cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attenuating the Biologic Drive for Weight Regain Following Weight Loss: Must What Goes Down Always Go Back Up?

Metabolic adaptations occur with weight loss that result in increased hunger with discordant simultaneous reductions in energy requirements—producing the so-called energy gap in which more energy is desired than is required. The increased hunger is associated with elevation of the orexigenic hormone ghrelin and decrements in anorexigenic hormones. The lower total daily energy expenditure with diet-induced weight loss results from (1) a disproportionately greater decrease in circulating leptin and resting metabolic rate (RMR) than would be predicted based on the decline in body mass, (2) decreased thermic effect of food (TEF), and (3) increased energy efficiency at work intensities characteristic of activities of daily living. These metabolic adaptations can readily promote weight regain. While more experimental research is needed to identify effective strategies to narrow the energy gap and attenuate weight regain, some factors contributing to long-term weight loss maintenance have been identified. Less hunger and greater satiation have been associated with higher intakes of protein and dietary fiber, and lower glycemic load diets. High levels of physical activity are characteristic of most successful weight maintainers. A high energy flux state characterized by high daily energy expenditure and matching energy intake may attenuate the declines in RMR and TEF, and may also result in more accurate regulation of energy intake to match daily energy expenditure.
Fluid Ability (Gf) and Complex Problem Solving (CPS)

Complex problem solving (CPS) has emerged over the past several decades as an important construct in education and in the workforce. We examine the relationship between CPS and general fluid ability (Gf) both conceptually and empirically. A review of definitions of the two factors, prototypical tasks, and the information processing analyses of performance on those tasks suggest considerable conceptual overlap. We review three definitions of CPS: a general definition emerging from the human problem solving literature; a more specialized definition from the “German School” emphasizing performance in many-variable microworlds, with high domain-knowledge requirements; and a third definition based on performance in Minimal Complex Systems (MCS), with fewer variables and reduced knowledge requirements. We find a correlation of 0.86 between expert ratings of the importance of CPS and Gf across 691 occupations in the O*NET database. We find evidence that employers value both Gf and CPS skills, but CPS skills more highly, even after controlling for the importance of domain knowledge. We suggest that this may be due to CPS requiring not just cognitive ability but additionally skill in applying that ability in domains. We suggest that a fruitful future direction is to explore the importance of domain knowledge in CPS.
Investigation of Sumac (Rhus Glabra L.) Leaves as a Natural Mordant on the Colorfastness of Laundering for Weld-dyed Cotton Batiste.

Three mordant treatments: 1) sumac leaves at 50%, 100%, 150%, and 200% owf, 2) combination of sumac leaves at 50%, 100%, 150%, and 200% owf and Aluminum Acetate at 5% owf, and 3) aluminum acetate at 5% owf on cotton batiste samples were investigated. Color coordinates and Gray Scale ratings were taken with a RM200QC Imagining Spectrocolorimeter. The resulting data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA within and across treatments. Results indicate that increasing the amount of sumac does not change color coordinates and overall color difference significantly. Sumac in combination with alum increased grey scale rating by one point comparing to other two treatments. 200% sumac and alum combination showed better rating both in total color difference value and grey scale rating. These findings contribute to the understanding of potential of sumac as a natural mordant and may aid further investigations of using sumac with other dyes.
Broadband Hot Electron Creation and Ultrafast Optical Responses in Nanoscale Gap Plasmon Metasurfaces

Ultrafast photoexcitation of plasmonic nanostructures can produce highly energetic “nonthermal” electrons that generally have a short lifetime (<100fs) determined by electron-electron scattering events that dissipate energy. We report on the unusual ability of gap plasmon metasurfaces to create nonthermal electrons with high efficiency over a broad spectral range. We further characterize their decay mechanisms which is important for potential utilization in ultrafast nanophotonics or optical energy transduction applications.
Regulation of Th17 cells by P. UF1 against systemic Listeria monocytogenes infection

Regulation of Th17 and Th1 cell responses against intracellular pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes (L. m), is critical to limit inflammation-induced tissue damage. We recently demonstrated the ability of P. UF1 bacterium derived from the intestinal bacterial commensals of preterm infants fed human breast milk to significantly mitigate pathogen-induced inflammation limiting colonic tissue damage. Here we further elucidated the potential of P. UF1 to also regulate innate and T cells, particularly Th17 and Th1 cells, against systemic L. m infection. Data demonstrate that P. UF1 not only robustly regulated protective Th17 and Th1 cells, but also sustained regulatory T cells (Treg cells) resulting in accelerated L. m clearance. Together, regulation of pathogenic inflammation by a novel probiotic bacterium such as P. UF1 may illuminate a new strategy to specifically control Th17-Th1 cells via IL-10+ Treg cells to limit systemic tissue damage induced by intracellular pathogens, including L. m.
Integrating algebra, geometry, music, 3D art, and technology using emoticoding

Emoticoding is a technique for learning computer programming that has been shown to improve student learning outcomes and reduce blank page trauma during the students' first encounter with text editing interfaces. In this paper, a generalized method is presented for integrating computer education with other learning topics, such as algebra, geometry, music, and 3D art, using emoticoding. The proposed method is based on the theoretical framework of brain-activating text replacements, which assists students to make connections between the tokens of a typed language (such as computer code) and a set of replacing graphemes (such as interpretative visual or textual replacements). When the computer code is instantly being replaced with graphemes from another learning topic, for example geometric shapes or music notation, the students can build associations between the underlying concepts, which in turn reinforces learning of the associated topics. A work-in-progress user interface with four sets of visual replacements is presented in this paper for substituting the discrete tokens of a computer program (JavaScript) with symbols from algebra, geometry, music notation, and solid shapes. The proposed replacements are demonstrated with computer scripts through the emoticoding framework using learning objectives from K-12 common core standards.
Intentions to Use Emergency Contraception: The Role of Accurate Knowledge and Information Source Credibility

ABSTRACTBackground: Emergency contraception (EC) is a highly effective form of birth control that may lower rates of unintended pregnancy among young women. But efforts to disseminate EC to women a...
30 – The Interrelationship of Reproductive Health and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Using contraception for reproductive health has two main benefits: prevention of unplanned pregnancy and protection against sexually transmitted infections. Because of this interrelationship of contraception and STD (sexually transmitted diseases), the choice of particular methods is important both to current and to future reproductive health. Individual choices about reproduction may conflict with public health needs. For example, a woman who perceives an unintended pregnancy to be a greater risk than STD acquisition may choose her contraceptive method without regard to STD prophylaxis. However, the community in which she lives may be marketing condoms as the preferred contraceptive for their dual prophylactic effects both against pregnancy and against infection. The ultimate impact of this dynamic benefit-to-risk interrelationship among contraceptives for pregnancy protection versus STD prophylaxis is to create trade-off choices both for individual women and for public health policymakers. Continued biologic and behavioral research will be necessary to disentangle these complex reproductive health interrelationships.
“Yes, and … *”: continuing the scholarly conversation about mentoring in higher education

I just want to recover. I want a reset button. It is one thing feeling like you do not belong in graduate school. It is another thing being told you do not belong here by the person you moved acros...
Live Demonstration: A Soft Thermal Modulation System with Embedded Fluid Channels for Neuro-Vascular Assessment

This live demonstration presents a wearable system for neuro-vascular health assessment. The system is comprised of three key subcomponents: 1) a soft, fluid-driven thermal modulation pad, 2) a portable case containing electrical and mechanical hardware, and 3) off-board biosignal processing and power units. The soft thermal modulation pad (the only component that interfaces with the user) contains fluid channels, embedded temperature sensors, and a flexible protoboard, encased in graphite-based silicone. The pad induces fluid-based heating or cooling of the hand, and is connected to the portable case through inlets and outlets. The portable case contains electrical and mechanical actuation (temperature modulation, fluid flow), sensing, and control circuitry, none of which is in contact with the user. Components include Peltier tiles, temperature and flow rate sensors, fluid pump, reservoir, control circuitry, heat sinks, cooling fans, and a microcontroller. All components in the case are enclosed with a laser-cut acrylic sheet to shield them from outside world, except for the fluid reservoir (to be filled with water before use) and toggle switches. Separate from the portable case and the pad are a data acquisition system, photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor to be worn on the hand, a laptop for visualization of the data, and a power supply. To enable closed-loop temperature control, the current and voltage flowing through the Peltier tiles are controlled with a custom algorithm implemented on the microcontroller. Biosignals involved with thermoregulation are collected. PPG measures the changes in blood volume pulse at the collected location; the amplitude of the PPG signal reflects the change in dilation or constriction of the vasculature [1].
Exploratory study examining associations between prescription opioid dose and delay discounting in patients with chronic pain

Objective: Although some research has identified correlates of high-dose opioid prescriptions, relatively little is known about factors that lead to higher doses. Delay discounting (DD), defined as the subjective value of a reward declining as a function of the delay to that reward, is an objective measure of impulsivity. DD is commonly studied in the context of addictive behaviors, and findings consistently demonstrate greater DD among individuals with opioid use disorders. The authors conducted a preliminary investigation to examine the extent to which DD is associated with prescription opioid dose among patients with musculoskeletal pain. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: A single veterans affairs medical center located in the Pacific Northwest. Subjects: Participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The authors identified patients prescribed with high doses of opioids (100 mg morphine equivalent per day [MED] or more; n = 17), traditional doses of opioids (5-99 mg MED; n = 34), and patients with pain who were not prescribed opioids (n = 24). Methods: All participants completed a battery of self-report measures assessing demographic characteristics, pain-related variables, and psychiatric symptoms. Participants also completed a computerized DD task. Results: DD was negatively correlated with average daily opioid dose (p = 0.003) and positively correlated with anxiety (p = 0.013). In a multivariable regression analysis, after controlling for the effects of demographic and clinical factors, DD was significantly associated with prescription opioid dose. Conclusions: Contrary to study expectations, higher opioid dose was associated with less DD. These findings call for prospective research to further elucidate the relationships between DD and other measures of impulsivity and prescription opioid doses.
P132 Student Perspectives of Service-Learning in a Community Nutrition Course

Objective To evaluate how a service-learning component in a Community Nutrition course changed student perceptions of the benefits of service-learning. Use of Theory or Research Service-learning, the pedagogical practice of coupling course content with engaged service and reflection, is heralded for many student benefits including real-world experiences, increased community connection, and a broader perspective into community needs. Other benefits include development of soft skills such as communication, organization, and problem-solving. Target Audience Students enrolled in Community Nutrition at a southern university in Spring 2017, Spring 2018, and Fall 2018 (n = 123). Program Description Community Nutrition is a junior/senior level semester-long course required for nutrition majors. Students complete 15 required service-learning hours, three written reflections, and a needs assessment based on a target population their assigned site serves. Evaluation Methods Students completed an online survey on perceptions of service-learning before and after the course. Pre- and post-survey responses were analyzed using paired t-tests. Comparisons of service type (food provisions, nutrition education, and local food) and course iteration were examined using two separate one-way analysis of variances. Results Positive impacts included an understanding of the complexity of community nutrition, a greater feeling of connection to the surrounding community, a desire for more future service work, and recognition that nutrition education is a serious concern in Mississippi. Students struggled to recognize their soft skill development through the process, and that these skills are often not developed in a traditional classroom. Conclusions Results from this study demonstrate that the service-learning program has been successful for enhancing student understanding of the need for and complexity of nutrition in a community context. Further, service-learning opened the eyes of students to needs of the community and inspired future service. Careful planning of service-learning initiatives can help to develop soft skills, such as including reflective prompts that discuss skill development. More work should be completed to fully demonstrate this skill development within a service-learning context. Funding None.
Design and Development of Combined SF6 Enclosed Gas Insulated Series Resonance Testing Equipment

The primary equipment newly installed or after being maintained must undergo on-site withstand voltage test to find out the latent insulation defects in the equipment. Meanwhile, it can also be checked whether the installation quality meets the requirements and whether the equipment is damaged in the course of transportation and installation. At present, the equipment for withstand voltage test has large weight and volume and high height, the result of which is high cost, difficult transportation of test equipment, high installation intensity and low efficiency. Therefore, a combined SF6 enclosed gas insulated series resonance testing equipment is designed in this paper. The electric field and temperature field of the testing equipment are simulated by using finite element method. The results show that the distribution of electric field and temperature field of the reactor in the testing equipment can meet the design requirements under the rated voltage. Compared with the traditional testing equipment, the design in this paper reduces the volume and weight , shortens the installation time of testing equipment for the field handover test, improves the efficiency, and guarantees the field test demand of primary equipment.
Motion Planning Templates: A Motion Planning Framework for Robots with Low-power CPUs

Motion Planning Templates (MPT) is a C++ template-based library that uses compile-time polymorphism to generate robot-specific motion planning code and is geared towards eking out as much performance as possible when running on the low-power CPU of a battery-powered small robot. To use MPT, developers of robot software write or leverage code specific to their robot platform and motion planning problem, and then have MPT generate a robot-specific motion planner and its associated data-structures. The resulting motion planner implementation is faster and uses less memory than general motion planning implementations based upon runtime polymorphism. While MPT loses runtime flexibility, it gains advantages associated with compile-time polymorphism— including the ability to change scalar precision, generate tightly-packed data structures, and store robot-specific data in the motion planning graph. MPT also uses compile-time algorithms to resolve the algorithm implementation, and select the best nearest neighbor algorithm to integrate into it. We demonstrate MPT’s performance, lower memory footprint, and ability to adapt to varying robots in motion planning scenarios on a small humanoid robot and on 3D rigid-body motions.
Localized Helium Implantation in SiC f /SiC m Composites Comparing Fiber and Matrix Swelling

Composites formed by SiC fiber reinforcement of a SiC matrix are materials of interest for use in high temperature, high strength, and high irradiation condition applications. These materials have been considered for use in both fusion and fission reactors due to their excellent physical and neutronic properties. Recent attention has focused on such materials’ ability to act as accident-tolerant fuel cladding in light water reactors. The work presented herein studies the swelling behavior of these materials using a novel rapid helium-ion implantation approach. Localized helium implantation was conducted to a dose of 5 × 1017 ions/cm2 in fibers and matrix independently. The results showed that the height increase measured using atom force microscopy (AFM) was significantly less for the fibers than the matrix, potentially due to their finer microstructure.
Two Doses of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Offers No Benefit over One Dose in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to reduce blood loss and transfusions in total hip arthroplasty (THA). There is no consensus on the ideal number of doses that best reduces blood loss while limiting complications. Our study compared one versus two doses of intravenous TXA in primary THA and its effect on blood transfusion rate. We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing primary THA at our two high-volume arthroplasty centers from 2013 to 2016. Patients were included if they underwent unilateral primary THA, and received one or two doses of TXA. Patients receiving therapeutic anticoagulation were excluded. Our primary outcome measure was postoperative transfusion rate. Secondary outcomes included blood loss, length of stay (LOS), rate of deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE), readmission, and reoperation. A total of 1,273 patients were included; 843 patients received one dose of TXA and 430 patients received two TXA doses. Univariate analysis demonstrated no significant difference in transfusion rate when administering one versus two doses. There was no significant difference in LOS, or rates of DVT/PE, readmission, and reoperation. When comparing patients receiving aspirin prophylaxis, there was a significantly decreased blood volume loss with two doses (1,360 vs. 1,266 mL, mean difference = 94 mL; p = 0.017). In patients, undergoing primary unilateral THA, there is no difference in postoperative transfusion rate with one or two doses of intravenous TXA. There was no difference in thromboembolic events. Given the added cost without clear benefit, these findings support one rather than two doses of TXA during primary THA.
Primary Exercise Headache

Primary exercise headache has gone through many descriptors in the past but generally is a headache that is precipitated by strenuous exercise without significant intracranial pathology. Its presentation can remain vague, often confused with other primary and secondary headache disorders and thus undertreated. This review aims to discuss primary exercise headache in the context of epidemiology, presentation, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and treatment. Two large epidemiological studies in Iran and Japan have further characterized a predilection for female patients, comorbidity with migraine, and frequent bilateral nature of headache. While large-scale epidemiological studies have aided in further characterization and determining varying prevalence, a lack of randomized clinical trials in the treatment of primary exercise headache remains. Indomethacin and beta-blocker use remain the mainstays of treatment based on case series with several case reports that urge caution when diagnosing said headache.
SHOULD WE FEAR THE BORDERLINE DYSPLASTIC HIP?: EXTERNAL VALIDATION OF THE FEAR INDEX IN THE SETTING OF BORDERLINE ACETABULAR DYSPLASIA:

Introduction:The Femoro-Epiphyseal Acetabular Roof (FEAR) index has recently been proposed as a useful tool in identifying hips with instability in the setting of borderline acetabular dysplasia. B...
13 – Interpenetrating Polymer Networks

An interpenetrating polymer network, IPN, is defined as a combination of two polymers, both of which are crosslinked.1–5 Most IPN’s are formed by synthesizing and/or crosslinking one network in the immediate presence of the other. Formed with covalent crosslinks, IPN’s are thermoset, and do not flow or dissolve in ordinary solvents. Two main synthesis paths are illustrated in Figure 1:2 (a) polymer network I is synthesized, and monomer II plus crosslinker and activator are swollen in and polymerized in situ. This is called a sequential IPN;6,7 (b) if both monomers or prepolymers are synthesized simultaneously by independent but non-interfering routes, the product is called a simultaneous interpenetrating network, SIN.8,9
Commentary: Neonatal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: The More (Practice), The Merrier.

BRIEF SUMMARY Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is proven to have benefit in neonates with respiratory failure who have failed conventional therapies. Consolidation of care at high-volume centers may contribute to improved outcomes.
Analysis and Design of Submilliwatt Interference-Tolerant Receivers Leveraging N -Path Filter-Based Translational Positive Feedback

A low-power 2.2–2.4-GHz receiver front end for Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications is presented. The front end consists of a capacitively cross-coupled common-gate low-noise amplifier (CC-CGLNA), with translational positive feedback from baseband to RF through a four-phase switching mixer, providing RF filtering and matching, in conjunction with a 1:4 transformer. A detailed analysis of the architecture is presented, highlighting the design tradeoffs between noise, out-of-band filtering, and power. A prototype integrated circuit, fabricated in 28-nm CMOS, consumes $580~\mu \text{W}$ of power for the entire receiver front end. With this submilliwatt power consumption, it achieves a noise figure (NF) of 11.9 dB, an in-band IIP3 of −6.5 dBm, and an out-of-band IIP3 of +3.3 dBm.
The Spirit of Compromise: Why Governing Demands It and Campaigning Undermines It, By Amy Gutmann and Dennis Thompson

To the extent that we perpetuate win-win idealism, how well are we preparing students for the responsibilities and realities of a democratic community?
Facing the Fear: A Free Market Approach for Economic Expression

Commentators differ on whether a diminished constitutional status for profit-driven speech is consistent with free speech theory. Most recently, the Supreme Court of the United States in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission largely embraced an unfettered marketplace approach for political speech financed by corporate treasuries. Given the harm a free market approach is said to have produced in the economic realm, is this approach useful for structuring the constitutional protection economic expression receives? This article discusses the placement of economic expression within First Amendment theory and contends that restrictions on economic speech should be aimed at combating deceptive economic activities while overall regulatory goals should focus on requirements that enrich the supply of accurate and timely information.
Posttraumatic growth in women who have experienced the loss of their spouse or partner.

Background The loss of a spouse or long-term partner has a significant impact on a woman's well-being; psychological, physical, social, spiritual, and economic. Women dealing with loss are faced with numerous stressors which place them at risk for a variety of health challenges. Purpose The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of women who have lost their spouse or partner to death using the theoretical framework of posttraumatic growth (PTG) developed by Tedeschi and Calhoun. Methods A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with semi-structured interviews of 15 widows. Purposive sampling was employed using the researchers' nursing network of colleagues through their academic institutions, hospital affiliations, and professional organizations. Findings Six themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) Listen to my story of loss, (2) Pushing through the sadness, (3) Anticipated versus unanticipated loss, (4) A new depth of compassion and empathy, (5) My strength grew over time, and (6) My view of myself changed. Participants experienced varying degrees of PTG evidenced by a greater appreciation of life, personal strength, improved relationships, new possibilities, and spiritual growth. Implications for nursing Knowledge development in this sphere enhances nursing practice in caring for women as they navigate life without their significant other. Nurses are in pivotal positions to educate others about the grieving process and the possibility of PTG. They help women find their way through trauma and teach others about healing, coping, empathy, compassion and the power of being connected to other human beings.
ON/OFF domains shape receptive fields in mouse visual cortex

In higher mammals, thalamic afferents to primary visual cortex (area V1) segregate according to their responses to increases (ON) or decreases (OFF) in luminance. This organization induces columnar, ON/OFF domains postulated to provide a scaffold for the emergence of orientation tuning. To further test this idea, we asked whether ON/OFF domains exist in mouse V1 -- a species containing orientation tuned, simple cells, like those found in other mammals. Here we show that mouse V1 is indeed parceled into ON/OFF domains. Revealingly, fluctuations in the relative density ON/OFF neurons on the cortical surface mirror fluctuations in the relative density of ON/OFF receptive field centers on the visual field. In each cortical volume examined, the average of simple-cell receptive fields correlates with the difference between the average of ON and OFF receptive fields. Moreover, the local diversity of simple-cell receptive fields is explained by a model in which neurons linearly combine a small number of ON and OFF signals available in their cortical neighborhoods. Altogether, these findings indicate that ON/OFF domains originate in fluctuations of the spatial density of ON/OFF inputs on the visual field which, in turn, shapes the structure of receptive fields.
Knowledge Discovery from Graphs (Invited Talk)

Knowledge discovery is the process of discovering useful and previously unknown knowledge by analyzing large databases. Knowledge discovery is also sometimes called "data mining" or "applied machine learning." A new generation of knowledge discovery tools are beginning to address data that can be expressed as large graphs. Example applications include fraud detection in telecommunication networks and classifying Web pages based on hyperlink structure. These new technologies for knowledge discovery are becoming increasingly relevant to graph drawing. Specifically, graph drawing can aid the process of knowledge discovery by providing visualizations that reveal useful patterns in the data. Conversely, knowledge discovery can provide guidance for graph drawing by identifying recurring substructures or by classifying nodes into distinct types. Attempts to exploit the synergy between the two fields raises interesting new research questions. How should knowledge about a domain affect the drawing of graphs about that domain? What types of knowledge are most easily discovered using visualization, as opposed to automated statistical algorithms? These questions were posed in the context of several examples of knowledge discovery applied to large graphical data sets.
Favorable effect of x-ray on unusual bladder tumor

Abstract An unusual kind of bladder- tumor, infiltrating the whole bladder wall, was treated by deep x-ray with brilliant results. The patient was apparently in perfect health two years later.
A highly linear pseudo-differential transconductance [CMOS OTA]

This paper presents a pseudo differential, fully balanced, fully symmetric CMOS operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) with inherent common mode detection which shows a very linear behavior at frequencies around 10.7 MHz. A proposed feedback circuit helps to linearize the output while keeping the output voltage controllable. The OTA linearity behavior is measured in a unity voltage gain configuration which is the worst case for Gm-C filter realizations. Measurement results show an HD3 of -80 dB at 10.7 MHz with 1-Vp-p input signal. Two tone intermodulation measurement results show -70 dB from 1 MHz up to 10 MHz. The OTA is fabricated in the AMI 0.59 /spl mu/m CMOS process and consumes 6 mA current drawn from a /spl plusmn/1.65 V power supply and occupies a small area of 118 /spl mu/m/spl times/160 /spl mu/m.
A high-order compact numerical algorithm for supersonic flows

A dissipative compact two-four scheme (second-order time, fourth-order space similar to the original MacCormack scheme has been developed, that exhibits greater accuracy than conventional fourth-order schemes. The dissipative nature of the scheme allows it to resolve weak discontinuities without artificial damping. A derivation of the scheme is presented, as well as the theoretical stability characteristics. The temporal scheme is then generalized into a steady-state formulation which achieves fourth-order spatial accuracy at steady-state. Several test problems are used to show that the scheme is more accurate than the traditional MacCormack scheme, and is nearly as efficient.
Synthetic tetracycline-inducible regulatory networks: computer-aided design of dynamic phenotypes

Tightly regulated gene networks, precisely controlling the expression of protein molecules, have received considerable interest by the biomedical community due to their promising applications. Among the most well studied inducible transcription systems are the tetracycline regulatory expression systems based on the tetracycline resistance operon of Escherichia coli, Tet-Off (tTA) and Tet-On (rtTA). Despite their initial success and improved designs, limitations still persist, such as low inducer sensitivity. Instead of looking at these networks statically, and simply changing or mutating the promoter and operator regions with trial and error, a systematic investigation of the dynamic behavior of the network can result in rational design of regulatory gene expression systems. Sophisticated algorithms can accurately capture the dynamical behavior of gene networks. With computer aided design, we aim to improve the synthesis of regulatory networks and propose new designs that enable tighter control of expression. In this paper we engineer novel networks by recombining existing genes or part of genes. We synthesize four novel regulatory networks based on the Tet-Off and Tet-On systems. We model all the known individual biomolecular interactions involved in transcription, translation, regulation and induction. With multiple time-scale stochastic-discrete and stochastic-continuous models we accurately capture the transient and steady state dynamics of these networks. Important biomolecular interactions are identified and the strength of the interactions engineered to satisfy design criteria. A set of clear design rules is developed and appropriate mutants of regulatory proteins and operator sites are proposed. The complexity of biomolecular interactions is accurately captured through computer simulations. Computer simulations allow us to look into the molecular level, portray the dynamic behavior of gene regulatory networks and rationally engineer novel ones with useful applications. We are able to propose, test and accept or reject design principles for each network. Guided by simulations, we develop a set of design principles for novel tetracycline-inducible networks.
Mutagenesis of Bordetella pertussis with transposon Tn5tac1: conditional expression of virulence-associated genes

The Tn5tac1 transposon contains a strong outward-facing promoter, Ptac, a lacI repressor gene, and a selectable Kanr gene. Transcription from Ptac is repressed by the lacI protein unless an inducer (isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside [IPTG]) is present. Thus, Tn5tac1 generates insertion mutations in Escherichia coli with conditional phenotypes because it is polar on distal gene expression when IPTG is absent and directs transcription of these genes when the inducer is present. To test the usefulness of Tn5tac1 in Bordetella pertussis, a nonenteric gram-negative bacterial pathogen, we chose the bifunctional adenylate cyclase-hemolysin determinant as an easily scored marker to monitor insertional mutagenesis. Tn5tac1 delivered to B. pertussis on conjugal suicide plasmids resulted in Kanr exconjugants at a frequency of 10(-3) per donor cell, and nonhemolytic (Hly-) mutants were found among the Kanr colonies at a frequency of about 1%. Of eight independent Kanr Hly- mutants, two were conditional and exhibited an Hly+ phenotype only in the presence of IPTG. Using a new quantitative assay for adenylate cyclase based on high-pressure liquid chromatography, we found that enzymatic activity in these two strains was specifically induced at least 500-fold in a dose-dependent fashion over the range of 0 to 125 microM IPTG. These data show that Ptac serves as a promoter, lacI is expressed and is functional, and IPTG can induce Ptac transcription in B. pertussis. Adenylate cyclase expression in whole cells, culture supernatants, and cell extracts from these strains depended upon IPTG, suggesting that the insertions do not merely alter secretion of adenylate cyclase-hemolysin. Other virulence determinants under control of the vir locus are expressed normally, implying that these Tn5tac1 insertions specifically regulate adenylate cyclase-hemolysin expression. We conclude that Tn5tac1 insertion mutations permit sensitive, exogenous control over the expression of genes of interest, providing a useful tool for studying virulence and other important traits of diverse bacterial species.
Daily supplementation with mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) improves balance and working memory in aged rats

Decline in brain function during normal aging is partly due to the long-term effects of oxidative stress and inflammation. Several fruits and vegetables have been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study investigated the effects of dietary mushroom intervention on mobility and memory in aged Fischer 344 rats. We hypothesized that daily supplementation of mushroom would have beneficial effects on behavioral outcomes in a dose-dependent manner. Rats were randomly assigned to receive a diet containing either 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, or 5% lyophilized white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus); after 8 weeks on the diet, a battery of behavioral tasks was given to assess balance, coordination, and cognition. Rats on the 2% or 5% mushroom-supplemented diet consumed more food, without gaining weight, than rats in the other diet groups. Rats in the 0.5% and 1% group stayed on a narrow beam longer, indicating an improvement in balance. Only rats on the 0.5% mushroom diet showed improved performance in a working memory version of the Morris water maze. When taken together, the most effective mushroom dose that produced improvements in both balance and working memory was 0.5%, equivalent to about 1.5 ounces of fresh mushrooms for humans. Therefore, the results suggest that the inclusion of mushroom in the daily diet may have beneficial effects on age-related deficits in cognitive and motor function.
Applying Locke's Proviso to Unappropriated Natural Resources:

Many political philosophers who embrace some version of a Lockean-based theory of justice have accepted Locke's Proviso concerning the duty of appropriators of natural resources to leave enough and as good for others. I argue that if the Lockean Proviso should be applied to the appropriation of natural resources, then it should also be applied (extended) to the use of unappropriated natural resources. To demonstrate the plausibility of applying the Lockean Proviso to use of unappropriated natural resources, I consider cases where agents engage in the destructive use, degrading use, overuse and restricting access use of unappropriated natural resources. After considering these cases of morally problematic use, I maintain that the removal of a natural resource (either by means of appropriation or use) is the relevant moral feature that triggers the duty to leave enough and as good for others. While considering the implications of extending the Lockean Proviso to encompass cases of using unappropriated natur...
CELLULASE PRODUCTION IN CONTINUOUS CULTURE WITH THE MUTANT THERMOMONOSPORA SP. N-35

(1982). CELLULASE PRODUCTION IN CONTINUOUS CULTURE WITH THE MUTANT THERMOMONOSPORA SP. N-35. Chemical Engineering Communications: Vol. 19, No. 1-3, pp. 149-156.
Polishing And Aspherizing A 1.8-m f/2.7 Paraboloid

In late December of 1987, the Optical Sciences Center at the University of Arizona completed a seventh primary mirror for the Multiple Mirror Telescope (located on Mt. Hopkins in southern Arizona). The spare mirror allowed astronomers to maintain a six-mirror configuration while one mirror was down for realuminizing or when repairs to its support system were being carried out. Weather at the southern Arizona site is so ideal that a higher-precision mirror was needed to take advantage of these atmospheric conditions. 'When the specifications were considered, it became apparent that standard fabrication techniques would have to be altered somewhat to achieve a successful mirror. The problems considered were print through, or quilting of the mirror's ribs onto the optical surface, the possibility of astigmatism developing (tests indicated the blank lacked uniform strength across the back), and the necessity to maintain a precise focal length.
SAR by MS: a ligand based technique for drug lead discovery against structured RNA targets.

A technique for lead discovery vs RNA targets utilizing mass spectrometry (MS) screening methods is described. The structure−activity relationships (SAR) derived from assaying weak binding motifs a...
A depth profile of14C in the lunar rock 12 002

Abstract A depth profile of14C in lunar rock 12 002 has been measured using six specimens with well-defined depth below the exposed surface of the rock. The results obtained show an excess surface activity attributed to solar particle flux.
Performance analysis of handoff schemes with preemptive and nonpreemptive channel borrowing in integrated wireless cellular networks

In this paper, we propose and analyze two different handoff schemes in integrated wireless mobile networks. The channels in each cell are divided into two parts and pre-allocated for real-time and nonreal-time services. To increase the channel utilization while keeping the quality of service (QoS) of each type for traffic, one type of service is allowed to borrow channels from the other under certain constraints. Depending on whether or not nonreal-time service calls can be interrupted, we have two channel borrowing schemes: nonpreemptive and preemptive. We use a system model defined by a multidimensional Markov chain and compute the performance in terms of blocking probability of originating calls, forced termination probability of real-time service calls, and average transmission delay of nonreal-time service calls. The simulation results are observed to match closely with the analytical model. The preemptive borrowing scheme is observed to perform better than the nonpreemptive scheme at the cost of increased handoff for nonreal-time service calls. The impact of the long-term dependence of data traffic on system performance is also discussed.
Rf driven multicusp ion source for pulsed or steady-state ion beam production

Abstract An rf driven multicusp source has been operated in both cw and pulsed mode to generate H + and various types of positive ion beams. For inert gas plasmas such as He, Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe, the extractable current density is higher than 1 A/cm 2 . When diatomic gases, such as H 2 , N 2 and O 2 are used for the discharge, the extracted beam contains almost pure atomic ions. Thus, simple accelerator or plasma processing systems can be constructed without the use of mass analyzing magnets. The same source has also been used to produce steady-state beams of metallic ions.
Neutrino astronomy : Present and future

I briefly review the present and future status of the burgeoning field of neutrino astronomy. I outline the astrophysics and particle physics goals, design, and performance of the various current and proposed neutrino telescopes. Also described are present results and future expectations.
Locating fires in abandoned underground coal mines

Abstract A Mine Fire Diagnostic (MFD) Methodology was developed to determine the location and extent of combustion zones in abandoned underground coal mines. In this method, a characteristic fire signature is based on the ratio of higher molecular weight hydrocarbon gases (C2 to C5) to total hydrocarbon gas. Initially, gas samples are obtained at the bottom of boreholes under baseline or static conditions. A second set of samples is obtained when a suction fan is used to influence the direction of gas movement. Pressure data define the degree of communication between boreholes. The value of the diagnostic ratio under communication conditions is taken as a measure of subsurface fire activity related to a particular flow direction. Using a Venn diagram technique, the results are mapped as quadrants on a borehole map of the site. Repetition of the communication tests provides overlapping quadrants that define hot, cold, and indeterminate areas. The MFD has been used to distinguish hearted and cold subsurface areas at four mine fire sites. At each of the sites, the extent of the fire could not be inferred from surface evidence, and the location of combustion zones had a significant impact on plans to control the fire. Although the method is labor intensive and requires drilling cased boreholes, it is relatively simple and provides information that cannot be obtained by other methods.
A Modern Conception of Flesh: Towards a Theology of Disability Sport

In this article, I will argue that any well-conceived Christian theology of disability sport must include a modern and diverse perspective on the Pauline concept of “flesh.” In support of my suggestion, I historically consider Christian conceptions of “flesh” and “body” as well as review the more modern perspective provided by John A. T. Robinson in his work, The Body: A Study in Pauline Theology. Considerations of prosthetics, orthotics, and wheelchairs phenomenologically as human-made “flesh,” and their use in the augmentation of God-given flesh in disability sport, are then examined. These considerations are followed by a discussion of the place of these types of “flesh” amidst the notion of the “supercrip” and the potential for super-human performances. My conclusions suggest that, while athletes with disability sometimes enhance their God-given flesh with human-made “flesh” for the sake of athletic participation, this enhancement should not necessarily be viewed as an overemphasis on the spiritual sh...
A mouse plasma substance carrying beta2-microglobulin activity and lacking in H-2 alloantigenic activity.

A mouse plasma substance carrying beta-2-microglobulin activity and lacking in H-2 alloantigenic activity was separated from the blood plasma of A/J strain female mice. The plasma substance had a molecular size of about 300,000-400,000 daltons and an electrophoretic mobility of alpha-globulin. The plasma substance was split by papain digestion to a fragment of about 50,000-60,000 daltons that still carried beta2-microglobulin activity. The papain-split plasma substance was devoid of H-2 alloantigenic activities and Thy-1 and TL alloantigenic activities as well, but yet had a two-component structure that was similar to papain-solubilized H-2 molecules. It contained a 37,000-dalton component linked non-covalently to an 11,00-dalton component, i.e. mouse beta2-microglobulin. This plasma substance appears to be different from Ss protein or Slp protein, both found in mouse serum.
Simulation and sensitivity study of potato flake food processing

We made a sensitivity study of the potato flake process using the ERRC Food Process Simulator computer program with cost as the primary objective function. The study showed that labor was the largest component of the processing cost followed by capital related expenses. Pilot plant operation demonstrated the feasibility of reducing labor requirements. Capital related expenses could be minimized by using four drum dryers to more closely match the through put of the rest of the process. In addition, the drum dryers should be run as close to 8% moisture as possible without exceeding 8% to optimize the yield of finished product. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using the ERRC Food Process Simulator to do a sensitivity study of potato processing.
Measurement of renal function without urine collection. A critical evaluation of the constant-infusion technic for determination of inulin and para-aminohippurate.

Abstract The assessment of renal function in infants and children is made difficult by problems in obtaining complete urine collections. The traditional and the constant-infusion methods of determining inulin and paraaminohippurate clearance were compared in 61 patients, 32 of whom had a variety of renal diseases. Glomerular filtration rates ranged from 1.6 to 133 ml per minute. Values for inulin clearance by the two methods correlated closely (r equal to 0.993) at all levels of renal function and in the presence or absence of edema. Inulin clearance by the constant-infusion technic averaged 103.2 per cent of true clearance. Correlation between the two methods of measuring para-aminohippurate clearance was r equal to 0.971, but values by the infusion method averaged 21.8 per cent above "true" clearance, presumably owing to extrarenal excretion of para-aminohippurate. The estimation of glomerular filtration rate by the technic of constant inulin infusion constitutes a simple, accurate and reproducible meth...