sets.
TNF-alpha, TSH, and aging regulate TGF-beta synthesis and secretion in FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a cytokine produced by macrophages in response to a variety of pathological conditions, can inhibit thyroid cell function in vitro and in vivo. TNF-alpha induction of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in rat endothelial cells suggested that TGF-beta, a known mediator of inflammatory effects of TNF-alpha, may be involved in the sensitivity of aged thyroid cells to TNF-alpha (G. Chen, A. E. Pekary, and J. M. Hershman. Endocrinology 131: 863-870, 1992). To determine whether TNF-alpha induces TGF-beta production in FRTL-5 cells, young ( 40 passages) FRTL-5 cells were grown to near confluency in medium containing 2 U/l of bovine thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH; 6-hormone (6H) medium] or no TSH [5-hormone (5H) medium]. TNF-alpha (0-100 ng/ml) was added 0-48 h before total RNA was extracted. Northern blots were hybridized with 32P-TGF-beta 1, -beta 2, and -beta 3 cDNAs. In aged cells TNF-alpha increased their TGF-beta 1 (and -beta 2 and -beta 3) mRNA levels 5.4-fold (and > 10-fold), respectively, while in young cells all TGF-beta mRNAs remained almost undetectable during incubation with TNF-alpha. In contrast, TNF-alpha and TSH had a highly significant stimulatory effect on the secretion rate of TGF-beta precursors in both young and old cells as measured in the mink lung cell bioassay.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Criticism of misguided Chu et al. article

Chu, Brhlikova and Pollock's article suggests the WHO rethink its decision to include misoprostol on the Essential Medicines List. Their paper is a sad example of workers in an elite setting advocating policies with the potential to endanger the lives of thousands of vulnerable women in low-resource settings. The self-administration of misoprostol, or use by traditional birth attendants, is the most immediate and practical solution to help the least developed countries move towards achieving Millennium Development Goal 5.1 It is true that in some studies oxytocin performs marginally better than misoprostol,2 but as mentioned by Chu et al., oxytocin administration is not currently feasible in most low-resource settings. Misoprostol presents an opportunity to achieve some semblance of health equity.3 The paper is also methodologically and ethically flawed. It reviews the 172 published papers on the use of misoprostol to control postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in the framework of high-quality obstetric services and it explicitly omits studies that are not randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, RCTs are often impossible to conduct in most low-resource settings where maternal death rates are highest. The paper by Prata et al4. included in the review, in fact, was not an RCT. In the case of misoprostol, an undisputed powerful uterotonic, the most practical RCT would compare misoprostol to a placebo, since the reality in low-resource settings leaves only these two options. Consequently, a RCT would randomly allocate the risk of death to women in the control arm when we know that misoprostol might have the potential to save their lives. Since Chu et al. conducted their review; a RCT in Belgaum India found 400 μg sublingual misoprostol to be more effective than 10 IU intramuscular oxytocin, as measured by blood loss (mean blood loss 192 ± 124 mL with misoprostol and 366 ± 136 mL blood loss with oxytocin).5 These data, together with compelling literature from non-RCTs in low-resource settings, strongly endorse the WHO's decision, which weighed all of the evidence, with considerations of the larger context and implications. A reversal of their decision would only hurt the very women that Chu et al. purport to be helping.
Replication of Virus Plaques.

SummaryOne of the 2 suspended cell plaque technics described by Cooper(5) has been modified so that its sensitivity and precision for plaque assay of VEE and EEE virus are satisfactory for general purposes. In addition, the modified suspended cell technic permitted nearly quantitative replication of virus plaques. Feasibility of the method in simulated systems for screening of host range or antigenic type recombinants (or mutants) was demonstrated.The excellent technical assistance of Mr. Delbert Davisson in this work is gratefully acknowledged.
Assessing Interactive System Effectiveness with Usability Heuristics and Markov Models of User Behavior

The purpose of this research was to create a new measure of usability to aid in determining whether the intent of system designers is realized and to objectively assess user behavior as a basis for interface design recommendations. There are currently few quantitative, objective measures of usability among many subjective measures. A measure combining both objective and subjective data may be valuable in determining user perceptions of system designs and whether performance goals are achieved. The present research used a human computer interaction framework, representing the user, input, the system and output, as a basis for designer and user interface evaluation forms. These forms were used in combination with a Markov model of average number of user actions in task performance in order to determine an overall system usability effectiveness score. The methodology was applied to the evaluation of the design of a web-based ordering interface. The new measurement technique appeared to be sensitive to interf...
3D Electron Tomography of Pretreated Biomass Informs Atomic Modeling of Cellulose Microfibrils

Fundamental insights into the macromolecular architecture of plant cell walls will elucidate new structure–property relationships and facilitate optimization of catalytic processes that produce fuels and chemicals from biomass. Here we introduce computational methodology to extract nanoscale geometry of cellulose microfibrils within thermochemically treated biomass directly from electron tomographic data sets. We quantitatively compare the cell wall nanostructure in corn stover following two leading pretreatment strategies: dilute acid with iron sulfate co-catalyst and ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX). Computational analysis of the tomographic data is used to extract mathematical descriptions for longitudinal axes of cellulose microfibrils from which we calculate their nanoscale curvature. These nanostructural measurements are used to inform the construction of atomistic models that exhibit features of cellulose within real, process-relevant biomass. By computational evaluation of these atomic models, we pr...
CFD Simulations of Launch Environments for Delta IV Vehicles at the SLC-6 Launch Pad

The NROL-49 mission is scheduled to be launched on the Delta IV Heavy configuration vehicle from the SLC-6 launch pad. This will be the first flight for this pad-vehicle configuration. As such, the confidence level in predicting the IOP-induced lift-off loads for this mission using flight data from other vehicles and launch pads is reduced. In order to better predict the lift-off loads for the NROL-49 mission, CFD simulations of the launch environments for Delta IV Medium and Heavy configuration vehicles at SLC-6 were performed. The results from these simulations were used to calculate scaling factors between the two vehicle configurations. These scaling factors were then applied to Delta IV Medium configuration flight data from the DMSP-17 mission to predict the lift-off loads for the NROL-49 mission. This paper summarizes the CFD portion of the overall analysis for this effort. Validation of the CFD methodology, detailed investigation of the physics associated with the flowfields for the two vehicle configurations, and predictions of the launch environments for the Heavy configuration vehicle are presented. Also, the impact of the results of the CFD analysis on the design of an Acoustic Suppression Water System is discussed.
Cyber-D&D Lifecycle Management

Like any other capability to be introduced into an organization, cyber-D&D must be carefully coordinated and managed to achieve the desired results. Figure 9.1 shows the most significant facets of lifecycle management.
The effect of Ochratoxin A on antimicrobial polypeptide expression and resistance to water mold infection in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus).

Mycotoxin contamination of agricultural commodities poses a serious risk to animal health, including aquaculture species. Ochratoxin A (OA) is the most immunotoxic ochratoxin, yet little is known about its effect on immune function in fish. Antimicrobial polypeptides (AMPPs) are one of the most potent, innate, host defense factors, yet very little is known about what types of chronic stressors affect their expression. Among the most prevalent and potent AMPPs in fish are histone-like proteins (HLPs). In this study, fish were fed 2, 4, or 8 mg OA/kg diet. Skin antibacterial activity and HLP-1 levels were measured on Days 0, 28 and 56. Feeding 2, 4 or 8 mg OA/kg diet resulted in significant growth depression, but higher levels (4 or 8 mg OA/kg diet) resulted in lowering feed intake (FI) and impaired feed conversion ratio. In addition, feeding 8 mg OA/kg diet increased susceptibility to experimental water mold (Saprolegnia) challenge, suggesting that OA toxicity might contribute to some saprolegnosis outbreaks. However, there were no changes in AMPP expression in any treatment group. Our data suggests that the increased disease susceptibility of channel catfish due to OA is probably due to mechanisms other than a direct effect on antimicrobial polypeptide expression.
Evaluating the (Mis)Alignment of the Intended to the Assessed Curriculum for the U.S.: Implications for the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics

The Programme of International Student Assessment (PISA) has been administered to 15-year olds every three years since 2000. Since then, the U.S. has performed below average in mathematics, with no significant changes in performance. The objective of this study was to examine the alignment of the content students in the U.S. are assessed on in the PISA to the intended content standards for U.S. students (Common Core State Standards in Mathematics; CCSS-M). Alignment was analyzed using the Surveys of Enacted Curriculum (SEC) Alignment Model. Implications for implementing the CCSS-M were evaluated, and content topics that the CCSS-M needed to address in order for students in the U.S. to be prepared for the real-world were determined. It was found that while all content domains are addressed by both the intended and assessed curriculum (CCSS-M and the PISA, respectively), the assessed curriculum is not addressed with as much emphasis by the intended curriculum. The key concepts assessed on the PISA are also not addressed by the intended curriculum in the years proximal to taking the PISA. Implications for the CCSS-M and students in the U.S. are described based on results from this study.
Thermoreversible Gelation of Poly(ether ether ketone)

Solutions of poly(ether ether ketone) in dichloroacetic acid have been shown to form monolithic, thermoreversible gels at temperatures ranging from 10 to 140 °C. A phase diagram was constructed over broad concentration and temperature ranges, and the phase boundary suggests an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) behavior. Furthermore, poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) gels were solvent-exchanged with water to form hydrogels and subsequently lyophilized to form PEEK aerogels. The PEEK aerogels of density 0.2 g/mL were found to be highly porous and composed of uniform 200 nm morphological features. The crystal structure of the PEEK hydrogels and aerogels was found to be identical to that of melt-crystallized PEEK. The mechanical properties of the PEEK aerogels (in compression) were found to be superior to conventional silicate aerogels of comparable density. This report is the first example of a monolithic, thermoreversible gel of PEEK and the first demonstration of PEEK hydrogels and aerogels.
Quo vadis: Descriptive and Thematic Analysis on IT Outsourcing

IT outsourcing is highly prioritized in science and practice. The number of scientific publications is increasing as rapid as market growth. Technological and market-related developments in scientific research and economic reality provide the motivation to conduct a literature review and give an outlook about future considerations of IT outsourcing. Overall, in the last decade back to 2000, 283 articles were analyzed. A systematic classification of research in IT outsourcing helps to categorize the wide range of topics in this field. Thematic developments, subject areas, research theories and industry sectors are analyzed in a systematic manner.
TailCut: Power Reduction under Quality and Latency Constraints in Distributed Search Systems

Web search constitutes an important class of dataintensive online services in data centers. Optimizing search systems for energy efficiency, timely response and high search quality (i.e., how relevant the returned results are to a search query), however, is very challenging, as a search system involves a distributed architecture with hundreds of thousands of index serving nodes (ISNs) that return searching results to an aggregator through multiple interdependent retrieval stages in a partition-aggregate fashion. In this paper, we discover through experiments two important characteristics that can affect the system performance: (1) response time and energy consumption are greatly impacted by a small fraction of queries with long processing times; (2) the quality contribution of the ISN is independent of the query processing time. Based on our observation, we propose TailCut, which judiciously discards long query executions and enables ISN-aggregator coordination to minimize energy consumption subject to latency and quality constraints. Our experimental results show that TailCut can achieve up to 39% power saving, while satisfying the tail latency and quality constraint.
Keeping the Internet Free in the Americas

To preserve and protect the Internet as a forum for the uninhibited, robust, and wide-open exchange of ideas and information in the Americas, governments must take active steps to facilitate such free speech values. The relationship between governments and Internet service providers is of pre-eminent importance in this regard, as ISPs are in the position to be the facilitators of the free flow of information and ideas. On the one hand, ISPs should not be shackled with intermediary liability for hosting harmful content. On the other hand, ISPs should not be granted the discretion to restrict communications flowing through their pipes that they disfavor for one reason or another; rather, they should be subject to meaningful net neutrality regulations requiring them to facilitate all communications without discrimination or censorship. To encourage the free flow of information on the Internet, governments should also provide protections to Internet users to speak anonymously or pseudonymously. Such protections are integral to the right to speak critically in the political and civil realms, and should be preserved in the Internet age. Finally, governments themselves should not engage in censorship of Internet speech, consistent with our shared commitment in the Americas to forgo prior restraints on expression. However, if countries do engage in any filtering of unlawful Internet content – as many countries throughout the world are now doing – they should ensure that such state-mandated filtering systems adhere to the most speech-protective procedures and sensitive tools for distinguishing between protected and unprotected speech.
Riddle and Bond Silicon on Insulator (RABSOI)

In this paper, a novel method for creation of Partial Silicon on Insulator (PSOI) substrate is divulged. The PSOI substrate may be thereafter utilized as a starting material for power integrated technologies where both dielectrically isolated devices as well as backside electrically and / or thermally connected devices are required on the same die. Disclosed method relies predominantly on standard manufacturing process steps utilized for regular SOI production such as wafer bonding, grinding and polishing.
Nanoscale symmetry fluctuations in ferroelectric barium titanate, BaTiO3

Crystal charge density is a ground-state electronic property. In ferroelectrics, charge is strongly influenced by lattice and vice versa, leading to a range of interesting temperature-dependent physical properties. However, experimental determination of charge in ferroelectrics is challenging because of the formation of ferroelectric domains. Demonstrated here is the scanning convergent-beam electron diffraction (SCBED) technique that can be simultaneously used for imaging ferroelectric domains and identifying crystal symmetry and its fluctuations. Results from SCBED confirm the acentric tetragonal, orthorhombic and rhombohedral symmetry for the ferroelectric phases of BaTiO3. However, the symmetry is not homogeneous; regions of a few tens of nanometres retaining almost perfect symmetry are interspersed in regions of lower symmetry. While the observed highest symmetry is consistent with the displacive model of ferroelectric phase transitions in BaTiO3, the observed nanoscale symmetry fluctuations are consistent with the predictions of the order-disorder phase-transition mechanism.