cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Versatility in ligand recognition by LDL receptor family proteins: advances and frontiers

Proteins of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family transport cholesterol-carrying particles into cells, clear protease-inhibitor complexes from the circulation, participate in biological signaling cascades, and even serve as viral receptors. These receptors utilize clusters of cysteine-rich LDL receptor type-A (LA) modules to bind many of their ligands. Recent structures show that these modules typically exhibit a characteristic binding mode to recognize their partners, relying primarily on electrostatic complementarity and avidity effects. The dominant contribution of electrostatic interactions with small interface areas in these complexes allows binding to be regulated by changes in pH via at least two distinct mechanisms. The structure of the subtilisin/kexin family protease PCSK9, a newly identified molecular partner of the LDLR also implicated in LDL-cholesterol homeostasis, also raises the possibility that the LDLR and its related family members may employ other strategies for pH-sensitive binding that have yet to be uncovered.
Motor dynamics of song production by mimic thrushes

In brown thrashers (Toxostoma rufum) and grey catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) neither side of the syrinx has a consistently dominant role in song production. During song, the two sides operate independently, but in close cooperation with each other and with the respiratory muscles which are capable of adjusting expiratory effort to maintain a constant rate of syringeal airflow despite sudden changes in syringeal resistance. Phonation is frequently switched from one side of the syrinx to the other, both between syllables and within a syllable. When both sides of the syrinx produce sound simultaneously, their respective contributions are seldom harmonically related. The resulting "two-voice" syllables sometimes contain difference tones with prominent sinusoidal amplitude modulation (AM). Rarely, both sides simultaneously produce the same sound. In general, however, the frequency range of sound contributed by the right syrinx is higher than that of the left syrinx. The right syrinx is also primarily responsible for producing a rapid cyclical amplitude modulation which is a characteristic feature of some syllables. This kind of AM is generated by either repetitive brief bursts of sound from the right side that modulate the amplitude of a continuous sound arising on the left side or cyclically opening the right syrinx, allowing unmodulated expiratory air to bypass the phonating left side.
The influence of torso inhomogeneities on epicardial potentials

Describes experimental studies of the effect of thorax conductivity on both torso and epicardial electric potentials. While considerable literature exists regarding the effect of tissue inhomogeneity on the transfer of heart electrical activity to the torso surface, very little has been written about whether or not the heart itself changes with altered thorax conductivity. The authors suspended an isolated, perfused dog heart in an electrolytic tank shaped like a human torso and recorded epicardial and torso potentials while the authors varied a) global conductivity of the electrolyte, or b) local conductivity by introducing insulators into the tank. The authors results suggest that while the general topography of isopotential maps remains stable, changes in either global or local thoracic conductivity result in changes in the amplitudes of potentials on the epicardial surface. The implications of this work are important especially to forward and inverse solution modeling since it calls into doubt the implicit assumption that epicardial potentials are invariant to changes in the volume conductor. >
A unique, two-component sensing system for fluorescence detection of glucose and other carbohydrates*

In our glucose-sensing system, a boronic acid-modified viologen molecule quenches the fluorescence of a separate dye molecule. When glucose or other mono - saccharides are added and bind to the boronic acid, the quenching ability of the viologen is diminished and fluorescence increases. Thus, changes in the fluorescence of the dye can be correlated with changing glucose concentration. Quenching and sugar-sensing results are explained by an electrostatic interaction between dye and quencher. This modular system can be configured in a nearly unlimited number of ways through substitution and multiplexing of the two fundamental quencher and dye components. Significantly, fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) can also be used as the reporter component. The system can also be immobilized in a hydrogel polymer to provide real-time, reversible sugar sensing.
Mutations In The Amino Terminus of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 gL Can Reduce Cell-Cell Fusion Without Affecting gH/gL Trafficking

The gH/gL heterodimer represents two of the four herpes simplex virus glycoproteins necessary and sufficient for membrane fusion. We generated deletions and point mutations covering gL residues 24 to 43 to investigate that region's role in gH/gL intracellular trafficking and in membrane fusion. Multiple mutants displayed a 40 to 60% reduction in cell fusion with no effect on gH/gL trafficking. The amino terminus of gL plays an important role in the gH/gL contribution to membrane fusion.
Passive and Active Flow Control by Swimming Fishes and Mammals

What mechanisms of flow control do animals use to enhance hydrodynamic performance? Animals are capable of manipulating flow around the body and appendages both passively and actively. Passive mechanisms rely on structural and morphological components of the body (i.e., humpback whale tubercles, riblets). Active flow control mechanisms use appendage or body musculature to directly generate wake flow structures or stiffen fins against external hydrodynamic loads. Fish can actively control fin curvature, displacement, and area. The vortex wake shed by the tail differs between eel-like fishes and fishes with a discrete narrowing of the body in front of the tail, and three-dimensional effects may play a major role in determining wake structure in most fishes.
Absorption enhancement of melanotan-l: comparison of the caco-2 and rat in situ models

AbstractThe overall objective of this research was to evaluate the potential of Melanotan-I (MT-I) for oral delivery in humans. An in vitro cell monolayer model (Caco-2) was used to screen the effect of certain absorption enhancers on the transport of MT-I. The enhancers used were dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin (DMβCD), sodium tauro-dihydrofusidate (STDHF), and aprotinin, a protease inhibitor. In addition, the effect of the most promising enhancers on the bioavailability of MT-I was deter-mined using an in situ closed loop rat model. In the Caco-2 monolayer model, coadministration of MT-I with aprotinin produced a 2.4-fold increase in the trans-port of MT-I. No significant enhancement was seen with either DMβCD or STDHF. Thus, inhibition of degradation of MT-I by proteases appears to be the most promising approach for delivering MT-I via the oral route. Finally, an attempt was made to compare the transport data from the Caco-2 model to bioavailability data in the rat model. The trends observed for both models we...
A perspective on positive relationships between genetic diversity and abundance in fishes.

Given over 90 combined years in academic and professional activities related to genetics and fishery management (FU 57, JS 36—see Waples et al. 2008), we are pleased to provide an invited perspective generated by the interesting and useful article of McCusker & Bentzen (2010). These authors reaffirm the apparent signature of neutrality of mitochondrial and microsatellite markers through an exhaustive analysis of archived genotypic data for 105 marine and freshwater fishes. They note that their conclusions are consistent with earlier and less comprehensive analyses and that they do not exclude the operation of some selective activity (e.g. genetic ‘draft’), which may be overwhelmed by Ne-related stochastic processes. Here, we provide a complementary focus, recalling relevant issues related to neutrality and selection in applications of molecular variations in fishery management.
Differential Localization of mRNAs During Early Development in the Mollusc, Crepidula fornicata

Certain mRNAs have been shown to be segregated in different cells in various metazoan embryos. These events represent aspects of autonomous mechanisms that establish particular embryonic cell fates and axial properties associated with asymmetric cell divisions. The spiralian lophotrochozoans (which include molluscs, annelids, nemerteans, gnathostomulids, dicyemid mesozoans, entoprocts, and platyhelminthes) exhibit a highly conserved pattern of early development that involves stereotypical, asymmetric cell divisions (termed "spiral cleavage"). Recently, it was demonstrated that various mRNAs are dynamically localized to the centrosomes in specific cells during early development in the gastropod mollusc, Ilyanassa obsoleta. During subsequent cell divisions, these messages become segregated in particular daughter cells, and it has been proposed that these events distinguish the developmental potential of these cells within the early embryo of I. obsoleta. The molecular mechanisms underlying these events, however, are still unknown. Here we show for the first time in another spiralian lophotrochozoan (the gastropod Crepidula fornicata) that similar patterns of mRNA localization take place during early development. To characterize the transcriptome of early development, and identify candidate genes for the expression analyses, high-throughput sequencing was carried out, via GS FLX Titanium 454 pyrosequencing. The annotated sequences have been made available as a resource for the scientific community (www.life.illinoi.edu/henry/crepidula_databases.html). Presumably, specific proteins associated with centrosomes may be important for these mRNA localization events. In silico sequence comparisons with known centriolar/centrosomal, ciliary/basal body proteomes shows that a large number of those proteins are represented in the collection of expressed sequence tags of C. fornicata annotated in this study. These data should be useful for future studies of the role of specific mRNAs in controlling cell fate and axial specification in the spiralian Lophotrochozoa, and for dissecting the underlying molecular mechanisms that accomplish these events.
Constructing controllers for physical multilegged robots using the ENSO neuroevolution approach

Evolving controllers for multilegged robots in simulation is convenient and flexible, making it possible to prototype ideas rapidly. However, transferring the resulting controllers to physical robots is challenging because it is difficult to simulate real-world complexities with sufficient accuracy. This paper bridges this gap by utilizing the Evolution of Network Symmetry and mOdularity (ENSO) approach to evolve modular neural network controllers that are robust to discrepancies between simulation and reality. This approach was evaluated by building a physical quadruped robot and by evolving controllers for it in simulation. An approximate model of the robot and its environment was built in a physical simulation and uncertainties in the real world were modeled as noise. The resulting controllers produced well-synchronized trot gaits when they were transferred to the physical robot, even on different walking surfaces. In contrast to a hand-designed PID controller, the evolved controllers also generalized well to changes in experimental conditions such as loss of voltage and were more robust against faults such as loss of a leg, making them strong candidates for real-world applications.
Future Zero Emission Carbon Technology—Valuation and Policy Issues

Today, coal-fired power plants produce about 51 percent of the total 3,883 billion kWh of the annual electrical energy output in the U.S. Demand for electricity is expected to grow in the future. Coal can and will continue to play a substantial role in the future global energy supply, despite its high emission of CO 2 and low thermal energy conversion efficiency of about 37 percent. This is due to the fact that it is inexpensive and global reserves are abundant. Furthermore, cost-competitive and environmentally acceptable energy alternatives are lacking. New technologies could also make coal-fired power plants more efficient and environmentally benign. One such technology is the zero emission coal (ZEC) power plant. How much will such a technology cost? How competitive will it be in the electric energy market when used as a technology for mitigating CO 2 emissions? If there were regulatory mechanisms such as a carbon tax to regulate CO 2 emission, what would the minimum carbon tax be that should be imposed? This article introduces an economic model that can be used to analyze and assess the economic viability of the ZEC technology vis-a-vis other competing energy generating technologies, e.g. conventional coal-fired, combined-cycle gas turbine, and nuclear power plants, using valuation techniques employed in the electric energy industry such as revenue requirement (e.g. cost-of-service).
Mechanisms of BK virus infection of renal cells and therapeutic implications

BK virus (BKV) causes BKV nephritis in renal transplant patients and contributes significantly to the increase of probability of graft loss. BKV, being latent in the urogenital tract, is likely to be transported with the donor kidney to recipients and following reactivation replicates in the nucleus of renal epithelial tubular cells. BKV daughter viruses are released and enter other renal epithelial cells to spread infection. There are still a lot of unknown factors about the mechanism and kinetics of BKV infection. The treatment of BKV infection, with exception of reduction in immunosuppression which increases the risk of allograft rejection, is almost exclusively limited to application of anti-viral drugs with rather inconsistent results. The shortcomings of anti-viral therapies demand the understanding of early steps of infection of permissive cells by BK virus in hope that adequate interventional therapies preventing infection of cells with BK virus could be developed. This review describes the BKV entry in target human cells, intracellular trafficking pathways of BKV particles and potential therapeutic implications based on understanding of mechanisms of BKV infection of renal cells.
Circumscription and phylogeny of Apiaceae subfamily Saniculoideae based on chloroplast DNA sequences

An estimate of phylogenetic relationships within Apiaceae subfamily Saniculoideae was inferred using data from the chloroplast DNA trnQ-trnK 5'-exon region to clarify the circumscription of the subfamily and to assess the monophyly of its constituent genera. Ninety-one accessions representing 14 genera and 82 species of Apiaceae were examined, including the genera Steganotaenia, Polemanniopsis, and Lichtensteinia which have been traditionally treated in subfamily Apioideae but determined in recent studies to be more closely related to or included within subfamily Saniculoideae. The trnQ-trnK 5'-exon region includes two intergenic spacers heretofore underutilized in molecular systematic studies and the rps16 intron. Analyses of these loci permitted an assessment of the relative utility of these noncoding regions (including the use of indel characters) for phylogenetic study at different hierarchical levels. The use of indels in phylogenetic analyses of both combined and partitioned data sets improves resolution of relationships, increases bootstrap support values, and decreases levels of overall homoplasy. Intergeneric relationships derived from maximum parsimony, Bayesian, and maximum likelihood analyses, as well as from maximum parsimony analysis of indel data alone, are fully resolved and consistent with one another and generally very well supported. We confirm the expansion of subfamily Saniculoideae to include Steganotaenia and Polemanniopsis (as the new tribe Steganotaenieae C.I. Calvino and S.R. Downie) but not Lichtensteinia. Sister group to tribe Steganotaenieae is tribe Saniculeae, redefined to include the genera Actinolema, Alepidea, Arctopus, Astrantia, Eryngium, Petagnaea, and Sanicula. With the synonymization of Hacquetia into Sanicula, all genera are monophyletic. Eryngium is divided into "Old World" and "New World" subclades and within Astrantia sections Astrantia and Astrantiella are monophyletic.
Making health markets work better for poor people: the case of informal providers

There has been a dramatic spread of market relationships in many low- and middle-income countries. This spread has been much faster than the development of the institutional arrangements to influence the performance of health service providers. In many countries poor people obtain a large proportion of their outpatient medical care and drugs from informal providers working outside a regulatory framework, with deleterious consequences in terms of the safety and efficacy of treatment and its cost. Interventions that focus only on improving the knowledge of these providers have had limited impact. There is a considerable amount of experience in other sectors with interventions for improving the performance of markets that poor people use. This paper applies lessons from this experience to the issue of informal providers, drawing on the findings of studies in Bangladesh and Nigeria. These studies analyse the markets for informal health care services in terms of the sources of health-related knowledge for the providers, the livelihood strategies of these providers and the institutional arrangements within which they build and maintain their reputation. The paper concludes that there is a need to build a systematic understanding of these markets to support collaboration between key actors in building institutional arrangements that provide incentives for better performance.
What Increases Risk and Protection for Delinquent Behaviors Among American Indian Youth? Findings From Three Tribal Communities

The primary purpose of this study was to compare the risk and protective factors for delinquent behaviors among American Indian youth in three distinct tribal communities. Focus group discussions were used to gather data from elders, parents, youth workers, and youth in each tribal community. Findings showed that the key source for increasing risk and protection for delinquent behaviors among American Indian youth is the family. In particular is the protective presence of a parent and having a parent available for discussing problems. Participants also revealed how many parents lack the knowledge and confidence to discipline their children. These findings suggest a need for programs that strengthen parent-adolescent communication, parenting skills, and offer cultural teachings and sensitivity training for school personnel. Interventions also need to be specific to the cultural context and cannot assume the same risk and protective factors will apply to all American Indian youth.
Drug Interactions: The Importance of Looking Inside Cancer Cells

nab -Paclitaxel increased intratumoral gemcitabine levels by reactive oxygen species–mediated degradation of cytidine deaminase, the rate-limiting enzyme in gemcitabine inactivation. This not only has implications for how this drug combination mediates anticancer effects but also demonstrates the importance of evaluating mechanisms of drug activity within malignant cells. Cancer Discovery; 2(3) ; 208–10. ©2012 AACR . Commentary on Frese et al., [p. 260][1]. [1]: /lookup/volpage/2/260?iss=3
LMI-based passification for control of non-passive systems

Presents linear matrix inequality (LMI)-based techniques for rendering non-passive system passive. These techniques can enable control engineers to design passivity-based robust controllers for non-passive systems. The methodology presented can be used for linear, time-invariant, multi-input multi-output systems. The formulation is given for three basic passification techniques, namely, series, feedback, and feedforward. A numerical example is also given for validation of the methodology.
Power and visual quality optimized video coding for mobile applications: Research issues and some solutions

In mobile computing environments, a video encoder should be able to provide high quality of service, which is measured from two perspectives: First, the video quality at a given bit rate must be optimized; Second, it should be able to efficiently utilize its power supply to prolong the battery operating time. In other words, it should be able to achieve low power consumption as well as lower video distortion. There is a pressing need to develop power efficient video coding techniques, which can also deliver high picture quality. We address several issues and research challenges, and potential solutions, including defining new power rate distortion model, encoder complexity, mapping power to coding parameters, optimization criteria, making and effective use of the battery power information, parameter analysis, and new optimization techniques.
Paired approach procedures for closely spaced parallel runways

• Paired Approach procedures are feasible — Rectilinear and 3 degree offset, with and without escape • Collision avoidance and wake constraints in normal operation can be met for all variations of the procedure. — Echelon spacing value of up to 4000 ft provides adequate collision protection for an adverse wind threshold of 10 knots for most CSPRs • Preliminary analysis of wake risk during blunder indicates: — The non-escape procedure has a high probability of wake encounter during blunders with significant duration and strength. — The escape procedure provides significant protection from wake during blunders; however, a small number of wake encounters observed may warrant further study • ADS-B messages from lead aircraft as required by the rule are expected to be adequate for the non-escape version of the procedure. • Optional “target state and status” messages expected to support escape version of the procedure, pending several conditions. • Procedure variation with 3 degree offset that accommodates current navigation performance could be deployed at airports with runways separated by 700 ft or more and facilitate minima of roughly 300 ft AGL. • Escape variant could enable approaches down to Category II (potentially Category III) minima, pending further study and certification of navigation systems.
Maximum pulsed electromagnetic field limits based on peripheral nerve stimulation: application to IEEE/ANSI C95.1 electromagnetic field standards

This communication proposes a rationale for maximum pulsed magnetic field limits in the electromagnetic-field standards of IEEE/ANSI C95.1. The peak limits, intended to protect against peripheral nerve excitation by pulsed fields, are adapted from existing standards for patient exposure in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations.
Role of wave cyclones in transporting boundary layer air to the free troposphere during the spring 2001 NASA/TRACE‐P experiment

Transport of boundary layer air to the free troposphere by cyclones during NASA's Transport and Chemical Evolution over the Pacific (TRACE-P) experiment is investigated. Airstreams responsible for boundary layer venting are diagnosed using results from a high-resolution meteorological model (MM5) together with in situ and remotely sensed chemical data. Hourly wind data from the MM5 are used to calculate three-dimensional grids of backward air trajectories. A reverse domain filling (RDF) technique then is employed to examine the characteristics of airstreams over the computational domain, and to isolate airstreams ascending from the boundary layer to the free troposphere during the previous 36 hours. Two cases are examined in detail. Results show that airstreams responsible for venting the boundary layer differ considerably from those described by classic conceptual models and in the recent literature. In addition, airstreams sampled by the TRACE-P aircraft are found to exhibit large variability in chemical concentrations. This variability is due to differences in the boundary layer histories of individual airstreams with respect to anthropogenic sources over continental Asia and Japan. Complex interactions between successive wave cyclones also are found to be important in determining the chemical composition of the airstreams. Particularly important is the process of post-cold frontal boundary layer air being rapidly transported offshore and recirculated into ascending airstreams of upstream cyclones.
Dipole characterization of single neurons from their extracellular action potentials

The spatial variation of the extracellular action potentials (EAP) of a single neuron contains information about the size and location of the dominant current source of its action potential generator, which is typically in the vicinity of the soma. Using this dependence in reverse in a three-component realistic probe + brain + source model, we solved the inverse problem of characterizing the equivalent current source of an isolated neuron from the EAP data sampled by an extracellular probe at multiple independent recording locations. We used a dipole for the model source because there is extensive evidence it accurately captures the spatial roll-off of the EAP amplitude, and because, as we show, dipole localization, beyond a minimum cell-probe distance, is a more accurate alternative to approaches based on monopole source models. Dipole characterization is separable into a linear dipole moment optimization where the dipole location is fixed, and a second, nonlinear, global optimization of the source location. We solved the linear optimization on a discrete grid via the lead fields of the probe, which can be calculated for any realistic probe + brain model by the finite element method. The global source location was optimized by means of Tikhonov regularization that jointly minimizes model error and dipole size. The particular strategy chosen reflects the fact that the dipole model is used in the near field, in contrast to the typical prior applications of dipole models to EKG and EEG source analysis. We applied dipole localization to data collected with stepped tetrodes whose detailed geometry was measured via scanning electron microscopy. The optimal dipole could account for 96% of the power in the spatial variation of the EAP amplitude. Among various model error contributions to the residual, we address especially the error in probe geometry, and the extent to which it biases estimates of dipole parameters. This dipole characterization method can be applied to any recording technique that has the capabilities of taking multiple independent measurements of the same single units.
Assessing the Mating Status of Female Codling Moth (Lepidoptera:Tortricidae) in Orchards Treated with Sex Pheromone Using Traps Baited with Ethyl (E, Z)-2,4-Decadienoate

Abstract Whether sticky traps baited with ethyl (E, Z)-2,4-decadienoate (pear ester) can be used to accurately assess the mating status of female codling moth, Cydia pomonella L., was evaluated in a series of tests. The proportion female moths caught in these traps that were virgin was compared with catches using interception and light traps in two separate studies. The mean proportion of virgin female codling moths caught in pear ester–baited traps was significantly lower than caught with either interception or light traps. Results were similar in both untreated and sex pheromone–treated orchards. Cohorts of virgin and mated female codling moths were flown separately to a pear ester–baited trap placed overnight in a flight tunnel. The recapture rate of virgin moths was significantly lower than for mated moths. The relation of the mean proportion of females mated versus the density of female moths caught in pear ester–baited traps over the entire season was examined by grouping data from 180 traps into ei...
distratto: Impaired Driving Detection Using Textile Sensors

Statistical data show that the driving-related accidents and human casualties caused by vehicles are on the rise in the U.S. and globally. Most of these accidents are cause by impaired or distracted driving. Existing systems that detect impaired driving use cameras that perform eye and head tracking and do not capture full-body movements that are indicative of dangerous driving. To address this problem, we present, distratto, a system that uses capacitive textile sensors embedded into car seats, headrests, and arm rests to capture whole body motion. The system also uses inertial and GPS sensors for determining vehicle speed and turns. Using a combination of these sensors and a tiered signal processing algorithm, we infer attributes that are indicative of impaired driving. We have developed a fully functional prototype of distratto that we evaluate in a real vehicle environment. We show that our system can detect impaired driving instances and driver movements with high accuracy.
Effect of virginiamycin on serum carotenoid levels and long, segmented, filamentous organisms in broiler chicks.

SUMMARY. Virginiamycin (Stafac 20?) was mixed with feed at three levels recommended for chickens-5.5, 11, and 22 mg/kg (respectively 5, 10 and 20 g/ton)-and fed to broiler chicks. When fed from 1 day through 2 weeks of age, the drug appeared to retard infection of the lower small intestine by long, segmented, filamentous organisms (LSFOs), and at 2 weeks of age serum carotenoids in treated chicks were significantly higher than levels found in unmedicated chicks. However, as chicks were grown out to 4 and 6 weeks of age, the drug did not completely prevent eventual LSFO infection, even at the highest dose, and mean serum carotenoid levels in treated chicks were not significantly different from levels in control chicks. However, chicks fed at the level of 22 mg/kg had fewer LSFOs. Withdrawal of virginiamycin from treated chicks at 4 weeks of age allowed LSFO infection to occur but did not significantly affect serum carotenoid levels. When the drug was fed for 2 weeks at 22 mg/ kg to 2-week-old chicks already infected with LSFOs, the bacteria could no longer be detected, suggesting that virginiamycin may aid the natural decline in LSFO population. Coincident
Selective Parasitism by TiphiaSP.

It has been observed during the past several years that the larvae of Ochrosidia Immaculata became very numerous on a golf course in the vicinity of Moorestown, N. J. Within the past two years, the abundance of the larvae has been reduced approximately 95 per cent. by a native species of fossorial wasp belonging to the genus Tiphia. In the same manner the parasite increased in numbers and as the abundance of the host was reduced the numbers of the parasite decreased nearly 95 per cent. At the same time a related Scarabaeid, Popillia japonica , became very numerous in the same locality. Under conditions in the field only two Popillia larvae were found to be successfully parasitized by the native Tiphias . Experiments which were conducted indicated that the female Tiphia deposited her eggs, by preference, on the Ochrosidia rather than on Popillia larvae. The life histories of Ochrosidia immaculate and Popillia japomca are similar in this region, but the former larvae are larger than the latter, when both are full grown. Nevertheless during the latter part of August, when the Tiphias are present, many Popillia larvae have reached the third instar in their development; while many Ochrosidia larvae are in the second instar and are smaller than the Popillia larvae which have reached the third stage. It is evident that, at present, this species of Tiphia is selective in its preference for its native host, but since it is possible for some individuals to develop successfully on the Popillia grubs, it is possible the Tiphias may develop a strain which will become parasitic on this introduced species.
Efficient thermally tunable linear photonic crystal cavities in a zero-change microelectronics SOI CMOS process

We demonstrate directly-doped Si tunable linear photonic crystal microcavities. Also the first tunable photonic crystals realized in an advanced (45nm) SOI CMOS microelectronics process with no in-foundry process changes, they show 0.63nm/mW tuning efficiency.
Organic Light Emitting Material Direct Writing by Nanomaterial Enabled Laser Transfer

Organic light emitting material direct writing is demonstrated based on nanomaterial enabled laser transfer. Through utilization of proper nanoparticle size and type, and the laser wavelength choice, a single laser pulse could transfer well defined and arbitrarily shaped tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline)Al patterns ranging from several microns to millimeter size. The unique properties of nanomaterials allow laser induced forward transfer at low laser energy (0.05 J/cm2) while maintaining good fluorescence. The technique may be well suited for the mass production of temperature sensitive organic light emitting devices. The combined effects of melting temperature depression, lower conductive heat transfer loss, strong absorption of the incident laser beam, and relatively weak bonding between nanoparticles during laser irradiation result in the transfer of patterns with very sharp edges at relatively lower laser energy than commonly used, thus inducing minimal damage to the target organic light emitting diaode material with no evidence of cracks. This technique can be applied to a broad range of laser wavelengths with proper selection of nanoparticle size and size distribution, as well as the material type. Additionally, nanomaterial enabled laser transfer may be particularly advantageous for the mass production of temperature sensitive devices.
Pharmacokinetics of ceftiofur crystalline free acid in pigs vaccinated against, challenged with, or vaccinated against and challenged with PRRSv

Antimicrobial treatment regimens are generally based on pharmacokinetic data established in healthy animals. Likewise, in food animals, antimicrobial withdrawal times are based on pharmacokinetic data from healthy animals. In clinical practice, antimicrobials are therapeutically used in disease challenged animals. There is limited literature addressing the question of pharmacokinetic changes in diseased animals. Considering swine, there are approximately 17 searchable peer reviewed studies addressing disease influence on antimicrobial pharmacokinetics. Across those studies there are about 28 diseaseantimicrobial interactions evaluated, of which 21 find that disease changes the pharmacokinetics of the evaluated antimicrobial. None of the current studies address the influence vaccination may have on preserving antibiotic pharmacokinetics in the face of disease challenge. Original research was performed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of ceftiofur crystalline free acid in pigs vaccinated against, challenged with, or vaccinated against and challenged with PRRSv. The original research hypothesized that PRRSv wild-type challenge would change pharmacokinetics and previous vaccination would have no effect on pharmacokinetic variables. Previous research had shown ceftiofur pharmacokinetics change with PRRSv infection. The PRRSv vaccine investigated is a commonly used and commercially available modified live virus. The present work found that a wild-type PRRSv infection resulted in a lower AUC0-last, higher Cl/F and higher Vz/F. The present work also determined that the modified live virus used for vaccination did not result in any pharmacokinetic changes, and vaccination with the modified live virus prevented pharmacokinetic changes in pigs that were subsequently challenged with a wild-type virus.
Preparation and application of low temperature degreasing agent

A high-efficiency water-based metal degreaser was prepared with 5% surfactant RF-25-1,25% NaOH,and 0.1% EDTA.The effects of degreasing temperature and time on degreasing effect of the degreaser were studied by static-state experiments.The results proved that the favorable conditions for obtaining a good degreasing effect are temperature 50 °C and time 20 s.,The degreaser was used to treat steel strip with a linear movement velocity of 200 m/min at 55 °C in a dynamic test.The water contact angle of the degreased steel strip surface is 5°-12°.A good degreasing effect was achieved in applications of the degreaser to treatment of stainless steel and cold-rolled steel sheets in factories.
Changes and Factors of Energy Consumption Intensity of China's Steel Industry——An Empirical Analysis Based on the Decomposition Model

Based on Laspeyres index and decomposition model,change of energy consumption intensity of China' steel industry from 1992 to 2007 is decomposed into efficiency change and structural change.China's energy intensity has been continuously declined during that period.Declination in energy intensity is mainly due to increasing of efficiency in energy utilization of economic regions;structural change devotes to the declination of energy consumption intensity.Change of the structural share affects energy consumption intensity insignificantly.The decline of energy consumption intensity should rely on capacity adjusting.Three economic regions including Bohai Rim Region,Northeast Region and Central Region should be noticed for the decline of energy consumption intensity of China's steel industry.
Data-Driven Interaction Patterns: Authority and Information Sharing in Dialogue

We explore the utility of a computational framework for social authority in dialogue, codified as utterance-level annotations. We first use these annotations at a macro level, compiling aggregate statistics and showing that the resulting features are predictive of group performance in a task-based dialogue. Then, at a micro level, we introduce the notion of an interaction pattern, a formulation of speaker interactions over multiple turns. We use these patterns to characterize situations where speakers do not share information equally. These patterns are found to be more discriminative at this task than similar patterns using standard dialogue acts.
Designing technology-enhanced active learning environments for the undergraduate geoscience classroom

This chapter reports on a multiyear collaborative research effort between geosciences and education, focusing on the design and evaluation of modules to engage undergraduate students in science reasoning skills. A design-based research approach was used to design active learning modules to engage students in a large general education undergraduate course in natural hazards, as well as to integrate mobile devices in an upper-level undergraduate course on the same topic. Over two iterations of each course, we were able to identify design features that supported student reasoning, as well as design of technology-enhanced learning within an undergraduate classroom supportive of collaborative student engagement in science reasoning.
Separation and characterization of guinea pig monocyte subsets using counter-flow centrifugation elutriation (CCE).

Counter-flow centrifugation elutriation (CCE) has been used to separate human monocytes into two populations that differ in size, Fc receptors (FcR), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and native or acquired tumoricidal activity (1–4). To determine whether a similar monocyte heterogeneity exists in species other than man, we examined guinea pig (GP) monocytes. Unlike mouse and rat, GP peripheral blood has a white cell composition similar to humans (5). Our studies suggest that three distinct GP monocyte fractions can be isolated by CCE that differ in adherence, phagocytosis, and non-specific esterase activity as well as modal volume (MV), FcR’s, and acid phosphatase activity.
Model detection with application to probe based data storage

Detection of a model from a set of models that best describes the behavior of a system is of primary importance in many applications. In this article two discriminating signals are derived from measurements for a plant that switches between two model behaviors, where the transfer functions from inputs to the two signals are identical when one model is effective while they are negative of each other when the other model is effective. The developed detection algorithm called the innovation squared mismatch is utilized for the read operation of probe based data storage. The innovations squared mismatch method offers better detection performance with significantly less computational complexity compared to prevalently used maximum a posteriori probability based methods in current data storage systems. The article further proposes employing maximum likelihood sequence detection based methods where the plant behavior can switch from one model to another at high rates and the transients from a previous behavior affect the current behavior causing inter-symbol interference. Exhaustive simulation and experimental results corroborate the efficiency of the proposed methods.
Variation in Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake and Acceptability Between Female and Male Adolescents and Their Caregivers

HPV vaccination coverage is suboptimal. Previous research largely focused on vaccinating girls. This study aimed to identify factors associated with HPV vaccination among male and female adolescents. We conducted secondary analyses using the National Immunization Survey-Teen. We specified parallel logistic models to examine associations of adolescent, caregiver, and provider characteristics with vaccination status among boys and girls. The primary outcome was HPV vaccination status defined as unvaccinated, initiated, or completed. Additionally, we analyzed caregivers’ intent to initiate or complete the three-dose series. The vaccination completion rate was 26 %. Among teens aged 13–17 years, 19 % initiated, but did not complete the vaccine. Additionally, 14 % of males completed the 3-dose series as compared to 38 % of females. Vaccination rates were higher among teens receiving a provider recommendation [girls: adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.33, 95 % confidence interval (CI) (2.44, 4.55); boys: AOR = 10.0, 95 % CI (7.69, 12.5)]. Moreover, provider recommendation was associated with caregivers’ intent to initiate vaccination [girls: AOR = 2.32, 95 % CI (1.77, 3.02); boys: AOR = 2.76, 95 % CI (2.22, 3.43)]. Other associations differed by gender. Higher vaccine initiation rates were associated with younger age and residing in the mid-west for girls and racial/ethnic minority and eligibility for the “Vaccine for Children” program for boys. Provider recommendation for vaccination was the strongest predictor for both genders; however, it is insufficient to achieve high coverage rates, especially among boys. Factors associated with HPV vaccination were different for males and females. These findings suggest providers should consider gender bias with regard to HPV vaccination.
Surface enrichment of Pt in stable Pt-Ir nano-alloy particles on MgAl2O4 spinel in oxidizing atmosphere

Abstract With the capability of MgAl 2 O 4 spinel {111} nano-facets in stabilizing small Rh, Ir and Pt particles, bimetallic Ir-Pt catalysts on the same support were investigated, aiming at further lowering the catalyst cost by substituting expensive Pt with cheaper Ir in the bulk. Small Pt-Ir nano-alloy particles ( 2 for 2 h, demonstrating successful surface enrichment of Pt on Pt-Ir nano-alloy particles. A dynamic stabilization mechanism involving wetting/nucleation seems to be responsible for the evolution of surface compositions upon cyclic oxidizing and reducing thermal treatments.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Augmentation for One-Bundle Tears

One-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears continue to pose a dilemma for orthopaedic surgeons. Though relatively rare, 1-bundle tears can be symptomatic and often evolve into complete tears. Early management of these injuries could prove invaluable to decreased injury-related morbidity. Diagnosis of these injuries relies on clinical history, examination, imaging studies, and arthroscopic evaluation. The key to success lies in the confirmation of the diagnosis on the basis of functional symptoms. Examination under anesthesia is indicated for this purpose, with pivot shift testing remaining the cornerstone for evaluation of ACL function. Final operative treatment decisions must be made only after thorough arthroscopic testing. When implemented successfully, the ACL augmentation surgical technique follows the anatomic, individualized ACL reconstruction concept, focusing on reconstruction of the injured bundle while sparking the intact ligament’s fibers. Though large randomized controlled trials have not been done, studies have shown that in appropriately selected patients, ACL augmentation surgery leads to improved graft orientation, mechanical stability, vascularity, proprioceptive innervation, faster graft remodeling, and a safer, more rapid rehabilitation.
Insuring Care: Paperwork, Insurance Rules, and Clinical Labor at a U.S. Transgender Clinic.

What is a clinician to do when people needing medical care do not have access to consistent or sufficient health insurance coverage and cannot pay for care privately? Analyzing ethnographically how clinicians at a university-based transgender clinic in the United States responded to this challenge, I examine the U.S. health insurance system, insurance paperwork, and administrative procedures that shape transgender care delivery. To buffer the impact of the system’s failure to provide sufficient health insurance coverage for transgender care, clinicians blended administrative routines with psychological therapy, counseled people’s minds and finances, and leveraged the prestige of their clinic in attempts to create space for gender nonconforming embodiments in gender conservative insurance policies. My analysis demonstrates that in a market-based health insurance system with multiple payers and gender binary insurance rules, health care may be unaffordable, or remain financially challenging, even for transgender people with health insurance. Moreover, insurance carriers’ “reliance” on clinicians’ insurance-related labor is problematic as it exacerbates existing insurance barriers to the accessibility and affordability of transgender care and obscures the workings of a financial payment model that prioritizes economic expediency over gender nonconforming health.
Pimavanserin: A novel therapeutic option for Parkinson disease psychosis

Abstract Purpose of review: In April 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a first-in-class atypical antipsychotic medication called pimavanserin for the treatment of Parkinson disease psychosis (PDP). We aim to inform readers about its indications, effectiveness, and safety profile. Recent findings: Pimavanserin acts as an inverse agonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and has negligible effects on other receptors, thereby avoiding the D2 receptor antagonism that can potentially worsen motor symptoms. Its FDA approval was based primarily on the results of a single randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Summary: While pimavanserin appears to be a safe, effective, and well-tolerated therapeutic option for PDP, additional clinical trials and open-label extension studies are needed to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of this promising therapy. In the meantime, prescribers need to be aware of the possible adverse effects of pimavanserin including QT interval prolongation and a potential to cause a paradoxical worsening of symptoms.