cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dimerization misalignment in human glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase variants is the primary factor for PLP release.

The active form of vitamin B6, pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP), plays an essential role in the catalytic mechanism of various proteins, including human glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (hGOT1), an important enzyme in amino acid metabolism. A recent molecular and genetic study showed that the E266K, R267H, and P300L substitutions in aspartate aminotransferase, the Arabidopsis analog of hGOT1, genetically suppress a developmentally arrested Arabidopsis RUS mutant. Furthermore, CD analyses suggested that the variants exist as apo proteins and implicated a possible role of PLP in the regulation of PLP homeostasis and metabolic pathways. In this work, we assessed the stability of PLP bound to hGOT1 for the three variant and wildtype (WT) proteins using a combined 6 μs of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. For the variants and WT in the holo form, the MD simulations reproduced the “closed-open” transition needed for substrate binding. This conformational transition was associated with the rearrangement of the P15-R32 small domain loop providing substrate access to the R387/R293 binding motif. We also showed that formation of the dimer interface is essential for PLP affinity to the active site. The position of PLP in the WT binding site was stabilized by a unique hydrogen bond network of the phosphate binding cup, which placed the cofactor for formation of the covalent Schiff base linkage with K259 for catalysis. The amino acid substitutions at positions 266, 267, and 300 reduced the structural correlation between PLP and the protein active site and/or integrity of the dimer interface. Principal component analysis and energy decomposition clearly suggested dimer misalignment and dissociation for the three variants tested in our work. The low affinity of PLP in the hGOT1 variants observed in our computational work provided structural rationale for the possible role of vitamin B6 in regulating metabolic pathways.
Nanopore characterization of mine roof shales by SANS, nitrogen adsorption, and mercury intrusion: Impact on water adsorption/retention behavior

Abstract Moisture-induced reduction in the strength of shales is one of the primary mechanisms of roof degradation affecting the stability and safety of underground coal mines. The underlying mechanisms of nanoscale matrix-water interactions remains unclear. Thus, an improved understanding of the nanopore structure, and dependent water adsorption and retention behavior of shale is key in defining strength degradation due to seasonal variations in humidity and temperature in underground coal mines. We use small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), low-pressure N2 adsorption (LPNA), and high-pressure mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) to characterize the nanopore structure of a fireclay (7F) and four coal mine roof shales (6R, 5A, 6F, H6) from the Illinois basin. The results show that overall distributions of pore volume obtained from SANS, LPNA and MIP techniques agree well between methods and over a wide range of pore size from ~1 nm to ~100 nm. Mercury porosities for the five ordered (7F, 6R, 5A, 6F, H6) samples (7.3%, 7.8%, 8.3%, 12.3%, 4.6%) are higher than the respective N2 porosities (5.0%, 6.3%, 3.8%, 8.2%, 2.5%), as attributed to the dilation of mesopores and compression of the grain skeleton induced by high pressure intrusion of mercury. The SANS porosities for samples 7F, 6R, 5A, 6F (4.0%, 6.2%, 4.1%, 8.8%) are in good agreement with their N2 porosities. Among all tested samples, H6 shale exhibits a relatively high SANS porosity (8.0%) but the lowest N2 (2.5%) and mercury porosities (4.6%). This is attributed to the interlayer micro-pore spaces within montmorillonite, which is detected by SANS but not by the two fluid penetration methods due to the inaccessibility of N2 molecules and mercury. Based on LPNA, larger micropores (1.5–2 nm) and mesopores (2–50 nm) predominantly contribute to the total porosity (~77.8%–87.6%) for the five tested samples. The water adsorption isotherms are measured by dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) and water retention curves are calculated based on the characterized pore size distribution (PSD) by LPNA and MIP techniques. Pore structures of the five studied samples evidently exert a strong influence on their water adsorption and retention behaviors. Water adsorption capacity correlates positively with total porosity/specific surface area (SSA), with a large proportion of micro/meso-pores resulting in the strong water retention capacity with matric suction reaching ~100–150 MPa for liquid saturation
Predictors of Weight Change: Findings From an Employee Wellness Program

Introduction: Employers are instituting employee wellness programs that include educational, lifestyle coaching, and weight and other condition management components to address obesity-related issues in the workplace. However, the findings of such wellness initiatives have been mixed. The purpose of this exploratory study is to determine whether the readiness for change measures are important predictors of weight loss in an employee wellness program. Methods: Retrospective data analysis of an employee wellness program conducted in the United States was conducted using data collected between 2014 and 2015 for people with BMI ≥ 30. These participants were assigned to one of two subprograms: weight management or condition management. We assessed the weight change within each program. Further, the relationship between weight change and readiness for change variables for weight, diet, and physical activity were examined by applying multiple linear regression and logistic regression models. The multivariable model included subprogram; gender; age; systolic and diastolic blood pressure; risk factor count; readiness for change for weight, activity, and diet; and stress level as covariates. Results: There were 209 participants in the weight management program and 243 participants in the condition management program who met the criteria for obesity, resulting in a final sample of 452 participants. On average, the weight change for these participants was -0.28 pounds (SD = 15.55) and there was no statistical difference between the weight change in the two programs. When compared to the reference group (maintenance), participants at the action stage of physical activity, on average, lost weight (b = -4.59, p = 0.02). Likewise, participants at the pre-contemplation stage of physical activity lost weight when compared to the maintenance group (b = -26.24, p = 0.000). Participants at the pre-contemplation stage of physical activity had higher odds of achieving at least 5% weight loss than participants at the maintenance stage (OR = 5.80, p = 0.053). Conclusion: Readiness for change for activity may be a predictor of weight change, and may predict the likelihood of achieving clinically significant weight loss. These findings can assist in targeting subjects for participation in such programs. The findings regarding the relationship between readiness for change and weight loss are counterintuitive, and further research is warranted in this area.
Histone deacetylase inhibition in combination with MEK or BCL-2 inhibition in multiple myeloma

Despite recent advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma, patients with this disease still inevitably relapse and become refractory to existing therapies. Mutations in K-RAS, N-RAS and B-RAF are common in multiple myeloma, affecting 50% of patients at diagnosis and >70% at relapse. However, targeting mutated RAS/RAF via MEK inhibition is merely cytostatic in myeloma and largely ineffective in the clinic. We examined mechanisms mediating this resistance and identified histone deacetylase inhibitors as potent synergistic partners. Combining the MEK inhibitor AZD6244 (selumetinib) with the pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor LBH589 (panobinostat) induced synergistic apoptosis in RAS/RAF mutated multiple myeloma cell lines. Interestingly, this synergy was dependent on the pro-apoptotic protein BIM. We determined that while single-agent MEK inhibition increased BIM levels, the protein remained sequestered by antiapoptotic BCL-2 family members. LBH589 dissociated BIM from MCL-1 and BCL-XL, which allowed it to bind BAX/BAK and thereby initiate apoptosis. The AZD6244/LBH589 combination was specifically active in cell lines with more BIM:MCL-1 complexes at baseline; resistant cell lines had more BIM:BCL-2 complexes. Those resistant cell lines were synergistically killed by combining the BH3 mimetic ABT-199 (venetoclax) with LBH589. Using more specific histone deacetylase inhibitors, i.e. MS275 (entinostat) and FK228 (romidepsin), and genetic methods, we determined that concomitant inhibition of histone deacetylases 1 and 2 was sufficient to synergize with either MEK or BCL-2 inhibition. Furthermore, these drug combinations effectively killed plasma cells from myeloma patients ex vivo. Given the preponderance of RAS/RAF mutations, and the fact that ABT-199 has demonstrated clinical efficacy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, these drug combinations hold prom ise as biomarker-driven therapies.
Fractal analysis of nonlinear ultrasonic waves in phase-space domain as a quantitative method for damage assessment of concrete structures

Abstract The present paper applies fractal dimension as a mathematical tool to extract a quantitative geometric feature from nonlinear ultrasonic waves in phase-space domain. The feature is then used for damage assessment of concrete material under different service loads after experiencing extreme compressive loads. For this purpose, concrete samples are loaded in two different scenarios: the first loading part is set to initiate micro cracks and generate macro cracks, while the second loading procedure is set to simulate service loads and change the cracks' boundary conditions. Due to nonlinear ultrasonic waves’ sensitivity to cracks in early stages, nonlinear ultrasound test is performed. In contrast to traditional approaches which analyze nonlinear ultrasound waves in frequency domain, in this paper, nonlinear ultrasonic waves in phase-space domain are studied. Phase-space domain is a powerful mathematical tool that allows researchers to analyze data quantitatively and qualitatively using different signal processing techniques like fractal dimension. For the first time, fractal analysis of nonlinear ultrasound waves in phase-space domain is performed to measure the nonlinearity of the waves due to interactions with loaded-induced cracks in concrete materials. In general, fractal analysis makes it possible to assign dimension for sets that do not have integer dimension. To calculate fractal dimension, the box-counting method, as a pragmatic method, is used. A two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) box-counting method for calculating the fractal dimension of nonlinear ultrasonic waves in phase-space domain are utilized. It is shown that fractal dimension is a powerful signal processing tool for analyzing nonlinear ultrasonic signals in phase-space domain and extracting quantitative damage-sensitive features in presence of service load. In contrast, results of frequency domain analysis show a lack of noticeable trend, especially for large service loads. This observation indicates that features extracted in frequency domain may not be reliably used as damage-sensitive features for evaluating the level of cracking in concrete material under service load.
Abstract C010: African Americans’ adherence to survivorship

Looking at data that support issues regarding African Americans not adhering to their taking prescribed medications and following up on their treatment care plans. There’s a need to understand the stigma and social economic/class with regards to poor follow-up on survivorship care plans and we can bridge the gap in the African American communities and health care providers. Citation Format: Roberta A. Albany. African Americans’ adherence to survivorship [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr C010.
Abstract TP246: Refining Hyperacute MRI Protocols to Increase Patient Eligibility for IV tPA

Introduction: Hyperacute MRI (hMRI) increases the number of patients eligible for IV tPA in: (1) patients initially suspected to be stroke mimics (SM) and (2) patients with wake-up or unwitnessed s...
Pulmonary Hypertension and Transbronchial Lung Biopsy: Does It Increase the Risk of Hemorrhage?

Background Bronchoscopy with transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) is commonly used as a diagnostic tool for pulmonary disease. Hemorrhage is a major complication of TBLB. While pulmonary hypertension (PH) is considered a risk factor, evidence supporting this is limited. In this study, we compare complications of TBLB in patients with PH to those without PH. Material and methods We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent TBLB in our institution from January 2010 to May 2016. PH and non-PH groups were compared with respect to patient demographics, biopsy guidance, number of lobes biopsied (single or multiple), positive pressure ventilation, pre- and post-procedure diagnoses, and complications. Complications were defined as major hemorrhage, prolonged intubation, and reintubation within 72 hours from TBLB. Results The PH group had 45 patients with a mean age of 71 ± 14 years, and the non-PH group had 349 patients with a mean age of 63 ± 14 years. There were no significant differences with regards to gender, pre-procedure anticoagulation and antiplatelet agents, biopsy guidance, or number of lobes biopsied (p > 0.371). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of major hemorrhage between the two groups (p = 0.491). Prolonged intubation occurred more frequently in the PH group (p = 0.007). Conclusions There appears to be no increased risk of post-procedure hemorrhage with TBLB in patients with mild PH. There is, however, an increased risk of post-procedure prolonged intubation in these patients.
Progression of Infarct-mediated Arrhythmogenesis in a Rodent Model of Heart Failure.

Rodent model of ischemic cardiomyopathy exhibits a plateau of inducible monomorphic ventricular tachycardia incidence between 6 and 10 wk postinfarction.
Novel Ubiquitin Specific Protease-13 Inhibitors Alleviate Neurodegenerative Pathology

Ubiquitin Specific Protease-13 (USP13) promotes protein de-ubiquitination and is poorly understood in neurodegeneration. USP13 is upregulated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), and USP13 knockdown via shRNA reduces neurotoxic proteins and increases proteasome activity in models of neurodegeneration. We synthesized novel analogues of spautin-1 which is a non-specific USP13 inhibitor but unable to penetrate the brain. Our synthesized small molecule compounds are able to enter the brain, more potently inhibit USP13, and significantly reduce alpha-synuclein levels in vivo and in vitro. USP13 inhibition in transgenic mutant alpha-synuclein (A53T) mice increased the ubiquitination of alpha-synuclein and reduced its protein levels. The data suggest that novel USP13 inhibitors improve neurodegenerative pathology via antagonism of de-ubiquitination, thus alleviating neurotoxic protein burden in neurodegenerative diseases.
Does Climate Change Affect Investment Performance? Evidence from Commercial Real Estate

Combining granular data on temperatures across the continental US with micro-level commercial real estate (CRE) data from 1991 to 2020, we study the impact of exposure to extreme temperature shocks on investment performance of CRE at the individual asset level. We find that exposure to extreme temperatures significantly reduces average realized total returns in CRE. This result is driven by reduction in asset returns. We do not observe a significant effect of income return. We document substantial variation in sensitivity to temperature shocks across property types. Our results seem to be driven by shocks to time-varying CRE risk premium due to decreased predictability of future rental income.
Hypoxia regulates glutamate metabolism and membrane transport in rat PC12 cells.

We investigated the effect of hypoxia on glutamate metabolism and uptake in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Various key enzymes relevant to glutamate production, metabolism and transport were coordinately regulated by hypoxia. PC12 cells express two glutamate-metabolizing enzymes, glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), as well as the glutamate-producing enzyme, phosphate-activated glutaminase (PAG). Exposure to hypoxia (1% O2) for 6 h or longer increased expression of GS mRNA and protein and enhanced GS enzymatic activity. In contrast, hypoxia caused a significant decrease in expression of PAG mRNA and protein, and also decreased PAG activity. In addition, hypoxia led to an increase in GAD65 and GAD67 protein levels and GAD enzymatic activity. PC12 cells express three Na+-dependent glutamate transporters; EAAC1, GLT-1 and GLAST. Hypoxia increased EAAC1 and GLT-1 protein levels, but had no effect on GLAST. Chronic hypoxia significantly enhanced the Na+-dependent component of glutamate transport. Furthermore, chronic hypoxia decreased cellular content of glutamate, but increased that of glutamine. Taken together, the hypoxia-induced changes in enzymes related to glutamate metabolism and transport are consistent with a decrease in the extracellular concentration of glutamate. This may have a role in protecting PC12 cells from the cytotoxic effects of glutamate during chronic hypoxia.
Effects of partitioning strategies on network reliability bounds

A difficulty with network reliability algorithms is failure to complete on problems of practical size. Hence algorithms which give improved convergence on upper and lower bounds for the reliability midway through the problem are desirable. This paper introduces a previously unreported idea for partitioning in network reliability algorithms and compares experimental results on convergence rates of the reliability bounds using several strategies. The results indicate that as much as an order of magnitude difference in convergence rates exist between best and worst strategies midway through the problem. >
Congenital granular-cell epulis. Report of a case.

Abstract A case of a large congenital granular-cell epulis excised from the anterior maxilla of a 1-day-old girl is reported.
Some Future Software Engineering Opportunities and Challenges

This paper provides an update and extension of a 2006 paper, “Some Future Trends and Implications for Systems and Software Engineering Processes,” Systems Engineering, Spring 2006. Some of its challenges and opportunities are similar, such as the need to simultaneously achieve high levels of both agility and assurance. Others have emerged as increasingly important, such as the challenges of dealing with ultralarge volumes of data, with multicore chips, and with software as a service. The paper is organized around eight relatively surprise-free trends and two “wild cards” whose trends and implications are harder to foresee. The eight surprise-free trends are:
The end results of the simpson operation in sixty-one patients delivered at term

Retroflexioversion acquires a new significance, however, in the childbearing woman, and in the majority of them, at some time requires attention. It may interfere with conception; it is one of the most frequent causes of abortion in the early months of pregnancy; it may be responsible for backache, lower abdominal pain, and almost any pelvic symptom in the woman who has gone through pregnancy and labor.
Consumer Perceptions and Use of Driving Distance of Electric Vehicles: Changes Over Time Through Lifestyle Learning Process

Popular media and even researchers commonly assume that ownership of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) provides consumers less performance and mobility than consumers expect. A common claim is that consumers have constant worry about the range of their BEVs, often termed "range anxiety." BMW converted 450 Mini Coopers to all-electric drive (named the Mini E) and leased them to fleets and 235 private households in the Los Angeles, California, and New York-New Jersey regions from spring 2009 to spring 2010. Through the course of the 1-year lease, University of California, Davis (UCD), researchers conducted multiple online surveys and in-person interviews and administered weeklong driving diaries. This paper explores the reactions of Mini E drivers to the driving distance of the Mini E through the framework of a lifestyle learning process. Over time, Mini E drivers learned how the 104-mi range of the Mini E fit into their lifestyles. Drivers adapted and explored with their Mini E through activities such as al...
Alpha-Thalassemia Is Related to Prolonged Survival in Sickle Cell Anemia

We have determined the frequency of deletional alpha-thalassemia in black populations in the USA and Africa that harbor sickle cell anemia. In normals, the frequency of the chromosome bearing a deletion of one of the two normal alpha gene loci, designated (-alpha), ranged from 0.12 to 0.16, and in sickle trait subjects, the frequency ranged from 0.18 to 0.20. By contrast, in sickle cell anemia subjects, the frequency was significantly greater and ranged from 0.22 to 0.33. Analysis demonstrated that the greater frequency in the last group was primarily a result of an increased number of subjects with alpha-thalassemia trait (also called homozygous alpha-thalassemia-2). In addition, the frequency of the (-alpha) chromosome was found to increase progressively with age, supporting the hypothesis that alpha-thalassemia is favorable to the survival of subjects with sickle cell anemia. Thus, individuals who inherit alpha-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia may represent a subgroup of patients with a longer life expectancy.
A geometric calibration method for cone beam CT systems

Cone beam CT systems are being deployed in large numbers for small animal imaging, dental imaging, and other specialty applications. A new high-precision method for cone beam CT system calibration is presented in this paper. It uses multiple projection images acquired from rotating point-like objects (metal ball bearings) and the angle information generated from the rotating gantry system is also used. It is assumed that the whole system has a mechanically stable rotation center and that the detector does not have severe out-of-plane rotation (<2 degrees). Simple geometrical relationships between the orbital paths of individual BBs and five system parameters were derived. Computer simulations were employed to validate the accuracy of this method in the presence of noise. Equal or higher accuracy was achieved compared with previous methods. This method was implemented for the geometrical calibration of both a micro CT scanner and a breast CT scanner. The reconstructed tomographic images demonstrated that the proposed method is robust and easy to implement with high precision.
Retrieval of atmospheric thermal profiles from meteorological satellite soundings using neural networks

In this study, neural networks have been used to retrieve thermal profiles from near polar, sun-synchronous meteorological satellite data obtained from the TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS). Data were collected using the SeaSpace TeraScan satellite tracking system for thirteen sites ranging from the Southwestern United States to Canada. Earth-centered radiances, latitude, longitude, elevation, and angular information (satellite zenith angle, solar zenith angle, scatter phase angle, and sun reflection angle) were used as inputs to a backpropagation neural network. The network architecture consisted of one hidden layer of 30 neurons. The output layer provided temperature at the meteorological `mandatory' levels as well as the surface. Truth consisted of the thermal profiles obtained from a conventional algorithm, the TOVS Export Package. The results demonstrate that thermal profiles with Root Mean Square Errors of less than 4 C (typically < 3 C) can be obtained from the trained neural network. As expected, the accuracy of the thermal profiles is greatest at higher altitudes. These results are obtained without the computational overhead and complexity of conventional approaches.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Impacts of Argentine ants on mealybugs and their natural enemies in California's coastal vineyards

1. The Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, tends honeydew-excreting homopterans and can disrupt the activity of their natural enemies. This mutualism is often cited for increases in homopteran densities; however, the ant’s impact on natural enemies may be only one of several effects of ant tending that alters insect densities. To test for the variable impacts of ants, mealybug and natural enemy densities were monitored on ant-tended and ant-excluded vines in two California vineyard regions. 2. Ant tending increased densities of the obscure mealybug, Pseudococcus viburni, and lowered densities of its encyrtid parasitoids Pseudaphycus flavidulus and Leptomastix epona. Differences in parasitoid recovery rates suggest that P. flavidulus was better able to forage on ant-tended vines than L. epona. 3. Densities of a coccinellid predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, were higher on ant-tended vines, where there were more mealybugs. Together with behavioural observations, the results showed that this predator can forage in patches of ant-tended mealybugs, and that it effectively mimics mealybugs to avoid disturbance by ants. 4. Ant tending increased densities of the grape mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus, by increasing the number of surviving first-instar mealybugs. Parasitoids were nearly absent from the vineyard infested with P. maritimus. Therefore, ants improved either mealybug habitat or fitness. 5. There was no difference in mealybug distribution or seasonal development patterns on ant-tended and ant-excluded vines, indicating that ants did not move mealybugs to better feeding locations or create a spatial refuge from natural enemies. 6. Results showed that while Argentine ants were clearly associated with increased mealybug densities, it is not a simple matter of disrupting natural enemies. Instead, ant tending includes benefits independent of the effect on natural enemies. Moreover, the effects on different natural enemy species varied, as some species thrive in the presence of ants.
Proton Affinity and Zwitterion Stability: New Results from Infrared Spectroscopy and Theory of Cationized Lysine and Analogues in the Gas Phase

The gas-phase structures of alkali metal cationized lysine (Lys), α-N-methyllysine (NMeLys), and ϵ-N,N-dimethyllysine (Lys(Me)2) are investigated using infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy utilizing light generated by a free electron laser and ab initio calculations. The proton affinities of the compounds span a range of ∼20 kJ/mol. For NMeLys•M+, experiment and theory indicate that NMeLys is nonzwitterionic for M = Li and zwitterionic for M = Na and K. For Lys(Me)2•M+, experiment and theory indicate that Lys(Me)2 is zwitterionic for M = Li, Na, and K. This is the first spectroscopic observation of the zwitterionic form of an amino acid complexed with Li+. The results are compared with IRMPD spectra reported previously for Lys and ϵ-N-methyllysine (Lys(Me)) complexed with Li, Na, and K, and new calculations performed at higher levels of theory for those ions. The combined experimental and theoretical results indicate that protonation in the zwitterionic forms of the these amino acids...
Stability of superheavy nuclei and their possible occurrence in nature

Abstract Alpha and spontaneous fission half-lives were estimated theoretically in the region of beta-stable nuclei with Z ≈ 114, N ≈ 184. The possible existence of an island of stability is strongly supported. A preliminary search for surviving superheavy elements in nature gave negative results.
Human skeletal muscle: properties of the "chemically skinned%" fiber.

A "skinning%" procedure is described for irreversibly disrupting the sarcolemmal membrane of human skeletal muscle and allowing calcium and other diffusible solutes (such as adenosine triphosphate) access to the myofilament space. Single skinned fibers give isometric tensions of about 1.5 kilograms per square centimeter when exposed to ionized calcium event after 1 to 2 weeks of storage at 5°C. For up to 5 days the preparation will sequester and, under appropriate conditions (anion substitution, caffeine addition, or magnesium withdrawal), release calciumn. The regulation of intracellular calcium distribution and the calcium-induced activation of the contractile proteins are discussed and related to the morphology of humnan fibers and to similar processes occurring on other muscle preparations.
On the combinational complexity of certain symmetric Boolean functions

A property of the truth table of a symmetric Boolean function is given from which one can infer a lower bound on the minimal number of 2-ary Boolean operations that are necessary to compute the function. For certain functions ofn arguments, lower bounds between roughly 2n and 5n/2 can be obtained. In particular, for eachm ≥ 3, a lower bound of 5n/2 −O(1) is established for the function ofn arguments that assumes the value 1 iff the number of arguments equal to 1 is a multiple ofm. Fixingm = 4, this lower bound is the best possible to within an additive constant.
Creating Extension Programs for Change: Forest Landowners and Climate Change Communication

The Cooperative Extension Service in the United States can play an important role in educating forest landowners to improve forest resilience in the face of climatic uncertainty. Two focus groups in Florida informed the development of a program that was conducted in Leon County; presurveys and postsurveys and observation provided evaluation data. The Reasonable Person Model (RPM) was a helpful framework for developing the program and explaining results. Landowners desired more information in order to manage their forests in light of climate change after the program than before.
Sectoral structure, heterogeneous plants, and international trade

Abstract I examine the impact of trade policy on manufacturing plant behavior by developing a methodology that addresses both plant heterogeneity and intersectoral resource reallocation. A plant-level microsimulation based upon the industry structure of Bernard et al. (2003) is linked to a multi-sector computable general equilibrium model. This linkage permits an analysis of plant-level behavior that encompasses the trade-induced changes in factor prices and consumption patterns. The methodology is applied in the examination of two counterfactual trade policy scenarios on the Chilean manufacturing sector. The results suggest that trade liberalization leads to a reallocation of output toward the most productive producers. This result is driven by two primary causes: (a) a reduction in the price of inputs that promotes the expansion of output by the most productive producers and (b) increased competition from overseas that drives the least productive producers out of the market.
Heating season performance improvements for a solar heat pipe system

Abstract An improved model of a heat pipe augmented passive solar space heating system was tested. Computer simulations showed that the new model, featuring key design modifications including a copper absorber, thicker insulation, a rubber adiabatic section, and one condenser exposed directly to room air, has significantly improved heat delivery to the room and reduced losses. The new prototype was tested alongside the previous prototype in a two-room passive solar test facility during January–February of 2013. Results showed that modifications implemented for the new model contributed to increased rate of useful thermal gains to thermal storage and to the room, and decreased rate of thermal losses to ambient. Average daily peak efficiencies for the previous system and the new system were 80.7% and 85.0%, respectively. Furthermore, the average storage temperature for the new model, over the entire testing period, was 13.4% higher than that of the previous model; while the average room temperature over the same period was 24.6% greater for the new system. Simulations matched well with experimental data from the new prototype after parametric adjustments were made to the thermal capacitance of the room and conductances between evaporators and condensers, storage tank and room, solar wall insulation, and the load to collector ratio.
A commentary on the "in vivo viscosity law".

Summary 1. The use of the word “viscosity” in the name of the modified Fahraeus-Lindqvist relationship relating flow parameters in individual in vivo vessels may be misleading, certainly to casual scientific readers, and might usefully be changed to something more descriptive. 2. The current values for the coefficients in the "in vivo viscosity law" may not be correct, since they currently include three effects: (1) those due to measurement uncertainties in the in vivo data, (2) infirmities of other fluid dynamic relationships used in the mathematical models of microvascular network flow, and (3) poor representation of the vessel as a cylindrical tube, with idealized blood flow. Only the third of these effects should be included in the “law.”
Crystalline Homopolyimides and Copolyimides Derived from 3,3‘,4,4‘-Biphenyltetracarboxylic Dianhydride/1,3-Bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene/1,12-Dodecanediamine. 2. Crystallization, Melting, and Morphology

A study of crystallization, melting, and morphology is carried out for homopolyimides derived from 3,3‘,4,4‘-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and either 1,3-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene (134APB) or 1,12-dodecanediamine (C12), as well as copolyimides containing different compositions of 134APB and C12. For copolyimides, although a singular glass transition was seen in each composition, the crystallization and melting behavior of all compositions is dominated by either 134APB/BPDA or C12/BPDA homopolyimide crystals. The bulk crystallization rate is significantly reduced in compositions with high C12 content. Compositions of copolyimides with 40/60 and 20/80 134APB/C12 ratios additionally exhibited dual maxima in crystallization rates which can be attributed to the phase separation of the two crystals. Since no large depression in the spherulite growth rate was found, the decrease in the bulk crystallization rate is primarily due to the decrease in nucleation density. The last endotherm in the triple...
Apoprotein composition of plasma lipoproteins in uremic patients on hemodialysis

Abstract Soluble apolipoproteins were isolated from very low density and high density lipoproteins obtained from the plasma of uremic patients on hemodialysis. Quantitative gel electrophoresis was utilized to determine the relative amounts of lipoprotein lipase activator (ApoC-II) and inhibitor (ApoC-III) peptides of very low density lipoproteins from anephric patients, patients with glomerulo-nephritis, polycystic disease and appropriate normal subjects. The relative amounts of A and C apoproteins of high density lipoproteins from anephric patients, patients with glomerulonephritis and normal subjects were also determined. The total protein in very low density lipoproteins was increased by 300–450% and the ApoC-III/ApoC-II ratio increased from 3.4 in normal subjects to 6.2–8.4 in patient groups. The total protein in high density lipoproteins was decreased approximately 30% for all patient groups. There was no difference in the relative percentage of apoproteins A-I and A-II in the high density lipoproteins between the normal and the patient groups. However, the ratio of ApoC-III/ApoC-II was elevated in patients. Our results suggest the possibility that alterations in the composition of the C group of apoproteins of very low density lipoproteins and high density lipoproteins may contribute to the increase in triglyceride concentration by modulating the activity of lipoprotein lipase. Since anephric patients showed patterns identical to other kidney patients, it appears that the uremic state and not a specific kidney disease is associated with the apoprotein alterations.
VESICAL ENDOMETRIOSIS: REPORT OF TWO CASES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disease in which endometrial tissue is deposited outside the normal confines of the uterine cavity. In rare instances, endometriosis involves the urinary tract, with the bladder the most frequent organ affected. Classic presenting symptoms include cyclic irritative voiding symptoms and suprapubic discomfort with or without hematuria. Both medical and surgical management have been advocated, but surgical extirpation is probably more efficacious. Two cases of endometriosis involving the the bladder are presented and contrasted in terms of pathophysiology. Contemporary management of this condition is reviewed, and guidelines for diagnosis and treatment are proposed.
THE MICROCRYSTALLINE STRUCTURE OF CELLULOSE IN CELL WALLS OF COTTON, RAMIE, AND JUTE FIBERS AS REVEALED BY NEGATIVE STAINING OF SECTIONS

With a new technique of negative staining of sections, it has been possible to observe directly, in ultrathin sections under the electron microscope, the original microcrystalline and microfibrillar structure of cellulose as it occurs in living cells. This method has advantages over the study of isolated fibers used so far by others, in that the original arrangement of microfibrils is better preserved, and their collapse into larger fibrillar units is prevented. With this method, the cell walls of ramie, jute, and cotton fibers have been studied. The size (diameter, 25 to 40 A) and the longitudinal periodicity observed in the single microfibrils and the orientation and spatial arrangement of the microcrystallite within the microfibrils are found to correspond with the latest models derived by others from data obtained by indirect methods such as X-ray diffraction. The microfibril size of about 35 A, found by measuring these structures in sections, agrees with the latest conclusions reached by others in recent work with isolated fibrils.
Work In Progress: Sojourns and Pathways: Personal and professional identity formation and attitudes toward learning among college women

Understanding how women develop a sense of professional identity in engineering, computer science, and technology can inform the design of interventions to improve their rates of entry and persistence in these fields. We seek to understand how female students conceptualize and form personal and professional identities in the context of pursing a college education. In the initial phase of a five-year study at Smith College, we conducted interviews with undergraduate engineering and non-engineering majors. Participants were asked questions about their personal and professional goals, interests and destinations, their philosophies of education, and the role of student life experience and identity in their approach to learning. We report results to date for three key questions covering each of these topics, and offer a preliminary comparative analysis that describes differences by field of study and by class year.
Determination of effective specific heat of nanofluids

The effective specific heat of several types of nanofluids are measured by transient double hot-wire technique. Sample nanofluids are prepared by suspending 1–5 volume percentages of titanium dioxide (TiO2), aluminium oxide (A12O3) and aluminium (Al) nanoparticles in various base fluids, such as deionised water, ethylene glycol and engine oil. The effective specific heats of these nanofluids were found to decrease substantially with increased volume fraction of nanoparticles. Besides particle volume fraction, particle materials and base fluids also have influence on the effective specific heat of nanofluids. Except Al/engine oil-based nanofluid, predictions of the effective specific heat of nanofluids by the volume fraction mixture rule-based model showed reasonably good agreement with the experimental results. Based on the calibration results obtained for the base fluids, the measurement error is estimated to be within 2.77%.
A selfish DNA element engages a meiosis-specific motor and telomeres for germ-line propagation.

The chromosome-like mitotic stability of the yeast 2 micron plasmid is conferred by the plasmid proteins Rep1-Rep2 and the cis-acting locus STB, likely by promoting plasmid-chromosome association and segregation by hitchhiking. Our analysis reveals that stable plasmid segregation during meiosis requires the bouquet proteins Ndj1 and Csm4. Plasmid relocalization from the nuclear interior in mitotic cells to the periphery at or proximal to telomeres rises from early meiosis to pachytene. Analogous to chromosomes, the plasmid undergoes Csm4- and Ndj1-dependent rapid prophase movements with speeds comparable to those of telomeres. Lack of Ndj1 partially disrupts plasmid–telomere association without affecting plasmid colocalization with the telomere-binding protein Rap1. The plasmid appears to engage a meiosis-specific motor that orchestrates telomere-led chromosome movements for its telomere-associated segregation during meiosis I. This hitherto uncharacterized mode of germ-line transmission by a selfish genetic element signifies a mechanistic variation within the shared theme of chromosome-coupled plasmid segregation during mitosis and meiosis.
Fabrication of minority‐carrier‐limited n‐Si/insulator/metal diodes

A photoelectrochemical anodization technique has been used to fabricate n-Si/insulator/metal (MIS) diodes with improved electrical properties. MIS structures fabricated with Au have provided the first experimental observation of a solid-state n-Si surface barrier device whose open circuit voltage Voc is controlled by minority-carrier bulk diffusion/recombination processes. For these diodes, variation of the minority-carrier diffusion length and majority-carrier dopant density produced changes in Voc that were in accord with bulk diffusion/recombination theory. Additionally, the variation in Voc in response to changes in the work function of the metal overlayer indicated that these MIS devices were not subject to the Fermi level pinning restrictions observed for n-Si Schottky structures. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic characterization of the anodically grown insulator indicated 8.2±0.9 A of a strained SiO2 layer as the interfacial insulator resulting from the photoanodization process.
Novae as a Mechanism for Producing Cavities around the Progenitors of SN 2002ic and Other Type Ia Supernovae

We propose that a nova shell ejected from a recurrent nova progenitor system created the evacuated region around the explosion center of SN 2002ic. In this picture, periodic shell ejections due to nova explosions on a white dwarf sweep up the slow wind from the binary companion, creating density variations and instabilities that lead to structure in the circumstellar medium (CSM). Our model naturally explains the observed gap between the supernova explosion center and the CSM in SN 2002ic, accounts for the density variations observed in the CSM, and resolves the coincidence problem of the timing of the explosion of SN 2002ic with respect to the apparent cessation of mass loss in the progenitor system. We also consider such nova outburst sweeping as a generic feature of Type Ia supernovae with recurrent nova progenitors.
Stable schemes for partial differential equations: the one-dimensional reaction–diffusion equation

Abstract Reaction–diffusion equations are fundamental in modelling several natural phenomena. The numerical schemes used to solve these equations often suffer from numerical stability problems. In this paper, a new type of algorithm to solve the diffusion equation in a stable and explicit manner is extended to the reaction–diffusion equation. The new scheme imposes a fixed value for the stability coefficient below the stability limit, and uses this information in order to determine a new grid. The values of the variables at this grid are then obtained by interpolation from the original grid. The scheme is applied to the linear single kinetic reaction–diffusion equation and to the classical Fisher equation. Different possibilities of extending the new scheme to the reaction–diffusion equations are discussed. It is shown that, for the linear case, including both terms (reaction and diffusion) in the computation of the new grid gives more accurate results and is more correct than just including the diffusion term. To solve the non-linear Fisher equation, a fractional-step method, where the reaction and diffusion terms are solved separately, is chosen. The new scheme provides realistic results when compared with analytic solutions.
Hypothetical Thermodynamic Properties. Subcooled Vaporization Enthalpies and Vapor Pressures of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons

The vaporization enthalpies and liquid vapor pressures from T = 298.15 K to T = 510 K of a series of polyaromatic hydrocarbons have been measured by correlation−gas chromatography. The vaporization enthalpies measured in kJ·mol−1 include: biphenylene (66.4 ± 1.7), fluorene (72.4 ± 1.7), 1-methylfluorene (77.2 ± 3.6), 2-phenylindene (84.3 ± 0.7), 1-, 2-, 9-methylanthracene (87.0 ± 1.0, 84.5 ± 2.7, 88.1 ± 1.0, respectively), 1-methylphenanthrene (84.5 ± 1.4), 4H-cyclopenta(def)phenanthrene (83.4 ± 0.7), pyrene (92.4 ± 1.1), 9,10-dimethylanthracene (94.5 ± 0.2), 2-ethylanthracene (91.4 ± 1.1), 2,3-benzofluorene (97.5 ± 3.9), 1,2-benzanthracene (105.8 ± 1.9), 2,3-benzanthracene (106.2 ± 3.7), triphenylene (106.1 ± 3.9), p-terphenyl-d14 (99.5 ± 4.4), triphenylmethane (93.2 ± 2.2), benzo[a]pyrene (117.8 ± 1.0), benzo[e]pyrene (118.2 ± 0.3), benzo[k]fluoranthene (117.4 ± 1.1), 3,4-benzofluoranthene (116.8 ± 1.6), benzo[ghi]perylene (128.9 ± 1.5), and p-quaterphenyl (136.1 ± 1.6). Vaporiza...
Mediated channels for mate seeking: A solution to involuntary singlehood?

The rapid growth in the number of unmarried Americans has prompted a variety of mediated channels for mate seeking, including videotapes, print ads, computer networks, and human third parties. These innovative services represent a marked shift in the traditional channels for courtship, from informal networks and social gatherings to a mass communication approach. This paper examines the success and failure of these mediated channels in faciliating the searching, matching, and interacting processes that bring singles together. It further explores how these pathways to romance not only faciliate meeting eligible others but also shape singles’ understanding of their romantic relationships.
Post-cesarean delivery fever and uterine rupture in a subsequent trial of labor

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of uterine rupture during a trial of labor after cesarean with postpartum fever after the prior cesarean delivery. METHODS: We conducted a nested, case-control study in a cohort of all women undergoing a trial of labor after cesarean over a 12-year period in a single tertiary care institution. The current study was limited to all women undergoing a trial of labor after cesarean at term with a symptomatic uterine rupture and who also had their prior cesarean at the same institution. Four controls, who all had their prior cesarean at the same institution, were matched to each case by year of delivery, number of prior cesareans, prior vaginal delivery, and induction in the index pregnancy. Medical records were reviewed for maximum postpartum temperature for the previous cesarean. Fever was defined as a temperature above 38C. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed taking into account potential confounding factors. RESULTS: There were 21 cases of uterine rupture included in the analysis. The rate of fever following the prior cesarean was 38% (8/21) among the cases, and 15% (13/84) in the controls, P = .03. Multiple logistic regression analysis examining the association of uterine rupture and postpartum fever adjusting for confounders revealed an odds ratio of 4.0, 95% confidence interval 1.0, 15.5. CONCLUSION: Postpartum fever after cesarean delivery is associated with an increased risk of uterine rupture during a subsequent trial of labor.