cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gastric digestion of protein through pancreozyme action optimizes intestinal forms for absorption, mucin formation and villus integrity

Abstract Recovery of dietary protein proceeds through two phases of digestion before suitable forms exist for absorption. The first phase engages the gastric system where low pH weakens overall structures allowing pepsin to disrupt hydrophobic bonding and enhance aqueous compatibility. Secondly, trypsin, chymotrypsin and elastase proteolysis in conjunction with carboxypeptidases A and B cooperate to form a mixture of free amino acids and peptides that progressively arise in the small intestinal lumen. Free amino acids are dominated by the aromatic, aliphatic and basic ones while resulting peptides largely involve the nonessentials. Motility convectively transfers digestion products to the unstirred water layer of the upper villus where filtration limits entry to low molecular weight solutes that can be further digested by underlying enzymes to optimize membrane absorption. Mucin oligosaccharides are credited for creating a microenvironment having reduced pH’s ∼5.5–6.0 that favors enzymes finalizing digestion as well as absorption of two type peptides. This pH is speculated to optimize peptide forms having either a zwitterion-like charge for proton gradient transfer or be non-dissociated and passively diffused. A high frequency of peptides having either glycine or proline can be rationalized as providing particularly favorable electronic terms for peptide absorption by either approach while being non-competitive. The upper villus has first access to absorbed products where goblet cells assure continuance of mucin and continuity of the unstirred water layer. Glutamine is their dominant nutrient for synthesis of mucin oligosaccharides while also providing glutamic acid for either formation of its associated protein or is consumed for energy. Dietary cystine and threonine are frequently limiting, and their assurance is necessary for the mucin core while ready availability of glycine and/or serine together with proline also foster mucin formation. Unused absorbed products descend the villus in venules adjacent to the surface and provide nutrition as well as information about the lumen for adaptation of replacement cells. Sustaining the villus with absorbed nutrients takes priority for continuation of operational efficiency before their entry into the portal system and subsequent body use.
Frequent Zika Virus Sexual Transmission and Prolonged Viral RNA Shedding in an Immunodeficient Mouse Model.

Circulation of Zika virus (ZIKV) was first identified in the Western hemisphere in late 2014. Primarily transmitted through mosquito bite, ZIKV can also be transmitted through sex and from mother to fetus, and maternal ZIKV infection has been associated with fetal malformations. We assessed immunodeficient AG129 mice for their capacity to shed ZIKV in semen and to infect female mice via sexual transmission. Infectious virus was detected in semen between 7 and 21 days post-inoculation, and ZIKV RNA was detected in semen through 58 days post-inoculation. During mating, 73% of infected males transmitted ZIKV to uninfected females, and 50% of females became infected, with evidence of fetal infection in resulting pregnancies. Semen from vasectomized mice contained significantly lower levels of infectious virus, though sexual transmission still occurred. This model provides a platform for studying the kinetics of ZIKV sexual transmission and prolonged RNA shedding also observed in human semen.
Effects of oil and water contamination on natural gas engine combustion processes

Abstract Abundant availability and potential for lower emissions are drivers for increased utilization of natural gas in automotive engines for transportation applications. A novel bimodal engine has been developed that allows on-board refueling of natural gas by utilizing the engine as a compressor. Engine compression however, results in altering the initial state of the natural gas. Increase in temperature and addition of oil are two key effects attributed to the onboard refueling process. A secondary effect is the presence of water in the natural gas supply line. This study investigates the effect of upstream conditions of natural gas on three parameters - autoignition temperature, ignition delay, and laminar flame speed. These parameters play key roles in the engine combustion process. Parametric studies are conducted by varying the initial mixture temperature, water, and oil content in the fuel. The studies utilize numerical simulations conducted with detailed chemistry for natural gas with n -heptane used as a surrogate for oil. Water addition to natural gas at 1–5% by volume did not result in any major changes in the combustion processes, other than a slight reduction in laminar flame speeds. Oil addition of 1–5% by volume reduced autoignition temperature by 5–10% and ignition delay by 27–95% depending on the initial temperature. Sensitivity analysis showed that this was likely due to decrease in the sensitivity of two recombination reactions with oil addition. Evolution profiles of key radical species also showed increasing mole fraction of the hydroperoxy radical at lower temperature that likely aids in reducing the ignition delay. Oil addition resulted in a relatively small increase in the laminar flame speed of 1.7% along with an increase in the adiabatic flame temperature. These results help inform the combustion process and performance to be expected from the bimodal engine.
Developing elite Neurospora crassa strains for cellulosic ethanol production using fungal breeding

The demand for renewable and sustainable energy has generated considerable interest in the conversion of cellulosic biomass into liquid fuels such as ethanol using a filamentous fungus. While attempts have been made to study cellulose metabolism through the use of knock-out mutants, there have been no systematic effort to characterize natural variation for cellulose metabolism in ecotypes adapted to different habitats. Here, we characterized natural variation in saccharification of cellulose and fermentation in 73 ecotypes and 89 laboratory strains of the model fungus Neurospora crassa. We observed significant variation in both traits among natural and laboratory generated populations, with some elite strains performing better than the reference strain. In the F1 population N345, 15% of the population outperformed both parents with the top performing strain having 10% improvement in ethanol production. These results suggest that natural alleles can be exploited through fungal breeding for developing elite industrial strains for bioethanol production.
DNA Polymerase I, Bacterial

DNA polymerase I of eubacteria functions in vivo to synthesize short stretches of DNA during excision repair and to remove RNA primers and fill the gaps between Okazaki fragments in lagging strand replication. Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I, the first DNA polymerase to be discovered and also the first to be studied structurally, serves as an important prototype for this family of enzymes. The bacterial DNA polymerase I enzymes are multifunctional, with three distinct enzymatic activities located on three separate structural domains. In addition to the polymerase activity, there is a 3′–5′ exonuclease that serves to proofread polymerase errors, and a structure-specific 5′ nuclease capable of removing a DNA strand ahead of the site of polymerase addition during synthesis on double-stranded DNA. All three enzymatic activities involve phosphoryl transfer reactions and are dependent on divalent metal ions, bound via carboxylate ligands at each active site. Extensive kinetic studies, together with co-crystal structures of DNA polymerases with bound substrates, have contributed to our understanding of the polymerase reaction pathway. The chemical step of nucleotide addition is preceded by several conformational transitions which contribute to the exquisite specificity and low error rate of DNA polymerases.
Erosion from Suburban Highway Construction

The extent to which earth materials may be eroded and transported in streamflow during a period of surface disturbance was studied in a drainage basin of 4.54 square miles in Fairfax County, Virginia, during 1961 and 1964. Scott Run, which empties into the Potomac River about six miles above the head of the Potomac Estuary, was the scene of extensive highway construction involving 6.8 miles of dual highways including five interchanges and covering about 11% of the basin. Urban construction of other types was minor in the basin during this time.
Aversive Emotions: Genetic Mechanisms of Serotonin

Though a complete understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying fear and anxiety remains a future goal for research, a role for serotonin has been firmly established. This is supported by both clinical evidence and animal experiments. It is likewise clear that other neurotransmitters play a role in development of anxiety and fear responses. Though the story is likely complex, with developmental factors, gene/environment interactions, and epigenetics playing important roles in the ultimate determination of behavioral phenotypes, focusing on the role of serotonin serves as a starting point for discussion. One way of shedding light on serotonin’s role in fear and anxiety is through examination of the combination of effects of serotonin-related genetic factors and early life stress on development, and the impact of these factors on development of anxiety disorders in later life
Cavari, Amnon. The Party Politics of Presidential Rhetoric: New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2017. 246 pages. $99 (hardcover).

For decades, the power of the “bully pulpit” was assumed to loom large over U.S. politics. More recently, a vigorous debate has broken out among political scientists as they have attempted to redef...
Natriuretic peptide levels in atrial fibrillation: A prospective hormonal and Doppler-echocardiographic study

Abstract OBJECTIVES The objective was to determine the independent association between atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) and activation of natriuretic peptides. BACKGROUND The association of A-Fib with activation of N-terminal atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (N-ANPs and BNPs, respectively) is uncertain but of great importance for the diagnostic utilization of natriuretic peptides. This uncertainty is related to the lack of appropriate controls, with left ventricular (LV) and atrial overload similar to A-Fib. METHODS We prospectively measured N-terminal atrial and BNPs and endothelin-1 levels in 100 patients and 14 age- and gender-matched control subjects. The 32 patients with A-Fib were compared with 68 patients in sinus rhythm and similar LV and atrial overload (due to mitral regurgitation or LV dysfunction) measured simultaneously with hormonal levels with comprehensive Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS Patients with A-Fib compared with those in sinus rhythm had similar symptoms, comorbid conditions, cardioactive medications, pulmonary pressure, left atrial volume, and LV ejection fraction and filling characteristics but demonstrated higher N-ANP levels (2,613 ± 1,681 vs. 1,654 ± 1,323 pg/ml, p = 0.007) even after adjustment for the underlying cardiac disease (p CONCLUSIONS Atrial fibrillation is an independent determinant of higher N-ANP levels and blurs its association with LV dysfunction. Conversely, the BNP is not independently associated with A-Fib and is strongly determined by LV dysfunction, for which it is an independent marker.
What is a seizure focus

The seizure focus is the site in the brain from which the seizure originated and is most likely equivalent to the epileptogenic zone, defined as the area of cerebral cortex indispensable for the generation of clinical seizures. The boundaries of this region cannot be defined at present by any diagnostic test. Imaging and EEG recording can define regions of functional deficit during the interictal period, regions that generate interictal spikes, regions responsible for the ictal symptoms, regions from which the seizure is triggered, and regions of structural damage. However, these regions define the epileptogenic zone only when they are spatially concordant. The frequent discrepancies suggest the essential involvement of synaptically connected regions, that is a distributive focus, in the origination of most seizures. Here we review supporting evidence from animal studies and studies of persons undergoing surgical resection for medically-intractable epilepsy. We conclude that very few of the common seizures are truly local, but rather depend on nodal interactions that permit spontaneous network excitability and behavioral expression. Recognition of the distributive focus underlying most seizures has motivated many surgical programs to upgrade their intracranial studies to capture activity in as much of the network as possible.
Two problems with knowing the future

Knowledge is a good thing. But might it be one of those good things of which one can have too much? Perhaps so, if the knowledge in question is foreknowledge. Two concerns over excess foreknowledge have attracted particular attention in the literature. One is that holding a belief about how the future will turn out thereby excludes that portion of the future from being an object of the believer’s own agency. The idea is that agency is a matter of intentional action, and such action — including activities, like deliberating and deciding, which are oriented toward the formation of intentions — is stultified by an antecedent belief about what one will do. If this is indeed the case, and impotence is an unacceptable price to pay for prescience, it is evidently possible for someone to have more knowledge than is good for him.1 The other concern regarding foreknowledge is that there are circumstances in which it is incompatible with libertarian freedom. The circumstances in question are those in which the knower is infallible. The problem is that infallible knowledge rules out even the possibility of someone acting differently than he is known to act, while infallible foreknowledge rules out this possibility in advance. The latter, however, negates a crucial requirement of the libertarian conception of freedom; so if it is better that the universe contain at least some (libertarian) freedom than that it contain an infallible knower who knows absolutely everything even before it happens, there are conditions under which someone might have more knowledge than it is good for anyone to have.2
What Mechanisms Influence Oxygen Transport and Oxygen Tissue Delivery in Endotoxic and Hemorrhagic Shock

Oxygen is the most flow-limited of all substances carried by the blood. Fully one fourth of the arterial oxygen is removed during the course of a single transit through the normal resting body. Under such circumstances, it is obvious that proper tissue oxygenation is uniquely dependent on an adequate circulation. The ability to transport oxygen to the tissues is critical for survival, and its importance is reflected in the extensive animal research in this area. Unfortunately, human studies are much more limited, and our understanding of the adjustments that take place in clinical shock remains fragmentary.
Patterns of Phenylalanine Metabolites, Vitamin B 6 Status, and Learning Disabilities in Phenylketonuria Children: Modeling for Diet Criteria

Early detection and careful dietary management has eliminated the mental retardation and neurological damage characteristic of untreated or poorly managed phenylketonuria (PKU). Despite such achievements, approximately 50 percent of PKU children undergo significant declines in intelligence quotient test scores at school age, and one-third experience learning disabilities. Measurements of blood phenylalanine remain the only laboratory test to routinely monitor dietary compliance and metabolic control of the disorder. Individual variations in quantities and types of metabolites of phenylalanine produced in PKU children have been documented that are not explained by blood phenylalanine levels. Production of these metabolites requires vitamin B6. Measurements of vitamin B6 status are abnormal in some PKU children, with a wide individual variation. This project is designed to explore relationships between metabolites of phenylalanine, vitamin B6 status, and intelligence and achievement test scores of PKU children. Sixteen subjects between 6 and 14 years of age will be studied over an 8-month period. The goal is to better understand if there is a metabolic basis for clinical individuality which can be used to predict and monitor degrees of dietary restrictions necessary for optimal control.
A hidden Markov model variant for sequence classification

Sequence classification is central to many practical problems within machine learning. Distances metrics between arbitrary pairs of sequences can be hard to define because sequences can vary in length and the information contained in the order of sequence elements is lost when standard metrics such as Euclidean distance are applied. We present a scheme that employs a Hidden Markov Model variant to produce a set of fixed-length description vectors from a set of sequences. We then define three inference algorithms, a Baum-Welch variant, a Gibbs Sampling algorithm, and a variational algorithm, to infer model parameters. Finally, we show experimentally that the fixed length representation produced by these inference methods is useful for classifying sequences of amino acids into structural classes.
"Murdering an Aunt or Two": Textual Practice and Narrative Form in Virginia Woolf 's Metropolitan Market

As evidence for the multiple connections between the commercial and intellectual freedoms provided by the Hogarth Press for its co-owner and leading author, consider a diary entry from September 1925: How my hand writing goes down hill! Another sacrifice to the Hogarth Press. Yet what I owe the Hogarth Press is barely paid by the whole of my handwriting…. I’m the only woman in England free to write what I like. The others must be thinking of series’ & editors. Yesterday I heard from Harcourt Brace that Mrs. D&C.R. are selling 148&73 weekly—Isn’t that a surprising rate for the 4th month? Doesn’t it portend a bathroom&a w.c. either here, or Southease? (D 3: 42–43)
Computer Games As Learning Tools: Teachers Attitudes & Behaviors

Most of the research in the field of educational game design has been focused on the effectiveness of games in learning and the engagement gains. Very little research has been done to study how teachers use games in the classroom and how this interaction impacts the game development process to end up with an effective learning tool. More information is needed on how teachers can design connecting activities to go with games. This paper highlights the author's studies examining how teachers behaviors and attitudes impact educational game design and its classroom implementation.
Advertising in Communications: Home Is Where the Scholars Live.

The question asked: “Where should advertising be taught? In colleges of communications or colleges of business?” The answer becomes obvious when you realize the question is greater than the teachin...
Resolving double-sided inverse heat conduction problem using calibration integral equation method

In this paper, a novel calibration integral equation is derived for resolving double-sided, two-probe inverse heat conduction problem of surface heat flux estimation. In contrast to the conventional inverse heat conduction techniques, this calibration approach does not require explicit input of the probe locations, thermophysical properties of the host material and temperature sensor parameters related to thermal contact resistance, sensor capacitance and conductive lead losses. All those parameters and properties are inherently contained in the calibration framework in terms of Volterra integral equation of the first kind. The Laplace transform technique is applied and the frequency domain manipulations of the heat equation are performed for deriving the calibration integral equation. Due to the ill-posed nature, regularization is required for the inverse heat conduction problem, a future-time method or singular value decomposition (SVD) can be used for stabilizing the ill-posed Volterra integral equation of the first kind.
Dealing with Tragedies and Crises in Korea

This chapter examines a case of anti-American campaign in Pusan by radical students in South Korea in 1982. They attacked US “imperialism” and Chun’s “dictatorship.” Lee discusses why the incident took place, how Reagan responded to it, and why he pleaded lenient sentences for anti-American students. The following year the Soviet fighter jet destroyed South Korea’s civilian airplane (KAL 007) and killed 269 persons. Lee discusses how Reagan reacted to this “massacre” and how the United States and South Korea coordinated their anti-Soviet positions at UN. The two allies also cooperated in response to the bombing at Rangoon which killed a dozen South Korean officials. Lee analyzes why and how Reagan dissuaded Chun from taking military retaliation against North Korea. Soon thereafter, Reagan visited Seoul and DMZ. While consoling the South Koreans and reaffirming his anti-communist commitment, Reagan stressed the importance of democracy and freedom.
“I’ve Got Something to Live for Now”: A Study of Prison Nursery Mothers

This study explored the perceptions of incarcerated women, housed in prison nursery units in three states, of the effects of the nursery units on their parenting and well-being, as well as their views on the potential long-term effects on their recidivism. In-depth interviews were conducted with nursery-participant women offenders in Illinois, Indiana, and Nebraska in order (1) to learn more about the women’s experience of giving birth to and raising a child in prison; and (2) to understand their perceptions of how this experience might impact their parental and life choices post-release. The interviews revealed that the women believed the mother–child attachment and bonding while in prison influenced their growth and development in a positive way, and enhanced their mothering abilities. The women also indicated that they felt empowered and more effective in their parenting role due to the gender-responsive nursery programs and that program implementation and design impacted their perspective of program effectiveness. The implications for further policy recommendations are discussed.
Three-dimensional prostate CT segmentation through fine-tuning of a pre-trained neural network using no reference labeling

Accurate segmentation of the prostate on computed tomography (CT) has many diagnostic and therapeutic applications. However, manual segmentation is time-consuming and suffers from high inter- and intra-observer variability. Computerassisted approaches are useful to speed up the process and increase the reproducibility of the segmentation. Deep learningbased segmentation methods have shown potential for quick and accurate segmentation of the prostate on CT images. However, difficulties in obtaining manual, expert segmentations on a large quantity of images limit further progress. Thus, we proposed an approach to train a base model on a small, manually-labeled dataset and fine-tuned the model using unannotated images from a large dataset without any manual segmentation. The datasets used for pre-training and finetuning the base model have been acquired in different centers with different CT scanners and imaging parameters. Our fine-tuning method increased the validation and testing Dice scores. A paired, two-tailed t-test shows a significant change in test score (p = 0.017) demonstrating that unannotated images can be used to increase the performance of automated segmentation models.
Segmental Arterial Mediolysis (SAM) Leading to Chronic Renal Insufficiency

Background Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is a rare self-limiting non-atherosclerotic, non-inflammatory vasculopathy. SAM typically affects the visceral arteries of the abdomen to include the celiac, mesenteric, and renal arteries. SAM has a favorable prognosis in most cases with an asymptomatic course but can have mortality rates as high as 50% due to acute aneurysmal rupture. Very few cases of adverse long-term sequelae involving SAM have been described, and this report of chronic kidney disease represents a sentinel case illustrating that chronic disease can and does occur as a result of SAM and should be investigated for at follow-up. Case Presentation In this case report, we describe a case of a 45-year-old male with erectile dysfunction but without any readily identifiable risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) or vasculopathy, who presented with bilateral renal infarction and parenchymal infarcts due to SAM and who subsequently developed CKD at follow-up. We conduct a mini-literature review that discusses the pathogenesis of SAM in the context of vasospastic diseases, as well as compares the outcomes of observation-only, versus medical-management, versus endovascular-interventions in patients with SAM. Conclusion This is the first case to our knowledge of CKD occurring as an outcome of SAM without any preceding significant comorbidity, highlighting that whereas SAM is of itself rare and typically resolves, chronic disease can linger and should be evaluated for on follow-up. Further, we argue that radiological evidence of precursor vasospastic disease may exist in several locations apart from the index lesion and thus warrants wider whole-body radiographic exploration for lesions as an opportunity to prevent chronic sequelae as illustrated in this case report from occurring. Finally, a review of published case-series suggests that disease progression is less likely to occur after endovascular-intervention compared to observation-only or medical management and the risk of intervention vs conservative management should therefore be discussed with the patient.
Anger versus fear about crime: how common is it, where does it come from, and why does it matter?

While a long history of scholarship has explored fear as an affective reaction to the prospect of crime, a much smaller number of studies have suggested that anger may be both more common and more predictive of punitive policy views (e.g. Ditton et al. International Review of Victimology 6:83-99, 1999a; Johnson Punishment & Society 11:51-66, 2009; Hartnagel & Templeton Punishment & Society 14:452-74, 2012). This difference matters in that fear and anger imply different stories: fear can be personal while anger necessarily draws our attention to social meanings and connects to broader issues like race relations and racism. We use a nationally representative survey conducted by the ANES to verify what we already know and then ask new questions about the potential sources and other potential consequences of anger about crime. While personal victimizations are associated with fear, victimizations of acquaintances are associated with anger. Anger appears rooted in both racial resentment and the racial context. In turn, while the fearful are supportive of a wide range of approaches to addressing social problems, the angry are only more supportive of crime spending and in fact oppose social assistance spending. Implications for research on affective reactions to crime and for crime-relevant policies are discussed.
Heterogeneous Longitudinal Antibody Responses to Covid-19 mRNA Vaccination.

Background Public health measures to stem the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are challenged by social, economic, health status, and cultural disparities that facilitate disease transmission and amplify its severity. Prior pre-clinical biomedical technologic advances in nucleic acid-based vaccination enabled unprecedented speed of conceptualization, development, production, and widespread distribution of mRNA vaccines that target SARS-CoV-2's Spike (S) protein. Design Twenty-five female and male volunteer fulltime employees at the Providence VA Medical Center participated in this study to examine longitudinal antibody responses to the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine. IgM-S and IgG-S were measured in serum using the Abbott IgM-S-Qualitative and IgG2-S-Quantitative chemiluminescent assays. Results Peak IgM responses after Vaccine Dose #1 were delayed in 6 (24%) and absent in 7 (28%) participants. IgG2-S peak responses primarily occurred 40 to 44 days after Vaccine Dose #1, which was also 11 to 14 days after Vaccine Dose #2. However, subgroups exhibited Strong (n = 6; 24%), Normal (n = 13; 52%), or Weak (n = 6; 24%) peak level responses that differed significantly from each other (P Conclusion Host responses to SARS-CoV-2-Spike mRNA vaccines vary in magnitude, duration and occurrence. This study raises concern about the lack of vaccine protection in as many as 8% of otherwise normal people, and the need for open dialog about future re-boosting requirements to ensure long-lasting immunity via mRNA vaccination versus natural infection.
Lymphocyte 5'-nucleotidase: absence of detectable protein in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Activity of the ectoenzyme 5 ‘-nucleotidase is markedly reduced or absent in the lymphocytes from most patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Experiments were designed to determine whether the absence of activity stems from a lack of enzyme protein or is the result of a functionally abnormal molecule. An antibody to purified rat liver 5’-nucleotidase was raised in rabbits. The antiserum was strongly inhibitory to human lymphocyte 5’-nucleotidase activity. Absorption of the antiserum with 5’-nucleotidase positive
Evapotranspiration in a Prairie Ecosystem: Effects of Grazing by Cattle

Grazing by ungulates is common in grasslands and may influence evapotranspiration (ET). The Bowen ratio energy balance method (BREB) was used to measure ET from grazed (GR) and ungrazed (UGR) tallgrass prairie sites in northeastern Kansas, USA. Yearling steers were stocked on the GR site from day of year (DOY) 128 to 2(12 in 1999, and ET data were collected from DOY 141 to 295. Grazing reduced ET by 28% between DOY 179 and 207; mean ET values were 3.6 (GR) and 5.0 mm d - 1 (UGR). During that period, leaf area index (LAI) was an average of 78% lower on the GR site, and below-normal precipitation kept soil dry near the surface; hence, transpiration and evaporation of water from soil decreased. Lower ET during that period, conserved soil water in the 0- to 0.30-m profile on the GR site. Before that (e.g., DOY 152-179), ET was similar between treatments, despite an average 70% lower LAI on the GR site compared with the UGR site. Above-normal precipitation during that period probably maintained high evaporation of water from soil, thereby compensating for reductions in transpiration (via LAI removal) on the GR site. Cumulative ET values during the 155-d study were estimated at 526 and 494 mm on the UGR and GR sites, respectively. Thus, grazing reduced seasonal ET by 6.1%. Late in the study, ET was higher on the GR site, despite a lower LAI compared with the UGR site. Younger leaves in regrowth after grazing resulted in delayed senescence, causing higher ET on the GR site.
Studies on Human Serum β1-Lipoprotein III. ENZYMATIC MODIFICATIONS

Abstract 1. Exhaustive digestion of native human serum β1-lipoprotein by either trypsin or pronase resulted in the hydrolysis of only a fraction of the potentially susceptible peptide bonds. However, hydrolysis of the lipid-free protein by these enzymes was more nearly complete. 2. Peptide maps of the products of tryptic digestion indicated that a specific segment of the polypeptide chain of the native molecule was attacked. This was supported by the observation that the amino acid composition of the soluble products resulting from either tryptic or pronase digestion differed significantly both from the parent molecule and from the residual large polypeptide component. 3. The histidine residues present in the segments attacked by trypsin or pronase were also those which were most readily modified by chemical reagents.
Rehabilitation from Postconcussion Syndrome: Nonpharmacological Treatment

Following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), one or more symptoms commonly occur that are known as the postconcussion syndrome (PCS). While PCS typically resolves within a few weeks of injury for most concussed patients, some patients have a more prolonged or otherwise adverse recovery course. There is relatively little systematic research on the treatment of PCS. This report offers strategies for nonpharmacological treatment of PCS during the acute, subacute, and chronic stages of recovery following mTBI. The treatment strategies are supported by clinical consensus and the limited evidence-based research wherever possible. Core treatment strategies emphasize (1) education about mTBI, PCS, and the natural recovery course, (2) reassurance of a good outcome, (3) reduction in activity level and refrain from hazardous behaviors during the acute phase, (4) gradual return to lifestyle activities as symptoms permit, (5) careful monitoring and early intervention for adverse emotional responses, (6) symptom-specific treatment when needed, and (7) ready access to providers during acute and subacute recovery periods.
Analysis of the farnese globe

The constellations on the Farnese Atlas are based on the now-lost star catalogue of Hipparchus. This is proved by S1.1) the virtually perfect match with the constellation figures used by Hipparchus and only for these, S1.2) the perfect match with the date of Hipparchus (with the exclusion of all other known candidate sources), S1.3) the requirement that the source be a star catalogue such as that compiled by Hipparchus, and S1.4) the many points of consistency with what we know about ancient Greek astronomy.
Sleep apnea risk and clinical correlates in patients with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is often associated with high levels of general medical burden, high rates of cardiovascular diseases and a high mortality rate from medical causes (1–5). In spite of the high prevalence of well-documented risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (6), the actual prevalence of sleep-related disordered breathing in BD has not been systematically investigated beyond small case series and anecdotal reports (7). The clinical presentation of OSA may overlap substantially with that of major depression, including report of poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, cognitive deficits and somatic symptoms such as headaches. Since the depressive phase of BD is often chronic and difficult to treat, and undiagnosed underlying medical conditions may greatly contribute to its unfavorable outcome, it is reasonable to speculate that sleep-disordered breathing may play a role in this clinical picture. Indeed, the presence of medical comorbidities that constitute risk factors for OSA has been associated with a worse outcome of BD (8). For example, obesity has been linked to a higher number of lifetime depressive episodes and to a shorter time to recurrence (9). Abdominal obesity, particularly, is associated with increased suicidality (3). Part of the detrimental effect of these conditions on mood regulation may be ascribed to underlying sleep-related breathing problems. Patients who develop OSA as a result of cumulative risk factors may be over-represented among those who present a history of chronic and treatment-resistant depressive symptoms. Therefore, we sought to determine the risk for OSA in a population of 72 patients with bipolar I disorder who were currently engaged in an outpatient maintenance treatment protocol. We asked participants to complete a validated instrument that determines risk for sleep apnea. We then compared the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients at high risk and low risk for sleep apnea. Our goal was to explore whether the age and gender distribution of the apnea risk would reflect the age and gender distribution reported in the general population. We also tested the hypothesis that being at high risk for sleep apnea would be associated with greater severity of the mood disorder, independent of sleep disturbance.
A Note on Probability Distributions with Increasing Generalized Failure Rates

Distributions with an increasing generalized failure rate (IGFR) have useful applications in pricing and supply chain contracting problems. We provide alternative characterizations of the IGFR property that lead to simplify verifying whether the IGFR condition holds. We also relate the limit of the generalized failure rate and the moments of a distribution.
Photochemical production of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone from chromophoric dissolved organic matter in coastal waters

Abstract Low molecular weight carbonyl compounds are produced photochemically from chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in natural waters. Photoproduction rates for formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone were measured in the laboratory using a pre-column 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine derivitization HPLC method as a function of optical properties (absorption coefficient, spectral slope) and irradiation time. Rates decreased linearly with decreasing absorption coefficient at 350 nm ( a (350 nm)), a measure of CDOM levels, with substantial variability in low a (350 nm) beach waters. Apparent quantum yields ( Θ ) were unchanged for a (350 nm) = 2–16 m −1 , but increased rapidly (×5) for beach waters with low a (350 nm) values. Θ increased linearly with increasing spectral slope for beach waters, consistent with enhanced production efficiency with photobleaching of CDOM in coastal waters. Θ trends with oxygen and molecular reaction probes (hydroxyl radical scavengers and producers) suggested a combination of direct photolysis and singlet oxygen quenching as primary production mechanisms.
Ungulate herbivory of boreal and temperate forest regeneration in relation to seedling mineral nutrition and secondary metabolites

Fertilization at planting may improve reforestation productivity on sites frequented by ungulates by stimulating rapid growth above the browse line, allowing seedlings to escape animal damage. Additionally, stored nutrients may aid seedlings in recovery from browse damage. High plant nutrient content may, however, deem seedlings more susceptible to ungulate browsing because of increased foliar protein content and, thus, nutritional value. Research examining the relationship between fertilization of forest trees and ungulate herbivory has been conducted almost exclusively in boreal and temperate zones of North America and Europe, and has produced two common themes. The first is that nearly all trials used broadcast application of fertilizer. This method supplies nutrients to both the target species and competing vegetation, resulting in significant increases in nutritional value for all potential forage. The second common theme is that there is a higher likelihood of browse for fertilized plants. Exceptions to this thread exist, however, because browse preference of fertilized seedlings is apparently species-specific due to differences among species in resource allocation. Palatability appears to interact with the production of plant chemical defenses (i.e., alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, terpenoids). Variations in plant mineral nutrition and secondary metabolite production can play a significant role determining forage preference; however, ungulates under starvation or stress will browse plants of high toxicity or low nutritional value to maintain fitness.
Surge Voltage Distribution in Helical High Voltage Armature Windings

The objective of the study described in this paper was to formulate a way of calculating the distribution of surge voltage in an air-core armature winding intended for high terminal voltage use. Before such armature windings can be designed and built, the turn-to-turn insulation requirement must be determined, and that is determined in part by the surge voltage distribution. A method of calculating this distribution, based on a simplified, lumped-parameter model of the winding and using a trapezoidal rule time-step integration technique is described. The method is shown to work by comparison with a small helical air-core armature winding. Predictions are made for distributions on large armature windings.
Experimental manipulation of preleukemic change in whole-body irradiated rfm/up mice.

SummaryRadiation which induces leu-kemogenesis in the unirradiated mouse, inhibits leukemogenesis if given again to the previously irradiated, but not yet leukemic mouse. The objective of this experiment was to identify nonmalignant late radiation injury in the bone marrow, the modification of which by a second exposure may account for postponement of radiogenic leukemia. To this end, leukemogenically irradiated RFM/ Up mice were reirradiated under conditions known to bring about postponement of the leukemias due to the first radiation exposure. Quantitative analysis of the femoral bone marrow of these mice shows that leukemia incidence is positively correlated with the number of immature myeloid cells, and negatively correlated with the percentage of the mature myeloid cells in the entire myeloid series. The implications of this for the understanding of preleukemic change are discussed.
The diversity of temporal niches in mammals

The division of animals into those that are diurnal (day-active) and those that are nocturnal (night-active) is widely recognized. However, closer examination of the selection of temporal niches by mammalian species reveals the existence of a gradient of diurnality between and within species, wherein “diurnal” and “nocturnal” are merely the opposite ends of a continuum. Evidence against a simple diurnal – nocturnal dichotomy includes the existence of species without any preference for time of day, species with a crepuscular pattern of activity, species containing both diurnal and nocturnal individuals, species containing individuals that spontaneously shift from a nocturnal to a diurnal activity pattern, species showing degrees of diurnality greater or smaller than those of other species, organismal variables exhibiting degrees of diurnality greater or smaller than those of other variables, and species having different temporal patterns under the effects of different environmental variables. Research on t...
DEVELOPMENT OF VISIBLE LIGHT-CURED MULTI-METHACRYLATES FOR DENTAL RESTORATIVE MATERIALS

This study focused on new visible light-curing (VLC) oligomers exhibiting low shrinkage, low sorption of water, and improved mechanical properties. A family of multi-methacrylates, based on poly(isopropylidenediphenol) resin (BPA), was synthesized, characterized, and evaluated. The commercial BPA resin is prepared from enzymatic polymerization (oligomerization) of bisphenol A. The BPA resin, having an average of eight phenolic hydroxyl groups per molecule, was treated with propylene carbonate and the resultant product, i.e., propoxylated BPA (PBPA) oligomer, was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The propaxylated BPA (PBPA) was subsequently treated with methacryloyl chloride to produce the multi-methacrylates (EPBPA), identified by FT-IR and NMR. The EPBPA oligomer multi-methacrylate: triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) (50:50/wt:wt) blends were combined with 0.5 wt% camphorquinone (CQ) and 1.0 wt% N,N-dimethyl-aminoethyl methacryl...
The structure of nonlinear control systems possessing symmetries

A concept of symmetry is defined for general nonlinear control systems. It is shown, under various technical conditions, that nonlinear control systems with symmetries admit local and/or global decompositions in terms of lower dimensional subsystems and feedback loops. The structure of the individual subsystems is dependent on the structure of the symmetry group; for example, if the symmetry group is Abelian, one of the subsystems is a quadrature. An additional feature of the decomposition is that the state-space dimensions of the subsystems sum to the state-space dimension of the original system.
Machine vision system for surface defect inspection of printed silicon solar cells

Solar power has become more and more important due to the decrease of the energy sources. The solar cell is the main device to transform solar power to electric power. Since the power efficiency of solar cell is decreased with defects generated in manufacturing process, defect inspection is crucial to ensure the reliability of solar cells. This paper presents a cost-effective machine vision system for surface defect inspection of printed polycrystalline silicon solar cells. The defects of printed busbars and fingers are effectively inspected by using auto-thresholding and projection techniques sequentially in the inspection process. Experimental results have demonstrated that the defect inspection of printed polycrystalline silicon solar cells is very effective with the proposed system.
Cotylea (Polycladida): a cladistic analysis of morphology

Abstract. Polyclad flatworms are acoelomate bilaterians found in benthic communities worldwide, predominantly in marine environments. Current polyclad systematics is unstable, with two non-concordant classification schemes resulting in a poor understanding of within-group relationships. Here we present the first phylogenetic framework for the suborder Cotylea using a morphological matrix. Representatives of 34 genera distributed among all cotylean families (except four, excluded due to their dubious taxonomic status) were investigated. The number of families included ranges from a conservative eight to a revisionary 11. Outgroup analysis indicated that the suborder is monophyletic and defined by the presence of a ventral adhesive structure, a short posteriorly positioned vagina, and cement glands. Of the eight to 11 families included, we confirmed that three were monophyletic: Boniniidae, Prosthiostomidae, and Pseudocerotidae. Boniniidae was consistently recovered as the sister group to other Cotylea, based on the retention of the plesiomorphic Lang's vesicle. The clade consisting of Anonymus, Marcusia, and Pericelis is sister to the Boniniidae and the rest of the Cotylea. Above this clade there is little resolution at the base of the sister group. The Euryleptidae are found to be paraphyletic and give rise to the Pseudocerotidae. Neither classification scheme received unequivocal support. The intrafamilial relationships of the diverse Pseudocerotidae and Euryleptidae were examined. Color pattern characters (used for species identification) were highly homoplasious but increased cladogram resolution within genera. The monophyly of seven genera within the Pseudocerotidae and Euryleptidae was not supported and many genera showed no autapomorphies, highlighting the need for taxonomic revision of these families.
Systematic screening of potential β-cell imaging agents

The beta-cell loss seen in diabetes mellitus could be monitored clinically by positron emission tomography (PET) if imaging agents were sufficiently specific for beta-cells to overcome the high ratio of non-beta-cell to beta-cell tissue in pancreas. In this report, we present a screening assay for identifying beta-cell-specific compounds that is based on the relative accumulation and retention by islet, INS-1, and exocrine (PANC-1) cells of candidate molecules. Molecules thought to have a high affinity for beta-cells were tested and included glibenclamide, tolbutamide, serotonin, L-DOPA, dopamine, nicotinamide, fluorodeoxyglucose, and fluorodithizone. Glibenclamide and fluorodithizone were the most specific, but the specificity ratios fell well below those needed to attain robust signal to background ratio as a PET imaging agent for quantifying beta-cell mass. In vivo tests of the biodistribution of glibenclamide and fluorodithizone in rats indicated that the compounds were not specifically associated with pancreas, bearing out the predictions of the in vitro screen.