cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Dietary Nutrient Density on Broiler Performance at Low and Moderate Environmental Temperatures

Abstract Three broiler finishing rations with calculated metabolizable energy values (ME) of 3175, 3250, and 3325 kcal/kg and constant lysine and sulfur-bearing amino acid:energy ratios were evaluated at two environmental temperatures. Broiler chickens were reared from 3 to 7 weeks in either an 18.3 or 26.7 C temperature. At the 18.3 C temperature, 7-week body weights increased linearly 3.1% as energy level increased from lowest to highest level. Feed:gain ratio decreased linearly 5.0% as energy level increased from lowest to highest. At the 26.7 C temperature, no significant differences were found in 7-week body weights due to energy level of the diet. Feed:gain ratio decreased 3.2% as energy level increased from lowest to highest, but the response was not linear. Energy intake increased as dietary energy was increased in the cool temperature; energy intake was less in the warm temperature and did not change appreciably as dietary energy changed. Because lysine and methionine plus cystine were tied to dietary energy by a fixed ratio, the pattern for intake of these amino acids was the same as for energy. It appears that the procedures used to formulate the diets do not give uniform results for the range of environmental temperatures and energy levels tested.
Colloquium : Soap bubble clusters

Soap bubble clusters and froths model biological cells, metallurgical structures, magnetic domains,liquid crystals, ﬁre-extinguishing foams, bread, cushions, and many other materials and structures.Despite the simplicity of the governing principle of energy or area minimization, the underlyingmathematical theory is deep and still not understood, even for rather simple, ﬁnite clusters. Only withthe advent of geometric measure theory could mathematics treat surfaces which might haveunprescribed singularities and topological complexities. In 1884, Schwarz gave a rigorousmathematical proof that a single round soap bubble provides the least-area way to enclose a givenvolume of air. Similarly, the familiar double bubble provides the absolute least-area way to encloseand separate the two given volumes of air, although the proof did not come until 2000 and has aninteresting story, as this Colloquium explains in some detail. Whether a triple soap bubble provides theleast-area way to enclose and separate three given volumes of air remains an open conjecture today.Even planar bubble clusters remain mysterious. In about 200
Selective Up-regulation of Cytokine-induced RANTES Gene Expression in Lung Epithelial Cells by Overexpression of IκBR

We previously reported the cloning of a cDNA for IkappaBR (for IkappaB-related) from human lung alveolar epithelial cells. IkappaBR is related to the IkappaB proteins that function as regulators of the NF-kappaB family of transcription factors. Here, we investigated the consequence of IkappaBR overexpression on the expression of NF-kappaB-regulated chemokine genes in lung alveolar epithelial cells. Chemokines play an important role in many inflammatory diseases such as asthma and AIDS. Overexpression of IkappaBR in the lung cells resulted in a rapid 50-100-fold greater production of the RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T expressed and presumably secreted) protein upon cytokine-induction compared with control cells. IkappaBR overexpression, however, did not enhance interleukin-8 or MIP-1alpha gene expression, despite the fact that the expression of all three chemokine genes are regulated by NF-kappaB. The up-regulation of RANTES gene expression resulting from overexpression of IkappaBR correlated with increased amounts of a unique RANTES-kappaB binding activity and decreased binding of p50 homodimers. Previous studies have shown that p50 homodimers function as repressors of certain kappaB sites. Our studies suggest that IkappaBR can aid activation of select NF-kappaB-regulated genes by sequestering p50 homodimers.
Apical mural thrombus: technical pitfalls

A left ventricular thrombus can occur in a variety of clinical settings and, when small, may be difficult to document. Understanding the clinical scenarios of when these thrombi form and how to optimise echocardiographic scanning techniques will increase the sensitivity and specificity of the examination (tables 1 and 2).
Nanocalorimetry measurements of metastable states

Nanocalorimetry offers new capabilities to explore previously inaccessible domains of reaction kinetics due to the expanded heating and cooling rates compared to conventional calorimetry methods. With this capability it is now possible to explore ranges of alloy metastability and to examine rapid kinetic reactions such as melting and the competition between crystallization and glass formation. These capabilities are demonstrated for the melting of phases in Pb–Bi alloys, the melting and undercooling of Sn and glass formation in an organic compound d-mannitol.
Student Response to a Partial Inversion of an Organic Chemistry Course for Non-Chemistry Majors

We report the student response to a two-year transformation of a one-semester organic chemistry course for nonchemistry majors. The transformed course adopted a peer led team learning approach and incorporated case studies. Student attitudes toward the course transformation were assessed throughout the semester, and adjustments to the methods were made in response to student surveys. No change in student performance on exams was observed compared to a traditional lecture course. However, significant improvements in the end of course “Student Assessment of Instruction” were recorded.
Ethanol fermentation in a continuous tower fermentor.

A mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which forms large, multicellular flocs in liquid culture, rapidly fermented media containing high concentrations of glucose (100-180 g/L) in a continuous nonaerated tower fermentor at 30/sup 0/C. The fermentor operated continuously for seven months. Batch and tower fermentor data were fitted to a kinetic model incorporating linear ethanol inhibition and Monod dependence on glucose. Conversion, ethanol yield, and ethanol productivity were related to the apparent fermentation time for initial glucose concentrations of 130 and 180 g/L. Productivities of 8-12 g ethenol/L h were achieved through the yeast bed giving conversions exceeding 90% of the theoretical yield.
Bile acids via FXR initiate the expression of major transporters involved in the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids in newborn mice

The enterohepatic circulation (EHC) of bile acids (BAs) plays a pivotal role in facilitating lipid absorption. Therefore, initiation of the EHC in newborns is of crucial importance for lipid absorp...
Corrosion passivation of gold by n-alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers: Effect of chain length and end group

Electrochemistry, FTIR-external reflection spectroscopy (FTIR-ERS), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) were used to study the ability of n-alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to protect Au from corrosion in aqueous Br- solutions. The thickness and terminal functional group of the SAMs were varied to determine which factors lead to the greatest corrosion passivation. SAMs prepared on Au from the following molecules were studied: HS(CH2)15CH3, HS(CH2)11CH3, HS(CH2)10COOH, and HS(CH2)11OH. The data reveal that, prior to corrosion, the SAMs are crystalline and highly ordered but that afterward they are disordered and oriented parallel to the surface plane. The results show that, for SAMs containing the same terminal functional group, corrosion resistance increases as the SAM thickness increases. For SAMs that are equal in thickness but contain different terminal functional groups, the end groups resulting in the most corrosion resistance follow the order OH > COOH > CH3. The hydrophilic SAM-mod...
Alcohol intake over the life course and mammographic density

Alcohol intake is one of the few modifiable risk factors for breast cancer. Current alcohol intake has been associated with mammographic density, a strong intermediate marker of breast cancer risk, though few studies have examined the effect of both current and average lifetime alcohol intake. We interviewed 262 participants from a New York birth cohort (born 1959–1963) and obtained mammograms from 163 (71.5% of participants with a mammogram). We collected information on alcohol intake by beverage type separately for each decade of life. We used multivariable linear models to assess the associations between current and average lifetime alcohol intake and mammographic density using a quantitative measure of density from digitized images. Overall, current alcohol intake was more strongly associated with mammographic density than average lifetime alcohol intake; compared with nondrinkers, those with current intake of seven or more servings per week had on average 12.3% (95% CI: 4.3, 20.4) higher density, adjusted for average lifetime alcohol intake, age, and body mass index. We observed a consistent inverse association for red wine intake and mammographic density, suggesting that the positive association between mammographic density and overall alcohol intake was driven by other types of alcoholic beverages. Our findings support an association between current alcohol intake and increased mammographic density independent of the effect of average lifetime alcohol intake. If replicated, our study suggests that reducing current alcohol consumption, particularly beer and white wine intake, may be a means of reducing mammographic density regardless of intake earlier in life.
Speculations on processes responsible for mesoscale current lineations on the continental shelf, southern California

Abstract A side-scan sonar survey of San Pedro shelf, California, reveals areas of mesoscale current lineations oriented approximately north-northeast in water depths of 20–25 m. Widths of sand ribbons range from 40 to 120 m and intervening erosional furrows, from 15 to 50 m. A conceptual model shows that the scale and orientation of current lineations agree with the dimensions and axial directions of Langmuir circulations theoretically generated by a combination either of southerly and southwesterly winds with regular trains of swell from the southern hemisphere or of two sets of wave trains crossing from the south and west. These longitudinal bedforms indicate shore-normal sediment transport at the times and on the areas of the shelf when and where they have been observed.
NANOPARTICLE DELIVERY SYSTEMS IN CANCER VACCINES

Therapeutic strategies that involve the manipulation of the host’s immune system are gaining momentum in cancer research. Antigen-loaded nanocarriers are capable of being actively taken up by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and have shown promising potential in cancer immunotherapy by initiating a strong immunostimulatory cascade that results in potent antigen-specific immune responses against the cancer. Such carrier systems offer versatility in that they can simultaneously co-deliver adjuvants with the antigens to enhance APC activation and maturation. Furthermore, modifying the surface properties of these nanocarriers affords active targeting properties to APCs and/or enhanced accumulation in solid tumors. Here, we review some recent advances in these colloidal and particulate nanoscale systems designed for cancer immunotherapy and the potential for these systems to translate into clinical cancer vaccines.
Effect of the Combination of Monensin and Isoacids on Rumen Fermentation In Vitro

Effects of isoacids, monensin, or a combination of them on fermentation by mixed rumen bacteria were investigated using a continuous culture technique. The culture was allowed to stabilize for 4 d before treatments were imposed. Comparisons between treatments were made on d 11 and 12 of the culture. Isoacids (equal proportions of isobutyric, 2-M-butyric, isovaleric, and valeric acids) at 15 mg/dl of culture media increased acetate (6.17 vs. 5.48 meq/dl) and total VFA production (8.93 vs. 7.87 meq/dl) compared with that of controls. Monensin at 150 micrograms/dl reduced acetate (3.74 vs. 6.02 meq/dl) and VFA (6.84 vs. 8.54 meq/dl) but increased propionate (2.28 vs. 1.74 meq/dl) relative to control. The combination of isoacids and monensin increased acetate relative to monensin alone (5.24 vs. 3.74 meq/dl) but did not alter the effect of monensin on propionate concentration (2.32 vs. 2.28 meq/dl). It is concluded that monensin decreases acetate production by 35% and when isoacids are added to the cultures containing monensin, acetate production is restored.
Hepatitis B immunization in adolescents.

This article reviews the epidemiology of hepatitis B in the United States, previous vaccination strategy, and reasons for its failure and issues leading to the recommendation to vaccinate all adolescents. A review of specific hepatitis B virus risk behaviors of adolescents and barriers to vaccinating adolescents is covered. Strategies that favor successful completion of the immunization series are also examined. Hepatitis B infection is an important public health concern for adolescents. The previous vaccine strategy to immunize only individuals thought to be at high risk was unsuccessful, especially because providers of care could not identify these individuals. Furthermore, many individuals thought not to be at high risk for infection were exposed through contacts which could not be identified. Challenges to immunization of adolescents include logistical issues, patient education, cost of the vaccine, and patient compliance. Several of these issues can be addressed by a school-based hepatitis B immunization program. The body of evidence and national policy is rapidly changing to support the recommendation that all adolescents receive the hepatitis B immunization series. The series would be most effective if administered during the middle-school years. A universal adolescent hepatitis B vaccination program would result in the most immediate health benefits and acceleration toward the eradication of hepatitis B in the United States.
Heat transfer in rectangular microchannels during volumetric heating of the substrate

Convective heat transfer in microchannels with rectangular and square cross sections are analyzed for volumetric heat generation in the substrate due to an imposed magnetic field. Gadolinium was used as the substrate material and water as the working fluid. Gadolinium is a magnetic material that exhibits high temperature rise during adiabatic magnetization around its transition temperature of 295 K. A thorough investigation for velocity and temperature distributions was performed by varying channel aspect ratio, Reynolds number, and heat generation rate in the substrate. With the increase in Reynolds number, the outlet temperature decreased and the average Nusselt number increased.
Mathematics and Argumentation

Some authors have begun to appeal directly to studies of argumentation in their analyses of mathematical practice. These include researchers from an impressively diverse range of disciplines: not only philosophy of mathematics and argumentation theory, but also psychology, education, and computer science. This introduction provides some background to their work.
Method for determination of plastoquinone A and plastoquinol A levels in spinach chloroplasts.

Abstract A convenient method for determining the amount and redox state of PQA spinach chloroplasts has been described. This method has the advantages of measuring the quinol form directly, and of being free from interference from other plastoquinones having identical absorption spectra. The method involves the following: (1) The formation of an azeotropic mixture of chloroplasts and ethanol, permiting rapid evaporation to dryness.
Closure of the neural tube in the cephalic region of the mouse embryo.

In mouse embryos varying in age from 9 to 20 somites the first closure of the neural groove was found to occur in the cervical region. The fusion process gradually proceeded in rhombencephalic direction until it reached a level just caudal to the otic pits. Shortly afterwards the prosencephalic walls fused together independent of the rhombencephalic closure. This prosencephalic fusion process proceeded caudally in the direction of the mesencephalon until it reached the rostral portion of the rhombencephalon. In this region the two independent fusion processes met each other. In addition the prosencephalic fusion proceeded in rostral direction toward the anterior neuropore, which was the last part of the brain vesicles to close. Hence, the closure of the brain vesicles is not a zipper-like process proceeding from the rhombencephalon to the anterior neuropore, but occurs at several places at the same time and proceeds in a rostral as well as in a caudal direction. At the cellular level considerable differences in the fusion process were found to exist between the various brain vesicles. In the rhombencephalon the first bridge between the two opposing walls was formed by surface ectoderm and neural crest cells. In the mesencephalon single squamous ectoderm and a few neuroepithelial cells established the first contact, whereas in the prosencephalon the apical ends of several neuroepithelial cells fused together to overbridge the gap between the opposing walls. The surface ectoderm cells subsequently covered the neuroepithelial bridge. In the region of the anterior neuropore the fusion was similar to that between the prosencephalic walls, the only difference being that in the anterior neuropore area many more darkly stained particles indicating cell degeneration, were present than in the prosencephalon. It is thus concluded that considerable differences exist in the fusion of the neural walls between the various brain vesicles.
Entrance region flow of the Bingham fluid in a circular pipe

The laminar, isothermal entrance region flow of the Bingham fluid in a circular pipe is studied at first by using the momentum integral method and the boundary-layer equation for the Bingham fluid. In addition to the velocity boundary layer, the existence of the shear stress boundary layer is considered. The solution is valid only near the entry because of limitation of the boundary-layer model. The Campbell-Slattery method originally devised for the Newtonian fluid is also used to analyze the Bingham entrance region flow. The results are compared with those obtained through the use of the momentum integral method and those obtained through the use of the variational method by other investigators. While the results obtained in this work appear to be generally reasonable and valid, the results by the other investigators have been found to be somewhat erroneous.
A low-Z PET detector

In order to examine the potential of low-Z detector materials for PET (positron emission tomography), a small field imaging system using plastic detectors has been designed. In this system the site of a photon interaction in the detector is located using light produced by the first Compton electron. This is in contrast to high-Z detectors where multiple interactions occur. The calculated performance of the detector and supporting measurements are presented. >
Attitudes toward clinical trials among patients with sickle cell disease.

BackgroundA substantial number of planned clinical trials for sickle cell disease (SCD) have terminated early due to insufficient patient enrollment.PurposeTo describe attitudes toward clinical tri...
Adaptive Confidentiality Mechanism for Hierarchical Wireless Sensor Networks

Protocol designs in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have to consider many constraints such as limited power and computing capacity. We propose an end-to-end adaptive confidentiality mechanism (ACM), which significantly reduces the risk of adversary capturing aggregated messages leaving a cluster head while meeting these rigid resource constraints. ACM divides an encrypted message into several segments and sends them to a pre-defined super node set. The super nodes encrypt and forward the segments to a super node set leader which, then decrypts and reconstructs the original message. Analysis shows that ACM improves data confidentiality by several magnitudes without adding significant communication and processing overhead.
Effects of turfgrass evaporation on external temperatures of buildings

Evaporative cooling of air by urban vegetation has been considered to be primarily a mesoscale process. Recent studies, however, indicate that localized evaporation may be equally as effective at lowering air temperatures and may substantially reduce summer cooling loads in buildings. An experimental study was conducted in a moderately humid environment to explore how changes in evaporation and the surface energy balance of turfgrass may affect external temperatures of buildings. Surface temperatures of a building shell and the energy balance of adjacent bermudagrass were measured as evaporation from the grass decreased during two drying cycles. In spite of large decreases in latent heat flux and increases in sensible heat flux from the turfgrass, no systematic changes in wall temperature were observed. If evaporative cooling occurred, it was obscured by other environmental factors. Wall temperatures did vary in response to changes in irradiance and wind speed. Changes in wind speed had a considerable effect on wall temperatures during periods of predominantly free convection. When forced convection was dominant, changes in wind speed had a relatively small effect on wall temperatures. Results support the view that evaporative cooling of air is mainly a mesoscale process, and that changes in evaporation within an individual landscapes are unlikely to have a major effect on building energy balance in many climatic regimes.
Applied Mathematics and Systematic Automotive Powertrain Synthesis

This paper presents a discussion of mathematical modeling, analysis, and simulation as key elements in the iterative process that includes the development of vehicle hardware, system performance measures, computer control software, and ultimately, vehicle powertrain system synthesis. The use of various mathematical methods are illustrated via discussion of the synthesis of a conventional internal combustion engine powertrain system and a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain drivetrain system.
The effects of self-assessment among young learners of English

This study examined the effectiveness of self-assessment among 254 young learners of English as a foreign language. This study looked at 6th grade students in South Korea, who were asked to perform self-assessments on a regular basis for a semester during their English classes. The students improved their ability to self-assess their performance over time. A series of quantitative analyses found some positive effects of self-assessment on the students’ English performance as well as their confidence in learning English, though the effect sizes were rather small. The study also found that teachers and students perceived the effectiveness of self-assessment differently depending on their teaching/learning contexts. Individual teachers’ views towards assessment also influenced their perceived effectiveness in implementing the new self-assessment practice. A number of interesting insights were discovered through interviews with teachers regarding how best to implement self-assessment as part of foreign langua...
Alleghanian deformation and metamorphism in the eastern North Carolina Piedmont

Rb-Sr isotopic data document Alleghanian ages for the metamorphic event which formed the upper greenschist- to amphibolite-grade Raleigh belt and for the D 3 deformational event which formed regional-scale folds and mylonite zones in the eastern North Carolina Piedmont. The Butterwood Creek granite, which straddles the eastern boundary between the Raleigh belt and the Eastern slate belt, has a whole-rock isochron age of 292 ± 31 Ma. Biotite ages indicate that the eastern, undeformed part of the pluton cooled rapidly after intrusion, whereas a younger biotite age of 251 Ma indicates slow cooling for the western, foliated portion of the granite which lies in the Raleigh belt. Other biotite ages within the Raleigh belt range from 247–238 Ma. The thermal maximum for the Raleigh belt probably accompanied the intrusion of numerous granitic plutons during the time 315 to 285 Ma. The biotite ages indicate that the Raleigh belt remained at elevated temperatures and did not cool to the blocking temperature of biotite until 250–240 Ma. Rapid cooling of the eastern part of the Butterwood Creek helps define the eastern boundary of the Alleghanian thermal event, which corresponds to the eastern limit of the high-grade rocks of the Raleigh belt. The S 3 tectonic biotite foliation in the western part of the Butterwood Creek and in other Alleghanian plutons of the Raleigh belt, associated regional F 3 folds, and the D 3 Hollister mylonite zone which cuts the Butterwood Creek pluton formed between the time of intrusion of the Butterwood Creek at 292 Ma and regional cooling by 250–240 Ma. This study further defines the narrow Alleghanian thermotectonic belt along the eastern Piedmont which is known as the Raleigh belt in Virginia and North Carolina and reappears as the Kiokee belt in South Carolina and Georgia.
Development of relationship stage measures

This article describes three studies undertaken to develop measures of relationship level based on Knapp's (1978) staircase model. First, we attempted to develop a quantitative index for relational stages. Second, we created a coding system for narrative data and assessed the reliability of coders; we also compared the two systems and found congruency. Third, we reworded the initial measure for frequency responses and examined their use for both social and task relationships. We factor analyzed the scale and created two 10‐item Escalating and Deescalating Scales. Meanwhile, we developed paragraph descriptions of the stages for possible use as a nominal measure.
A Method of Analyzing the Data of Chick Nutrition Experiments

Abstract FOR some time workers in poultry nutrition have keenly felt the lack of a suitable, accurate method of analyzing the data of chick nutrition experiments. Fortunately, recent developments in the application of variance analysis have supplied such a method. It is the purpose of this paper to demonstrate the application of this method. In the usual chick nutrition experiment a suitable number of chicks is equally distributed among the required number of pens and the chicks in these pens are fed the different diets, or are given the different treatments to be studied. Some mortality is almost inevitable and so it very rarely happens that there is the same number of chicks in each pen at the end of an experiment. Also, when an experiment is ended, it is a common experience to have unequal numbers of males and females in the same pen, as well as in the different . . .
2+2 Statewide Articulation Policy, Student Persistence, and Success in Florida Universities

The reported study in this paper examined the continuing viability of Florida's 2+2 articulation agreement by comparing academic success and persistence among Florida public community college graduates (n = 1,738) and native (n = 874) juniors at three universities. Discriminant analysis yielded statistically significant differences. Transfer students graduated with fewer lower level courses in upper division and fewer cumulative credit hours than native students. Discriminant analysis did not yield appreciable differences in the final grade point averages of student graduates, indicating that community college transfer students performed just as well academically as native students. Chi-square tests of independence indicated that a greater percentage of transfers dropped out prior to graduation. These findings support the conclusion that community college transfers are academically competitive, but they may benefit from retention services and programs that engender student engagement.
Purα Is Essential for Postnatal Brain Development and Developmentally Coupled Cellular Proliferation As Revealed by Genetic Inactivation in the Mouse

The single-stranded DNA- and RNA-binding protein, Pur, has been implicated in many biological processes, including control of transcription of multiple genes, initiation of DNA replication, and RNA transport and translation. Deletions of the PURA gene are frequent in acute myeloid leukemia. Mice with targeted disruption of the PURA gene in both alleles appear normal at birth, but at 2 weeks of age, they develop neurological problems manifest by severe tremor and spontaneous seizures and they die by 4 weeks. There are severely lower numbers of neurons in regions of the hippocampus and cerebellum of PURA / mice versus those of age-matched / littermates, and lamination of these regions is aberrant at time of death. Immunohistochemical analysis of MCM7, a protein marker for DNA replication, reveals a lack of proliferation of precursor cells in these regions in the PURA / mice. Levels of proliferation were also absent or low in several other tissues of the PURA / mice, including those of myeloid lineage, whereas those of PURA / mice were intermediate. Evaluation of brain sections indicates a reduction in myelin and glial fibrillary acidic protein labeling in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, respectively, indicating pathological development of these cells. At postnatal day 5, a critical time for cerebellar development, Pur and Cdk5 were both at peak levels in bodies and dendrites of Purkinje cells of PURA / mice, but both were absent in dendrites of PURA / mice. Pur and Cdk5 can be coimmunoprecipitated from brain lysates of PURA / mice. Immunohistochemical studies reveal a dramatic reduction in the level of both phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated neurofilaments in dendrites of the Purkinje cell layer and of synapse formation in the hippocampus. Overall results are consistent with a role for Pur in developmentally timed DNA replication in specific cell types and also point to a newly emerging role in compartmentalized RNA transport and translation in neuronal dendrites.
Resource Allocation Algorithms with Reduced Complexity in MIMO Multi-Hop Fading Channels

MIMO multi-hop channel plays an important role in wireless ad hoc networks. In this paper, we investigate the resource allocation optimization problem in order to achieve throughput maximization with given resource constraints. We propose algorithms with low complexity to achieve maximum capacity. The main idea is to determine the rank of the optimal transmit covariance matrix and the optimal power allocation of each node separately using our low-complexity algorithm. Further, we reduce the complexity of our algorithm by adding another pre-processing algorithm. Using our algorithms, we find that while dynamical allocation of time and power could increase channel capacity, equal time and power allocation among different nodes may not cause much capacity loss.
Universal Epitopes for Human CD4+ Cells on Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxins

Previous studies suggested that tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (TTD and DTD, respectively) contain "universal" epitopes for human CD4+ cells (residues 632-651 and 950-969 of TTD and 271-290, 321-350, 351-370, 411-430, and 431-450 of DTD). To investigate whether CD4+ cells of 100 randomly selected subjects recognized those sequences, the proliferation of CD4+ cell-enriched blood lymphocytes to TTD and DTD and individual synthetic universal epitopes was measured. CD4+ cells of 98 subjects recognized both toxoids, those of 1 subject only TTD, and those of 1 only DTD. The TTD peptides and DTD peptides 271-290 and 331-350 were recognized by >/=80% of the toxoid-sensitized subjects. The other DTD sequences were recognized by 63%-71% of subjects. DR-homozygous subjects recognized several universal epitopes less frequently than did DR-heterozygous subjects. The intensity of responses to the epitope peptides correlated with that to TTD or DTD, consistent with recognition of the peptides by CD4+ cells specific for the cognate toxoid.
Stomatal patchiness and task-performing networks.

†Background Patchy stomatal conductance is a poorly understood and little-studied phenomenon. It is relatively common, yet it appears to be detrimental to water-use efficiency under some conditions and has no immediately obvious physiological function of any kind. Much of the difficulty in studying patchy stomatal conductance is tied to its unpredictability, both in occurrence and in characteristics. †Scope and Conclusions Statistical analyses of the variability of stomatal patchiness reveal remarkable similarities to structures and behaviours found in locally connected networks of dynamic units that perform tasks. Such systems solve problems that reside at the level of the entire network despite the absence of a central processor or a mechanism for directly sharing information over the entire system. Frequently, task performance is emergent, in the sense that no unit independently performs the task. Because each unit in the network can communicate with only its immediate neighbours, problem solving is accomplished by the states of the individual units selforganizing into synchronized, collective patterns. In some cases, patches of states form and move coherently over the network, thus providing a means for distantly separated parts of the network to communicate. Often, exactly what form these patches take and how they move as the units synchronize is highly unpredictable. In analogy with such networks, it is suggested that stomatal patchiness may be a signature that plants optimize gas exchange in a more sophisticated and adaptive manner than if performed by their individual stomata independently.
Taxonomic revision of the ant genus Leptomyrmex Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The ants of the genus Leptomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), commonly called ‘spider ants’, are distinctive members of the ant subfamily Dolichoderinae and prominent residents of intact wet forest and sclerophyll habitats in eastern Australia, New Caledonia and New Guinea. This revision redresses pervasive taxonomic problems in this genus by using a combination of morphology and molecular data to define species boundaries and clarify nomenclature. Twenty-seven Leptomyrmex species are recognized and are informally split into two groups: the macro-Leptomyrmex (21 species), and its sister group, the micro-Leptomyrmex (six species). Nine subspecies are elevated to species status: L. cnemidatus Wheeler 1915, L. geniculatus Emery 1914, L. melanoticus Wheeler 1934, L. nigriceps Emery 1914, L. rothneyi Forel 1902, L. ruficeps Emery 1895, L. rufipes Emery 1895, L. rufithorax Forel 1915 and L. tibialis Emery 1895. Nineteen new synonymies are proposed (senior synonyms listed first): L. cnemidatus Wheeler 1915 = L. erythrocephalus venustus Wheeler 1934 = L. erythrocephalus brunneiceps Wheeler 1934; L. darlingtoni Wheeler 1934 = L. darlingtoni fascigaster Wheeler 1934 = L. darlingtoni jucundus Wheeler 1934; L. erythrocephalus (Fabricius 1775) = L. froggatti Forel 1910 =4 · Zootaxa 2688 © 2010 Magnolia Press L. erythrocephalus mandibularis Wheeler 1915 = L. erythrocephalus unctus Wheeler 1934 = L. erythrocephalus clarki Wheeler 1934; L. fragilis (F. Smith 1859) = L. fragilis femoratus Santschi 1932 = L. fragilis maculatus Stitz 1938 = L. wheeleri Donisthorpe 1948; L. melanoticus Wheeler 1934 = L. contractus Donisthorpe 1947; L. niger Emery 1900 = L. lugubris Wheeler 1934; L. rufipes Emery 1895 = L. quadricolor Wheeler 1934; L. rufithorax Forel 1915 = L. erythrocephalus basirufus Wheeler 1934; L. tibialis Emery 1895 = L. nigriventris hackeri Wheeler 1934; L. varians Emery 1895 = L. erythrocephalus decipiens Wheeler 1915 = L. varians angusticeps Santschi 1929; L. wiburdi Wheeler 1915 = L. wiburdi pictus Wheeler 1915. Tools for identification of the macro-Leptomyrmex species include a revised species-level key based on the worker caste, keys to males in Australia and New Guinea, full descriptions of workers, images of known workers, males and queens, and illustration of male genitalia. Phylogenetic relationships among the macroand micro- Leptomyrmex species are discussed, as is the status of a putative fossil relative.
Pain in the Head: The Official Helmet Company of the NFL's Potential Liability in the Concussion Lawsuits

This presentation discusses the current lawsuits filed by thousands of former NFL players and their spouses against the official helmet manufacturer of the NFL, Riddell. Part I discusses the current disposition of the lawsuits and describes the procedural history as to how the lawsuits reached the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Part II addresses Riddell's history and its most recent innovations in concussion technologies. Part III walks through the causes of action filed against Riddell by the players and their spouses in the combined Master Complaint. Part IV focuses on the Motion to Dismiss filed by Riddell and the manufacturer's potential affirmative defenses should the litigation continue.
Loss of Cone and Reduction in Rod ERG Responses in the Guanylyl Cyclase-E (GC-E) Deficient Mouse

Guanylyl cyclase-E (GC-E), which is specifically expressed in the retina, has been proposed as critical for normal vision. Mutations within the human homolog of the rodent GC-E gene have been reported in patients with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and in patients with cone-rod dystrophy (CORD6). We have recently produced a mouse genetic model lacking the GC-E gene, and have recorded electroretinograms (ERGs) from mice at different ages. Rod ERGs to flashes over a 6 log unit range were recorded from 18 GC-E −/−, 4 GC-E +/−, and 30 GC-E +/+ mice. Derived parameters were used to assess activation and inactivation stages of transduction, inner retinal function, and cone system activity.
Computed tomographic analysis of temporal maxillary stability and pterygomaxillary generate formation following pediatric Le Fort III distraction advancement.

Background: Le Fort III distraction requires generation of bone in the pterygomaxillary region. The authors performed retrospective digital analysis on temporal fine-cut computed tomographic images to quantify both radiographic evidence of pterygomaxillary region bone formation and relative maxillary stability. Methods: Fifteen patients with syndromic midface hypoplasia were included in the study. The average age of the patients was 8.7 years; 11 had either Crouzon or Apert syndrome. The average displacement of the maxilla during distraction was 16.2 mm (range, 7 to 31 mm). Digital analysis was performed on fine-cut computed tomographic scans before surgery, at device removal, and at annual follow-up. Seven patients also had mid-consolidation computed tomographic scans. Relative maxillary stability and density of radiographic bone in the pterygomaxillary region were calculated between each scan. Results: There was no evidence of clinically significant maxillary relapse, rotation, or growth between the end of consolidation and 1-year follow-up, other than a relatively small 2-mm subnasal maxillary vertical growth. There was an average radiographic ossification of 0.5 mm 3 /mm advancement at the time of device removal, with a 25th percentile value of 0.3 mm 3 /mm. The time during consolidation that each patient reached the 25th percentile of pterygomaxillary region bone density observed in this series of clinically stable advancements ranged from 1.3 to 9.8 weeks (average, 3.7 weeks). Conclusions: There was high variability in the amount of bone formed in the pterygomaxillary region associated with clinical stability of the advanced Le Fort III segment. These data suggest that a subsection of patients generate the minimal amount of pterygomaxillary region bone formation associated with advancement stability as early as 4 weeks into consolidation.
What Is Nonconsensual Sex? Young Women Identify Sources of Coerced Sex

Extending the American Psychological Association (APA) report on the Sexualization of Girls, this study investigated how young women identified sources of coerced sex. Findings from three focus groups with 25 Black and White adolescent women uncovered a perceived overarching force that "pushed" them to have sex before they felt ready. Participants identified four domains of coerced sex: (a) Sociocultural Context, (b) Internalized Sexual Scripts, (c) Partner Manipulation of Sexual Scripts, and (d) Developmental Status. Coerced sex was a complex system consisting of cultural, peer, and internal messages that create pressures to engage in sexual activities. Future implications for research and practice are presented.
Natural History Studies and the Evolution of Regional Treatment Modalities for Patients Withy Isolated Liver Metastases from Primary Colon and Rectum Carcinoma

Estimates for 1995 indicate that 150,000 cases of colon and rectum adenocarcinoma occurred in North America, 58,000 patients died of colorectal cancer, and 18,000 patients died with liver as the pr...
Adjunctive use of transconjunctival mitomycin-C in ab externo diode laser sclerostomy surgery in rabbits.

This study evaluates the role of transconjunctival mitomycin-C (MMC) in laser sclerostomy surgery. Sixteen albino rabbits underwent ab externo diode laser sclerostomy surgery in one eye (with the fellow eye as a control), with a single, intraoperative, 7-minute transconjunctival application of MMC (MMC group). Ten rabbits had the same sclerostomy surgery without MMC (NOMMC group). Successful filtration, defined as a difference in intraocular pressure less than 4 mm Hg between the operative and control eyes, lasted significantly longer in the MMC group (16.4 +/- 11.0 days) than in the NOMMC group (8.5 +/- 4.5 days) (P = .02). These data suggest that transconjunctival MMC can enhance the success of diode laser sclerostomy surgery in rabbits.
How do magnitude and frequency of monetary reward guide visual search

How does reward guide spatial attention during visual search? In the present study, we examine whether and how two types of reward information-magnitude and frequency-guide search behavior. Observers were asked to find a target among distractors in a search display to earn points. We manipulated multiple levels of value across the search display quadrants in two ways: For reward magnitude, targets appeared equally often in each quadrant, and the value of each quadrant was determined by the average points earned per target; for reward frequency, we varied how often the target appeared in each quadrant but held the average points earned per target constant across the quadrants. In Experiment 1, we found that observers were highly sensitive to the reward frequency information, and prioritized their search accordingly, whereas we did not find much prioritization based on magnitude information. In Experiment 2, we found that magnitude information for a nonspatial feature (color) could bias search performance, showing that the relative insensitivity to magnitude information during visual search is not generalized across all types of information. In Experiment 3, we replicated the negligible use of spatial magnitude information even when we used limited-exposure displays to incentivize the expression of learning. In Experiment 4, we found participants used the spatial magnitude information during a modified choice task-but again not during search. Taken together, these findings suggest that the visual search apparatus does not equally exploit all potential sources of spatial value information; instead, it favors spatial reward frequency information over spatial reward magnitude information.
The Future of International Banking

Earlier discussion has reflected the changing character of U.S. international banking over the postwar years. This dynamic feature is the result of interaction between changing environmental factors, and bank reaction to an environment in flux. International bankers have had to adjust to new competitive forces both in domestic and international banking, and have had to alter their mode of operations to cope with the realities of growing international opportunities, as well as co-ordinate their activities with new economic policies introduced by host countries. Moreover, the international economic and monetary structure has been subject to constant stress with the alternations in balance of payments deficits and surpluses, the introduction of new exchange rate relationships, the widening of currency areas, and the upsurge of new financial centres around the world. Banks have introduced new organisational forms to more effectively deal with these changing conditions, including multi-bank owned Edge units, venture banking affiliates, joint venture merchant banks, and parent bank organisational structures which are more adaptable to shifting international pressures.
Theoretical and numerical analysis of oscillating diffusion flames

Abstract A novel method is presented for solving the forced transient diffusion flame in the exit region of a coflow burner. Streamwise diffusion is eliminated, which produces the Burke–Schumann model. A mathematical transformation renders the transient, forced convection problem equivalent to a steady-state convection problem. The transformation differs from previous approaches because its use does not require a priori restriction to small perturbations. For this reason, flow fluctuations that are large fractions of the initial flow field may be described exactly and features of nonlinear response can be examined without recourse to detailed numerical simulation. The method is applied to study flame evolution and oscillation for two physically separated coflow slot burner flames as they merge.
Predisposing Factors for Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is the most prevalent nail disease with a significant burden on quality of life. Age is the principal non-modifiable risk factor for onychomycosis development. Medical conditions such as diabetes, HIV infection, immunosuppressed states, concurrent tinea pedis, and peripheral artery disease increase the risk for onychomycosis. Physical and environmental factors that increase risk include obesity, certain athletic activities, and possibly smoking.
Food insecurity and adult overweight/obesity: Gender and race/ethnic disparities.

Abstract The majority of the food insecurity-obesity research has indicated a positive association among women, especially minority women. Less research has been conducted on men, and the findings are inconsistent. The aim was to assess whether gender and race/ethnic disparities exists between the food insecurity and overweight/obesity relationship among adults ages 18–59. We used the cross-sectional 2011 and 2012 National Health Interview Survey data (N = 19,990). Three or more affirmative responses on the 10-item USDA Food Security Scale indicated food insecure experiences. Self-reported height and weight were used to calculate body mass index according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Multivariate logistic regression models were stratified by gender and race/ethnicity to estimate the association between food insecurity and overweight/obesity controlling for several demographic characteristics. Adults on average were 36 years of age (51% female; 56% white, 27% Hispanic, and 17% black), 27% were food insecure, and 65% were overweight/obese. Food insecurity was most prevalent among blacks and Hispanics, regardless of gender. A greater percentage of food insecure women were overweight/obese compared to food secure women among all race/ethnicity groups; while similar proportions of white, black, and Hispanic men were overweight/obese irrespective of their food security status. In covariate-adjusted models, food insecurity was associated with a 41% and 29% higher odds of being overweight/obese among white and Hispanic women, respectively. Food insecurity was not related to overweight/obesity among black women nor among white, black, and Hispanic men. The complex relationship between food insecurity and obesity suggests a need to investigate potential behavioral and physiological mechanisms, and moderators of this relationship.
Twitter Versus the Traditional Media

In the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, both the traditional media and social media platforms, like Twitter, were critical in attempts to influence voters. Prior to the 2016 presidential election, ...