cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quarter Elliptical Cracks Emanating From Holes in Plates

The finite element-alternating method, a linear elastic solution technique, is refined and applied to problems of quarter-elliptical cracks in irregular bodies. The method involves the iterative superposition of a finite element solution for stresses in an unflawed body and an analytic solution for stresses in an infinite solid containing a flat elliptical crack. Mode-one stress intensity factors are presented along the periphery of quarter-elliptical cracks emanating from open fastener holes in flat plates. Results are shown for a variety of crack geometries and two hole-diameter to plate-thickness ratios. Comparisons are made with experimental results of other authors.
Synchronized Activity and Loss of Synchrony Among Heterogeneous Conditional Oscillators

The inspiratory phase of the respiratory rhythm involves the synchronized bursting of a network of neurons in the brain stem. This paper considers activity patterns in a reduced model for this network, namely, a system of conductance-based ordinary differential equations with excitatory synaptic coupling, incorporating heterogeneities across cells. The model cells are relaxation oscillators; that is, no spikes are included. In the continuum limit, under assumptions based on the disparate time scales in the model, we derive consistency conditions sufficient to give tightly synchronized oscillations; when these hold, we solve a fixed point equation to find a unique synchronized periodic solution. This solution is stable within a certain solution class, and we provide a general sufficient condition for its stability. Allowing oscillations that are less cohesive but still synchronized, we derive an ordinary differential equation boundary value problem that we solve numerically to find a corresponding periodic solution. These results help explain how heterogeneities among synaptically coupled oscillators can enhance the tendency toward synchronization of their activity. Finally, we consider conditions for synchrony to break down.
Caspase-like activity during aging and cell death in the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis

The observation of caspase-like activity during cell death has provided a new framework for understanding the evolutionary and ecological contexts of programmed cell death in phytoplankton. However, additional roles for this caspase-like activity, the enzymes responsible, and the targets of this enzyme activity in phytoplankton remain largely undefined. In the present study, the role of caspase-like activity in aging and ROS-mediated cell death were investigated and death programs both dependent on and independent of caspase-like activity were observed in the toxic dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis. The dual use of in situ caspase 3/7 and TUNEL staining identified previously undescribed death-associated morphotypes in K. brevis. In silico motif analysis identified several enzymes with predicted caspase-like activity in the K. brevis transcriptome, although bona fide caspases are absent. Lastly, computational prediction of downstream caspase substrates, using sequence context and predicted secondary structure, identified proteins involved in a wide range of biological processes including regulation of protein turnover, cell cycle progression, lipid metabolism, coenzyme metabolism, apoptotic and autophagic death. To confirm the computational predictions, a short peptide was designed around the predicated caspase cleavage site in a predicted novel K. brevis caspase 3/7-like target, S-adenosylmethionine synthetase (KbAdoMetS). Cleavage of the peptide substrate with recombinant caspase 3 enzyme was determined by MALDI-TOF MS, confirming that KbAdoMetS is indeed a bona fide caspase substrate. These data identify the involvement of caspase-like activity in both aging and cell death in K. brevis and identify novel executioner enzymes and downstream targets that may be important for bloom termination.
Discrimination of disease-related non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms using multi-scale RBF kernel fuzzy support vector machine

In this paper, we develop a multi-scale RBF kernel fuzzy support vector machine (MSKFSVM) and apply it to the identification of disease-associated non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs). The experimental results show that the proposed MSKFSVM outperforms the traditional SVM method.
Evaluating spatial transformation procedures as universals

Shepard proposes that the human mind relies on screw displacement because of its adaptive simplicity and uniqueness. I discuss this hypothesis by assessing screw displacement with respect to (1) other plausible spatial transformations, (2) a variety of criteria for adaptive efficiency and utility, and (3) a variety of psychological conditions in which observed responses discriminate amongst alternative spatial procedures. [Shepard]
Magnetic resonance analysis of loaded meniscus deformation: a novel technique comparing participants with and without radiographic knee osteoarthritis

Objective To establish a novel method of quantifying meniscal deformation using loaded MRI. More specifically, the goals were to evaluate the (1) accuracy, (2) inter-rater reliability, (3) intra-rater reliability, and (4) scan-rescan reliability. The secondary purpose of this experiment was to evaluate group differences in meniscal deformation in participants with and without radiographic knee OA. Materials and methods Weight-bearing 3-T MRIs of the knee in full extension and 30° of flexion were processed to create 3D models of meniscal deformation. Accuracy was assessed using a custom-designed phantom. Twenty-one participants eitherwithorwithoutsignsofOAwereevaluated,andanother six participants (14 knees, one subject was scanned twice) underwent repeated imaging to assess scan-rescan reproducibility. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), root-mean squared error (RMSE), and root-mean-square percent coefficient-of-variation (RMS%CV) analyses were performed. Exploratory comparisons were made between those with and without OA to evaluate potential group differences. Results All variables were found to be accurate with RMSE ranging from 0.08 to 0.35 mm and 5.99 to 14.63 mm 2 . Reproducibility of peak anterior-posterior meniscal deformationwas excellent (ICC>0.821;p<0.013)withRMS%CVfor intra-rater ranging from 0.06 to 1.53 % and 0.17 to 1.97 %, inter-rater ranging from 0.10 to 7.20 % and 3.95 to 18.53 %, and scan-rescan reliability ranging from 1.531 to 7.890 % and 4.894 to 9.142 %, for distance and area metric, respectively. Participants with OAwere found to have significantly greater anterior horn movement of both the medial (p=0.039) and lateral meniscus (p=0.015), and smaller flexed medial meniscus outer area (p =0.048) when compared to controls. Conclusions MRI-based variables of meniscus deformation were found to be valid in participants with and without OA. Significant differences were found between those with and without radiographic OA; further study is warranted.
Current Trends in Management of Men With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been central to urology for decades. The urologic community has increasingly come to realize that many men with LUTS do not have prostate enlargement and do not need their prostates debulked surgically. Of all the factors that have emerged to alter the trends associated with management of LUTS and BPH, none has had more impact than the advent of medical therapy. The selective, long-acting, alpha1-blocking agents terazosin, doxazosin, and tamsulosin have become most popular because of their specificity in the urinary tract, reduced side effects, and simplicity of dosage. In addition, finasteride, a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, was found to be effective in men with prostates of > or = 40 g. Furthermore, the larger the prostate at baseline, the greater the efficacy of finasteride on symptom relief and flow rate improvement. In addition to medical therapy, an array of device therapies has emerged in the management of LUTS and BPH. Laser prostatectomy is the oldest of the device therapies and includes transurethral vaporization of the prostate (VLAP), transurethral evaporation of the prostate (TUEP), and transurethral interstitial laser prostatectomy (TILP). Studies report beneficial outcomes approaching those achieved with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with less morbidity and a shorter hospital stay. Common diseases contribute the most to national healthcare expenditures. The management of LUTS and BPH are such disorders and result in the expenditure of vast healthcare resources worldwide. The surgical strategies have an established record of outcomes documenting their potential for symptom relief and the avoidance of future complications. Medical and device therapies, although currently promising and attractive, therefore must prove comparable durability.
Theory of Strain Interaction of Solute Atoms

A general method is developed for evaluating the strain-energy interaction of solute atoms in body-centered and in face-centered cubic lattices. The method has many features in common with that used in the evaluation of the interaction of electric or magnetic dipoles, a surface distribution of forces replacing a surface distribution of electric charge or of magnetic poles. Particular emphasis is given to the interaction of interstitial solute atoms in b.c.c. lattices, where the possibility exists of a self-induced preferential distribution of solute atoms in one of the three types of tetragonal interstitial positions.
Bone marrow blood vessel ossification and "microvascular dead space" in rat and human long bone.

Severe calcification of the bone microvascular network was observed in rats, whereby the bone marrow blood vessels appeared ossified. This study sought to characterize the magnitude of ossification in relation to patent blood vessels and adipocyte content in femoral diaphyses. Additionally, this study confirmed the presence of ossified vessels in patients with arteriosclerotic vascular disease and peripheral vascular disease and cellulitis. Young (4-6 month; n=8) and old (22-24 month; n=8) male Fischer-344 rats were perfused with barium sulfate to visualize patent bone marrow blood vessels. Femoral shafts were processed for bone histomorphometry to quantify ossified (Goldner's Trichrome) and calcified (Alizarin Red) vessels. Adipocyte content was also determined. Additional femora (n=5/age group) were scanned via μCT to quantify microvascular ossification. Bone marrow blood vessels from the rats and the human patients were also isolated and examined via microscopy. Ossified vessels (rats and humans) had osteocyte lacunae on the vessel surfaces and "normal" vessels were transitioning into bone. The volume of ossified vessels was 4800% higher (p<0.05) in the old vs. young rats. Calcified and ossified vessel volumes per tissue volume and calcified vessel volume per patent vessel volume were augmented (p<0.05) 262%, 375% and 263%, respectively, in the old vs. young rats. Ossified and patent vessel number was higher (171%) and lower (40%), respectively, in the old vs. young rats. Finally, adipocyte volume per patent vessel volume was higher (86%) with age. This study is the first to report ossification of bone marrow blood vessels in rats and humans. Ossification presumably results in "microvascular dead space" in regard to loss of patency and vasomotor function as opposed to necrosis. Progression of bone microvascular ossification may provide the common link associated with age-related changes in bone and bone marrow. The clinical implications may be evident in the difficulties treating bone disease in the elderly.
Nuclear DNA differences between inner and outer epidermis of onion.

Relative DNA of onion bulb scale inner epidermis was 2.21 times that of outer epidermis. DNA correlated well with nuclear dry mass, nuclear area, and nuclear dry mass per unit area. A relationship of these characteristics to development through cell size is postulated.
Intensive Insulin Therapy for Acute Hyperglycemia

There is growing evidence that control of hyperglycemia in the critically ill patient improves outcome. Normalizing blood glucose levels decreases the risk of developing sepsis, end-organ damage, and hospital mortality. Critical care clinicians must be familiar with current and benchmark research supporting control of hyperglycemia and use this knowledge to ensure appropriate application of evidence-based practice for decreasing or preventing complications in the critically ill patient. This article describes the effects of hyperglycemia and discusses the evidence supporting tight glycemic control in such patients. The necessary steps to implement an intensive insulin therapy protocol for control of acute hyperglycemia are detailed.
PuLP: Scalable multi-objective multi-constraint partitioning for small-world networks

We present PuLP, a parallel and memory-efficient graph partitioning method specifically designed to partition low-diameter networks with skewed degree distributions. Graph partitioning is an important Big Data problem because it impacts the execution time and energy efficiency of graph analytics on distributed-memory platforms. Partitioning determines the in-memory layout of a graph, which affects locality, intertask load balance, communication time, and overall memory utilization of graph analytics. A novel feature of our method PuLP (Partitioning using Label Propagation) is that it optimizes for multiple objective metrics simultaneously, while satisfying multiple partitioning constraints. Using our method, we are able to partition a web crawl with billions of edges on a single compute server in under a minute. For a collection of test graphs, we show that PuLP uses 8–39× less memory than state-of-the-art partitioners and is up to 14.5× faster, on average, than alternate approaches (with 16-way parallelism). We also achieve better partitioning quality results for the multi-objective scenario.
Availability of complement bound to Staphylococcus aureus to interact with membrane complement receptors influences efficiency of phagocytosis

Complement-mediated opsonization of encapsulated Staphylococcus aureus (CP+) of the predominant capsule types, 5 and 8, remains poorly understood. Our previous work showed that complement is important for mouse survival of CP+ type 5 bacteremia and that the type 5 capsule inhibits the binding of opsonic C3 fragments to the organism. The importance of complement-mediated opsonization of CP+ was tested by neutrophil phagocytosis assays. Complement-mediated opsonization of CP+ increased phagocytosis by 57% compared to opsonization in complement-inhibited serum. Agar-grown CP+, enhancing capsule expression, was phagocytosed only one-tenth as well as the capsule-negative organisms (CP-), supporting the belief that staphylococcal polysaccharide capsules impair phagocytosis. Despite relatively poor phagocytosis of CP+ compared to CP-, complement activation increased the phagocytosis of CP+ by 103%. Thus, complement in normal human serum may have an important role in opsonizing CP+, even when capsule expression is strong. The ability of bound C3 fragments to interact with complement receptor 1 (CD35) on the membrane of human erythrocytes was tested in an immune adherence assay. S. aureus capsule was able to mask C3 fragments on the organism from binding to complement receptor 1. The inhibition of C3 binding to CP+ and the masking of deposited C3 fragments caused by the presence of capsule was associated with markedly decreased phagocytosis. The addition of anti-capsule antibodies to normal human serum was found to markedly improve the recognition of deposited C3 fragments by complement receptor 1 even when the absolute number of C3 molecules bound to S. aureus was not increased.
Total hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fracture: comparing in-hospital mortality, complications, and disposition to an elective patient population.

Abstract Patients treated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteoarthritis (OA) and femoral neck fracture (FNF) between 1990–2007 were compared using the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS). In-hospital, post-operative complications and disposition were compared at six-year intervals to establish trends over time. A total of 2,160,061 THAs were performed for OA, while 174,641 were performed for FNF. Peri-operative mortality and pulmonary embolism rates following elective THA were lower at each interval when compared to THA performed for FNF ( P
Filtering of harmonic currents and damping of resonances in power systems with a hybrid-active filter

A novel hybrid-active filter topology to minimize electric utility current harmonics at high power levels is presented in this paper. The proposed topology combines both passive and active filters to obtain the lowest power converter VA rating as compared to the power converter rating in the active filter and the series-active hybrid filter configurations. This is demonstrated with experimental results from a laboratory model. Transient and steady state operation of the hybrid-active filter is also presented. The control of the proposed filter is extended to provide damping of resonances due to neighboring loads. Simulation results showing the effect of active damping are presented. >
Station Keeping and Segmented Trajectory Control of a Wind-Propelled Autonomous Catamaran

Precision guidance and control of an autonomous, wind-propelled catamaran has been demonstrated by the Atlantis, a modified Prindle-19 catamaran, to be experimentally capable of tracking straight line segments to better than 0.3 meters (1 - sigma). This paper extends Atlantis's guidance and navigation system to provide precision control while traversing a series of way-points and adds station keeping functionality that is the ability for Atlantis to maintain her position at a given way-point in the presence of unknown water currents while motor powered. To achieve this, segmented trajectories are developed using the specified way-points forming line segments and arcs as path primitives. If a segment is unreachable directly due to the wind direction, a real-time tacking control mode is enabled and the Atlantis tacks within a given lane width until its destination is reached. For simulation a nonlinear model of the Atlantis was developed that includes realistic wind and water current models. Monte Carlo simulations of this new guidance and control system on the nonlinear model demonstrate the Atlantis is capable of maintaining a cross-track error of less than one meter throughout the path
A recurring valvular vegetation.

A 57-year-old female was referred because of an aortic valve vegetation. Medical history revealed aortic valve replacement 7 years ago, because of an aortic valve vegetation. Two years ago, patient underwent aortic valve re-replacement with a bioprosthetic valve because of a mechanical valve vegetation. Evaluation showed thrombotic and fibrotic vegetation and no signs of infection. At the current presentation, the patient was asymptomatic. Medication consisted of acenocoumarol and acetyl salicylic acid …
Citrus auraptene suppresses cyclin D1 and significantly delays N-methyl nitrosourea induced mammary carcinogenesis in female Sprague-Dawley rats

Breast cancer is a major problem in the United States leading to tens of thousands of deaths each year. Although citrus auraptene suppresses cancer in numerous rodent models, its role in breast cancer prevention previously has not been reported. Thus, our goal was to determine the anticarcinogenic effects of auraptene against breast cancer. The effects of auraptene on cell proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells in culture was assessed by measuring metabolism of a substrate to a formazan dye. Dietary effects of auraptene on tumor incidence, multiplicity and latency were studied in the N-methyl nitrosourea (MNU) induced mammary carcinogenesis model in female Sprague Dawley rats. The concentration of auraptene in rat tissues was analyzed by reverse phase HPLC. Cyclin D1 expression in MCF-7 cells and rat tumors was measured by western blot. Auraptene (500 ppm) significantly delayed median time to tumor by 39 days compared to the MNU only group (p < 0.05, n = 24–26). Auraptene (10 μM) reduced Insulin like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1, 10 ng/mL)-induced cyclin D1 expression by 40% in MCF-7 cells. In comparison, western blot analysis of rat mammary tumors (n = 10 per group) confirmed that auraptene (500 ppm) significantly reduced (p < 0.05) cyclin D1 expression by 49% compared to the MNU only group. Analysis of rat mammary tissue extract by HPLC with fluorescence detection indicated an average concentration (means ± S.E.) of 1.4 ± 0.5 μM and 1.8 ± 0.3 μM in the normal mammary glands of the auraptene 200 ppm and 500 ppm groups, respectively. The concentration (means ± S.E.) of auraptene in the mammary tumors of the auraptene 200 ppm group was 0.31 ± 0.98 μM. Overall, these observations suggest that the predominant effect of auraptene was to delay the development of tumors possibly through the suppression of cyclin D1 expression. These results point to the potential chemopreventive effects of auraptene in mammary carcinogenesis.
Discovery of a Substellar Companion to the K2 III Giant ι Draconis

We report precise radial velocity measurements of the K giant ι Dra (HD 137759, HR 5744, HIP 75458), carried out at Lick Observatory, which reveal the presence of a substellar companion orbiting the primary star. A Keplerian fit to the data yields an orbital period of about 536 days and an eccentricity of 0.70. Assuming a mass of 1.05 M☉ for ι Dra, the mass function implies a minimum companion mass m2 sin i of 8.9 MJ, making it a planet candidate. The corresponding semimajor axis is 1.3 AU. The nondetection of the orbital motion by Hipparcos allows us to place an upper limit of 45 MJ on the companion mass, establishing the substellar nature of the object. We estimate that transits in this system could occur already for inclinations as low as 815, as a result of the large diameter of the giant star. The companion to ι Dra is the first brown dwarf or planet found to orbit a giant rather than a main-sequence star.
Vocational function among persons with schizophrenia with and without history of childhood sexual trauma

This study examined whether history of childhood sexual abuse in schizophrenia is linked with severity of vocational deficits. Work performance was measured using the Work Behavior Inventory and hours of work performed in a vocational rehabilitation program and then compared for 12 participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder reporting abuse and 18 with schizophrenia with no abuse history. ANOVAs indicated that the sexual abuse group worked fewer hours during the first 4 weeks of the program and demonstrated poorer work performance overall. An interaction was found suggesting that the sexually abused group's performance declined as the nonsexually abused group improved over time. Childhood sexual abuse may be associated with greater vocational deficits in adults with schizophrenia.
Multiple types of motives don't multiply the motivation of West Point cadets

Although people often assume that multiple motives for doing something will be more powerful and effective than a single motive, research suggests that different types of motives for the same action sometimes compete. More specifically, research suggests that instrumental motives, which are extrinsic to the activities at hand, can weaken internal motives, which are intrinsic to the activities at hand. We tested whether holding both instrumental and internal motives yields negative outcomes in a field context in which various motives occur naturally and long-term educational and career outcomes are at stake. We assessed the impact of the motives of over 10,000 West Point cadets over the period of a decade on whether they would become commissioned officers, extend their officer service beyond the minimum required period, and be selected for early career promotions. For each outcome, motivation internal to military service itself predicted positive outcomes; a relationship that was negatively affected when instrumental motives were also in evidence. These results suggest that holding multiple motives damages persistence and performance in educational and occupational contexts over long periods of time.
Classical Music as Popular Music: Adolescents’ Recognition of Western Art Music

The purpose of this study was to determine which “popular” classical repertoire is familiar and predictable to adolescents. Specifically, the study sought to examine (1) if students had heard the music before, (2) where they had heard the music before, and (3) if they could “name that tune.” Participants (N = 668) for this study were middle school (n = 220) and high school (n = 448) students who listened to 30 classical music excerpts and answered the research questions for each piece. The majority of students (87%) reported previously hearing the music. Students also indicated the various contexts in which they had heard the repertoire, including a number of contemporary media, school music classrooms, and/or live performance situations. Even so, only 50% of the students were able to correctly identify just three of the 30 musical excerpts: Flight of the Bumblebee, Hallelujah Chorus, and Pomp and Circumstance. Further results are discussed in the article.
Uniforms for Collegiate Female Golfers: Cause for Dissatisfaction and Role Conflict?:

Female collegiate athletes (N = 71 ) from Big Ten Conference golf teams were surveyed about their satisfaction with team uniforms and the factors influencing satisfaction. Players rated their satis...
The use of corpus luteum in the treatment of dysmenorrhea

T HE treatment of dysmenorrhea b;v glandular therapy has not been successful in the majority of instances; failure has been in part dependent upon the unsnccessful isolation rhemically of hormones in pure product. Recent advance in biologic research by Hisaw and Fevold, Corner, and others, has made the corpus luteum hormone available as a pure product for medical use. We wish to emphasize that many biologic products have been marketed in the past as corpus luteum, which have contained very little of this hormone, if any. These products up to now have had a wide usage and a uniformity of failure in the treatment of dysmenorrhea. This result needs no furt.her explanation. We have been using a product of s pure corpus lutcum hormone designated as corporin, by Hisaw. This preparation has been produced in the laboratories of Hisaw, according to his methods of extraction; it has been biologically tested to show the lack of follicular stimuiation in the vagina of animals, which indicates a pure chemical separation of the corpus luteum h0rmone.t The rationale of the treatment of dysmenorrhea by corporin has been known for years from the physiologic standpoint. It 1~s lIeen shown
Amphetamine facilitation of win-shift radial-arm maze retention: The involvement of peripheral adrenergic and central dopaminergic systems

In these experiments we examined the role of peripheral and central catecholamine systems in mediating the memory-improving effects of 4-OH amphetamine and d-amphetamine in an eight-arm radial maze task. Sotalol (a peripherally acting β-adrenergic antagonist), propranolol (a peripherally and centrally acting β-adrenergic antagonist), or haloperidol (a dopaminergic antagonist) was administered prior to injection of amphetamine. Rats were first allowed to obtain food pellets placed in four of the eight maze arms and then were returned to their home cages. After a delay, food pellets were placed only in the four arms that were blocked prior to the delay, and each rat was returned to the maze and given access to all eight arms. Entries into the baited arms were scored as correct responses. On the experimental day, the animals received intraperitoneal injections of 0.9% saline, Sotalol (5.0 mg/kg), propranolol (2.0 mg/kg), haloperidol (0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg), or a combination of propranolol (2.0 mg/kg) and haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg) 10 min before training, and subcutaneous injections of either saline, d-amphetamine (1.0 mg/kg), or 4-OH amphetamine (2.0 mg/kg) immediately after they completed four alley entrances. Retention was tested 18 h later. Posttraining administration of 4-OH amphetamine or d-amphetamine produced a significant improvement in retention relative to saline controls (p < .01). Sotalol and propranolol significantly blocked the improvement in retention produced by 4-OH amphetamine (p < .05), but not that produced by d-amphetamine. However, the effect of d-amphetamine on retention was completely blocked by 1.0 mg/kg of haloperidol (p < .01). The combined administration of propranolol (2.0 mg/kg) and the lower dose of haloperidol (0.5 mg/kg) did not attenuate the retention-enhancing effects of d-amphetamine. These findings suggest that the memory-improving effects of posttraining amphetamine are mediated by influences involving peripheral adrenergic and central dopaminergic systems.
REVIEW: Updated scientific evidence on the welfare of gestating sows kept in different housing systems

Gestation sow housing is a contemporary animal welfare issue with legislative actions in the United States to ban individual gestation sow systems. This review sought to summarize the scientific literature since earlier reviews were published in 2004 and 2005. Seventeen papers comparing effect of housing systems on the welfare of gestating sows were published from 2005 to 2012. Stalls or crates, tether housing, and group pens including conventional group pens, loose-house pens, electronic sow feeders pens, and hoop barns were reported. The majority of recent findings were similar to the previous conclusions from papers and reviews. Cortisol concentrations were not different between stalled and group-penned sows but were higher shortly after mixing in concert with increased sow aggression and skin lesions. The effects of gestation housing system on neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio were still mixed. In the recent literature, stereotypies were greater among stalled sows compared with group-penned sows, which may reflect a change in sow genetics, because the basic housing systems have not changed. Recent papers indicated more sitting or standing inactive, leg and claw problems, and higher farrowing rate (in some studies) among stalled sows. Other studies reported more lying down among group-penned sows and no differences in other reproductive and productivity measures between stalled and group-penned sows. Weaning-to-estrus intervals were similar between stalled and group-penned sows in contrast to previous reviews that observed a shorter interval among stalled compared with grouped sows. In conclusion, recent papers found similar productivity, physiology, health, and behavior among individually or grouped sows during gestation.
Microwave permittivity and permeability properties and microwave reflections of micro/nano ferrite powders

The application of magnetic powders are becoming attractive in electromagnetic shielding interferences in wireless systems. Magnetic powders such as Fe3O4 are also very important in magnetic resonance imaging as well as drug delivery applications in biomedical researches. Also, some of the special catalyst nano magnetic particles are increasingly useful in the fuel cell applications. Hence, a good understanding of the electromagnetic wave response such as permittivity and permeability of magnetic powders may be important in modern microwave technological applications. In this paper we present broad-band measurements on the real and imaginary parts of permeability and permittivity of micron sized commercial nickel ferrites of Ni1-x-yCoxCuyFe2-z-dMnzO4 (TT2) and Ni1-xZnxFe2-yMnyO4 (TT86) in the frequency range from 4 to 40 GHz. We also present broadband permeability and permittivity of some other commercially available nano and micron sized ferrite powders, so that this is a paper that explores microwave properties of nine different nano and micron sized magnetic powders in terms of permittivity and permeability aspects.
Biochemical Activities of Three Pairs of Ehrlichia chaffeensis Two-Component Regulatory System Proteins Involved in Inhibition of Lysosomal Fusion

Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the etiologic agent of human monocytic ehrlichiosis, replicates in early endosomes by avoiding lysosomal fusion in monocytes and macrophages. In E. chaffeensis we predicted three pairs of putative two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) designated PleC-PleD, NtrY-NtrX, and CckA-CtrA based on amino acid sequence homology. In the present study to determine biochemical pairs and specificities of the TCSs, the recombinant proteins of the three putative histidine kinase (HK) kinase domains (rPleCHKD, rNtrYHKD, and MBP-rCckAHKD) and the full-length forms of three putative response regulators (RRs) (rPleD, rNtrX, and rCtrA) as well as the respective mutant recombinant proteins (rPleCHKDH244A, rNtrYHKDH498A, MBP-rCckAHKDH449A, rPleDD53A, rNtrXD59A, and rCtrAD53A) were expressed and purified as soluble proteins. The in vitro HK activity, the specific His residue-dependent autophosphorylation of the kinase domain, was demonstrated in the three HKs. The specific Asp residue-dependent in vitro phosphotransfer from the kinase domain to the putative cognate RR was demonstrated in each of the three RRs. Western blot analysis of E. chaffeensis membrane and soluble fractions using antibodies specific for each recombinant protein detected PleC and CckA in the membrane fraction, whereas it detected NtrY, NtrX, and PleD in the soluble fraction. CtrA was found in the two fractions at similar levels. E. chaffeensis was sensitive to closantel, an HK inhibitor. Closantel treatment induced lysosomal fusion of the E. chaffeensis inclusion in a human monocytic leukemia cell line, THP-1 cells, implying that functional TCSs are essential in preventing lysosomal fusion of the E. chaffeensis inclusion compartment.
The Inevitability of Open Access

Open access (OA) is an alternative business model for the publication of scholarly journals. It makes articles freely available to readers on the Internet and covers the costs associated with publication through means other than subscriptions. This article argues that Gold OA, where all of the articles of a journal are available at the time of publication, is a disruptive innovation as defined by business theorist Clayton Christensen. Using methods described by Christensen, we can predict the growth of Gold OA. This analysis suggests that Gold OA could account for 50 percent of the scholarly journal articles sometime between 2017 and 2021, and 90 percent of articles as soon as 2020 and more conservatively by 2025.
Notch2 Signaling Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Human MDA-MB-231 Xenograft Growth

Notch functions as an oncogene or tumor inhibitor in various cancers, and decreases in Notch2 expression are associated with increasing grade of human breast cancer. We constitutively activated Notch signaling with intracellular domain (ICD) expression in the human adenocarcinoma line MDA-MB-231. Notch2 signaling increased apoptosis, whereas Notch4ICD (int3) significantly increased cell proliferation and growth. Cells with activated Notch2 or Notch4 were injected into nu/nu mice for analysis of in vivo tumor xenograft phenotype. Tumor growth was significantly altered depending on the receptor activated. Notch2ICD potently suppressed tumor take and growth, leading to a 60% decrease in tumors and significantly smaller, necrotic tumors. Despite this, Notch2ICD tumors were highly vascularized, although the vessels were smaller and comprised a more immature network compared with Notch4ICD tumors. Notch4ICD tumors were highly aggressive and well vascularized, indicating a role for Notch4 signaling in the promotion of the malignant phenotype in addition to its transforming ability. Although both NotchICD groups expressed angiogenic factors, Notch4ICD had selective vascular endothelial growth factor-D in both tumor and host stroma, suggesting a differential regulation of cytokines that may impact vascular recruitment and autocrine tumor signaling. Our results demonstrate that Notch2 signaling is a potent inhibitory signal in human breast cancer xenografts.
Ventilatory support and predictors of hospital stay in neonates

Abstract Background : Ventilatory support in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and related care modalities have profound lifelong benefits for neonates. Method : Ventilatory support and predictors of hospital stay were prospectively examined in 262 neonates and their mothers who were admitted to a NICU. A mixed-model, generalized estimating equation approach was used for prediction analysis, accounting for the dependencies of multiple births (26.3% of sample). Results : Predictors for hospital stay included gestational age, congenital defects, birth weight, days requiring ventilator support, and oxygen support. Cubic curves present the best-fit model for the relationships between maturity (gestational age and birth weight) and length of hospital stay; along with days requiring oxygen support, ventilator support, and central arterial and venous access lines. Conclusion : Ventilatory support and associated care modalities are important resources for high-risk neonates during hospital stay. Future studies need to determine the best care course for neonatal ventilatory support to prevent complications.
Some Considerations About the Structure of Cellular Membranes

Publisher Summary The cellular membrane structure includes primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary levels of structure. With the aid of these four levels of organization, this chapter discusses some pertinent examples at each level of organization to illustrate the various problems involved. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to incorporate findings from a number of disciplines to formulate adequate models of membrane structure. The primary structure of a membrane is its molecular composition. The secondary structure of a membrane is the conformation of its component molecules. The organization by attraction of component parts in the membrane is the tertiary structure and the arrangement of membranes in the supramembranous systems is the quaternary structure of the membrane. A good membrane model should have features, such as it must (1) contain glycoproteins and proteins on the outer surface, (2) exhibit intrinsic birefringence, (3) contain globular proteins, and (4) have planar continuity of a hydrophobic region. Various models are presented diagrammatically, which satisfy these minimum requirements and discusses about their structural features. These models are labeled as (1) cherries on cake, (2) iceberg, (3) mosaic, and (4) peanut brittle, respectively.
Biomorph growth in single-phase systems: expanding the structure spectrum and pH range

Biomorphs are life-like microstructures of selfassembled barium carbonate nanorods and silica. In a departure from established approaches, we produce biomorphs in CO2- and gradient-free solutions. Our study reveals novel structural motifs for solution-grown biomorphs, reduces pH transients, and expands the upper pH limit for biomorph formation to over 12 where silica is essentially soluble.
Intravascular embolization of a congenital subclavian arteriovenous fistula.

The presentation in our patient, with venous hypertension in the head and neck, is extremely unusual and partially due to previous surgical ligation. In this case, intravascular embolization was used to successfully treat this lesion
Utility Thought of Legalist School

Utility of Legalist School is a systematical perspective.Legalist School not only takes utility as theory goal of morality,but also thinks practice of utility meticulously.The driving of utility need to establish distinction between the public and the private.At the dynamic level,stopping selfish behavior is necessary to prevent human from seeking individual benefits without limitation.That is not impartial,but a behavior after ensuring the right of "private".At the social level,it is the most important to grant the social position according to one's ability and to check the accomplishment according to one's social title.The stamina of practice of utility comes from reward and punishment.Utility is the foundation of frugality and its origin is in Laozi.The thought of utility has a positive value in the twenty first century when human beings have to carry out the frugal way to maintain their lives.
Application of the Healthy Eating Index-2010 to the hunger relief system.

Objective To demonstrate the feasibility of applying the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) to the hunger relief setting, specifically by assessing the nutritional quality of foods ordered by food shelves (front-line food provider) from food banks (warehouse of foods). Design This Healthy FOOD (Feedback On Ordering Decisions) observational study used electronic invoices detailing orders made by 269 food shelves in 2013 and analysed in 2015 from two large Minnesota, USA food banks to generate HEI-2010 scores. Initial development and processing procedures are described. Results The average total HEI-2010 score for the 269 food shelves was 62·7 out of 100 with a range from 28 to 82. Mean component scores for total protein foods, total vegetables, fatty acids, and seafood and plant proteins were the highest. Mean component score for whole grains was the lowest followed by dairy, total fruits, refined grains and sodium. Food shelves located in micropolitan areas and the largest food shelves had the highest HEI-2010 scores. Town/rural and smaller food shelves had the lowest scores. Monthly and seasonal differences in scores were detected. Limitations to this approach are identified. Conclusions Calculating HEI-2010 for food shelves using electronic invoice data is novel and feasible, albeit with limitations. HEI-2010 scores for 2013 identify room for improvement in nearly all food shelves, especially the smallest agencies. The utility of providing HEI-2010 scores to decision makers in the hunger relief setting is an issue requiring urgent study.
Translocation assays of protein kinase C activation.

The protein kinase C (PKC) family members include at least 11 different isoforms that, based on their different requirements for activation, have been divided into three subfamilies, the Ca(2+)-dependent (cPKCα, (β(I), β(II), and γ), the Ca(2+)-independent (nPKCδ,ɛ,η,θ, and μ), and phorbol ester-insensitive (aPKCζ and ι, the human counterpart of mouse PKCλ) subfamilies. Much research on this growing family of protein kinases has concentrated on the possibility that these enzymes may have assumed distinct responsibilities for the control of complex and diverse cellular functions. The current working hypothesis is that the differential sensitivity of PKC isoforms to endogenous agonists and their differential targeting to discrete subcellular domains may dictate what substrates are phosphorylated by a given isoform. For this reason, an important initial goal in the analysis of the connection between PKC activation and a cellular response, such as neurodegeneration, is to identify the endogenous PKC isoforms that become "membrane-associated" in response to an appropriate stimulus. Translocation assays have classically been used to screen the individual isoforms of PKC for the production of active PKC-membrane complexes. The principal criteria used to distinguish between inactive and active forms of PKC are that, in the later case, the solubility of the enzyme is reduced when intact cells are treated with an appropriate agonist (e.g., phorbol esters) and that the association of a given PKC isoform with the particulate fraction resists extraction with Ca(2+)-chelators, but not nonionic detergents.
At Least Three Allelic Forms of the α- and β-chain Genes Encode DQw1-Positive Molecules

To date, three HLA-DQ allelic serologic specificities have been officially recognized: DQw1, 2, and 3. These serologic DQ markers are strongly associated with groups of DR antigens, namely DQw1 with DR1, 2, and w6; DQw2 with DR3 and 7; and DQw3 with DR4, 5, and w9. Although biochemical polymorphism had been recognized in both α and β chains, it was believed that the DQw1, 2, and 3 specificities were expressed by DQ-β chains. We studied the relationship existing between biochemical polymorphism as determined serologically, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) at the DNA level. We observed that unique DQ-α RFLP patterns could be assigned to groups of DR antigens. Likewise, DQ-β RFLP patterns were found to be associated with different DR groups. The restriction enzymes PstI and TaqI were particularly useful in this analysis and, using these enzymes, five α and seven β allelic patterns were characterized.
Virulence of Listeria monocytogenes Propagated in NaCl Containing Media at 4, 25 and 37°C.

Virulence, as determined in a mouse model, and virulence factor activities of catalase (CA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and listeriolysin O (LLO), was examined in Listeria monocytogenes 10403S. Cells were propagated in media containing various concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) at 4, 25 and 37°C. Strain 10403S exhibited significant increases in CA activity and LLO when grown in media containing 428 mM of NaCl at 37°C. The CA activities at 4 and 25°C were significantly less, and the cells exhibited similar increases and decreases as cells grown at 37°C. When comparing the growth temperatures, the CA activity decreased as the growth temperature decreased. The SOD activity was significantly increased only when cells were propagated in media containing either 428 or 1,112 mM of NaCl. The SOD activity increased as the growth temperature decreased. No LLO activity was detected when cells were grown at 4 and 25°C. The production of these enzymes appeared to be thermoregulated. In addition, approximate lethal dose (ALD50) values were determined after intragastric (i.g.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) infection. Each method of infection indicated that LLO was required for virulence, while growth in salt containing media, growth at 4°C, or the production of higher levels of CA, SOD and LLO did not appear to influence the virulence of L. monocytogenes .