cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Multivalent Nature of Growth Hormone

It has been known for many years that pituitary growth hormone (GH) preparations isolated from a variety of mammalian species exhibit multiple biological properties that are difficult to reconcile with one common mechanism of action of the hormone. Most GH preparations are not only anabolic but can be diabetogenic, producing hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance in certain species such as the dog and man and causing hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in many species. Moreover, in GH-deficient subjects, these GH preparations produce transient insulinlike effects, including the induction of hypoglycemia, resulting from the stimulation of glucose uptake and utilization by peripheral tissues and the inhibition of lipolysis. Finally, primate GH preparations are also lactogenic, whereas those of infraprimates are not.
Justification of Manufacturing Systems

Possibility distributions are recommended for explicit representation of uncertainty in models used for justification of manufacturing systems. A procedure is presented that is capable of obtaining and combining the possibility distributions of strategic and economic aspects of an investment situation. A numerical example is presented, and a method of ranking alternatives is discussed.
Active Fault Diagnosis with Sensor Selection in a Diesel Engine Air Handling System

This paper describes a methodology to improve the precision of FDI for a diesel engine air handling system. Specifically, we present a technique that manipulates admissible inputs to determine conditions that maximize and separate the evidence of persistent faults in sensed outputs. The method developed was applied on a simulated diesel engine air handling system to improve the detectability and isolability of numerous component and actuator faults. In addition, the available sensors of the air handling system were examined to determine the best set of sensors for improving fault diagnostics. Afterwards, a simple FDI test using fixed thresholds was implemented to evaluate the impact of the test design optimization.
Frontal brain injury chronically impairs timing behavior in rats.

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects over 2.8 million people annually, and has been shown to increase motor impulsivity in both humans and animals. However, the root cause of this behavioral disinhibition is not fully understood. The goal of the current study was to evaluate whether timing behavior is disrupted after TBI, which could potentially explain increases in impulsive responding. Twenty-one male three-month old Long-Evans rats were trained on a fixed interval-18 s schedule. Following training, rats were placed on the Peak Interval Procedure, with intermittent peak trials. On peak trials, no behaviors were reinforced and response rates were recorded to determine timing ability. After reaching a stable baseline, rats received bilateral frontal TBI (n = 12) using controlled cortical impact or sham procedures (n = 9). After one week recovery, rats were re-assessed on the Peak Procedure for six weeks. An amphetamine challenge was carried out after behavior reached stable post-injury performance. TBI caused a chronic decrease/acceleration in peak time, increase in response variability, and reduction in response rate. The shifted peak time suggests that altered perception of time may contribute to impairments in response inhibition after TBI. Amphetamine significantly increased response variability, with TBI animals demonstrating greater sensitivity, but did not affect peak time in either group. These data suggest that timing may not be the sole factor explaining impulsive action after TBI given that amphetamine reduced motor impulsivity in prior studies. Further investigations will be needed to dissociate the effects of amphetamine on TBI with regard to timing behavior.
Affective Vulnerability Across Non-Daily and Daily Electronic Cigarette Users.

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has risen exponentially since its initial introduction. The widespread and growing use of these novel products has prompted increased research to evaluate use...
A comparison between RMGIC and composite with acid-etch preparation or hypochlorite on the adhesion of a premolar metal bracket by testing SBS and ARI: In vitro study

Summary Objective A bonding material can be acceptable in orthodontics when Shear Bond Strength (SBS) is higher than 5.9 Mpa. The aim of our study was to compare the bonding of a metal orthodontic bracket “in vitro” under different types of healthy enamel surface preparations and with two bonding products: the composite and the Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cement (RMGIC). Methods Premolars preserved in 1% thymol water were bonded on their vestibular and palatal/lingual surfaces with different techniques of bonding and surface preparation: Group 1: Etching + Bonding + Composite, Group 2: Etching + Fuji Ortho LC, Group 3: V-prep + Fuji Ortho LC, Group 4: V-prep + Fuji Ortho LC + Thermocycling. The SBS was measured in Newton on the universal testing machine and the sample was observed under an optical microscope with 10-fold magnification to note the adhesive remnant index score (ARI), before and after thermocycling. Results 120 premolars were used in this study. RMGIC bonding was significantly increased when the surface was prepared at V-prep (P Conclusions RMGIC bonding with V-prep preparation is recommended for palatal/lingual surfaces and for hard-to-dry surfaces. For vestibular surfaces, studies are still needed to recommend bonding with RMGIC instead of composite.
The suite of analytical benchmarks for neutral particle transport in infinite isotropically scattering media

The linear Boltzmann equation for the transport of neutral particles is investigated with the objective of generating benchmark-quality evaluations of solutions for homogeneous infinite media. In all cases, the problems are stationary, of one energy group, and the scattering is isotropic. The solutions are generally obtained through the use of Fourier transform methods with the numerical inversions constructed from standard numerical techniques such as Gauss-Legendre quadrature, summation of infinite series, and convergence acceleration. Consideration of the suite of benchmarks in infinite homogeneous media begins with the standard one-dimensional problems: an isotropic point source, an isotropic planar source, and an isotropic infinite line source. The physical and mathematical relationships between these source configurations are investigated. The progression of complexity then leads to multidimensional problems with source configurations that also emit particles isotropically: the finite line source, the disk source, and the rectangular source. The scalar flux from the finite isotropic line and disk sources will have a two-dimensional spatial variation, whereas a finite rectangular source will have a three-dimensional variation in the scalar flux. Next, sources emitting particles anisotropically are considered. The most basic such source is the point beam giving rise to the Green`s function, which is physically the mostmore » fundamental transport problem, yet may be constructed from the isotropic point source solution. Finally, the anisotropic plane and anisotropically emitting infinite line sources are considered. Thus, a firm theoretical and numerical base is established for the most fundamental neutral particle benchmarks in infinite homogeneous media.« less
Social media reveal ecoregional variation in how weather influences visitor behavior in U.S. National Park Service units

Daily weather affects total visitation to parks and protected areas, as well as visitors’ experiences. However, it is unknown if and how visitors change their spatial behavior within a park due to daily weather conditions. We investigated the impact of daily maximum temperature and precipitation on summer visitation patterns within 110 U.S. National Park Service units. We connected 489,061 geotagged Flickr photos to daily weather, as well as visitors’ elevation and distance to amenities (i.e., roads, waterbodies, parking areas, and buildings). We compared visitor behavior on cold, average, and hot days, and on days with precipitation compared to days without precipitation, across fourteen ecoregions within the continental U.S. Our results suggest daily weather impacts where visitors go within parks, and the effect of weather differs substantially by ecoregion. In most ecoregions, visitors stayed closer to infrastructure on rainy days. Temperature also affects visitors’ spatial behavior within parks, but there was not a consistent trend across ecoregions. Importantly, parks in some ecoregions contain more microclimates than others, which may allow visitors to adapt to unfavorable conditions. These findings suggest visitors’ spatial behavior in parks may change in the future due to the increasing frequency of hot summer days.
Uncertainty and Negative Emotions in Parental Decision-making on Childhood Vaccinations: Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior to the Context of Conflicting Health Information.

Delaying childhood vaccinations has become a public health threat. Numerous studies have shown that the proliferation of conflicting information about the health effects of childhood vaccinations l...
Measuring in vivo protein turnover and exchange in yeast macromolecular assemblies.

Summary We present a comprehensive and robust protocol to track the dynamics of all proteins in a complex in yeast cells. A single member of the protein assembly is tagged and conditionally expressed, minimizing the perturbations to the protein complex. Then, SILAC labeling and affinity purification are used for the assessment of the whole protein complex dynamics. This method can determine and distinguish both subunit turnover and exchange specifically in an assembly to provide a comprehensive picture of assembly dynamics. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Hakhverdyan et al. (2021) .
Enhanced skin delivery of vismodegib by microneedle treatment

The present study investigated the effects of microneedle treatment (maltose microneedles, Admin Pen™ 1200, and Admin Pen™ 1500) on in vitro transdermal delivery of vismodegib with different needle lengths, skin equilibration times, and microneedle insertion durations. The influence of microneedle treatment on the dimensions of microchannels (dye binding, calcein imaging, histology, and confocal microscopy studies), transepidermal water loss, and skin permeability of vismodegib was also evaluated. Skin viscoelasticity was assessed using a rheometer, and microneedle geometry was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Permeation studies of vismodegib through dermatomed porcine ear skin were conducted using vertical Franz diffusion cells. Skin irritation potential of vismodegib formulation was assessed using an in vitro reconstructed human epidermis model. Results of the in vitro permeation studies revealed significant enhancement in permeation of vismodegib through microneedle-treated skin. As the needle length increased from 500 to 1100 and 1400 μm, drug delivery increased from 14.50 ± 2.35 to 32.38 ± 3.33 and 74.40 ± 15.86 μg/cm2, respectively. Positive correlation between drug permeability and microneedle treatment duration was observed. The equilibration time was also found to affect the delivery of vismodegib. Thus, changes in microneedle length, equilibration time, and duration of treatment altered transdermal delivery of vismodegib.
μTugs: Enabling microrobots to deliver macro forces with controllable adhesives

The controllable adhesives used by insects to both carry large loads and move quickly despite their small scale inspires the μTug robot concept. These are small robots that can both move quickly and use controllable adhesion to apply interaction forces many times their body weight. The adhesives enable these autonomous robots to accomplish this feat on a variety of common surfaces without complex infrastructure. The benefits, requirements, and theoretical efficiency of the adhesive in this application are discussed as well as the practical choices of actuator and robot working surface material selection. A robot actuated by piezoelectric bimorphs demonstrates fast walking with a no-load rate of 50 Hz and a loaded rate of 10 Hz. A 12 g shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated robot demonstrates the ability to load more of the adhesive enabling it to tow 6.5 kg on glass (or 500 times its body weight). Continuous rotation actuators (electromagnetic in this case) are demonstrated on another 12 g robot give it nearly unlimited work cycles through gearing. This leads to advantages in towing capacity (up to 22 kg or over 1800 times its body weight), step size, and efficiency. This work shows that using such an adhesive system enables small robots to provide truly human scale interaction forces, despite their size and mass. This will enable future microrobots to not only sense the state of the human environment in which they operate, but apply large enough forces to modify it in response.
Environmental Health Triage, Chemical Risk Assessment For

Most chemical risk assessments incorporate large uncertainties that are usually addressed by “safety” factors intended to guarantee acceptable levels of risk. An unbiased, quantitative approach to chemical risk assessment may be preferable when circumstances require balancing or trading off different risks that involve toxic chemical exposures. If planners and responders cannot reliably compare chemical risks, or compare chemical versus nonchemical risks, they cannot prevent or minimize associated casualties in a risk-based fashion. These ideas are illustrated by an example of unbiased risk assessment comparing exposure to methyl isocyanate versus hydrogen cyanide in a triage context. Keywords: risk triage; risk management; risk-based planning; safety factors; uncertainty factors; chemical hazards; chemical risk assessment; environmental protection; public health protection
On Probability Density for Modeling Video Traffic

Accurate models for variable bit rate (VBR) video traffic need to allow for different frame types present in the video, different activity levels for different frames, and a variable group of pictures (GOP) structure. The temporal as well as the stochastic properties of the trace data need to be captured by any models. We propose some models that capture temporal properties of the data using doubly Markov processes and autoregressive models. We highlight the importance of capturing the stochastic properties of the data accurately, as this leads to significant improvement in the performance of the model. In order to capture the stochastic properties of the traces, the probability density function of the trace data needs to be accurately modeled. Hence, the focus of this paper is on creating autoregressive processes with arbitrary probability densities. We relate this to work in wavelet theory on the solutions to two-scale dilation equations. The performance of our model is evaluated in terms of the stochastic properties of the generated trace as well as using network simulations.
Application of Radio Wave Technologies to Vehicles

In the 1930s, the car radio heralded the introduction of vehicle components that use radio waves. Since then, various radio-wave-based automotive applications have been developed in accordance with the evolution of semiconductor technology and the spread of automotive electronics. These trends have helped elevate radio waves into a medium capable of data communication within vehicles and linking cars with people and society. This chapter outlines radio wave technologies and describes various automotive components that use radio waves. Keywords: radio waves; remote door locking; electronic key; TPMS ; transmitter; receiver; encryption; radio wave interference
Statistical studies of Pc 3-5 pulsations and their relevance for possible source mechanisms of ULF waves

A number of statistical studies using spacecraft data have been made of ULF waves in the magnetosphere. These studies provide an overview of ULF pulsation activity for r = 5-15 R(E) and allow an assessment of likely source mechanisms. In this review pulsations are categorized into five general types: compressional Pc 5, poloidal Pc 4, toroidal harmonics, toroidal Pc 5 (fundamental mode), and incoherent noise. The occurrence distributions and/or distributions of wave power of the different types suggest that compressional Pc 5 and poloidal Pc 4 derive their energy locally, most likely from energetic protons. The toroidal pulsations, both harmonic and fundamental mode, appear to be driven by an energy source outside the magnetopause - directly upstream in the sheath and solar wind for harmonics and the flanks for fundamentals. Incoherent pulsations are a prominent pulsation type but from their occurrence distribution alone it is unclear what their dominant energy source may be.
Structured Therapeutic Games for Nonoffending Caregivers of Children Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse

Game-based cognitive-behavioral therapy group model for nonoffending caregivers utilizes structured therapeutic games to assist parents following child sexual abuse. Game-based cognitive-behavioral therapy group model is a manualized group treatment approach that integrates evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy components with structured play therapy to teach parenting and coping skills, provide psychoeducation, and process trauma. Structured therapeutic games were designed to allow nonoffending caregivers to process their children’s abuse experiences and learn skills necessary to overcome trauma in a nonthreatening, fun, and engaging manner. The implementation of these techniques allow clinicians to address a variety of psychosocial difficulties that are commonly found among nonoffending caregivers of children who have experienced sexual abuse. In addition, structured therapeutic games help caregivers develop strengths and abilities that they can use to help their children cope with abuse and traum...
A Re-Birth for Civil Rights Litigation: Using the Americans with Disabilities Act to Overcome Section 1983 Hurdles and Hold Government and Police Accountable

This article discusses how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can fill a void left by 42 U.S.C 1983 decisional law, and provide relief where 1983 may not do so. It offers examples, not a comprehensive list, but suggestions of possibilities to the practitioner and court. The ADA, enacted in 1990, offers an alternative vehicle for vindicating the rights of people with physical and mental disabilities beyond that accorded by the traditional civil rights statute, 1983. The article also shows how, in some situations, 1983 and the ADA go hand-in-hand to make a stronger lawsuit, and how at times the ADA can inform 1983 standards. The examples here point toward the direction in which careful and creative civil rights litigation is moving, and where it may move further in the future. The article addresses jail and prison issues (HIV, suicide, interpreters and the Prison Litigation Reform Act), police activities (use of force and persons with mental disabilities, and suicide calls), the administration of justice, parole and probation, and attorneys' fees, costs, and litigation expenses.
Rapid diversification of mating systems in ciliates

Ciliates are a diverse group of microbial eukaryotes that exhibit tremendous variety in several aspects of their mating systems. To understand the evolutionary forces driving mating system diversification in ciliates, we use a comparative approach synthesizing data from many ciliate species in light of recent phylogenetic analyses. Specifically, we investigate the evolution of number of mating types, mode of mating type inheritance, and the molecular determinants of mating types across the taxonomic diversity of ciliates, with an emphasis on three well-studied genera: Tetrahymena, Paramecium, and Euplotes. We find that there have been many transitions in the number of mating types, and that the requirement of nuclear reorganization may be a more important factor than genetic exchange in determining the optimum number of mating types in a species. We also find that the molecular determinants of mating types and mode of inheritance are evolving under different constraints in different lineages of ciliates. Our results emphasize the need for further detailed examination of mating systems in understudied ciliate lineages. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 98, 187‐197.
The secD locus of E.coli codes for two membrane proteins required for protein export.

Abstract Cold-sensitive mutations in the secD locus of Escherichia coli result in severe defects in protein export at the non-permissive temperature of 23 degrees C. DNA sequence of a cloned fragment that includes the secD locus reveals open reading frames for seven polypeptide chains. Both deletions and TnphoA insertions in this clone have been used in maxicell and complementation studies to define the secD locus and its products. The secD mutations fall into two complementation groups, defining genes we have named secD and secF. These two genes comprise an operon, the first case of two genes involved in the export process being co-transcribed. The DNA sequence of the two genes along with alkaline phosphatase fusion analysis indicates that they code for integral proteins of the cytoplasmic membrane. We suggest that these two proteins may form a complex in the membrane which acts at late steps in the export process.
Validity study of the anxiety symptoms interview

The Anxiety Symptoms Interview (ASI) is a diagnostic instrument designed to identify agoraphobia (with and without panic attacks), panic disorder, social phobia, and obsessive compulsive disorder according to DSM-III criteria. The present study evaluated the diagnostic validity of this instrument by examining the extent to which ASI diagnoses assigned to 73 clinic patients agreed with diagnoses determined by clinicians. Most kappa coefficients and other concordance indicators were in the acceptable range or above, a finding that held for diagnoses overall and for specific diagnoses of agoraphobia with panic attacks, social phobia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. However, none of the 73 patients had clinician-assigned diagnoses of panic disorder (that is, without agoraphobia) or agoraphobia without panic. Limitations and applications of the ASI are discussed.
Application of Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis for Rotating Machinery—Part II: Labyrinth Seal Analysis

Labyrinth seals are used in various kinds of turbo machines to reduce internal leakage flow. The working fluid, or the gas passing through the rotor shaft labyrinth seals, often generates driving force components that may increase the unstable vibration of the rotor. It is important to know the accurate rotordynamic force components for predicting the instability of the rotor-bearing-seal system. The major goals of this research were to calculate the rotordynamic force of a labyrinth seals utilizing a commercial CFD program and to further compare those results to an existing bulk flow computer program currently used by major US machinery manufacturers. The labyrinth seals of a steam turbine and a compressor eye seal are taken as objects of analysis. For each case, a 3D model with eccentric rotor was solved to obtain the rotordynamic force components. The leakage flow and rotor dynamics force predicted by CFX TASCFlow are compared with the results of the existing bulk flow analysis program DYNLAB. The results show that the bulk flow program gives a pessimistic prediction of the destabilizing forces for the conditions under investigation. Further research work will be required to fully understand the complex leakage flows in turbo machinery.
The Influence of Liking for a Public Service Announcement on Issue Attitude

This research investigates the influence of an individual's general liking for a public service announcement (PSA) on his or her attitude toward the advocated issue. Drawing up the attitude toward the ad theory, this research argues that one's liking for a PSA or, in other words, one's attitude toward a PSA (APSA), exerts a significant positive impact on issue attitude and that the strength of this positive effect varies as a function of a variety of individual and situational factors. Through two studies involving a total of 230 participants, the effect of attitude toward a PSA on issue attitude is shown to be strong and positive. As expected, the effect tends to be stronger when a message recipient's perceived issue relevance is low versus high, when his or her issue knowledge is low versus high, and when the tone of the message is positive versus negative. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Predation on Atlantic Salmon Smolts by Striped Bass after Dam Passage

Abstract We documented predation on smolts of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar by striped bass Morone saxatilis foraging in the tailrace of the Essex Dam on the Merrimack River, Lawrence, Massachusetts, and assessed factors that may affect smolt susceptibility to predation. During 6 d of diurnal angling from 6 to 28 May, we captured 212 striped bass, 41 of which contained prey remains. More than 48% of striped bass that contained prey had consumed smolts. Atlantic salmon smolts composed more than 80% of the total mass of prey remains recovered and included both individuals of stocked-fry and stocked-smolt origin. Based on information from this pilot study, a focused investigation of striped bass predation on smolts after passage of the Essex Dam began in 1998.
G-Quadruplex DNA Folding and Dynamics within Duplex DNA

The helix is the classical view of genomic DNA structure. Recent findings suggest that alternate folding motifs can play an important role in gene expression. One example is the G-Quadruplex, a single stranded DNA sequence composed of four repeat sequences of two or more G's each separated by varying spacer sequences. This structure has been suggested to affect the expression of several important genes in cancer development (c-MYC, c-KIT, VEGF)[1].Recently, immune assay based experiments have shown that G-Quadruplexes are stably found throughout the genome [2]. The dynamic properties underlying the interaction between the G-Quadruplex and its single stranded DNA complement have yet to be characterized. Preliminary studies suggest that these structures are capable of forming in response to specific cellular actions and are persistent in a biologically relevant time scale.To determine sequence dependent properties of G-Quadruplexes, we utilized a combination of Single Molecule FRET microscopy and small molecule binding fluorescence assays. We investigated biophysical properties such as stability, folding patterns, and structure persistence. These properties will help elucidate the biological roles of specific genomic quadruplexes. This knowledge will aid in interpreting the roles of the many G-Quadruplex associated proteins and may assist in the development of the next generation of chemotherapeutic agents.[1]. Patel, D et al. (2007) Nucleic Acids Research UK 35(22):7429-7455.[2]. Lam, EYN et al. (2013) Nature Communications USA 4:1796.
Visualization, modeling and predictive analysis of cyber security attacks against cyber infrastructure-oriented systems

Cyber security threats require rapid identification of imminent or potential attacks to support deterrence and protection. Thomas Friedman theorized that technology has leveled or “flattened” the global playing field that once existed. This flattening has happened as a result of what he calls the “triple convergence” of platform, process and people. However, there is a general lack of understanding about how to describe, assess the complex and dynamic nature of cyber security related information to improve overall cyber security task performance. Ever since the first computer virus traversed the Internet it has been apparent that attacks can spread rapidly across national boundaries. This paper presents research that utilize bioinformatics techniques, to forecast cyber security attacks by identifying emerging threats based on analysis of computer infection, and incursions models based on human disease models.
Vitamin D Supplementation Decreases Grade 3-4 Acute GVHD in Allogeneic Transplants with Normal Baseline Levels

s / Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 19 (2013) S313eS341 S324 myeloablative (19% vs. 24%, P1⁄40.349) and nonmyeloablative conditioning (13% vs. 9%, P1⁄41.000). PFS at 1 year was slightly higher for ATG1 (52.8% vs. 45.5%,P 1⁄4 .955), while OS at 1 year was not different between the two groups (53.7% vs 55.4%,P 1⁄4 .779). Conclusion: A small decrease in the prophylactic ATG dose (1.5mg/kg) had a significant clinical impact. An increased incidence of severe lethal acute GVHD was observed with 4.5mg/kg dosing despite a greater degree of HLA-matching. The 6.0mg/kg dosing prevented grade IV acute GVHD and associated mortality. Further research is warranted to find the optimal dosing regimen prior to allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Cognitive dysfunction after aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery.

Abstract The present study examined the nature of the amnestic syndrome following aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) in humans. Eleven ACoA and 13 subjects with intracranial hemorrhages (ICH) elsewhere in the brain were administered a battery of standard neuropsychological tests. The ACoA group performed significantly worse than the ICH controls on tests of delayed verbal memory and on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, despite significantly higher Full Scale IQ. No significant differences were observed between groups on tests of immediate recall, attention and concentration, and visuo-spatial functions, although the ACoA group tended to perform better on many of these tests. The results do not support the hypothesis that the cognitive impairments observed following ACoA aneurysm are the result of diffuse cortical damage. The role of specific anterior cerebral structures in defining the “ACOA syndrome” are discussed.
SEPARATION OF EPIDERMAL LAYERS OF THE NEWBORN RAT

A method is presented for the separation of epidermal strata by the successive elimination of either the basal or basal and spinous cells with 0.24 M NH4Cl at pH 9.5. Histologic evidence suggests that the residual epidermal strata obtained after incubation of the skin with NH4Cl are reproducible; hence, this technique circumvents loss of granular layer histidine-rich protein inherent with trypsin separation and provides an effective procedure for biochemical analysis of arginine-rich and lysine-rich proteins in the various differentiating epidermal cells.
EXTRUSION AND ROLL‐COOKING OF CORN‐SOY‐WHEY MIXTURES

A partially demineralized, delactosed whey product containing about 36% protein and 56% lactose was used to supplement corn meal together with soy flour and soy isolate. All four mixtures prepared contained 75% corn meal. Mixtures A and B had 5% and 22% lactose-hydrolyzed whey respectively, mixture D, 5% unhydrolyzed whey and mixture C used skim milk as in CSM. Protein content was standardized to 20% protein. Amino acid analysis revealed an increase in all amino acids except leucine with respect to corn. Processing, either roll-cooking or extrusion reduced the quantity of essential amino acids. PER values of all mixtures were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from casein. Functionally, the whey product reduces water absorption capacity but increases water and nitrogen solubility. Products from hydrolyzed whey, suitable for snacks or breakfast cereals, showed increased sweetness.
Assessing and enhancing the impact of democratic development projects: A practitioner's perspective

As political liberalization expands across the globe, a growing array of Western donor and exchange organizations are seeking to bolster fledgling democracies or to nudge authoritarian regimes toward greater openness. These efforts coincide with intensified academic scrutiny of transitions to democracy. Yet, scholars have paid surprisingly little attention to assessing the impact of these organizations' democratization projects, and development practitioners have had little success in formulating useful criteria and approaches for assessment. Better understanding of how to evaluate these activities could enhance their impact as well as inform political development theory. This article places the assessment problem in context by acknowledging a few of the key debates pertaining to political development and by summarizing the range of foreign assistance organizations and efforts aiming to promote democratization. It then describes why evaluation of these efforts is generally inadequate. Finally, the article presents some initial ideas on how this difficult problem can be addressed.
Mobbing by Florida scrub jays: behaviour, sexual asymmetry, role of helpers and ontogeny

Abstract Behavioural patterns used in mobbing predators by the cooperatively breeding Florida scrub jay, Aphelocoma c. coerulescens , are described from films, field observations and field experiments. The roles of individual group members and the ontogeny of mobbing by fledglings were investigated experimentally by releasing a 1·6-m snake in the presence of jays. Jays used at least nine action patterns and one variable vocalization in mobbing. Male breeders mobbed most intensely, female breeders and helpers mobbed with lesser and approximately equal intensity, and fledglings mobbed the least. Fledglings began mobbing by 47 days post-hatch and gradually acquired adult-like mobbing behaviour by 3 months of age. Coordinated flying ability may be necessary before fledglings begin to mob. Mobbing fledglings were often ignored by adults that had not yet seen the predator. A comparison of the mobbing of the Florida scrub jay with other congeners indicates that several aspects of mobbing behaviour may be related to the social system of the birds.
Basis of intonation disturbance in aphasia: Perception

Abstract This study sought to determine whether abnormalities exhibited by patients with aphasia in intonation reception are attributable to deficit in processing (1) global (overall) pitch or fundamental frequency (F0) contours, or (2) components of F0 contours. Two experiments involving identification of matched statements and echo questions were conducted. The stimuli in Experiment 1 were full sentences (Global F0 condition), whereas those in Experiment 2 were sentences split into two parts (Partial F0 condition). Patients with fluent aphasia performed comparably with non-brain damaged control subjects on the identification of both stimulus types in both experiments. Patients with mild to moderate nonfluent aphasia performed similarly on the identification of statements, but they were impaired on the identification of questions. In Experiment 2, they performed comparably with control subjects on the identification of one part of the split question stimuli, but not the other part. Severely impaired nonfluent patients participated in Experiment 1 only, and they performed poorly on the identification of both stimulus types. Taken together, these findings suggest that intonation might be processed in units smaller than global F0 information, and that impaired ability to process those units might in part explain the nature of intonation disturbance in aphasia.
One-shot, one cure with genome editing for dyslipidemia.

One of the most inspiring examples of rapid bench-to-bedside translation has been the development of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitory antibodies for the reduction of serum low-density lipoprotein and prevention of coronary artery disease. Astute genetic analysis of gain-of-function mutations in patients with elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels1 built the case for the role of PCSK9 in LDL receptor binding and lysosomal destruction.2 Now the prospect of lipid-lowering therapy delivered monthly via injection is on the horizon with successful clinical trials for the 2 leading monoclonal antibodies.3 The logical next expectation would be for a permanent disruption of the PCSK9 gene, rendering continued therapy unnecessary because the naturally occurring and protective loss-of-function mutation could be given as a 1-time treatment. Ding et al4 present evidence that the technology for this now exists with genome editing and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) …
Autoreduction of copper(II) by a non-chelating amine ligand: Synthesis and X-ray structure of tris (2,3-dimethylpyrazine) dicopper(I) perchlorate

Abstract Reaction Of Cu(ClO4)2 with 2,3-dimethylpyrazine (2,3-dmpz) in aqueous solution yields the bright yellow, air-stable, crystalline complex Cu2(2,3-dmpz)3(ClO4)2 (1) in 40% yield. The single-crystal X-ray structure reveals a two-dimensional polymeric lattice of tricoordinate copper(I) atoms bridged by 2,3-dimethylpyrazine ligands.
Acetylenic and terpenoid constituents of Boltonia asteroides

Abstract Aerial parts of Boltonia asteroides afforded two new C-10 acetylenes, five new acyclic monoterpenes, a tris -normonoterpene and an epoxycadinenal as well as known menthanes, sesquiterpenes and a number of common plant constituents.
NMR Structure of Navel Orangeworm Moth Pheromone-Binding Protein (AtraPBP1): Implications for pH-Sensitive Pheromone Detection

The navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker), is an agricultural insect pest that can be controlled by disrupting male-female communication with sex pheromones, a technique known as mating disruption. Insect pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) provide fast transport of hydrophobic pheromones through the aqueous sensillar lymph and promote sensitive delivery of pheromones to receptors. Here we present the three-dimensional structure of a PBP from A. transitella (AtraPBP1) in solution at pH 4.5 determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Pulsed-field gradient NMR diffusion experiments, multiangle light scattering, and (15)N NMR relaxation analysis indicate that AtraPBP1 forms a stable monomer in solution at pH 4.5 in contrast to forming mostly dimers at pH 7. The NMR structure of AtraPBP1 at pH 4.5 contains seven alpha-helices (alpha1, L8-L23; alpha2, D27-F36; alpha3, R46-V62; alpha4, A73-M78; alpha5, D84-S100; alpha6, R107-L125; alpha7, M131-E141) that adopt an overall main-chain fold similar to that of PBPs found in Antheraea polyphemus and Bombyx mori. The AtraPBP1 structure is stabilized by three disulfide bonds formed by C19/C54, C50/C108, and C97/C117 and salt bridges formed by H69/E60, H70/E57, H80/E132, H95/E141, and H123/D40. All five His residues are cationic at pH 4.5, whereas H80 and H95 become neutral at pH 7.0. The C-terminal helix (alpha7) contains hydrophobic residues (M131, V133, V134, V135, V138, L139, and A140) that contact conserved residues (W37, L59, A73, F76, A77, I94, V111, and V115) suggested to interact with bound pheromone. Our NMR studies reveal that acid-induced formation of the C-terminal helix at pH 4.5 is triggered by a histidine protonation switch that promotes rapid release of bound pheromone under acidic conditions.
DSP based Fuzzy controller applied to a DC-DC Boost converter

This paper presents a Fuzzy controller applied to a DC-DC Boost converter in order to minimize the system's power loss effects by adjusting the duty cycle of the converter. The variation in the input voltage and the losses in the electronic components of the converter (load variations) are the main causes of these power losses. The main objective of the controller is to maintain a constant voltage at the load regardless of these losses. The Fuzzy controller was embedded on a Digital Signal Processor in order to have a great reliability and a faster system response. The results show that the Fuzzy control technique can be utilized to minimize the effects of the system's uncertainties and disturbances while keeping the system's output response in its operating point.
Observation of structure in the angular dependence of photoemission from GaAs

Abstract Structure in the angular distribution of photoemission from GaAs is strongly correlated with structure in the energy distribution. An onset of structure at h ν = 9 eV in both these distributions appears to result from transitions over regions of the Brillouin zone bounded by ΓLKW.
Interleukin 12 and the regulation of CD4+ T-cell subset responses during murine Leishmaniasis.

Abstract Interleukin 12 is unique among cytokines in that it is capable of protecting genetically susceptible mice against progressive infection with Leishmania major. Because of the probable causal relationships between CD4 + T-cell differentiation, cytokine production and disease outcome, this cytokine may prove useful as a component of cytokine-bosed therapies and Thl-selective vaccines, as discussed here by Frederick Heinzel.
Effect of Urban Sources on Acid Precipitation in the Western United States

The letter responds to a previous article by Lewis, W.M. and Grant, M.C. in Science 207:176. The authors take issue with the averaged pollutant concentrations reported in the article and indicate the need to consider the severity of individual pollution episodes. (ACR)
Searches on the potential energy hypersurfaces of GeCH2, GeSiH2, and Ge2H2

Optimum geometries are computed at both the SCF level of theory and the level of second-order perturbation theory for several isomers on the potential energy hypersurfaces of GeCH2, GeSiH2, and Ge2H2, including linear structures, methylene-carbenelike structures, dibridged structures, and monobridged structures. In addition, harmonic vibrational frequencies are computed to characterize these structures as local minima or transition states. All computations employ basis sets of triple-zeta quality on valence electrons with d and f polarization functions on the heavy atoms and p functions on hydrogen. This investigation is the first systematic study to include all of these germanium systems and to employ f-type polarization functions in such a study. Previous investigations of ours indicate that large basis sets such as those employed in this study can, in part, compensate for the lack of a more advanced treatment of electron correlation. While a dibridged global minimum is confirmed for both Ge2H2 and GeSiH2 systems, the C2v isomer, methylenegermene, is found to be the most stable structure for GeCH2. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 70: 925–932, 1998
Real-time kinetics of ligand/cell surface receptor interactions in living cells: binding of epidermal growth factor to the epidermal growth factor receptor

We describe a system for extending stopped-flow analysis to the kinetics of ligand capture and release by cell surface receptors in living cells. While most mammalian cell lines cannot survive the shear forces associated with turbulent stopped-flow mixing, we determined that a murine hematopoietic precursor cell line, 32D, is capable of surviving rapid mixing using flow rates as great as 4.0 mL/s, allowing rapid processes to be quantitated with dead times as short as 10 ms. 32D cells do not express any endogenous epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor or other ErbB family members and were used to establish monoclonal cell lines stably expressing the EGF receptor. Association of fluorescein-labeled H22Y-murine EGF (F-EGF) to receptor-expressing 32D cells was observed by measuring time-dependent changes in fluorescence anisotropy following rapid mixing. Dissociation of F-EGF from EGF-receptor-expressing 32D cells was measured both by chase experiments using unlabeled mEGF and by experiments in which equilibrium was perturbed by dilution. Comparison of these dissociation experiments showed that little, if any, ligand-induced dissociation occurs in the chase dissociation experiments. Data from a series of association and dissociation experiments, performed at various concentrations of F-EGF in the nanomolar range and at multiple cell densities, were simultaneously analyzed using global analysis techniques and fit to a two independent receptor-class model. Our analysis is consistent with the presence of two distinct receptor populations having association rate constants of k(on1) = 8.6 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) and k(on2) = 2.4 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1) and dissociation rate constants of k(off1) = 0.17 x 10(-2) s(-1) and k(off2) = 0.21 x 10(-2) s(-1). The magnitudes of these parameters suggest that under physiological conditions, in which cells are transiently exposed to nanomolar concentrations of ligand, ligand capture and release may function as the first line of regulation of the EGF receptor-induced signal transduction cascade.
Drug safety evaluation of naltrexone/bupropion for the treatment of obesity

Introduction: Obesity is a known health risk for the development of several preventable diseases. Obesity-related metabolic alterations negatively impact different physiological mechanisms, which supports the rationale for the use of combined drug therapy. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist for the treatment of opioid and alcohol dependency, whereas bupropion is a norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression and smoking cessation. Although not effective as individual monotherapies for obesity, naltrexone and bupropion in combination produce weight loss and a metabolic profile beneficial for the potential treatment of obesity. Areas covered: This review examines the safety and antiobesity effects of naltrexone and bupropion alone and in combination. It reviews the results of four Phase III clinical trials of a novel fixed dose of sustained-released naltrexone/bupropion. Expert opinion: Naltrexone/bupropion has a greater weight loss efficacy than two FDA-approved medications, orlistat...
Chirped-pulse Fourier Transform Microwave Spectroscopy of the Simple Chiral Compound Bromofluoroacetonitrile, CHBrFCN

Abstract Pulsed jet chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy has been used to record 264 transitions for the 79-Br species and 239 transitions for the 81-Br species of the title molecule. Measurements have been made in the 8–14 GHz regions. The complete 79-Br, 81-Br and N quadrupole coupling tensors have been determined for the first time.
Application and limitations of the flexural creep test for polymeric materials

Abstract Application and limitations of the flexural creep test are described. For this purpose six different thermoplastic materials are tested under low and moderate stress and temperature conditions. The log-log method and a nonlinear creep compliance is used to analyze and compare the data. In order to assess the applicability range of elementary small deflection theory in calculation of strain values, a large deflection analysis is performed. This analysis indicates the presence of an instability condition. Design curves are drawn to reveal the percentage difference between the deflection values obtained on the basis of small and large deflection theories.
Correction of disproportion of corpora cavernosa as cause of chordee in hypospadias

Abstract Correction of chordee is a basic step in hypospadias surgery. In some children with significant chordee, ventral deflection of the shaft will persist after all “chordee tissue” is excised from the surface of the corpora cavernosa. In the flaccid state, this persistent chordee may not be evident but is easily demonstrated with an artificial erection technique. The use of dorsal placation of the tunica albuginea to correct this deformity is emphasized.
Sex differences in nonhuman primate grooming.

In this article, sex differences in nonhuman primate social grooming are reviewed. In general, female nonhuman primates groom more than do males. This conclusion is tempered somewhat by acknowledgements of exceptions and qualifications, and by evidence for experiential control of grooming.