cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research Note: Effects of Agitation and Temperature Changes on Turkey Sperm Viability After Twenty-Four Hour Storage

The effects of agitation and temperature changes on turkey sperm viability were estimated before and after 24 h storage at 7 C using the ethidium bromide (EB) procedure and a sperm stress test. The stress test is identical to the EB procedure except the buffer is hypotonic. Labile sperm lyse and are then stained with the EB. Treatments consisted of semen diluted 1:1 and subjected to one of the following procedures: agitation (pipetting up and down 25 times, repeated 4 times at 15-min intervals); temperature changes (semen moved from 7 to 26 C and back to 7 C 3 times at 30-min intervals); or control semen procedures (diluted semen is placed on an orbital shaker at 7 C). Each semen treatment was evaluated within 3 h of dilution and after 24 h storage. Agitation and temperature changes did not affect viability of sperm. Regardless of treatment, the EB procedure revealed no differences in sperm viability before or after 24 h storage. In contrast, the same samples subjected to the stress test revealed significant increases in nonviable sperm after 24 h storage. However, there was no treatment by test interaction. These data indicate that mixing semen with diluent and mild changes in semen temperature associated with the transport of semen between the interval of semen collection to insemination, even up to 24 h storage, have minor effects on sperm viability.
Serum bicarbonate and long-term outcomes in CKD.

Background A low serum bicarbonate level is prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, its relationship to long-term outcomes is unclear. Study Design Cohort study. Setting & Participants The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study examined the effects of dietary protein restriction and blood pressure control on progression of kidney disease. This analysis includes 942 screened but non–randomized individuals and 839 randomized participants with baseline serum bicarbonate measurements with stage 2-4 CKD. Factor Serum bicarbonate level categorized into quartiles. Outcomes Kidney failure, all-cause mortality, and a composite outcome of mortality and kidney failure. Measurements Local laboratories at each participating site measured bicarbonate in fasting serum samples. Kidney failure outcomes were obtained from the US Renal Data System, and mortality data, from the National Death Index. Results Mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 39 ± 21 (SD) mL/min/1.73 m 2 and serum bicarbonate level was 23.3 ± 3.8 mEq/L. Kidney failure rates were 72%, 64%, 50%, and 41%; mortality rates were 31%, 25%, 21%, and 25%, and rates of the composite outcome were 78%, 71%, 58%, and 54% in bicarbonate quartiles 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. In analyses adjusted for demographic and cardiovascular disease factors, serum albumin level, proteinuria, and cause of kidney disease, compared with quartile 4, quartile 1 was associated with a 2.22 HR (95% CI, 1.83-2.68) of kidney failure; 1.39 HR (95% CI, 1.07-1.18) of all-cause mortality; and 1.36 HR (95% CI, 1.15-1.62) of the composite outcome. These associations were rendered nonsignificant with adjustment for GFR (kidney failure HR, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.87-1.28]; all-cause mortality HR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.75-1.13]; composite HR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.87-1.24]). Limitations Single baseline measurement of serum bicarbonate. Conclusions Low serum bicarbonate level was associated with increased risk of long-term outcomes in nondiabetic patients with CKD. However, this risk is not independent of baseline GFR. Clinical trials are necessary to evaluate whether bicarbonate supplementation slows the progression of CKD.
Estimates of the number of mounted pteridophyte specimens in six major herbaria in the United States

A stratified-random sampling method was used to estimate the number of pteridophyte specimens in six of the largest herbaria in the United states (F, GH/A/NEBC, MO, NY, UC, US). The point estimate of the collection size and the 95% confidence intervals for each herbarium were found to be as follows: US 251,000 (±20,000); NY 201,000 (±20,000); MO 160,000 (±15,000); GH/A/NEBC 124,000 (±12,000); UC 119,000 (±9,000); F 97,000 (±10,000). It is hoped that these numbers will help assess the growth of these collections in the future.
Efficacy of DHE photodynamic therapy for respiratory papillomatosis: immediate and long‐term results

Objectives/Hypothesis: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a potentially life-threatening disease that affects both children and adults and can result in complete respiratory obstruction. Conventional therapies cannot prevent multiple recurrences. The authors have been evaluating photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat this disease since 1988. This study compared the efficacy of PDT with dihematoporphyrin-ether (DHE) with traditional therapy. Study Design: This was a randomized prospective trial of DHE-PDT. Patients were randomly assigned to receive one of two doses of DHE-3.25 mg/kg or 4.25 mg/kg body weight. They were compared with a concurrent control group. Disease extent was evaluated by direct laryngoscopy before treatment and over a 1-year period following treatment. Results were also compared with two historical cohorts of patients treated with lower doses of DHE. Methods: Eighty-one patients, ages 4 to 74 years, with moderate to severe recurrent disease were enrolled. Forty-eight received PDT and 33 in the control group were treated with conventional therapy. Both PDT groups received 50 J laser light to activate the drug. Patients received an intravenous infusion of DHE as outpatients 48 to 72 hours before treatment. During direct laryngoscopy, light (630 nm) was delivered by an argon-pumped dye laser. Tissue biopsies were analyzed for presence of human papillomavirus (HPV). Results: There was notable improvement with either drug dose over the first year. Those receiving 4.25 mg/kg DHE experienced a significantly larger decrease in papilloma growth rate. Three-year follow-up of a subset of patients confirmed that improvement was maintained. There was no impact of DHE-PDT on persistence of HPV DNA. Conclusion : This therapy holds promise for the treatment of laryngeal papillomas.
Hypoxia-response element (HRE)-directed transcriptional regulation of the rat lysyl oxidase gene in response to cobalt and cadmium.

Lysyl oxidase (LO) catalyzes crosslink of collagen, elastin, and histone H1, stabilizing the extracellular matrix and cell nucleus. This enzyme displays dual functions for tumorigenesis, i.e., as a tumor suppressor inactivating the ras oncogene and as a tumor promoter enhancing malignant cell metastasis. To elucidate LO transcriptional regulation, we have cloned the 804 base pair region upstream of the translation start site (ATG) of the rat LO gene with the maximal promoter activity. Computer analysis indicated that at least four hypoxia-response element (HRE) consensuses (5′-ACGTG-3′) exist in the cloned LO promoter. Treatment of rat lung fibroblasts (RFL6) with CoCl2 (Co, 10–100 μM), a chemical hypoxia reagent, enhanced LO mRNA expression and promoter activities. Overexpression of LO was associated with upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α at mRNA levels in cobalt (Co)–treated cells. Thus, LO is a hypoxia-responsive gene. Dominant negative-HIF-1α inhibited LO promoter activities stimulated by Co. Electrophoretic mobility shift, oligonucleotide competition, and in vitro translated HIF-1α binding assays indicated that only one HRE mapped at −387/−383 relative to ATG was functionally active among four consensuses. Site-directed mutation of this HRE significantly diminished the Co-induced and LO promoter-directed expression of the reporter gene. Cadmium (Cd), an inducer of reactive oxygen species, inhibited HIF-1α mRNA expression and HIF-1α binding to the LO gene in Co-treated cells as revealed by RT-PCR and ChIP assays, respectively. Thus, modulation of the HRE activity by Co and Cd plays a critical role in LO gene transactivation.
Transgender Health: A Review and Guidance for Future Research—Proceedings from the Summer Institute at the Center for Research on Health and Sexual Orientation, University of Pittsburgh

ABSTRACT This article reports on the outcome of the Summer Institute on Transgender Health Research held July 24–26, 2008, at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The institute attendees included a panel of experts in the field of transgender research. The goals of the institute were to provide an opportunity to learn more about transgender health research, to foster a dialogue among experts on transgender health issues, and to come to a consensus on what is needed to move the field forward. The scope of existing research on the transgender population is limited. While more research is needed on the known health problems of HIV/AIDS, substance use, and mental health, there is also a need to focus on other health issues, such as cardiovascular health, that are important to trans/gender-variant people. Participants identified a need to examine how societal discrimination can create a syndemic process that will affect multiple health disparities.
Biophysics: Helicase snaps back

Helicase enzymes can move along DNA or RNA, unravelling the helices as they go. But simply travelling along a nucleic acid in one direction seems not to be enough for some of these molecular motors.
FTC v. Novartis: The Return of Corrective Advertising?

Abstract In June 1996, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a complaint alleging that unsubstantiated superiority claims were made in advertisements for Doan’s analgesic products. In addition, the FTC sought an order against the Novartis Corporation that required corrective advertising in all Doan’s advertisements and packaging. As a result, FTC v. Novartis was unique because it was the FTC’s first litigated corrective advertising case since Warner-Lambert, nearly 25 years ago. The case presented an opportunity for the Commission to indicate the types of consumer research needed in six areas: deception assessment, materiality analysis, belief measurement, ad–belief linkage, lingering effects estimation, and remedy calibration. In each of these areas, the FTC presented substantial evidence to support a strong corrective advertising remedy. However, although the Commission ordered corrective advertising, its weak remedy will inevitably fall far short of correcting consumer misbeliefs about Doan’s.
EVOLUTIONARY POTENTIAL OF CHAMAECRISTA FASCICULATA IN RELATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE. I. CLINAL PATTERNS OF SELECTION ALONG AN ENVIRONMENTAL GRADIENT IN THE GREAT PLAINS

Climate change will alter natural selection on native plant populations. Little information is available to predict how selection will change in the future and how populations will respond. Insight can be obtained by comparing selection regimes in current environments to selection regimes in environments similar to those predicted for the future. To mimic predicted temporal change in climate, three natural populations of the annual legume Chamaecrista fasciculata were sampled from a climate gradient in the Great Plains and progeny of formal crosses were reciprocally planted back into common gardens across this climate gradient. In each garden, native populations produced significantly more seed than the other populations, providing strong evidence of local adaptation. Phenotypic selection analysis conducted by site showed that plants with slower reproductive development, more leaves, and thicker leaves were favored in the most southern garden. Evidence of clinal variation in selection regimes was also found; selection coefficients were ordered according to the latitude of the common gardens. The adaptive value of native traits was indicated by selection toward the mean of local populations. Repeated clinal patterns in linear and nonlinear selection coefficients among populations and within and between sites were found. To the extent that temporal change in climate into the future will parallel the differences in selection across this spatial gradient, this study suggests that selection regimes will be displaced northward and different trait values will be favored in natural populations.
Principles as sources of international law : (with special reference to good faith)

The concept of sources of law has only for a short time in history been confined to the formally adopted legal norms of statutory, conventional or customary nature. Such a positivistic and narrow notion can be confronted to an older layer of the concept, which has gained again some prominence in the twentieth century, whereby the sources encompass also all the elements which concur to the interpretation and development of the law. In this larger area, general principles of law play an important, albeit often invisible, role as catalysts of a law-in-movement. In particular, they offer a legal basis from which new legal doctrines or norms can be derived from case to case, in order to fit new social and legal needs. The evolution thereby remains at least partly anchored in the legal sphere, through the link with the legally connoted general principles, and at the same time strikes out to the changing needs in the social and political arena. Thus, general principles of law are particularly instructive elements of this type of dynamic equilibrium to be achieved. Their different functions, and especially their role as law-creating arguments, are put into limelight in this short contribution. These functions are illustrated more concretely through the example of the powerful principle of good faith.
Preparation of inverted medium and processing in the inverted medium

Abstract The processing of weak optical signals in spatial-spectral holographic (SSH) materials coherently inverted with optical frequency chirped pulses were investigated. Simulations and experimental studies in Tm 3 + : YAG were conducted to characterize the parameters of the frequency chirped laser pulse used to invert the SSH material in order to obtain high photon echo efficiency for SSH lidar processing. Collinear and angled beam geometries and single shot and accumulated processes were investigated. Echo efficiencies as high as 450% were measured, significantly higher than the typical stimulated photon echo efficiency of 10%.
Recovery of fine resolution information in multispectral processing

Multiple-sensor processing is considered, and a unified method for representing multiple-sensor data is developed. When resolution varies between sensors, such a multiple-sensor system can be viewed as samples of a scale-space signal representation. It is demonstrated that if the spatial transfer function of the sensors are Gaussian, then scale-space filtering can be used to recover small-scale (fine-resolution) information through extrapolation in scale. As an example of multiple-sensor processing, multispectral processing of remote sensing, in which images of surface scenes are simultaneously generated at different (center) frequencies, is considered. The fingerprints of extrapolated signals approximate the actual multispectral fingerprints at small scales and can be used when the multispectral fingerprints are not available. >
Chromatic adaptation and the events involved in phycobilisome biosynthesis

Abstract. The major light-harvesting complex in cyanobacteria and red algae is the phycobilisome, a macromolecular complex that is attached to the surface of the photosynthetic membranes. The phycobilisome is composed of a number of different chromophoric polypeptides called phycobiliproteins and nonchromophoric polypeptides called linker proteins. Several environmental parameters modulate the synthesis, assembly and degradation of phycobilisome components. In many cyanobacteria, the composition of the phycobilisome can change to accommodate the prevalent wavelengths of light in the environment. This phenomenon is called complementary chromatic adaptation. Organisms that exhibit complementary chromatic adaptation must perceive the wavelengths of light in the environment and transduce the light signals into a sequence of biochemical events that result in altering the activities of genes encoding specific phycobiliprotein and linker polypeptides. Other environmental parameters such as light intensity and nutrient status can also have marked effects on both the number and composition of the phycobilisomes. The major concern of this article is the molecular events involved in chromatic adaptation. Most of the information concerning this process has been gained from studies involving the filamentous cyanobacterium Fremyella diplosiphon. However, also briefly considered are some of the complexities involved in phycobilisome biosynthesis and degradation; they include post-translational modification of phycobilisome polypeptides, the coordinate expression of chromophore and apobiliprotein, the specific degradation of phycobilisomes when cyanobacteria are deprived of macronutrients such as nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorus, and the assembly of the individual phycobilisome components into substructures of the light harvesting complex.
Multiple distinct CHRNB3-CHRNA6 variants are genetic risk factors for nicotine dependence in African Americans and European Americans

Aims Studies have shown association between common variants in the α6-β3 nicotinic receptor subunit gene cluster and nicotine dependence in European ancestry populations. We investigate whether this generalizes to African Americans, whether the association is specific to nicotine dependence and whether this region contains additional genetic contributors to nicotine dependence. Design We examined consistency of association across studies and race between the α6β3 nicotinic receptor subunit locus and nicotine, alcohol, marijuana and cocaine dependence in three independent studies. Setting United States of America. Participants European Americans and African Americans from three case-control studies of substance dependence. Measurements Subjects were evaluated using the Semi- Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism. Nicotine dependence was determined using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence. Findings The single nucleotide polymorphism rs13273442 was associated significantly with nicotine dependence across all three studies in both ancestry groups (odds ratio (OR) = 0.75, P = 5.8 × 10 −4 European Americans; OR = 0.80, P = 0.05 African Americans). No other substance dependence was associated con- sistently with this variant in either group. Another SNP in the region, rs4952, remains modestly associated with nicotine dependence in the combined data after conditioning on rs13273442. Conclusions The common variant rs13273442 in the CHRNB3-CHNRA6 region is associated significantly with nicotine dependence in European Americans and African Americans across studies recruited for nicotine, alcohol and cocaine dependence. Although these data are modestly powered for other substances, our results provide no evidence that correlates of rs13273442 represent a general substance dependence liability. Additional variants probably account for some of the association of this region to nicotine dependence.
Sequence alterations affecting F plasmid transfer gene expression: a conjugation system dependent on transcription by the RNA polymerase of phage T7

We constructed derivatives of the Escherichia coli conjugative plasmid F that carry altered sequences in place of the major transfer operon promoter, PY. Replacement of PY with a promoter-deficient sequence resulted in a transfer-deficient, F-pilus-specific phage-resistant plasmid (pOX38-tra701) that could still express TraJ and TraT; TraY, F-pilin, TraD, and TraI were not detectable on Western blots. On a second plasmid (pOX38-tra715) we replaced PY with a phage T7 late promoter sequence. In hosts carrying a lacUV5-promoter-regulated T7 RNA polymerase gene, all transfer-associated properties of pOX38-tra715 could be regulated with IPTG. After induction, pOX38-tra715 transferred at the wild-type frequency, expressed normal numbers of F-pili and conferred sensitivity to pilus-specific phages. No adverse effects on cell viability were apparent, and additional mutations could easily be crossed onto pOX38-tra715. A traJ deletion (pOX38-tra716) had no effect on the IPTG-induced transfer phenotype. Insertion of cam into trbC, resulted in a mutant (pOX38-tra715trbC33) which, after induction, exhibited the same phenotype associated with other trbC mutants; it could also be complemented by expression of trbC in trans. With pOX38-tra715 or its derivatives, we were able to label specifically the products of tra genes located throughout the long tra operon, by using rifampicin. This feature can be used to investigate transfer protein interactions and to follow changes in these proteins that are associated with conjugal mating events.
Modeling cross-sensory and sensorimotor correlations to detect and localize faults in mobile robots

We present a novel framework for learning cross- sensory and sensorimotor correlations in order to detect and localize faults in mobile robots. Unlike traditional fault detection and identification schemes, we do not use a priori models of fault states or system dynamics. Instead, we utilize additional information and possible source of redundancy that mobile robots have available to them, namely a hierarchical graph representing stages of sensory processing at multiple levels of abstractions and their outputs. We learn statistical models of correlations between elements in the hierarchy, in addition to the control signals, and use this to detect and identify changes in the capabilities of the robot. The framework is instantiated using Self-Organizing Maps, a simple unsupervised learning algorithm. Results indicate that the system can detect sensory and motor faults in a mobile robot and identify their cause, without using a priori models of the robot or its fault states.
A Perfect Power demonstration system

Energy efficiency, power system reliability and the environmental impact of fossil fuel plants are all drivers for more intelligent or smart grids. We discuss a Perfect Power System, a smart micro grid with system redundancy, and implement a test bed to demonstrate smart grid concepts such as demand response, onsite generation, automated lighting system control, and ambient temperature control. We conclude that the integration of Zigbee modules in building control systems will enable greater levels of building energy management, reduce energy consumption and potentially result in significant cost savings.
The Nematic and Smectic-A1 Phases in DB7NO2: High Resolution X-Ray Study and Synthesis

We report a high resolution x-ray study of the fluctuations in the nematic and smectic-A1 phases in DB7NO2. As a function of decreasing temperature, the fluctuations evolve from an incommensurate region, through an intermediate region of coexisting (competing) incommensurate and smectic-C fluctuations, to a region dominated by pretransitional smectic-A fluctuations which exhibit a phase lock-in smectic A1-smectic-A transition. This behavior directly confirms the current theoretical description of the smectic-A and smectic-C phases as alternatives to the incommensurate phase. In DB7NO2, although the average structure of the smectic-A phase appears to be consistent with earlier findings, high resolution x-ray work reveals additional weaker (possibly satellite) peaks indicating a more complicated underlying structure. Finally, we outline a novel new synthetic route for preparation of high purity samples of DB7NO2 in large quantities.
Robust contour matching via the order-preserving assignment problem

A common approach to determining corresponding points on two shapes is to compute the cost of each possible pairing of points and solve the assignment problem (weighted bipartite matching) for the resulting cost matrix. We consider the problem of solving for point correspondences when the shapes of interest are each defined by a single, closed contour. A modification of the standard assignment problem is proposed whereby the correspondences are required to preserve the ordering of the points induced from the shapes' contours. Enforcement of this constraint leads to significantly improved correspondences. Robustness with respect to outliers and shape irregularity is obtained by required only a fraction of feature points to be matched. Furthermore, the minimum matching size may be specified in advance. We present efficient dynamic programming algorithms to solve the proposed optimization problem. Experiments on the Brown and MPEG-7 shape databases demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method relative to the standard assignment problem.
Independent partitioning of algorithms with uniform dependencies

Uniform dependence algorithms with arbitrary index sets are considered, and two computationally inexpensive methods to find their independent partitions are proposed. Each method has advantages over the other one for certain kinds of applications, and they both outperform previously proposed approaches in terms of computational complexity and/or optimality. Also, lower and upper bounds are given for the cardinality of maximal independent partitions. In multiple instruction multiple data (MIMD) systems, if different blocks of an independent partition are assigned to different processors, communications between processors will be minimized to zero. This is significant because the communications usually dominate the overhead in MIMD machines. >
Global Partnerships in Jesuit Higher Education.

The Roman Catholic Church sponsors the largest worldwide family of educational institutions—135,000 elementary and secondary schools and 1,800 colleges and universities. Catholic identity provides a matchless opportunity for networking in an increasingly globalized world; it is sad Ex corde Ecclesiae’s exhortation to collaborate is often unheeded. Last April at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, the Society of Jesus initiated new steps to counter that sad trend. The conference brought together some 300 educational leaders from over 200 institutions around the globe for 3 days of presentations and discussions on such topics as regional challenges facing Jesuit higher education; Catholic identity and mission; theology, science, and culture; markets, inequality, and poverty; ecology and sustainability; and human rights and the university. Rev. Adolfo Nicolas, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus, gave a keynote address, “Depth, Universality, and Learned Ministry: Challenges to Jesuit Higher Education Today,” which highlighted three interrelated challenges to higher education. The first, “promoting depth of thought and imagination,” addressed the gradual process of dehumanization in the wake of our globalized and technological society where information is readily available, but seldom processed at a deeper level. “People lose the ability to engage with reality,” Fr. Nicolas asserted.
Simulation based construction management learning system

The incorporation into construction engineering and management curricula of tasks that improve the abilities of students to manage the complex dynamics, pressures and demands of construction sites is becoming critical to meet the demands of the construction industry. These goals are, however, difficult to incorporate using traditional educational tools. This paper reviews the role, in construction engineering and management education, of computing and information technology in general and of simulation in particular. The paper provides an overview of a simulation-based interactive construction management learning system currently being developed at Western Michigan University as part of a three-year project funded by the National Science Foundation and Western Michigan University.
Lidocaine toxicity to rat retinal ganglion cells.

Purpose. To examine the effects of the local anesthetic, lidocaine, on rat retinal ganglion cells (RGC) in vitro and in a modified in vivo assay. Methods. For in vitro experiments, RGC were dissociated from freshly harvested Long Evan's rat pup retinas. The RGC were incubated overnight with varying concentrations of lidocaine (0.5–12.0 mM). Surviving cells were assayed at 24 hours. In an in vivo assay, 7-day-old Long-Evans rat pups were anesthetized and 2 µl of lidocaine (final intraocular concentration: 0.03–15 mM) or vehicle was injected intravitreally. Intravitreal coinjection of nimodipine or MK801 (dizocilpine) were also performed in a subset of animals. A week after injection, rat pups were sacrificed and each retina removed, dissociated and plated separately. RGC survival was immediately assessed. Living RGC were identified on the basis of morphology and counted in a masked fashion. Results. Lidocaine is toxic in a dose dependent fashion to RGC in vitro. Lower concentrations (0.5 mM and 1.0 mM) wer...
Comparison of the Outer Membrane Proteins of 50 Strains of Branhamella catarrhalis

Branhamella catarrhalis colonizes the respiratory tract of humans and commonly causes otitis media in children and respiratory infections in adults with chronic lung disease. In view of the emergence of this organism as an important human pathogen, we used sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to examine the outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of 50 strains of B. catarrhalis. OMPs were isolated from broth culture supernatants. Typical of other gram-negative bacteria, eight proteins ranging in molecular weight (MW) from approximately 98,000 to 21,000 daltons were revealed by SDS-PAGE; these proteins were designated OMP A-OMP H. Of the OMPs identified, four were heat modifiable (C, D, E, and H). The 50 strains were obtained from diverse geographic and clinical sources. The OMP patterns were strikingly homogeneous; there was minimal variability in the MW of OMPs between strains. Future studies should establish whether the similarity in MWs of OMPs is paralleled by their antigenic characteristics.
A NEW TROODONTID THEROPOD FROM UKHAA TOLGOD, MONGOLIA

Troodontid theropods, originally described from isolated teeth that were at one time confused with those of pachycephalosaurs (Gilmore, 1924), are represented by only a few taxa known mostly from sparse and fragmentary material (Osmolska and Barsbold, 1990; Russell and Dong, 1994; Varrichio, 1997). Nevertheless, a number of characters have been used to suggest that these dinosaurs are very closely related to Aves (Gauthier, 1986; Currie and Zhao, 1994; Forster et al., 1997), either as part of a group with Dromaeosauridae (e.g., Gauthier, 1986; Sereno, 1997) or alone (e.g., Forster et al., 1998). Here we describe a new taxon of troodontid dinosaur found at Ukhaa Tolgod, an extremely rich locality in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert (Dashzeveg et al., 1994). This taxon is known from two adult individuals, including one of the best preserved troodontid skulls ever collected. These specimens allow us to make preliminary statements on troodontid phylogeny and monophyly and to review the distribution of several characters, such as unserrated teeth and an extensive secondary bony palate, which have implications for maniraptoran phylogeny and the origin of avialans.
Computational modeling of bacteriophage self-assembly during formation of hierarchical structures

Designing new materials with well-defined structures and desired functions is a challenge in materials science, especially with nanomaterials. Nature, however, solves design of these materials through a self-assembling, hierarchically ordered process. We have investigated the mechanisms by which the high-aspect ratio and unique surface chemistry of M13 bacteriophage can give rise to increasingly complex, hierarchically ordered, bundled phage structures with a wide range of material applications. A molecular dynamic simulation of the 3-D structure of a 20-nm section of wild type (WT) and mutant phage types were developed based on WT phage crystal structure and ab initio calculations. Simulations of these phage were then used to examine repulsive and attractive forces of the particles in solution. Examination of contact interactions between two WT phage indicated the phage were maximally attracted to each other in a head to tail orientation. A mutant phage (4E) with a higher negative surface charge relative to WT phage also preferentially ordered head to tail in solution. In contrast, a mutant phage (CLP8) with a net positive surface charge had minimal repulsion in a 90° orientation. Understanding the selfassembly process through molecular dynamic simulations and decomposition of fundamental forces driving inter- and intra-strand interactions has provided a qualitative assessment of mechanisms that lead to hierarchical phage bundle structures. Results from simulation agree with experimentally observed patterns from self-assembly. We anticipate using this system to further investigate development of hierarchical structures not only from biological molecules but also from synthetic materials.
Opportunities in Business and Life after Virgin Money: Asheesh Advani

Asheesh Advani is in an enviable position for a successful entrepreneur: he has sold his business and is trying to decide what to do with the next phase of his life. For the first two years after selling CircleLending, a pioneer in the person-to-person lending field, to Richard Branson he stayed on as president and CEO of Virgin Money USA. Now resigned, he has decided to take a year off, in part to take a "great adventure" with his young family. In October 2009, as they prepare for their departure to India, he reflects on how to spend his time there and whether and how to pursue the several business opportunities that have already emerged. The opportunities present different role options for Advani -- as a hands-on entrepreneur or as an investor.
Infrared Spectroscopy of the Amide I Mode of N-Methylacetamide in Solid Hydrogen at 2–4 K

We report high-resolution (0.05 cm–1) FTIR spectra of the fundamental and first overtone of the amide I mode of trans-N-methylacetamide (NMA) trapped in solid molecular hydrogen (SMH) at cryogenic temperatures with low (0.03%) and high (55%) ortho-hydrogen (oH2) concentrations. NMA-doped SMH samples with high oH2 concentrations are nearly free from inhomogeneous broadening, permitting the measured amide I homogeneous line width of 1.268(8) cm–1 to be used to place a lower limit on the vibrational lifetime of 4.19(3) ps. Direct observation of the amide I overtone allows the harmonic vibrational frequency ωe = 1726.6(5) cm–1 and the anharmonicity constant ωexe = 8.5(2) cm–1 to be determined for NMA isolated in SMH samples with low oH2 concentrations.
Change of Pelage Lipids in the Mongolian Gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus, as the Result of Autogrooming and Sandliving

Four experiments assessed the rate with which Meriones unguiculatus can remove or restore pelage lipids under different environmental temperatures and when provided or deprived of a sand substrate. The majority of hair lipids are derived from the Harderian gland, although skin sebaceous excretions may also contribute to hair lipids. Harderianectomy reduces hair lipids within 16 days. Shampooing of gerbils immediately reduces hair lipids but recovery occurs within 16 days and is facilitated by environmental temperatures of 10°C. Autogrooming of Harderian lipids is responsible for much of this recovery. Allowing animals to live on a sand substrate reduces pelage lipids, whereas depriving animals of a sand substrate increases pelage lipids. Shampooed, Harderianectomized, gerbils show minimal recovery of hair lipids, indicating that sebaceous activity cannot account for most of the pelage lipids. Pelage lipids apparently are regulated by autogrooming of Harderian lipids and by removing lipids by sandliving. Significant changes in hair lipids require from 8 to 16 days and are affected by temperature and substrate.
Cluster Model Studies of Atomic Ordering in Group III Sublattice Growth over P-Rich InGaP2(001) Surfaces

Atomic ordering in vapor-phase epitaxially grown ternary III–V compound semiconductor alloys is a topic of active interest. In this paper, the mechanistic steps involved in the growth of the group ...
Vitamin E activity of alpha-tocopherol side chain analogs in selenium-deficient chicks.

AbstractThree side chain analogs of all-rac-α-tocopherol (all-rac-α-T) were evaluated for vitamin E activity on the basis of their efficacies in preventing exudative diathesis (ED) and in supporting growth and survival of selenium-deficient chicks. Results showed that 2RS,4′RS-α-T-C11 (lacking one isopentyl unit) and 2RS-α-T-nC13 (with an unbranched 13-carbon side chain) had the following activities relative to those of all-rac-α-T: 69 and 50%, respectively, for supporting growth; 37 and 46%, respectively, for preventing exudative diathesis; 13 and 44%, respectively, for sustaining chick survival. 2RS-α-T-C6 (lacking two isopentyl units) demonstrated no biological activity at the levels fed.
Trends in Costs of Depression in Adults with Diabetes in the United States: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 2004–2011

To investigate differences in healthcare cost trends over 8 years in adults with diabetes and one of four categories of comorbid depression: no depression, unrecognized depression, asymptomatic depression, or symptomatic depression. Data from the 2004–2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) was used to create nationally representative estimates. The dependent variable was total healthcare expenditures for the calendar year, including office-based, hospital outpatient, emergency room, inpatient hospital, prescription, dental, and home health care expenditures. The 2004–2011 direct medical costs were adjusted to a common 2014 dollar value. The primary independent variable was four mutually exclusive depression categories created from ICD-9-CM codes and the PHQ-2 depression screening tool. Healthcare expenditures were estimated using a two-part model and were adjusted for age, sex, race, marital status, education, health insurance, metropolitan statistical area status, region, income level, and comorbidities. Based on a national sample of adults with diabetes (unweighted sample of 15,548, weighted sample of 17,465,579), 10.2 % had unrecognized depression, 13.6 % had asymptomatic depression, and 8.9 % had symptomatic depression. In the pooled sample, after adjusting for covariates, the incremental cost of unrecognized depression was $2872 (95 % CI 1660–4084), asymptomatic depression increased by $3347 (95 % CI 2568–4386), and symptomatic depression increased by $5170 (CI 95 % 3610–6731) compared to patients with no depression. Adjusted analyses showed that expenditures were $2000–3000 higher for unrecognized and asymptomatic depression than no depression, and $5000 higher for symptomatic depression. Higher medical expenditures persisted over time, with only symptomatic depression showing a sustained decrease over time.
RESEARCH AND APPLICATION OF OIL WELL INTERVAL PUMPING TECHNOLOGY IN LOW PERMEABLE RESERVOIR

Operation of the rod pump systems of the Third Recovery Plant in Changqing Oilfiled were analyzed. After the analyzing interval pumping mechanism, combining the law of flow through porous medical of low permeable reservoir, the law of interval pumping was studied, under the condition of no decrease of the production rate. The interval pumping cycle was determined through the practical and theoretical study, so that the problems of the low production rate and low efficiency wells were solved and better benefit was obtained.
Integrated Inverse Class-F Silicon Power Amplifiers for High Power Efficiency at Microwave and mm-Wave

This paper presents two 2-stage inverse class-F power amplifiers (PAs) at 24 GHz and 38 GHz, integrated in $0.13~\mu \text {m}$ SiGe BiCMOS technology. The PAs are composed of an inverse class-F output stage proceeded by a class-AB driving amplifier. An inter-stage matching network between the driver and output stage delivers an optimal inter-stage power to the output stage with a maximum PAE in the driver amplifier. The output stage’s load network based on multi-resonance LC resonators terminates harmonic impedance explicitly up to the third of the fundamental signal. By leveraging a native low capacitive reactance, the class- $\text {F}^{\mathrm {-1}}$ load network shapes a quasi-rectangular current waveform that effectively contains up to the fifth harmonic spectral component. A high impedance control is limited up to the second harmonic, shaping a half-sinusoid voltage peaking induced by DC, fundamental, and the second harmonic voltage spectra. The 24 GHz PA achieves 50% peak PAE, 16 dBm $\text {OP}_{\mathrm {-1dB}}$ , 18 dBm $\text {P}_{\mathrm {sat}}$ , and 19 dB saturated power gain with 2.3 V supply voltage at 24 GHz. The 24 GHz PA can maintain >45% PAE over 23.5–25.5 GHz and 1.5–2.4 V supply voltage range, manifesting a PAE robustness to the frequency and supply variations. For 38 GHz PA, measurements show 38.5% peak PAE, 15 dBm $\text {OP}_{\mathrm {-1dB}}$ , 17 dBm $\text {P}_{\mathrm {sat}}$ with 15 dB of saturated power gain at the $\text {OP}_{\mathrm {-1dB}}$ point when 2.4 V supply voltage is applied. The 38 GHz PA can sustain >35% PAE over 36–39 GHz and 1.5–2.5 V supply variation. The PAs also are tested under the input of band-limited signals modulated by various modulation schemes including 8-PSK, QAM, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, and 128-QAM, and test results are presented in this paper. The chip size is $0.95\times 0.6$ mm2 for 24 GHz PA and $0.93\times 0.55$ mm2 for 38 GHz PA, including all pads.
Fluorination of Cyclometalated Iridium β-Ketoiminate and β-Diketiminate Complexes: Extreme Redox Tuning and Ligand-Centered Excited States

In this work we describe a series of bis-cyclometalated iridium complexes with ancillary β-ketoiminate (acNac) and β-diketiminate (NacNac) ligands, prepared by a general synthetic route. Fluorination of these ligands by introducing CF3 substituents onto the ligand backbone and/or N-aryl substituent(s) leads to pronounced changes in the redox properties and photophysical properties. All of the complexes show a reversible IrIV/IrIII redox couple that is sensitive to the degree of fluorination on the ancillary ligand. Introduction of CF3 groups at the 3- and 5-positions of the N-aryl substituent shifts the potential positive by ca. 50–70 mV per CF3 group, whereas fluorination of the acNac or NacNac backbone induces larger shifts of ca. 200–300 mV per CF3 group. Fluorination of the NacNac backbone gives rise to substantially altered excited-state properties. Complexes with backbone CF3 groups luminesce in the red and near-infrared regions out of an excited state that is predominately a π → π* NacNac-centered ...
In Defense of the Astronomical Theory of Glaciation

Milankovitch (1920, 1930, 1938) presented the hypothesis that the oscillations in climate which characterize the last million or so years of earth history were caused by variations in summer insolation in the Northern Hemisphere resulting from the earth’s precession and variations in its tilt. Curves for the tilt variation (period ~40,000 yr) and for the precessional variation (period ~22,000 yr) are reproduced in Fig. 1. From these Milankovitch constructed a composite radiation curve for various latitudes. His high latitude curves (which are dominated by the tilt effect) are widely quoted. The character of the curves depends strongly on the relative weighting of the two effects [Broecker (1966), see Fig. 2]. For example, considering the last 150,000 yr as the precessional component is increased, the prominent warm peak at 40,000 yr disappears and a new warm peak appears at 106,000 yr. Most geophysicists and meteorologists have failed to give this hypothesis serious consideration because they feel that the insolation changes are too small to have a significant effect on world climate.
Dark Matter + Higgs(\(\rightarrow b\bar{b}\)): Background Processes

This chapter gives a detailed description of the main background processes in this analysis, how they are estimated and the result of the modeling in various dedicated control regions and validation regions. The selections are placed on physics objects described in Chap. 8 The control regions and validation regions are defined to be similar but orthogonal to the signal region, which is described in Chap. 9
Creating Paper Robots increases designers’ confidence to prototype with microcontrollers and electronics

AbstractThis article describes a creative design activity to introduce engineering students to mechatronic prototyping. Our goal was to find a creative task to increase student confidence and skills in mechanical design, electrical circuits, microcontrollers, and programming. We present the Paper Robot exercise, a design activity that blends everyday materials such as cardboard, with electronic components. This activity was introduced during the 2010–2011 academic year and has been repeated every year since, in a global, industry-sponsored design course at Stanford University. The Paper Robot exercise resulted from the observation that students were intimidated to create functional prototypes with microcontrollers. The teaching team needed a way to quickly introduce tools for programming electronic components and to encourage creative experimentation early in the course. Results include a 100% task performance rate of students that successfully made a robot meeting the minimum requirements. 76% of student...
Evaluating the Potential Benefits of Advanced Automatic Crash Notification.

Objective Advanced Automatic Collision Notification (AACN) services in passenger vehicles capture crash data during collisions that could be transferred to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers. This study explored how EMS response times and other crash factors impacted the odds of fatality. The goal was to determine if information transmitted by AACN could help decrease mortality by allowing EMS providers to be better prepared upon arrival at the scene of a collision. Methods The Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) database of the US Department of Transportation/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (USDOT/NHTSA; Washington DC, USA) was searched for all fatal crashes between 1996 and 2012. The CIREN database also was searched for illustrative cases. The NHTSA’s Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System (NASS CDS) databases were queried for all fatal crashes between 2000 and 2011 that involved a passenger vehicle. Detailed EMS time data were divided into prehospital time segments and analyzed descriptively as well as via multiple logistic regression models. Results The CIREN data showed that longer times from the collision to notification of EMS providers were associated with more frequent invasive interventions within the first three hours of hospital admission and more transfers from a regional hospital to a trauma center. The NASS CDS and FARS data showed that rural collisions with crash-notification times >30 minutes were more likely to be fatal than collisions with similar crash-notification times occurring in urban environments. The majority of a patient’s prehospital time occurred between the arrival of EMS providers on-scene and arrival at a hospital. The need for extrication increased the on-scene time segment as well as total prehospital time. Conclusion An AACN may help decrease mortality following a motor vehicle collision (MVC) by alerting EMS providers earlier and helping them discern when specialized equipment will be necessary in order to quickly extricate patients from the collision site and facilitate expeditious transfer to an appropriate hospital or trauma center. Plevin RE , Kaufman R , Fraade-Blanar L , Bulger EM . Evaluating the Potential Benefits of Advanced Automatic Crash Notification. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(2):156–164.
THE INTEGRATION OF A BACTERIUM AND PARASITES TO CONTROL THE COLORADO POTATO BEETLE AND THE MEXICAN BEAN BEETLE

Sprays of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. thuringiensis (B.t.t.), which contained the beta-exotoxin, were applied to small-scale field plots of tomatoes infested with the Colorado potato beetle [Lept...