cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The System ThO2‐P2O5

The existence of compounds with 1:1, 3:2, and 3:1 ThO2:P2O5 ratios in the system ThO2-P2O5 was confirmed. A 1:2 compound found by previous workers was not investigated, and their 2:1 compound was not detected; however, extensive solid solution on either side of the 3:2 compound was established. The linear thermal expansion behavior of the compounds and solid solutions was determined.
Mediating effect of IT-enabled capabilities on competitive performance outcomes: An empirical investigation of ERP implementation

Abstract This paper presents an integrated research model related to ERP system implementation and empirically investigates its impact of this implementation on performance outcomes. We argue that effective ERP implementation requires better front-end planning to enable timely coordination (i.e., configurable), continuous interactions (i.e., adaptable), and organization-wide application (i.e., integrative). The hypothesized relationships are tested with data collected from 205 Korean manufacturing firms. Our empirical findings indicate that an ERP implementation strategy alone has no direct effect on performance but does have an indirect effect on performance through IT-enabled combinative capabilities, suggesting that IT-enabled combinative capabilities mediate performance outcomes.
Pressure-composition data for the liquid HClHBr system at Dry-ice temperatures☆

Abstract A simple, pressurized thermostat containing solid CO2 has been used to achieve temperatures accurate to
An Example of a Reaction-Diffusion System with Nonlinear Competitive Interactions

An example of a parabolic system with nonlinear local or nonlocal interactions is considered, with specific applications to the description of competition situations. Under suitable assumptions on the interaction terms, one can derive global existence as well as a comparison result between the PDE solutions and the “lumped” (space-integrated) ODE solutions. The uniqueness issue for the stationary state of the system — corresponding to a stalemate — is also considered. The discrete version of the system is then constructed and some preliminary results for the two-species one-index map and for the one-species two-index map are discussed.
Tauopathy in Drosophila: Neurodegeneration Without Neurofibrillary Tangles

The microtubule-binding protein tau has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. However, the mechanisms underlying tau-mediated neurotoxicity remain unclear. We created a genetic model of tau-related neurodegenerative disease by expressing wild-type and mutant forms of human tau in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Transgenic flies showed key features of the human disorders: adult onset, progressive neurodegeneration, early death, enhanced toxicity of mutant tau, accumulation of abnormal tau, and relative anatomic selectivity. However, neurodegeneration occurred without the neurofibrillary tangle formation that is seen in human disease and some rodent tauopathy models. This fly model may allow a genetic analysis of the cellular mechanisms underlying tau neurotoxicity.
Droplet flux distributions and entrainment in horizontal gas-liquid flows

Measurements of entrainment and of droplet distributions are presented for air and water flowing in a horizontal 0.095 m pipe. A stratification of drops is observed because of the influence of gravity. Entrainment does not depend on pipe diameter and it increases strongly with increasing gas velocity. At small gas velocities, it is lower in horizontal pipes than in vertical pipes because gravitational settling enhances deposition.
Decaying Dark Matter from Dark Instantons

We construct an explicit, TeV-scale model of decaying dark matter in which the approximate stability of the dark matter candidate is a consequence of a global symmetry that is broken only by instanton-induced operators generated by a non-Abelian dark gauge group. The dominant dark matter decay channels are to standard model leptons. Annihilation of the dark matter to standard model states occurs primarily through the Higgs portal. We show that the mass and lifetime of the dark matter candidate in this model can be chosen to be consistent with the values favored by fits to data from the PAMELA and Fermi-LAT experiments.
Recent Developments In Optical Bistability

Some recent developments in the field of optical bistability are reviewed. Emphasis is placed upon those new areas which are currently most active and which demonstrate the greatest interest for the future.
Synthesis of Cellulase during Abscission of Phaseolus vulgaris Leaf Explants

When abscission in leaf explants from Phaseolus vulgaris, cultivar Red Kidney, was allowed to proceed while the explants were in (2)H(2)O, a 1.25% increase in the buoyant density of cellulase in a cesium chloride gradient was observed. These data indicate that the increase in cellulase activity during abscission is a result of the synthesis of new protein. Two differentially soluble forms of cellulase are present in the abscission zone. The form which is soluble only in a high salt buffer seems more closely related to the abscission process than the form which is soluble in dilute buffer. The correlation between changes in pull force and increase in cellulase activity and the effects of several hormones on cellulase activity are discussed.
The molecular logic of Notch signaling – a structural and biochemical perspective

The Notch signaling pathway constitutes an ancient and conserved mechanism for cell-cell communication in metazoan organisms, and has a central role both in development and in adult tissue homeostasis. Here, we summarize structural and biochemical advances that contribute new insights into three central facets of canonical Notch signal transduction: (1) ligand recognition, (2) autoinhibition and the switch from protease resistance to protease sensitivity, and (3) the mechanism of nuclear-complex assembly and the induction of target-gene transcription. These advances set the stage for future mechanistic studies investigating ligand-dependent activation of Notch receptors, and serve as a foundation for the development of mechanism-based inhibitors of signaling in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
Percutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter placement for the management of end-stage renal disease: Technique and comparison with the surgical approach ☆

As the incidence of end-stage renal disease is increasing, so is the pressure on the health care system to promote less expensive and burdensome management solutions. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been increasingly used and is especially suited for patients who, in exchange for meticulous care and technique, enjoy more independence and fewer clinic visits than their counterparts on hemodialysis. Both the efficiency and the complication profile of the percutaneously placed PD catheters are comparable to that of surgically implanted ones. Percutaneous procedures have the added advantage of being less expensive and requiring shorter hospitalization. Radiologists are in an advantageous position to provide fluoroscopic placement of PD catheters promptly and safely. We describe this technique step by step and compare its complication profile to that of the surgical approach as reported in the literature.
Effect of neon ions on synchronized Chinese hamster cells

SummaryThe variation in radiosensitivity across the cell cycle after exposure to neon ions and 60Co γ-rays is reported for cultured hamster cells. The cells were first synchronized by mitotic selection, then resynchronized in the region of the G1/S boundary by treatment with 10−3 m hydroxyurea. Although the use of hydroxyurea improves the synchrony, it does sensitize cells at the G1/S boundary to some degree. The cells were exposed at the plateau and the distal peak position of a neon ion beam modified by a 10 cm wide ridge filter. The results indicate that the variation (ratio of maximum to minimum survival after fixed doses of radiation that are approximately matched to produce similar cell killing) was approximately 80 to 100-fold for 60Co γ-rays and neon ions at the plateau, and 25-fold for distal peak neon ions. While the r.b.e. of distal peak neon ions decreased rapidly with increasing dose for cells in late S-phase, the r.b.e. is independent of dose for cells at the G1/S boundary.
A Travel-Cost Analysis of the Demand for Hunting Trips in Kansas

The travel-cost method is used to evaluate the demand for hunting trips in Kansas. In contrast to earlier studies, time spent on site for other recreational activities is explicitly included in the empirical analysis. The demand for hunting trips falls as cost rises. The hunter's age, investment in hunting equipment, and site quality characteristics significantly influence demand. Conversely, time-on-site for non-hunting activities and length of stay do not significantly influence the demand for hunting trips. These results lend support to other analyses which have implicitly assumed that length of stay and time spent in secondary recreational activities are not relevant to recreational demand estimation. The estimates suggest that Kansas hunters realize benefits of about $170 per hunting trip.
Effect of Milk Processing Methods on Endosulfan, Endosulfan Sulfate, and Chlordane Residues in Milk

Abstract Samples of milk containing endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, or chlordane were manufactured into condensed, dried whole, and evaporated milk. The greatest loss of insecticide occurred during the manufacture of drum-dried milk. Endosulfan and endosulfan sulfate found in drum-dried milk represented a 49.7 and 70.4% decrease, respectively, of the amounts found in raw milk. The average per cent decrease of chlordane during the roller drying process was 44.9%. Chlordane was more stable to the milk-processing treatments than endosulfan or endosulfan sulfate.
Diaphragm dysfunction caused by sphingomyelinase requires the p47phox subunit of NADPH oxidase

Sphingomyelinase (SMase) activity is elevated in inflammatory states and may contribute to muscle weakness in these conditions. Exogenous SMase depresses muscle force in an oxidant-dependent manner. However, the pathway stimulated by SMase that leads to muscle weakness is unclear. In non-muscle cells, SMase activates the Nox2 isoform of NADPH oxidase, which requires the p47(phox) subunit for enzyme function. We targeted p47(phox) genetically and pharmacologically (apocynin) to examine the role of NADPH oxidase on SMase-induced increase in oxidants and diaphragm weakness. SMase increased cytosolic oxidants (arbitrary units: control 203±15, SMase 276±22; P<0.05) and depressed maximal force in wild type mice (N/cm(2): control 20±1, SMase 16±0.6; P<0.05). However, p47(phox) deficient mice were protected from increased oxidants (arbitrary units: control 217±27, SMase 224±17) and loss of force elicited by SMase (N/cm(2): control 20±1, SMase 19±1). Apocynin appeared to partially prevent the decrease in force caused by SMase (n=3 mice/group). Thus, our study suggests that NADPH oxidase plays an important role on oxidant-mediated diaphragm weakness triggered by SMase. These observations provide further evidence that NADPH oxidase modulates skeletal muscle function.
Sulfhydryl group involvement in the modulation of guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate metabolism by nitric oxide, norepinephrine, pyruvate and t-butyl hydroperoxide in minced rat lung

Abstract The cyclic GMP content of rat lung mince was increased nearly 50-fold within 4 sec following exposure to nitric oxide. This rapid increase in cyclic GMP accumulation was prevented by 10 mM, but not 1 mM, dithiothreitol which itself caused a slower yet massive (100-fold) increase in the cyclic GMP content of lung mince. Tissue cyclic GMP following nitric oxide exposure declined rapidly even in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine. The decline in cyclic GMP was accelerated by the thiol oxidant diamide (1 mM). The cyclic GMP content of lung mince was also increased by norepinephrine, pyruvate and t-butyl hydroperoxide. Diamide blocked cyclic GMP accumulation in response to these other agents as well as that caused by nitric oxide or dithiothreitol. The results suggest that sulfhydryl group modification may be a common pathway for the enhancement of cyclic GMP synthesis in tissues by a variety of stimuli.
Disturbances in the perception of auditory sequence in children with minimal cerebral dysfunction.

Three nonverbal and seven verbal recorded tests were administered to a group of 21 children with minimal cerebral dysfunction and learning difficulties, and to a comparison group of normal children...
Low‐temperature electron spin resonance investigations of silicon paramagnetic defects in silicon nitride

We have reproduced and extended some recently reported electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements related to the nature of the dominant charge traps in silicon nitride. We detected defect centers at low temperatures using ESR, in both as‐deposited and ultraviolet‐irradiated silicon nitride powders and films prepared by low‐pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD). Only two silicon dangling bond defects were observed in the silicon nitride, one at g=2.003 (⋅Si≡N3), and the other at g=2.005 (⋅Si≡Si3). The signal intensity at g=2.003 is by far the dominant signal in the LPCVD films and powders subjected to UV illumination; the signal at g=2.005 is only about 3% of its intensity. These results support the idea that there is just one dominant silicon paramagnetic center (⋅Si≡N3), which is responsible for charge trapping in silicon nitride.
The anatomy of elopement from an acute adolescent service: escape from engagement.

The phenomenon of elopement from an open acute adolescent psychiatric service, located in a general city hospital, is studied. The records of 19 patients who successfully eloped a total of 25 times over a six-month period were analyzed: There was a predominance of male patients: 40% of escapes involved more than one patient; 88% of the elopements ended with a return to the hospital, usually of the patient's own volition; a surprising percentage of adolescents (58%) had never attempted elopement before; 60% of the elopements occurred in the evenings or over weekends.
Neoplastic transformation of breast epithelial cells by genotoxic stress

Background Exposure to genotoxic stresses such as radiation and tobacco smoke can cause increased cancer incidence rate as reflected in an in depth meta-analysis of data for women and breast cancer incidence. Published reports have indicated that exposures to low dose radiation and tobacco smoke are factors that contribute to the development of breast cancer. However, there is a scarcity of information on the combinatorial effects of low dose radiation and tobacco smoke on formation and progression of breast cancer. The combination of these two genotoxic insults can induce significant damage to the genetic material of the cells resulting in neoplastic transformation.
New indenyl titanium catalysts for syndiospecific styrene polymerizations

Abstract A series of multi-methyl-substituted indenes as well as allylindene, n -propylindene, n -but-1-enylindene, and n -butylindene have been prepared in good yields. The substituted indenes were converted into trimethylsilyl derivatives via reactions of intermediate organolithium complexes with chlorotrimethylsilane. The corresponding titanium complexes were synthesized in excellent yields from reactions of the trimethylsilyl derivatives with TiCl 4 . The titanium complexes were evaluated as styrene polymerization catalysts in toluene solution when activated by methylaluminoxane. In general, catalytic activities decreased with each additional methyl substituent. Syndiospecificities were very high (90–95%).
Rise-time regimes of a large sphere in vibrated bulk solids

We report experiments on the rise time T of a single large sphere within a sinusoidally vibrated bed (amplitude a) of uniform particles (diameter d). At fixed acceleration, we identify three distinct behavioral regimes both from visual observations and from the typical increase of T with frequency f. We observe two convective regimes separated by a critical frequency and, for low a and high f, a ``nonconvective'' regime. In the latter, the bed crystallizes and a size dependent rise is evidenced. We show the relevance of the nondimensional parameter $a/d$ and deduce a scaling law of the form $f\ensuremath{\propto}{d}^{\ensuremath{-}1/2}$.
The not so holy Batman: The film

(1990). The not so holy Batman: The film. Popular Music and Society: Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 113-122.
Relative cerebral blood volume from dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion in the grading of pediatric primary brain tumors.

Introduction The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) data from dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion in grading pediatric primary brain tumors.
Unsupervised Multilingual Learning for Morphological Segmentation

For centuries, the deep connection between languages has brought about major discoveries about human communication. In this paper we investigate how this powerful source of information can be exploited for unsupervised language learning. In particular, we study the task of morphological segmentation of multiple languages. We present a nonparametric Bayesian model that jointly induces morpheme segmentations of each language under consideration and at the same time identifies cross-lingual morpheme patterns, or abstract morphemes. We apply our model to three Semitic languages: Arabic, Hebrew, Aramaic, as well as to English. Our results demonstrate that learning morphological models in tandem reduces error by up to 24% relative to monolingual models. Furthermore, we provide evidence that our joint model achieves better performance when applied to languages from the same family.
Carbohydrates from Precambrian and Cambrian Rocks and Fossils

Carbohydrate residues in eleven samples of early to late Precambrian rocks and fossils and one sample of Middle Cambrian Burgess Shale ranged from traces to more than 5 μg/g Free monosaccharides and a disaccharide, acid-extractable (polymeric) sugars, and recognizable polysaccharides were found in the samples. Geological conditions in the sampling areas suggest that the free sugars, being water-soluble, may not be indigenous to the rock but perhaps were introduced by ground-water circulation during the present or a preceding erosion cycle. Available evidence suggests that the acid-extractable monosaccharides and polysaccharides are at least partly native to the rocks or fossils in which they occur. The acid-extractable sugars obtained in these samples are β-D-galactose, β-D-glucose, mannose, arabinose, xylose, ribose, and rhamnose; the first two were identified enzymatically and they and the other sugars were also identified chromatographically. The polysaccharides found in these samples are linear α —1 →4 glucopyranose units suggesting starch, β — 1 → 4 glucopyranose units suggesting cellulose, and β — 1 → 3 glucopyranose unitssug-gesting laminaran. No starch residues were found n i the two lower Precambrian samples (Soudan and Coutchiching), but a trace of celluloseand laminaran was obtained in the Coutchiching. This may be an indication that cellulose-type structural polysac-charides and laminaran-type reserve sugars, but not starch-type food-reserve polysaccharides, existed in the early Precambrian.
Theoretical basis of the finite element iterative method for the eigenvalue problem in stationary cracks

In a recently published paper a finite element based iterative method was introduced for the solution of the eigenvalue problem of stationary cracks.1 In this paper we give the theoretical basis of this iterative method and we show why it converges and how it could be extended to more complex fracture problems. The cases of cracks at interfaces are illustrated.
AN INQUIRY INTO SOME MECHANICAL FACTORS IN THE PRODUCTION OF LYMPHOCYTOSIS.

1. The lymph of the thoracic duct furnishes to the blood a larger proportion than is usually supposed of the lymphocytes in circulation. Gross variations in its output of such cells must affect very considerably the blood picture. 2. The quantity of lymphocytes supplied through the thoracic duct of the healthy dog remains practically constant from hour to hour, if the physiological conditions are not notably changed. Transient change in physiological conditions may alter the output of cells, but with the disappearance of this change the output tends to resume its previous rate. These facts indicate that the tissues producing lymphocytes are "set" at a rate of activity definite in the individual. 3. Muscular activity (struggle) produces a prompt increase in the output of lymphocytes through the thoracic duct. ( a ) This is assured by the presence of an increased number of cells per cubic millimeter of lymph, combined with an increase in the amount of lymph voided. ( b ) The lymphocyte-output may be tripled or quadrupled during a long-continued struggle. ( c ) Following prolonged struggle the output of lymphocytes is for a short time less than previous to the exertion. 4. The increased lymph-flow caused by a lymphagogue of the second class (glucose) brings with it increased output of lymphocytes through the thoracic duct. ( a ) The individual cubic millimeters of lymph are often poor in cells, during the rapid lymph-flow, yet the total number of elements transported is large. ( b ) The results with glucose support the theory of Ehrlich, that a rapidly appearing lymphocytosis may be produced through the flushing effect of increased lymph-flow. 5. A comparison of the effects of struggle with those of glucose demonstrates that in the former some factor besides increase in lymph-flow per se (Ehrlich) works to cause the large output of lymphocytes. The nature of this factor has not yet been determined. 6. The variations caused by muscular exertion and by increased lymph-flow in the number of lymphocytes coursing through the thoracic duct are so pronounced as to suggest that the total number of lymphocytes in circulation must be considerably influenced by them. Clinical findings by other observers indicate that this is true; and the clinical findings themselves become much simpler of interpretation. 7. The results in general prove the existence, reserved from circulation, of a large fund of lymphocytes, which is quickly yielded to the blood under certain physiological conditions.
What Matchings Can Be Stable? The Testable Implications of Matching Theory

This paper studies the falsifiability of two-sided matching theory when agents' preferences are unknown. A collection of matchings is rationalizable if there are preferences for the agents involved so that the matchings are stable. We show that there are nonrationalizable collections of matchings; hence, the theory is falsifiable. We also characterize the rationalizable collections of matchings, which leads to a test of matching theory in the spirit of revealed-preference tests of individual optimizing behavior.
Mexico: Cartels, corruption and cocaine: A profile of the Gulf cartel

This text constructs a profile of one of Mexico's most powerful organised crime groups, the Gulf cartel. The text analyses the power of the cartel in the international system, the effects globalisation has had on its operations, the threats it poses to the state, and the obstacles the state faces in countering transnational organised crime groups.
Skeletal morphology of the middle Eocene swift Scaniacypselus and the evolutionary history of true swifts (Apodidae)

New specimens of Scaniacypselus szarskii, a stem group representative of the Apodidae (true swifts) from the middle Eocene Messel oilshale in Germany, are described. These fossils show that Scaniacypselus differs from crown group Apodidae in a number of distinct and previously unrecognized osteological features. Notably, the sternum of Scaniacypselus is shorter than that of extant true swifts, the ulna proportionally longer, the carpometacarpus shorter, and the internal index process on the proximal phalanx of the major wing digit less developed. In details of its humerus morphology, Scaniacypselus is distinguished from all extant apodiform birds. Scaniacypselus further has a much shorter tarsometatarsus than most crown group Apodidae. It is hypothesized that short legs are plesiomorphic for Apodidae as a total group (stem group and crown group representatives), but that crown group Apodidae primitively have an elongated tarsometatarsus as an adaptation for clinging to vertical surfaces. The less specialized wing and pectoral girdle morphology suggests that Scaniacypselus was probably not as aerial as extant Apodidae. The differences in foot morphology indicate that it was more arboreal than its living relatives and had different breeding and roosting habits. Crown group Apodiformes probably diverged well after the middle Eocene, and the derived nesting behavior may have contributed to their evolutionary success.
Protective Effects of Swainsonine on Murine Survival and Bone Marrow Proliferation During Cytotoxic Chemotherapy

We have investigated the ability of swainsonine, an indolizidine alkaloid with pleiotropic in vivo effects, to confer protection against the cytotoxic effects of both cell cycle-specific and cell cycle-nonspecific cytotoxic anticancer agents. The intraperitoneal administration of swainsonine decreased the lethality of methotrexate (MTX), fluorouracil (5-FU), cyclophosphamide (CPM), and doxorubicin (DOX) in non-tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mice. The increased survival rate was found to correlate with stimulation of bone marrow cell proliferation, as measured by increases in 1) bone marrow cellularity, 2) in vivo and in vitro colony-forming activity, and 3) engraftment efficiency. These responses were critically dependent on the dose, sequence, and timing of swainsonine administration. If these results are confirmed in humans, swainsonine may offer promise in future intensive chemotherapy programs, allowing increased dosage and/or frequency of administration of cytotoxic agents without increasing toxic effects in bone marrow.
Measuring Situational Interest in Academic Domains.

Three studies were conducted to develop and validate scores on a new measure appropriate for assessing adolescents’ situational interest (SI) across various academic settings. In Study 1 (n 858), a self-report questionnaire was administered to undergraduates in introductory psychology. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) supported a three-factor model that differentiated between interest generated by (a) the presentation of course material that grabbed students’ attention (triggered-SI), (b) the extent to which the material itself was enjoyable and engaging (maintained-SI-feeling), and (c) whether the material was viewed as important and valuable (maintained-SI-value). CFA analyses in Study 2 (n 284) and Study 3 (n 246) also supported the three-factor situational interest model for middle and high school students in mathematics. Moreover, situational interest was shown to be distinct from individual interest and was a statistically significant predictor of change in individual interest across the school year.
Metabolic and neuropsychiatric effects of calorie restriction and sirtuins

Most living organisms, including humans, age. Over time the ability to do physical and intellectual work deteriorates, and susceptibility to infectious, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases increases, which leads to general fitness decline and ultimately to death. Work in model organisms has demonstrated that genetic and environmental manipulations can prevent numerous age-associated diseases, improve health at advanced age, and increase life span. Calorie restriction (CR) (consumption of a diet with fewer calories but containing all the essential nutrients) is the most robust manipulation, genetic or environmental, to extend longevity and improve health parameters in laboratory animals. However, outside of the protected laboratory environment, the effects of CR are much less certain. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of CR may lead to the development of novel therapies to combat diseases of aging and to improve the quality of life. Sirtuins, a family of NAD+-dependent enzymes, mediate a number ...
In vivo properties of the Drosophila inebriated-encoded neurotransmitter transporter.

Altering neurotransmitter levels within the nervous system can cause profound changes in behavior and neuronal function. Neurotransmitter transporters play important roles in regulating neurotransmitter levels by performing neurotransmitter reuptake. It was previously shown that mutations in the Drosophila inebriated (ine)- encoded neurotransmitter transporter cause increased neuronal excitability. Here we report a further functional characterization of Ine. First we show that Ine functions in the short-term (time scale of minutes to a few hours) to regulate neuronal excitability. Second, we show that Ine is able to control excitability from either neurons or glia cells. Third, we show that overexpression of Ine reduces neuronal excitability. Overexpression phenotypes of ine include: delayed onset of long-term facilitation and increased failure rate of transmitter release at the larval neuromuscular junction, reduced amplitude of larval nerve compound action potentials, suppression of the leg-shaking behavior of mutants defective in the Shaker -encoded potassium channel, and temperature-sensitive paralysis. Each of these overexpression phenotypes closely resembles those of loss of function mutants in the para -encoded sodium channel. These data raise the possibility that Ine negatively regulates neuronal sodium channels, and thus that the substrate neurotransmitter of Ine positively regulates sodium channels.
Dynamic self-cleaning in gecko setae via digital hyperextension

Gecko toe pads show strong adhesion on various surfaces yet remain remarkably clean around everyday contaminants. An understanding of how geckos clean their toe pads while being in motion is essential for the elucidation of animal behaviours as well as the design of biomimetic devices with optimal performance. Here, we test the self-cleaning of geckos during locomotion. We provide, to our knowledge, the first evidence that geckos clean their feet through a unique dynamic self-cleaning mechanism via digital hyperextension. When walking naturally with hyperextension, geckos shed dirt from their toes twice as fast as they would if walking without hyperextension, returning their feet to nearly 80 per cent of their original stickiness in only four steps. Our dynamic model predicts that when setae suddenly release from the attached substrate, they generate enough inertial force to dislodge dirt particles from the attached spatulae. The predicted cleaning force on dirt particles significantly increases when the dynamic effect is included. The extraordinary design of gecko toe pads perfectly combines dynamic self-cleaning with repeated attachment/detachment, making gecko feet sticky yet clean. This work thus provides a new mechanism to be considered for biomimetic design of highly reuseable and reliable dry adhesives and devices.
Positive indirect effects of reef fishes on kelp performance: the importance of mesograzers.

It has been suggested that microcarnivorous reef fishes may play an important role in giant kelp forest communities by preventing infestations of mesograzers that could severely impact or potentially destroy recovering kelp forests after extreme disturbance events. However, these trophic linkages, specifically the direct and indirect effects of fishes on the biomass of mesograzers, grazing intensity, and the performance of giant kelp, have not been sufficiently quantified and evaluated as to their importance and in the absence of such disturbance events. We examined experimentally the effects of mesograzers on the growth and performance of giant kelp in the presence and absence of their fish predators near Santa Catalina Island, California (USA). Mesograzer biomass and grazing intensity were significantly higher when fishes were excluded from giant kelp, which in turn, lowered kelp performance. This pattern was consistent both on experimental plots of kelp as habitat isolates, and on a continuous reef. Moreover, the abundance of mesograzers was inversely related to the abundance of kelp perch among several kelp-forested reefs, suggesting that these effects can occur at larger spatial scales. Because of differences in the diet and behavior of two microcarnivorous fishes, the kelp perch and senorita, we conducted an experiment manipulating each species and its density independently to determine their separate effects on mesograzers and kelp performance. Concurrently we examined the growth and mortality of juvenile kelp. Grazing intensity decreased, estimates of kelp performance increased, and the growth of juvenile kelp increased with increasing densities of fish but with no detectable effects between fishes. Our results demonstrate that these microcarnivorous fishes have positive indirect effects on kelp performance by reducing mesograzer biomass and grazing intensity, and the early life stages of other fishes also may be important. More specifically, these fishes have a positive effect on the density of fronds of giant kelp that can result in greater recruitment success and the abundance of kelp-associated invertebrates and fishes. Indeed, this study suggests that mesograzers have the potential to be one of the most important herbivores in kelp forest ecosystems.
Generalized Backward Interpolation for Algebraic Soft-Decision Decoding of Reed-Solomon Codes

Algebraic soft-decision (ASD) decoding algorithm of Reed-Solomon (RS) codes can achieve better performance-complexity tradeoff than other soft-decision decoding algorithms. The interpolation is a major step of ASD algorithms. In the case that multiple test vectors are involved, the interpolation needs to be carried out for each vector and leads to very high hardware complexity. To enable the sharing of computation results in the interpolation for different vectors, a backward interpolation scheme was developed previously to eliminate points from a given interpolation result, which is a Grobner basis. However, this scheme can only eliminate all points in the same code position when their multiplicities are all one and the number of points is one less than the number of polynomials in the Grobner basis. Larger multiplicities are required to achieve better error-correcting performance. Moreover, for general ASD algorithms, the points in the same code position may have different multiplicities. In this paper, a generalized backward interpolation algorithm is proposed through constructing equivalent Grobner basis. It is capable of reducing the multiplicity of each point in the same code position by one at a time until zero, and the multiplicity of each point can be different. As an example, the proposed scheme is applied to a Chase-type decoding that has multiplicity two in the flipping points, and efficient hardware architectures are developed. For a (255, 239) RS code with eight test vectors, employing the proposed backward interpolation leads to 18% area reduction and 23% speedup compared to repeating the interpolation over the flipping points for each test vector.
The Effects of Perceived Discrimination on Diabetes Management

We investigated whether self-reported racial/ethnic and gender discrimination were associated with lower rates of diabetes management. Analyses focused on 524 respondents with diabetes from the 2001 Commonwealth Health Care Quality Survey. Probit models estimated the marginal effect of self-reported racial/ethnic and gender discrimination on diabetes management, adjusting for racial/ethnic and gender concordance of the patient and physician, as well as a variety of health and sociodemographic indicators. Self-reported racial/ethnic discrimination was associated with a roughly 50% lower marginal probability of receiving a hemoglobin A1c test, foot exam, and blood pressure exam, when accounting for racial/ethnic and gender physician-patient concordance and other factors. Self-reported gender discrimination was associated with 22% lower marginal probability of conducting a hemoglobin test but not associated with the other management indicators. Evidence from this study suggests that racial/ethnic discrimination is an important barrier to diabetes management.
Myeloid Differentiation Primary Response Gene (88)— and Toll-Like Receptor 2—Deficient Mice Are Susceptible to Infection with Aerosolized Legionella pneumophila

Background. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of proteins that orchestrate innate immune responses to microbes. Although pathogens are typically recognized by multiple TLRs, the specific roles of individual TLRs in mediating host protection during in vivo infection are not well understood. Methods. We compared the roles of myeloid differentiation primary response gene (88) (MyD88), which regulates signaling through multiple TLRs, and TLR2 in mediating resistance to aerosolized Legionellapneumophila infection in vivo. Results. In comparison with wild-type mice, MyD88-deficient (MyD88 -/- ) mice had dramatically higher bacterial counts in the lungs, with decreased neutrophil counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as well as absent cytokine and chemokine production at early time points. By day 6 of infection, the MyD88 -/- mice developed organizing pneumonia with dissemination of L. pneumophila to the lymph nodes and spleen. TLR2 -/- mice were also more susceptible to L. pneumophila, with higher bacterial counts in the lung. However, TLR2 -/- mice produced proinflammatory cytokines, recruited neutrophils to the lung alveoli, and cleared the infection without progression to organizing pneumonia and disseminated disease. Conclusions. These results suggest that a MyD88-dependent pathway is required for eradication of L. pneumophila and prevention of organizing pneumonia. TLR2 mediates partial resistance to L. pneumophila, which indicates that additional MyD88-dependent, TLR2-independent pathways are essential for full protection.
MitoSeek: extracting mitochondria information and performing high-throughput mitochondria sequencing analysis

Motivation: Exome capture kits have capture efficiencies that range from 40 to 60%. A significant amount of off-target reads are from the mitochondrial genome. These unintentionally sequenced mitochondrial reads provide unique opportunities to study the mitochondria genome. Results: MitoSeek is an open-source software tool that can reliably and easily extract mitochondrial genome information from exome and whole genome sequencing data. MitoSeek evaluates mitochondrial genome alignment quality, estimates relative mitochondrial copy numbers and detects heteroplasmy, somatic mutation and structural variants of the mitochondrial genome. MitoSeek can be set up to run in parallel or serial on large exome sequencing datasets. Availability: https://github.com/riverlee/MitoSeek
Two-photon Imaging of endothelin-1-mediated Intracellular Ca(2+) Handling in Smooth Muscle Cells of Rat Renal Resistance Arteries

Abstract Aims Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor which regulates the physiology of cardiorenal system. The aim of this study was to evaluate ET-1-mediated elevation of intracellular Ca 2 + in smooth muscle cells (SMC) of renal resistance arteries. Main methods In in vitro studies of primary SMC, which were isolated from rat renal microvessels, the levels of intracellular Ca 2 + were calculated from the ratio of emissions at 340 and 380 nm after loading cells with Fura 2-AM dye. In ex vivo studies we used two-photon imaging of renal resistance arteries excised from rat kidneys and loaded with fluorescent Ca 2 + indicator Fluo-4 AM. Key findings The two-photon imaging demonstrates that treatment of isolated rat renal resistance arteries with ET-1 causes a rapid increase of intracellular Ca 2 + concentration in smooth muscle vasculature of these vessels. These ex vivo observations are in accordance with in vitro findings indicating that ET-1 mediates activation of TRPC channels and increases the level of intracellular Ca 2 + in cultured SMC to 510 ± 83 nM. Significance ET-1-mediated elevation of intracellular Ca 2 + is strongly linked to renal microvascular contraction and is crucial for ET-1-induced contraction of SMC. The two-photon imaging of intracellular Ca 2 + in intact SMC of rat renal resistance arteries is a powerful technique which allows the detailed ex vivo analysis of intracellular Ca 2 + handling by ET-1, an important player in hypertension-related kidney diseases.
Cycle Atlanta and OneBusAway: Driving Innovation Through the Data Ecosystems of Civic Computing

Smart cities and digital democracy have begun to converge around mobile computing, enabling, web services, and different operational and shared databases to create new opportunities for civic engagement for concerned citizens as well as new efficiencies for public services provided by local government. While many of these projects remain siloed to specific departments of local government, when viewed in aggregate, they begin to fill in a more complex picture of how piecemeal projects are changing the relationship between local government and the public. As an example of this change, we describe our partnership with multiple city and regional agencies in Atlanta. We discuss a pair of projects that together, aim to transform Atlanta’s transportation system by more effectively connecting the public to transportation services and to the processes of infrastructure planning. The projects we present here—Cycle Atlanta and OneBusAway—are part of a larger civic computing agenda where models of digital democracy and smart cities combine to create a data ecosystem where citizens produce and consume different forms of data to enable better infrastructure planning and to enhance alternative modes of transportation.
The human microbiota: novel targets for hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance.

Abstract Purpose Hospital-acquired infections are increasing in frequency due to multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs), and the spread of MDROs has eroded our ability to treat infections. Health care professionals cannot rely solely on traditional infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship to prevent MDRO transmission. We review research on the microbiota as a target for infection control interventions. Methods We performed a literature review of key research findings related to the microbiota as a target for infection control interventions. These data are summarized and used to outline challenges, opportunities, and unanswered questions in the field. Results The healthy microbiota provides protective functions including colonization resistance, which refers to the microbiota's ability to prevent colonization and/or expansion of pathogens. Antibiotic use and other exposures in hospitalized patients are associated with disruptions of the microbiota that may reduce colonization resistance and select for antibiotic resistance. Novel methods to exploit protective mechanisms provided by an intact microbiota may provide the key to preventing the spread of MDROs in the health care setting. Conclusions Research on the microbiota as a target for infection control has been limited. Epidemiologic studies will facilitate progress toward the goal of manipulating the microbiota for control of MDROs in the health care setting.
Techno-Economic Optimal Design and Application of SOFC Systems for Residential Micro-CHP Applications in the U.S.

A techno-economic optimization study investigating optimal design and operating strategies of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) micro-combined heat and power (CHP) systems for application in U.S. residential dwellings is carried out through modeling and simulation of various anode-supported planar SOFC-based system configurations. Five different SOFC system designs operating from either methane or hydrogen fuels are evaluated in terms of their energetic and economic performance and their overall suitability for meeting residential thermal-to-electric ratios. Life cycle cost models are developed and employed to generate optimization objective functions which are utilized to explore the sensitivity of the life cycle costs to various system design and economic parameters and to select optimal system configurations and operating parameters for eventual application in single-family, detached residential homes in the U.S. The study compares the results against a baseline SOFC-CHP system that employs primarily external steam reforming of methane. The results of the study indicate that system configurations and operating parameter selections that enable minimum life cycle cost while achieving maximum CHP system efficiency are possible. Life cycle cost reductions of over 30% and CHP efficiency improvements of nearly 20% from the baseline system are detailed.© 2008 ASME
11-dehydrocorticosterone acetate (compound A) in normal and tumor bearing mice.

SummaryThe study provides evidence that Compound A (11-dehydrocorticosterone acetate) has pronounced biological activity. Among these is the ability to reduce the size of: (1) the adrenal glands, (2) tissues related to the lymphoid system and, (3) possibly the accessory reproductive organs. The life expectancy of mice bearing transplantable lymphatic leukemia PI 534 was increased and evidence of modification of the local lymphatic lesion was observed. Growth of the tumor mass of lymphosarcoma 6C3HED was prevented for a short experimental period.
An Evaluation of Xeric Adaptiveness of Several Species of Blister Beetles (Meloidae)

Several species of blister beetles mainly of the subtribe Eupomphina (Meloinae: Lyttini) were tested with respect to several parameters to evaluate their xeric adaptiveness. Rates of water loss were generally higher than for other xeric species (9.59–155.00 mg/g/h). Oxygen consumption was higher in all species than that reported for other xeric arthropods (300.9–3679.1 μl/g/h). All animals tested showed strong ability to regulate Na, K, and Ca as well as total osmotic concentration. Each species showed a high temperature tolerance as judged by relatively high critical thermal maxima (CTM) (47–51°C). Except for their high temperature tolerance, survival of meloids under rigorous ecological stresses seems more related to availability of wet food than to exceptional physiological adaptations.
Jet structure in Heavy-Ion Collisions – A theory overview

Abstract We review the recent developments in the theory of jet-quenching. First, we analyze the coherent vacuum cascade and incoherent medium-induced cascade separately. Then, we discuss the interplay between the two kinds of cascades and the resulting partial decoherence of the inner jet structure. Finally, we report on recent calculations of higher-order corrections. In particular, the dominant radiative corrections to jet observables that yield the renormalization of the quenching parameter are addressed.
Separation of α- and β-Globin Messenger RNAs

THE 10S RNA fraction of reticulocytes from various species contains the haemoglobin messenger RNA1–4. When this 10S RNA fraction is added to a cell-free system derived from reticulocytes or Krebs II ascites cells, it directs the synthesis of α and β chains of haemoglobin5–8. The α and β messenger RNA molecules contained in this fraction, however, have not yet been separated and identified. When reticulocyte. RNA of mouse is subjected to electrophoresis on 6% polyacrylamide gels, the 10S fraction contains two major bands and three minor bands9, suggesting that the major lOS RNA bands contain the messenger RNAs for the α- and β-globin chains.
Building an academic pipeline: A combined society of hospital medicine committee initiative.

Now in its 20th year, hospital medicine has—from many perspectives—reached full bloom. Hospitalists populate settings as diverse as academic hospitals, community hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Many traditional academic medical centers have taken notice of hospitalists, not just for their clinical role in an era of restricted duty hours, but also for the value they provide in advancing the academic and teaching mission of the institution.