cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Què ensenyem quan impartim classes de llengua estrangera

Este articulo analiza la cuestion de que significa ensenar una lengua extranjera, planteando un recorrido por la historia de la filosofia del lenguaje y la linguistica en sus relaciones con una L2. La lengua materna determina nuestro acceso al mundo, fenomeno que no puede dejar de tenerse en cuenta en un tiempo que parece haber apostado por el ingles como lengua franca para el acceso a las ciencias y otras disciplinas. El texto recoge diferentes ejemplos de esta hipotesis para apostar por el multilinguismo desde el que el ser humano accede a la realidad y valorarlo como riqueza que jamas debe olvidarse en la ensenanza de la L2.
Quaternary Structure and Hydrophobic Interactions of Drosophila Acetylcholinesterase in Wild Type Flies and in Mutants of the Ace Locus

Adult Drosophila acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is predominantly a disulfide-linked dimer of globular subunits (Toutant et al., 1988). Each catalytic subunit possesses a C-terminal phosphatidylinositol that anchors the molecule to the membrane (Gnagey et al., 1987; Fournier et al., 1988a). Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) releases the terminal glycolipid and converts the membrane-bound AChE to a hydrophilic form which no longer interacts with nondenaturing detergents. Thus, the original dimer is referred to as an amphiphilic molecule. We present here additional structural data on the dimeric AChE of adult wild type Drosophila. We also report preliminary results on the structure of AChE in certain mutants of the Ace locus (Hall et al., 1980; Greenspan et al., 1980).
Immune Responses to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccination: Why Do They Fail to Protect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), is the current leading cause of death due to a single infectious organism. Although curable, the broad emergence of multi-, extensive-, extreme- and total-drug resistant strains of M.tb has hindered eradication efforts of this pathogen. Furthermore, computational models predict a quarter of the world’s population is infected with M.tb in a latent state, effectively serving as the largest reservoir for any human pathogen with the ability to cause significant morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization has prioritized new strategies for improved vaccination programs; however the lack of understanding of mycobacterial immunity has made it difficult to develop new successful vaccines. Currently, Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the only vaccine approved for use to prevent TB. BCG is highly efficacious at preventing meningeal and miliary TB, but is at best 60% effective against the development of pulmonary TB in adults and wanes as we age. In this review, we provide a detailed summary on the innate immune response of macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils in response to BCG vaccination. Additionally, we discuss adaptive immune responses generated by BCG vaccination, emphasizing their specific contributions to mycobacterial immunity. The success of future vaccines against TB will directly depend on our understanding of mycobacterial immunity.
Fuzzy Logic Patterns Communication and Team Performance

Analyzing the complex maze of content and flow in communication between team members could help unlock researchers’ understanding of team performance. This research analyzes the communication patte...
A Review of ACD-STEMM Integration part 3: controlled studies of additional transdisciplinary bridges for arts-science pedagogy and general conclusions

This is Part 3 of a three-part analysis of studies concerning useful ways in which visual, plastic, musical and performing arts, crafts, and design (referred to for simplicity as Arts-Crafts-Design or ACD) may improve learning of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) and increase professional success in these subjects. Part 1 outlined eight “bridges” that STEMM professionals say they use to link ACD to their work and the evidence for doing so. Part 2 summarized pedagogical studies that test the efficacy of Bridge 1: whether ACD exercise of certain “tools for thinking” described in Root-Bernstein and Root-Bernstein in their book Sparks of Genius (1999) improve aspects of STEMM learning. This third part of our essay analyzes whether the remaining seven bridges that enable STEMM professionals to utilize ACD professionally have similar pedagogical benefits.
Frequency Response of Graphene Electrolyte-Gated Field-Effect Transistors

This work develops the first frequency-dependent small-signal model for graphene electrolyte-gated field-effect transistors (EGFETs). Graphene EGFETs are microfabricated to measure intrinsic voltage gain, frequency response, and to develop a frequency-dependent small-signal model. The transfer function of the graphene EGFET small-signal model is found to contain a unique pole due to a resistive element, which stems from electrolyte gating. Intrinsic voltage gain, cutoff frequency, and transition frequency for the microfabricated graphene EGFETs are approximately 3.1 V/V, 1.9 kHz, and 6.9 kHz, respectively. This work marks a critical step in the development of high-speed chemical and biological sensors using graphene EGFETs.
Automatic restructuring of GPU kernels for exploiting inter-thread data locality

Hundreds of cores per chip and support for fine-grain multithreading have made GPUs a central player in today's HPC world. For many applications, however, achieving a high fraction of peak on current GPUs, still requires significant programmer effort. A key consideration for optimizing GPU code is determining a suitable amount of work to be performed by each thread. Thread granularity not only has a direct impact on occupancy but can also influence data locality at the register and shared-memory levels. This paper describes a software framework to analyze dependencies in parallel GPU threads and perform source-level restructuring to obtain GPU kernels with varying thread granularity. The framework supports specification of coarsening factors through source-code annotation and also implements a heuristic based on estimated register pressure that automatically recommends coarsening factors for improved memory performance. We present preliminary experimental results on a select set of CUDA kernels. The results show that the proposed strategy is generally able to select profitable coarsening factors. More importantly, the results demonstrate a clear need for automatic control of thread granularity at the software level for achieving higher performance.
Optimal Front-end Crude Schedule for Refineries under Consideration of Inherent Upset Reduction

Abstract This paper addresses the inherent upset (IU) issue, for instance, the flowrate fluctuation after switching charging tanks (CTs) for feeding crude distillation units (CDUs), during routine operations of crude supply process. A new MILP model with continuous time formulation is developed for the front-end crude scheduling (FECS) under consideration of inherent upset reduction (IUR). The optimal crude supply schedule can be determined via minimizing the overall operating cost and reducing IUs. Thus, both the process profitability and the operational stability of optimal schedules are guaranteed. In addition, the trans-mixing between adjacent crude slots inside LDPL is considered; and the inventory cost is precisely modeled compared with previous studies. All nonlinearities arising from the original mathematical problem are approached through piecewise linearization. The model efficacy and the IUR effect have been investigated through a refinery case study with a daily production of 160 kbbl.
Comparison of mitral valve geometrical effect of percutaneous edge-to-edge repair between central and eccentric functional mitral regurgitation: clinical implications

AIMS Percutaneous edge-to-edge repair alters mitral valve (MV) geometry in functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). We sought to characterize MV morphology in patients with central and eccentric FMR, compare the geometrical effect of MitraClip therapy, and elucidate different mechanisms of MR improvement according to FMR subtypes. METHODS AND RESULTS Seventy-six symptomatic patients with Grade 3 to 4+ FMR (central, n = 39; eccentric, n = 37) underwent three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography during MitraClip implantation. We defined procedural success as a reduction of MR by ≥1 grade with having a residual mitral regurgitation (MR) of ≤ grade 2+. Procedural success rate was similar between central and eccentric FMR (77% vs. 78%, P = 0.55). After MitraClip, the reduction in anterior-posterior diameter did not differ between FMR subtypes, but patients with eccentric FMR had a greater reduction in the averaged tethering angle difference (P < 0.001) with less reduction in tenting volume and height (both P < 0.001) than did patients with central FMR. On multivariable analysis, in central FMR, MR reduction post-clip was associated with shortening in anterior-posterior diameter [coefficient 0.388, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.216-0.561; P < 0.001] and an increase in coaptation area (coefficient 0.117, 95% CI 0.039-0.194; P = 0.004), whereas in eccentric FMR MR reduction was mainly associated with a decrease in the averaged tethering angle difference (coefficient 0.050, 95% CI 0.021-0.078; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION MV geometrical effect and its association with MR improvement after MitraClip therapy differ according to FMR subtypes. Our results indicate the MR jet direction and the leaflet tethering pattern may be considered in the strategy for percutaneous treatment for FMR.
Who I Am Is Not Who I Was: Temporal Comparisons Mediate the Effect of Listening to Nostalgic Music on Well-Being:

Although social comparison theory has long dominated communication research, no studies have applied its corollary premise, temporal comparison theory. An experiment examined how listening to nosta...
High-speed velocimetry in microfluidic protein mixers using confocal fluorescence decay microscopy

A method to measure fluid speeds on the order of 10,000 mm/s in microchannels is presented. A microfluidic protein mixer is manufactured with a 170 µm microscope coverslip bottom that interfaces with a confocal florescence microscope using a water-immersed Olympus UPLSAPO 60XW objective to create a diffraction-limited confocal volume. A diode laser with a repetition rate of 1 MHz is used to study Poiseuille flows at average speeds of 5000, 6000 and 7000 mm/s by exciting tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) hexafluorophosphate solution at 1 μmol/L concentration flowing through the micro-mixer in the confocal volume. Decays collected using a time-correlated single photon counting card at each grid point are characterized by the first moment of the decay and curve fitted with the theoretical Poiseuille flow solutions. It was found that curve fitting with higher average speeds results in lower errors. A fluorescence correlation study was then carried out at different depths in the micro-mixer to understand the raw data profiles observed using the diode laser. A mixing study was then carried out using a Ti-Sapphire laser with a repetition rate of 3.8 MHz. A Poiseuille flow at 7000 mm/s was measured using the Ti-Sapphire laser and then curve fitted to the theoretical Poiseuille flow solution. The curve fit was then applied to the complicated flow region to determine speed. Results of the experimental mixing study are also compared to direct numerical simulation results. An experimental technique to measure speeds in the complicated mixing region of a protein mixer is developed. Results show that when flow is bounded asymmetrically between a rough wall and smooth wall, the flow shows affinity for the smooth wall during the mixing process. The Reynolds number for this is flow is 245 indicating flow in the transitional turbulence regime.
The Multimodal Connectivity at Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Stations and the Impact on Ridership

A multimodality index (MI) is developed to evaluate the accessibility and convenience of transit use by investigating the connectivity of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) with other modes of travel. Better connected stations increase transit system ridership, resulting in environmental and social equity gains. The integration of the Orange Line BRT system in Los Angeles with other travel modes, including bicycles, pedestrians, regular buses, and private automobiles, was analyzed using field observations and LA Metro data to create a multimodality index (MI). While multimodal connectivity of the Orange Line BRT system varies across stations, a positive relationship exists between ridership and the MI, indicating that the MI is a reliable predictor of transit ridership and a useful tool for transit planning.
The Evolution, Ecology, and Mechanisms of Infection by Gram-Positive, Plant-Associated Bacteria

Gram-positive bacteria are prominent members of plant-associated microbial communities. Although many are hypothesized to be beneficial, some are causative agents of economically important diseases...
Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcomes in Adult Patients With Episodic or Chronic Migraine Treated With Galcanezumab: Data From Three Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled EVOLVE-1, EVOLVE-2, and REGAIN Studies

Objective Blood pressure (BP), pulse, electrocardiogram (ECG), and clinical cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with episodic or chronic migraine treated for up to 6 months with galcanezumab compared to placebo were evaluated. Background Calcitonin gene-related peptide, a potent microvascular vasodilator, has a hypothesized protective role in CV health. Increased CV risks have been reported in patients with migraine. Methods In 2 similarly designed episodic migraine 6-month studies and 1 chronic migraine 3-month study, data from patients randomized (1:1:2) to subcutaneous injection of galcanezumab 120 mg/month (following initial 240 mg loading dose) or 240 mg/month or placebo were pooled. Treatment comparisons for cardiovascular treatment-emergent adverse events (CV TEAE) and categorical and mean changes in BP, pulse, and ECG were evaluated using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. Mean changes from baseline in BP, pulse, and ECG were evaluated using the analysis of covariance model. Results Overall, among galcanezumab 120 mg (n = 705) and 240 mg (n = 730), and placebo (n = 1451) groups, the percentage of patients reporting ≥1 CV TEAE was low and was similar between the galcanezumab 120 mg (2.6%; odds ratio [OR] = 0.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.5,1.5) and galcanezumab 240 mg (3.3%; OR = 1.1; 95% CI: 0.7,1.9), and placebo (2.9%) groups. The frequency of any individual CV TEAE, broad or narrow term, was ≤1.4%. The CV-related serious adverse events that occurred in the galcanezumab 240 mg group (n = 3; acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and transient ischemic attack) and placebo group (n = 3; pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and myocardial infarction) were not considered treatment related. Four placebo- and 1 galcanezumab-treated patient discontinued due to a CV TEAE. Least squares mean and categorical changes from baseline in BP, pulse, and QT interval corrected using Fridericia's correction were similar across treatment groups. Conclusions In this 6-month treatment trial, the percentages of galcanezumab- and placebo-treated patients that reported CV TEAEs or serious adverse events were low and similar between groups with few discontinuations. Thus, no clinically meaningful treatment group differences were observed for changes in BP, pulse, or ECG parameters. Additional longer-term studies in a broader and larger cohort are required to better characterize CV safety.
The US labor share of income: what shocks matter?

We propose a novel methodological approach to disentangle the main structural shocks affecting the US labor share of income. We motivate an SVAR model to derive four structural shocks: aggregate de...
Weight and LVAD Outcomes; Not Just a "Bridge to the Fridge?"

Purpose Obesity in LVAD recipients has been well documented. There is a lack of data on the predictive effect of baseline weight and weight gain after LVAD implantation on morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to evaluate if weight at LVAD implant and the change in weight during LVAD support could predict morbidity and/or mortality. Methods We reviewed the impact of baseline weight and weight gain on post-LVAD survival in patients who received a durable LVAD at our institution from January 1, 2014 until December 31, 2017. Patients who were supported for more than 12 months were divided into two groups: patients with baseline BMI 30 (OW) and were evaluated for association of weight change with overall survival and freedom from LVAD related complications. Results Baseline characteristics of 189 patients are summarized in Table 1. One year survival was 74 ± 5% in patients with baseline BMI 30. Baseline BMI was not associated with survival in multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis (P = 0.91). Out of 89 patients who were still being supported 12 months after the LVAD implantation, 51 (57%) had BMI >30. Median weight gain in NW group at 12 months was 12(6,18)kg compared to 7(3,12)kg in OW group (P=0.02). There was no association of BMI at 12 months or weight change with overall post-LVAD survival, freedom from infection, pump malfunction, and neurological dysfunction. Freedom from right heart dysfunction at 12 months was 84 ± 5% in patients with BMI>30 compared to 97±3% in patients with BMI 30 at 12 months, weight gain emerged as a significant predictor of right heart failure (HR: 16.133 [95% CI; 1.806-145.026] p=0.013) Conclusion Baseline, as well as 12 months post implantation BMI, had no impact on overall post-LVAD survival. Patients with NW at implant who crossed over to OW had no effect on survival, infection, pump complication or neurological dysfunction. However, this population had significantly less freedom from right heart failure.
Redox and Thiols in Archaea

Low molecular weight (LMW) thiols have many functions in bacteria and eukarya, ranging from redox homeostasis to acting as cofactors in numerous reactions, including detoxification of xenobiotic compounds. The LMW thiol, glutathione (GSH), is found in eukaryotes and many species of bacteria. Analogues of GSH include the structurally different LMW thiols: bacillithiol, mycothiol, ergothioneine, and coenzyme A. Many advances have been made in understanding the diverse and multiple functions of GSH and GSH analogues in bacteria but much less is known about distribution and functions of GSH and its analogues in archaea, which constitute the third domain of life, occupying many niches, including those in extreme environments. Archaea are able to use many energy sources and have many unique metabolic reactions and as a result are major contributors to geochemical cycles. As LMW thiols are major players in cells, this review explores the distribution of thiols and their biochemistry in archaea.
Vaginal bacterial community composition and concentrations of estradiol at the time of artificial insemination in Brangus heifers

The knowledge surrounding the bovine vaginal microbiota and its implications on fertility and reproductive traits remains incomplete. The objective of the current study was to characterize the bovine vaginal bacterial community and estradiol concentrations at the time of artificial insemination (AI). Brangus heifers (n = 78) underwent a 7-d Co-Synch + controlled internal drug release estrus synchronization protocol. At AI, a double-guarded uterine culture swab was used to sample the anterior vaginal tract. Immediately after swabbing the vaginal tract, blood samples were collected by coccygeal venipuncture to determine concentrations of estradiol. Heifers were retrospectively classified as pregnant (n = 29) vs. nonpregnant (n = 49) between 41 and 57 d post-AI. Additionally, heifers were classified into low (1.1 to 2.5 pg/mL; n = 21), medium (2.6 to 6.7 pg/mL; n = 30), and high (7.2 to 17.6 pg/mL; n = 27) concentration of estradiol. The vaginal bacterial community composition was determined through sequencing of the V4 region from the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina Miseq platform. Alpha diversity was compared via ANOVA and beta diversity was compared via PERMANOVA. There were no differences in the Shannon diversity index (alpha diversity; P = 0.336) or Bray-Curtis dissimilarity (beta diversity; P = 0.744) of pregnant vs. nonpregnant heifers. Overall, bacterial community composition in heifers with high, medium, or low concentrations of estradiol did not differ (P = 0.512). While no overall compositional differences were observed, species-level differences were present within pregnancy status and estradiol concentration groups. The implications of these species-level differences are unknown, but these differences could alter the vaginal environment thereby influencing fertility and vaginal health. Therefore, species-level changes could provide better insight rather than overall microbial composition in relation to an animal's reproductive health.
SME ACCESS TO FINANCE AND THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS

This paper offers an overview of research on SME access to finance during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) in order to cull key things that we have learned. It discusses selected articles that peg...
Automated and customizable quantitative image analysis of whole C. elegans germlines

Arranged in a spatial-temporal gradient for germ cell development, the adult germline of Caenorhabditis elegans is an excellent system for understanding the generation, differentiation, function, and maintenance of germ cells. Imaging whole C. elegans germlines along the distal-proximal axis enables powerful cytological analyses of germ cell nuclei as they progress from the pre-meiotic tip through all the stages of meiotic prophase I. To enable high-throughput image analysis of whole C. elegans gonads, we developed a custom algorithm and pipelines to function with image processing software that enables: 1) quantification of cytological features at single nucleus resolution from immunofluorescence images; and, 2) assessment of these individual nuclei based on their position within the germline. We demonstrate the capability of our quantitative image analysis approach by analyzing multiple cytological features of meiotic nuclei in whole C. elegans germlines. First, we quantify double strand DNA breaks (DSBs) per nucleus by analyzing DNA-associated foci of the recombinase RAD-51 at the single-nucleus resolution in the context of whole germline progression. Second, we quantify the DSBs that are licensed for crossover repair by analyzing foci of MSH-5 and COSA-1 when they associate with the synaptonemal complex during meiotic prophase progression. Finally, we quantify P-granule composition across the whole germline by analyzing the colocalization of PGL-1 and ZNFX-1 foci. Our image analysis pipeline is an adaptable and useful method for researchers spanning multiple fields utilizing the C. elegans germline as a model system.
Economics and community knowledge-making

Knowledge-making is a social activity. In this essay, I discuss how the economics discipline may be becoming a bit more cognizant of this fact, even though it goes against a long habit of imagining...
Khader’s minimalist, pluralist universalism

Serene Khader’s effort to develop a decolonized approach to transnational feminism takes a helpfully nonideal approach. Much of decolonial theory has criticized universalism in order to espouse plu...
Improving pneumococcal vaccination rates in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoblastic lymphoma.

e18666Background: Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia/ Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (ALL/LLy) is the most common pediatric cancer. Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is prevalent in this population a...
Mutations in coral soma and sperm imply lifelong stem cell differentiation

In many animals, the germline differentiates early in embryogenesis, so only mutations that accumulate in germ cells are inherited by offspring1. Exceptions to this developmental process may indicate that other mechanisms have evolved to limit the effects of deleterious mutation accumulation2. Stony corals are animals that can live for hundreds of years3 and have long been thought to produce gametes from somatic tissue4. To clarify conflicting evidence about germline-soma distinction in corals, we sequenced high coverage, full genomes with technical replicates for parent coral branches and their sperm pools. We identified single nucleotide variants (SNVs) unique to each parent branch, then checked if each SNV was shared by the respective sperm pool: 26% of post-embryonic SNVs were shared by the sperm and 74% were not. We also identified germline SNVs, those that present in the sperm but not in the parent. These data suggest that self-renewing stem cells in corals differentiate into germ and soma throughout the adult life of the colony, with SNV rates and patterns differing markedly in stem, soma, and germ lineages. In addition to informing germline evolution, these insights inform how corals may generate adaptive diversity necessary in the face of global climate change.
Facilitating Ethical Reflective Practice in the Context of Experiential Learning

Recognizing the benefits and shortcomings of experiential learning for its participants, less is known about how experiential learning facilitators (i.e., teachers, coaches, leaders) reflect on, ma...
Mechanistic insight into the production of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol from biorenewable resources

The hydrogenolysis of glycerol to ethylene glycol and propylene glycol represents an initial system for developing an improved mechanistic understanding of the conversion of the more complex higher polyhydric alcohols. Previous work in our lab demonstrated the effects that pH, product degradation, and competitive adsorption have on the reaction system. This work is an extension that studies the effects of temperature and sulfur loading. Batch reactor studies with ruthenium on carbon catalysts were performed at a temperature range of 205 to 240°C and sulfur loading range of 0-1.0 mol S/Ru. Previous Langmuir-Hinshelwood type models were extended to include the data. Apparent activation energies for the glycerol reaction and the glycol degradation were determined. Previous studies for this system have focused on the aqueous phase scission reactions and metal catalyzed (de)hydrogenation reactions. Analyzing the reaction flux map with and without sulfur; however, leads to the conclusion that catalytic dehydration must also be occurring on the solid catalyst.
Spectral characterization of solutions to systems of linear differential equations

A spectral characterization of solutions of abstract linear differential equation systems is given. The characterization is in terms of the spectrum of a related continuous self-adjoint linear operator.
Antibody identification, chromosome map assignment, and sequence analysis of a Rab escort protein homolog in Drosophila1.

Using a polyclonal antiserum a cDNA encoding a Rab escort protein (REP) homolog in Drosophila has been identified and sequenced. The gene encodes a 511 residue protein with a predicted molecular mass of 56 855 Da. Antibody labeling demonstrates that Drosophila REP protein is present in the early embryo and that it is being apportioned uniformly throughout the embryo in a process likely to be linked to the syncytial nuclear divisions. In situ hybridization to polytene chromosomes reveals that the Drosophila REP gene is located in the 56E region on the second chromosome. Drosophila REP is the first invertebrate REP homolog to be identified and characterized.
Emissions Results for Dedicated Propane Chrysler Minivans: The 1996 Propane Vehicle Challenge

The U.S. Department of Energy (US DOE), through Argonne National Laboratory, and in cooperation with Natural Resources-Canada and Chrysler Canada, sponsored and organized the 1996 Propane Vehicle Challenge (PVC). For this competition , 13 university teams from North America each received a stock Chrysler minivan to be converted to dedicated propane operation while maintaining maximum production feasibility. The converted vehicles were tested for performance (driveability, cold- and hot-start, acceleration, range, and fuel economy) and exhaust emissions. Of the 13 entries for the 1996 PVC, 10 completed all of the events scheduled, including the emissions test. The schools used a variety of fuel-management, fuel-phase and engine-control strategies, but their strategies can be summarized as three main types: liquid fuel-injection, gaseous fuel-injection, and gaseous carburetor. The converted vehicles performed similarly to the gasoline minivan. The University of Windsor`s minivan had the lowest emissions attaining ULEV levels with a gaseous-injected engine. The Texas A&M vehicle, which had a gaseous-fuel injection system, and the GMI Engineering and Management Institute`s vehicle, which had a liquid-injection system both reached LEV levels. Vehicles with an injection fuel system (liquid or gaseous) performed better in terms of emissions than carbureted systems. Liquid injection appeared to be the best option for fuel metering and control for propane, but more research and calibration are necessary to improve the reliability and performance of this design.
A Direct-Interface Fusible Heat Sink for Astronaut Cooling

Astronaut cooling during extravehicular activity is a critical design issue in developing a portable life support system that meets the requirements of a space station mission. Some of the requirements are that the cooling device can be easily regenerable and nonventing during operation. In response to this, a direct-interface, fusible heat sink prototype with freezable quick-disconnects was developed. A proof-of-concept prototype was constructed and tested that consists of an elastic container filled with normal tap water and having two quick-disconnects embedded in a wall. These quick-disconnects are designed so that they may be frozen with the ice and yet still be joined to the cooling system, allowing an immediate flow path. The inherent difficulties in a direct-interface heat sink have been overcome, i.e., (1) establishing an initial flow path; (2) avoiding low-flow freeze-up; and (3) achieving adequate heat-transfer rates at the end of the melting process. The requirements, design, fabrication, and testing are discussed.
What's Left of Capitalism and What We Should Do About It

The capitalism of Adam Smith's devising is intent upon unfettering our natural liberty so that we might act upon our interests to the betterment of the whole. Government agencies promoting a cheerful and hearty populace were taken by Smith as a necessary ingredient to his scheme. The free-market capitalism of our own devising is intent upon efficiency, a trait of markets that Smith considered a natural by-product of our creativity as expressed in open markets. With natural liberty no longer the priority, the world has become safe for an evolved form of feudalism. Administratively, this feudalism is characterized by a weak government incapable of regulating markets to promote either a healthy or a happy populace yet called upon persistently to resuscitate failing markets and firms with tax dollars. As a fix, Schumpeter's blueprint for a market-socialism might be modified so that the means of production are regulated by public agencies rather than owned by our government. Such a fix might return public agen...
Direct Pore Binding as a Mechanism for Isoflurane Inhibition of the Pentameric Ligand-gated Ion Channel ELIC.

Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) are targets of general anesthetics, but molecular mechanisms underlying anesthetic action remain debatable. We found that ELIC, a pLGIC from Erwinia chrysanthemi, can be functionally inhibited by isoflurane and other anesthetics. Structures of ELIC co-crystallized with isoflurane in the absence or presence of an agonist revealed double isoflurane occupancies inside the pore near T237(6′) and A244(13′). A pore-radius contraction near the extracellular entrance was observed upon isoflurane binding. Electrophysiology measurements with a single-point mutation at position 6′ or 13′ support the notion that binding at these sites renders isoflurane inhibition. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that isoflurane binding was more stable in the resting than in a desensitized pore conformation. This study presents compelling evidence for a direct pore-binding mechanism of isoflurane inhibition, which has a general implication for inhibitory action of general anesthetics on pLGICs.
Stable non-mutator stocks of maize have sequences homologous to the Mu1 transposable element.

ABSTRACT Mutator stocks of maize produce mutants at many loci at rates 20- to 50-fold above spontaneous levels. Current evidence suggests that this high mutation rate is mediated by an active transposable element system, Mu . Members of this transposable element family are found in ~10-60 copies in Mutator stocks. We report here an initial characterization of previously undetected sequences homologous to Mu elements in eight non-Mutator inbred lines and varieties of maize that have a normal low mutation rate. All stocks have ~40 copies of sequences homologous only to the terminal repeat and show weak homology to an internal probe. In addition, several of the stocks contain an intact Mu element. One intact Mu element and two terminal-specific clones have been isolated from one non-Mutator line, B37. The cloned sequences have been used to demonstrate that in genomic DNA the intact element, termed Mu1.4B37 , is modified, such that restriction sites in its termini are not accessible to cleavage by the Hin fI restriction enzyme. This modification is similar to that observed in Mutator lines that have lost activity. We hypothesize that the DNA modification of the Mu -like element may contribute to the lack of Mutator activity in B37.
Glucose Clearance Is Delayed after Hyperglycemia in Healthy Elderly Men

Delayed glucose clearance after hyperglycemia may contribute to insulin resistance. Rates of glucose and insulin decay were measured after 3 h of sustained hyperglycemia (10 mmol/L) in 8 healthy older men (66 +/- 2 y) and were compared with those of 8 younger men (22 +/- 1 y). Fractional glucose clearance rates were calculated by regression analysis. Insulin decay was estimated from insulin levels through 30 min postinfusion. Abdominal adiposity was estimated from waist-to-hip ratios. Body weight and basal plasma glucose, insulin and C-peptide concentrations did not differ between groups. Fat mass, abdominal adiposity, fasting serum triglycerides and total cholesterol, although normal, were higher (P < 0.05) in the older group. The elderly group experienced lower glucose clearance rates (1.9 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.9 +/- 0.1%/min, P < 0.002) and higher plasma insulin after hyperglycemia (P < 0.03). Glucose and insulin decay correlated with glucose infusion rates (r = 0.88, P < 0.0002 and r = 0.51, P < 0.05). Delayed glucose clearance was associated with greater abdominal adiposity (r = -0.56, P < 0.03), higher serum triglycerides (r = -0.73, P < 0.003) and elevated serum cholesterol (r = -0.56, P < 0.04). In conclusion, modest increases in abdominal adiposity and circulating lipids are associated with abnormal glucose clearance in clinically healthy older men; this may be a precursor to the development of insulin resistance and related complications that arise from prolonged postprandial hyperglycemia.
Death in Asthma: A Psychosomatic Autopsy

In most, if not all, chronic illnesses, the patient is a participant in medical management. Attitudes and behaviors during treatment can influence medical outcome in important ways that are becoming increasingly understood. This case history illustrates how a personal style may have contributed to the worst possible outcome, death, in an illness that is usually not fatal. There is a need to unravel the complex interplay between the psychological and medical factors contributing to such extremes in medical treatment failure in order to permit timely and appropriate intervention.
Factors Affecting Serum Concentrations of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA in HCV Genotype 1-Infected Patients with Chronic Hepatitis

The serum concentration of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA is usually stable (4 to 8 log10 IU/ml) in untreated patients with chronic hepatitis C. While this baseline HCV RNA concentration ([HCV RNA]BL) is predictive of a sustained virologic response to treatment, its determinants are only partially identified. We therefore analyzed the baseline characteristics of 2,472 HCV genotype 1-infected patients to identify correlations with gender, age, race, weight, body mass index (BMI), HCV acquisition mode, HCV subtype, alanine aminotransferase concentration, or histopathologic changes in the liver. After separation of the data according to four [HCV RNA]BL groups (≤5.0, >5.0 to 5.6, >5.6 to 5.9, and >5.9 log10 IU/ml), we determined that increasing [HCV RNA]BL correlated (P 40 years of age, or heavier (a weight of >85 kg or a BMI of >27 kg/m2). Histologic activity index (HAI) data were available for 1,304 of these patients: increasing [HCV RNA]BL correlated with higher fibrosis and necrosis-inflammation scores. As a continuous variable, [HCV RNA]BL correlated with age, gender, weight (continuous or ≤85 versus >85 kg), BMI (continuous or ≤27 versus >27 kg/m2), subtype, fibrosis score, and necrosis-inflammation score; however, multiple-regression analysis yielded P values of 27 kg/m2), and fibrosis score. While our findings are suggestive of a role for these factors in maintenance of the pretreatment state of HCV infection, the multiple-regression model accounted for only ≤4.6% of the [HCV RNA]BL differences between individuals (R2 = 0.046 for 1,304 patients with HAI scores; 0.043 for all 2,472 patients).
A Versatile Monomer for Preparing Well-Defined Functional Polycarbonates and Poly(ester−carbonates)

Despite the increasing demands for functional degradable biomaterials, strategies for generating materials with modular compositions and well-defined functionalities from common building blocks are still lacking. Here we report an azido-functionalized cyclic carbonate monomer, AzDXO, that exhibited controlled/“living” ring-opening polymerization kinetics under the catalysis of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene. Homopolymerization of AzDXO and copolymerization of AzDXO with lactide resulted in polycarbonate and poly(ester−carbonates) with well-defined composition and narrow polydispersity. Further side-chain functionalizations of these polymers were accomplished under facile conditions via copper-catalyzed or copper-free strain-promoted azido−alkyne cyclcoaddition. This versatile monomer building block, obtainable in two steps without tedious purifications, provides a practical solution to the preparation of well-defined functional polycarbonates and poly(ester−carbonates).
General negations in fuzzy set theory

Abstract All possible negation operations which are optimal in some precise sense are fully described. They turn out to be Lowen's fuzzy complements, Yager's intuitionistic negation, and a dual to the latter.
Muscle cell migrations of C. elegans are mediated by the α-integrin INA-1, Eph receptor VAB-1, and a novel peptidase homologue MNP-1

Cell migration is a fundamental process occurring during embryonic development and tissue morphogenesis. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, morphogenesis of the body-wall musculature involves short-range migrations of 81 embryonic muscle cells from the lateral surface of the embryo towards the dorsal and ventral midlines. This study shows that mutations in ina-1 (α-integrin), as well as vab-1 (Eph receptor), and vab-2 (ephrin), display defects in embryonic muscle cell migration. Furthermore, an RNAi-based enhancer screen in an ina-1 weak loss-of-function background identified mnp-1 (matrix non-peptidase homologue-1) as a previously uncharacterized gene required for promoting proper migration of the embryonic muscle cells. mnp-1 encodes a membrane associated metalloproteinase homologue that is predicted to be catalytically inactive. Our data suggest that MNP-1 is expressed in migrating muscle cells and localizes to the plasma membrane with the non-peptidase domain exposed to the extra-cellular environment. Double-mutant analysis between mnp-1(RNAi), ina-1, and vab-1 mutations; as well as tissue specific rescue experiments; indicated that each of these gene products function predominantly independent of each other and from different cell types to affect muscle cell migration. Together these results suggest complex interactions between the adjacent epidermal, neuronal, and muscle cells are required to promote proper muscle cell migration during embryogenesis.
Organic-inorganic hybrid materials: Ligand influences on the structural chemistry of copper-vanadates

Abstract Hydrothermal reactions were used in the preparation of a series of bimetallic organic–inorganic hybrid materials of the M(II)/VxOy/organonitrogen ligand class. Compound 1, [{Cu2(bpa)2(C2O4)}2V4O12]·H2O, is molecular, while [{Cu(terpy)}2V6O17] (2), [Cu2(bpyrm)V4O12] (4) and [{Cu(phen)(H2O)2}VOF4(H2O)]·2H2O (5) are two-dimensional, three-dimensional and one-dimensional, respectively (bpa = 2,2′-bipyridylamine; terpy = 2,2′:6,2″-terpyridine; bpyrm = 2,2′-bipyrimidine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). In contrast to the 2-D structure of 2, the Ni(II) analogue [{Ni(terpy)}2V4O12]·2H2O (3) is one-dimensional. The {V4O12}4− cluster is a building block of structures 1, 3, and 4 while 2 is constructed from {V6O17}4− rings.
Space Bounded Computations: Review And New Separation Results

In this paper we review the key results about space bounded complexity classes, discuss the central open problems and outline the relevant proof techniques. We show that, for a slightly modified Turing machine model, the low level deterministic and nondeterministic space bounded complexity classes are different. Furthermore, for this computation model, we show that Savitch and Immerman-Szelepcsenyi theorems do not hold in the range lg lg n to lg n. We also discuss some other computation models to bring out and clarify the importance of space constructibility and establish some results about these models. We conclude by enumerating a few open problems which arise out of the discussion.
Sensitivity of phospholipase C (Bacillus cereus) activity to phosphatidylcholine structural modifications.

Abstract The structural features of a phosphatidylcholine molecule important for binding to phospholipase C ( Bacillus cereus ) have been examined using kinetic analyses of a series of short-chain phosphatidylcholines and analogues. Lipids examined had (i) varying-chain lengths, (ii) methyl branched chains, (iii) phenyl alkanoate chains, and (iv) a single fatty acyl chain (lysophosphatidylcholines). A comparison of V max and K m for monomolecularly dispersed dibutyroyl-, dihexanoyl- and diheptanoylphosphatidylcholine indicates that the length of the fatty acyl chains must be at least six carbons for efficient binding of the phosphatidylcholine to the enzyme. Enzymatic rates of hydrolysis for pure short-chain phosphatidylcholine micelles of different chain lengths or detergent mixed micelles with comparable concentrations of short- and long-chain phosphatidyl cholines show no dependence on substrate chain length greater than six carbons. Methyl branching of short-chain phosphatidylcholines only inhibits phospholipase C activity when the methyl group is adjacent to the carbonyl (e.g., di(2-methyl)hexanoylphosphatidylcholine). In a similar fashion, phosphatidylcholines with phenylalkanoate chains become poor substrates when the phenyl group is near the acyl linkage. As the phenyl group is moved from C-4 to C-2 a large increase in the micellar apparent K m is observed. Chain specificity ( sn -1 and/or sn -2 ester linkages) for binding is not absolute, since phospholipase C will hydrolyze micellar short-chain lysophosphatidylcholines at rates one tenth of phosphatidylcholines. In contrast, substitution of ester linkages with ether moieties yields phosphatidylcholine analogues which are even poorer substrates and not good inhibitors of phospholipase C. These results suggest that the carbonyl group and its immediate environment are important for phospholipid interacting with this water-soluble lipolytic enzyme.
The impact of child, family and child protective services factors on reports of child sexual abuse recurrence

This study identified selected child factors (e.g., age, gender, race/ethnicity, disabilities, prior victimization, and relationship to perpetrator of abuse), family risk factors (e.g., substance abuse, domestic violence, inadequate housing, and financial problems), and services provided by child protective services that likely increased reports of child sexual abuse recurrence by type of reporter. Survival analysis was conducted using the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System data set of 2002–2004. Child disability, being a prior victim, having a perpetrator as a caregiver, family financial problems, and receiving family supportive services increased the likelihood for reports of child sexual abuse by mandated reporters. Being Hispanic, having a disability, having a perpetrator as a caregiver, financial problems, and receiving family preservation services statistically decreased the likelihood for reports of child sexual abuse recurrence.
A product form of the Möbius transform

Abstract It is shown that the recently described Mobius transform, that has applications to inverse problems in physics, can be transformed to a form involving infinite products. Applications to deriving new infinite products are described, and possible applications in physics are discussed.
The effects of photoperiod and temperature on the induction of diapause in Aedes triseriatus (Say)

The Aedes triseriatus eggs used in these experiments were from two colonies maintained in laboratory culture under identical conditions for numerous generations. One colony was established with larvae collected in Hocking County, Ohio, and the other colony was established with larvae collected in Montgomery, Alabama. The Ohio strain diapaused only as eggs whereas the Alabama strain diapaused either as eggs or as fourth instar larvae. Experiments were designed to investigate the influence of several factors on the induction of diapause in eggs. Specifically these were: the effects of several day lengths on eggs, the effects of temperature on eggs, the effect of day length on the parents of the eggs, and combinations of these factors. The direct photoperiodic treatment of the eggs produced the most marked effect; the photoperiodic treatment of adults showed no effect on induction of diapause in their eggs. Eggs maintained at 18°C had higher induction scores than eggs maintained at 27°C. The photoperiod threshold for Ohio strain eggs was between 13 and 14 hr and that for the Alabama strain was between 12 and 13 hr, thus reflecting geographical differences in latitude between the two strains. The interaction of temperature and photoperiod was studied for Ohio strain eggs by using a wide range of temperature treatments while keeping the photoperiod treatments near the critical length. Both temperature and photoperiod caused differences in diapause induction and there was a significant interaction between these factors.