cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Double Method Sperm Wash for Artificial Insemination

Recently, there have been concerns regarding the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during sperm processing for insemination. However, the sperm wash methods that yielded low ROS levels also had low sperm recovery after processing. The objective of this study was to compare sperm recovery after swim-up from pellet, overlay, and 2-layer Percoll wash methods with the recovery after the double method wash. The latter method consisted of a combination of 2 sperm wash methods, namely, the overlay and the Percoll method. Motile sperm were first collected through the overlay method. The leftover semen was then processed through the 2-layer Percoll method to scavenge motile sperm and the resultant pellet combined with the pellet from the overlay method. In this manner, the level of ROS was kept to a minimal, sperm recovery was improved, and a mixture of sperm with different surface properties was produced as a result of using different processing methods. The results indicated an improvement in sp...
Body temperature of huddling newborn Zucker rats

Daily mean core temperature (\(\bar T_c \)) in huddling Zucker rat pups reared at 25°C revealed the onset of a significantly lower\(\bar T_c \) in fa/fa pups on day 6. The difference between any pup's\(\bar T_c \) and the mean\(\bar T_c \) of that half of the litter with the highest\(\bar T_c \) on any given day was an early marker for genotype. Calculating the mean difference for any 2 consecutive days from day 6 onwards gave values for each fa/fa pup that were outside the 99% confidence limits for the individual observations in the Fa/-pups.
Targeted mutagenesis of mitochondrial carbonic anhydrases VA and VB implicates both enzymes in ammonia detoxification and glucose metabolism

Prior studies with carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitors implicated mitochondrial CA in ureagenesis and gluconeogenesis. Subsequent studies identified two mitochondrial CAs. To distinguish the contribution of each enzyme, we studied the effects of targeted disruption of the murine CA genes, called Car5A and Car5B. The Car5A mutation had several deleterious consequences. Car5A null mice were smaller than wild-type littermates and bred poorly. However, on sodium–potassium citrate-supplemented water, they produced offspring in expected numbers. Their blood ammonia concentrations were markedly elevated, but their fasting blood sugars were normal. By contrast, Car5B null mice showed normal growth and normal blood ammonia levels. They too had normal fasting blood sugars. Car5A/B double-knockout (DKO) mice showed additional abnormalities. Impaired growth was more severe than for Car5A null mice. Hyperammonemia was even greater as well. Although fertile, DKO animals were produced in less-than-predicted numbers even when supplemented with sodium-potassium citrate in their drinking water. Survival after weaning was also reduced, especially for males. In addition, fasting blood glucose levels for DKO mice were significantly lower than for controls (153 ± 33 vs. 230 ± 24 mg/dL). The enhanced hyperammonemia and lower fasting blood sugar, which are both seen in the DKO mice, indicate that both Car5A and Car5B contribute to both ammonia detoxification (ureagenesis) and regulation of fasting blood sugar (gluconeogenesis). Car5A, which is expressed mainly in liver, clearly has the predominant role in ammonia detoxification. The contribution of Car5B to ureagenesis and gluconeogenesis was evident only on a Car5A null background.
Comparative efficacy of glimepiride and/or metformin with insulin in type 2 diabetes.

Abstract Background and aims The data regarding comparison of efficacy of metformin with glimepiride, newest Sulfonylurea, or with the use of both drugs in combination with insulin is rare in the literature. Therefore, we assessed the daily insulin dose, hypoglycemic events and body weight on achieving desirable glycemic control after addition of insulin, to glimepiride 8 mg and/or metformin 2500 mg, in subjects with type 2 DM manifesting lapse of glycemic control. Methods S.C. insulin Novolog Mix [70/30], pre-supper was initiated in 12 subjects on metformin, 14 subjects on glimepiride, and 12 subjects receiving both drugs, with HbA1C > 7.5% and eight subjects receiving placebo. Insulin dose was increased by 4 U at weekly interval until fasting blood sugar [FBS] between 6.6 and 8 mM/l was attained and then further titrated by 2 U every week to attain and maintain FBS between 4.5 and 6.7 mM/l over the next 4 months. The comparisons were conducted between these groups for HbA1C, the daily insulin dose, body weight noted at the end of this study period as well as the hypoglycemic episodes per patient during the last 4 weeks of the study period. Results HbA1C levels were Conclusion Glimepiride and metformin are effective individually in achieving a glycemic goal with a less daily insulin dose, weight gain, and hypoglycemic episodes in comparison to insulin monotherapy in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus with further marked reduction in these parameters when used concurrently.
Amino aciduria, congenital defects, and mental retardation; a preliminary report.

Summary A series of six cases with varying degrees of congenital anomalies, mental retardation, and abnormal output of amino acid nitrogen in the urine have been described. Further investigation of these children and their families is contemplated. Studies of metabolism and kidney function as well as detailed investigation of the amino acids in the blood and urine will be made. The families with be studied for hereditary traits.
Classifications Manipulation and Nash Accounting Standards

This paper studies a model of “classifications manipulation” in which accounting reports consist of one of two binary classifications, preparers of accounting reports prefer one classification over the other, an accounting standard designates the official requirements that have to be met to receive the preferred classification, and preparers may engage in “classifications manipulation” in order to receive their preferred accounting classification. The possibility of classifications manipulation creates a distinction between the official classification described in the statement of the accounting standard and the de facto classification, determined by the “shadow standard” actually adopted by preparers. The paper studies the selection and evolution of accounting standards in this context. Among other things, the paper evaluates “efficient” accounting standards, it determines when there will be “standards creep,” it introduces and analyzes the notion of a Nash accounting standard, and it compares the standards set by sophisticated standard–setters to those set with less knowledge of firms’ financial reporting environments.
Minimum Protein Requirements for Transcription and RNA Replication of a Minigenome of Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 and Evaluation of the Rule of Six

A reconstituted transcription and RNA replication system for human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3) was developed using components expressed intracellularly from transfected plasmids driven by T7 RNA polymerase supplied by a vaccinia virus recombinant. The system is based on a negative-sense analog of HPIV3 genomic RNA in which the viral genes were deleted and replaced with that encoding bacterial chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT). The N, P, and L proteins expressed from cotransfected plasmids were necessary and sufficient to direct efficient transcription and RNA replication. Transcription yielded subgenomic polyadenylated mRNA, which was isolated by oligo(dT) chromatography. RNA replication yielded a mini-antigenome and progeny minigenome, which were shown to be encapsidated based on resistance to digestion with micrococcal nuclease. A panel of cDNAs was constructed to encode minigenomes which differed in length by single-nucleotide increments. Transcription and RNA replication in the reconstituted system were most efficient for the minigenome whose length was an even multiple of six. Both RNA replication and transcription appeared to be governed by the rule. However, minigenomes whose lengths were one nucleotide greater than or less than an even multiple of six also were very active, especially in RNA replication, indicating that the rule was not absolute.
Effect of crevice mass transfer in a rapid compression machine

Abstract Rapid Compression Machines (RCMs) often employ creviced pistons to suppress the formation of the roll-up vortex. However, the use of a creviced piston promotes mass transfer into the crevice when heat release takes place in the main combustion chamber. This multi-dimensional effect is not accounted for in the prevalent volumetric expansion approach for modeling RCMs. The method of crevice containment avoids post-compression mass transfer into the crevice. In order to assess the effect of the crevice mass transfer on ignition in a RCM, experiments are conducted for autoignition of isooctane in a RCM with creviced piston in the temperature range of 680–940 K and at compressed pressures of ∼15.5 and 20.5 bar in two ways. In one situation, post-compression mass transfer to the crevice is avoided by crevice containment and in other it is allowed. Experiments show that the crevice mass transfer can lead to significantly longer ignition delays. Experimental data from both scenarios is modeled using adiabatic volumetric expansion approach and an available kinetic mechanism. The simulated results show less pronounced effect of crevice mass transfer on ignition delay and highlight the deficiency of the volumetric expansion method owing to its inability to describe coupled physico-chemical processes in the presence of heat release. Results indicate that it is important to include crevice mass transfer in the physical model for improved modeling of experimental data from RCMs without crevice containment for consistent interpretation of chemical kinetics. The use of crevice containment, however, avoids the issue of mass transfer altogether and offers an alternative and sound approach.
A photographic study of pool boiling in the region of the critical heat flux

A photographic study was made to investigate the boiling phenomena in the neighborhood of the critical heat flux. The system consisted of an electrically heated zirconium ribbon, insulated on its underface, suspended in a pool of water at its saturation temperature. Measurements of bubble diameters, bubble positions relative to the heating surface, local bubble frequencies, and contact angles at known times intervals were obtained from the film. Results indicate that at high heat fluxes the primary forces acting on a bubble leaving the surface are the buoyancy and drag forces. A dimensionless relationship is developed relating bubble velocity, bubble diameter, and contact angle at breakoff. Drag coefficients for freely rising vapor bubbles a saturated liquid are found to be representable by the usual drag coefficient-Reynolds number curves for solid bodies. Jakob's plot of bubble frequency vs. bubble diameter at breakoff is extended to high heat-flux values, and a relationship proposed by Deissler at the critical heat flux is found to yield reasonable agreement with the experimental data.
Comprehensive School Health Education Programs: Innovative Practices and Issues in Standard Setting.

“In the great work of education…our physical condition, if not the first step in point of importance, is the first in order of time. On the broad and firm foundation of health alone, can the loftiest and most enduring structures of the intellect be reared.”
Self energy of massive lattice fermions

We address the perturbative renormalization of massive lattice fermions. We derive expressions---valid to all orders in perturbation theory and for all values of the bare fermion mass---for the rest mass, the kinetic mass, and the wave-function renormalization factor. We obtain the fermion's self energy at the one-loop level with a mass-dependent, $O(a)$ improved action. Numerical results for two interesting special cases, the Wilson and Sheikholeslami-Wohlert actions, are given. The mass dependence of these results smoothly connects the massless and infinite-mass limits, as expected. Combined with Monte Carlo calculations our results can be employed to determine the quark masses in common renormalization schemes.
Deterioration of concrete in cold sea waters

Abstract The disruptive conditions of concrete exposed to cold sea water in the tidal zone are examined. They are the result of the combination of physical and chemical processes, one enhancing the other. Wetting and drying, freezing and thawing as thermal shocks generate microcracks and allow further saturation and deeper penetration of aggressive ions. These ions, in return, will react with the cement paste and disrupt further the concrete surface. Mineral additives, by densifying the matrix and improving the interface paste-aggregate, reduce the disruption of the concrete. Silica fume appears to be more efficient than blast furnace slag.
Magnetic hysteresis in natural materials

Magnetic hysteresis loops and the derived hysteresis ratios R sub H and R sub I are used to classify the various natural dilute magnetic materials. R sub I is the ratio of saturation isothermal remanence (I sub R) to saturation (I sub S) magnetization, and R sub H is the ratio of remanent coercive force (H sub R) to coercive force (H sub C). The R sub H and R sub I values depend on grain size, the characteristics of separate size modes in mixtures of grains of high and low coercivity, and the packing characteristics. Both R sub H and R sub I are affected by thermochemical alterations of the ferromagnetic fraction. Hysteresis loop constriction is observed in lunar samples, chondrite meteorites, and thermochemically altered basaltic rocks, and is due to mixtures of components of high and low coercivity. Discrete ranges of R sub H and R sub I for terrestrial and lunar samples and for chondrite meteorites provide for a classification of these natural materials based on their hysteresis properties.
Technical refinements and drawbacks of a surface cooling technique for the treatment of severe acute ischemic stroke.

Purpose: To describe a technique for the induction of hypothermia and its complications for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Adults with acute ( 14) ischemic stroke of the anterior circulation were enrolled. Patients were intubated, sedated, and paralyzed. Surface cooling to 32°±1°C was performed with a cooling blanket and an alcohol/ice bath. Hypothermia was maintained for 12–72 hours. Physiological parameters were measured continuously. A computed tomography scan of the brain was obtained at 24 hours. Rewarming was initiated 12 hours after middle cerebral artery recanalization at a rate of 0.25°C/hour. All complications and adverse outcomes were documented from initiation of hypothermia until hospital discharge. Results: Eighteen patients with a mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale =21.4±5.6 were treated. The goal temperature was reached within 3.2±1.5 hours. Cooling time was proportional to body weight (p=0.009) and decreased with immediate paralysis to prevent shivering (p=0.033). Maintenance and rewarming were characterized by fluctuations in core temperature. All patients developed a decrease in blood pressure, heart rate, and potassium values that were proportional to temperature (p<0.05). Complications were generally mild, but pneumonia and myocardial infarction or both occurred in five patients. There were trends for increased risk of complications with longer duration of hypothermia (p=0.08) and increasing age (p=0.0504). Rewarming was well-tolerated with rebound cerebral edema occurring in only one patient. Conclusion: Surface cooling for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke can be performed rapidly with early neuromuscular paralysis. Advanced age and prolonged hypothermia may be associated with an increased risk of complications.
The effects of human disturbance on Magellanic Penguin Spheniscus magellanicus behaviour and breeding success

Magellanic Penguins Spheniscus magellanicus along the Patagonian coast, Argentina, are increasingly exposed to human activities, especially to a growing tourist industry. We quantified the effects of human visitation and disturbance on the behaviour and breeding of Magellanic Penguins. Nesting penguins differed in their response to human approach, allowing a significantly closer approach before responding with threat and defensive displays in the tourist area than in areas rarely visited by people. When approached during incubation, no penguins abandoned their nest. Breeding success and fledgling weights were similar in the tourist area and non-tourist areas. Magellanic Penguins appear to be tolerant of human visitation, and penguins breeding in the tourist area become accustomed to people walking among their nests. We suggest visitation may be compatible with penguin reproduction if visits are controlled.El Pinguino de Magallanes Spheniscus magellanicus de las costas patagonicas de la Argentina, esta expuesto a las crecientes actividades humanas, especialmente el aumento de la demanda turistica. Se han cuantificado los efectos de las visitas y molestias del hombre en el comportamiento y reproduccion de la especie. Los pinguinos mostraron diferencias en su respuesta frent a la proximidad humana, permitiendo un acercamiento signifi-cativamente mayor antes de responder con actitudes defensivas en areas frecuentadas por los turistas en comparicion con aquellas rara vez visitadas. La proximidad humana durante la epoca de incubacion no supuso en ninguna ocasion el abandono de nidos. El exito reproductive y los pesos de los jovenes al abandonar el nido resultaron similares en a l zona turistica y en la menos frecuentada. El Pinguino de Magallanes parece tolerar la presencia del hombre, y aquellos que nidifican en el area turistica se habituan a los visitantes que caminan entre sus nidos. Sugerimos que las visitas pueden ser compatibles con la reproduccion de la especie siempre y cuando las mismas esten controladas.
Evidence of electron and hole inversion in GaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors with HfO2 gate dielectrics and α-Si∕SiO2 interlayers

Evidence of inversion in GaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors with HfO2 gate dielectrics and α-Si∕SiO2 interlayers is reported. Capacitors formed on n-GaAs with atomic layer-deposited HfO2 displayed C-V characteristics with minimum Dit of 7×1011cm−2∕eV, while capacitors with molecular beam epitaxy-deposited HfO2 on p-GaAs had Dit=3×1012cm−2∕eV. Lateral charge transport was confirmed using illuminated C-V measurements on capacitors fabricated with thick Al electrodes. Under these conditions, capacitors on n-GaAs (p-GaAs) showed “low-frequency” C-V behavior, indicated by a sharp capacitance increase and saturation at negative (positive) gate bias, confirming the presence of mobile charge at the semiconductor/dielectric interface.
Atmospheric Density Reconstruction Using Satellite Orbit Tomography

Improved thermospheric neutral density models are required for the reduction of orbit prediction errors for satellites experiencing atmospheric drag. This research describes a new method for estimating density using a tomography-based approach, inspired by X-ray computed tomography from the medical imaging field. The change in specific mechanical energy of the orbit, which is related to the integrated drag acceleration over the orbit, is used as the measurement. Using several such measurements from a number of satellites, one can estimate a spatially resolved multiplicative correction to a reference density model. The problem considered here uses simulated measurements from 50 low-Earth-orbit satellites and solves for the correction factor discretized over 324 grid elements, spanning 300 to 500 km altitude. This ill-posed problem is solved using Tikhonov regularization, with the three-dimensional gradient as the regularization operator, resulting in a penalty on the spatial smoothness of the estimated den...
Does a Partnership Need Partners? Assessing Partnerships for Critical Infrastructure Protection

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has used a partnership planning model of implementation to address the protection of critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR). The partnership reli...
A heterogeneous coarse mesh radiation transport method for neutronic analysis of prismatic reactors

Abstract A new whole-core transport method is described for 3-D hexagonal geometry. This is an extension of a stochastic–deterministic hybrid method which has previously been shown highly accurate and efficient for eigenvalue problems. Via Monte Carlo, it determines the solution to the transport equation in sub-regions of reactor cores, such as individual fuel elements or sections thereof, and uses those solutions to compose a library of response expansion coefficients. The information acquired allows the deterministic solution procedure to arrive at the whole core solution for the eigenvalue and the explicit fuel pin fission density distribution more quickly than other transport methods. Because it solves the transport equation stochastically, complicated geometry may be modeled exactly and therefore heterogeneity even at the most detailed level does not challenge the method. In this paper, the method is evaluated using comparisons with full core Monte Carlo reference solutions of benchmark problems based on gas-cooled, graphite-moderated reactor core designs. Solutions are given for core eigenvalue problems and the calculation of fuel pin fission densities throughout the core. Using a single processor, results are found in minutes for small cores, and in no more than a few hours for a realistically large core; attempts to optimize the computational speed by parallel computing or advanced acceleration schemes are left for future work. Typical eigenvalues calculated by the method differ from reference solutions by less than 0.1%, and pin fission density calculations have average accuracy of well within 1%, even for unrealistically challenging core configuration problems. This new method enables the accurate determination of core eigenvalues and flux shapes in hexagonal cores with efficiency far exceeding that of other transport methods.
Rationale and methodological options for assessing infectious disease and related measures in social science surveys

Infectious disease is an important, but often overlooked, component of population health in high-income nations. Common, everyday infections exact significant costs, including school and work absenteeism, reduced productivity, and substantial health care expenditures. Infectious disease also shapes trajectories of biological risk and health and may be causally linked to chronic disease risk later in life. The size, diversity, and representativeness of samples typically employed in survey-based studies of health present exceptional opportunities for advancing scientific knowledge on the social and economic determinants of infectious disease in childhood and adulthood and to investigate the long-term consequences of infectious disease for well-being and attainment across multiple domains. A wide range of interview-based, anthropometric, and biomarker measurement options are currently available for assessing infectious exposures, inflammation, and immune function in nonclinical settings. These methods afford opportunities for innovative, transdisciplinary research on the causes and consequences of infectious disease across the life course that can address questions of interest to social, life, and biomedical scientists.
Pathobiology of virus glycosylation: implications to disease and prospects for treatment

Changes to the overall glycosylation profile of viral glycoproteins have been shown to be advantageous to virus survival and virulence. Many human viral pathogens rely on specific oligosaccharides to evade detection by the host immune system. Viruses such as HIV, Hendra, SARS-CoV, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, hepatitis and West Nile virus rely on N-linked and O-Linked glycosylation for critical functions such as entry into host cells, proteolytic processing and protein trafficking. Recent findings demonstrate the importance of glycosylation to viral virulence, infectivity and immune evasion in several virus families impacting on human health. This review considers the role of glycosylation in viral infection and will detail several potential therapies for these important human pathogens and emerging infections.
Correlation between risk factors for vascular disease and the American Urological Association Symptom Score

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the correlation between risk factors for vascular disease and the American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUA-SS), by comparing the presence of these risk factors with the degree of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical history, AUA-SS, and prostate volume of men who had a radical prostatectomy. The degree of LUTS in men with and without risk factors for cardiovascular disease was compared. RESULTS The mean AUA-SS was 7.2 for the entire cohort, 5.6 in men with no risk factors, and 7.9 in men with at least one risk factor (P < 0.05). In men with one to four risk factors, the mean AUA-SS was 6.9, 7.9, 10.7, and 19.5, respectively. There was no correlation between the AUA-SS and prostate size in the entire cohort or among any groups. CONCLUSIONS Men with risk factors for vascular disease are more likely to have a higher AUA-SS than men without these risk factors. These findings suggest the possibility of an association between vascular disease and the development and severity of LUTS in men.
Semiparametric estimation for joint modeling of colorectal cancer risk and functional biomarkers measured with errors

This research is motivated by a pilot colorectal adenoma study, where the outcome of interest is the presence of colorectal adenoma representing risk for colorectal cancer, and the predictors of interest are protein biomarkers that are repeatedly measured with errors along the length of a microscopic structure in the human colon, the colon crypt. Biomarkers of this type are referred to as functional biomarkers. The investigators are interested in identifying features of functional biomarkers that are associated with risk for colorectal cancer. In this paper, we investigate a joint modeling approach, where the binary clinical outcome is modeled using a logistic regression model with the unobserved true functional biomarkers as the predictors. Most existing methods are developed either for linear models or for functional biomarkers measured without errors and cannot be directly applied to our data. The applicable methods include a two-step method and a maximum likelihood method, which have some limitations. We propose a robust semiparametric method to overcome the limitations of the existing methods. We study the properties of the proposed method, and show in simulations that it compares favorably with other methods and also offers significant savings in CPU time. We analyze the pilot colorectal adenoma data and show that expression levels of AFC, a tumor suppressor gene, in the transitional area from the proliferation zone to the differentiation zone of colon crypts are likely to be associated with risk for colorectal cancer. Given the relatively small sample size in the pilot study, our results need to be validated in the future full-scale studies.
Identifying individual vulnerability based on public data

Companies and government agencies frequently own data sets containing personal information about clients, survey responders, or users of a product. Sometimes these organizations are required or wish to release anonymized versions of this information to the public. Prior to releasing these data, they use established privacy preservation methods such as binning, data perturbation, and data suppression to maintain the anonymity of clients, customers, or survey participants. However, existing work has shown that common privacy preserving measures fail when anonymized data are combined with data from online social networks, social media sites, and data aggregation sites. This paper introduces a methodology for determining the vulnerability of individuals in a pre-released data set to reidentification using public data. As part of this methodology, we propose novel metrics to quantify the amount of information that can be gained from combining pre-released data with publicly available online data. We then investigate how to utilize our metrics to identify individuals in the data set who may be particularly vulnerable to this form of data combination. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our methodology on a real world data set using public data from both social networking and data aggregation sites.
Adaptations of the cetacean hyolingual apparatus for aquatic feeding and thermoregulation

Foraging methods vary considerably among semiaquatic and fully aquatic mammals. Semiaquatic animals often find food in water yet consume it on land, but as truly obligate aquatic mammals, cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) must acquire and ingest food underwater. It is hypothesized that differences in foraging methods are reflected in cetacean hyolingual apparatus anatomy. This study compares the musculoskeletal anatomy of the hyolingual apparatus in 91 cetacean specimens, including 8 mysticetes (baleen whales) in two species and 91 odontocetes (toothed whales) in 11 species. Results reveal specific adaptations for aquatic life. Intrinsic fibers are sparser and extrinsic musculature comprises a significantly greater proportion of the cetacean tongue relative to terrestrial mammals and other aquatic mammals such as pinnipeds and sirenians. Relative sizes and connections of cetacean tongue muscles to the hyoid apparatus relate to differences in feeding methods used by cetaceans, specifically filtering, suction, and raptorial prehension. In odontocetes and eschrichtiids (gray whales), increased tongue musculature and enlarged hyoids allow grasping and/or lingual depression to generate intraoral suction for prey ingestion. In balaenopterids (rorqual whales), loose and flaccid tongues enable great distention of the oral cavity for prey engulfing. In balaenids (right and bowhead whales), large but stiffer tongues direct intraoral water flow for continuous filtration feeding. Balaenid and eschrichtiid (and possibly balaenopterid) mysticete tongues possess vascular retial adaptations for thermoregulation and large amounts of submucosal adipose tissue for nutritional storage. All cetacean tongues also function in prey transport and swallowing. These hyolingual musculoskeletal differences are unique cetacean anatomical adaptations for foraging entirely in an aquatic environment.
Polybivalency and disordered proteins in ordering macromolecular assemblies

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are prevalent in macromolecular assemblies and are thought to mediate protein recognition in complex regulatory processes and signaling pathways. The formation of a polybivalent scaffold is a key process by which IDPs drive early steps in macromolecular assemblies. Three intrinsically disordered proteins, IC, Swallow and Nup159, are core components, respectively, of cytoplasmic dynein, bicoid mRNA localization apparatus, and nuclear pore complexes. In all three systems, the hub protein LC8 recognizes on the IDP, short linear motifs that are fully disordered in the apo form, but adopt a β-strand when bound to LC8. The IDP/LC8 complex forms a bivalent scaffold primed to bind additional bivalent ligands. Scaffold formation also promotes self-association and/or higher order organization of the IDP components at a site distant from LC8 binding. Rigorous thermodynamic analyses imply that association of additional bivalent ligands is driven by entropic effects where the first binding event is weak but subsequent binding of additional ligands occurs with higher affinity. Here, we review specific examples of macromolecular assemblies in which polybivalency of aligned IDP duplexes not only enhances binding affinity and results in formation of a stable complex but also compensates unfavorable steric and enthalpic interactions. We propose that polybivalent scaffold assembly involving IDPs and LC8-like proteins is a general process in the cell biology of a class of multi-protein structures that are stable yet fine-tuned for diverse cellular requirements.
Microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition of diamond films with low residual stress on large area porous silicon substrates

Abstract Diamond films were deposited on 3-inch diameter p-type 〈100〉 oriented porous silicon substrates using a microwave plasma disc reactor. Thin porous silicon layers were obtained on silicon wafers by anodization in an H 2 O/HF/C 2 H 5 OH solution. Process parameters were varied to obtain the best quality uniform porous silicon films. Diamond films were deposited on these substrates with and without dry seeding techniques utilizing 4-nm diamond particles. Power and pressure were varied in the range of 2800–3300 W and 50–60 Torr, respectively, while the methane concentration was kept constant at 1% by volume in hydrogen. Diamond was successfully deposited on anodized silicon substrates without dry seeding. However, the films were discontinuous in certain regions even after 20 h of deposition and the deposition rate was low. Dry seeding of the porous silicon surface yielded a high deposition rate and uniform films. Porous silicon was found to reduce the intrinsic stress in the deposited diamond film considerably. Furthermore, film adhesion was also improved with porous silicon.
Ventilation and respiratory evaporation in the flying crow, Corvus ossifragus.

Abstract Tidal volume ( v t ). respiration frequency (f) and respiratory evaporation (re) were measured in the passeriform fish crow, Corvus ossifragus (mass 0.28 kg), during steady state, horizontal, wind-tunnel flight, at air speeds of 7.4–11.0 m · sec−1 and air temperatures ( T a ) of 12–28 C. Ventilation ( i ) of the respiratory system was calculated as f · v t . All parameters were independent of speed. Respiration frequency was independent of T a . V t and i were independent of T a below 23 °C, but above 23 °C increased linearly, as did re. Oxygen extraction (E). the fraction of available oxygen removed from respiratory system air. was calculated using oxygen consumption data (O2) reported previously, and i . E was independent of T a below 23 °C, where mean E, similar to that in crows resting at 20 C, was substantially higher than in resting mammals of the same mass. E decreased at higher ta. reflecting hyperventilation accompanying elevated gte. re accounted for the loss of only 17% of total metabolic heat production (p ), as calculated from O2. with a partial efficiency of 25%. Thus most heat loss must follow cutaneous evaporative, or nonevaporative routes.
Comparison of the solutions of a phase-lagging heat transport equation and damped wave equation with a heat source

In this article, we study the difference between the solutions of the phase-lagging equation (PLE), a new heat conduction equation, and the damped wave equation (DWE) with a heat source. The exact solution of the PLE is obtained using the Laplace transform method, and is approximated using an approximate analytical method when the time lag is small since the exact solution is practically not computable for the small time lag case. Results show that the DWE is a good approximation to the PLE when the time lag is small.
Engineering Assurance at the Undergraduate Level

What would it take for undergraduate computer engineering and computer science programs to routinely produce graduates who can design computer systems that are assured to operate securely? To help answer that question, Syracuse University piloted the undergraduate Cyber Engineering Semester, which aimed to equip undergraduates with three key capabilities. The first was the ability to reason rigorously about security concepts of operations (ConOps). The second was the ability to employ security mechanisms as exemplified by Jerome Saltzer and Michael Schroeder's classic paper, "The Protection of Information in Computer Systems." The third was the ability to formally verify security ConOps and mechanisms using computer-assisted reasoning tools.
International Trade Under Depreciated Paper. The United States, 1862–79

I. The greenback currency period affords a favorable opportunity for a statistical investigation of international trade under depreciated paper. — This investigation to be correlated with recently advanced theory, 221. — II. The international account of the United States from 1862 to 1879, 230. — III. Contrast of changes in the value of gold in the United States with contemporaneous changes in foreign countries, 235. — Dependence of these changes on international loans, 241. — IV. Fluctuations in the merchandise balance and the relation of these to loans and the value of gold, 245. — V. Comparative prices of export, import and domestic commodities and their relation to fluctuations in the value of gold, 249. — Contrast with English prices, 258. — VI. Comparison of wages in industries affected by movements in the value of gold with those unaffected by such movements, 265. — VII. Conclusion, 272.
Dasatinib, a small molecule inhibitor of the Src kinase, reduces the growth and activates apoptosis in pre-neoplastic Barrett's esophagus cell lines: Evidence for a noninvasive treatment of high-grade dysplasia

Background Only local ablation (radiofrequency ablation, cryotherapy) or esophagectomy currently is available to treat high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus. Alternative treatments, specifically chemopreventive strategies, are lacking. Our understanding of the molecular changes of high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus offers an opportunity to inhibit neoplastic progression of high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus. Increased activity of the Src kinase and deregulation of the tumor suppressor p27 are features of malignant cells and high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus. Src phosphorylates p27, inhibiting its regulatory function and increasing cell growth and proliferation. We hypothesized that a small molecule inhibitor of Src might reduce the growth and reverse Src-mediated deregulation of p27 in Barrett's esophagus cells. Methods Immortalized Barrett's esophagus cell lines established from patient biopsies were treated with the Src kinase inhibitor dasatinib and evaluated for p27 localization and protein levels, as well as for effects on the cell cycle and apoptosis using flow cytometry, viability assays, and protein and RNA markers. Results Dasatinib reduced both Src activation and p27 phosphorylation and increased p27 protein levels and nuclear localization. These effects correlated with decreased proliferation, cell-cycle arrest, and activation of apoptosis. Analysis of biopsies of patients with Barrett's esophagus revealed the presence of phosphorylated p27 in high-grade dysplasia, consistent with in vitro findings. Conclusions Dasatinib has considerable antineoplastic effects on Barrett's esophagus cell lines carrying genetic markers associated with dysplasia, which correlates with the reversal of p27 deregulation. These findings suggest that dasatinib has potential as a treatment for patients with high-grade dysplasia and Barrett's esophagus and that p27 holds promise as a biomarker in the clinical use of dasatinib in patients with high-grade dysplasia and Barrett's esophagus.
WITHDRAWN: The association between initial anion gap and outcomes in medical intensive care unit patients.

Purpose Anion gap (AG) metabolic acidosis is common in critically ill patients. The relationship between initial AG at the time of admission to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) and mortality or length of stay (LOS) is unclear. This study was undertaken to evaluate this relationship. Materials and Method We prospectively examined the acid-base status of 100 consecutive patients at the time of MICU admission and recorded their mortality and LOS. The etiology of each AG was also recorded. Anion gap was corrected for albumin levels. The patients were divided into 4 stages based on severity of AG. Outcomes based on severity of AG were measured, and comparisons that adjusted for baseline characteristics were performed. Results This study showed that increased AG was associated with the higher mortality and that an AG more than 30 had the highest mortality. Mortality was significantly (P = .013) increased, even after accounting for AG etiology. Patients with highest AG also had the longest LOS in the MICU, and patients with normal acid-base status had the shortest MICU LOS (P Conclusion A high AG at the time of admission to the MICU was associated with higher mortality and LOS. Initial risk stratification based on AG and metabolic acidosis may help guide appropriate patient disposition (especially in patients without other definitive criteria for MICU admission) and assist with prognosis. Mixed AG metabolic acidosis with concomitant acid-base disorder was associated with increased MICU LOS.
Finite Sampling Properties of the Point Estimates and Confidence Intervals of the RMSEA

A key advantage of the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) is that under certain assumptions, the sample estimate has a known sampling distribution that allows for the computation of co...
Fine structure of the ocellus of the cabbage looper moth (Trichoplusia ni)

The dorsal ocelli of adult cabbage looper moths were studied by light microscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Each ocellus has a cuticular lens located on the distal end of a cuticular cone which encapsulates the receptor cells. There are two distinct types of receptor cells in the ocellus. Seventy large receptor cells form plate-like rhabdoms with several adjacent cells to produce a rhabdom network in the ocellus. Proximally ninety small receptor cells which have a disorganized microvillar rhabdomere are located at the base of the rhabdoms formed by the large cells. Extensive areas of gap junctions which occur between the rhabdoms and the membranes of large and small cells suggest that the cells may be electrically coupled to one another. Axons from both large and small receptor cells leave the base of the ocellus and extend to the protocerebrum to synapse with second order neurons.
Normalizing Infrared Photoacoustic Spectra of Solids

Abstract Infrared spectra of infrared detectors were measured in order to contribute to our understanding of the normalization of photoacoustic spectra of solids1. Such spectra are usually “source-compensated,” i.e., normalized to account for differences in source emission at different wavelengths, and such compensation or normalizing is done by comparing the single-beam spectrum of the sample to the emission spectrum of the source measured with a detector or, more commonly, to the single-beam spectrum of a carbon material of some sort which is taken to be a flat black absorber. We showed, however, that this assumption was not generally valid because different carbons gave different spectra and, because of the variability of carbons, concluded that it would be better to avoid carbons and use direct measurements of the exciting source to compensate spectra.2 That statement was not further amplified partly because we did not know how absolute direct measurements might be made. These conclusions were support...
TSC2 regulates VEGF through mTOR-dependent and -independent pathways

Abstract Inactivation of the TSC2 tumor suppressor protein causes tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a disease characterized by highly vascular tumors. TSC2 has multiple functions including inhibition of mTOR (mammalian target of Rapamycin). We found that TSC2 regulates VEGF through mTOR-dependent and -independent pathways. TSC2 loss results in the accumulation of HIF-1α and increased expression of HIF-responsive genes including VEGF. Wild-type TSC2, but not a disease-associated TSC2 mutant, downregulates HIF. Rapamycin normalizes HIF levels in TSC2 −/− cells, indicating that TSC2 regulates HIF by inhibiting mTOR. In contrast, Rapamycin only partially downregulates VEGF in this setting, implying an mTOR-independent link between TSC2 loss and VEGF. This pathway may involve chromatin remodeling since the HDAC inhibitor Trichostatin A downregulates VEGF in TSC2 −/− cells.
Nanochannel electroporation delivers precise amounts of biomolecules into living cells

A new device made up of a nanochannel and two microchannels can deliver well-defined amounts of molecules directly into cells without affecting cell viability.
Determination of thermal inactivation kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes in chicken meats by isothermal and dynamic methods

Abstract The objective of this research is to determine the thermal inactivation kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes in chicken breast meat under both isothermal and dynamic conditions. A four-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes was inoculated to chicken breast meat. Isothermal studies were performed by submerging samples under hot water maintained at constant temperatures ranging from 54 to 66 °C. The D values at each temperature were determined and used to calculate the z value, using log(D) = log(D0) − T/z. Dynamic studies were conducted by submerging samples in a water bath with its temperature programmed to increase linearly from 30 to 65 °C at 1.25 °C/min or 1.73 °C/min. A method was developed to determine the kinetic parameters from linear heating temperature profiles. The thermal inactivation of L. monocytogenes in chicken breast meat followed the first-order kinetics. The z value determined from the isothermal studies was 4.95 °C, which is very close to the values reported in the literature. The dynamic method can also be used to determine the thermal inactivation kinetics of L. monocytogenes. The average z value (4.10 °C) determined by the dynamic method was slightly lower than that determined by the isothermal method. However, the parameters (D0 and z) determined from both isothermal and dynamic methods can be used to estimate the survival of L. monocytogenes exposed to linear heating temperature profiles, with statistically equal accuracies. The dynamic method explored in this study can be used to determine the D0 and z values of microorganisms that exhibit first-order kinetics and are exposed to linear heating temperature profiles. Compared to the isothermal method, the dynamic method requires few data points and is equally accurate.
Cost-Effectiveness Evaluation of Hoosier Helper Freeway Service Patrol

Hoosier Helper is an Indiana Department of Transportation sponsored roving freeway service patrol, providing free assistance to motorists stranded on portions of Interstate 80-94 and Interstate 65 in Northwest Indiana, which started on August 30, 1991. This paper presents a detailed evaluation of the Hoosier Helper freeway service patrol. Specifically, the study results will include a benefit-cost ratio for each of two distinct Hoosier Helper operating scenarios: Daytime patrol and 24-h patrol. The calculation of agency cost concerns an aggregation of equivalent annual investment cost, employee salaries and benefits, overhead cost, and maintenance cost for Hoosier Helper. The following components comprise the estimation of Hoosier Helper benefit: Nonrecurrent congestion delay savings, secondary crash reduction, and vehicle operating cost savings. The study yielded a 4.71:1 benefit-cost ratio for the daytime program operation and a 13.28:1 benefit-cost ratio for the 24-h program operation. The increase in benefit-cost ratio magnitude, brought about by Hoosier Helper's change to 24-h operation, clearly supports the program's operating strategy as it exists today.
Structure and Substance in Digital Communication.

A growing trend in post-secondary education is the supplementing of classroom discourse with online discourse. This new discourse is often situated in social networking and course management applic...