cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective potent restriction of P450b- but not P450e-dependent 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene metabolism by the microsomal environment.

Abstract The prototypic members of the rat liver cytochrome P450IIB subfamily, P450b and P450e, differ by only 13 amino acids and yet purified P450b is considerably more active than P450e for all known substrates. A unique regioselectivity difference between cytochromes P450b and P450e for the metabolism of 7,12-dimethylbenz[ a ]anthracene (DMBA) and a genetic deficiency in P450e expression in the Marshall (M520/N) rat strain have been exploited to determine the microsomal contributions of the respective forms toward the metabolism of DMBA. The total contribution to metabolism by each isozyme has been assessed based on the sensitivity to rabbit anti-P450b/e IgG and comparison with microsomal P450b and P450e content as measured by Western blots. Liver microsomes from untreated M520/N rats do not express detectable levels of P450e but express P450b at a level that is 2-fold higher than that of P450e in liver microsomes from untreated F344 rats (50 pmol/mg). However, only 4% of the constitutive DMBA metabolizing activity of liver microsomes from the M520/N rat strain could be inhibited by anti-P450b/e IgG. A 30-fold induction of hepatic P450b by phenobarbital (PB) was also completely ineffective in increasing P450b-dependent DMBA metabolism. PB treatment had no appreciable effect on either the levels of expression of P450b protein or P450b-dependent DMBA metabolism, in M520/N lung and adrenal microsomes. In contrast, PB treatment of F344 rats considerably increased P450b/e-dependent metabolism by liver, lung, and adrenal microsomes. The regioselectivity of the anti-P450b/e-sensitive metabolism (predominantly 12-methyl hydroxylation), however, indicated a much greater contribution from P450e than P450b in every tissue examined despite a several-fold higher expression of P450b than of P450e. P450b was expressed constitutively in lung microsomes from both strains but again failed to exhibit appreciable DMBA metabolizing activity. Based on these activities and microsomal P450b contents, P450b consistently exhibited turnover numbers (0.02–0.15 nmol/nmol P450b/min) that were at least 10-fold lower than those of pure P450b. In contrast, the calculated turnover numbers for microsomal P450e were consistently comparable to those of pure P450e (~1 nmol/nmol P450e/min).
CHARACTERIZATION OF A SP-A-BINDING PRRTEIN AT THE CELL MEMBRANE OF TYPE 11 PNEUMOCYTES WITH THE USE OF AUTO-ANTIDIOTYPIC ANTIBODIES

CHARACTERIZATION OF A SP-A-BINDING PRRTEIN AT THE CELL MEMBRANE OF TYPE 11 PNEUMOCYTES WITH THE USE OF AUTO-ANTIDIOTYPIC ANTIBODIES
The current state of therapeutic drug trials in pregnancy

The majority of pregnant women take prescription drugs during their pregnancy. Given the multitude of physiologic changes incumbent in pregnancy, accurate clinical trial data on drugs in pregnancy are crucial. This report summarizes the 264 registered clinical trials in the past two years. With many of these drug trials being pharmacokinetic and placebo-controlled studies, therapeutic drug trials are becoming more common.
System analysis of vascular membrane water and protein transport: General method and application to canine hindquarters

Abstract A system analysis is developed to examine interdependencies of parameters and variables in lymph flux analysis experiments where lymph flux ( L ) and lymph/plasma protein concentration ratios ( R = C L C p ) are measured. Homoporosity and right circular cylindrical pores are assumed for simplicity, but complex models are subject to similar methods. Parameters and variables analyzed include reflection coefficient (σ), hydraulic-conductivity surface product ( L p S ), permeability surface product ( PS ), protein clearance ( LR ), permeative protein clearance ( D ), convective protein clearance ( B ), and fractional permeative protein transport (Fr D ). Insights gained are numerous and include: Uncertainties or variations in σ produce magnified and vectorially similar variations in B for loose membranes, but very much smaller and vectorially opposite variations in B in tight membranes. Although errors in R may lead to large errors in some parameters such as PS , these erroneous values may themselves yield very small errors in other computed membrane-solution variables such as Fr D . Hence, Fr D is fairly insensitive to errors in R which may arise when experiments are not precisely at steady-state conditions. Moreover, even an unrealistic 100% error in R transmits virtually no error to computed σ in tight membranes. D rises significantly as L rises, accounting for nearly all the increase in LR for tight membranes. Such an analysis is useful in planning experimental design, and can be used to determine internal consistency of more complex transport models.
Restructuring for resilience: The NASA model

Two decades of incremental decisions have locked in a vision of human space exploration through an interdependent civil space program centered on the Shuttle and the Space Station. The program lacks the resilience necessary to contain cost overruns, schedule slips, and capability cutbacks. The result is overcommitment, which makes it difficult to sustain the program in a budget-constrained environment. Coping with overcommitment through budget cuts in space science, applications, and technology could split the post-Apollo coalition and jeopardize NASA as an institution. Alternatively, terminating the Space Station could eliminate overcommitment, strengthen NASA's political base, and facilitate restructuring toward a resilient program that is sustainable. A restructured NASA might once again become a model for other agencies.
Maximizing, measuring, and not double counting transportation-improvement benefits: A primer on closed- and open-economy cost-benefit analysis

Abstract In a “closed-economy” cost-benefit analysis of a public investment, all affected economic agents matter. In such an analysis, if price equals marginal cost in all affected markets, accurately measuring benefits requires looking only at the use made of the improvement; “non-user” costs and benefits cancel out. Only if price is unequal to marginal cost in affected markets do unduplicated net nonuser benefits and costs exist. In an “open-economy” cost-benefit analysis, gains and losses to outsiders are ignored. The nature of nonuser insider benefits, particularly from “job-creation”, is discussed.
Free energy transduction in polypeptides and proteins based on inverse temperature transitions.

Biologicalfree energy transduction: Living organisms evolved by developing the capacity to utilize energy in one form and to convert it into energy of different forms. How can the principal players in such processes, the proteins and their constituent polypeptides, function in the conversion of one form of energy into another? The set of pairwise free energy transductions, other than photon-driven processes, that can occur in biological systems involve the intensive variables of temperature, pressure, mechanical force, chemical potential and electrochemical potential (see below). What is (or what are) the primary mechanism (or mechanisms) whereby these couplings or transductions can occur? Is it possible that there could be a common mechanism for these seemingly diverse interconversions ranging from the more obvious chemomechanical transduction of muscle contraction to the free energy transductions involved in oxidative phosphorylation?
Chemical interactions in methamphetamine reinforcement.

Responding by rats was reinforced by intravenous infusions of 0.5 mg/kg methamphetamine hydrochloride. The effects of intraperitoneal injections of various doses of methamphetamine, alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine (AMPT) and 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (1-DOPA) were determined on this baseline. Intraperitoneally-administered methamphetamine produced a dose-related pause in responding, apparently indicating drug satiation. Injections of AMPT caused responding either to increase at low doses, or, at intermediate and high doses, to increase, then cease altogether, and finally return at a high rate which decreases to baseline. Injections of 1-DOPA had no noticeable effect on drug responding. Some biochemical implications of these data were discussed.
Effects of an antihyaluronidase substance and of hyaluronidase on growth of virus-induced fibromas.

SummaryThe action of an antihyaluroni-dase substance that strikingly inhibits the growth of the tumor produced by the Shope fibroma virus is described. This inhibition is brought about by the action of this material on the cells or ground substance of the host and not by its action on the virus. As previously reported, hyaluronidase increases the size of the tumor-like lesions produced by the Shope fibroma virus in the skin.
Divine hiddenness and creaturely resentment

On Schellenberg’s formulation of the problem of divine hiddenness, a loving God would ensure that anyone capable of having a relationship with Him, and not resisting it, would be granted sufficient evidence to make belief in God rationally indubitable. And He would do this by granting a powerful religious experience to every person at the moment he or she reaches the age of reason. Here I lay out a new reason why God might delay revelation of himself, justifiably allowing for some nonresistant nonbelief.
The moderating effects of perceived emotional benefits on inhalant initiation among American Indian and white youth

Background Inhalant use co-occurs with emotional distress. Inhalant use may be a means of self-medicating distress, but more recent study focuses on the cognitive appraisal of personal benefits of using substances. Objectives Objectives were to determine whether emotional distress variables predict early versus later initiation of inhalant use, whether such relationships differ between American Indian and white youth, and whether perceived emotional benefits of inhalant use moderates the relationship between emotional distress and stage of inhalant initiation. Methods Data were from a study of 7–12th grade American Indian youth who live on or near reservations. A total of 856 students from 32 schools surveyed from 2009 to 2012, who reported having used inhalants (American Indian = 683; white = 173), were surveyed about age first use of inhalants, levels of emotional distress, and perceived benefits of inhalant use. SEM models were used to assess study objectives. Results Depression and anger did not discriminate between early and later initiation. Lower self-esteem related to earlier initiation, but only among American Indian students. Perceived emotional benefits of inhalant use did not moderate the relationship between self-esteem and stage of initiation. Discussion and Conclusions Among middle school and high school American Indian and white youth living on or near American Indian reservations, emotional distress is not strongly related to stage of inhalant initiation. Scientific Significance These findings raise questions about the timing and strength of relationship between emotional distress and early inhalant initiation. Prospective studies are need to assess this relationship more fully. (Am J Addict 2015;XX:XX–XX)
Effect of 1,3-butanediol on hepatic fatty acid synthesis and metabolite levels in the rat.

The effect of 1,3-butanediol on hepatic fatty acid synthesis and metab olite levels in the rat was examined. Hepatic fatty acid synthesis was depressed in rats fed 1,3-butanediol. An intraperitoneal injection of 1,3-butanediol increased blood glucose levels but did not affect hepatic fatty acid synthesis in the rat. Addition of 1,3-bu tanediol to the incubation buffer depressed glucose, but not acetate, conversion to fatty acids by rat liver slices. MA©thylA¨ne blue inhibition of hepatic fatty acid synthesis was partially reversed by the addition of 1,3-butanediol to the incubation buffer. Hepatic /3-hydroxybutyrate levels and the Â£-hydroxybutyrate:acetoacetate ratio were increased when 1,3-butanediol was fed. Lactate and pyruvate levels were lower in freeze-clamped liver preparations from rats fed 1,3-butanediol than those observed in control animals. Further, the lactate: pyruvate ratio was increased, suggesting that the hepatic cyto- plasmic NADH/NAD+ ratio was increased. Hepatic long-chain acyl CoA levels were also increased when 1,3-butanediol was fed. It is suggested that the shift in the cyto- plasmic redox state and the increase in hepatic long-chain acyl CoA levels are involved in the decrease in hepatic fatty acid synthesis observed when rats are fed 1,3-butanediol. J. Nutr. 104: 143&-1445, 1974.
CDMA forward link capacity in a flat fading channel

The performance of the forward link for an IS-95 based CDMA system in case of slowly moving mobiles in a flat Rayleigh fading channel is evaluated. It is shown that soft handoff improves the system capacity at the expense of an increase in the hardware requirements at the cell site. The analysis shows the interaction between the design parameters and their effect on system performance. Outage, blocking and coverage probabilities are defined and used to characterize system performance.
A Review of the Sipunculan Genus Thysanocardia Fisher

The taxonomy of the sipunculan taxon Thysanocardia Fisher is reviewed. Originally erected as a subgenus of Golfingia Lankester, the status of Thysanocardia is here elevated to the level of a genus. Of the 17 species currently recognised within this genus, most of which were originally described from single specimens, only three are considered sufficiently distinct as to warrant specific status, namely T. catherinae (Grube), T. procera (Mobius) and T. nigra (Ikeda). T. catherinae is the most widespread of these species being distributed in the western North Atlantic, South Atlantic and western Indian Ocean, whilst T. procera is confined to the north-eastem region of the North Atlantic and T. nigra chiefly to the North Pacific Ocean.
130-GSa/s photonic analog-to-digital converter with time stretch preprocessor

In this letter, we demonstrate a photonic analog-to-digital converter with time stretch (TS) preprocessor that has a sampling rate of 130 GSa/s. The system has a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) exceeding seven effective number of bits over a 1-GHz bandwidth at 18 GHz. We present an analytical model of the SNR in the TS preprocessor which shows that over the specified bandwidth, the SNR is limited by the amplified spontaneous emission beat noise.
Atypical Dermatophilus Congolensis Infection in a Three-Year-Old Pony:

Dermatophilosis caused by Dermatophilus congolensis causes exudative dermatitis in a variety of species. The infection is generally limited to the cutaneous tissues, where infection is acquired from the environment and bacteria penetrate into keratinized epithelium through epithelial disruption. A 3-year-old pony filly was examined for enlarging mandibular lymph nodes during the preceding 10 months. Biopsy of the node revealed mixed and granulomatous inflammation and thick, filamentous Gram-positive bacteria. Dermatophilus congolensis, confirmed by biochemical testing and sequencing of the ribosomal RNA gene, was cultured from a sample aspirated from the infected site. Dermatophilus congolensis should be considered as a possible etiologic agent associated with lymphadenopathy and granulomatous inflammation in the horse.
A stable family of adaptive IIR filters

This paper unifies a rapidly growing area of inquiry: adaptive infinite impulse response (IIR) filter development and evaluation. A class of stably convergent adaptive IIR filters has evolved from a proven adaptive IIR filter with an auto-regressive, moving-average (ARMA) structure. The convergence proof was originally based on a hyperstability evaluation of an identification format. This paper relates this format to those arising from other applicable nonlinear stability theory results. These interrelationships allow statement of a growing list of adaptive IIR filter properties. The alternate search/minimization technique of adaptive IIR filler development is also derived and contrasted. This results in a proposal of a general adaptive filter algorithm.
Low head sodium phosphate and nitrate hyperfiltration through thin kaolinite and smectite layers — Application to engineered systems

Abstract Dilute sodium phosphate (35 ppm) and sodium nitrate (40–42 ppm) solutions were forced through thin kaolinite and smectite layers in five different experiments at heads ranging between 1.42 and 1.46 m in order to assess the potential of the clay to behave as a membrane. These heads were chosen to be the representative of heads in shallow, clay-lined retention ponds and shallow perched aquifers. Concentration increases within the experimental apparatus at the end of the experiments ranged between 1.25 and 1.55 for nitrate and 1.43 and 1.49 for phosphate times greater than the initial concentration and the calculated values of the reflection coefficient ranged between 0.58 to 0.84 for nitrate and from 0.76 to 0.88 for phosphate. Although further experimentation is necessary with a wider range of clay-rich material, these experiments suggest that some clay-rich engineered systems exposed to low hydraulic heads, such as clay-lined sewage lagoons, slurry walls, clay barriers, or perhaps even the clay-rich filter cake that lines rotary drilled boreholes, might exhibit membrane effects and in some cases, dissolved contaminants, such as nitrate and/or phosphate, may be concentrated to above regulatory limits.
Microstructure and surface chemistry of nanoporous “black silicon” for photovoltaics

We report our detailed investigation of the microstructure and surface chemistry of nanoporous black Si layers using transmission electron microscopy techniques. We find that the one-step nanoparticle-catalyzed liquid etch creates deep conical nanovoids. The cones provide the density-graded surface that suppresses reflection. The surface of the as-etched nanoporous black Si is an amorphous Si suboxide (SiO x ) produced by the strongly oxidizing nanocatalyzed etch. The oxygen concentration decreases monotonically away from the nanovoid surface. This suboxide tends to be thinner near the cone tip than nearer to the wafer surface. The c-Si/suboxide interface is rough at the nanometer scale. Diffraction contrast reveals a high density of point defects in the c-Si near the c-Si/suboxide interface. These features account for the poor blue response of as-etched black Si solar cells. The passivation treatment is seen to convert the Si suboxide quite completely into SiO 2 with a smooth c-Si/SiO 2 interface. These changes are essential to achieve our 16.8%-efficient solar cells.
Deep Earth and Recent Developments in Mineral Physics

Very few rocks on the Earth's surface come from below the crust. In fact, most of Earth's interior is unsampled, at least in the sense that we do not have rock samples from it. So how do we know what is down there? Part of the answer comes from laboratory and computer experiments that try to recreate the enormous pressure-temperature conditions in the deep Earth and to measure the properties of minerals under these conditions. This is the realm of high-pressure mineral physics and chemistry. By comparing mineral properties at high pressures and temperatures with geophysical observations of seismic velocities and density at depth, we get insight into the mineralogy, composition, temperature, and deformation within Earth's interior, from the top of the mantle to the center of the planet.
Papular dermatitis (subacute prurigo, “itchy red bump” disease): Pilot study of phototherapy

Abstract Background: Some patients with a subacute or chronic pruritic erythematous papular eruption are refractory to treatment. We previously described a number of these patients with papular dermatitis or subacute prurigo. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of different types of phototherapy for treatment of papular dermatitis. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 11 patients who were diagnosed with papular dermatitis and who underwent phototherapy within the last 5 years. Results: Eleven patients had a total of 17 phototherapy courses: psoralen–UVA (PUVA; 9), UVA/UVB light (3), and UVB alone (5). Within the PUVA treatment group, three of nine patients experienced total clearing, and six of nine patients experienced partial improvement. Although patients in all groups relapsed with time, overall the PUVA-treated patients had the best response rate and the best chance of the condition remaining clear after treatment was stopped. Conclusion: PUVA may be an effective treatment for papular dermatitis. The frequency of relapse indicates that maintenance treatments may be necessary for long-term control of the disease. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;38:929-33.)
Surfaces from stereo: integrating feature matching, disparity estimation, and contour detection

An approach is described that integrates the processes of feature matching, contour detection, and surface interpolation to determine the three-dimensional distance, or depth, of objects from a stereo pair of images. Integration is necessary to ensure that the detected surfaces are smooth. Surface interpolation takes into account detected occluding and ridge contours in the scene; interpolation is performed within regions enclosed by these contours. Planar and quadratic patches are used as local models of the surface. Occluded regions in the image are identified, and are not used for matching and interpolation. A coarse-to-fine algorithm is presented that generates a multiresolution hierarchy of surface maps, one at each level of resolution. Experimental results are given for a variety of stereo images. >
On the race of worms, alerts, and patches

We provide an analytical framework for evaluating the performance of automatic patching systems. We use it to quantify the speed of patch or alert dissemination required for worm containment. Motivated by scalability and trust issues, we consider a hierarchical system where network hosts are organized into subnets, each containing a patch server (termed superhost). Patches are disseminated to superhosts through an overlay connecting them and, after verification, to end hosts within subnets. The analytical framework accommodates a variety of overlays through the novel abstraction of a minimum broadcast curve. It also accommodates filtering of scans across subnets. The framework provides quantitative estimates that can guide system designers in dimensioning automatic patching systems. The results are obtained mathematically and verified by simulation.
Optimal utilization, sizing, and steady-state performance comparison of multiconverter VSC-based FACTS controllers

This paper describes a method for optimal dimensioning of multiconverter voltage sourced converter-based FACTS controllers. This general method allows comparisons of the steady-state performance and effectiveness of all single-, two-, and three-converter controllers in achieving specific power system operating objectives. The controllers considered include the generalized unified power flow controller and its subdevices, i.e., the static compensator, the static synchronous series compensator, the unified power flow controller, and the interline power flow controller. The effects of various shunt and series converter size modularizations in multiconverter FACTS controllers are demonstrated. Sensitivities to power system topology related issues such as system strength, parallel paths, and compensated line impedances, as well as system loading, have been analyzed. An optimal power flow (OPF)-type formulation with embedded effective impedances and/or current injections is utilized to provide a single framework for representing all single- and multiconverter FACTS controllers considered. A small power system model is utilized in this study mainly focusing on the FACTS controller utilization and performance. Realistic constraints representing various converter limits have been implemented. MATLAB optimization routines are utilized.
‘2A-like’ and ‘shifty heptamer’ motifs in penaeid shrimp infectious myonecrosis virus, a monosegmented double-stranded RNA virus

Penaeid shrimp infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) is a monosegmented double-stranded RNA virus that forms icosahedral virions and is tentatively assigned to the family Totiviridae. New examinations of the IMNV genome sequence revealed features not noted in the original report. These features include (i) two encoded '2A-like' motifs, which are likely involved in open reading frame (ORF) 1 polyprotein 'cleavage'; (ii) a 199 nt overlap between the end of ORF1 in frame 1 and the start of ORF2 in frame 3; and (iii) a 'shifty heptamer' motif and predicted RNA pseudoknot in the region of ORF1-ORF2 overlap, which probably allow ORF2 to be translated as a fusion with ORF1 by -1 ribosomal frameshifting. Features (ii) and (iii) bring the predicted ORF2 coding strategy of IMNV more in line with that of its closest phylogenetic relative, Giardia lamblia virus, as well as with that of several other members of the family Totiviridae including Saccharomyces cerevisiae virus L-A.
Optimization of Internal Margin to Account for Dosimetric Effects of Respiratory Motion

Purpose Use of internal margins to account for respiratory motion of the target volumes is a common strategy in radiotherapy of mobile tumors. Although efficient for tumor coverage, this expansion also risks increased toxicity to nearby healthy organs and therefore requires a careful selection of appropriate margins. In this study, we demonstrate an optimization of the internal margin used to account for respiration motion. Methods and Materials Three-dimensional conformal treatment plans for phantom spherical target volumes as well as clinical treatment plans of 11 patients were evaluated retrospectively for optimum internal margin selection. A software-based simulation of respiration motion was performed for all cases. Moreover, the interplay with treatment setup uncertainties and corresponding margins was investigated in the phantom study. Results Optimum internal margins in both phantom and patient studies were found to be substantially smaller than the actual target displacement due to respiration. The optimal internal margin was also observed to be approximately independent of the setup margins. Furthermore, no statistically significant dependence on target size and shape was observed in the group of 11 patients. Conclusions These findings present significant implications for treatment planning of mobile targets, such as tumors found in the lung and upper abdomen. We conclude that the full motion amplitude for the internal margin is overly conservative, and optimization of the internal margin provides improved sparing of nearby organs at risk without sacrificing dosimetric coverage for the target.
The detrimental role of angiotensin receptor agonistic autoantibodies in intrauterine growth restriction seen in preeclampsia.

Growth-restricted fetuses are at risk for a variety of lifelong medical conditions. Preeclampsia, a life-threatening hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, is associated with fetuses who suffer from intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Recently, emerging evidence indicates that preeclamptic women harbor AT1 receptor agonistic autoantibodies (AT1-AAs) that contribute to the disease features. However, the exact role of AT1-AAs in IUGR and the underlying mechanisms have not been identified. We report that these autoantibodies are present in the cord blood of women with preeclampsia and retain the ability to activate AT1 receptors. Using an autoantibody-induced animal model of preeclampsia, we show that AT1-AAs cross the mouse placenta, enter fetal circulation, and lead to small fetuses with organ growth retardation. AT1-AAs also induce apoptosis in the placentas of pregnant mice, human villous explants, and human trophoblast cells. Finally, autoantibody-induced IUGR and placental apoptosis are diminished by either losartan or an autoantibody-neutralizing peptide. Thus, these studies identify AT1-AA as a novel causative factor of preeclampsia-associated IUGR and offer two possible underlying mechanisms: a direct detrimental effect on fetal development by crossing the placenta and entering fetal circulation, and indirectly through AT1-AA–induced placental damage. Our findings highlight AT1-AAs as important therapeutic targets.
Negative effects of sample pooling on PCR-based estimates of soil microbial richness and community structure.

In this study, we examined the effect of various pooling strategies on the characterization of soil microbial community composition and phylotype richness estimates. Automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) profiles were determined from soil samples that were (i) unpooled (extracted and amplified individually), (ii) pooled prior to PCR amplification, or (iii) pooled prior to DNA extraction. Regression analyses suggest that the less even the soil microbial community (i.e., low Shannon equitability, EH), the greater was the impact of either pooling strategy on microbial detection (R2 = 0.766). For example, at a tropical rainforest site, which had the most uneven fungal (EH of 0.597) and bacterial communities (EH of 0.822), the unpooled procedure detected an additional 67 fungal and 115 bacterial phylotypes relative to either of the pooled procedures. Phylotype rarity, resulting in missed detection upon pooling, differed between the fungal and bacterial communities. Fungi were typified by locally abundant but spatially rare phylotypes, and the bacteria were typified by locally rare but spatially ubiquitous phylotypes. As a result, pooling differentially influenced plot comparisons, leading to an increase in similarity for the bacterial community and a decrease in the fungal community. In conclusion, although pooling reduces sample numbers and variability, it could mask a significant portion of the detectable microbial community, particularly for fungi due to their higher spatial heterogeneity.
Stratified flows with vertical layering of density: experimental and theoretical study of flow configurations and their stability

A vertically moving boundary in a stratified fluid can create and maintain a horizontal density gradient, or vertical layering of density, through the mechanism of viscous entrainment. Experiments to study the evolution and stability of axisymmetric flows with vertically layered density are performed by towing a narrow fibre upwards through a stably stratified viscous fluid. The fibre forms a closed loop and thus its effective length is infinite. A layer of denser fluid is entrained and its thickness is measured by implementing tracking analysis of dyed fluid images. Thickness values of up to 70 times that of the fibre are routinely obtained. A lubrication model is developed for both a two-dimensional geometry and the axisymmetric geometry of the experiment, and shown to be in excellent agreement with dynamic experimental measurements once subtleties of the optical tracking are addressed. Linear stability analysis is performed on a family of exact shear solutions, using both asymptotic and numerical methods in both two dimensions and the axisymmetric geometry of the experiment. It is found analytically that the stability properties of the flow depend strongly on the size of the layer of heavy fluid surrounding the moving boundary, and that the flow is neutrally stable to perturbations in the large-wavelength limit. At the first correction of this limit, a critical layer size is identified that separates stable from unstable flow configurations. Surprisingly, in all of the experiments the size of the entrained layer exceeds the threshold for instability, yet no unstable behaviour is observed. This is a reflection of the small amplification rate of the instability, which leads to growth times much longer than the duration of the experiment. This observation illustrates that for finite times the hydrodynamic stability of a flow does not necessarily correspond to whether or not that flow can be realised from an initial-value problem. Similar instabilities that are neutral to leading order with respect to long waves can arise under the different physical mechanism of viscous stratification, as studied by Yih (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 27, 1967, pp. 337–352), and we draw a comparison to that scenario.
Expanding the database curriculum

As database concepts and technologies continue to evolve there exists a need to expand the topics included in database curricula. This is challenging given the restraints on the number of courses that can be included in a typical CS or IS program. While a set of commonly identified core concepts and principles exists, there is little consensus on what supplemental materials should be included in database courses. Through an NSF proof-of-concept grant, we designed and developed courseware incorporating the use of animations to deepen and enrich standard presentations of core database concepts and to complement database teachings as found in the most popular texts. This paper proposes extending that model to modules of relevant and advanced database topics. Modules covered include data warehousing, data exchange via XML, database security and database system architecture, performance and tuning. Students in the computing disciplines must develop a strong knowledge base and build a firm foundation in core database concepts and principles. They must also extend this to supplemental and advanced topics. The dilemma for CS educators is to find avenues through which these topics can be explored in an efficient and effective manner.
Utilization of Professional Mental Health Services Related to Population-Level Screening for Anxiety, Depression, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Among Public High School Students

This study examines results from three mental health screening measures in a cohort of adolescent public school students in seven public schools in Southeast Texas affiliated with the Dating it Safe study. We estimated the odds of receiving professional mental health treatment in the previous year given results from different mental health screening batteries: the CES-D 10 battery for depression screening, the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders, and the Primary Care Posttraumatic Stress Disorder screen. Overall, students with higher scores on screening instruments for depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and combinations of screening instruments were more likely to have sought past-year professional mental health treatment than non-symptomatic youth. However, the proportion of students screening positive and receiving professional treatment was low, ranging from 11 to 16 %. This study emphasizes the need for broader evaluation of population-based mental health screening among adolescents.
Electrogeneration and Characterization of (C6H5CH2)2C70

(C6H5CH2)2C70 was electrosynthesized from C702- and C6H5CH2Br and purified by HPLC. Mass spectral results for the largest HPLC fraction confirm formation of the compound, while 1H NMR spectroscopy suggests that three isomers are present in this fraction, all of which are 1,4-addition products. The isomers are proposed to be the 22,25-, 22,41-, and 22,45-isomers on the basis of 1H NMR data and the fact that bulky benzyl groups on C60 form preferentially 1,4- rather than 1,2-addition products. (C6H5CH2)2C70 was examined as to its electrochemical properties, and two sets of reduction processes were observed, one of which is assigned to the 22,25- and 22,41-isomers that exhibit identical electrochemical properties and the other to the 22,45-isomer of (C6H5CH2)2C70. The vis−near-IR spectrum of (C6H5CH2)2C70•- in benzonitrile shows a strong band at 776 nm which is not seen for C70•- as well as two more bands in the near-IR region (1062 and 1250 nm) which are blue-shifted with respect to the near-IR absorption b...
Physical activities: teaming up patients and programs.

A regular, sensible exercise program has many benefits, even for patients disabled by certain disease processes. After evaluating the patient's physical condition, the physician should be able to offer good advice on selecting a suitable program of exercise and deriving the maximum benefit from it.
RENOIR - A Dataset for Real Low-Light Image Noise Reduction

Abstract Image denoising algorithms are evaluated using images corrupted by artificial noise, which may lead to incorrect conclusions about their performances on real noise. In this paper we introduce a dataset of color images corrupted by natural noise due to low-light conditions, together with spatially and intensity-aligned low noise images of the same scenes. We also introduce a method for estimating the true noise level in our images, since even the low noise images contain small amounts of noise. We evaluate the accuracy of our noise estimation method on real and artificial noise, and investigate the Poisson-Gaussian noise model. Finally, we use our dataset to evaluate six denoising algorithms: Active Random Field, BM3D, Bilevel-MRF, Multi-Layer Perceptron, and two versions of NL-means. We show that while the Multi-Layer Perceptron, Bilevel-MRF, and NL-means with soft threshold outperform BM3D on gray images with synthetic noise, they lag behind on our dataset.
Tumours in white suckers from Lake Michigan tributaries: Pathology and prevalence

The prevalence and histopathology of neoplastic lesions were assessed in white sucker Catostomus commersonii captured at two Lake Michigan Areas of Concern (AOCs), the Sheboygan River and Milwaukee Estuary. Findings were compared to those observed at two non-AOC sites, the Root and Kewaunee rivers. At each site, approximately 200 adult suckers were collected during their spawning migration. Raised skin lesions were observed at all sites and included discrete white spots, mucoid plaques on the body surface and fins and large papillomatous lesions on lips and body. Microscopically, hyperplasia, papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma were documented. Liver neoplasms were also observed at all sites and included both hepatocellular and biliary tumours. Based on land use, the Kewaunee River was the site least impacted by human activities previously associated with fish tumours and had significantly fewer liver neoplasms when compared to the other sites. The proportion of white suckers with liver tumours followed the same patterns as the proportion of urban land use in the watershed: the Milwaukee Estuary had the highest prevalence, followed by the Root, Sheboygan and Kewaunee rivers. The overall skin neoplasm (papilloma and carcinoma) prevalence did not follow the same pattern, although the percentage of white suckers with squamous cell carcinoma exhibited a similar relationship to land use. Testicular tumours (seminoma) were observed at both AOC sites but not at the non-AOC sites. Both skin and liver tumours were significantly and positively associated with age but not sex.
“We make them give more”: Women's roles in the exchange and redistribution of food across ethnic boundaries

Andean indigenous people have historically engaged in multiple strategies in order to procure a variety of foods for themselves and their families. Here I focus on the persistence of seasonal barter among people in Tungurahua province, Ecuador, as I observed it in 2011 and 2015. The exchanges I witnessed, combined with food-centered oral histories, show women's resourcefulness in acquiring food from different ecological zones and redistributing it to children, husbands, and kin. The people involved in these exchanges are from different ethnic backgrounds and have no social relationship or long-term obligations to one another. Food was the medium through which they interacted and food formed the topic of conversation between strangers who had a mutual interest in the direct exchange of one food for another. Through their activities, the women created a temporary, currency-free zone in semi-public space and contributed to their families' subsistence.
Structural/Functional Properties of Human NFU1, an Intermediate [4Fe-4S] Carrier in Human Mitochondrial Iron-Sulfur Cluster Biogenesis

Summary Human mitochondrial NFU1 functions in the maturation of iron-sulfur proteins, and NFU1 deficiency is associated with a fatal mitochondrial disease. We determined three-dimensional structures of the N- and C-terminal domains of human NFU1 by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and used these structures along with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data to derive structural models for full-length monomeric apo-NFU1, dimeric apo-NFU1 (an artifact of intermolecular disulfide bond formation), and holo-NFUI (the [4Fe-4S] cluster-containing form of the protein). Apo-NFU1 contains two cysteine residues in its C-terminal domain, and two apo-NFU1 subunits coordinate one [4Fe-4S] cluster to form a cluster-linked dimer. Holo-NFU1 consists of a complex of three of these dimers as shown by molecular weight estimates from SAXS and size-exclusion chromatography. The SAXS-derived structural model indicates that one N-terminal region from each of the three dimers forms a tripartite interface. The activity of the holo-NFU1 preparation was verified by demonstrating its ability to activate apo-aconitase.
Thermodynamic state variables in quasiequilibrium ultracold neutral plasma.

The pressure and internal energy of an ultracold plasma in a state of quasiequilibrium are evaluated using classical molecular dynamics simulations. Coulomb collapse is avoided by modeling electron-ion interactions using an attractive Coulomb potential with a repulsive core. We present a method to separate the contribution of classical bound states, which form due to recombination, from the contribution of free charges when evaluating these thermodynamic state variables. It is found that the contribution from free charges is independent of the choice of repulsive core length scale when it is sufficiently short-ranged. The partial pressure associated with the free charges is found to closely follow that of the one-component plasma model, reaching negative values at strong coupling, while the total system pressure remains positive. This pseudopotential model is also applied to Debye-H\"uckel theory to describe the weakly coupled regime.
Fracture capture of organic pores in shales

Shales are heterogeneous media with porosity at many scales and in many microtextural positions, including within organic matter and clay aggregates. Because these materials have contrasting mechanical properties, it remains unclear how induced fractures manage to connect with this porosity whether during hydrocarbon production, wastewater injection, or carbon-capture-and-storage efforts. To explore porosity changes related to fracturing, we experimentally failed shale samples in a triaxial load apparatus and observed changes in microstructure through scanning electron microscopy, low-pressure nitrogen sorption, and nuclear magnetic resonance. We observed a system of microcracks, many of which were likely experimentally induced and localized on grain boundaries. In some cases these fractures propagated into regions of natural porosity in organic matter. In the subsurface this “fracture capture” likely enhances pore connectivity, but only selectively depending upon mechanical conditions. Fracture capture is one possible mechanism by which multiscale compositional heterogeneity in shales may affect rheological heterogeneity.
Lessons Learned from the Mobile Offshore Base Project

Abstract The Mobile Offshore Base (MOB) is a large, self-propelled, floating, pre-positioned ocean structure formed of three to five modules and reaching up to 1,500 meters in length. The alignment of the modules is maintained through the use of thrusters and/or connectors. A simulation framework has been used to provide evaluation of different control strategies. We have conducted experiments in which three 1:150 scale modules are kept aligned by pivoting thrusters and form a miniature runway. This paper addresses lessons learned in the course of the MOB project.
Lymphatic invasion predicts sentinel lymph node metastasis and adverse outcome in primary cutaneous melanoma

Background Sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis is a powerful predictor of survival in primary cutaneous melanoma. Lymphatic invasion (LI) may correlate with increased risk of SLN metastasis. Intralymphatic metastases, often difficult to detect on hematoxylin and eosin (HE P = .002); LI was significantly associated with decreased progression-free survival. Conclusion The detection of LI is improved by dual immunohistochemistry and predicts SLN metastasis. The presence of LI may impact therapeutic planning in melanoma, such as the decision to perform a SLN biopsy.
Certiorari, Universality, and a Patent Puzzle

The most important determinant of a case’s chances for Supreme Court review is a circuit split: If two Courts of Appeals have decided the same issue differently, review is substantially more likely. But practically every appeal in a patent case makes its way to a single court — the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. How, then, does the Supreme Court decide whether to grant certiorari in a patent case? The petitions for certiorari in the Court’s patent docket suggest an answer: The Supreme Court looks for splits anyways. These splits, however, are of a different sort. Rather than consider whether two Courts of Appeals have decided the same issue differently, the Court looks to whether two fields of law conflict over the application of the same trans-substantive doctrine. Such “field splits” are an unusual candidate for Supreme Court attention. After all, the Court’s interest in circuit splits is motivated by a desire for geographic uniformity in federal law. But field splits, unlike circuit splits, do not give rise to forum shopping concerns, do not undermine the predictability of the law, nor otherwise implicate the legal values that counsel in favor of uniformity. Instead, the Supreme Court’s attention to field splits may suggest that legal universality — consistency across substantive fields of law — is an important (but unstated) priority in certiorari decision making. The exercise of this universality interest through certiorari decisions in patent cases has several consequences for the Supreme Court’s agenda. The Court must better explain why field splits merit review, and we must better understand how to distinguish those field splits that implicate the Court’s universality-related concerns from those that do not.
Development of autonomous hexapod rolling robot

The technology of robotics has been well developed in recent years in many fields, such as day care, security, rescue, industry and so on. We can be sure that more and more robots will be produced in the future. The target of the development is that the robot should be stable and fast while moving. The users will not accept that either the robot become shaky easily and even worse falls down directly or in a very slow speed when moving. The focal point of this the work is to build a Hexapod rolling robots and it will move by rotating its six stretched out feet. It is a different moving strategy from the ordinary robot.