cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measures of stratigraphic fit to phylogeny and their sensitivity to tree size, tree shape, and scale

Measures of stratigraphic fit to phylogeny are analyzed to test how they are affected by the shape and size of the phylogenetic trees and by the number of stratigraphic intervals encompassed. Monte Carlo randomizations are used to investigate the sensitivity of three commonly used measures (SCI, GER and MSM*) approximating their distribution of possible values under certain conditions. All are shown to vary in different ways as parameters are varied, although MSM* seems to be the most invariant in the analyzed parameter space. These results suggest that the raw metrics should not be used for comparing the fit of different taxonomic groups or competing phylogenetic trees of the same group that differ in tree size or balance. Tree balance also affects the distributions used in significance tests based on randomization and therefore their results should not be interpreted in terms of the amount of conflict implied by a phylogenetic tree. � The Willi Hennig Society 2004.
Temporal and spatial expression of tight junction genes during zebrafish pronephros development.

The kidney is comprised of nephrons – epithelial tubes with specialized segments that reabsorb and secrete solutes, perform osmoregulation, and produce urine. Different nephron segments exhibit unique combinations of ion channels, transporter proteins, and cell junction proteins that govern permeability between neighboring cells. The zebrafish pronephros is a valuable model to study the mechanisms of vertebrate nephrogenesis, but many basic features of segment gene expression in renal progenitors and mature nephrons have not been characterized. Here, we analyzed the temporal and spatial expression pattern of tight junction components during zebrafish kidney ontogeny. During nephrogenesis, renal progenitors show discrete expression domains of claudin (cldn) 15a, cldn8, occludin (ocln) a, oclnb, tight junction protein (tjp) 2a, tjp2b, and tjp3. Interestingly, transcripts encoding these genes exhibit dynamic spatiotemporal domains during the time when pronephros segment domains are established. These data provide a useful gene expression map of cell junction components during zebrafish nephrogenesis. As such, this information complements the existing molecular map of nephron segment characteristics, and can be used to characterize kidney development mutants as well as various disease models, in addition to aiding in the elucidation of mechanisms governing epithelial regeneration after acute nephron injury.
Equilibrium unfolding pathway of an H-type RNA pseudoknot which promotes programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting.

Abstract The equilibrium unfolding pathway of a 41-nucleotide frameshifting RNA pseudoknot from the gag-pro junction of mouse intracisternal A-type particles (mIAP), an endogenous retrovirus, has been determined through analysis of dual optical wavelength, equilibrium thermal melting profiles and differential scanning calorimetry. The mIAP pseudoknot is an H-type pseudoknot proposed to have structural features in common with the gag-pro frameshifting pseudoknots from simian retrovirus-1 (SRV-1) and mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV). In particular, the mIAP pseudoknot is proposed to contain an unpaired adenosine base at the junction of the two helical stems (A15), as well as one in the middle of stem 2 (A35). A mutational analysis of stem 1 hairpins and compensatory base-pair substitutions incorporated into helical stem 2 was used to assign optical melting transitions to molecular unfolding events. The optical melting profile of the wild-type RNA is most simply described by four sequential two-state unfolding transitions. Stem 2 melts first in two closely coupled low-enthalpy transitions at low t m in which the stem 3′ to A35, unfolds first, followed by unfolding of the remainder of the helical stem. The third unfolding transition is associated with some type of stacking interactions in the stem 1 hairpin loop not present in the pseudoknot. The fourth transition is assigned to unfolding of stem 1. In all RNAs nvestigated, Δ H vH ≈Δ H cal , suggesting that Δ C p for unfolding is small. A35 has the thermodynamic properties expected for an extrahelical, unpaired nucleotide. Deletion of A15 destabilizes the stem 2 unfolding transition in the context of both the wild-type and ΔA35 mutant RNAs only slightly, by ΔΔ G °≈1 kcal mol −1 (at 37 °C). The ΔA15 RNA is considerably more susceptible to thermal denaturation in the presence of moderate urea concentrations than is the wild-type RNA, further evidence of a detectable global destabilization of the molecule. Interestingly, substitution of the nine loop 2 nucleotides with uridine residues induces a more pronounced destabilization of the molecule (ΔΔ G °≈2.0 kcal mol −1 ), a long-range, non-nearest neighbor effect. These findings provide the thermodynamic basis with which to further refine the relationship between efficient ribosomal frameshifting and pseudoknot structure and stability.
Polyamines reduce salt-induced oxidative damage by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and decreasing lipid peroxidation in Virginia pine

Polyamines play an important role in the plant response to adverse environmental conditions including salt and osmotic stresses. In this investigation, the responses of polyamines to salt-induced oxidative stress were studied in callus cultures and plantlets in Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana Mill.). Our results demonstrated that polyamines reduce salt-induced oxidative damage by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and decreasing lipid peroxidation. Among different polyamines used in this study, putrescine (Put) is more effective in increasing the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APOX), glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), reducing the activities of acid phosphatase and V-type H+-ATPase, and decreasing lipid peroxidation in Virginia pine, compared to both spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm). When 2.1 mM Put, Spd, and Spm were separately added to the medium, higher diamine oxidase (DAO) and polyamine oxidase (PAO) activities were observed in callus cultures and plantlets, compared to the concentrations of 0.7 and 1.4 mM. The activities of these two enzymes produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which may act in structural defense as a signal molecule and decreasing the protection of polyamines against salt-induced oxidative damage in Virginia pine.
Reflections on Academic Liberalism and Conservative Criticism

Liberal bias in academia is a complex sociological issue. The empirical evidence suggests that part of the explanation for ideological imbalance is that conservatives tend to self-select out of careers in higher education. We examine the explanation offered by Neil Gross that political-typing is partially responsible. While we are generally receptive to this explanation, our own research provides some evidence that college students do not find academia to be a hostile or unpleasant place. This raises some questions about why they would self-select out of careers in academia. We also offer alternative explanations for conservative criticism of the academy and suggest that institutions of higher education have some responsibility for creating the impression that they are hostile to conservative views.
Process evaluation of recruitment for a cancer screening trial in primary care.

Many cancer screening studies are conducted in primary care settings yet few systematically analyze recruitment challenges found at these sites. During a randomized trial promoting colorectal cancer screening, we implemented a process evaluation of recruitment. Recruiters maintained logs that registered the numbers of patients entering the clinic, approached by recruiters, declining to participate; and reasons for non-approach and non-participation. One-half of age-eligible patients were approached (n=1489), and half of those who met basic eligibility requirements agreed to engage further (n=527). A small proportion of patients (n=98) completed the 15-minute assessment before their appointment. Major reasons for non-approach included previous approach, patients called to the exam room, and appearing ill. The major reason for non-participation was “not interested”; a few patients did not want to share contact information. Some participants exited the assessment mid-way due to further ineligibility or time limitations. Best practice recommendations for recruitment in primary care are discussed.
Biosensors for rapid monitoring of primary-source drinking water using naturally occurring photosynthesis.

Working with primary-source freshwater drinking samples from the Clinch and Tennessee Rivers, we have developed a tissue-based biosensor detection system that uses naturally occurring aquatic photosynthetic tissue as the sensing material for detection of chemical antagonists in the water. Sensor readout is based on well-known principles of fluorescence induction by living photosynthetic tissue. The Clinch River is the main source of drinking water for Oak Ridge, Tennessee, while the Tennessee River is a major source for the city of Knoxville. We have successfully detected algae in every sample that we examined and readily monitored changes in the characteristic fluorescence induction curves when the samples were exposed to potassium cyanide (KCN), methyl parathion (MPt), N'(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N,N-dimethylurea (DCMU), and paraquat. The percentage decreases in photochemical yields observed in Tennessee River samples after a 24-min exposure to KCN, MPt, and DCMU were, respectively, 21.89 ± 0.76, 3.28 ± 0.18, and 14.77 ± 1.81. For a site at the Clinch River, the percentage decreases were 22.78 ± 1.63, 8.32 ± 0.21, and 17.71 ± 1.32 (Table 1). The unique aspect of this approach to real-time water quality monitoring is that unlike conventional sensing devices, this sensor material is external to the detecting instrument and is continuously refreshed. These biosensors may be used as continuous rapid-warning sentinels for detection of chemical warfare agents in sunlight-exposed drinking water supplies.
Directed evolution of CotA laccase for increased substrate specificity using Bacillus subtilis spores

Directed evolution is an effective strategy to engineer and optimize protein properties, and microbial cell-surface display is a successful method to screen protein libraries. Protein surface display on Bacillus subtilis spores is demonstrated as a tool for screening protein libraries for the first time. Spore display offers advantages over more commonly utilized microbe cell-surface display systems, which include gram-negative bacteria, phage and yeast. For instance, protein-folding problems associated with the expressed recombinant polypeptide crossing membranes are avoided. Hence, a different region of protein space can be explored that previously was not accessible. In addition, spores tolerate many physical/chemical extremes; hence, the displayed proteins are "preimmobilized" on the inherently inert spore surface. Immobilized proteins have several advantages when used in industrial processes. The protein stability is increased and separations are simplified. Finally, immobilized proteins can be used in a wide array of simple device applications and configurations. The substrate specificity of the enzyme CotA is narrowed. CotA is a laccase and it occurs naturally on the outer coat of B. subtilis spores. A library of CotA genes were expressed in the spore coat, and it was screened for activity toward ABTS [diammonium 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)] over SGZ (4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy-benzaldehyde azine). A mutant CotA was found to be 120-fold more specific for ABTS. This research demonstrates that B. subtilis spores can be a useful platform for screen protein libraries.
Acute Treatment Regimens for Migraine in the ED

Researchers at Children's Hospital, Boston, studied the comparative effectiveness of acute medication regimens for the prevention of ED visits with migraine.
Novel planarization and passivation in the integration of III-V semiconductor devices

III-V semiconductor devices typically use structures grown layer-by-layer and require passivation of sidewalls by vertical etching to reduce leakage current. The passivation is conventionally achieved by sealing the sidewalls using polymer and the polymer needs to be planarized by polymer etch-back method to device top for metal interconnection. It is very challenging to achieve perfect planarization needed for sidewalls of all the device layers including the top layer to be completely sealed. We introduce a novel hard-mask-assisted self-aligned planarization process that allows the polymer in 1-3 µm vicinity of the devices to be planarized perfectly to the top devices. The hard-mask-assisted process also allows self-aligned via formation for metal interconnection to device top of µm size. The hard mask is then removed to expose a very clean device top surface for depositing metals for low ohmic contact resistance metal interconnection. The process is robust because it is insensitive to device height difference, spin-on polymer thickness variation, and polymer etch non-uniformity. We have demonstrated high yield fabrication of monolithically integrated optical switch arrays with mesa diodes and waveguide electroabsorption modulators on InP substrate with yield > 90%, high breakdown voltage of > 15 Volts, and low ohmic contact resistance of 10-20 Ω.
Implementation of a learning fuzzy controller

This article describes our efforts at designing and implementing a practical learning fuzzy controller using inexpensive hardware. The controller engages basic control concepts and system-independent learning rules to enable it to adapt in real time to unknown plants even when it starts with a vacuous initial control policy. The controller remains dormant when the plant is operating satisfactorily and autonomously initiates online adaptation in real time when adverse performance is observed. The Intel-8031-based hardware implementation is geared for extensibility, robustness, and fault tolerance. Limited plant-dependent information is incorporated to tailor the hardware to applications. The design produces learning rates exceeding 200 reinforcements per second. The controller thus is able to learn to control unknown plants in real time even while it is controlling them. Physical experiments indicate that the learning fuzzy controller can rapidly and effectively deal with variations in plant characteristics, compensate for wear and tear, and handle disturbances and noise. >
Electrochemical synthesis of barium titanate thin films

Polycrystalline films of barium titanate (BaTiO3) have been synthesized on titanium (Ti) substrates by the galvanostatic anodization of Ti in a solution of 0.4 M Ba(OH)2. Crystalline films are formed at temperatures under 100 °C within 10 min at a current density of 25 mA/cm2 at atmospheric pressure. Crystallinity of the films is found to increase with both current density and time of reaction. At 90 °C, a film of 1 μm thickness is formed after 10 min; grain sizes up to 0.5 μm are obtained. Microstructure of the films is found to be critically dependent on the pretreatment of the titanium anode. Capacitance measurements on the film yield a dielectric constant of 200 with a minimum tan delta of 0.09 at 10 kHz. On the basis of the voltage-time curves, it is interpreted that an amorphous intermediate is formed which crystallizes to form perovskite BaTiO3.
From College to Sustainability Career in Four Steps

Sustainability has clearly caught some mainstream cachet. Big companies are competing on green because they perceive a competitive and reputational advantage. Start-ups and social entrepreneurs are building new business models aimed at directly solving social and environmental challenges. And small firms in sectors including food, retail, and travel are increasingly embracing sustainability as a part of their rationale for being in business in the first place.
The Child Assessment Schedule: parent-child agreement and validity measures.

Abstract— Parents' and children's reports of behavioural-emotional problems in 116 children assessed by the Child Assessment Schedule developed by Hodges et al. (Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry, 21, 468–473, 1982) and the Graham & Rutter Parent Interview (British Journal of Psychiatry, 114, 581–592, 1968), both semi-structured interviews, revealed relatively high agreement compared with studies using highly structured assessment procedures. The majority of disagreements could be attributed to higher parents's cores. Only fears were reported more often by children, especially by the better-functioning children, suggesting that children's reports of fears may be related to a higher level of adaptive functioning rather than a higher level of psychopathology. Although the child interview may be crucial to obtain information often not reported by parents such as fears and anxiety, it was found that information from the child contributed only little to overall clinical judgeament based on information already available from the parents.
Single processor-pool MSIMD/MIMD architectures

In multiple SIMD/MIMD (single-instruction multiple-data/multiple-instruction multiple-data) (MSIMD/MIMD) architectures, two different types of processors are used: processing elements (PEs), to support both SIMD and MIMD partitions, and control units (CUs), to support SIMD partitions. In the existing architectures, the role of a processor to run as either PE or CU is determined only at design time. It is shown that this fixed assignment results in performance degradations. Furthermore, a single processor-pool MSIMD/MIMD architectural model with dynamic processor assignments is introduced. A cube-based single processor-pool system is presented. This system is referred to as the single-pool processor (SPP). Simulation and analysis have shown that the proposed SPP architecture offers a significantly better performance/cost than other MSIMD/MIMD systems. >
ZnSe window layers for GaAs solar cells

We examine ZnSe as a potential window-layer material for GaAs. ZnSe is nearly lattice-matched to GaAs, as well as to GaInP, and has a bandgap of 2.67 eV, which is significantly higher than that of AlGaAs. If good surface passivation of the GaAs by ZnSe can be achieved, a significant improvement in short-circuit current (and hence efficiency) should be possible. We have characterized n-type ZnSe deposited by OMCVD on GaAs for a variety of growth conditions and doping levels. An 80-nm thick n-ZnSe film deposited on epitaxial n-GaAs leads to a fivefold increase in photoluminescence (PL) intensity compared to a bare sample, indicating reduced surface recombination (SRV). The wavelength dependence of the backside PL signal is approximately constant for the ZnSe-coated sample, while it increases with wavelength for the bare wafer. This also indicates a significant reduction in SRV.
Characterization of Secondary Amide Peptide Bonds Isomerization: Thermodynamics and Kinetics from 2D NMR Spectroscopy

Secondary amide cis peptide bonds are of even lower abundance than the cis tertiary amide bonds of prolines, yet they are of biochemical importance. Using 2D NMR exchange spectroscopy we investigated the formation of cis peptide bonds in several oligopeptides: Ac-G-G-G-NH2, Ac-I-GG-NH2, Ac-I-G-G-N-NH2 and its cyclic form: I-G-G-N in DMSO. From the NMR studies, using the amide protons as monitors, an occurrenc.e of 0.13% – 0.23% of cis bonds was obtained at 296 K. The rate constants for the trans to cis conversion determined from 2D EXSY spectroscopy were 4–9·10 −3 s −1 . Multiple minor conformations were detected for most peptide bonds. From their thermodynamic and kinetic properties the cis isomers are distinguished from minor trans isomers that appear because of an adjacent cis peptide bond. Solvent and sequence effects were investigated utilizing N-methylacetamide and various peptides, which revealed an unique enthalpy profile in DMSO. The cyclization of a tetrapeptide resulted in greatly lowered cis populations and slower isomerization rate compared to its linear counterpart, further highlighting the impact of structural constraints.
Integration of vascular, contractile and metabolic responses to hypoxia: effects of maturation and adenosine

We examined myocardial responses to reduced arterial PO2 and the role of endogenous adenosine in constant-pressure perfused hearts from immature (Imm) and mature (Mat) rabbits. During normoxia, coronary flow and myocardial O2 consumption were similar in both groups. With moderate hypoxia, coronary perfusate flow increased by 125 +/- 16% in Imm but by only 68 +/- 12% in Mat hearts. Imm hearts displayed better maintenance of contractile function (87 vs. 67% in Mat hearts) and metabolic state. Blockade of cardiac adenosine receptors with 25 microM 8-p-sulfophenyltheophylline attenuated vasodilation during hypoxia, reduced contractile function, and abolished age-related differences in one response to hypoxia. Myocardial purine release and extracellular purine levels were threefold higher in Mat compared with Imm hearts and was associated with higher cytosolic 5'-AMP concentration (and lower [ATP]/[ADP].[P(i)], where [ATP], [ADP], and [P(i)] are concentrations of ATP, ADP and P(i), respectively) in Mat hearts. In summary, 1) Imm hearts are functionally and metabolically more tolerant of hypoxic perfusion, largely because of improved hypoxia-induced coronary vasodilation; 2) endogenous adenosine mediates this beneficial vasodilation, enhancing hypoxic tolerance; and 3) improved vascular sensitivity to adenosine allows for enhanced vasodilatory responses in the face of lower adenosine levels and higher energy state in immature hearts.
Acetate- and Citrate-Specific Ion Effects on Unfolding and Temperature-Dependent Aggregation Rates of Anti-Streptavidin IgG1

Controlling and predicting unwanted degradation, such as non-native aggregation, is a long-standing challenge for mAbs and other protein-based products. mAb aggregation rates are typically sensitive to temperature, pH, and the addition of excipients. Quantitatively comparing temperature-dependent aggregation rates across multiple possible formulations is a challenge in product development. A parallel temperature initial rate method is used to efficiently and accurately determine initial rates for anti-streptavidin (AS) IgG1 aggregation as a function of pH, [NaCl], and in the presence of acetate versus citrate buffer. Parallel temperature initial rates are shown to agree with results from a traditional, isothermal method and permits direct comparison of the formulations across almost 3 orders of magnitude of aggregation rates. The apparent midpoint unfolding temperatures (through differential scanning calorimetry) and the effective activation energy values (Ea) are generally higher in acetate buffer compared with citrate buffer, which is consistent with preferential accumulation of citrate ions compared with acetate ions that was speculated in previous work (Barnett et al., J Phys Chem B, 2015). Static light scattering and Kirkwood-Buff analysis show that AS-IgG1 has stronger net repulsive protein-protein interactions in acetate compared with citrate buffer, also consistent with increased values of Ea. In an extreme case, aggregation of AS-IgG1 is effectively eliminated across all practical temperatures at pH 4 in 10 mM sodium acetate but proceeds readily in citrate buffer.
Early recognition of delirium in trauma patients.

Summary Objective Evaluate change in practice and beliefs regarding delirium among nurses, pharmacists, respiratory therapists and physicians in a trauma intensive care unit. Methodology/design/setting Descriptive pre and post-design at a Level One Trauma Center. Education on causes of delirium, risk factors, strategies to prevent delirium and routine screening. Outcome measures Change in practice and beliefs regarding delirium. Results McNemars test measured the differences between pre- and post-questionnaires comparing the proportion of staff changed their responses in one direction to those who went in the opposite direction. Changes in "Delirium is largely preventable", were statistically significant ( p =0.035). Haldol was the medication of choice for treating delirium, with an increase in use ( p =0.062) post-intervention. The majority of participants believed a high percentage of patients experience delirium in a trauma intensive care. The two most frequent medical complications associated with delirium pre-questionnaire was over sedation 8 (22%) and falls 9 (24%) and in post-questionnaire, over sedation 12 (26%) and falls 13 (28%). Conclusions An educational intervention emphasising the importance of screening for delirium, risk factors for delirium and approaches to decrease the incidence of delirium can improve identifying and correctly treating delirium in a critical care setting. An educational program had concrete results in respondents' knowledge about delirium.
Studies on human antibodies. V. Amino acid composition of antidextrans of the same and of differing specificities from several individuals.

Human dextran-antidextran-specific precipitates from individuals immunized with dextrans containing either one or two antigenic determinants, were analyzed for their content of various amino acids. Large differences in certain amino acids were found among α-(1 → 6)-specific antidextrans. Wide variations were also observed in antidextran fractions from a given individual specific for α-(1 → 6)- and α-(1 → 2)-linked glucose residues.
The Predictive Influence of Youth Assets on Drinking and Driving Behaviors in Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Drinking and driving among adolescents and young adults remains a significant public health burden. Etiological research is needed to inform the development and selection of preventive interventions that might reduce alcohol-involved crashes and their tragic consequences. Youth assets-that is, skills, competencies, relationships, and opportunities-can help youth overcome challenges, successfully transition into adulthood, and reduce problem behavior. We examined the predictive influence of individual, relationship, and community assets on drinking and driving (DD) and riding with a drinking driver (RDD). We assessed prospective relationships through analysis of data from the Youth Assets Study, a community-based longitudinal study of socio-demographically diverse youth. Results from calculation of marginal models using a Generalized Estimating Equation approach revealed that parent and peer relationship and school connectedness assets reduced the likelihood of both drinking and driving and riding with a drinking driver approximately 1 year later. The most important and consistent asset that influenced DD and RDD over time was parental monitoring, highlighting the role of parental influence extending beyond the immediate teen driving context into young adulthood. Parenting-focused interventions could influence factors that place youth at risk for injury from DD to RDD, complementing other evidence-based strategies such as school-based instructional programs and zero tolerance Blood Alcohol Concentration laws for young and inexperienced drivers.
Remarks by recipient of the 2011 ADEA Distinguished Service Award.

President Andrieu, Executive Director Valachovic, Members of the ADEA Board of Directors, Honorees, Past Presidents, Colleagues, Guests, ADEA Staff: I am humbled and honored to be selected as the recipient of the ADEA Distinguished Service Award. This award is an unintended consequence for me. In
Monitoring on Antibody Levels of Measles in Healthy Population in Nanshan District,Shenzhen City

Objective To understand the status of immunization against measles in healthy population. Method Healthy people aged from 2 to 40 years old were randomly selected to detect the antibody levels of measles. Results The rate and geometric mean titer(GMT) of protection for measles were 95.42% and 1∶1 047.60,respectively. The positive rate of measles antibody was different among age groups. Conclusion A good immunological barrier against measles has formed.
Design and Realization of Logistics Management System Based on E-Commerce

Proposes the software framework of logistics management with E-commerce based on three layers B/S system structure, and introduces system development and running environment. The main functional structures to the system are designed and explained. Finally, some examples are provided in combination with a national 863 project--the agile supply chain management system based on E-commence.
The influence of fatty acids on the binding of bilirubin to albumin

The influence of free fatty acids (FFA's) on the albumin binding of bilirubin was studied in vitro in the plasma of infants with neonatal hyperbilirubineamia and in solutions employing crystalline albumin to which bilirubin and FFA (oleic acid) were added. The bilirubin saturation index (SI) was utilized to distinguish between that fraction of bilirubin bound at the primary (high-affinity) site of albumin and bilirubin bound at secondary sites from which it is easily dissociated by salicylate. The relative saturation of albumin with bilirubin was also measured by addition of salicylate to whole blood samples where bilirubin was also measured by addition of salicylate to whole blood samples where bilirubin dissociated from the albumin could be sequestered by the red cells. The present studies indicate that FFA's influence the binding of bilirubin in two ways. At molar ratios of FFA to albumin (2:1 to 4:1), the FFA's compete with bilirubin for binding at the high-affinity site so that a significant portion of the bilirubin is transported at secondary sites, making it susceptible to displacement by water-soluble organic anions. At high molar ratios (greater than 5:1) FFA's compete with bilirubin for albumin binding at the secondary sites as well. In contrast to crystalline albumin where the first two molar equivalents of FFA do not influence the binding of bilirubin to albumin, all FFA concentrations in hyperbilirubinemic plasma reduce the affinity of albumin for bilirubin at its high-affinity site even though there is a molar excess of albumin over bilirubin.
The effects of prostaglandin E1 and prostaglandin E2 on in vitro myometrial contractility and uterine structure

Objective To estimate the effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and E2 (PGE2) on myometrial contractility and structure in vitro.
A Flat Cylinder Theory for Vessel Impact and Steady Planing Resistance

This work has been motivated by the need for an alternative hydrodynamic theory to apply in analysis of impact loads on typical sections of vessels operating in waves, as well as for the closely analogous hydrodynamics of steady planing in calm water. A theory is needed which is computationally practical, but also physically sound, and incorporating the needed level of sensitivity to detail in the driving physical variables. A new theory believed to achieve this objective is proposed herewith. It can be viewed as a rational compromise between direct numerical inversion of the relatively exact governing equations, which is not presently possible to the needed level of generality, and the simple asymptotic theories evolved from the original work of Herbert Wagner (1932). The single solution field of the exact formulation is retained in the proposed theory; this is versus separate near and far fields of the asymptotic methods. The major reduction of the exact equations exercised here is the specification of uniform first-order geometric linearity; this is also an implicit characteristic of the Wagner class of asymptotic theories. All boundary conditions are satisfied on the horizontal axis in the limit of flatness. But the proposed theory retains the hydrodynamic nonlinearity of the exact formulation; the transverse flow perturbation is retained in the axis boundary conditions to consistent order. As contour flatness is approached and geometric linearity is more and more closely achieved, the transverse contour velocity becomes increasingly larger. The achievement of uniform geometric linearity in the flatness limit is therefore accompanied by uniform hydrodynamic nonlinearity. This is not recognized in the asymptotic theories, where the far field is linear both geometrically and hydrodynamically. The reduction of the exact formulation to an axis satisfaction of the boundary conditions allows much of the geometric inversion imbedded within the initial value problem to be performed analytically. Thus the outer numerical time integration of the system is in terms of stable algebraic formula, resulting in algorithms that are reliably computable on standard computing equipment. Discretization of the general theory for numerical analysis is proposed. The analysis procedure developed is applied to a number of cases of generalized flat cylinder impact. This is in the interest of demonstrating both its utility and its value in providing new insight into the very complex character of impact hydrodynamics.
Geographic variation in type I dialects of Hermit Warblers: does fragmented habitat promote variation in song?

We evaluated the role of habitat fragmentation in promoting song variation and the potential for the generation of dialects within four type I dialect areas of Hermit Warblers (Setophaga occidentalis). The dialect areas differed markedly in the degree of habitat fragmentation due to topographic relief, aspect, and elevation. Geographic variation in song was greatest in the most highly fragmented area, but substantial variation existed in all dialect areas including the area with no obvious fragmentation. Songs in isolated and partially isolated portions of a dialect area differed from songs in the more continuous areas, but geographic variation was also found within the continuous portions of dialect areas. Much of the variation in song structure was clinal, crossing discontinuities in habitat. Within a dialect area, songs varied geographically with differences often apparent over distances ≤10 km in continuous habitat. Despite the great geographic variation in song, evidence that fragmented habitat promotes song variation is insufficient to explain the observed pattern of variation in type I song. Noticeable song variation over relatively small distances suggests males converge on similar type I songs locally while periodic large-scale disturbances, primarily wildfire, are likely important in the partitioning of variable dialects sufficiently in space and time for the generation of new dialects.
“Let Us … Fix Our Eyes upon the Photograph Again”: Photography as Medium and Method in Three Guineas

Responding to a male correspondent who has asked her opinion on how war can be prevented, the narrator of Virginia Woolf’s Three Guineas writes “with the sound of the guns in [her] ears” (6). These...
Diet and Short Term Plasma Lipoprotein-Lipid Changes After Exercise in Trained Men.

To test the effect of diet on the short-term lipid response to exercise, fourteen moderately trained (VO2max: 50.2 ± 6.7 ml/kg/min), healthy men (mean age: 28 ± 4 years) were alternately fed a high fat (60±6.7% fat) and a high carbohydrate (63 ± 3.2% carbohydrate) isoenergetic diet for 2 weeks in a randomized crossover design. During the last 4 days of the treatments, fasting total cholesterol, triglyceride. HDL-cholesterol, and HDL3-cholesterol were measured the day before, and again immediately, 24 hr. and 48 hr after exercise (4190 kJ, 70% VO2max). LDL-cholesterol and HDL2-cholesterol were calculated. Lipid concentrations were adjusted for plasma volume changes after exercise. A 2 (diet) × 4 (time) ANOVA with repeated measures revealed no significant interaction between the diet and exercise treatments. Furthermore, diet alone did not influence lipid concentrations in these trained men. Exercise resulted in an increase in HDL-C (10.7%) and HDL3-C (8.5%) concentrations and a concomitant fall in triglyce...
Roaming Nairobi roads: instrumenting roads under resource constraints

Many intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in cities with developed economies are making use of mobile technology as data sources (e.g., many crowd-sourced traffic-related applications) to improve the quality and efficiency of transportation networks. Often, these data sources are used to supplement existing traffic monitoring equipment (e.g., ground-loop detectors, traffic cameras), to provide greater insights into roadway infrastructure and traffic dynamics. For cities with emerging economies where traditional traffic monitoring equipment is cost prohibitive, the rise in mobile technology presents a unique opportunity to leverage smartphone sensors as an alternative data source for ITS. There are, however, challenges to using these sensors particularly with the cost of mobile data, network consistency, and on-device resources. In this paper, we present a mobile system that instruments roads under resource constraint while a vehicle is in motion. It determines when and what data to collect and/or upload using a number of on-device valuation and optimisation functions, by prioritising data collection over uploading or vis-versa. We deployed our mobile system on a fleet of heavy-duty waste-collection trucks in Nairobi, Kenya to collect a large volume of real-word road infrastructure and mobility data. Results show that a 42 % reduction in wireless transmissions costs can be achieved with minimal impact to the time in which important data are collected, uploaded and harmonized into a frequently updated map of road infrastructure and traffic.
Chiral Polyaryl Cyclophanes

A series of propeller-shaped, C3-symmetric cyclophanes have been synthesized by the macrocyclization of 1,3,5-trimercaptobenzene (12) with either a tris[o-(halomethyl)aryl]phosphine (e.g. 11) or a tris[o-(halomethyl)aryl]benzene (e.g. 24). Two phosphine-capped cyclophanes (5 and 6) were prepared in this way; they proved to be configurationally stable, and both were resolved into pure enantiomers by supercritical fluid chromatography on chiral supports. Compound 6, in particular, displayed a large specific rotation ([α]D ≈ 800) and strong circular dichroism. The one triarylbenzene-capped cyclophane (9) that was made possessed a modest barrier to racemization (ΔGrac‡ = 15.7 kcal/mol). Computational studies of the trends in optical rotation for this class of compounds as well as the pathway for the racemization of 9 are also reported.
Technology Creates 21St Century Wealth — Processes, Problems, and Prognosis

Science and technology are the driving forces increasing the global standards of living. The technology - wealth relationship is complex and not well understood presently but recent macro data tends to support Robert Solow’s 1957 observation that societal, company, and individual wealth and increased standards of living is created by application of science and technology to socio-economic challenges. In 1987, Robert Solow received the Nobel Prize in Economics, for his insight that “seven-eighths” of the world’s increase in world wealth is due to advances in science and technology. The challenges and costs of of wealth creation are identified. This paper explores wealth as defined by GDP/capita, and the current correlations between world/GDP per capita and R&D spending, the number of scientific and technical articles, and number of patents applications from 2000 to 2012/2013 with a forecast of world GDP/capita to 2025 of approximately $15,000 USD from today’s $10,000 USD.
Overview of Radiation Oncology Evaluation and Management of Breast Tumors

Radiation therapy is indicated as part of the standard of care treatment for the majority of patients with breast cancer. Large clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of radiation treatment for breast cancer date back more than a half century. This chapter discusses the indications for adjuvant radiation therapy for ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive breast cancer. It explores the data supporting the indications for radiation therapy and the benefit of radiation therapy in various clinical settings. Also discussed are the role of regional nodal irradiation, the indications for shorter radiation treatment schedules, and the benefit of a radiation boost. This chapter further addresses the role of partial breast irradiation, and lastly, it discusses the clinical scenarios where omission of radiation may be considered. The role of radiation in treating breast angiosarcomas and malignant phyllodes tumors is not addressed here because these topics are more appropriately discussed in the context of the management of sarcomas.
Statistical design of chaotic waveforms with enhanced targeting capabilities

We develop a statistical theory of waveform shaping of incident waves that aims to efficiently deliver energy at weakly lossy targets which are embedded inside chaotic or weakly disordered enclosures such as body cavities, buildings, vessels, etc. Our approach utilizes the universal features of chaotic scattering, thus minimizing the use of information related to the exact characteristics of the chaotic enclosure. The proposed theory applies equally well to systems with and without time-reversal symmetry and will find applications in diverse areas of applied physics involving wave-front shaping for targeted energy transfer in complex environments.
On the nature of embrittlement occurring while tempering a Ni-Cr alloy steel

Data are presented to show that embrittlement in a Ni-Cr alloy steel proceeds by one mechanism at 925°F and by a different mechanism at 1250°F. The embrittlement occurring at 925°F may be removed completely by reheating to higher temperatures for very short times and has no influence upon further embrittlement at 1250°F. The embrittlement occurring at 1250°F appears related to a permanent structural change which has a significant retarding influence upon subsequent development of embrittlement at 925°F. It is suggested that retrogression phenomena are not necessary to explain embrittlement; on the other hand, segregation of solute atoms to prior austenite and ferrite grain boundaries may provide a better explanation of the occurrence of the two modes of embrittlement.
Exaggerated Vasoconstriction to Spontaneous Bursts of Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Healthy Young Black Men

Blacks have the highest prevalence of hypertension, putting them at greater risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Previous studies have reported that, relative to whites, healthy black men have augmented pressor responses to sympathoexcitatory stressors. Although important, these studies do not inform about the resting state and the influence of spontaneous changes in resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). Likewise, little is known about the transduction of MSNA into a vascular response at rest on a beat-to-beat basis. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that relative to whites, blacks would exhibit greater vasoconstriction and pressor responses following spontaneous bursts of MSNA. Mean arterial pressure, common femoral artery blood flow, and MSNA were continuously recorded during 20 minutes of supine rest in 35 young healthy men (17 blacks and 18 whites). Signal averaging was used to characterize changes in leg vascular conductance, total vascular conductance, and mean arterial pressure following spontaneous MSNA bursts. Blacks demonstrated significantly greater decreases in leg vascular conductance (blacks: -15.0±1.0%; whites: -11.5±1.2%; P=0.042) and total vascular conductance (blacks: -8.6±0.9%; whites: -5.1±0.4%; P=0.001) following MSNA bursts, which resulted in greater mean arterial pressure increases (blacks: +5.2±0.6 mm Hg; whites: +3.9±0.3 mm Hg; P=0.04). These exaggerated responses in blacks compared with whites were present whether MSNA bursts occurred in isolation (singles) or in combination (multiples) and were graded with increases in burst height. Collectively, these findings suggest that healthy young black men exhibit augmented sympathetic vascular transduction at rest and provide novel insight into potential mechanism(s) by which this population may develop hypertension later in life.
Visual Health and Visual Healthcare Access in Refugees and Displaced Persons: A Systematic Review

Vision impairment is a significant global health concern. Still, there remains a gap in our knowledge of visual health in refugees. We conducted a systematic review of the distinctive eye care needs of refugees. We screened PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science through February 17, 2017 for studies that focused primarily on visual health in refugees. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tools. 26 studies were included in the final review. The prevalence of blindness ranged from 1.3 to 26.2%. Trachoma was the leading infectious cause. Only four studies assessed vision-related care. Time/location of displacement, social unrest, and sanitation impacted severity of eye disease. Refugees have unique eye care needs. Public health interventions should target eye care at every stage of displacement. Providers may use these results to inform future research and improve visual healthcare access in refugee groups.
RELIABILITY PARAMETERS FOR CHEMICAL PROCESS SYSTEMS

The KITT (Kinetic Tree Theory) computer program for calculating system reliability parameters was modified to include time delays (storage tanks) and component (standby) redudancy. The modified program was applied to the material handling subsection of an oil shale process to obtain system availability.
The DNA Damage Response Mediates Apoptosis and Tumor Suppression

Cells encounter stress on a daily basis that can damage their DNA and promote malignant transformation, yet the latter rarely occurs. The DNA damage response (DDR) is a highly coordinated signaling pathway that functions to detect and repair DNA damage in cells, inhibiting transformation. However, when DNA damage is so severe that it cannot be repaired, the DDR promotes apoptosis, thus preventing the propagation of abnormal cells. The tumor suppressor protein, p53, is one of the most essential molecules keeping DNA damage in check. Here, we discuss the signaling cascades that activate p53 upon DNA damage and the molecular mechanisms that mediate p53-dependent and -independent apoptosis. Moreover, we discuss the signals that trigger the DDR during malignant propagation and the importance of DNA damage-mediated apoptosis in preventing tumorigenesis.
Design of an advanced energy management system for microgrid control using a state machine

Abstract A state machine is proposed as the solution for an automated microgrid energy management system (EMS) to improve transient performance during transition operations. It characterizes microgrid operation by seven states that cover all the operating modes: two for steady-state operation (grid-connected and islanded), four for transition operation (preparing for disconnection, transitioning to islanding, preparing for reconnection, and transitioning to grid-connected), and one for emergency operation (black-start operation). A unique dispatch algorithm is developed for each state to achieve the control objective, and the transition function is implemented in the state machine as control logics to transition the system from one state to the next. The feasibility and effectiveness of the developed state machine is validated by simulation in MATLAB with an example microgrid, and the test results show excellent performance of the state machine to achieve the target control objective in each state and to improve the system’s transient performance during transition operation.