cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Improved PEG-Linked Solid Support for Minimizing Process-Related Impurities During Solid-Phase Synthesis of DNA and RNA Sequences

The preparation of controlled pore glass (CPG) supports, functionalized with several hexaethylene glycol spacers, to alleviate the problems associated with the porosity of commercial CPG supports is described in this article. The pore size of CPG restricts the diffusion of reagents to the leader nucleoside embedded in porous supports; this inhibits efficient solid-phase syntheses of DNA and RNA sequences and, by default, the purity of those sequences through formation of a shorter than full-length oligonucleotide. Functionalization of a CPG support with five hexaethylene glycol spacers led to a 42% reduction in process-related impurities contaminating oligonucleotide sequences, compared to that obtained using the commercial long-chain alkylamine (LCAA) CPG support. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA. Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of the hydroxylated CPG support 3 Basic Protocol 2: Automated preparation of the CPG support 6 Basic Protocol 3: Automated preparation of the poly(hexaethylene glycol)-derived CPG 7 Basic Protocol 4: Automated functionalization of the poly(hexaethylene glycol)-derived CPG support 7 with leader deoxyribo- and ribonucleosides to provide the CPG support 9 Basic Protocol 5: Automated syntheses of DNA and RNA sequences on poly(hexaethylene glycol)-derived CPG support 9 and on a commercial long-chain alkylamine (LCAA) CPG support Support Protocol: Release and deprotection of the DNA and RNA sequences linked to the poly(hexaethylene glycol)-derived CPG support 10 and commercial LCAA-CPG support Basic Protocol 6: Comparative RP-HPLC analyses of crude, fully deprotected DNA or RNA sequences released from the poly(hexaethylene glycol)-derived CPG support 10 and from a commercial LCAA-CPG support.
Effect of Omecamtiv Mecarbil on the Pharmacokinetics of Metformin, a Probe Substrate for MATE1/MATE2-K, in Healthy Subjects

Omecamtiv mecarbil (OM) is a novel cardiac myosin activator in development for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential for OM to affect the pharmacokinetics of metformin. This was an open-label, fixed-sequence study in 14 healthy subjects. On Day 1, subjects received an 850 mg oral dose of metformin. From Days 4 to 9, subjects received twice-daily 25 mg oral doses of OM tablets. On Day 10, subjects received an 850 mg oral dose of metformin and a single 25 mg tablet of OM. Blood and urine samples were collected up to 36 h post-dose following administration of metformin on Days 1 and 10 to characterize concentrations of metformin in plasma and urine. The ratios of the geometric least square means of metformin coadministered with OM compared to metformin alone were 98.7%, 99.3%, and 110.2% for AUCinf, AUClast, and Cmax, respectively. The mean renal clearance of metformin was similar following metformin administered alone (34.2 L/h) compared to metformin coadministered with OM (32.9 L/h). All adverse events were mild in severity and resolved prior to the end of the study. No serious adverse events or treatment-emergent adverse events led to discontinuation from the study. There was no clinically relevant effect of OM on the pharmacokinetics of metformin in healthy subjects.
Heterogeneous Composition of Oxygen-Evolving Complexes in Crystal Structures of Dark-Adapted Photosystem II.

Photosystem II (PSII) is a homodimeric protein complex that catalyzes water oxidation at the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC), a heterocubanoid calcium-tetramanganese cluster. Here, we analyze the omit electron density peaks of the OEC's metal ions in five X-ray free-electron laser PSII structures at resolutions between 2.15 and 1.95 A. The omit peaks can be described by the total number of electrons and approximated by the variance of electron density distribution when the distributions are spherically symmetric. We show that the number of electrons of metal centers is different in the two OECs of PSII dimers, implying that the oxidation states and/or occupancies of individual metal ions are different in the two monomers. In either case, we find that the two OECs of dark-adapted PSII dimers in crystals are not fully synchronized in the S1 state. Differences in redox states of the OEC in PSII only partially account for the observation that the electron densities integrate to a smaller number of electrons than expected. Differences between the determined and expected relative electron numbers are much larger than the estimated errors, indicating heterogeneity in the OEC composition.
A View of Directions in Relational Database Theory

We shall briefly survey what the author believes are some of the most fruitful directions in relational database theory. These directions include dependency inferences, support for the universal relation concept, null value semantics, and an exploration of the properties of acyclic database schemes.
Investigating the Applicability of Architecture Description in Configuration Management and Software Deployment

Abstract : The discipline of software architecture has traditionally been concerned with high-level design. In particular, a variety of architecture description languages have been developed that are used to precisely capture a design. Additionally, analysis tools have been constructed that are used to verify particular properties of a design. However, today's trend towards the development of component-based software seems to suggest a new use of software architecture. Because an architecture captures components and the connections among them, it could potentially be used as an organizing abstraction for many of the activities in the software life cycle. In this paper we present an initial investigation into the feasibility of such use. In particular, we closely examine the role system modeling plays in the fields of configuration management and software deployment, and relate this role to the system modeling capabilities of architecture description languages. The outcome of this investigation is twofold. First, we conclude that, for the specific cases of configuration management and software deployment, the use of software architecture brings opportunities to significantly extend the provided functionality. Second, we present requirements for a number of extensions to typical architecture description languages that are needed to make our approach viable.
Associations between iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticle growth and metal adsorption/structural incorporation

Abstract The interaction of metal ions and oxyanions with nanoscale mineral phases has not been extensively studied despite the increased recognition of their prevalence in natural systems as a significant component of geomedia. A combination of macroscopic uptake studies to investigate the adsorption behavior of As(V), Cu(II), Hg(II), and Zn(II) onto nanoparticulate goethite (α-FeOOH) as a function of aging time at elevated temperature (75°C) and synchrotron-based X-ray studies to track changes in both the sorption mode and the rate of nanoparticle growth reveals the effects that uptake has on particle growth. Metal(loid) species which sorb quickly to the iron oxyhydroxide particles (As(V), Cu(II)) appear to passivate the particle surface, impeding the growth of the nanoparticles with progressive aging; in contrast, species that sorb more slowly (Hg(II), Zn(II)) have considerably less impact on particle growth. Progressive changes in the speciation of these particular metals suggest shifts in the mode of metal uptake with time, possibly indicating structural incorporation of the metal(loid) into the nanoparticle; this is supported by the continued increase in uptake concomitant with particle growth, implying that metal species may transform from surface-sorbed species to more structurally incorporated forms. This type of incorporation would have implications for the long-term fate and mobility of metals in contaminated regions, and affect strategies for potential remediation/modeling efforts.
Partially Depleted Silicon-on-Ferroelectric Insulator Field Effect Transistor- Parametrization & Design Optimization for Minimum Subthreshold Swing

This paper presents the concept of a new field effect transistor based on ferroelectric insulator. The proposed design is named Partially Depleted Silicon-on-Ferroelectric Insulator Field Effect Transistor (PD-SOFFET). The design combines the concepts of negative capacitance in ferroelectric material and silicon-on-insulator (SOI) device. The structure varies from the conventional SOI technology by substituting the buried SiO2 with a layer of ferroelectric insulator. This new material stack can extract an effective negative capacitance (NC) in the body of the device. The NC effect can provide internal signal boosting. It is demonstrated that the subthreshold swing and the threshold voltage of the proposed device can be lowered by carefully selecting the doping density, the types of the gate oxide and the thicknesses of the ferroelectric film, the silicon layer above the buried insulator and the gate oxide. Lower subthreshold swing is a prime requirement for ultra-low-power design. This paper focuses on studying several parameters to tune the subthreshold swing of the SOFFET device. We have recently introduced the concept of the new transistor, SOFFET, with ferroelectric insulator embedded inside the silicon substrate to lower the subthreshold swing. This paper investigates the impacts of different oxide materials, ferroelectric thicknesses and doping profiles on the negative capacitance inside the body of the proposed PD-SOFFET. It is observed that some emerging gate oxide materials can improve subthreshold flexibility, lower leakage and provide better control over the channel in the proposed device. The concept of a new field effect transistor based on ferroelectric insulator.The SOF-FET structure offers better switching performance due to inherent low short channel effect and low subthreshold swing.The design combines the concept of the inherent negative capacitance in ferroelectric material with the partially depleted silicon-on-insulator structure.A model is derived to show that the subthreshold swing and the threshold voltage of the proposed structure are dependent on the oxide materials, ferroelectric thicknesses and doping profiles.
Laparoscopic Abdominoperineal Resection and Total Proctocolectomy with End Ileostomy

Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection is a common surgical procedure, usually performed for low rectal tumors, mid-rectal tumors in patients with a weak sphincter mechanism, and for recurrent or residual anal cancer. It is usually performed using three to four ports, following the same principles as open surgery, with an advantage of avoiding a major incision as the specimen is retrieved through the perineum. Surgical pitfalls include those problems seen during open surgery such as ureteric, autonomic nerve and vascular injuries, and in addition injury to the epigastric vessels during port placement. Laparoscopic total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy is generally undertaken for patients with extensive colonic Crohn’s disease involving the rectum with or without perianal disease, for familial adenomatous polyposis or patients with ulcerative colitis who decline or are not candidates for restorative procedures. The procedure is performed with five ports including the camera port. The pitfalls of the technique include those issues seen in the abdominoperineal resection, plus injury to the duodenum and right ureter during right colon mobilization. Postoperative care is similar for both procedures; patients are started on a clear liquid diet on the day of surgery and diet is advanced as tolerated. The bladder catheter is kept in place for about 3 days. Patients can often be discharged home after 4–5 days. In patients with an end ileostomy, care is taken to strictly measure the ileostomy output, and start antidiarrheal medications as needed prior to discharge.
Macroscopic Quantum Coherence in an Rf-SQUID

We present experimental evidence for a coherent superposition of macroscopically distinct flux states in an rf-SQUID. When the external flux Φ x applied to the SQUID is near 1/2 of a flux quantum Φ o, the SQUID has two nearly degenerate configurations: the zero- and one-fluxoid states, corresponding to a few microamperes of current flowing clockwise or counterclockwise, respectively. The system is modeled as a particle in a double-well potential where each well represents a distinct fluxoid state (0 or 1) and the barrier between the wells can be controlled in situ. For low damping and a sufficiently high barrier, the system has a set of quantized energy levels localized in each well. The relative energies of these levels can be varied with Φ x. External microwaves are used to pump the system from the well-localized ground state of one well into one of a pair of excited states nearer the top of the barrier. We spectroscopically map out the energy of these levels in the neighborhood of their degeneracy point by varying Φ x as well as the barrier height. We find a splitting between the two states at this point, when both states are below the classical energy barrier, indicating that the system attains a coherent superposition of flux basis states that are macroscopically distinct in that their mean fluxes differ by more than 1/4 Φ o and their currents differ by several microamperes.
Examining Technology and Teaching Efficacy of Preservice Teacher Candidates: A Deliberate Course Design Model

Training programs that improve technology self-efficacy of teacher candidates will better prepare candidates to overcome technology challenges with greater levels of confidence. The purpose of this study was to examine self-efficacy levels of preservice teacher candidates who participated in scaffolded technology training designed to establish and build upon personal successes and motivations related to technology skill development and use of technology. A purposeful sample of 424 pre-service teacher candidates enrolled in an Instructional Technology course were administered the Technology and Teaching Efficacy Scale at the beginning and end of the semester to assess perceived confidence in his or her abilities to implement technology into classroom lessons/activities to promote students' success through the use of technology. Findings suggest that preservice teacher candidates, who participated in a technology course that was designed to develop confidence in the use and implementation of technology had an impact on use of technology and teaching self-efficacy.
Application of focused ion beam for testing, repair and fabrication of metal and optical interconnections in wafer scale integration

Testing and repair methods using a focused ion beam (FIB) system are presented. An application of ion beam voltage contrast testing to the problem of checking line continuity and shorting is examined. A microfocused secondary ion mass spectrometer is used for verification of cuts produced from ion milling. The feasibility of using FIB to micromachine optical mirrors used in optical waveguides has been studied with very encouraging results. The versatility of FIB presents a unique opportunity for test and repair of wafer-scale metal wires as well as fabrication of microoptics for optical waveguides in a single high-yield processing step. >
A 110–250V 2MHz isolated DC-DC converter with integrated high-speed synchronous three-level gate drive

This paper presents techniques for high-voltage isolated converters to achieve high power efficiency at high switching frequencies. To minimize the converter switching loss, an isolated quasi-square-wave zero-voltage switching three-level half-bridge architecture is adopted. An integrated synchronous three-level gate driver is proposed to ensure reliability of all eGaN power FETs and provide fast propagation delays for high-frequency converter operation. Thanks to the auto-reconfigurability of the proposed V SW -based dead-time controller in the gate driver, ZVS of all power FETs with minimal body diode conduction loss can be achieved in a wide input range (110V–250V) to guarantee the reliability of the proposed converter. Implemented in a 0.7μm 700V CMOS-LDMOS process, the proposed gate driver achieves ≤ 18ns propagation delays and enables a 250V 45W isolated three-level converter to achieve the peak power efficiencies of 94.2% and 89.1% at 1MHz and 2MHz, respectively.
Euploid derivatives of duplications from a translocation in neurospora.

ABSTRACT Nontandem terminal chromosome duplications derived from N. crassa translocation T(I→VI)NM103 give rise mitotically to some daughter nuclei which have become euploid by loss of one or the other of the two duplicated segments. Loss of the segment in normal sequence occurs as often as loss of the translocated segment. This is in contrast to all of several other Neurospora duplications that have been studied, where loss of the segment in normal sequence is absent or rare.— T(NM103) has the distal two thirds of linkage group IR exchanged with the right tip of VI. Crosses to normal sequence produce a class of morphologically distinct progeny with IR chromosome duplications. For a few days after germination, test crosses of these progeny are barren (make perithecia but few or no spores, as observed commonly with Neurospora duplications). Growing duplication cultures become fertile by accumulating nuclei which have been reduced to either normal sequence (by loss of the segment in translocation sequence) or translocation sequence (by loss of the segment in normal sequence). Both types usually appear within the first week of growth. Naturally formed mixtures or heterokaryons of NM103 duplication nuclei and their reduced euploid products have been studied by plating and by progeny testing. Determination of nuclear type is based on culture morphology, expression of genetic markers, and crossing behavior. Within the limits of testing, loss is found to begin precisely at the interchange points. The unique finding of frequent breakdown of normal-sequence linkage group I chromosomes is not dependent on the strain from which the chromosome was derived. Many different strains were tested, and for each one evidence was found that nuclei reduced to translocation sequence had been produced from duplication nuclei by loss of the segment in normal sequence.
Childhood hyperactivity: An overview of rating scales and their applications

Abstract Rating scales for assessing childhood hyperactivity, including those designed for parents and teachers, are reviewed. Both omnibus measures covering a broad range of children's behavior and more circumscribed hyperactivity scales are described. Applications of these rating scales clinically and in research are discussed and illustrated.
ORBIT FEEDBACK AT THE NSLS

Abstract We discuss the design of global and local orbit feedback systems. Analog and digital implementations at the NSLS are described, as are the results of measurements characterizing performance.
Integrating-sphere system and method for absolute measurement of transmittance, reflectance, and absorptance of specular samples.

An integrating-sphere system has been designed and constructed for multiple optical properties measurement in the IR spectral range. In particular, for specular samples, the absolute transmittance and reflectance can be measured directly with high accuracy and the absorptance can be obtained from these by simple calculation. These properties are measured with a Fourier transform spectrophotometer for several samples of both opaque and transmitting materials. The expanded uncertainties of the measurements are shown to be less than 0.003 (absolute) over most of the detector-limited working spectral range of 2 to 18 µm. The sphere is manipulated by means of two rotation stages that enable the ports on the sphere to be rearranged in any orientation relative to the input beam. Although the sphere system is used for infrared spectral measurements, the measurement method, design principles, and features are generally applicable to other wavelengths as well.
Arboricultural Introductions and Long-Term Changes for Invasive Woody Plants in Remnant Urban Forests

Long-term changes for invasive trees and shrubs presence in 16 floras encompassing four remnant urban forests of the coastal northeastern United States were examined for relationships with arboricultural introductions’ residence time and planting intensity, and state level recognition of regional invasive woody taxa. The number of invasive woody taxa significantly increased over the period 1818 to 2011 which encompasses the 16 floras. No significant Pearson product moment correlations were found for residence time as the year of introduction to arboriculture with presence in the 16 floras as well as with the 4 most recent floras. In contrast to residence time, planting intensity from the North American flora and two botanical gardens floras of the region from 1811 to 1818 and New York and Philadelphia parks floras from 1857 to 1903 did have significant correlations with the 16 floras and the 4 most recent floras. State level recognition of regional invasive woody taxa showed significant correlations with presence in all 16 floras as well as the 4 most recent floras. Monitoring for range expansion by the regional invasive woody taxa is essential because only 18% of the 98 taxa are present in all 4 of the most recent floras.
Extending Rapoport's rule to Pacific marine fishes

The mean bathymetric (depth) range of assemblages of marine fishes is negatively correlated with the depth at which the assemblage is found and negatively correlated with species richness. These findings support the creation of a new biogeographic rule patterned after the terrestrial Rapoport's Rules for Latitude and Elevation. Previous work on Rapoport's rule is extended to include this bathymetric rule and the basis for all known Rapoport's rules is generalized in hopes of broadening the search for other Rapoport's rules. Species richness is found to be correlated with Rapoport phenomena, consistent with previous studies. Moreover, local species richness is found to be strongly influenced by regional patterns of species richness (so-called macro-ecological factors), not just local influences such as productivity in the immediate area.
Molecular mechanism of CO2 and SO2 molecules binding to the air/liquid interface of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid: a molecular dynamics study with polarizable potential models.

Molecular dynamics simulations with many-body interactions were carried out to understand the bulk and interfacial absorption of gases in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF4). A new polarizable molecular model was developed for BMIMBF4, which was found to give the correct liquid density but which also had good agreement with experiment for its surface tension and X-ray reflectivity. The potential of mean force of CO2 and SO2 was calculated across the air−BMIMBF4 interface, and the bulk free energies were calculated with the free-energy perturbation method. A new polarizable model was also developed for CO2. The air−BMIMBF4 interface had enhanced BMIM density, which was mostly related to its butyl group, followed by enhanced BF4 density a few angstroms toward the liquid bulk. The density profiles were observed to exhibit oscillations between high BMIM and BF4 density indicating the presence of surface layering induced by the interface. The potential of mean force for CO2 and SO2 showed m...
Load-Extension-Time Behavior of Orthodontic Alastiks

Typical elastomeric behavior displayed by Alastik orthodontic bands resulted in load-extension curves that depended on the rate of extension as well as the amount of extension. Initially, the modules tested at the faster speeds had higher moduli and were stronger; but as extension continued, the trend reversed, and at breakage the more slowly stretched modules were the strongest. Therefore, although the Alastiks appear to be uniformly produced, the clinician still needs to know his rate of deformation and degree of stretching to accurately assess the module force. In addition, the module, once in position, will not maintain a constant force but will experience a decrease in applied load with time kept at a constant extension. Because the initial load decay is more rapid for both faster extension and higher load, it seems reasonable to suggest that care be taken by the clinican to stretch the module more slowly into place. This should result in a higher load level for a longer period of time. Although the measured changes in loads are not necessarily of sufficient magnitude to seriously influence the clinical result, a clearer understanding of the module behavior, such as currently presented, will hopefully assist in more comprehensive clinical evaluations.
Lipoxygenase-mediated hydrogen peroxide-dependent N-demethylation of N,N-dimethylaniline and related compounds

Abstract To date, studies of xenobiotic N -demethylation have focused on heme-proteins such as P-450 and peroxidases. In this study we investigated the ability of non-heme iron proteins, namely soybean lipoxygenase (SLO) and human term placental lipoxygenase (HTPLO) to mediate N -demethylation of N , N -dimethylaniline (DMA) and related compounds in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. In addition to being hydrogen peroxide dependent, the reaction was also dependent on incubation time, concentration of enzyme and DMA and the pH of the medium. Using Nash reagent to estimate formaldehyde production, we determined the specific activity for SLO mediated N -demethylation of DMA to be 200±18 nmol HCHO/min per mg protein or 23±2 nmol/min per nmol of enzyme, while that of HTPLO was 33±4 nmol HCHO/min per mg protein. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a classical inhibitor of lipoxygenase (LO), as well as antioxidants and free radical reducing agents, caused a marked reduction in the rate of production of formaldehyde from DMA by SLO. Besides N , N -dimethylaniline, N -methylaniline, N , N , N′ , N′ -tetramethylbenzidine, N , N -dimethyl- p -phenylenediamine, N , N -dimethyl-3-nitroaniline and N , N -dimethyl- p -toluidine were also demethylated by SLO. The formation of a DMA N -oxide was not detected. Preliminary experiments suggested SLO-mediated hydrogen peroxide-dependent S -dealkylation of methiocarb or O -dealkylation of 4-nitroanisole does not occur.
Amino Acid Adsorption on the Si(100) Surface: The Case of Glycine

Using first principles total energy methods, we have investigated the adsorption of glycinethe simplest amino acidon the Si(100)- c(4 × 2)surface, with a focus on the associated energetics, charge transfer, electronic properties, and structural characteristics. We find that glycine adsorbs primarily on the “down” atoms of a Si dimer, with adsorption of the amino group being slightly favored over the absorption of the carboxylic acid group. Glycine on Si(100) may also involve the removal of a H atom from the chemical group most directly absorbed. In addition, there is evidence for a [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction when both “CO” atoms absorb, as well as the more drastic breakup of the glycine molecule and the formation of a ketenimine molecule under high-energy conditions.
The Party of Eros: Radical Social Thought and the Realm of Freedom

In this provocative study, the author treats Goodman, Marcuse, and Brown as the three most important radical social theorists in America since the end of World War II. His reasoned conclusions will attract anyone interested in the nonpolitical background of today's radical social thought. Originally published 1972. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
Expressive Query Support for Multidimensional Data in Distributed Hash Tables

The quantity and precision of geospatial and time series observational data being collected has increased in tandem with the steady expansion of processing and storage capabilities in modern computing hardware. The storage requirements for this information are vastly greater than the capabilities of a single computer, and are primarily met in a distributed manner. However, distributed solutions often impose strict constraints on retrieval semantics. In this paper, we investigate the factors that influence storage and retrieval operations on large datasets in a cloud setting, and propose a lightweight data partitioning and indexing scheme to facilitate these operations. Our solution provides expressive retrieval support through range-based and exact-match queries and can be applied over massive quantities of multidimensional data. We provide benchmarks to illustrate the relative advantage of using our solution over an established cloud storage engine in a distributed network of heterogeneous computing resources.
Cognitive appraisals in cancer patients

Coping with cancer was examined using interviews with outpatient subjects in a correlational design. Specific attention was given to the relationships between cognitive appraisals and various aspects of adjustment. Appraisals were selected in accord with Lazarus' (1980) model of coping. The primary appraisal of perceived life threat appeared negatively related to adjustment. The primary appraisal process also appeared to involve multiple, simultaneous appraisals. Several secondary appraisals emerged as correlates of adjustment: perceived personal control, God-control, and chance-control, along with perceived control over emotional reactions. Overall, cognitive appraisals appeared to be modest predictors of adjustment.
New anatomic repair of midline abdominal wall incisions extending to suprapubic region.

This article describes a new technique to close infraumbilical midline abdominal wall incisions extending to the suprapubic region. This repair is technically easy to perform, saves time, reduces the risk of bowel and bladder injury and takes into consideration the anatomical landmarks of the peritoneum, the rectus sheath and the arcuate line. Abdominal wall closure with this repair is especially useful in obese patients. Furthermore, with this repair the pelvic cavity is lined with smooth peritoneum, which may reduce postoperative adhesions in the pelvis. Technically easy to perform and saves time Very useful technique for obese patients Reduced risk of bowel and bladder injury Anatomical in nature Potentially minimizes postoperative adhesions
Red Clover Extracts Inhibit Legume Proteolysis

Unwilted red clover and alfalfa herbage were hand-chopped, inocu- lated, ensiled into laboratory silos and opened after 0, 1, 3 and 7 days. Proteol- ysis was 40% lower with the red clover silage than alfalfa silage after 7 days of ensiling. The lower extent of proteolysis with the red clover silages could not be explained by differences in dry matter content, pH decline nor final pH of the silage. It was determined that red clover has a buffer soluble protein that could inhibit proteolysis in red clover and alfalfa. The soluble protein is possibly a polyphenol oxidase.
Physiological bases for different effects of extravascular colloid treatments on water and NaCl solution drinking by rats.

Abstract Extravascular injections of colloidal solutions gradually promote the sequestration of isosmotic protein-free plasma fluid which has been extruded from local capillaries. This procedure avoids many of the drawbacks of hemorrhage and seems ideal for studying appetitive behaviors elicited by hypovolemia. In the present study, rats given 30% polyethylene glycol (PG) solution subcutaneously increased their intake of water and, after a delay of 6–8 hr, also began to drink concentrated NaCl solution. Rats given the same colloidal solution intraperitoneally showed thirst but did not develop a sodium appetite. These behaviors can be related to the induced plasma volume deficits, which persist only so long as the colloid remains where it is injected. Thus, progressive decreases in plasma volume occur for 12–18 hr after subcutaneous injections, and PG does not appear in plasma during this time. In contrast, PG can be found in plasma within 6–12 hr after intraperitoneal injection, which rapidly vitiates the effects of this treatment and thereby removes the hypovolemic stimulus for NaCl intake.
Influence of interphase and moisture on the dielectric spectroscopy of epoxy/silica composites

Abstract Epoxy/silica composites have been used widely as the electronics packaging materials. This paper tested the thermal properties, moisture absorption and dielectric properties of pure epoxy and epoxy composites with micron-sized silica and nano-sized silica. The master curve of the dielectric loss factor was obtained by time–temperature superposition principle. Results showed that the nano-composite had a much higher loss factor, lower glass transition temperature and higher moisture absorption than other samples. By the analysis of the origin of the dielectric response in epoxy/silica composite, the reason for the different dielectric relaxation behaviors of the nano-composite, the micron-composite, and the pure epoxy was discussed.
Complete atrioventricular block associated with rheumatoid disease

Abstract Four patients are presented with rheumatoid disease and associated complete atrioventricular block. One patient with first degree heart block may have had complete heart block secondary to digitalis. Complete atrioventricular block may be associated with either peripheral rheumatoid disease or spondylitis and may develop insidiously before clinical manifestations of joint involvement are recognized. On the basis of available case reports, it appears that in patients with complete heart block due to peripheral rheumatoid disease, Adams-Stokes attacks are more likely to develop.
Age Differences on a Coincident Anticipation Task: influence of Stereotypic or "Preferred" Movement Speed

Two experiments were performed as an initial attempt to explain age related limitations in response accuracy on a coincident anticipation task. Five- to 9-year-old boys and adult males participated in each experiment. They made horizontal arm movements in response to stimuli from a Bassin Anticipation Timer. The results of Experiment I confirmed the findings of previous studies, which showed that young children respond early to slow moving stimuli. They were most accurate at intermediate speeds; their responses deteriorated as speed was increased. Older children and adults were more accurate at slow to intermediate speeds; their performances also declined at fast stimulus velocities. Experiment II examined use of a stereotypic or default movement speed as an explanation for these results, particularly for young children. A most comfortable movement pace was determined for each subject and was used as a baseline speed for a subsequent timing task. Four other stimuli were selected in 0.8 mph increments from the baseline speed (two faster, two slower). In addition, selected trials for 6 subjects at each age were filmed at 32 fps. X-coordinates for these trials were obtained and smoothed at 5 Hz. Movement time data suggested that 5-year-olds used a preferred or stereotypic speed, since they were accurate only when responding to their baseline speed. Older subjects matched stimuli up to and including their baselines. Kinematic characteristics confirmed the general notion of preferred speed for 5-year-olds. These same measures demonstrated that older subjects were increasingly adaptable in their responses, despite a failure to respond more accurately. Consequently, the term "preferred speed" lacks generality as an explanatory concept. Age-related shifts in the ability to modify components of a response, like average movement velocity and number of corrections, were used to explain accuracy differences.
Myosin IIA regulates cell motility and actomyosin–microtubule crosstalk

Non-muscle myosin II has diverse functions in cell contractility, cytokinesis and locomotion, but the specific contributions of its different isoforms have yet to be clarified. Here, we report that ablation of the myosin IIA isoform results in pronounced defects in cellular contractility, focal adhesions, actin stress fibre organization and tail retraction. Nevertheless, myosin IIA-deficient cells display substantially increased cell migration and exaggerated membrane ruffling, which was dependent on the small G-protein Rac1, its activator Tiam1 and the microtubule moter kinesin Eg5. Myosin IIA deficiency stabilized microtubules, shifting the balance between actomyosin and microtubules with increased microtubules in active membrane ruffles. When microtubule polymerization was suppressed, myosin IIB could partially compensate for the absence of the IIA isoform in cellular contractility, but not in cell migration. We conclude that myosin IIA negatively regulates cell migration and suggest that it maintains a balance between the actomyosin and microtubule systems by regulating microtubule dynamics.
Accentuation and Causes for the Obscurity in the Divine Scriptures: Polychronius’ Prologue to Job

Abstract This article examines the work of the fifth-century bishop and brother of Theodore of Mopsuestia, Polychronius of Apamea (d. ca. 430), in light of extant writings from the second-century Greek grammarian, Aelius Herodianus. It studies a fragment from Polychronius’ prologue to his commentary on Job titled Causes for the Obscurity in the Divine Scriptures, identifies a philological analogue in the work of Herodian, and in so doing, highlights their grammatical training and shared concern with τόνοι (accents) in the interpretation of a text. The analysis shows that Polychronius’ employment of grammatical technique in understanding Christian scripture is of no less value to the Christian bishop than it is to the Greek grammarian, Herodian, in his understanding of Greek classics. For Polychronius, the “obscurity in the divine scriptures” can be resolved with the tools of Greek grammatical theory.
Nuclear quadrupole coupling in Cu(C2O4)2 dianion

Abstract By measurement of the angular dependence of separations between pairs of forbidden (Δ M I ≠ 0) lines in Q-band EPR spectra, the nuclear quadrupole coupling parameter QD is determined to be + (4.5 ± 0.2) × 10 −4 cm −1 for 63 Cu doped into K 2 Pd(C 2 O 4 ) 2 ·2H 2 O. The increase of ≈ 1.2 × 10 −4 cm −1 over the related copper β-ketoenolates is quantitatively accounted for by the expected reduction of dπ-ligand backbonding.
Stereochemistry of the allene in the conversion of ethynylalkanol acetates into allenes via organoboranes

Sequential treatment of R-(+)-1-octyn-3-ol acetate with n-butyllithium, tri-n-butylborane and acetic acid produces 5,6-dodecadiene which is enriched in the S-(+) enantiomer. The migration of the alkyl group from boron thus occurs preferentially anti to the leaving group.
Lifetime of the 632keV 5/2+ level in 77 as

Abstract The half-life of the 5/2 + level at 632 keV in 77 As has been measured with the delayed coincidence technique, using γ-rays emitted following the decay of 77 Ge. Centroid shift and slope analyses of the 77 Ge decay data give a half-life of 75 ± 15 psec. Reduced transition probabilities are calculated and compared with the corresponding quantities for 75 As.
Costing Behavioral Interventions: A Practical Guide to Enhance Translation

Cost and cost effectiveness of behavioral interventions are critical parts of dissemination and implementation into non-academic settings. Due to the lack of indicative data and policy makers’ increasing demands for both program effectiveness and efficiency, cost analyses can serve as valuable tools in the evaluation process. To stimulate and promote broader use of practical techniques that can be used to efficiently estimate the implementation costs of behavioral interventions, we propose a set of analytic steps that can be employed across a broad range of interventions. Intervention costs must be distinguished from research, development, and recruitment costs. The inclusion of sensitivity analyses is recommended to understand the implications of implementation of the intervention into different settings using different intervention resources. To illustrate these procedures, we use data from a smoking reduction practical clinical trial to describe the techniques and methods used to estimate and evaluate the costs associated with the intervention. Estimated intervention costs per participant were $419, with a range of $276 to $703, depending on the number of participants.
Kant's Moral Theology

A common factor in Kant's three Critiques is the recurrence of what has come to be known as his ‘moral theology’.1 Unsurprisingly, there is much controversy about how to interpret the moral argumen...
Hyaluronan-Mediated Aggregation of Limb Bud Mesenchyme and Mesenchymal Condensation during Chondrogenesis

Cell condensations are the initial structures in the formation of proper cartilage and skeletal patterning in the developing vertebrate limb. Chondrogenic differentiation is dependent upon the cell-cell and/or cell-matrix interactions which take place during the condensation process. Coincident with the onset of condensation is the expression by limb mesenchyme of specific cell surface binding sites for the extracellular matrix macromolecule hyaluronan. The association of hyaluronan with the cell surface can influence the behavior of cells, especially cell aggregation. In this study the possible involvement of hyaluronan as an extracellular linker molecule in the cell-cell adhesion event during mesenchymal condensation was investigated in the avian limb model. Hyaluronan hexasaccharides were used to prevent the multivalent interactions that occur between native hyaluronan macromolecules and the cell surface. Our studies show that hyaluronan is required for early adhesive cell-cell interactions of limb bud mesenchyme and that perturbations of hyaluronan-cell interactions with hyaluronan hexasaccharides result in a delay in the formation of condensations as well as a delay in chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal cells in micromass cultures.
A multistep epigenetic switch enables the stable inheritance of DNA methylation states

In many prokaryotes and eukaryotes, DNA methylation at cis-regulatory sequences determines whether gene expression is on or off. Stable inheritance of these expression states is required in bacterial pathogenesis, cancer and developmental pathways. Here we delineate the factors that control the stability of these states by using the agn43 gene in Escherichia coli as a model system. Systematic disruption of this system shows that a functional switch requires the presence of several, rarely occupied, intermediate states that separate the 'on' and 'off' states. Cells that leave the on and off state enter different intermediate states, where there is a strong bias that drives cells back to their original state. The intermediate states therefore act as buffers that prevent back and forth switching. This mechanism of generating multiple states is an alternative to feedback regulation, and its general principle should be applicable to the analysis of other epigenetic switches and the design of synthetic circuits.
What is the Proximal Cause of Aging

In spite of exciting new insights into regulatory mechanisms that modulate the aging process, the proximal cause of aging remains one of the unsolved big problems in biology. An evolutionary analysis of aging provides a helpful theoretical framework by establishing boundary conditions on possible mechanisms of aging. The fundamental insight is that the force of natural selection diminishes with age (Medawar, 1952; Comfort, 1956; Williams, 1957). This does not preclude senescence (age-related decrease in individual fitness) from occurring in natural populations (Nussey et al., 2012). Senescence can develop because some genes have non-separable, but typically different or opposite, functions in reproductive-age and in old individuals (antagonistic pleiotropy; Williams, 1957). Such genes, selected according to their “youthful” function, may thus impose a distinct senescent phenotype in old age. In general, however, unless a controversial formulation of group selection (Nowak et al., 2010; Wilson, 2012) is invoked, traits that would become manifest only in old age cannot evolve. This precludes the evolutionary emergence of aging programs, which have been sometimes postulated to exist (Goldsmith, 2012; Mitteldorf, 2012) in analogy to developmental and other biological programs. (By the same token, selective pressure that diminishes with age would also prevent extreme longevity from evolving, if “extreme” denotes a potential life span much longer than that imposed by extrinsic mortality in a given environment.) This and other arguments against the existence of an aging program have been discussed previously (e.g., Zimniak, 2008; Kirkwood and Melov, 2011).
Resource constrained failure management in networked computing systems

We examine the problem of fault detection in networked computing systems and highlight the tradeoff between diagnosing/reacting to potentially harmful real-time events and minimizing the number of times the system is reset or scanned for malicious activity. The various health states of a system are modeled as states in a Markov chain, and we use a model fitting approach to estimate the transitions between these states. We proceed by considering a scenario in which a system is to be deployed over a fixed horizon but with a limit on the number of times that the health state can be scanned and the system can be reset. Each health state is assigned a cost according to the performance of the system while in that state. Dynamic Programming is then used to find an optimal admissible policy (one that obeys the usage limitation constraints) which achieves the lowest expected aggregate cost. Finally, we examine some properties of the solution.
Coordination of Surge Protectors in Low-Voltage AC Power Circuits

Surge protectors can be installed in low-voltage ac power systems to limit overvoltages imposed on sensitive loads. Available devices offer a range of voltage-clamping levels and energy-handling capability, with the usual economic trade-off limitations. Coordination is possible between low- clamping-voltage devices having limited energy capability and high-clamping- voltage devices having high energy capability. The paper gives two examples of coordination, as well as additional experimental results on surge propagation.
A pH titration study on the ionic bridging within lipopolysaccharide aggregates

Abstract The packing of lipopolysaccharide aggregates from rough strains of Escherichia coli was examined at different pH values. Lipopolysaccharide head-group motion, measured with an electron spin resonance probe, was found to be dependent on pH, and indicated the existence of multiple ionizable groups. Lipopolysaccharide from a rough (Ra) and a heptose-less (Re) mutant were more rigid at pH 5 than at pH 10.5. In addition, head-group mobility of the magnesium salt of Ra lipopolysaccharide was substantially less than that of the sodium salt at pH 7.0, whereas at high pH (pH 12) the two salts were equally fluid. Changes in head-group packing were also reflected in pH-dependent changes in the phase transition measured with differential scanning calorimetry. The enthalpy of the transition, ΔH t , for the sodium salt of Re lipopolysaccharide was greatest at pH 7.5 and approached zero in both the acidic and the basic pH ranges. We propose that fixed charges in the core and lipid A regions significantly influence lipopolysaccharide head-group motion and the lipopolysaccharide aggregation state. Furthermore, ionic bridging among phosphate groups dramatically rigidifies head group interactions in the neutral to acidic pH ranges.