cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Micromechanics of rough surface adhesion: a homogenized projection method

A quasistatic homogenized projection is made to characterize the effective cohesive zone behavior for rough-surface adhesion. In the context of the homogenized projection, the traction versus separation relation for the homogenized cohesive zone (HCZ) of a rough interface can be highly oscillatory due to instabilities during microscopic adhesion and decohesion processes. The instabilities are found to occur not only individually but also collectively among the adhesive micro-asperity contacts, leading to extensive energy dissipation. Based on the behaviors of the HCZ relations, a framework for describing instability-induced energy dissipation in rough-surface adhesion is proposed to elucidate the effect of roughness on apparent interface adhesion. Two non-dimensional parameters, α related to roughness morphology and n related to flaw distribution, are identified to be most crucial for controlling the energy dissipation. For an interface with a shallow roughness and a strong intrinsic adhesive strength, the interface adhesion can be stronger if we make it rougher (reducing α) or lower its flaw density (increasing n). The HCZ projection method can be potentially extended and employed to bridge the apparent adhesion from intrinsic adhesion properties for engineering surfaces with multi-scale shallow roughness.
Is ferroportin–hepcidin signaling altered in restless legs syndrome?☆

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by a strong urge to move the legs. Sufferers of RLS often experience chronic sleep deprivation, due to the characteristic worsening of symptoms both when at rest and during the night. MRI data, autopsy studies, and a consistent decrease in CSF ferritin all suggest that early-onset RLS is associated with insufficient iron in the brain. In this study, we examined the relationship between the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin and RLS. Hepcidin serves as a hormone that signals iron release from cells by interacting with ferroportin. We measured the expression and concentration of pro-hepcidin in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of both RLS patients and control individuals. In CSF, we found that pro-hepcidin levels were significantly decreased in early-onset RLS patient samples, but not in late-onset RLS patients, when compared to controls. Conversely, in neuromelanin cells, substantia nigra, and putamen, the concentration of pro-hepcidin in RLS samples is significantly increased compared to controls. Functionally, hepcidin binds to ferroportin to limit iron movement from cells. Therefore, we provide immunocytochemical evidence that ferroportin is expressed by the epithelial cells of the choroid plexus and the ependymal cells lining the ventricles. These data suggest that sites of action for hepcidin include signaling the ventricular system for movement between brain and CSF. At this time, it cannot be determined if the lower levels of pro-hepcidin in the CSF represent a compensatory response to the decreased levels of iron in the brain or a defective signaling mechanism in RLS. Nonetheless, these data support the mounting evidence that there is a biological basis for RLS and the underlying mechanism involves iron management.
THE INCIDENCE OF DIVORCE WITHIN COHORTS OF AMERICAN MARRIAGES CONTRACTED SINCE THE CIVIL WAR

The proportion of marriages that end in divorce can be estimated from vital registration or from census data. The former source suggests considerably higher levels of divorce than does the latter. A new series, combining the two sources, is presented for annual marriage cohorts back to 1867. Actual experience to 1970 is traced and a projection beyond that point is made for cohorts with incomplete divorce histories. The cohort divorce series moves steadily upwards and shows much less variability than an equivalent series of period divorce rates. Factors related to high divorce within a cohort are armed service mobilization and high unemployment rates in the year of marriage, and slow national economic growth between pre- and post-marital periods.
Profiling of Carotenoids in Tomato Juice by One- and Two-Dimensional NMR

Epidemiological data have shown a link between dietary intake of tomatoes and tomato products (rich in carotenoids) and a decreased risk of chronic diseases. The carotenoid profile in tomato products depends on tomato variety as well as the thermal conditions used in processing. The final carotenoid profile may affect the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of these biomolecules. Therefore, nondestructive, reliable methods are needed to characterize the structural and stereochemical variation of carotenoids. CDCl(3) rapid extraction was used to extract carotenoids from tomato juice as an alternative rapid procedure that minimizes solvents and time consumption prior to NMR analysis. The profile of these biomolecules was characterized by application of high-resolution multidimensional NMR techniques using a cryogenic probe. The combination of homonuclear and heteronuclear two-dimensional NMR techniques served to identify (all-E)-, (5Z)-, (9Z)-, and (13Z)-lycopene isomers and other carotenoids such as (all-E)-beta-carotene and (15Z)-phytoene dissolved in the extracted lipid mixture. The use of one-dimensional NMR enabled the rapid identification of lycopene isomers, thereby minimizing further isomerization of (all-E)-lycopene as compared to HPLC data. On the basis of the assignments accomplished, the carotenoid profile of typical tomato juice was successfully determined with minimal purification procedures.
The Conflict between the Chief Justice and the Chief Executive: Ex parte Merryman

Rarely does the clash of ideas on the scope of governmental authority get reduced to a direct conflict between leaders of the branches of government. However, early in the Civil War period, the Chief Executive and the Chief Justice confronted each other in a direct fashion. The stakes were high, because the issues related to the conflict between national security and personal liberty.
Flexible Superconducting Power Cables

In view of the fact that installation costs may represent up to half the investment in an underground cable system, it is desirable to develop concepts for superconducting cables which, from the beginning, promise to keep this expense to a minimum. Superconducting cable will be very light and, providing it is flexible, the cable should be capable of being pulled in long lengths. Two concepts for flexible superconducting cables are presented together with a discussion of expected performance in the system.
Summary Highlights of the Advanced Rotorcraft Transmission (ART) Program

The NASA/U.S. Army Advanced Rotorcraft Transmission (ART) program is charged with the development and demonstration of lightweight, durable drivetrains for next-generation rotorcraft: (1) a Future Air Attack Vehicle for tactical ground-support and air-to-air missions, and (2) an Advanced Cargo Aircraft for heavy-lift field-support operations. Both tilt-rotor and more conventional helicopter configurations have been studied by the ART program. ART performance goals are sought through the use of advanced component materials and lubrication systems, transmission and geartrain configurations, and airframe/drivetrain integrations.
Assay and Importance of Adhesive Interaction Between Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) Oocyte-Cumulus Complexes and the Oviductal Epithelium

Adhesion between the oocyte-cumulus complex and infundibulum plays an important, but poorly understood, role in oocyte pick-up. The purposes of this study were to determine which components of the oocyte-cumulus complex and oviductal epithelium function in adhesion, to measure adhesion under physiological conditions, and to examine the effect of modulation of adhesion on oocyte-cumulus complex pick-up rate. Oocyte-cumulus complexes containing an expanded matrix were readily transported into the oviduct, while unexpanded complexes lacking an extracellular matrix were not picked up, indicating that the matrix is necessary for pick-up. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that during pick-up, adhesion occurred specifically between the ciliary crowns of the oviduct and the granules and filaments of the cumulus matrix. An assay was developed using vacuum from a low-flow peristaltic precision pump, modified for bi-directional flow, to measure the strength of adhesion between the oocyte-cumulus complex and the oviductal epithelium, and adhesion was measured during physiological conditions. The lectin wheat germ agglutinin and the polycation poly-L-lysine were then used to modulate adhesion, and the effects of increasing or decreasing adhesion on oocyte pick-up rate and ciliary beat frequency were examined. The data show that 1) the matrix of the oocyte-cumulus complex and the ciliary crowns of the oviduct function in adhesion during pick-up and that adhesion is necessary for pick-up, 2) adhesion can be assayed quantitatively and is very uniform among control infundibula, and 3) decreasing or increasing adhesion decreases oocyte pick-up rate and in some cases prevents pick-up without affecting ciliary beat frequency.
Deterministic Energy Conserving Algorithms for Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper we study the problem of maintaining energy efficient topology from the perspective of computational geometry. The paper presented two algorithms that keep the distance small enough among sensors to maintain energy efficient topology. In the design of wireless sensor network, we are given n sensors in the Euclidean plane. The problem is how to increase the network lifetime by choosing the locations of relay sensors such that the distances between sensors are at most some delta i.e., the range of the sensors. The algorithm efficiently combines the classical approach of Steiner tree for 3- and 4-terminals with the concepts based on the Prim's and Kruskal's algorithms. The quantitative analysis shows that after the application of the algorithm the network consumes ((1/2)n + O(n3/2)) less energy
Syk and pTyr'd: Signaling through the B cell antigen receptor

The B cell receptor (BCR) transduces antigen binding into alterations in the activity of intracellular signaling pathways through its ability to recruit and activate the cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinase Syk. The recruitment of Syk to the receptor, its activation and its subsequent interactions with downstream effectors are all regulated by its phosphorylation on tyrosine. This review discusses our current understanding of how this phosphorylation regulates the activity of Syk and its participation in signaling through the BCR.
Bilateral premacular subhyaloid hemorrhage in dengue Fever.

A 13-year-old girl presented to the ophthalmology clinic complaining of painless decrease in vision in both eyes from two weeks before presentation. Visual loss had been accompanied by fever, muscle pain, chills and headache; however the patient had become afebrile four days before referral. Ocular examination revealed best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of counting fingers in the right eye (OD) and 3/200 in her left eye (OS). The anterior segment was normal in both eyes. Fundus examination revealed multiple superficial retinal hemorrhages, Roth spots, and large subhyaloid hemorrhages in both eyes (Figures 1 and ​and22). Figure 1 Color fundus photograph of the right eye with Roth spots (arrowhead) and a large subhyaloid hemorrhage (arrow). Figure 2 Color fundus photograph of the left eye showing Roth spots (small arrow), border of the posterior hyaloid (arrowhead), and a large subhyaloid hemorrhage (large arrow). The patient was referred to an internist for systemic evaluation which disclosed multiple petechial hemorrhages on her extremities. Blood counts showed leukopenia (3,200 cells/ml), thrombocytopenia (22,000 cells/ml) and hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL. IgM for Dengue by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was positive confirming a diagnosis of Dengue hemorrhagic fever (One step rapid card test, SD BIOLINE Dengue Duo, Dengue NS1 Ag + Ab Combo kit, Standard Diagnostic Inc., Kyonggi-Do, South Korea). The patient was treated with packed cell/platelet transfusions and re-examined after 3 weeks. BCVA had slightly improved to 20/200 OD (Figure 3) and 6/200 OS. As she was still medically unstable, a choice of observation or Nd:YAG laser hyaloidotomy was offered. Nd:YAG hyaloidotomy was performed on the left eye with the following specifications: spot size, 50 to 100 μm; power, 300 mW to 500 mW; and duration, 100 ms to 300 ms. Two bursts were applied and hyaloidotomy was performed on the stretched posterior hyaloid surface (Fig. 4). The patient was revisited after 1 week. BCVA at this time interval was 20/400 OD and 20/30 OS (the treated eye). At final follow-up, 3 months after initial presentation, the patient had stable visual acuity (Figures 5 and ​and66). Figure 3 Fundus photograph of the right eye after 3 weeks of observation. Figure 4 Fundus photograph of the left eye immediately after hyaloidotomy (arrow shows trickling of blood from the punctured hyaloid). Figure 5 Color fundus photograph of the right eye 3 months after initial presentation showing residual pre-macular hemorrhage. Figure 6 Color fundus photograph of the left eye 3 months after initial presentation (arrow shows internal limiting membrane wrinkling with pigmentary changes).
Preparation, chemistry and spectra of (silylmethyl)-pyrroles

Abstract The compounds, RCH2Si(CH3)x[O(C2H5)]3-x, where x = 0, 1, 2, 3 and R = 1-pyrrolyl, were prepared. RCH2Si(CH3)3 was cleaved in alcoholic base by the same mode as C6H5CH2Si(CH2)3 but to a lesser degree. The failure of RSi(CH3)3 to rearrange thermally (650°) was confirmed; RCH2Si(CH3)3 rearranged (550°) to the 2-pyrrolyl isomer whose structure was determined by N-methylation and comparison with 1-methyl-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)pyrrole prepared by an alternate path. Lithiation of 1-methylpyrrole followed by reaction with (1) chlorotrimethylsilane gave 1-methyl-2-(trimethylsilyl)pyrrole and 1-methyl-2,5-bis(trimethylsilyl)pyrrole, and (2) with dichlorodimethylsilane gave 2,5-bis(chlorodimethylsilyl)-1-methylpyrrole.
ANCIENT COLONIZATION PREDICTS RECENT NATURALIZATION IN ANOLIS LIZARDS

The distributions and characteristics of naturalized species may be explained by novel anthropogenous aspects of world biogeography such as the creation of favorable transport environments for propagules on ships. Conversely, the unprecedented connectivity of humans may simply accelerate omnipresent ecological and evolutionary forces, for example, ships may allow species that are generally good dispersers to disperse more quickly. As a null hypothesis, there may be no human component to species naturalization. The first hypothesis predicts that naturalized species will possess unusual characteristics specific to interactions with humans. The latter two hypotheses predict similarity between ancient colonizers and recently naturalized species. In this article, we present a test of the latter hypotheses and show how they may be reconciled with the former. We show that species of Anolis lizard that are ancient solitary colonizers share characteristics of size, shape, scalation, and phylogeny with naturalized species of Anolis. Characteristics of ancient solitary colonizers predict naturalization approximately as well as characteristics of naturalized species themselves. These results suggest the existence of a general colonizing type of Anolis, and that contemporary patterns of naturalization are at least partially explained by abilities that are unrelated to interactions with humans.
Regulatory T cells actively infiltrate metastatic brain tumors

Regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+FoxP3+, Treg) have been shown to play a major role in suppression of the immune response to malignant gliomas. In this study, we investigated the kinetics of Treg infiltration in metastatic brain tumor models, including melanoma, breast and colon cancers. Our data indicate that both CD4+ and Treg infiltration are significantly increased throughout the time of metastatic tumor progression. These findings were recapitulated in human CNS tumor samples of metastatic melanoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma. Collectively, these data support investigating immunotherapeutic strategies targeting Treg in metastatic CNS tumors.
Evidence for NF-κB- and CBP-Independent Repression of p53's Transcriptional Activity by Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Tax in Mouse Embryo and Primary Human Fibroblasts

The human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Tax oncoprotein can repress the transcriptional activity of the tumor suppressor protein p53. However, it remains controversial whether Tax requires NF-κB factors/activity and/or p300/CBP in order to inactivate p53 function. To address this issue, we have investigated Tax's effect on p53's transcriptional activation in IκB-kinase-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs); some of which are entirely silent for Tax-induced NF-κB activity. We found that, in IKKα−/−, IKKβ−/−, and IKKγ−/− MEFs, p53 activation of a prototypic responsive plasmid (pG13-luciferase) was repressed by wild-type Tax. Curiously, p53's activity in MEFs was also repressed by a p300/CBP-binding deficient Tax protein. Our results highlight the complex nature of Tax-mediated repression of p53- activity, which requires further investigation.
Renal Autotransplantation and Modified Pyelovesicostomy for Intractable Metabolic Stone Disease

Purpose: Some patients with intractable metabolic stone disease experience narcotic dependence, which cannot be managed with standard treatments. We offered these patients renal autotransplantation with a modified pyelovesicostomy as an alternative solution.Materials and Methods: Renal autotransplantation with pyelovesicostomy was performed for 15 kidneys in 12 patients (3 bilateral, 2 solitary), 9 female and 3 male, with a mean age of 33.8 years (range 16 to 55). The etiology of metabolic stone disease was calcium oxalate (40%), cystinuria (33%), type 1 renal tubular acidosis (14%), calcium oxalate/urate (7%) and medullary sponge kidney (7%). Patients reported that lifetime stone events ranged from 10 to more than 70, that underwent an average of 3 to 4 surgical interventions per year in the previous 2 years and that they were dependent on daily oral narcotics for stone related pain.Results: All 15 kidneys were successfully autotransplanted with a mean followup of 41.8 months (range 3 to 74). We used a m...
Computer‐intensive correlational analysis: Bootstrap and approximate randomization techniques

Computer-intensive statistical techniques have been suggested as alternatives to standard parametric analysis due to their freedom from normal-theory assumptions. Two such techniques that may be used for correlational analysis are bootstrap and approximate randomization tests. These techniques were compared with the parametric Pearson's r under composite-normal conditions in which the test of significance of Pearson's r is known to possess overly liberal Type I error rates. Results indicated that the approximate randomization test had Type I error rates that closely followed the parametric approach. The bootstrap, however, showed good control of the Type I error rates, except on small sample sizes.
Infrared Microspectroscopy. II

An improved infrared microspectrometer is described. A figure of performance or merit for infrared spectrometers using certain types of specimens is suggested. An experimental value is given for this performance figure for the instrument now in use in our laboratory. The increased performance of the microspectrometer may be observed in the spectral data shown for typical specimens.Spectral resolving power and sample size requirements for infrared microspectroscopy are considered for typical organic chemical substances. It now appears that for many applications the limiting factor on sample size is the difficulty in the preparation and handling of the sample rather than the performance of the instrument.
Sexual Victimization and Family Violence Among Urban African American Adolescent Women Do Violence Cluster Profiles Predict Partner Violence Victimization and Sex Trade Exposure

Guided by an intersectional feminist perspective, we examined sexual victimization, witnessing intimate partner violence (IPV) in the family, and familial physical abuse among a sample of 180 urban African American adolescent women. We used cluster analysis to better understand the profiles of cumulative victimization, and the relationships between profiles and IPV victimization and personal exposure to the sex trade. Just under one third of the sample reported sexual victimization, with cooccurrence with both forms of family violence common. The cluster profile with high levels of severe family violence was associated with the highest rate of IPV victimization and sex trade exposure.
Low-spin states from decay studies in the mass 80 region

Neutron-deficient nuclei in the mass 80 region are known to exhibit strongly deformed ground states deduced mainly from yrast-state properties measured in-beam via heavy-ion fusion-evaporation reactions. Vibrational excitations and non-yrast states as well as their interplay with the observed rotational collectivity have been less studied to date within this mass region. Thus, several {beta}-decay experiments have been performed to populate low-spin states in the neutron-deficient {sup 80,84}Y and {sup 80,84}Sr nuclei. An overview of excited 0{sup +} states in Sr and Kr nuclei is given and conclusions about shape evolution at low-spins are presented. In general, the non-yrast states in even-even Sr nuclei show mainly vibration-like collectivity which evolves to rotational behavior with increasing spin and decreasing neutron number.
Subspace multiuser detection for multicarrier DS-CDMA

A subspace-based linear minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) multiuser detection scheme is proposed for a multicarrier direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (MC-DS-CDMA) system. Typically, a MC-DS-CDMA system employs a band-limited chip waveform. The band-limited nature of the chip waveform causes problem in applying standard subspace techniques because no nonnull noise subspace can be formed. It is shown that channel and timing information needed for the construction of the linear MMSE detector can be identified by a multiple-signal-classification-like algorithm based on a finite-length truncation approximation of the chip waveform. In practice, since perturbed versions of the subspaces assumed in the finite-length truncation approximation are actually observed, and because of the band-limited property of the chip waveform, the accuracy of the channel estimation and, hence, the performance of the MMSE detector are degraded. This effect is investigated in this paper.
Twenty-Four Hour Human Urine and Serum Profiles of Bisphenol A during High-Dietary Exposure

By virtue of its binding to steroid hormone receptors, bisphenol A (BPA, the unconjugated bioactive monomer) is hypothesized to be estrogenic when present in sufficient quantities in the body, raising concerns that widespread exposure to BPA may impact human health. To better understand the internal exposure of adult humans to BPA and the relationship between the serum and urinary pharmacokinetics of BPA, a clinical exposure study was conducted. Blood and urine samples were collected approximately hourly over a 24-h period from 20 adult volunteers who ingested 100% of one of three specified meals comprising standard grocery store food items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The volunteers' average consumption of BPA, estimated from the urinary excretion of total BPA ((TOT)BPA = conjugated BPA + BPA), was 0.27 μg/kg body weight (range, 0.03-0.86), 21% greater than the 95th percentile of aggregate exposure in the adult U.S. population. A serum time course of (TOT)BPA was observable only in individuals with exposures 1.3-3.9 times higher than the 95th percentile of aggregate U.S. exposure. The (TOT)BPA urine concentration T(max) was 2.75 h (range, 0.75-5.75 h) post-meal, lagging the serum concentration T(max) by ∼1 h. Serum (TOT)BPA area under the curve per unit BPA exposure was between 21.5 and 79.0 nM•h•kg/μg BPA. Serum (TOT)BPA concentrations ranged from less than or equal to limit of detection (LOD, 1.3 nM) to 5.7 nM and were, on average, 42 times lower than urine concentrations. During these high dietary exposures, (TOT)BPA concentrations in serum were undetectable in 83% of the 320 samples collected and BPA concentrations were determined to be less than or equal to LOD in all samples.
Mutational Analysis of Meiotic and Mitotic Centromere Function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A centromere (CEN) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae consists of approximately 150 bp of DNA and contains 3 conserved sequence elements: a high A + T region 78-86 bp in length (element II), flanked on the left by a conserved 8-bp element I sequence (PuTCACPuTG), and on the right by a conserved 25-bp element III sequence. We have carried out a structure-function analysis of the element I and II regions of CEN3 by constructing mutations in these sequences and subsequently determining their effect on mitotic and meiotic chromosome segregation. We have also examined the mitotic and meiotic segregation behavior of ARS plasmids containing the structurally altered CEN3 sequences. Replacing the periodic tracts of A residues within element II with random A + T sequences of equal length increases the frequency of mitotic chromosome nondisjunction only 4-fold; whereas, reducing the A + T content of element II while preserving the length results in a 40-fold increase in the frequence of chromosome nondisjunction. Structural alterations in the element II region that do not decrease the overall length have little effect on the meiotic segregation behavior of the altered chromosomes. Centromeres containing a deletion of element I or a portion of element II retain considerable mitotic activity, yet plasmids carrying these same mutations segregate randomly during meiosis I, indicating these sequences to be essential for maintaining attachment of the replicated sister chromatids during the first meiotic division. The presence of an intact element I sequence properly spaced from the element III region is absolutely essential for proper meiotic function of the centromere.
Reproduction of Cultural Values A Cross-Cultural Examination of Stories People Create and Transmit

Narratives are one of the oldest and universal forms of communication in human societies. In the present research, the authors hypothesized that narratives play an important role in the reproduction of cultural values. To test this idea, Study 1 examined the contents of stories created by American and Japanese participants for their reflection of individualistic and collectivistic values, and Study 2 examined whether information consistent with cultural values would be more likely to be retained and passed onto others. The studies found that American participants created stories that reflected individualistic values and retained more individualistic information than collectivistic information when they transmitted a story to others. In contrast, Japanese participants created stories that reflected collectivistic values and retained more collectivistic information than individualistic information when they transmitted a story to others. These findings support the idea that narrative communication is an imp...
ISOLATES OF PLASMODIUM INUI ADAPTED TO MACACA MULATTA MONKEYS AND LABORATORY-REARED ANOPHELINE MOSQUITOES FOR EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Plasmodium inui is a parasite of macaques and other nonhuman primates in Asia that is studied as a model for the human malaria parasite P. malariae. Presented here are descriptions of the isolation, passage histories into Macaca mulatta monkeys, and infectivity to different Anopheles spp. mosquitoes of 18 different isolates of this parasite.
Maximally selected chi2 statistics for k x 2 tables.

Summary. It is common in epidemiologic analyses to summarize continuous outcomes as falling above or below a threshold. With such a dichotomized outcome, the usual x2 statistics for association or trend can be used to test for equality of proportions across strata of the study population. However, if the threshold is chosen to maximize the test statistic, the nominal x2 reference distributions are incorrect. In this paper, the asymptotic distributions of maximally selected x2 statistics for association and for trend for the k× 2 table are derived. The methodology is illustrated with data from an AIDS clinical trial. The results of simulation experiments that assess the accuracy of the asymptotic distributions in moderate sample sizes are also reported.
Computational efficiency evaluation in output analysis

A central quantity in steady-state simulation is the time-average variance constant. Estimates of this quantity are needed (for example) for constructing confidence intervals, and several estimators have been proposed, including nonoverlapping and overlapping batch means methods, spectral methods, and the regenerative method. The asymptotic statistical properties of these estimators have been investigated but the computational complexity involved in computing them has received very little attention. We assume a fixed simulation run-length, as opposed to sequential methods in which the run-length is determined dynamically. In order to consistently estimate the time-average variance constant, all of the estimators require an amount of computation that is linear in the time-horizon simulated, with the exception of spectral methods which require a superlinear amount of computation.
Systolic architecture for adaptive eigenstructure decomposition based on simultaneous iteration method

Eigenstructure decomposition of correlation matrices is an important pre-processing stage in many modern signal processing applications. In an unknown and possibly changing environment, adaptive algorithms that are efficient and numerically stable as well as readily implementable in hardware for eigen decomposition are highly desirable. Most modern real-time signal processing applications involve processing large amounts of input data and require high throughput rates in order to fulfill the needs of tracking and updating. The authors consider the use of a novel systolic array architecture for the high throughput online implementation of the adaptive simultaneous iteration method (SIM) algorithm for the estimation of the p largest eigenvalues and associated eigenvectors of quasi-stationary or slowly varying correlation matrices. >
Coarse-grained red blood cell model with accurate mechanical properties, rheology and dynamics

We present a coarse-grained red blood cell (RBC) model with accurate and realistic mechanical properties, rheology and dynamics. The modeled membrane is represented by a triangular mesh which incorporates shear inplane energy, bending energy, and area and volume conservation constraints. The macroscopic membrane elastic properties are imposed through semi-analytic theory, and are matched with those obtained in optical tweezers stretching experiments. Rheological measurements characterized by time-dependent complex modulus are extracted from the membrane thermal fluctuations, and compared with those obtained from the optical magnetic twisting cytometry results. The results allow us to define a meaningful characteristic time of the membrane. The dynamics of RBCs observed in shear flow suggests that a purely elastic model for the RBC membrane is not appropriate, and therefore a viscoelastic model is required. The set of proposed analyses and numerical tests can be used as a complete model testbed in order to calibrate the modeled viscoelastic membranes to accurately represent RBCs in health and disease.
The Papillomavirus E1 Protein Forms a DNA-Dependent Hexameric Complex with ATPase and DNA Helicase Activities

The E1 protein from bovine papillomavirus has site-specific DNA binding activity, DNA helicase activity, and DNA-dependent ATPase activity consistent with the properties of an initiator protein. Here we have identified and characterized a novel oligomeric form of E1 that is associated with the ATPase and DNA helicase activities and whose formation is strongly stimulated by single-stranded DNA. This oligomeric form corresponds to a hexamer of E1.
MODELED HYDROLOGIC RESPONSE UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS OVER THE BANKHEAD NATIONAL FOREST IN NORTHERN ALABAMA

The impacts of climate change on water availability over the Bankhead National Forest (BNF) and Sipsey Fork Watershed (SFW) located in northern Alabama is evaluated by developing a site specific hydrologic model inside the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). The SWAT model is utilized over Sipsey Fork (SF) subbasin of SFW to assess hydrological response under changing climatic conditions until 2100. Calibration and validation of the SWAT model is performed at daily time steps by comparing simulated and observed streamflow. Altogether 13 parameters that directly influence surface/base flow and basin response were selected and calibrated; the model simulated streamflow very well as evidenced by correlation and error statistics (“r = 0.87“, “R2 = 0.75“, and lower “RMSE = 12 cms“). Climate forcing (e.g. precipitation, temperature) from selected regional/global climate models that represent regional climatology well over the basin were incorporated into the SWAT model to determine future water availability in the basin. The projected average change in total annual streamflow for SF varies from -10% to -18%, which ranges -7% to -16% for A1B, and -12% to -23% for A2 until 2100. This study is conducted in conjunction with other ongoing studies that looked at the impacts of forest management on BNF hydrology. Major research findings from this study will help decision makers in evaluating the combined impacts of climate change and forest management on water availability, and developing strategies to sustain available natural resources.
OpenSR: An Open-Source Stimulus–Response Testing Framework

Stimulus–response (S–R) tests provide a unique way to acquire information about human perception by capturing automatic responses to stimuli and attentional processes. This paper presents OpenSR, a user-centered S–R testing framework providing a graphical user interface that can be used by researchers to customize, administer, and manage one type of S–R test, the implicit association test. OpenSR provides an extensible open-source Web-based framework that is platform independent and can be implemented on most computers using any operating system. In addition, it provides capabilities for automatically generating and assigning participant identifications, assigning participants to different condition groups, tracking responses, and facilitating collecting and exporting of data. The Web technologies and languages used in creating the OpenSR framework are discussed, namely, HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, Twitter Bootstrap, Python, and Django. OpenSR is available for free download.
Abstract 199: Type 2 Diabetes Impairs Wound Healing By DNMT1-dependent Reduction of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Differentiation towards Monocytes/Macrophages and Skewing of the M1/M2 Polarization

Rationale: People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) have a 25x higher risk of limb loss than non-diabetics due in large part to impaired wound healing. The mechanisms that cause impaired wound healing remain incompletely characterized. Objective: We hypothesize that T2DM impairs wound healing by epigenetic modifications in hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) that reduce their differentiation towards monocytes/macrophages and disrupts the balance in M1/M2 polarization during the three phases of wound healing. Methods and Results: Wounds were created on the back of mice. Wound healing was significantly slower in diabetic db/db than in WT mice. During the early inflammatory phase, db/db wounds exhibited a significant decrease in total macrophages and M1 macrophages. Then, total macrophages and M2 macrophages were decreased, while M1 macrophages increased in tissue formation phase. In the late tissue remodeling phase, total macrophages and M1 macrophages were persistently increased. The impaired wound healing phenotype of db/db mice was recapitulated in WT recipients which were resconstituted with db/db HSCs, demonstrating that the impaired differentiation of HSCs towards macrophages as well as their M1/M2 polarization was due to a cell autonomous mechanism. Epigenetic studies indicated that DNMT1-dependent hypermethylation of Notch1, Pu.1 and KLF4 in T2D HSCs was responsible for the impaired differentiation towards monocytes/macrophages as well as the skewed M1/M2 polarization. Knockdown of DNMT1 in HSCs from db/db mice transplanted into lethally irradiated WT mice led to improved wound healing by an increase in macrophage infiltration as well as a normalization of the M1/M2 polarization. Conclusion: This study indicates that the dynamic changes of macrophage concentration and M1/M2 polarization in wound healing are regulated at the level of HSCs. Moreover, T2DM impairs wound healing by inducing DNMT1-dependent reduction of HSCs’ differentiation towards macrophages and their M1/M2 polarization. This novel finding indicates that inflammation is regulated at the level of HSCs, which creates new opportunities to develop epigenetic modification related therapies for T2DM and potentially other conditions that result from dysinflammation.
The anabolic skeletal muscle response to acute resistance exercise is not impaired in rats fed a ketogenic diet.

Methods This study examined the effects of KD versus WD on the anabolic response to resistance exercise using a rodent leg-kicking resistance exercise model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (~9-10 weeks of age) were provided isocaloric amounts of either a KD (5.2 kcal/g, 20.2% protein, 10.3% carbohydrate, 69.5% fat; n = 30) or WD (4.5 kcal/g, 15.2% protein, 42.7% carbohydrate, 42.0% fat; n = 32) for 6 weeks. During week 7, the right-leg plantarflexor muscles of each rat were acutely exercised under isoflurane anesthesia using high-frequency electrical stimulations (4 sets of 8 repetitions with 2 min recovery between sets). Rats were then sacrificed at 90 min (n = 8 per group), 180 min (n = 8 per group), or 270 min (n = 8 per group) following exercise and intraperitoneal puromycin injections were provided 30 min prior to each sacrifices as a tracer for muscle protein synthesis (MPS). A subset of unexercised limbs from WD (n = 8) and KD (n = 8) were used as a nonexercise (non-EX) control comparison. Results There was a main time effect for MPS, as it was significantly greater at 90, 180 and 270 min in both groups versus the non-EX condition (p < 0.001), although there was no between group effect (p = 0.59) or group*time interaction (p = 0.87). There was a main time effect for phosphorylated (p)-4E-BP1 (Thr37/46), as it was significantly greater at 90, 180 and 270 min in both groups versus the non-EX condition (p = 0.001), although there was no between group effect (p = 0.85) or group*time interaction (p = 0.93). There was a main time effect for p-rps6 (Ser235/236), as it was significantly greater at 90, 180 and 270 min in both groups versus the non-EX condition (p = 0.002), although there was no between group effect (p = 0.99) or group*time interaction (p = 0.79). There was no time effect (p = 0.31), between group effect (p = 0.42) or group*time interaction (p = 0.22) for p-AMPKa (Thr172).
Negotiated Pricing of Fluid Milk: Role of Federal Orders and Influence on Pricing Policies

PROCESSORS in approximately one-third of the federal-milk-order markets are currently paying Class I prices above the federal-order minimum for milk going into fluid use. These premiums are negotiated by producers' bargaining associations.' In some markets, above-order prices prevail in all months of the year; in others, only in certain months. However, the tendency is to negotiate these premiums on a year-round basis. This method of pricing raises two important questions. First, since the Class I price is negotiated in excess of the federal-order minimum, what is the role of a federal order in the bargaining process? Second, what accounts for the degree of success in negotiating above-order prices during the past decade? Thus, the objectives of this paper are (1) to examine the role of federal marketing orders in negotiated pricing of fluid milk, and (2) to analyze the effects of negotiated prices on the pricing policies of milk handlers as related to successful bargaining.
New Lithium Ion Clusters for Construction of Porous MOFs

Two novel types of lithium clusters, Li4 tetramer and Li2 dimer, have been created as the building blocks of MOFs. The assembly of such unprecedented clusters with two types of tricarboxylate ligands leads to two highly open frameworks, one of which exhibits a very high CO2 uptake capacity among Li-based MOFs. The work reveals the interesting and unprecedented structural chemistry of lithium ions.
Isolation and characterization of two hemoglobins found in the turtle, Pseudemys scripta elegans.

SummaryThe 2 hemoglobins of the turtle, Pseudemys scripta elegans, were prepared by means of a continuous flow electrophoresis. Both hemoglobins bound oxygen in a molar ratio of 1:1 with respect to iron. They have identical absorption spectra in the visible region but differ in isoelectric point, resistance to alkali, and in sedimentation constant. Physiochemical evidence is presented which indicates that these hemoglobins interact in mixtures.
The Effect of Ta and N Content on Mechanical Properties of DC Magnetron Sputtered fen and Fetan thin films

This paper reports nanoindentation studies of the effect of Ta and N content on the mechanical properties of magnetically soft high moment FeN and FeTaN thin films prepared by dc magnetron sputtering. The FeTaN films were deposited on oxidized silicon (100) substrates with a series of FeTa targets in which the Ta content varies from 0 to 25 wt %. The hardness (H) and Young`s modulus (E) were measured by the Nano Indenter at nine indenter penetration depths: 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, 120 and 200 nm. The inherent hardness values of these films (no substrate effect) can be determined at penetration depths ranging from 20 to 60 nm for the 500 nm thick film used in the study. It was found that for the films deposited from the pure Fe target when the nitrogen flow rate increases from 0 to about 0.5 sccm the hardness of the film increases. However, a decreasing trend in hardness of these films was observed on further increasing the nitrogen flow rate. On the other hand, for the films prepared from the targets with the Ta content in the range of 5--15 wt %, the hardness increases whenever Ta and N contentsmore » increase. These effects are clearly illustrated by 3-D and contour hardness and Young`s modulus maps in this paper.« less
No effect of blood sampling or phytohaemagglutinin injection on postfledging survival in a wild songbird

The injection of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and sampling of blood are widely used in studies of wild vertebrates to assess components of immune and endocrine function and health state and to obtain genetic material. Despite the pervasive use of these techniques in the life sciences, their potential effects on survival are rarely considered. For example, whether injection of the immunogen PHA into body parts critical for locomotion (e.g., the prepatagium, or wing web, in birds) affects survival has not been tested. Here, we test whether injection of PHA into the wing web and blood sampling from nestling house wrens affects their subsequent recruitment and survival as breeding adults. Capture-mark-recapture analysis on a large sample of young (N = 20,152 fledglings from 3959 broods) treated over 10 years revealed that neither PHA injection nor blood sampling affected individual survival and detection probability. Recruitment as a breeder varied among years, but this variation was not attributable to sampling effort, or the percent of all adults identified at the nest during a given year. Variation in the percent of adults identified was primarily attributable to the effect of nest depredation on our ability to capture nesting pairs. Our results indicating lack of an effect of blood sampling and immune stimulation on survival are encouraging, but we recommend further work to assess the potential negative effects of all commonly used techniques on the survival of study subjects in the wild, including the potential costs associated with mounting various immunological responses.
On the Applications of Manual Gelatinizing Pump System in Enterprises with Low-cost and High Value

The article explains the economic returns brought by the applications of manual gelatinizing pump system in automobile manufacturing,based on the comparisons between manual gelatinizing pump system and traditional manual stick gelatinizing pump system.
Plasma gastrin and gastric acid responses to sham feeding and feeding in dogs

Gastric acid secretion and plasma gastrin concentrations were determined during fasting and following sham feeding or feeding in dogs with Pavlov pouches or gastric fistulae. Sham feeding caused immediate elevations of plasma gastrin concentrations that rapidly returned to basal levels following the onset of acid secretion although acid was continuously secreted for several hours. Sham feeding with the gastric fistula open produced higher gastrin concentrations and acid output than with the fistula closed. Feeding raised the plasma gastrin concentrations considerably higher than sham feeding in the same dogs although the peak acid output equaled that following sham feeding with gastric fistula open. The delay in onset of acid secretion was more pronounced during feeding than during sham feeding. Atropinization did not significantly influence basal plasma gastrin concentration but virtually abolished the gastrin response to sham feeding. Plasma gastrin responses were observed following feeding despite atropinization.
A hybrid disaster-tolerant model with DDF technology for MooseFS open-source distributed file system

In a distributed file system (DFS), a disaster-tolerant model provides high data security in the data disaster event by geographically isolates the backup data, while the hot-backup model provides high availability when the main server is offline. Therefore, the combined model is widely concerned in multiple fields. However, previous investigations have neglected to the disaster tolerance for open-source distributed file systems. When a server run into a fault status and performs backup switch, the remote data center cannot receive any data replicas. We proposed a hybrid model in this work to provide disaster-tolerance especially for open-source DFS by build geographically isolate replicas. In addition, we optimize the model with direct data fetch (DDF) technology. DDF can bypass the main server, and retrieve data directly from the data node. The model was implemented on an open-source DFS named MooseFS. Compared with HDFS and IBM/PPRC, the hybrid model with DDF provides a strong performance boost to the hybrid model during the switch procedure, and this hybrid model performs best for storage of large amount of files in small size.
Quantitative Sudomotor Axon Reflex Test (QSART)

The Quantitative Sudomotor Axon Reflex Test is a quantitative test of postganglionic sudomotor function. The neural pathway is nicotinic and the sweat gland receptor is muscarinic. Stimulus consists of iontophoresed acetylcholine and evoked sweat volume is quantitated. The test is sensitive and reproducible in detecting denervation. Recording sites are over the arm and leg. There is extensive experience with the test in diabetic and other autonomic neuropathies, and in clinical trials.
Counting Subgroups in a Direct Product of Finite Cyclic Groups

We calculate the number of subgroups in a direct product of finite cyclic groups by applying the fundamental theorem of finite abelian groups and a well-known structure theorem due to Goursat. We a...
Psychological Distress and Associated Factors Among Mexican American Adolescent Females.

Introduction:Mental health literacy is a critical component of adolescent health enabling recognition, management, and prevention of psychological distress. Adolescents engaging in risk behaviors a...