cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Depth-sensing indentation response of ordered silica foam

Depth-sensing indentation was applied to three-dimensionally ordered silica foams of two different pore diameters—500 nm and 850 nm—formed by colloidal crystal templating. The contact responses of indentations with Berkovich and hemispherical indentation tips are presented over a load range of 1 mN to 100 mN. Scanning electron microscopy images of residual indentation impressions showed homogeneous deformation for small loads in which the peak displacement was shallow relative to the film–substrate interface. The characteristics of the load–displacement responses changed from periodic discontinuities, associated with cell wall fracture and pore collapse, to smooth and increased stiffness, as a result of densification due to the accumulation of material under the indentation tip and proximity (and contact) of the substrate. Load–displacement responses were translated into pressure–volume space, in which the average pressure during indentation is a measure of the crushing pressure of the cell walls.
Spectrum and energy levels of doubly ionized scandium (Sc iii)

The spectrum of Sc iii has been observed by using a vacuum sliding spark at 250-A peak current. Excellent separation of the Sc i, ii, and iii spectra was achieved by careful control of the excitation-circuit parameters. In all, 93 lines in the region 550–9400 A are listed, which give rise to 23 new levels. The ionization energy of Sc iii is revised to 199 677.37 ±0.1 cm−1, based on the ng series, and series formulas are presented which were used to predict some of the newly found levels to within 0.25 cm−1. An isoelectronic comparison of Sc iii with K i and Ca ii is made.
Effects of long term zinc deficiency on feed utilization, reproductive characteristics, and hair growth in the sexually mature male goat.

Abstract Ten young, sexually mature goats were fed a zinc-deficient purified diet (4 ppm Zn) ad libitum and five a control diet (deficient diet + 36 ppm Zn) in amounts restricted to maintain comparable weights for 20 weeks. Less feed was required in the control group to maintain the weight in the deficient group. Inasmuch as there was no difference in digestibility of diets, the difference in feed efficiency was due to endogenous metabolism. Feed intake of deficient goats increased sharply from the 10th to 18th week without affecting body weight. Goats given the deficient diet developed zinc deficiency symptoms, which increased in severity with time. In comparison with controls, plasma zinc was much lower; growth rate and zinc content of hair were considerably less, testicles were smaller; and libido was lower in zinc-deficient goats. After an extended period on the severely restricted feed intake, testicle size in controls also decreased. As evidenced by testicle biopsies, spermatogenesis was not severely affected by zinc deficiency until 4 weeks post-treatment. At this stage, only spermatagonia were present and tubular size was reduced. The severely restricted feed intake of controls produced similar effects. Eighty percent of zinc-deficient and 60% of control goats died during the experiment. In a post-treatment period two goats from each group were fed the control diet ad libitum for four weeks. Feed intake of controls increased, but that of the goats which had been deficient did not increase markedly, suggesting that adaptation which appeared to have taken place was not readily reversible.
Arrester Protection of High Voltage DC Transmission System Converter Terminals

The specification, design, and testing of arresters for the HVDC Pacific Coast Intertie are discussed. Included in the report is a description of the overvoltage events significant to arrester design and the resulting specification. The basic problems associated with dc arrester design and techniques used to overcome these problems are covered.
1083 EFFECT OF ALBUMIN ADMINISTRATION ON RENAL FUNCTION IN PREMATURE INFANTS

This study was done to determine effect of salt-poor albumin on blood volume (BV) and renal function in ten premature infants (GA 28-36 weeks, body weight 1.43 ± 0.15 SE kg) with total serum protein (TSP) < 4.5 g/dl. They were given 1 g/kg albumin as 25% salt-poor solution iv in 5-10 min. Urine was obtained in a bag applied to the infant; the bladder was creded after each voiding and when collection periods ended. Initial BV was measured using Evan's blue; changes over a 40-min period were estimated from changes in hematocrit (Hct). Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) was continuously monitored through an umbilical arterial catheter. Serum and urine osmolarities and creatinines, TSP, colloid osmotic pressure (COP), BV, and MABP were measured and creatinine clearance (CCr) calculated before and after albumin infusion. An increase in BV from 88 ± 5 to 100 ± 8 ml/kg (P<.0005) was first observed 10 min after infusion and then remained unchanged during the study; this was paralleled by increases in TSP from 4.4 ± 0.1 to 4.8 ± 0.1 g/dl (P<.0005) and COP from 20 ± 1 to 25 ± 1 cm H2O (P<.0005). However, MABP was not significantly changed. There was an increase in CCr from .42 ± .09 to .89 ± .17 ml/min (P< .0005), but CH2O and Uosm/Posm did not significantly change. Apparently, observed changes in MABP, BV, and Hct had a greater influence in increasing GFR than increases in COP had in decreasing it. In conclusion, albumin infusion may help improve GFR in hypoproteinemic premature infants.
Global dimming: Clear‐sky atmospheric transmission from astronomical extinction measurements

[1] Astronomical seven-color atmospheric extinction coefficients obtained at the European Southern Observatory, La Silla, Chile, over the period 1978–1997 are analyzed to search for secular trends that might affect the global-dimming issue. The direct, clear-sky measurements indicate about a 1% increase in extinction from the years immediately preceding the El Chichon volcanic eruption in 1982 to the quiescent periods 1985–1990 and 1996–1997. A wavelength dependence study of the extinction change suggests that it is consistent with an increase in tropospheric aerosols of meteorological origin. Both the El Chichon and Pinatubo eruptions produced significant perturbations on atmospheric transmission as seen from La Silla. In combination with solar transmission measurements reported from Mauna Loa, the La Silla data and photometric data from other observatories suggest that there has been no large change in the direct, clear-sky, transmission component of solar or stellar radiation, apart from the effects of volcanic eruptions. It is suggested that the extinction effects of volcanic eruptions may be an important factor in the interpretation of some of the global-dimming data.
Hedging Foreign Exchange Exposures: Independent vs Integrative Approaches

Many financial managers think that foreign exchange hedging decisions are mainly a choice between to hedge or not to hedge. Nevertheless, previous researchers applied Ederington's portfolio approach and found that even for risk minimization, a complete hedge does not lead to the lowest risk. Instead, there exists an optimal hedging ratio which yields the lowest variance. However, the discussions of these former studies were concentrated on a single foreign currency cash flow. In the real world, financial managers are more likely to expect multiple cash flows arriving at different times even for the same foreign currency. This paper therefore discusses whether financial managers should hedge these cash flows independently or combine them under one integrative hedging scheme. It is shown that, while the independent approach does not lead to the lowest risk, its hedging effectiveness is close to that of the integrative approach. Given the time and resource constraints of financial managers, the simpler independent approach appears to be a better choice.
Collaborative approaches to purchasing and managing oncology services for a prepaid population

BACKGROUND. Change created by managed care plans is producing tensions among oncology care providers, health plans, patients, and employers. Managed care plans, which now are dominant, are engendering concern among some patients and providers because those plans limit provider choice and reimbursement, as well as inject themselves in clinical decision-making. Collaborative approaches to purchasing and managing oncology service for a prepaid population should help reduce these tensions. METHODS. This article provides a case history of how Harvard University Health Services, a managed care delivery and insurance program serving the university collaborates with contracted oncology providers. The described approach defines mutually beneficial payment and shared responsibility for care in the context of patient centered values. As a part of this collaborative effort, liberal experimental treatment coverage is offered. RESULTS. Patient care is improved because the flow of clinical information among caregivers is improved. When communication is more open, nurse case managers who work for the managed care plan also can arrange for covered services in a more expeditious manner. CONCLUSIONS. Collaboration among health plans, oncologists, and other health care providers to provide patients with high quality, cost-effective care on a fully informed basis is challenging, but not impossible. The key is to define common ground and commitment to the needs of patients among health plans and providers.
Comparing effectiveness of rhamnolipid biosurfactant with a quaternary ammonium salt surfactant for hydrate anti-agglomeration.

Natural gas is projected to be the premium fuel of the 21st century because of availability, as well as economical and environmental considerations. Natural gas is coproduced with water from the subsurface forming gas hydrates. Hydrate formation may result in shutdown of onshore and offshore operations. Industry practice has been usage of alcoholswhich have undesirable environmental impactsto affect bulk-phase properties and inhibit hydrate formation. An alternative to alcohols is changing the surface properties through usage of polymers and surfactants, effective at 0.5−3 wt % of coproduced water. One group of low-dosage hydrate inhibitors (LDHI) are kinetic inhibitors, which affect nucleation rate and growth. A second group of LDHI are anti-agglomerants, which prevent agglomeration of small hydrate crystallites. Despite great potential, reported work on hydrate anti-agglomeration is very limited. In this paper, our focus is on the use of two vastly different surfactants as anti-agglomerants. We use a mo...
Understanding the European Fach system: the opera singer's career guide

Understanding the European Fach system: the opera singer's career guide, by Pearl Yeadon McGinnis, edited by Marith McGinnis Willis, Lanham, Maryland, Scarecrow Press, 2010, 336 pp., US$45, 27.95, ...
Stimuli-responsive smart gels realized via modular protein design.

Smart gels have a variety of applications, including tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery. Here we present a modular, bottom-up approach that permits the creation of protein-based smart gels with encoded morphology, functionality, and responsiveness to external stimuli. The properties of these gels are encoded by the proteins from which they are synthesized. In particular, the strength and density of the network of intermolecular cross-links are specified by the interactions of the gels’ constituent protein modules with their cognate peptide ligands. Thus, these gels exhibit stimuli-responsive assembly and disassembly, dissolving (or gelling) under conditions that weaken (or strengthen) the protein−peptide interaction. We further demonstrate that such gels can encapsulate and release both proteins and small molecules and that their rheological properties are well suited for biomedical applications.
UV EPROM Erasure in Flash X-Ray and Co60 Total Dose Environments

UV EPROMs are extremely sensitive to transient x-ray erasure with failures (i.e., partial or complete program loss) at ? 108 R/sec. The devices can be reprogrammed but reprogramming is usually accomplished out of the system; therefore, the system has failed when the EPROM program is disturbed. The UV EPROMs fail to total dose exposure, Co60, at levels similar to NMOS dynamic RAMs, i.e., 1500-5000 Rads (Si).
Impact of Ionic Liquid Pretreatment Conditions on Cellulose Crystalline Structure Using 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Acetate

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been shown to affect cellulose crystalline structure in lignocellulosic biomass during pretreatment. A systematic investigation of the swelling and dissolution processes associated with IL pretreatment is needed to better understand cellulose structural transformation. In this work, 3–20 wt % microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel) solutions were treated with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C2mim][OAc]) and a mixture of [C2mim][OAc] with the nonsolvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at different temperatures. The dissolution process was slowed by decreasing the temperature and increasing cellulose loading, and was further retarded by addition of DMSO, enabling in-depth examination of the intermediate stages of dissolution. Results show that the cellulose I lattice expands and distorts prior to full dissolution in [C2mim][OAc] and that upon precipitation the former structure leads to a less ordered intermediate structure, whereas fully dissolved cellulose leads to a mixture of cellulo...
A Study of Ausubel's Proactive Hypothesis

Summary Using Ausubel's three-group randomized design, this study investigated possible proactive facilitation of learning similar and conflicting material by eighth grade subjects. One group read a proactive passage once, another read a proactive passage twice, and a control group read an irrelevant passage. All groups read the lesson and were tested in immediate and delayed sessions. Neither learning nor overlearning the proactive passage induced facilitation or interference in learning and retaining the lesson. Subtest scores on five test items considered most facilitating failed to show a significant difference on analysis of variance for immediate and delayed tests. It was concluded that the specific proactive effect, if it exists, is undetected among the effects of manifold variables, including previous lifetime learning, affecting any current learning and retention of meaningful material.
Computational and Experimental Investigation of Bubble Circulation Patterns Within a Column Photobioreactor

This research project investigates bubble and liquid circulation patterns in a vertical column photobioreactor (PBR) both experimentally as well as computationally using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Dispersed gas–liquid flow in the rectangular bubble column PBR are modeled using Eulerian–Lagrangian approach. A low Reynolds number k–e CFD model is used to describe the flow pattern near the wall. Bubble size distribution measurements are carried out using a high-speed digital camera. A flat surface bubble column PBR is used to achieve sufficient light penetration into the system. Carbon dioxide, which is necessary for photosynthetic microalgae growth, is added to the sparged air. The results are validated with experimental data and from current literature. Design parameters, bubble flow pattern and internal hydrodynamics of a bubble column reactor were studied and the numerical simulations presented for the hydrodynamics in a bubble column PBR account for bubble phenomena that have not been sufficiently accounted for in previous research. Bubble size and shape affect the hydrodynamics as does bubble interaction with other bubbles (multiple bubbles in a flow versus single bubbles and wall effects on bubble(s) which are not symmetrical or bubbles not centered on the reactor cross-section). Understanding the bubble movement patterns will aid in predicting other design parameters like mass transfer (bubble to liquid and liquid to bubble), heat transfer (within the PBR and between the PBR and environment surrounding the PBR), and interaction forces inside the PBR.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Mesoionic Purinone Analogs IV: Synthesis and In Vitro Antibacterial Properties of Mesoionic Thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5,7-diones and Mesoionic 1,3,4-Thiadiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5,7-diones

Derivatives of two members of a new and unusual class of heterocycles, termed mesoionic purinone analogs, were synthesized and examined for in vitro antibacterial activity. Mesoionic thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5,7-diones and mesoionic 1,3,4-thiadiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5,7-diones, which are isoconjugate with xanthine, were found to exhibit antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms. Several mesoionic 1,3,4-thiadiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5,7-diones possess significant levels of activity against Proteus vulgaris and Staphylococcus aureus.
Electrolyte and lipid metabolism of lean fasting men and women

Abstract Total plasma lipid, cholesterol and free fatty acid was measured during a 4 day fast of 7 lean men and 7 lean women. Urinary excretion of sodium, potassium and creatinine was measured. All parameters of fat metabolism increased more rapidly in women when rate of fasting is defined by negative caloric balance rather than time. No sex difference was found in sodium or potassium excretion. The potassium to creatinine ratio was lower in lean fasting men than women.
Theoretical treatment of resolving power in open tubular column supercritical fluid chromatography

Abstract Theoretical considerations of column pressure drop, column diameter, pressure programming, injector and detector volumes, connector tubing, stationary phase film thickness and detector time constant as applied to open tubular supercritical fluid chromatography are treated. These theoretical considerations show that open tubular supercritical fluid chromatography is a viable technique offering its greatest potential in the pressure—temperature region around the critical point of the mobile phase.
Neoplastic metastasis to the heart.

Abstract 1. 1. A case of extraordinary metastatic invasion of the heart secondary to malignant melanoma is reported. In addition, five other instances of cardiac invasion by metastatic tumor growth are briefly described. 2. 2. The only constant abnormal physical finding noted referable to the heart during life was a persistent tachycardia which was otherwise unexplained. 3. 3. It is believed that the diagnosis of metastatic invasion of the heart by neoplasm can be made with reasonable certainty if an otherwise unexplained persistent tachycardia is present in a patient suffering from malignant disease elsewhere in the body.
Lessons Learned from Caisis: An Open Source, Web-Based System for Integrating Clinical Practice and Research

In 2003, we presented an open source, web-based prostate cancer database developed to integrate clinical practice and research workflows at the IEEE Symposium on Computer- Based Medical Systems [1]. Caisis was designed around structured chronological patient histories which could be displayed to clinicians and processed by computer algorithms. We extended the system to handle 9 diseases. It has been adopted by 15 sites in 4 countries with over 400 users and is currently used to manage data for over 165,000 patients. Lessons learned include the following: 1) the original structure accommodates new diseases well, but users are quick to return to spreadsheets or denormalized data models; 2) design and support should be extended to address a variety of system-adoption scenarios; 3) perceived usability is affected by the entire set of applications an individual must use to perform their job; and 4) user training and support must be enhanced as the system evolves and becomes more complex.
Using an ER query and update interface for rapid prototyping of hypertext systems

The author discusses a method for rapid prototyping of hypertext systems using an entity-relationship (ER) query and update interface. Prototyping of a hypertext system for literate programming is shown as an example. The approach is based on utilizing a relational database management system as a major component of the prototyped system. An ER query and update interface is described. Such an interface allows an interactive manipulation of ER database schemas. Sample interactions between a user and the system are given. During the process of manipulation of ER diagrams the information needed to generate an equivalent SQL query is accumulated. A hypertext system for literature programming is described, and the architecture of a prototype system is presented. >
PER MRNA CYCLING IS LOCKED TO LIGHTS-OFF UNDER PHOTOPERIODIC CONDITIONS THAT SUPPORT CIRCADIAN FEEDBACK LOOP FUNCTION

Circadian fluctuations in per mRNA and protein are central to the operation of a negative feedback loop that is necessary for setting the free-running period and for entraining the circadian oscillator to light-dark cycles. In this study, per mRNA cycling and locomotor activity rhythms were measured under different light and dark cycling regimes to determine how photoperiods affect the molecular feedback loop and circadian behavior, respectively. These experiments reveal that per mRNA peaks in abundance 4 h after lights-off in photoperiods of < or = 16 h, that, phase shifts in per mRNA cycling and behavioral rhythmicity occur rapidly after flies are transferred from one photoperiod to another, and that photoperiods longer than 20 h abolish locomotor activity rhythms and leave per mRNA at a median constitutive level. These results indicate that the per feedback loop uses lights-off as a phase reference point and suggest (along with previous findings for per01 and tim01) that per mRNA cycling is not regulated via simple negative feedback from the per protein.
Combining static and dynamic defect-tolerance techniques for nanoscale memory systems

Nanoscale technology promises dramatically increased device density, but also decreased reliability. With bit error rates projected to be as high as 10%, designing a usable nanoscale memory system poses a significant challenge. In particular, we need to bootstrap a sea of unreliable bits into contiguous address ranges which are preferably as large as 4K-byte virtual memory pages. We accomplish this bootstrapping through a combination of dynamic error correction codes within 32-bit blocks and a static defect map which tracks usability of these blocks. The key insight is that statically-determined defect locations can be much more powerful than dynamically correcting for unknown locations, but that defect maps are only practical at a coarse granularity. Using a combination of BCH error correction codes and a Bloom-Filter-based defect map, we achieve a memory efficiency of 60% and 13% for 4K-byte pages at 1% and 10% bit-error rates, respectively.
Success of Episioproctotomy for Cloaca and Rectovaginal Fistula

Surgical repair of rectovaginal fistula with an advancement flap has had suboptimal results. The existing literature documenting episioproctotomy as a surgical option in females with rectovaginal fistula or cloaca is limited. This study was designed to examine our experience with episioproctotomy in this group. Additionally we were interested in risk factors, which might predict failure. All females who had repair of a rectovaginal fistula or cloaca with episioproctotomy from 1998 to 2004 were studied. Data were collected from chart review and telephone contact. This included demographics, body mass index, tobacco use, Crohn’s disease, previous surgery, and diverting stoma. Data were obtained from 42 females (mean age, 39.2 (range, 25–70) years). The mean follow-up was 37 (range, 2–84) months. Nine females had a cloaca and the rest had a rectovaginal fistula with an anterior sphincter defect. Eleven (all with anterior tissue) had recurrence of fistula. None with cloaca had recurrence. Eight of 11 recurrences occurred in females who had failed at least one previous repair. No variables that were studied significantly affected recurrence. Median (25th, 75th percentiles) postoperative Wexner incontinence scores for those with and without recurrence were 8 (7, 12) and 5 (2, 6) respectively. Episioproctotomy is a successful technique for repair of rectovaginal fistula and cloaca. Incontinence score postoperatively were acceptable. It should be considered a first line of surgical treatment in those with a fistula that includes compromise of the anterior sphincter complex.
Pupillometric assessment of autonomic nervous system in children with functional enuresis

Functional enuresis is defined as repeated voiding of urine into bed or clothes in children after 5 years of age following the exclusion of major somatic diseases. Autonomic nervous system dysregulation has been proposed as a pathophysiologic mechanism in the etiopathogenesis. The objective of this study was to evaluate autonomic nervous system functions with pupil diameter measurement in enuretic children. The study group consisted of 17 children with functional enuresis (ten boys, seven girls), and the control group consisted of 34 healthy children (20 boys, 14 girls). Pupil diameter measurements were performed under photopic and mesopic lighting conditions by using a pupillometer. Mean photopic pupil diameter was found to be larger in the enuretic children than in the healthy controls (4.47 +/- 0.52 mm vs. 4.03 +/- 0.75 mm; P = 0.03). Autonomic nervous system imbalance of the ocular system is considered to be part of the autonomic nervous system dysregulation in functional enuretic children.
Characterization of two non-native invasive bark beetles, Scolytus schevyrewi and Scolytus multistriatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

Scolytus schevyrewi Semenov, the banded elm bark beetle, and S. multistriatus Marsham, the smaller European elm bark beetle, are morphologically similar. Reliance on adult external morphological characters for identification can be problematic because of wide within-species variability and the need for good-quality specimens. The inability to identify developmental stages can also hamper early-detection programs. Using two character identification systems, genitalic (aedeagus) morphology, and DNA markers (random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR)) to distinguish S. schevyrewi from S. multistriatus, we examined specimens from geographically distinct populations of both species collected from infested host trees or semiochemical-baited funnel traps. We found that aedeagus morphology can be used to identify the two species. The use of two oligonucleotide primers in the RAPD-PCR analysis yielded distinct DNA banding patterns for the two species. Species identification using RAPD-PCR analysis was validated by a blind test and used to make species identifications of larval specimens. These tools improve the ability to differentiate between S. schevyrewi and S. multistriatus at immature and adult stages, and could be developed and used for other scolytines as well.
Territoriality and Aggression in the Threespot Damselfish (Pisces; Pomacentridae): An Experimental Study of Causation

Based on a series of correlations and the results of several experimental series on the territorial behavior of the threespot damselfish Eupomacentrus planifrons, a two-component system of the causation of territorial aggression is proposed. The first component, spatial commitment, determines the size of the area defended; the second, attack readiness, determines the vigor of such defense. The two differ in their responses to such factors as social isolation and repeated conspecific stimulation (and stimulation from non-related fishes). By their interaction, these two independent systems can account for not only many of the apparently contradictory results reported in the literature concerning the causation of aggressive behavior (such as the effects of social isolation), but also the stability of social systems based on territoriality. Forms of territorial advertisement, such as bird song and poster-coloration, are considered in terms of this two-component system.
Convex Figures and the Function S(F)

A perfect result is achieved, a series of problems is solved. Now what?Well, a good solution to a good problemgeneratesmany new questions. That is why mathematics will always be alive!
On the Role of the Microenvironment in Mammary Gland Development and Cancer

Knowledge of the specific microenvironmental cues involved at the earliest stages of breast cancer development is currently limited.
Effects of diabetes on myocardial glucose transport system in rats: implications for diabetic cardiomyopathy

Biochemical mechanisms underlying impaired myocardial glucose utilization in diabetes mellitus have not been elucidated. We studied sarcolemmal vesicles (SL) in control, streptozotocin-induced diabetic (D), and insulin-treated diabetic (Tx) rats and found that 3-O-methylglucose transport rates were decreased 53% in D rats and were normalized by insulin therapy. Immunoblot analyses of SL revealed that GLUT4 glucose transporters were decreased 56% in D and were normal in Tx rats. Thus diminished transport rates could be fully explained by reduced numbers of SL GLUT4 with normal functional activity. To determine whether SL GLUT4 were decreased due to tissue depletion or abnormal subcellular distribution, we measured GLUT4 in total membranes (SL plus intracellular fractions). Total GLUT4 (per mg membrane protein or per DNA) was decreased 45-51% in D [half time = 3.5 days after streptozotocin], and these values were restored to normal in Tx rats. Also, diabetes decreased GLUT4 mRNA levels by 43%, and this effect was reversed by insulin therapy. We conclude that, in diabetes, 1) impaired myocardial glucose utilization is the result of a decrease in glucose transport activity, and 2) transport rates are reduced due to pretranslational suppression of GLUT4 gene expression and can be corrected by insulin therapy. GLUT4 depletion could limit glucose availability under conditions of increased workload and anoxia and could cause myocardial dysfunction.
Genetic aspects of interpopulational differences in pheromone blend of cabbage looper moth,Trichoplusia ni.

The genetic basis of interpopulational differences in the pheromone blend emitted by the cabbage looper moth,Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), was examined by crossing individuals from a field-derived population (P1) with individuals from a long-maintained laboratory colony (P2). These colonies differed in the emission rate and relative proportions of four of the five known minor pheromone components, but not in the emission rate of the major component, (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate (Z7-12∶Ac). These differences in pheromone blend were quantitatively small but biologically significant, because in the field, males responded preferentially to traps baited with a pheromone blend that is similar to that emitted by P1 females relative to a blend similar to that emitted by P2 females. In initial crosses, variation in the quantity and quality of pheromone blends among families of P1, P2, and F1 hybrid females was examined. In F1 females the relative proportions (quantity relative to the major component) of (Z)-5-dodecenyl acetate (Z5-12∶Ac) and (Z)-7-tetradecenyl acetate (Z7-14∶Ac) were intermediate to parental lines. In a second more extensive set of crosses, analyses included P1, P2, F1, F2, and selected backcrosses. The relative proportion of Z5-12∶Ac, Z7-14∶Ac, and Z9-14∶Ac emitted by F1 females were intermediate to parental lines. The frequency distributions of relative proportions of these components emitted by females were not consistent with those expected under a single autosomal or sex-linked gene hypothesis, suggesting that more than one gene is involved in the quantitative differences in the pheromone blend.
Tool Support for Inspecting the Code Quality of HPC Applications

The nature of HPC application development encourages ad hoc design and implementation, rather than formal requirements analysis and design specification as is typical in software engineering. However, we cannot simply expect HPC developers to adopt formal software engineering processes wholesale, even while there is a need to improve software structure and quality to ensure future maintainability. Therefore, we propose tools that HPC developers can use at their discretion to obtain feedback on the structure and quality of their codes. This feedback would come in the form of code quality metrics and analyses, presented when necessary in intuitive and interactive visualizations. This paper summarizes our implementation of just such a tool, which we apply to a standard HPC benchmark as "proofof- concept."
PI3K-mediated PDGFRα signaling regulates survival and proliferation in skeletal development through p53-dependent intracellular pathways

Previous studies have identified phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) as the main downstream effector of PDGFRα signaling during murine skeletal development. Autophosphorylation mutant knock-in embryos in which PDGFRα is unable to bind PI3K (PdgfraPI3K/PI3K) exhibit skeletal defects affecting the palatal shelves, shoulder girdle, vertebrae, and sternum. To identify proteins phosphorylated by Akt downstream from PI3K-mediated PDGFRα signaling, we immunoprecipitated Akt phosphorylation substrates from PDGF-AA-treated primary mouse embryonic palatal mesenchyme (MEPM) lysates and analyzed the peptides by nanoliquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (nano-LC-MS/MS). Our analysis generated a list of 56 proteins, including 10 that regulate cell survival and proliferation. We demonstrate that MEPM cell survival is impaired in the presence of a PI3K inhibitor and that PdgfraPI3K/PI3K-derived MEPMs do not proliferate in response to PDGF-AA treatment. Several of the identified Akt phosphorylation targets, including Ybox1, mediate cell survival through regulation of p53. We show that Ybox1 binds both the Trp53 promoter and the p53 protein and that expression of Trp53 is significantly decreased upon PDGF-AA treatment in MEPMs. Finally, we demonstrate that introduction of a Trp53-null allele attenuates the vertebral defects found in PdgfraPI3K/PI3K neonates. Our findings identify p53 as a novel effector downstream from PI3K-engaged PDGFRα signaling that regulates survival and proliferation during skeletal development in vivo.
Comparison of Natuphos and Phyzyme as Phytase Sources for Commercial Layers Fed Corn-Soy Diet

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to compare the effects of 2 sources of phytase on performance of commercial Leghorns fed corn-soy diets. Seven diets were fed to Hy-line W-36 hens (n = 840; 8 replicates of 15 hens per treatment) from 21 to 33 wk of age. The treatments consisted of a control diet containing 0.38% nonphytate P (NPP) and a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of 2 dietary NPP concentrations (0.11 and 0.26%) with 2 phytase sources [Natuphos (BASF, Mt. Olive, NJ) and Phyzyme (Danisco Animal Nutrition, Carol Stream, IL)] and without phytase. Dietary NPP had significant effects on feed intake, NPP intake, total P intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, egg specific gravity, and excreta P. The addition of Phyzyme or Natuphos significantly increased egg production and egg mass of hens fed the P-deficient diet (0.11% NPP) to levels that were similar to hens fed the control diet containing 0.38% NPP. Feed intake of hens fed the diets supplemented with Phyzyme or Natuphos was significantly less than that of hens fed the control diet containing 0.38% NPP. Phyzyme or Natuphos supplementation in the diets containing 0.11% NPP had significantly reduced excreta P of the control diet (approximately 58 and 54%, respectively) with no adverse effect on egg production and egg mass. There were no significant differences in feed intake, NPP intake, total P intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion, egg specific gravity, mortality, BW, and excreta P between the diets supplemented with Natuphos and the diets supplemented with Phyzyme. In conclusion, Phyzyme had the same positive effects on performance of commercial Leghorns fed corn-soy diets as Natuphos.
Safety and cost of stent-assisted coiling of unruptured intracranial aneurysms compared with coiling or clipping

Objective Stent-assisted coiling (SAC) of unruptured intracranial aneurysms is a treatment alternative to clipping or coiling, although high complication and procedure-related mortality rates have been reported. Methods A retrospective study was conducted of patients undergoing SAC, coiling or clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms between 2003 and 2010. Rates of residual aneurysm, recanalization, complications, cost (adjusted to 2010), length of stay (LOS) and outcome were compared between groups. Results Of 116 subjects, 47 underwent SAC, 33 coiling and 36 clipping. The groups were similar in age, gender and aneurysm location, although the SAC group had significantly larger aneurysms with wider necks (p=0.001). Patients who underwent SAC had more residual aneurysm after initial treatment than those treated with coiling or clipping (75%, 52% and 19%, respectively, p Conclusions SAC is a safe alternative to coiling or clipping of unruptured aneurysms but it is currently more expensive.
Experimental characterization of wind turbine wakes: Wind tunnel tests and wind LiDAR measurements

Abstract The characterization of wind turbine wakes produced for different loading conditions of the turbine and incoming wind is a crucial task for design of wind farm layout. Indeed, the optimization of the power harvested from a wind farm can only be achieved if detrimental wake interactions are carefully inhibited or mitigated. In this paper the importance of performing wind turbine wake measurements is emphasized through two experiments, which are complementary for the experimental measurement techniques used and scientific results achieved. First, wind tunnel tests of a down-scaled wind turbine are presented, for which fixed-point turbulence measurements are leveraged to predict the hub vortex instability encountered in the near wake. The second experiment consists in wind LiDAR measurements of the wake produced by a utility-scale wind turbine under different regimes of the atmospheric thermal stability. It is shown that wind turbine wakes recover faster under convective conditions than for neutral ones.
New records of the mourning gecko Lepidodactylus lugubris (Duméril and Bibron, 1836) (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Colombia

The mourning gecko ( Lepidodactylus lugubris ) is a nocturnal, parthenogenetic species that has been introduced in Colombia. Despite more than 70 years of collecting activity in the country, there has yet to be a thorough evaluation of its distribution in Colombia. Here we review all records from eight museum collections, along with literature reports, to generate a locality map documenting this gecko’s distribution in space and time. Additionally, new sightings are reported and its range expansion in the Cauca rift valley is discussed.
Intra-atrial Reentrant Tachycardia in Complete Transposition of the Great Arteries Without Femoral Venous Access

Catheter ablation for patients with transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) requires multiple considerations and careful preprocedural planning. Knowledge of the patient's anatomy and surgical correction, in addition to electroanatomic mapping and entrainment maneuvers, are important to identify and successfully treat arrhythmias. This case was unique in that the lack of femoral venous access required transhepatic venous access and bidirectional block was attained with ablation lesions along the cavotricuspid isthmus on both sides of the baffle.
Synthesis of tetrafluorinated aromatic amino acids with distinct signatures in 19F NMR.

Fluorinated amino acids serve as powerful tools in protein chemistry. We synthesized a series of para-substituted tetrafluorophenylalanines via the regioselective SNAr chemistry of the commercially...
503 NATURALLY OCCURRING LEUKOPENIA AS A MARKER FOR GOOD OUTCOME AFTER CARDIAC TRANSPLANTATION.

Purpose The mechanisms of graft tolerance are not well understood. It appears that a regulatory or an immune suppression mechanism is responsible for this process. In our institution we have noticed an improved outcome for patients with naturally occurring leukopenia. Methods We reviewed 839 patients who received a heart transplant between 1984 and 2001. Leukopenia was defined as WBC Results Eighteen patients with leukopenia were compared with 821 patients without leukopenia (control). Seventeen of 18 leukopenic patients were initiated on cyclosporine, azathioprine, and corticosteroids. One patient was initiated on tacrolimus and MMF/corticosteroids. Five-year survival was 94% in the leukopenia group and 68% in the control group (p = .01; see Figure). Moreover, the leukopenia group exhibited a trend toward increased freedom from cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) compared with control (83% vs 67%, p = .11). First-year rejection and infection incidence and demographic characteristics, including recipient and donor age, percent female, ischemic time, and number of HLA mismatches, were not different between the two groups. Conclusions Naturally occurring leukopenia more than 6 months after transplant in heart transplant patients appears to be associated with graft tolerance by improved graft survival and freedom from CAV. Further investigation into the mechanism of the beneficial effect of leukopenia is warranted.
Histories that root us: neighborhood, place, and the protest of school closures in Philadelphia

ABSTRACTIn this article, I explore how neighborhood stakeholders invoked a school’s history in protesting the closure of local schools in two Philadelphia neighborhoods in 2013. By situating the protest of school closures within a theorization of the politics and production of place, this article illuminates the ways stakeholders’ defense of local schools was embedded in constructions of place identity, with implications for claims to belonging. Invoking a school’s history in protesting school closures rooted schools in place, expanding the framing of schools’ significance beyond the school district’s metrics for school closure and revealing ways that closure decisions reproduced historic place-based inequities. School closure decisions have broad implications for communities that extend beyond narrow considerations of school administration, implications that should be taken into account in school closure processes. I draw on video and transcription records of public meetings as well as subsequent intervi...
Effects of Protein and Carbohdyrate Sources on Digestibility and Digesta Flow Rate in Weaned Pigs Fed a High-Fat, Dry Diet

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of protein source (48% CP soybean meal or casein) and carbohydrate source (25% dextrose or 25% lactose) on digestibility and digesta flow rate in early-weaned pigs. Diets contained 10% crude soybean oil and were formulated to contain 3.5 g lysine, 2.3 g Ca and 2.0 g P per 1,000 kcal DE of diet. In Trial 1, nutrient digestibility was greater for older than for younger pigs. Apparent digestibilities for energy, DM, CP and fat were lower (P less than .08) for younger and older pigs fed soybean meal rather than casein. Digestibility of soluble carbohydrates was less (P less than .02) for younger pigs fed soybean meal rather than casein as a protein source. Fat digestibility was lower (P less than .05) in younger pigs fed dextrose than in pigs fed lactose. A protein X carbohydrate source interaction (P less than .01) existed for fat digestibility by older pigs. In Trial 2, pigs were euthanatized, and digestibilities anterior to the ileum and the colon (pre-ileal and pre-cecal) were determined. At the ileum, fat digestibility was lower (P less than .05) for pigs fed soybean meal, whereas CP digestibility was lower (P less than .05) for pigs fed either soybean meal or dextrose. A protein X carbohydrate interaction was observed for ileal digestibilities of DM (P less than .06) and total carbohydrates (P less than .03) with lowest values obtained for the soybean meal plus dextrose diet. For casein diets, digestibility values were similar between the two carbohydrate sources.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Converting users to testers: an alternative approach to load test script creation, parameterization and data corellation

This paper proposes an architecture to significantly reduce the time, money and obscurity around "Load Testing," aka "Performance Testing," aka "Automated Load Testing" Oracle E-Business Suite and potentially other Java based Client/Server applications. The focus of this proposal is to identify, debate and recommend alternative methods for script recording and data correlation for purposes of load testing an Oracle E-Business Suite application instance. Alternatives are needed due to the cost and effectiveness of performing load tests. The goal for this architecture proposal is to eliminate 90% of the overhead around script identification, development and data bank design/creation. Oracle Application Testing Suite and Oracle E-Business Suite are used as the basis for this paper's testing and theoretical implementations.
Maize Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Upper Midwest Irrigated Sandy Soils

Corn (Zea mays L.) in irrigated coarse-textured soils can be very productive with N applications, but excess N can increase groundwater contamination. Our objectives were to (i) determine the economic optimum nitrogen rate (EONR) for continuous corn (CC) and corn after soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (CSb), (ii) evaluate corn yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of split urea-N and single pre-plant application of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers, and (iii) determine the utility of canopy sensors and basal stalk nitrate-N test to manage N. Rotations of CC in Dakota County, Minnesota, and CC, CSb, and soybean after corn (SbC) in Pope County, Minnesota, were established in 2011 to 2014 with 0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 270, and 315 kg urea-N ha–¹ as split-application (half at pre-plant and half at V4), and pre-plant applications of SuperU (Koch Fertilizer LLC, Wichita, KS) at 180 kg N ha–¹, ESN(Agrium Advanced Technologies, Loveland, CO)/urea blend 90/90 kg Nha–¹, and ESN at 180 and 225 kg N ha–¹. The EONR for CC was 233 kg N ha–¹. The fertilizer replacement value in CSb was 56 kg N ha–¹ and the EONR was 49 kg N ha–¹ less than in CC. Canopy sensors and basal stalk nitrate-N generally under estimated N rate. A split-urea application increased corn grain yield by 5.4% (0.63 Mg ha–¹), partial factor productivity (PFP) by 6% and agronomic efficiency (AE) by 12% relative to mean single pre-plant application of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers. In irrigated sandy soils, applying high rates of N needed for economic optimum yield is best accomplished by splitting the application.
Robust adaptive motion planning in the presence of dynamic obstacles

Usually in game theoretic formulations for robust motion planning, the model as well as the capabilities (input set) of all dynamic obstacles are assumed to be known. This paper aims to relax the assumption of known input set by proposing a unified framework for motion planning and admissible input set estimation. The proposed approach models every dynamic obstacle as an uncertain-constrained system and then uses the uncertainty estimation technique to estimate the bounds of those uncertainties. The RRT* algorithm with uncertainty estimation for robust adaptive motion planning in presence of dynamic obstacles is presented in this paper. Simulation examples have been used to validate the proposed algorithm.