cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social reward: interactions with social status, social communication, aggression, and associated neural activation in the ventral tegmental area

Nearly all species engage in a variety of intraspecific social interactions, and there is evidence that these interactions are rewarding. Less is known, however, about the factors that influence social reward. Using the conditioned place preference paradigm, we tested whether social interactions are rewarding for male Syrian hamsters. We also tested whether social stimuli increase neural activation in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a component of the mesolimbic reward system, and how individual differences in social behavior and experience influence neural activation. In the present study, we found that hamsters developed a conditioned place preference for social interactions, but the effects were significantly stronger in dominant animals compared with subordinates. The number of Fos-immunoreactive cells in the VTA was significantly higher in hamsters that had engaged in a direct social encounter compared with hamsters exposed to a caged stimulus hamster or controls. Interestingly, socially experienced males had more Fos-immunoreactive cells in the VTA than socially naive males after exposure to a social stimulus. Surprisingly, the amount of Fos immunoreactivity in the VTA induced by a social stimulus was correlated with the amount of aggressive/dominance behaviors that had been observed during interactions that had occurred 2 months earlier. Our results indicate that social interactions between males are rewarding, and that social dominance increases the reward value. Social interactions stimulate the mesolimbic reward system, and social experience enhances its response to novel social stimuli and may produce long-term changes in the neural mechanisms that mediate the maintenance of dominance over long periods of time. Language: en
Consistency and strong inconsistency of group-invariant predictive inferences

Consider a statistical model which is invariant under a group of transformations that acts transitively on the parameter space. In this situation, the problem of constructing invariant predictive distributions is considered. It is shown, under certain assumptions, that Fisherian pivoting and the use of right Haar measure as an improper prior distribution both yield the same invariant predictive distribution. Furthermore, it is shown that any other invariant predictive distribution is strongly inconsistent in the sense of Stone.
Oscillatory CaMKII activity in mouse egg activation.

Fertilization-induced intracellular calcium (Ca2+) oscillations stimulate the onset of mammalian development, and little is known about the biochemical mechanism by which these Ca2+ signals are transduced into the events of egg activation. This study addresses the hypothesis that transient increases in Ca2+ similar to those at fertilization stimulate oscillatory Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) enzyme activity, incrementally driving the events of egg activation. Since groups of fertilized eggs normally oscillate asynchronously, synchronous oscillatory Ca2+ signaling with a frequency similar to fertilization was experimentally induced in unfertilized mouse eggs by using ionomycin and manipulating extracellular calcium. Coanalysis of intracellular Ca2+ levels and CaMKII activity in the same population of eggs demonstrated a rapid and transient enzyme response to each increase in Ca2+. Enzyme activity increased 370% during the first Ca2+ rise, representing about 60% of maximal activity, and had decreased to basal levels within 5 min from the time Ca2+ reached its peak value. Single fertilized eggs monitored for Ca2+ had a mean increase in CaMKII activity of 185%. One and two ionomycin-induced Ca2+ transients resulted in 39 and 49% mean cortical granule (CG) loss, respectively, while CG exocytosis and resumption of meiosis were inhibited by a CaMKII antagonist. These studies demonstrate that changes in the level of Ca2+ and in CaMKII activity can be studied in the same cell and that CaMKII activity is exquisitely sensitive to experimentally induced oscillations of Ca2+ in vivo. The data support the hypothesis that CaMKII activity oscillates for a period of time after normal fertilization and temporally regulates many events of egg activation.
Numerical modeling of open channel flows using a multiple grid ENO scheme

In this work, the performance details of a multiple grid ENO scheme for modeling transient one dimensional open channel flows is investigated. The formulation in a multiple grid formulation differs from the conventional algorithm in that, at a constant time period, the equations are solved across different grid levels, so as to facilitate faster propagation of the boundary condition. This results in a faster convergence of the solution to the desired time level. Focus in this paper is split across both testing the accuracy of the end solution and in quantifying the resultant computational savings. Tests conducted for flows with shocks indicate that the solution from current formulation is inline with the theoretical predictions.
Long-term repeatability of human alcohol metabolism, sensitivity and acute tolerance

Thirty-eight subjects in the Colorado Alcohol Research on Twins and Adoptees (CARTA) were brought back between 3 and 39 months after their initial testing to be retested on a shortened version of the standard CARTA procedures. As before, subjects were given a dose of ethanol (0.8 g/kg) calculated to bring their blood alcohol level (BAL) to near 100 mg/dl, but no topping doses were administered in the retests to maintain BALs near peak for 3 hours, as was done previously. Repeatability (test-retest correlation) for alcohol clearance rate was near zero, repeatability for time to peak BAL was 0.36 and that for peak BAL was 0.50. Repeatabilities of prealcohol baseline scores were generally high (median 0.55) for the shortened battery of physiological, motor coordination, perceptual speed and reaction time measures. Repeatabilities were near zero for sensitivity scores (median 0.02) and were low for acute tolerance scores (median 0.10) and perceived intoxication (median 0.27). These findings are highly consistent with an earlier report on repeatabilities of responses to alcohol over a 1-month time interval.
Roles of hypomania and intelligence in antisocial practices when self-esteem and family problems are considered.

A sample of 71 nonpsychiatric adults, including 57 men and 14 women, completed the MMPI-2 and the Otis-Lennon Mental Ability Test. Preliminary support was found for the hypothesis that those who score high both on intelligence and hypomania would express the greatest tendency for antisocial behavior. However, this association occurred only when self-esteem and family problems were not controlled. Moreover, preliminary findings suggest that the interaction between intelligence and hypomania influences self-esteem which then determines antisocial behavior.
Helicopter noise as predicted by three-dimensional monopole and quasi-steady full-potential dipole sources

A three-dimensional quasi-steady full-potential rotor-flow-analysis program, called ROT22 developed at NASA Ames Research Center is run in conjunction with Farassat's (1981) helicopter-noise-prediction code to assess the thickness and loading noises made by a rotor blade. As a model example, the case of a 1/7th UH-1H NACA-0012-profile straight nonlifting rotor blade in hover is studied. Results for tip Mach numbers ranging from .4 to .962 are presented. Also presented is the effect of blade-tip loading on the overall noise and of profile curvature on the thickness noise. The study confirms that the blade volume displacement is a dominant source of helicopter noise and further concludes that the blade tip makes only a small noise contribution that steadily decreases with increasing tip Mach numbers, and that the inclusion of blade profile curvature tends to improve the negative peak amplitudes overpredicted by Schmitz and Yu (1983).
Alliances with Optimal Relay Selection

ALLIANCES is a recently proposed cooperative random access protocol for wireless networks. In this paper we modify the original model to include user location information. We also derive pair-wise error probability (PEP) under Rayleigh flat fading channel and a power-law attenuation environment. Based on the PEP analysis we propose an optimal relay selection scheme, which achieves significant throughput gains as compared to the random relay selection scheme in the original ALLIANCES.
Residual-based methods for fluid-loaded beams

Abstract In this paper, residual-based modifications to standard finite element approximations for structural acoustics are developed and analyzed. Results for symmetric residual-based modifications for the coupled problem are presented. The accuracy of symmetric and unsymmetric methods is determined in a two-dimensional setting. A symmetric form of the residual-based modification results in lower computational costs than the other methods. The inclusion of new fluid–structure coupling and fluid stiffness terms arising from the consistent integration into the coupled formulation of residual modifications to the structural equations is shown to dramatically decrease the L 2 error.
Cooperative gaze holding in binocular vision

Vision systems that hold their gaze on a visual target using binocular, maneuverable computer vision hardware are discussed. The benefits of gaze holding are identified, and the role of binocular cues and vergence in implementing a gaze-holding system is addressed. A combination of Smith prediction and optimal signal estimation that allows a system of several simulated interacting gaze-holding controls to act together coherently, despite delays and shared output variables, to produce zero-latency tracking of a moving target is described. It is shown how tracking the object increases its signal by improving its image quality and decreases the signal of competing objects by decreasing their image quality. The implementation of a subset of the gaze-holding capabilities (gross vergence and smooth tracking) on real-time computer vision hardware is described. >
Seque: a programming language for manipulating sequences

Abstract Seque is a programming language that is designed to manipulate streams — sequences of values. Streams are data objects in Seque, and their values can be of any type, including streams. Streams have both a storage component — values already computed — and a computational component, from which additional values may be computed. There are many ways of constructing streams and a variety of operations on them. The computational component of streams is based on the generators of the Icon programming language.
Secrecy in business

Knowledge control and secrecy are quite universally recognized as means by which power is gained and maintained in a society. Ritchie Lowry has noted that "secrecy maximizes the power potential of knowledge." Wilbert Moore and Melvin Tumin have shown that ignorance resulting from secrecy is a, preservative of privileged position by restricting access to knowledge and skills, by keeping people ignorant of alternative ways of doing things, and by avoidance of jealousies over unequal rewards. If actions of leaders are secret, leaders become less accountable to the public.
Influence of surface energy and relative humidity on AFM nanomechanical contact stiffness

Abstract The effects of surface functionality and relative humidity (RH) on nanomechanical contact stiffness were investigated using atomic force acoustic microscopy (AFAM), a contact scanned-probe microscopy (SPM) technique. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with controlled surface energy were studied systematically in a controlled-humidity chamber. AFAM amplitude images of a micropatterned, graded-surface-energy SAM sample revealed that image contrast depended on both ambient humidity and surface energy. Quantitative AFAM point measurements indicated that the contact stiffness remained roughly constant for the hydrophobic SAM but increased monotonically for the hydrophilic SAM. To correct for this unphysical behavior, a viscoelastic damping term representing capillary forces between the tip and the SAM was added to the data analysis model. The contact stiffness calculated with this revised model remained constant with RH, while the damping term increased strongly with RH for the hydrophilic SAM. The observed behavior is consistent with previous studies of surface energy and RH behavior using AFM pull-off forces. Our results show that surface and environmental conditions can influence accurate measurements of nanomechanical properties with SPM methods such as AFAM.
The American friends service committee and Nixon's China policy

Abstract This study investigates the influence of the American Friends Service Committee (a Quaker lobbying group) on the policy of detente pursued by the Nixon Administration in dealing with the People's Republic of China. Nixon's Quaker family background is viewed as a link between A.F.S.C. lobbying efforts after 1965 and President Nixon's decision to change U.S. policy toward mainland China. The Quakers were not directly responsible for the Nixon‐Kissinger initiative, but through its lobbying activities in Washington, at Harvard University, and elsewhere, they did help to create a climate of opinion which made acceptable a shift in U.S. China policy.
Hormonal stimulation of rna polymerase in mammary gland in vitro.

Abstract RNA-polymerase activity was measured in nuclei isolated from mouse mid-pregnancy mammary gland explants cultured on chemically-defined medium containing various hormones. The enzymatic activity was DNA dependent, required all four nucleoside triphosphates and a divalent metal ion, and was inhibited by actinomycin D. Insulin caused at least a 3-fold increase in RNA polymerase activity in the epithelial cells. RNA polymerase activity was doubled after 8 h incubation, and thus represents an early effect of insulin on nuclear transcription. Prolactin stimulated RNA synthesis and RNA-polymerase activity only in epithelial cells which were “covertly” differentiated after proliferation in the presence of hydrocortisone. Inhibitor studies demonstrated the dependence of prolactin-stimulated RNA synthesis on the continued synthesis of protein. Since the stimulation of RNA-polymerase activity and RNA synthesis by prolactin occur prior to the induction of specific milk proteins, an early effect of prolactin also appears to be on nuclear transcription.
Performance estimation of multistreamed, superscalar processors

Multistreamed processors can significantly improve processor throughput by allowing interleaved execution of instructions from multiple instruction streams. We present an analytical modeling technique to evaluate the effect of dynamically interleaving additional instruction streams within superscalar architectures. Using this technique, estimates of the instructions executed per cycle (IPC) for a processor architecture are quickly calculated given simple descriptions of the workload and hardware characteristics. To validate this technique, estimates of the SPEC89 benchmark suite obtained from the model are compared to results from a hardware simulator. Our results show that the technique produces accurate estimates with an average deviation of /spl sim/4% from the simulation results. Finally, we demonstrate that as the number of functional units increases, multistreaming is an effective technique to exploit these additional resources. >
The alveolar water gate.

the powerful barrier properties of the alveolar wall protect the alveolar air space from entry of external liquid. However, it has long puzzled researchers that alveolar barrier properties deteriorate rapidly in conditions associated with lung microvascular hyperpermeability. In these conditions,
Calcium-activated calpain-2 is a mediator of beta cell dysfunction and apoptosis in type 2 diabetes.

The islet in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and the brain in neurodegenerative diseases share progressive cell dysfunction, increased apoptosis, and accumulation of locally expressed amyloidogenic proteins (islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) in T2DM). Excessive activation of the Ca2+-sensitive protease calpain-2 has been implicated as a mediator of oligomer-induced cell death and dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. To establish if human IAPP toxicity is mediated by a comparable mechanism, we overexpressed human IAPP in rat insulinoma cells and freshly isolated human islets. Pancreas was also obtained at autopsy from humans with T2DM and nondiabetic controls. We report that overexpression of human IAPP leads to the formation of toxic oligomers and increases beta cell apoptosis mediated by increased cytosolic Ca2+ and hyperactivation of calpain-2. Cleavage of α-spectrin, a marker of calpain hyperactivation, is increased in beta cells in T2DM. We conclude that overactivation of Ca2+-calpain pathways contributes to beta cell dysfunction and apoptosis in T2DM.
Bionomics of Cleonidius trivittatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): Native Biological Control of Purple Locoweed (Rosales: Fabaceae)

Purple locoweed, Astragalus mollissimus Torrey, a native rangeland weed, is considered one of the most destructive weeds in the western United States. The chemical swainsonine, a secondary plant compound found in A. mollissimus , causes physiological and morphological abnormalities in domestic cattle, sheep, and horses. In 1991, Cleonidius trivittatus (Say), a weevil native to North America, was found attacking a large population of locoweed in northern New Mexico. Four study plots were established at Amistad, NM, in 1992 and 3 plots were established at Gladstone, NM, in 1993. Twenty–five1.0–m2 quadrats were sampled every 2 wk from 28 March to 26 September 1992 and every 3 wk from 15 April to 4 September 1993 to determine the bionomics of C. trivittatus and its interaction with locoweed. C. trivittatus was determined to have 4 instars. Stadium length was 10, 13, 27, 47, and 16 d for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th instar, and pupal stages, respectively, in 1992 and 19, 14, 22, 50, and 18 d for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th instar, and pupal stages, respectively, in 1993. C. trivittatus lays more eggs as plant size increases. Substantial locoweed mortality results from feeding by more than 2 weevil larvae per plant.
Test problem construction for linear bilevel programming problems

A method of constructing test problems for linear bilevel programming problems is presented. The method selects a vertex of the feasible region, ‘far away’ from the solution of the relaxed linear programming problem, as the global solution of the bilevel problem. A predetermined number of constraints are systematically selected to be assigned to the lower problem. The proposed method requires only local vertex search and solutions to linear programs.
The ATP/metallothionein interaction: NMR and STM.

We have previously established that ATP binds to mammalian metallothionein-2 (MT). The interaction between ATP and MT and the associated conformational change of the protein affect the sulfhydryl reactivity and zinc transfer potential of MT [Jiang, L.-J., Maret, W., and Vallee, B. L. (1998) The ATP-metallothionein complex. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 95, 9146-9149]. NMR spectroscopic investigations have now provided further evidence for the interaction. (35)Cl NMR spectroscopy has further identified chloride as an additional biological MT ligand, which can interfere with the interaction of ATP with MT. (1)H NMR/TOCSY spectra demonstrate that ATP binding affects the N- and C-terminal amino acids of the MT molecule. Scanning tunneling microscopy recorded images of single MT molecules in buffered solutions. Moreover, this technique demonstrates that the otherwise nearly linear MT molecule bends by about 20 degrees at its central hinge region between the domains in the presence of ATP. These results may bear on the development of mild obesity in MT null mice and the role of MT in the regulation of energy balance. The interaction suggests a mechanism for the cellular translocation, retention, and reactivity of the ATP*MT complex in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. Both MT and ATP are localized there, and MT and thionein alternately bind and release zinc, thereby affecting mitochondrial respiration.
Bovine longissimus muscle tenderness as affected by postmortem aging time, animal age and sex

Strip loins were removed from 10 bulls and 10 steers approximately 14 mo old and from 10 cows greater than or equal to 44 mo. Samples were removed at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days postmortem. Shear-force values were measured. Sensory evaluation was done by a 15-member trained panel. Animal age and postmortem aging time had more influence on tenderness attributes than did sex of the animal. Increased postmortem aging time improved tenderness attributes regardless of sex or age.
Invariance theory for nonlocal variational principles—IV. Lagrangian classes

Abstract A Lagrangian coordinate or point class of a given finite continuous group consists of all Lagrangian functions that give action functionals that are invariant under the given group. Systems of linear or quasi linear first order partial differential equations are obtained whose general solution generate a Lagrangian class. The nonlocality is evidenced by the fact that the Lagrangian function and also the functions defining the functional arguments of the Lagrangian are the dependent variables in the system of partial differential equations. Complete integrability is shown when the group is a subgroup of the general linear homogeneous group and the dependent variables can be separated; the latter case is referred to as restricted. The paper concludes with a discussion of the invariance properties of the solutions of the nonlocal Euler equations.
Numerical calculation of the fluid dynamics of drop-on-demand jets

A numerical method that makes use of the complete incompressible flow equations with a free surface is discussed and used to study an impulsively driven laminar jet. Flow behavior dependence upon fluid properties (characterized by a Reynolds number over Weber number nondimensionalization) is compared jor drop integrity purposes. Several variations of square wave pressure history applied at a nozzle inlet are discussed in relation to drop velocities produced and structure of ejected drops. Timewise development of flow both interior and exterior to the nozzle is illustrated through computed contour sequences.
Amplify the Signal: Graduate Training in Broader Impacts of Scientific Research

Expertise in the broader impacts of scientific research is an increasingly important aspect of professional development, particularly because federal grant proposals are commonly reviewed using both the Intellectual Merit and the Broader Impacts Criteria. Unfortunately, training in broader impacts, such as science communication and outreach, is not typically part of undergraduate or graduate curricula. We initiated one of the first graduate-level biology courses on broader impacts, focusing on giving graduate students firsthand, authentic experiences with grant writing, science communication, and educational outreach. Students in this interdisciplinary course learned from experts, wrote for a broad audience about their own research, and proposed and implemented outreach in collaboration with local organizations. We outline our approach, discuss outcomes from each activity, assess our impact, and finally consider how future programs might expand on this model.
Internationalized access to domain names : a review of methods and issues

Purpose – This article aims to understand the opportunities as well as the challenges posed by the methods for internationalized access to domain names.Design/methodology/approach – The paper first provides background information on how domain names are resolved in the domain name system (DNS). It then reviews the various methods for internationalized access to domain names with a focus on their technical implementation and potential problems. Finally, it discusses several important language and policy issues surrounding the methods.Findings – The methods proposed for internationalized access to domain names can be classified into two groups: ASCII‐compatible encoding; and multilingual keywords. ASCII‐compatible encoding methods, such as the internationalized domain name (IDN) standards specified by the internet engineering task force, seem technically sound since they do not affect existing DNS operations, but they have some structural limitations. Multilingual keyword methods are rather simple and intui...
A measurement of the efficiency of lithium vapor production in high altitude releases

The masses of lithium vapor produced in two sounding rocket chemical releases were determined by comparing ground measurements of the irradiance and the brightness distribution of the sunlit releases with the results from a model calculation. The yields of the two releases, which had different compositions, were found to be approximately 5 and 15 percent of the available lithium.
Capitalism as an Engine of Progress

Economists, from Marx to Schumpeter, have touted capitalism as an engine of technical progress. But what kind of an engine is it? What are its key components? How does it work?
Deoxypolypeptides bind and cleave RNA

We have prepared L- and D-deoxypolypeptides (DOPPs) by selective reduction of appropriately protected polyhistidines with borane, reducing the carbonyl groups to methylenes. The result is a chiral polyamine, not amide, with a mainly protonated backbone and chirally mounted imidazolylmethylene side chains that are mostly unprotonated at neutrality because of the nearby polycationic backbone. We found that, in contrast with the D-octahistidine DOPP, the L-octahistidine DOPP is able to cooperatively bind to a D-polyuridylic acid RNA; this is consistent with results of previous studies showing that, relative to d-histidine, l-histidine is able to more strongly bind to RNA. The l-DOPP was also a better catalyst for cleaving the RNA than the d-DOPP, consistent with evidence that the l-DOPP uses its imidazole groups for catalysis, in addition to the backbone cations, but the d-DOPP does not use the imidazoles. The l-DOPP bifunctional process probably forms a phosphorane intermediate. This is a mechanism we have proposed for models of ribonuclease cleavage and for the ribonuclease A enzyme itself, based on our studies of the cleavage and isomerization of UpU catalyzed by imidazole buffers as well as other relevant studies. This mechanism contrasts with earlier, generally accepted ribonuclease cleavage mechanisms where the proton donor coordinates with the oxygen of the leaving group as the 2-hydroxyl of ribose attacks the unprotonated phosphate.
Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5 SUMOylation Antagonizes Shear Stress–Induced Antiinflammatory Response and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in Endothelial Cells

Shear stress–induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)5 activation and the consequent regulation of Kruppel-like factor 2 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression represents one of the antiinflammatory and vascular tone regulatory mechanisms maintaining normal endothelial function. Endothelial dysfunction is a major initiator of atherosclerosis, a vascular pathology often associated with diabetes. Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) covalently attaches to certain residues of specific target transcription factors and could inhibit its activity. We investigated whether H 2 O 2 and AGE (advanced glycation end products), 2 well-known mediators of diabetes, negatively regulated ERK5 transcriptional activity and laminar flow–induced endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression through ERK5 SUMOylation. H 2 O 2 and AGE induced endogenous ERK5 SUMOylation. In addition, ERK5 SUMOylation was increased in the aortas from diabetic mice. ERK5 transcriptional activity, but not kinase activity, was inhibited by expression of Ubc9 (SUMO E2 conjugase) or PIAS1 (E3 ligase), suggesting the involvement of ERK5 SUMOylation on its transcriptional activity. Point-mutation analyses showed that ERK5 is covalently modified by SUMO at 2 conserved sites, Lys6 and Lys22, and that the SUMOylation defective mutant of ERK5, dominant negative form of Ubc9 (DN-Ubc9), and small interfering RNA PIAS1 reversed H 2 O 2 and AGE–mediated reduction of shear stress–mediated ERK5/myocyte enhancer factor 2 transcriptional activity, as well as promoter activity of Kruppel-like factor 2. Finally, PIAS1 knockdown reversed the inhibitory effect of H 2 O 2 in shear stress–induced Kruppel-like factor 2 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression. These data clearly defined SUMOylation-dependent ERK5 transcriptional repression independent of kinase activity and suggested this process as among the molecular mechanisms of diabetes-mediated endothelial dysfunction.
Parenteral nutrition results in impaired lactose digestion and hexose absorption when enteral feeding is initiated in infant pigs

Background: Preterm infants often receive total parenteral nutrition (TPN) before enteral feeding. Although TPN has been linked to mucosal atrophy, its effects on intestinal digestion, absorption, and metabolism are unknown. Objective: Our aim was to determine the effects of TPN on rates of intestinal nutrient absorption and metabolism in infant pigs after initiation of enteral feeding. Design: Piglets were surgically implanted with catheters in the carotid artery, jugular vein, portal vein, and duodenum; an ultrasonic blood flow probe was inserted in the portal vein. Piglets were given TPN (TPN group) or enterally fed formula (enteral group) for 6 d. On day 7, both groups were enterally fed a milkbased formula, and the net portal absorption and metabolism of enteral [ 2 H]glucose and [ 13 C]leucine were measured. Results: After enteral feeding began, portal blood flow increased by 27% and 41% above the basal rate in the enteral and TPN groups, respectively; oxygen consumption remained lower in the TPN group. During enteral feeding, the net portal absorption of glucose was lower in the TPN group and that of galactose was not significantly different between the groups; lactate release was higher in the TPN group. Portal absorption accounted for only � 37% of galactose intake in both groups. The TPN group had lower net portal absorption of arginine, lysine, threonine, and glycine. The portal absorption of dietary leucine was not significantly different between the groups; the arterial utilization and oxidation of leucine were significantly lower in the TPN group. Conclusion: Short-term TPN results in decreased lactose digestion and hexose absorption and increased intestinal utilization of key essential amino acids when enteral feeding is initiated in piglets. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;78:461‐70.
PedConnect: an intelligent assistant for teacher social networking

Social networking has gained immense traction in many areas, including teaching and learning. Networking sites for teachers aim to facilitate teacher communication and information sharing, but fall short of their potential. In order to support more effective use of online resources and better communication among teachers, we develop a suite of new user modeling and recommendation capabilities within a middle school teacher networking site. We foster collaboration among novice and experienced teachers when they share similar interests, enabling new mentoring relationships, and promote the use of relevant educational resources. We illustrate our approach with an implemented system called PedConnect that analyzes user activities and presents intelligent suggestions for collaboration and resource use.
Alternative and Complementary Treatments for Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is defined by a cluster of cardiovascular disease risk factors that are associated with insulin resistance. In recent years, a number of innovative nutritional strategies have been proposed as safe alternative treatments to reduce the morbidity as well as the cost of treating metabolic syndrome. Of these, dietary supplementation with chromium picolinate or cinnamon extract has been studied most extensively. These interventions may attenuate insulin resistance and reduce the cardiovascular risk factors that together comprise the metabolic syndrome. However, more clinical trials are needed to determine the dose and duration of such treatments to make specific recommendations for populations with metabolic syndrome.
Cumulative distribution function for order 7 de Bruijn weight classes

Order n de Bruijn sequences are the period 2n binary sequences from n-stage feedback shift registers. The de Bruijn sequences have good randomness and complexity properties. The quantity of de Bruijn sequences in a weight class of the order n generating functions is an unsolved NP complete problem. Weight class distributions for small n have been obtained by exhaustive searches. This paper uses cumulative distribution function to obtain a high resolution projection of the quantity of de Bruijn sequences in each order 7 weight class. The weight class probability mass function is a shifted Binomial probability mass function which in the limit is accurately represented as a Normal probability density function scaled by a Beta probability density function. The order 7 weight class cumulative distribution function can be modeled as a weighted sum of two Normal cumulative distribution functions.
Occupational Choice: An Application to the Market for Public School Teachers

Most previous work on occupational choice does not satisfactorily treat the potentially important effects of future demand conditions. In contrast, this paper develops and estimates a rational expectations model in which agents look beyond expected starting salaries and take explicit account of future demand conditions. The empirical results demonstrate that future demand conditions are important determinants of the decision to acquire secondary school certification but are not important for the decision to acquire elementary school certification. The paper concludes with a comparison of the dynamic properties of the rational expectations model and a cobweb specification.
Acidosis attenuates P2X purinergic vasoconstriction in skeletal muscle arteries

Vasoconstriction via α2-receptors is known to be sensitive to acidic pH, but little is known about the pH sensitivity of P2X receptors. ATP is a cotransmitter released with norepinephrine from the ...
Aminoacyl-SNACs as small-molecule substrates for the condensation domains of nonribosomal peptide synthetases

Abstract Background: Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are large multidomain proteins that catalyze the formation of a wide range of biologically active natural products. These megasynthetases contain condensation (C) domains that catalyze peptide bond formation and chain elongation. The natural substrates for C domains are biosynthetic intermediates that are covalently tethered to thiolation (T) domains within the synthetase by thioester linkages. Characterizing C domain substrate specificity is important for the engineered biosynthesis of new compounds. Results: We synthesized a series of aminoacyl- N -acetylcysteamine thioesters (aminoacyl-SNACs) and show that they are small-molecule substrates for NRPS C domains. Comparison of rates of peptide bond formation catalyzed by the C domain from enterobactin synthetase with various aminoacyl-SNACs as downstream (acceptor) substrates revealed high selectivity for the natural substrate analog L-Ser-SNAC. Comparing L- and D-Phe-SNACs as upstream (donor) substrates for the first C domain from tyrocidine synthetase revealed clear D- versus L-selectivity. Conclusions: Aminoacyl-SNACs are substrates for NRPS C domains and are useful for characterizing the substrate specificity of C domain-catalyzed peptide bond formation.
Influence of broiler strain cross and dietary protein on the performance of broilers

The purpose of this experiment was to quantify the responses of two broiler strain crosses to different dietary protein levels on performance and carcass yields. Day-old broiler chicks from a high-yield strain cross (Ross x Ross 208) and a fast-growing strain cross (Peterson x Arbor Acres) were placed in floor pens on fresh pine shavings. All birds were fed a 23% CP starter for the first 18 d. During Days 18 to 53, birds were fed either 16, 20, or 24% CP diets (3,200 kcal ME/kg). At 53 d of age, significant differences (P < 0.05) were noted in the performance of the strains. Overall, Ross x Ross birds had higher body weights (3.29 vs 3.10 kg), higher feed intakes (6.40 vs 6.11 kg), and higher carcass yields (72.51 vs 71.17%), although the differences were dependent on dietary protein levels. Strain cross had no significant effect on feed conversion (1.95 g feed: g gain vs 1.97 g:g). Results indicated that both strain cross and protein level had effects on body weight and feed intake, and there were significant strain cross by protein level interactions for body weight and carcass weight. Increasing dietary protein level increased body weights more for the Ross x Ross 208 than for the Peterson x Arbor Acres broilers. Feed conversion was indirectly proportional to dietary protein level, but was not affected by strain cross. Percentage carcass yield was greatly affected by strain (P < 0.0001), but protein level had no significant effect (P = 0.68). The significant interactions indicate that different strain crosses should have different feeding programs to maximize profitability.
Human recombinant [C22A] FK506‐binding protein amide hydrogen exchange rates from mass spectrometry match and extend those from NMR

Hydrogen/deuterium exchange behavior of human recombinant [C22A] FK506 binding protein (C22A FKBP) has been determined by protein fragmentation, combined with electrospray Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (MS). After a specified period of H/D exchange in solution, C22A FKBP was digested by pepsin under slow exchange conditions (pH 2.4, 0 degree C), and then subjected to on-line HPLC/MS for deuterium analysis of each proteolytic peptide. The hydrogen exchange rate of each individual amide hydrogen was then determined independently by heteronuclear two-dimensional NMR on 15N-enriched C22A FKBP. A maximum entropy method (MEM) algorithm makes it possible to derive the distributions of hydrogen exchange rate constants from the MS-determined deuterium exchange-in curves in either the holoprotein or its proteolytic segments. The MEM-derived rate constant distributions of C22A FKBP and different segments of C22A FKBP are compared to the rate constants determined by NMR for individual amide protons. The rate constant distributions determined by both methods are consistent and complementary, thereby validating protein fragmentation/mass spectrometry as a reliable measure of hydrogen exchange in proteins.
On the complexity of schema inference from web pages in the presence of nullable data attributes

An increasingly large number of Web pages are machine-generated by filling in templates with data stored in backend databases. These templates can be viewed as the implicit schemas of those Web pages. The ability to infer the implicit schema from a collection of Web pages is important for scalable data extraction, since the inferred schema can be used to automatically identify schema attributes that are "encoded" in Web pages.However, the task of inferring a "good" schema is complicated due to the existence of nullable (missing) data attributes. Usually if an attribute contains a null value, then it will be omitted in the generated Web page, giving rise to different variations and permutations of layout structures in Web pages that are generated from the same template.In this paper we investigate the complexity of schema inference from Web pages in the presence of nullable data attributes. We introduce the notion of unambiguity as a quality measure for inferred schemas and prove that the problem of inferring "good" (unambiguous) schemas is NP-complete. Our complexity results imply that ambiguity resolution is one of the root causes of the computational difficulty underlying schema inference from Web pages.
Exploring factors that influence computer science introductory course students to persist in the major

This paper describes an exploratory study to identify which environmental and student factors best predict intention to persist in the computer science major. The findings can be used to make decisions about initiatives for increasing retention. Eight indices of student characteristics and perceptions were developed using the research-based Student Experience of the Major Survey: student-student interaction; student-faculty interaction; collaborative learning opportunities; pace/workload/prior experience with programming; teaching assistants; classroom climate/pedagogy; meaningful assignments; and racism/sexism. A linear regression revealed that student-student interaction was the most powerful predictor of students' intention to persist in the major beyond the introductory course. Other factors predicting intention to persist were pace/workload/prior experience and male gender. The findings suggest that computer science departments interested in increasing retention of students set structured expectations for student-student interaction in ways that integrate peer involvement as a mainstream activity rather than making it optional or extracurricular. They also suggest departments find ways to manage programming experience gaps in CS1.
Why is information displaced from visual working memory during visual search

Research has shown that performing visual search while maintaining representations in visual working memory displaces up to one object's worth of information from memory. This memory displacement has previously been attributed to a nonspecific disruption of the memory representation by the mere presentation of the visual search array, and the goal of the present study was to determine whether it instead reflects the use of visual working memory in the actual search process. The first hypothesis tested was that working memory displacement occurs because observers preemptively discard about an object's worth of information from visual working memory in anticipation of performing visual search. Second, we tested the hypothesis that on target absent trials no information is displaced from visual working memory because no target is entered into memory when search is completed. Finally, we tested whether visual working memory displacement is due to the need to select a response to the search array. The findings...
Educational Uses of the Digital World for Human Development

This article discusses several enduring features of the digital world in relation to the dramatically changing global context and visibility of the human condition. Based on the author’s experience as an educator and researcher, she explains that interactivity, multi-modality, and information storage are ripe for advancing students’ creative and critical interactions with diverse others and themselves. With the digital world as a focal point, although by no means the only communication medium, educators are in unique positions to guide contemporary human development, which is increasingly an interdependent individual-societal process, thereby requiring knowledge of realities beyond one’s own.
Methods for Determining Vacancy Formation Thermodynamic

The vacancy formation thermodynamics in six fcc metals Ag, Au, Cu, Ni, Pd and Pt are determined from atomistic simulations as a function of temperature. This investigation is performed using the Embedded Atom Method interatomic potentials and the finite temperature properties are determined within the local harmonic and the quasiharmonic frameworks. We find that the temperature dependence of the vacancy formation energy can make a significant contribution to the vacancy concentration at high temperatures. An additional goal of the present study is to evaluate the accuracy of the local harmonic method under circumstances in which the excess entropy associated with the formation of a defect is very small. Our data demonstrate that while the errors associated with determining the vacancy formation entropy in the local harmonic model are large, a simple extension to the local harmonic method yields thermodynamic properties comparable to that obtained in the quasiharmonic model, but with much higher computational efficiency.
Interrelationship between two species of muscoid flies and the pupal parasite Spalangia endius (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae).

When Spalangia endius was exposed to pupal house flies. Musca domestica , at host-parasite ratios of 0.5:1 through 25:1, the percentage of parasitism decreased and the number of parasitized pupae increased as the ratio of pupae to parasites increased. There were significant differences in the number of pupae parasitized per adult wasp, and the number of progeny produced per adult wasp associated with the ratio of host to parasite. There was a significant difference in the number of pupae parasitized per adult wasp associated with age of pupae at ratios above 1:5. i.e., more for 1- and 2-day-old than 3-day-old pupae. When S. endius was offered a choice of pupae of the house fly or the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans , the percentage of parasitism was similar to that obtained when house fly pupae or stable fly pupae were exposed to the wasps.
A theory of mixtures with a long range spatial interaction

The theory of mixtures of inert elastic materials is extended to allow for long-range elastic interactions between selected sets of particles. The model presented generalizes one proposed by Bedford and Stern [1]. An entropy inequality proposed by Bowen is used to obtain the thermodynamic restrictions for a class of elastic materials which includes heat conduction and diffusion in addition to the special long-range interaction. When heat conduction and diffusion are omitted, it is shown that the momentum supplies are determined by the free energies of the constituents.
High Capacity Microporous Molybdenum–Vanadium Oxide Electrodes for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

Microporous Mo2.5+yVO9+δ with channels defined by seven-membered rings of corner-sharing MO6 (M = Mo5+/6+ or V4+/5+) octahedra belongs to the family of isostructural MoVNbTeO compounds, which are v...
The Earned Income Tax Credit: Estimating Non-Claims Rates among Eligible Participants and Why It Matters to Social Workers

ABSTRACTThe Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is accepted as an excellent anti-poverty policy tool, with favorable outcomes in education, health, and well-being among low-income Americans while increasing labor force participation. However, not all eligible people claim it, with participation rates hypothesized to be lower than official estimates of 80–85%. This study describes several methods to estimate non-claim rates utilizing data from the Brookings Institution, the IRS, and the census. Findings suggest EITC non-claim rates at least 50–100% higher than current official figures. Social workers can promote access to the EITC among eligible low-income people.