cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computational predictions in single-dimensional laser machining of alumina

Machining of alumina was investigated in this study by using a JK 701 pulsed Nd:YAG laser. A hydrodynamic machining model was developed which incorporated the effect of multiple reflections on the amount of laser energy absorbed, the thermal effects for melting the material, vapor pressure effect for expelling out the molten material, material losses due to evaporation and the inverse effect of surface tension on the expelled depth .The model also incorporated the transient effect of laser beam de-focusing due to change in machined depth as a function of expelled material during machining for precise estimation of the melted depth during each pulse. It was observed that the material removal was a combination of melt expulsion and evaporation processes. The developed model would be an excellent tool for advance prediction of the total thermal energy and time required for removal and/or machining of desired depth of material.
Political theory and modernity

Preface 1. The Order of Modernity The Modern Frame A Madman Speaks Modernity and Nihilism 2. Hobbes: The Politics of Divine Containment The Ontological Context The Light of Reason Nature, Madness and Artifice Rhetorics of Nature and Sovereignty Reason, Faith and Power 3. Rousseau: Docility Through Citizenship The Eloquence of Nature The Simplicity of Nature The Paradox of Politics The Politics of Virtue Faith, Generality and Will First Interlude: Hobbs, Rousseau and the Marquis de Sade The Holy Alliance The Blindness of Nature 4. Hegel: The Politics of Inclusivity Madness and Knowledge Community and Subjectivity Faith and Enlightenment The Perfection of Enlightenment Second Interlude: Hegel, Marx and the State The Unity of the State The State Without Spirit Pauperism and Politics The State of Modernity 5. Nietzsche: Politics and Homesickness Truth and Homesickness A Genealogy of the Subject A Nietzschean Ethic The Fate of Modernity.
Chloramination of organophosphorus pesticides found in drinking water sources.

Abstract The degradation of commonly detected organophosphorus (OP) pesticides, in drinking water sources, was investigated under simulated chloramination conditions. Due to monochloramine autodecomposition, it is difficult to observe the direct reaction of monochloramine with each OP pesticide. Therefore, a model was developed to examine the reaction of monochloramine (NH2Cl) and dichloramine (NHCl2) with chlorpyrifos (CP), diazinon (DZ), and malathion (MA). Monochloramine was found not to be very reactive with each OP pesticides, k NH 2 Cl,OP = 11 – 21 M − 1 h − 1 . While, dichloramine (NHCl2) was found to be 2 orders of magnitude more reactive with each of the OP pesticides than monochloramine, k NHCl 2 ,OP = 2000 – 2900 M − 1 h − 1 , which is still three orders of magnitude less than the hypochlorous acid reaction rate coefficient with each OP pesticide. For each pesticide, the reactivity of the three chlorinated oxidants was then found to correlate with half-wave potentials (E1/2) of each oxidant. With reaction rate coefficients for the three chlorinated oxidations as well as neutral and alkaline hydrolysis rate coefficients for the pesticides, the model was used to determine the dominant reaction pathways as a function of pH. At pH 6.5, OP pesticide transformation was mostly due to the reaction of hypochlorous acid and dichloramine. Above pH 8, alkaline hydrolysis or the direct reaction with monochloramine was the primary degradation pathway responsible for the transformation of OP pesticides. This demonstrates the ability of models to be used as tools to elucidate degradation pathways and parameterize critical reaction parameters when used with select yet comprehensive data sets.
Medical foster care for seriously medically ill children: A growing need

This article identifies and lists the problems of children with complex medical conditions and/or complex home health case needs. Five categories of seriously chronically ill children are identified and programs to meet their needs discussed. The authors believe many of these children could benefit from foster home placements; they discuss one project in which there is collaboration between a pediatric medical center and a social service agency.
Variation in the Value of Mineral Resources. Part I. The USA

The value of mineral resources produced in the USA during the 93 years, 1880–1972, deflated to 1967=100, totals 921 billions of dollars; this yields a value of $303,289 per mi2 for the conterminous 48 states. Alaska has aggregated some 4160 millions of dollars during the same period, an average yield of some 7107 deflated dollars per mi2. If we assume Alaska will achieve the average level of the “lower 48,”the potential value of its mineral resources is 178 billions of deflated 1967 dollars. Fuels account for about two-thirds of this value followed by about 20 percent for each of the aggregates, nonmetals and metals. The deflated dollar value of these four aggregate figures, fuels, nonmetals, metals, and total, during the period 1880–1972 are four time series and the economic processes which produced these series may be modelled through Box-Jenkins procedures. The value of fuels has steadily increased through the period, except for the depression years of the 1930s; this series may be represented as a multiplicative seasonal ARIMA(1,1,0)(1,0,1) model with periods at 4 and 3 yr for the autoregressive (AR) and moving average (MA) terms. Forecasts for 1973 to 1980, using the model, show the value of fuels produced to be about 20 billions of dollars per annum. The value of nonmetals also increased throughout the period except for a somewhat larger drop during the depression years of the 1930s. A multiplicative seasonal ARMA(1,0,0)(1,0,1) model with period at 7 yr for both the AR (autoregressive) and MA (moving average) terms appears to best reflect this series; the forecasts with this model fluctuate around their present annual value of some 6 billions of dollars. The value of metals behaves less consistently; it was much more strongly affected by the Great Depression and its subsequent growth is slower and less consistent than those of the fuels and nonmetals. It is appropriately represented by a multiplicative seasonal ARMA(1,0,0)(0,0,2) model with moving average (MA) periods at 6 and 11 yr respectively. Forecasts with this model show a decline in value for years beyond 1972; the large residual “error”\((\hat \sigma _e = 0.0925)\), which is about twice as large as the equivalent errors for the value of fuels and nonmetals (\(\hat \sigma _e = 0.0408\) and 0.0532, respectively), makes this forecast less firm. The total value of mineral resources is composed of all three series and, because fuels account for two-thirds of the total value, the two series closely resemble each other. The total value is not a simple aggregate of the three series; it is appropriately fitted by a multiplicative seasonal IMA(0,1,0)(0,0,2) model with periods at 7 and 11 yr (and error\(\hat \sigma _e = 0.0423\)). Forecasts using this model imply that the total value of mineral resources produced will be over 30 billions of dollars per annum through 1980.
Comparison of bile acid synthesis determined by isotope dilution versus fecal acidic sterol output in human subjects

Fecal acidic sterol output has been found to be much lower than bile acid synthesis determined by isotope dilution (J. Lipid Res. 17: 77, 1976). Because of this confusing discrepancy, we compared these 2 measurements done simultaneously on 13 occasions in 5 normal volunteers. In contrast to previous findings, bile acid synthesis by the Lindstedt isotope dilution method averaged 16.3% lower than synthesis simultaneously determined by fecal acidic sterol output (95% confidence limit for the difference −22.2 to −10.4%). When one-sample determinations of bile acid pools were substituted for Lindstedt pools, bile acid synthesis by isotope dilution averaged 5.6% higher than synthesis by fecal acidic sterol output (95% confidence limits −4.9 to 16.1%). These data indicate that the 2 methods yield values in reasonably close agreement with one another. If anything, fecal acidic sterol outputs are slightly higher than synthesis by isotope dilution.
Statistics of a confined, randomly accelerated particle with inelastic boundary collisions

We consider the one-dimensional motion of a particle randomly accelerated by Gaussian white noise on the line segment $0lxl1.$ The reflections of the particle from the boundaries at $x=0,1$ are inelastic. The velocities just before and after reflection are related by ${v}_{f}=\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{rv}}_{i},$ where r is the coefficient of restitution. Cornell, Swift, and Bray [Phys. Rev. Lett. 81, 1142 (1998)] have argued that there is an inelastic collapse transition in this system. For $rg{r}_{c}{=e}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\pi}/\sqrt{3}}$ the particle moves throughout the interval $0lxl1,$ while for $rl{r}_{c}$ the particle is localized at $x=0$ or $x=1.$ In this paper the equilibrium distribution function $P(x,v)$ is analyzed for $rg{r}_{c}$ by solving the steady-state Fokker-Planck equation, and the results are compared with numerical simulations.
Pinpointing Pin1 in non-small cell lung carcinoma

Factors that promote tumorigenesis encompass a wide array of proteins that include transcription factors, signal transduction molecules, negative regulators of tumor suppressors, transmembrane receptors and enzymes involved in a variety of processes. Identifying these factors remains one of the most pertinent issues in cancer research, as they can be used as both diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. The ability to characterize tumors based on molecular markers will enable one to easily assess tumor severity, select a method of treatment and ultimately improve patient outcome. While the treatment of primary tumors has improved by leaps and bounds over the past decade, metastases continue to plague both patients and the research community. Along these lines, markers that predict metastatic potential will help to both limit secondary tumor growths and improve patient outcome.
The use of opioid analgesics in the last 24 hours of life of patients with advanced cancer

The use of opioids, both parenteral and oral, in the last 24 hours of life is presented. Of patients with advanced cancer in a hospice, 66% were able to take oral medication in the last day of life and the need for parenteral medication over long periods is small.
Basic Properties of Thin-Disk Oscillations

In this paper oscillations on geometrically thin disks are reviewed, focusing on two issues. One is the characteristics of disk oscillations. The other is possible excitation mechanisms of these oscillations. The main purpose of this paper is to clarify the physics and dynamics involved in these issues. We consider both Newtonian and generalrelativistic disks, since a comparison of the oscillations on both disks clarifies the differences among these two oscillations and is helpful for understanding the unique properties of relativistic disks. Furthermore, we sometimes refer to stellar oscillations, since a comparison with stellar oscillations is helpful to have a deeper understanding of the disk oscillations, especially of the excitation mechanisms.
"Clicking" functionality onto electrode surfaces.

We demonstrate the applicability of Sharpless “click” chemistry, specifically Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions, as a general methodology for functionalizing surfaces coated with self-assembled monolayers. Ferrocene immobilization was used as our model, and the resulting monolayers were analyzed using traditional surface analytical techniques. Our preliminary results indicate that this reaction proceeds to completion at room temperature in aqueous solvent. The triazole group is a thermally and hydrolytically stable, conjugated linkage. The reactants, acetylenes and azides, are independently stable; they do not react with common organic reagents or with themselves. Thus the potential for this reaction to immobilize a wide range of functionally complex substances on metal surfaces is significant. To our knowledge this is the first report of the use of “click” chemistry to modify a well-defined electrode surface.
Modulation of Integrin α4β1 (VLA-4) in Dry Eye Disease

Objective To study the effect of topical application of very late antigen 4 (VLA-4) small-molecule antagonist (anti–VLA-4 sm) in a mouse model of dry eye disease. Methods Anti–VLA-4 sm (or control vehicle) was applied topically to mice placed in a controlled-environment chamber. Corneal fluorescein staining and conjunctival T-cell enumeration were performed in the different treatment groups. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify expression of inflammatory cytokines in the cornea and conjunctiva. Results Dry eye syndrome induced increased corneal fluorescein staining, corneal and conjunctival tumor necrosis factor α messenger RNA expression, and T-cell infiltration into the conjunctiva. Very late antigen 4 blockade significantly decreased corneal fluorescein staining compared with the untreated dry eye disease and control vehicle–treated groups ( P P = .02, respectively). In addition, VLA-4 blockade was associated with a significant decrease in conjunctival T-cell numbers ( P P = .04 vs control vehicle–treated group) and conjunctiva ( P = .048 vs control vehicle–treated group). Conclusion Application of topical anti–VLA-4 sm led to a significant decrease in dry eye signs and suppression of inflammatory changes at the cellular and molecular levels. Clinical Relevance Topical blockade of VLA-4 may be a novel therapeutic approach to treat the clinical signs and inflammatory changes accompanying dry eye disease.
Embassies for sale: The purchase of Diplomatic recognition by West Germany, Taiwan and South Korea

This article examines the efforts of three relatively wealthy countries to win diplomatic recognition by using economic aid. West Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan all have utilized this method of “purchasing” recognition. Until 1969, West Germany used economic aid to support the so-called Hallstein Doctrine, which demanded that other countries deny diplomatic recognition to East Germany. Both South Korea and Taiwan continue today to use their wealth to induce other states to recognize them and not their Communist counterparts, North Korea and the People's Republic of China. These three case studies help to demonstrate the importance of positive economic linkage in international affairs, even in very militarized and ideologically polarized situations. If countries are willing to “sell” diplomatic recognition, one of the most basic attributes of state sovereignty in the Westphalian model, then the potential power of this type of economic leverage becomes clear.
Pleuropericarditis in a Patient with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case Presentation and Review of the Literature

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can affect the lung parenchyma and airways. Rarely it involves the pleural space and pericardium, causing inflammatory exudative pleural and/or pericardial effusions. In this report, we describe a 76-year-old patient with recurrent sterile exudative pleuropericarditis that gradually responded to treatment with steroids, and we review the relevant literature. Thoracic serositis in patients with IBD can cause pleuritis, pericarditis, pleuropericarditis, or myopericarditis. This is a relatively rare presentation of the uncommon and probably underreported and underrecognized pulmonary extraintestinal manifestations of IBD. Pleuropericardial inflammatory disease and effusion can be directly related to IBD, its complications, associated infections, or the medications used to treat it. Serositis directly related to IBD is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is important to evaluate the pleural effusion and rule out other etiologies before making this diagnosis. Pleural or pericardial biopsies are rarely necessary, and probably show nonspecific acute and chronic inflammatory changes. Although the specific pathophysiology of pleuropericardial disease in patients with IBD remains unclear, the response to systemic steroids is usually adequate.
Fusion of the mitochondrial outer membrane: use in forming large, two-dimensional crystals of the voltage-dependent, anion-selective channel protein

Phospholipase A2 induces crystallization of the channel protein, VDAC (also called mitochondrial porin), in the outer membrane of Neurospora crassa mitochondria. The channel crystals formed in native membranes typically contain a few hundred unit cells. To increase the size of these membrane crystals for low-contrast electron microscopic imaging and diffraction studies, fusion of the isolated mitochondrial outer membranes was attempted before and after phospholipase treatment. Successful fusion of the untreated membranes was achieved by a procedure involving slow dehydration at acid pH. Single crystals of channels obtained by subsequent action of soluble phospholipase A2 on fused mitochondrial outer membranes may contain several thousand unit cells.
Ellipsometry with Non-Ideal Compensators

The lack of equivalence between polarizer extinction aximuths in different zones is the result of relative amplitude attenuation in some mica wave plates. A dependence of transmittance on the orientation of the electric-field vector relative to the compensator axes is caused either by interference, or by pleochroism, or both. Experimental data establish these conclusions. The correct method for interpreting measurements made with such non-ideal compensators is presented.
New insights into the bioenergetics of mitochondrial disorders using intracellular ATP reporters.

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cause impairment of ATP synthesis. It was hypothesized that high-energy compounds, such as ATP, are compartmentalized within cells and that different cell functions are sustained by different pools of ATP, some deriving from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and others from glycolysis. Therefore, an OXPHOS dysfunction may affect different cell compartments to different extents. To address this issue, we have used recombinant forms of the ATP reporter luciferase localized in different cell compartments— the cytosol, the subplasma membrane region, the mitochondrial matrix, and the nucleus— of cells containing either wild-type or mutant mtDNA. We found that with glycolytic substrates, both wild-type and mutant cells were able to maintain adequate ATP supplies in all compartments. Conversely, with the OXPHOS substrate pyruvate ATP levels collapsed in all cell compartments of mutant cells. In wild-type cells normal levels of ATP were maintained with pyruvate in the cytosol and in the subplasma membrane region, but, surprisingly, they were reduced in the mitochondria and, to a greater extent, in the nucleus. The severe decrease in nuclear ATP content under “OXPHOS-only” conditions implies that depletion of nuclear ATP plays an important, and hitherto unappreciated, role in patients with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Effect of multicultural lessons on attitudes of students of spanish.

sity to learn the language. High motivation results from positive attitudes toward these various components and is positively correlated with language acquisition. In 1983, Gardner and his associates (reported in 4: pp. 152-59) used causal modeling to empirically test their socio-educational model of second language acquisition on seventh grade students of French. This model attempts to determine the role of individual differences
Donepezil Use in Alzheimer Disease

OBJECTIVETo review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, drug–drug interactions, and the therapeutic issues concerning the use of donepezil in patients with Alzheimer disease.DATA SOURCESPublished articles and abstracts in English were identified by MEDLINE (January 1985–July 1997) searches using the search terms donepezil, E2020, treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and cholinesterase inhibitors. Additional articles were identified from the bibliographies of the retrieved articles. Data were also obtained from approved product labeling.DATA EXTRACTIONThe literature was assessed for adequate description of patients, methodology, and outcomes.DATA SYNTHESIS:Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that is selective and specific for acetylcholinesterase. It is metabolized by hepatic isoenzymes CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 and undergoes glucuronidation. Information about drug interactions is limited, but a potential for drug–drug interactions does exist, given the route of elimination. Don...
Effective Communication Between Preservice and Cooperating Teachers

This article reviews research on communication between preservice and cooperating teachers during a teacher internship. The research reveals that poor communication between preservice teachers and cooperating teachers can cause barriers to planning lessons, feedback, and teaching experiences. Additionally, research indicates that teacher-preparation programs rarely provide communication training to preservice or cooperating teachers. The results signify that the developmental levels, vocabulary used, and thought processes of preservice teachers can have impact on a shared level of communication. However, discussions that include collaborative planning and strategizing during which both parties offer professional input appear to be the best method for effective communication.
Replacement Rules for the Flight Feathers of Yellow-Billed Cuckoos (Coccyzus americanus) and Common Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus)

ABSTRACT. Past studies of the replacement rules for flight feathers of cuckoos have been plagued by the erroneous assumption that the primaries constituted a single molt series. Instead, we show that the primaries of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) are divided into three molt series and those of the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) into four series and, further, that Yellow-billed Cuckoos replace their rectrices in two molt series. Multiple molt series make it impossible to consistently describe primary replacement as a unique sequence of feather loss, as earlier researchers have attempted to do for cuckoos. We calculated the mean number of days (± SE) required to replace the primaries in each molt series. Primary replacement takes considerably less time in the larger Common Cuckoo than in the smaller Yellow-billed Cuckoo, mostly because Common Cuckoos replace four primaries at a time whereas Yellow-billed Cuckoos replace only three at a time. The primaries of Common Cuckoos cannot be better...
On the Effective Elastic Properties of Macroscopically Isotropic Media Containing Randomly Dispersed Spherical Particles

A computational scheme for estimating the effective elastic properties of a particle reinforced matrix is investigated. The randomly distributed same-sized spherical particles are assumed to result in a composite material that is macroscopically isotropic. The scheme results in a computational efficient method to establish the correct bulk and shear moduli by representing the three-dimensional (3D) structure in a two-dimensional configuration. To this end, the statistically equivalent area fraction is defined in this work, which depends on two parameters: the particle volume fraction and the number of particles in the 3D volume element. We suggest that using the statistically equivalent area fraction, introduced and defined in this work, is an efficient way to obtain the effective elastic properties of an isotropic media containing randomly dispersed same-size spherical particles.
Electrospinning and Imaging

Polymer processing via electrospinning is a cost effective and scalable method for preparing nanofibers with industrial, electrical, and biomedical applications, particularly tissue engineering and drug delivery. Characterization methods for these fibers include microscopy techniques for vitro surface morphology information, spectroscopy methods to determine in vitro chemical composition, and medical imaging tools for in vivo assessment of morphology and efficacy of implanted material. The focus of this paper is be on recent applications for electrospun nanofibers, in vitro characterization methods, and medical imaging modalities that can be used for in vivo assessment of the fibers, as well as insights in how to adapt existing techniques toward the characterization of electrospun materials.
Cystatin C and Incident Peripheral Arterial Disease Events in the Elderly: Results From the Cardiovascular Health Study

Background The association of cystatin C, a novel marker of renal function, with risk for developing complications related to peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has not been examined. Methods We evaluated the hypothesis that a high cystatin C concentration is independently associated with future PAD events among 4025 participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study who underwent serum cystatin C measurement at the 1992-1993 visit and who did not have PAD at baseline. The association of cystatin C quintiles with time to first lower-extremity PAD procedure (bypass surgery, angioplasty, or amputation) was evaluated using multivariable proportional hazards models. Secondary analyses were conducted using quintiles of serum creatinine level and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Results The annualized risk of undergoing a procedure for PAD was 0.43% per year among participants in the highest cystatin C quintile (>1.27 mg/L) compared with 0.21% per year or less in all other quintiles. After multivariable adjustment for known risk factors for PAD, elevated cystatin C levels remained associated with the outcome (hazard ratio, 2.5 for highest vs lowest quintile of cystatin C, 95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.1). The highest quintiles of serum creatinine level and eGFR were not associated with future PAD events in either unadjusted or adjusted analyses. Conclusion Elevated concentrations of cystatin C were independently predictive of incident PAD events among community-dwelling elderly patients.
Interpreting mammalian evolution using Fugu genome comparisons.

Recently, it has been shown that a significant number of evolutionarily conserved human–Fugu noncoding elements function as tissuespecific transcriptional enhancers in vivo, suggesting that distant comparisons are capable of identifying a particular class of regulatory elements. We therefore hypothesized that by juxtaposing human/Fugu and human/mouse conservation patterns we can define conservation criteria for discovering transcriptional regulatory elements specific to mammals. Genome-scale comparisons of noncoding human/Fugu evolutionary conserved elements (ECRs) and their humans/mouse counterparts revealed a particular signature common to human/mouse ECRs (z350 bp long, z77% identity) that are also conserved in fishes. This newly defined threshold identifies 90% of all human/Fugu noncoding ECRs without the assistance of human–Fugu genome alignments and provides a very efficient filter for identifying functional
Climate sensitivity of thinleaf alder growth on an interior Alaskan floodplain.

This study examined the climate sensitivity of the growth of riparian Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia (thinleaf alder), a keystone nitrogen-fixer, on the Tanana River floodplain of interior Alaska. We investigated correlations between alder radial growth and inter-annual variation in monthly meteorology and hydrology, spatial patterns of alder climate sensitivity in relationship to depth of subsurface water, and long-term climatic trends. Annual radial growth of alder was positively correlated with June precipitation, river discharge, and Palmer Drought Severity Index values and was negatively correlated with June temperature, suggesting a susceptibility of growth to early-season moisture limitation, due to the co-occurrence of dry meteorological conditions and low levels of hyporheic flow. Alder radial growth was positively correlated with August discharge and July temperature, suggesting that moisture may also be limiting in August, but not in July. The sensitivity of alder growth to variation in temperature and precipitation was greater on higher terraces where depth to water table was greater, while the sensitivity to variation in river level was greater on lower terraces, suggesting that subsurface water more strongly influences moisture availability at these sites. Long-term climatic trends in this region suggest increasing drought conditions; however, the overall influence on alder growth and associated rates of nitrogen fixation are uncertain due to the contrasting relationship of growth with climate in June/August versus July.
Subjective Idiopathic Tinnitus and Palliative Care: A Plan for Diagnosis and Treatment

This article integrates the highlights of the authors' clinical experiences derived from existing protocols for tinnitus diagnosis and treatment with the evolving discipline of palliation medicine. Specifically, it demonstrates how the inclusion of principles of palliation medicine contributes to the efficacy of treatment.
Transposable element derived DNaseI-hypersensitive sites in the human genome

Transposable elements (TEs) are abundant genomic sequences that have been found to contribute to genome evolution in unexpected ways. Here, we characterize the evolutionary and functional characteristics of TE-derived human genome regulatory sequences uncovered by the high throughput mapping of DNaseI-hypersensitive (HS) sites. Human genome TEs were found to contribute substantially to HS regulatory sequences characterized in CD4+ T cells: 23% of HS sites contain TE-derived sequences. While HS sites are far more evolutionarily conserved than non HS sites in the human genome, consistent with their functional importance, TE-derived HS sites are highly divergent. Nevertheless, TE-derived HS sites were shown to be functionally relevant in terms of driving gene expression in CD4+ T cells. Genes involved in immune response are statistically over-represented among genes with TE-derived HS sites. A number of genes with both TE-derived HS sites and immune tissue related expression patterns were found to encode proteins involved in immune response such as T cell specific receptor antigens and secreted cytokines as well as proteins with clinical relevance to HIV and cancer. Genes with TE-derived HS sites have higher average levels of sequence and expression divergence between human and mouse orthologs compared to genes with non TE-derived HS sites. The results reported here support the notion that TEs provide a specific genome-wide mechanism for generating functionally relevant gene regulatory divergence between evolutionary lineages. This article was reviewed by Wolfgang J. Miller (nominated by Jerzy Jurka), Itai Yanai and Mikhail S.Gelfand.
Supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of lipid A

Although supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) is often useful for the analysis of nonpolar lipids, this study demonstrates for the first time an analytical SFC method with detection by ion trap mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for large and polar lipids, such as lipid A, using a simple, fast, economical, and environmentally-friendly approach. Chemical derivatization of the lipid A was not needed, and the SFC-MS/MS analysis only took 2 min per injection. The method was evaluated by analyzing lipid A spiked into two representative food matrices, lettuce and ground beef. For sample preparation, a simple shaking procedure with 3/1 (v/v) chloroform–methanol was used. %Recoveries in spiked samples were 74 ± 10 at 10–30 μg g−1 in lettuce and 110 ± 5 in meat at 30 μg g−1.
Production of mRNA from the cry1Ac transgene differs among Bollgard ® lines which correlates to the level of subsequent protein

Commercial cultivars of Bollgard cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., differ in the amount of expressed Cry1Ac protein. However, the plant-mechanism for which this occurs is still unknown. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), we developed a method to determine if differences in the overall level of Cry1Ac among Bollgard lines could be correlated to the mRNA transcripts. Our data shows that the cry1Ac mRNA transcript differs among Bollgard lines and are correlated with corresponding Cry1Ac protein levels. In addition, qPCR based methods can efficiently be employed to quantify Cry1Ac protein expression levels in transgenic cotton cultivars. We postulate that qPCR based methods could be successfully employed for quantifying expression levels of transgenes in plants carrying different Bt toxins.
Lethality of commercial whole-muscle beef jerky manufacturing processes against Salmonella serovars and Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Thermal processes used in making whole-muscle beef jerky include a drying step, which may result in enhanced pathogen thermotolerance and evaporative cooling that reduce process lethality. Several salmonellosis outbreaks have been associated with beef jerky. In this study, a standardized process was used to inoculate beef strips with five-strain cocktails of either Salmonella serovars or Escherichia coli O157:H7, to marinate the strips at pH 5.3 for 22 to 24 h at 5°C, and to convert the strips to jerky using various heating and drying regimes. Numbers of surviving organisms were determined during and after heating and drying. Salmonella reductions of ≥6.4 log CFU and similar reductions in E. coli O157:H7 were best achieved by ensuring that high wet-bulb temperatures were reached and maintained early in the process (51.7 or 54.4°C for 60 min, 57.2°C for 30 min, or 60°C for 10 min) followed by drying at 76.7°C (dry-bulb temperature). Processes with less lethality that reduced counts of both pathogens by ≥5....
A New Salamander of the Genus Chiropterotriton (Caudata: Plethodontidae) from the Sierra Madre Oriental of Tamaulipas, Mexico

Abstract. A new salamander of the genus Chiropterotriton is described from the Sierra Madre Oriental in southwestern Tamaulipas, Mexico. This genus is widespread in the Sierra Madre Oriental, its range extending from Tamaulipas to northern Oaxaca, and it occurs into central Mexico along the mountains associated with the Transverse Volcanic Axis. The species described herein is one of the northernmost species. Previously a few species of Chiropterotriton have been reported from the mountains of Tamaulipas and adjacent Nuevo Leon, but this new salamander is easily distinguished by its enlarged nares. It also differs from all congeners by a combination of characters including size, limb length, hand and foot morphology, color pattern, and dental morphology.
Hypertool: a programming aid for message-passing systems

Programming assistance, automation concepts, and their application to a message-passing system program development tool called Hypertool are discussed. Hypertool performs scheduling and handles the communication primitive insertion automatically, thereby increasing productivity and eliminating synchronization errors. Two algorithms, based on the critical-path method, are presented for scheduling processes statically. Hypertool also generates the performance estimates and other program quality measures to help programmers improve their algorithms and programs. >
The Association of Sacral Table Angle Measurements With Spondylolytic and Spondylolisthetic Defects at the Lumbosacral Articulation: A Radiographic Analysis.

Abstract Study Design Retrospective radiographic study of 6 patients with L5 spondylolysis observed prospectively before the onset of lysis through adulthood. A radiographic analysis of 50 pediatric control subjects was compared with the study group. Objective To determine whether sacral table angle (STA) measurements bear etiologic association with the development of spondylolysis and/or subsequent spondylolisthesis. Summary of Background Data Although radiographic parameters in association with spondylolysis and isthmic spondylolisthesis have been studied, no parameter has been shown to definitively have a role in development of this disease process. The STA is a recently described radiographic parameter useful in measuring anatomic changes across the lumbosacral articulation. This measurement's role as a predictor of pars lysis and subsequent slippage remains unknown. Methods The researchers examined the longitudinal plain radiographs of 6 patients observed from childhood, before the development of spondylolysis, through adulthood. Measurements of STA and percent slippage were performed. Fifty pediatric control subjects' radiographs were also examined with STA measurements. Statistical analysis was conducted on results. Results Mean STA of the study group before the development of spondylolysis was 95° ± 5.5°. Mean STA from the control group was 97.5° ± 4.3°. No statistical difference was found between groups (p > .05). No index patient had an abnormal STA before spondylolysis (less than 89°, defined as being outside 2 standard deviations from the control mean). Four of 6 index patients with spondylolysis developed spondylolisthesis. A negative correlation (r = .54) was seen for STA as a function of increasing percent slip when assessed longitudinally. Conclusions Abnormal STA measurement was not seen before the development of spondylolysis in this study population. Decreasing STAs were seen secondarily in patients with L5 spondylolisthetic progression. This finding points to anatomic change and secondary remodeling of the upper sacrum as a result of slippage.
A user-level multicast performance comparison of scalable coherent interface and Myrinet interconnects

This paper compares and evaluates the multicast performance of two of the most widely deployed system-area networks (SANs), Dolphin's scalable coherent interface (SCI) and Myricom's Myrinet. Both networks deliver low latency and high bandwidth to applications, but do not support multicast in hardware. We compared SCI and Myrinet in terms of their user-level performance using various software-based multicast algorithms under various networking and multicasting scenarios. The strengths and weaknesses of each network are comparatively presented in terms of numerous metrics, such as multicast completion latency, CPU utilization, link concentration and concurrency.
Evaluation of Hologram Aberrations by Ray Tracing

This paper applies the methods of ray tracing to the evaluation of aberrations produced by holograms approaching the limit of the binomial expansion. The position of the image plane yielding minimum geometrical distortions and the magnitude of the distortions in this optimum plane are calculated as functions of geometry and wavelength ratio for magnifications of 2 and 4 and for three different numerical apertures. From these data, the performance and geometry of the optimum system of a particular numerical aperture and magnification are determined. The image quality is found to deteriorate rapidly as we move from these optimum systems. Least sensitivity to changes in object placement is found at points where the magnification is approximately λreproducing/λrecording. The quality of the geometric image increases with increasing recording-laser-to-hologram distance and with decreasing numerical aperture.
Urodynamics for incontinence after midurethral sling removal.

Introduction We reviewed the role of urodynamics (UDS) in the management of women with incontinence following mid-urethral sling removal (MUSR). Methods Following IRB approval, women from a longitudinal database who had persistent or recurrent urinary incontinence (UI) after MUSR, desired further therapy, and subsequently underwent UDS were reviewed. Women with neurogenic bladder, obstructive symptoms without UI, urethra-vaginal fistula, anterior compartment prolapse >Stage 2, or those who had concomitant autologous sling surgery at the time of MUSR were excluded. Interval time between MUSR and UDS, UDS findings, and UI management after UDS were recorded. Results From 2006 to 2013, 71 of 246 women had UDS after MUSR for persistent or recurrent UI. For the 54 women in the final analysis, mean time between tape removal and UDS was 12.4 months (range: 4–65). UDS demonstrated incontinence in 78% of patients: stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in 19 (35%), detrusor overactivity incontinence (DOI) in 6 (11%), and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) in 17 (32%). On pressure-flow studies, the following voiding patterns were demonstrated: normal voiding (39), valsalva voiding (6), obstruction (2), underactive detrusor (1), no voiding records (6). UDS storage and emptying data were used in subsequent symptom-based patient counseling for treatment planning. Urethral bulking agent was the most commonly chosen management (43%). Conclusion Our current guidelines for UDS in women after incontinence procedures and MUSR are currently based on a low level of evidence. This study reinforces the role of UDS to guide therapy for UI after MUSR. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phylogenetic relationships in Anemone (Ranunculaceae) based on DNA restriction site variation and morphology

Phylogenetic relationships of 36 species of Anemone (Ranunculaceae) and seven related genera were explored with a combination of three independent data sets: chloroplast DNA restriction sites, nuclear ribosomal DNA restriction fragments, and morphological/ cytological variation, using Clematis as the outgroup. In the chloroplast DNA work, 245 phylogenetically informative restriction sites were identified using ten restriction enzymes. The same ten enzymes were used to produce the nuclear ribosomal DNA restriction fragments and resulted in 16 informative characters. The conventional data set consisted of 27 characters for the same taxa used in the molecular work. The phylogeny derived from the combined data sets demonstrates that few sections of Anemone as established by previous classifications are monophyletic and that Pulsatilla, Hepatica, and Knowltonia should be subsumed within Anemone. Several unexpected relationships within the Anemone complex are discussed and hypotheses are offered to explain the interesting geographic distributions found in the genus.
Identification of MpaA, an Amidase in Escherichia coli That Hydrolyzes the γ-d-Glutamyl-meso-Diaminopimelate Bond in Murein Peptides

MpaA amidase was identified in Escherichia coli by its amino acid sequence homology with the ENP1 endopeptidase from Bacillus sphaericus. The enzymatic activity of MpaA, i.e., hydrolysis of the gamma-D-glutamyl-diaminopimelic acid bond in the murein tripeptide L-alanyl-gamma-D-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid, was demonstrated in the cell extract of a strain expressing mpaA from a multicopy plasmid. An mpaA mpl (murein peptide ligase) double mutant accumulated large amounts of murein tripeptide in its cytoplasm, consistent with the premise that MpaA degrades the tripeptide if its recycling via the peptidoglycan biosynthetic pathway is blocked.
Gnotobiotic piglets experimentally infected with neonatal calf diarrhoea reovirus-like agent (Rotavirus).

Gnotobiotic piglets were infected with a strain of rotavirus that had been isolated from a calf and passaged four times in piglets. The resulting disease was studied by light and electron microscopy at 21,44 and 68h after inoculation. In thesmall intestine infection caused desquamation of the epithelial cells of the villi resulting in severe stunting. There was severe damage to microvilli and accumulation of lipid within the cytoplasm. Virus particles were seen in epithelial cells covering the stunted villi. Infection also caused desquamation of the superficial epithelial cells of the stomach mucosa and of the epithelial cells of the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli of the lungs.
Local Government Leaders Say Economic Gardening Can Help Grow Their Economies

Economic gardening is a new economic development strategy used to grow local economies by cultivating existing businesses, rather than, or in addition to, hunting for new businesses to relocate from the outside. This report presents findings about economic gardening and related activities in communities across Michigan, as well as the opinions of Michigan’s local government leaders about whether or not the strategy can succeed in their communities. The report is based on statewide surveys of local government officials conducted in the Spring 2010 wave of the Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS).
Sleep: a human rights issue

In October 2009, a group of homeless individuals (the plaintiffs) sued the US city of Boise, Idaho, its police department, and its police chief in federal court to challenge Boise's enforcement of certain city ordinances prohibiting camping and sleeping in public outdoor places on nights when there was insufficient shelter space to accommodate the city's homeless population. The lawsuit alleged that Boise's enforcement of these ordinances on such nights effectively criminalized the plaintiffs' status of being homeless and, therefore, amounted to cruel and unusual punishment—a violation of the Eighth Amendment to the US Constitution. Citing the US Government's interest in protecting individuals against “unconstitutional and abusive policing” and in “ensuring that justice is applied fairly, regardless of wealth or status,” the United States Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest on behalf of the US Government in this lawsuit on August 6, 2015. In its Statement of Interest, the US Government urged the court to rule in favor of the plaintiffs on their Eighth Amendment claim. More specifically, the US Government argued:
Small Business Growth During a Recession: Local Policy Implications

This research examines the relationship between local government policies and small business growth at various stages of development. Businesses at different stages of development have distinct needs; therefore, we predict that they will interact with the local policy environment in different ways. We use data from the 2009 International City/County Management Association and National League of Cities economic development survey, the National Establishment Time Series Database, and the American Community Survey to construct four regression models to predict growth between 2007 and 2008 of small businesses overall, small businesses in the self-employed stage, small businesses with 1 to 9 employees, and small businesses with 10 to 99 employees. Overall, our findings suggest that the local policies that most significantly affect small business growth are those that create a supportive culture between the local public and private sectors and provide regulatory assistance.