cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Meta-Analysis Identifies Potential Molecular Markers for Endodormancy in Crown Buds of Leafy Spurge; a Herbaceous Perennial

Vegetative shoot growth originating from underground adventitious buds (UABs) of herbaceous perennials such as leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) is critical for survival after episodes of severe abiotic stress. Although leafy spurge is considered an invasive weed in North American ecosystems, it has found value as a model for examining how environmental factors influence molecular processes associated with well-defined phases of dormancy in UABs. A transition from para- to endodormancy in UABs of leafy spurge coincides with autumn-induced senescence of the aerial tissue, which is critical for inhibiting initiation of new vegetative shoots when environmental conditions are still conducive for growth. Meta-analysis of global transcriptome data identified transcripts similar to Arabidopsis COP1, HY5, MAF3, RD22, and RVE1 as potential molecular markers for endodormancy in UABs of leafy spurge. Characterization of the upstream promoter regions for several of these leafy spurge genes identified conserved ABRE-, ARR1-, and MYC-cis-regulatory elements. Here, we expand on an existing hypothetical model to propose regulatory functions for putative leafy spurge MADS-box domain (MAF3) and MYB-like (RVE1-like) transcription factors in endodormant UABs.
Role of Carbon Dioxide for Hypoxic Chemotransduction of the Cat Carotid Body

The interaction between hypoxia and hypercapnia in the genesis of increased neural activity from the carotid body has been appreciated for 30 year2,3,4,7,8. When animals were hyperventilated, carotid chemoreceptor neural response to hypoxia was extremely reduced, and in some cases the response was almost abolished. On the other hand, the response of the carotid body to hypercapnia has never been abolished even under hyperoxic condition, although it is reduced. These observation has led us to hypothesize that the presence of carbon dioxide (CO2) has some critical role for hypoxic chemotransduction of the carotid body. Because the carotid body is very sensitive to arterial CO2 tension, and because CO2/HCO3 - is the main buffer in the biological system, regulation of intracellular pH (pHi) in the chemosensitive unit may exclusively depend on CO2/HCO3 - in vivo. Decrease in CO2/HCO3 - would increase pHi of the chemosensitive unit. Alkalinization of the unit would turn off the process of hypoxic chemotransduction. We tested this hypothesis using in vivo selective perfusion techniques of the carotid body. First, we examined the effect of the presence or absence of CO2/HCO3 - on the hypoxic chemotransduction of the carotid body. Second, we antagonized possible alkalinization of the chemosensitive unit during CO2/HCO3 --free perfusion by giving a non-volatile weak acid, butyrate. A part of this study has been reported previously 12.
How to build a music synthesizer in 30 minutes (or less): or, a tutorial on Java and MIDI: tutorial presentation

Computers are indispensable in the creation and distribution of modern music: our students are keenly interested, some might even say obsessed, with music. Yet, in spite of these connections---and ACM's call for its inclusion in the Computing Curricula 2001 report---music receives virtually no attention in the typical Computer Science curriculum.
Technology-Based Literacy Instruction For English Language Learners

There is a growing need to implement an alternative and viable solution in U.S. K-12 schools that will address the ever-growing gap that the rapidly growing English language learner (ELL) population presents. This article examines various technology-based solutions, and their potential impact. The systematic implementation of these technology-based solutions could aid in alleviating an already taxed educational workforce, as well as significantly aid in promoting English language acquisition among the nation’s K-12 ELL population.
Localization of immunoreactive alkaline phosphatase in the rat small intestine at the light microscopic level by immunocytochemistry

Abstract Monospecific antibody to purified alkaline phosphatase has been used to localize alkaline phosphatase in the rat small intestine at the light microscopic level. Pieces of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were removed from 2-, 9-, 12-, 18-, 21-, 26-day-old and adult Wistar rats. They were fixed in Bouin's fluid and examined for the presence of alkaline phosphatase by the immunoperoxidase method. Slides were graded blindly for the intensity of staining. The localization of alkaline phosphatase by the immunoperoxidase method extends previous histochemical observations in several ways. First, diffuse cytoplasmic staining is present particularly in the opical portion of the villus and crypt epithelium. Second, staining for alkaline phosphatase is present on the brush border and in the apical portion of the deep crypt cells throughout the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum at the various ages tested. Third, in the adult rat distal ileum there is more staining on the brush border of the deep crypt epithelial cells than on the villus absorptive cells. These observations are consistent with the presence of a non-brush border alkaline phosphatase in all intestinal cells and with an enzymatically inactive form of alkaline phosphatase in the deep crypt epithelium.
Rapid Determination of Corynebacterium diphtheriae Toxigenicity by Counterimmunoelectrophoresis

A method for detecting toxin production in Corynebacterium diphtheriae cultures by counterimmunoelectrophoresis is described. Precipitin lines were observed in toxigenic strains in 30 min.
How do pleiotropic kinase hubs mediate specific signaling by TNFR superfamily members

Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily members mediate the cellular response to a wide variety of biological inputs. The responses range from cell death, survival, differentiation, proliferation, to the regulation of immunity. All these physiological responses are regulated by a limited number of highly pleiotropic kinases. The fact that the same signaling molecules are involved in transducing signals from TNFR superfamily members that regulate different and even opposing processes raises the question of how their specificity is determined. Regulatory strategies that can contribute to signaling specificity include scaffolding to control kinase specificity, combinatorial use of several signal transducers, and temporal control of signaling. In this review, we discuss these strategies in the context of TNFR superfamily member signaling.
A Comparison of the Cutaneous Trunci Myocutaneous Flap and Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap in the Dog

Latissimus dorsi and cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flaps of equal dimension and location were randomly elevated on opposite sides of the thorax in 10 dogs (group 1) and resutured to their respective bed. The procedure was repeated in four additional dogs (group 2); however, the short perforating branches of the thoracodorsal artery and vein were divided at the base of each cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flap, whereas the cutaneous pedicle and underlying cutaneous trunci muscle were divided in the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps to determine subsequent skin survivability and the major source of circulation of each myocutaneous flap. There was little difference in the percentage of skin survival between the latissimus dorsi and cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flaps in group 1 dogs. Circulation to the "skin island" of group 2 latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps originated from intramuscular anastomotic connections between the major branch of the thoracodorsal artery entering the latissimus dorsi muscle and the proximal lateral intercostal arteries perforating the muscle. Ligation of the short perforating branches of the thoracodorsal artery resulted in partial skin necrosis in all group 2 cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flaps. Results from this study indicate that it is unnecessary to elevate the latissimus dorsi muscle for major skin flap elevation and survival. The thicker latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is more difficult to develop surgically and appears to have no clinical major advantage over the more mobile cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flap or the adjacent thoracodorsal axial pattern flap for closure of large skin defects within the radius of flap rotation.
A Noise Aware CML Latch Modelling for Large System Simulation

Modern high speed communication systems often employ both analog and digital blocks. This poses a challenge for simulation of closed loop system dynamics in presence of non-idealities in any of the analog blocks. Due to the size and complexity of such systems it is not possible to do full system level simulation with circuit level models. The presence of digital control blocks makes it difficult to elevate block level observations to system level performance. A major challenge is the difficulty in estimating the error rate at the output of digital latches (continuous-time to discrete-time domain crossing boundaries) in the presence of noise and non-ideal analog input signals. Simplistic models used currently are often inadequate in capturing the long term effects of non ideal behavior at the block level. In this paper we propose a simulation framework to estimate latch transition probabilities in the response to distorted input and clock waveforms in presence of white noise. The evaluated transition probabilities can then be used to estimate system performance in an event driven Markov chain based model.
Anomalous electrophoretic migration of oligodeoxynucleotides with terminal -OH groups: applications for DNA exonuclease characterization.

Abstract Oligodeoxynucleotides with a terminal OH group on both the 5′ and 3′ ends migrate anomalously in 23% polyacrylamide-7 m urea gels. This migration anomaly can be exploited to characterize nuclease digestion products. Thus, using specific substrates and the methods described, several types of DNA exonuclease activity can be readily distinguished.
Design and Strategy for the Deployment of Energy Storage Systems in a Distribution Feeder With Penetration of Renewable Resources

Integration of distributed energy resources has the potential to impact the operation of the distribution systems by affecting the equipment reliability and customer power quality. The stochastic nature of the distributed energy resources have been accommodated using the energy storage systems along with providing economical benefits to the distribution systems. This paper provides a generalized framework for strategic deployment of a lithium-ion-based energy storage system to increase the benefits in a distribution feeder. Convex optimization is specifically developed to exploit the energy price arbitrage along the optimization time horizon. A significant amount of work has been performed in this paper for detailed characterization of the life cycle costs of the battery energy storage system (BESS). A novel approach for effective utilization of the energy storage system to mitigate the intermittent nature of the photovoltaic (PV) generation has been presented in this paper. The objectives include reduction of the substation transformer losses, reduction of the life cycle cost of the battery storage system, and accommodate PV variability. A convex optimization with a quadratic objective has been formulated to calculate the charge/discharge schedule of the energy storage system. A field validated model of the distribution feeder in OpenDSS has been used to determine the impact of optimal scheduling of the BESS on the substation transformer losses and the feeder head voltage.
2012 Student Paper: Forensic Science Administration and Ideals for Laboratory Management

Abstract In the field of forensic science it is imperative for all laboratories to run smoothly and efficiently. To reach this goal, the administrative aspects of the field must not be overlooked. Despite the importance of successful administration, there is currently no accepted definition that accurately describes the roles and responsibilities of forensic science administration. The aim of this article is to outline forensic science administration as it relates to highly effective leadership. Included in the discussion are five proposed ideals for the successful management of a crime laboratory. Strong leadership is essential within a laboratory to achieve maximum efficiency and high-quality service. One possible method of confronting issues and providing guidelines for management of crime laboratories in forensic science would be the formation of a Scientific Working Group for Forensic Science Administration.
Incentives associated with changes in consolidated reporting requirements

Abstract We examine the effects of mandated changes regarding consolidation. Analysis of FAS 94 submissions indicates: firms with unconsolidated subsidiaries lobby against FAS 94; strategic lobbying; accounting-data users lobby against FAS 94; and accounting firms support the proposal more than industrials. FAS 94 adoption produced negative returns in affected firms. In response to FAS 94, firms with unconsolidated financial subsidiaries were more likely to sell, close, or reorganize the subsidiary, retire debt, or securitize corporate assets. Finally, Canadian firms switch to unconsolidated reporting after a 1978 amendment to Canadian GAAP eliminating limitations on its use. Collectively this evidence suggests FAS 94 eliminated a valuable reporting alternative.
Infectious DNA from a whitefly-transmitted virus of Phaseolus vulgaris

GOLDEN yellow mosaic (bean golden mosaic) is a widespread disease of Phaseolus vulgaris in tropical and subtropical America1. The disease causes serious yield losses in several countries where beans are an important dietary staple2,3. The causal agent, long presumed to be a virus, also infects P. lunatus and Macroptilium lathyroides in the American tropics4,5. The pathogen is transmitted in nature and in the laboratory by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci Genn., and is also mechanically transmissible from the sap of infected plants3,5. An unusually small (18-nm diameter) nucleoprotein particle has been purified from diseased plants5,6, and shown conclusively to be the whitefly-transmitted virus causing the disease5. Electron microscopy of purified virus revealed predominately geminate aggregates of the 18-nm particles5,6. The virus must be aldehyde-fixed before negative staining because it is disruped by the heavy metal salts (ammonium molybdate, sodium phosphotungstate, or uranyl acetate) used as negative stains. Thus, it is not known whether the geminate aggregate is the infectious entity or an artefact of fixation5. Nonetheless, its unusually small size sets this virus apart from most other plant viruses. I describe here the extraction of infectious DNA from purified golden yellow mosaic virus (GYMV), a result that further separates this virus from other previously described plant viruses.
Notes on Slavic Visual Sources at the University of Virginia

This is a brief sampling of Slavic visual sources in the University of Virginia Library and Art Museum. Sources available for study include printed material, such as early twentieth-century Russian art and architectural history monographs, eighteenth- and nineteenth-century histories of Russian explorations, and English-language travel literature on Russia. Rare and unique materials include an illustrated fair copy manuscript by Russian writer and illustrator Aleksei Remizov, collections of photographs of Russia taken during the Civil War and Stalinist eras, and works on paper by Slavic artists Marc Chagall, Alexander Brodsky, Ilya Utkin, Jiři Kolař, and others.
Univalence of a function f and its successive derivatives when f satisfies a differential equation. II

Abstract Solutions of second order differential equations with quadratic polynomials as coefficients are studied. By a suitable choice of constants it is shown that there exists a solution which is an entire function of exponential type one and such that this function and all its derivatives are close-to-convex in the unit disc. By another choice of constants we get an entire solution of exponential type √2 with gap power series such that all odd, or all even, derivatives are close-to-convex in the unit disc.
Interactions between adsorbed molecules: CO on Ni(111)

We report measurements of the isothermal desorption rate for the CONi(111) chemisorption system. Values for microscopic lateral interaction parameters were determined by fitting the isotherms in the coverage regime (0.015 < θ < 0.10) to a lattice-gas model making the quasi-equilibrium approximation and using a transfer matrix grand partition function. The parameters determined from this analysis are compatible with a wide range of experimental data for this system, and indicate a system that is weakly interacting outside a short-range hard-wall repulsion. Low-coverage Arrhenius parameters were determined by fitting the desorption waveforms below θ = 0.015. The Arrhenius prefactor and activation energy for desorption are determined to be log(A) = 15.1 ± 0.7 and Ed = 130 ± 5 kJ mol−1, respectively, in good agreement with previous results. Comparisons will be made to the system COPt(111) where appropriate. We discuss a simple model for substrate-mediated lateral interactions based upon relief of surface tensile stress which can qualitatively explain the differences between these two systems.
Hydrostatics and steady dynamics of spatially varying electromechanical flow structures

The hydrostatic and steady laminar hydrodynamic equilibria of spatially varying electromechanical flow structures are investigated. Under certain conditions the relationship between the dielectric height of rise and the applied voltage is found to be double valued. It is found that one of the two equilibrium values is always unstable. This gives rise to the experimentally observed spontaneous rise of the fluid to the top of the structure, once a certain critical voltage is reached. Starting above this critical voltage with the structure completely filled and decreasing the applied voltage toward the critical value results in pinch-in failure at an intermediate point along the structure and trapping of dielectric fluid at the top. The simple mathematical model developed predicts all these phenomena, without recourse to tedious point-by-point surface force equilibrium determination. Experiments are reported which verify the results for the hydrostatic case.
Semianalytical study of texture collapse.

This study presents a simplified approach to studying the dynamics of global texture collapse. We derive equations of motion for a spherically symmetric field configuration using a two parameter ansatz. Then we analyze the effective potential for the resulting theory to understand possible trajectories of the field configuration in the parameter space of the ansatz. Numerical results are given for critical winding in spatially flat nonexpanding, and flat expanding universes. In addition, the open nonexpanding and open expanding cases are studied.
Impact characterization of sandwich structures with an integrated orthogrid stiffened syntactic foam core

This paper presents the manufacturing, testing, and modeling of a new composite sandwich structure with a hybrid grid stiffened core. The hybrid core consists of a continuous fiber reinforced polymer orthogrid skeleton that is filled in with light weight syntactic foam in the bays or cells. The grid skeleton was manufactured by a dry weaving process per the pin-guided filament winding technology. Low velocity impact tests and compression after impact (CAI) tests were conducted to evaluate the impact response and residual strength of the sandwich structure. C-scan and SEM observation were implemented to investigate the impact damage. A finite element analysis using ANSYS was conducted to validate the compression test results. It is found that this integrated core enhances impact energy transfer, energy absorption, and positive composite action, insures quasi-static response to impact, and has higher CAI strength.
Synthesis and applications of unsymmetrical carbocyanine dyes

Abstract Carbocyanine dyes are a unique class of organic molecules with high molar extinction coefficients and characteristically long absorption bands with absorption maxima ranging from 500 to 1000 nm making them extremely useful in numerous applications ranging from photography to medicine. Using various synthetic procedures, the conjugated system of these compounds can be modified to yield specific absorption and fluorescence spectra. One way to alter these conjugated systems is to include two different heterocycles thereby producing unsymmetrical dyes. The attractiveness of unsymmetrical carbocyanines has increased significantly over the last decade. For monomethine carbocyanines, there are many methods to synthesize unsymmetrical dyes, but for tri-, penta- and heptamethines the synthesis is more complicated. The synthesis of unsymmetrical carbocyanine dyes is excellent for modifying a dyes absorption wavelength, preparing it for conjugation, or altering the dyes polarity or solubility. The few known unsymmetrical carbocyanine dyes have found use in DNA labeling, dye-sensitized solar cells, and many other applications. There is a great lack of unsymmetrical carbocyanines in the literature and no collective review of them therefore we have put together this review detailing their synthesis and applications.
Comparative test of bulk laser-induced damage of experimental crystals at 0.85 μm

Comparative tests of bulk laser-induced damage of some experimental crystals having prospects for laser applications were performed for evaluation of exploitation reliability of elements made from these crystals. A number of fluoride and oxide crystals doped with ions of Ce, Cr, Ti, and Zr were studied in these measurements. BK7 glass was tested under the same experimental conditions as a comparison. Pulses from a single transverse mode, Cr: LiSAF laser (? = 0.85 tm, t 60 ns) were used in these experiments. The laser radiation was focused to a small spot size (2 tm) in the bulk of these crystals to exclude the influence of inclusions and inhomogeneities on the results. Absorption spectra of these crystals were measured to be sure that there is no strong absorption in the region of the irradiating wavelength. The possible effects of dopant ions on the laser-induced damage thresholds of the crystals studied is discussed.
Electrical relaxation in poly(propylene oxide) with and without alkali metal salts

Previously published audio frequency complex impedance studies of poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) containing various ions at pressures up to 0.6 GPa over the temperature range 250–350 K have been reanalyzed in terms of electric modulus. Peaks in the electric modulus plots (conductivity relaxation) are found which are characterized in terms of the stretched exponential. It is shown that those fits are not perfect, in part due to the presence of a low temperature relaxation. As a consequence, different values of the stretched exponential parameter, sSE, are obtained when different portions of the curve are analyzed. The effect results in an apparent increase in sSE with increasing temperature or decreasing pressure. However, when the same portion of the peak is fit, sSE is found to be approximately 0.5 and independent of temperature and pressure. Next, data for the α-relaxation in pure PPO were reanalyzed. It is shown that while the value of sSE for the α-relaxation data is similar to the values determined for the conductivity relaxation, sSE for the electric modulus representation of the α-relaxation data is somewhat smaller. In addition, the temperature dependence of the average relaxation time for the electric modulus representation is better fit by the BENSH equation than by the Vogel equation while the opposite is true for the dielectric constant data.
Antibacterial skin preparation decreases the incidence of false-positive semen culture results.

AbstractPurpose: Antibacterial skin preparation was used before obtaining semen cultures to assess whether true seminal pathogens could be isolated with greater specificity.Materials and Methods: A total of 14 paired semen cultures were obtained from men evaluated for infertility. The first set (group 1) was obtained without preparation and the second set (group 2) was obtained after using an antibacterial skin preparation consisting of a shower followed by perineal, penile and hand wash with 4% chlorhexidine and 10% povidone-iodine. The sets were compared and statistical analysis was performed using the paired t test.Results: In group 1, 25 total bacterial isolates were detected compared to 13 in group 2, which was statistically significant (p <0.002). In group 1, 11 enteric organisms were isolated compared to 5 in group 2, which was also statistically significant (p <0.05). These data suggest that the source of most enteric organisms isolated from semen is genital and perineal skin.Conclusions: A signif...
The role of economic incentives and social norms in forest resource management

Forests are experiencing increasing pressure from human activities, which is leading to rapid deforestation and loss of ecosystem services. Although deforestation occurs for a wide range of reasons, one important reason is that landowners lack a long-term management view. I suggest that both economic incentives and social norms will work differently to reduce landowners’ motivation to deforest and to help landowners identify the long-term benefits that will be obtained by sacrificing short-term gain.
Analysis of future event set algorithms for discrete event simulation

New analytical and empirical results for the performance of future event set algorithms in discrete event simulation are presented. These results provide a clear insight to the factors affecting algorithm performance, permit evaluation of the hold model, and determine the best algorithm(s) to use. The analytical results include a classification of distributions for efficient insertion scanning of a linear structure. In addition, it is shown that when more than one distribution is present, there is generally an increase in the probability that new insertions will have smaller times than those in the future event set. Twelve algorithms, including most of those recently proposed, were empirically evaluated using primarily simulation models. Of the twelve tested, four performed well, three performed fairly, and five performed poorly.
Influencing Perceptions of Relevance

People process information more thoroughly when they are motivated to do so by perceiving the topic to be personally relevant. Scholars, from Aristotle to present-day authors, have advised communicators to stress the importance of their topics to their audiences—the implication being that such invocations can increase an audience's perception of relevance. This assumption, however, was untested by previous research. In this study, the data from a pilot study and two subsequent experiments are combined in an attempt to determine if an audience's perceptions of relevance can be influenced by including content that stresses the relevance of the issue discussed in the message. The results of this study suggest that the manipulation of relevance perception is possible but that relevance may not be the only motivating factor.
A Numerical Strip-Yield Model for the Creep Crack Incubation in Steels

A numerical strip-yield model was developed to simulate creep crack incubation in heat-resistant steels. The model is based on a formulation proposed by Newman (Newman, J. C., Jr., “A Crack-Closure Model for Predicting Fatigue Crack Growth under Aircraft Spectrum Loading,” Methods and Models for Predicting Fatigue Crack Growth under Random Loading, ASTM STP 748, J. B. Chang and C. M. Hudson, Eds., ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 1981, pp. 53–84) for fatigue crack growth under variable amplitude loading. The time evolution of the plastic deformation ahead of a crack loaded in tension is modeled using the Norton law for secondary creep stage, and the primary and tertiary creep stages are neglected. The model assumes a pre-existing crack in a specimen and models the behavior of the material prior to the beginning of crack propagation due to creep loading. The evolution with time of the crack-tip plastic zone, crack-tip opening displacement, and yield strength in the plastic zone are computed at constant temperature for center crack panels. Comparison with two previous strip-yield models and experimental data is performed, and good correlation is obtained for several Cr-Mo-V steels. This approach to modeling creep crack incubation has the potential to be applied to other types of cracked specimens under constant or variable amplitude loading.
Evidence for growth heterogeneity among foci with different phenotypes in the population of altered hepatocyte foci induced by a single neonatal treatment with carcinogen

Relationships between phenotypic and growth characteristics of carcinogen-induced altered hepatocyte foci were investigated. Male and female rats were given a single i.p. injection of carcinogen (diethylnitrosamine or benzo[a]pyrene) within 1 day after birth and were exposed to dietary promoter (phenobarbital) beginning at weaning. Groups of these rats were then killed at intervals, and their livers were examined for foci exhibiting various phenotypic markers through the use of serial frozen sectioning techniques, histochemical staining and computer-assisted image analysis. These procedures permitted the identification and sizing of foci with different specific phenotypes (identities of focus markers) within each phenotypic complexity level (number of markers per focus). The data suggest that foci growth rates differ with respect to specific focus phenotypes within complexity levels. This observation complements previous demonstrations of a direct relationship between foci growth rates and levels of phenotypic complexity and indicates that the observed diversity of focus phenotypes reflects true biological diversity within the focus population. Given the prior evidence for (i) the stability of focus phenotypes; (ii) the rapid emergence of phenotypically dissimilar foci following a single carcinogen treatment; and (iii) the production of foci by single initiation events, we suggest that each proliferatively and phenotypically distinct member of the focus population reflects the occurrence of a lesion at a unique genetic locus during initiation.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide, a key NAD+ intermediate, treats the pathophysiology of diet- and age-induced diabetes in mice

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has become epidemic in our modern lifestyle, likely due to calorie-rich diets overwhelming our adaptive metabolic pathways. One such pathway is mediated by nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme in mammalian NAD(+) biosynthesis, and the NAD(+)-dependent protein deacetylase SIRT1. Here, we show that NAMPT-mediated NAD(+) biosynthesis is severely compromised in metabolic organs by high-fat diet (HFD). Strikingly, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a product of the NAMPT reaction and a key NAD(+) intermediate, ameliorates glucose intolerance by restoring NAD(+) levels in HFD-induced T2D mice. NMN also enhances hepatic insulin sensitivity and restores gene expression related to oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and circadian rhythm, partly through SIRT1 activation. Furthermore, NAD(+) and NAMPT levels show significant decreases in multiple organs during aging, and NMN improves glucose intolerance and lipid profiles in age-induced T2D mice. These findings provide critical insights into a potential nutriceutical intervention against diet- and age-induced T2D.
Usefulness of QTc dispersion in interpreting exercise electrocardiograms

The ECG QT interval is a measure of the duration ofventricular repolarization and is sensitive to myocardial ischemia. The interlead variation in the 12-lead ECG is referred ~to as QT dispersion. The QT or QTc dispersion is a noninvasive measure of regional variation in ventricular recovery time. Increased dispersion ofventricular recovery time has been associated with increased risk of serious arrhythmias, 1-3 particularly in conditions in which QT is prolonged, including congenital long QT syndrome, 4 drug toxicity, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 5 and post-myocardial infarction arrhythmias. 6 Class Ia antiarrhythmic agents are associated with increased nonhomogeneous, regional QT-interva ! prolongation, giving rise to widened QT dispersion, and that this widened dispersion is associated with increased risk of torsades de pointes. On the other hand, class III drugs such as amiodarone and sotalol have a homogeneous prolongation of QT and are not associated with torsades de pointes. 7 The QT dispersion is also increased in patients with myocardial infarction compared with dispersion in control subjects and may be reduced by the class III antiarrhythmic agent. This pattern may account for the salutary effects of class III antiarrhythmic agents on ventricular arrhythmias after myocardial infarction. An increase in interlead QT variability or dispersion on the surface of 12-lead ECG has been associated with regional ischemia and wall motion abnormality, s Some data support the theory that successful thrombolysis is associated with less QT dispersion in post-acute myocardial infarction patients. 9 We hypothesized that exercise-induced myocardial ischemia could change QT interval regionally in the area of ischemia, giving rise to an increased QT dispersion in the 12-lead electrocardiogram, which may be helpful in the interpretation of exercise stress tests. Methods. We studied 56 unselected patients (55 men and 1 woman) who had undergone symptom-limited treadmill exercise tests for clinical indications and were not taking antiarrhythmic agents. On the basis of the results of the stress test and the results of coronary angiograms in patients with positive test results, patients were divided into three groups: (1) The normal (NL) group consisted of 23 patients with a mean age of 51 -+ 11 years who had nor-
Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among racial and ethnic minorities with schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders: a critical literature review

Objective People with serious mental illness (SMI) die at least 11 years earlier than the general U.S. population, on average, due largely to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Disparities in CVD morbidity and mortality also occur among some U.S. racial and ethnic minorities. The combined effect of race/ethnicity and SMI on CVD-related risk factors, however, remains unclear. To address this gap, we conducted a critical literature review of studies assessing the prevalence of CVD risk factors (overweight/obesity, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, cigarette smoking, and physical inactivity) among U.S. racial/ethnic groups with schizophrenia-spectrum and bipolar disorders.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung with intracranial metastases.

Discussed is the first roentgenographic and post-mortem description of a patient with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung who presented with intracranial metastases. The patients primary tumor eluded physical diagnosis and bronchoscopic delineation. The autopsy confirmed minimal tumor involvement of the bronchial wall despite bulky regional and distant metastases.
In vitro investigation of the adhesive strength of cyanoacrylate bonds to human hard tooth structures.

Three different cyanoacrylate monomers were studied as adhesives for hard tooth structures. Flat plane non-retentive surfaces of extracted human teeth and cold-curing acrylic onlays were used as the adherends. Both tensile and shear adhesive strengths were investigated under wet and dry conditions at room temperature. The commonly used zinc phosphate dental cement was the control material. Under all test conditions the cyanoacrylates were shown to have greater adhesive strength than the dental cement. The MBR-4197 (β,β,β trifluoroisopropyl 2-cyanoacrylate) polymer showed the greatest bonding strength to hard tooth structures. The adhesive strengths of all cyanoacrylate polymers decreased considerably after water immersion but the control dental cement material showed no adhesive strength under the same condition. However, the results of the experimental monomers when compared to the control cement, should encourage further investigations of these monomers for use as dental adhesives.
Managing natural wildfires in Sierra Nevada wilderness areas

Past policies of excluding all wildfires from forests throughout the US are giving way to new strategies that incorporate naturally ignited fires into forest and fire management. In this paper, we evaluate the effects of long-standing natural fire programs (now referred to as wildland fire use or WFU) in two Sierra Nevada wilderness areas. We present reconstructions of historical fire occurrence using tree ring proxies, along with chronologies of tree recruitment, to infer the effects of WFU programs on forest structure. Historically, fires burned every 6 to 9 years, which moderated tree recruitment. Fire suppression policies established in the early 1900s successfully excluded fire and allowed for unprecedented tree recruitment. Despite the substantial changes in forest structure and composition, the frequency and extent of fires during the current WFU period (1972–present) approach historical levels. This information can provide some necessary insight in implementing WFU policy and developing management...
Managing the challenges of hidden disabilities in youth sport: a look at SLD, ADHD, and ASD through the sport psychology lens.

The impact of disabilities on children in sport has received relatively little attention, with even less focus on those disabilities that are “hidden.” These disabilities are not physically apparent, and therefore may be overlooked or the athletes may be mistakenly labeled as unmotivated, lazy, oppositional, or defiant. The purpose of this article is twofold: (1) to introduce those disabilities that are not obvious to the observer, specifically, Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); and (2) to offer strategies and techniques that promote positive sport experiences for children with these disabilities.
Normal and abnormal diffusion in Ehrenfest's wind-tree model

Abstract The first correction to the Boltzmann result for the diffusion coefficient is calculated for the 2 dimensional wind-tree model, and is found to depend qualitatively on the distribution of the scatterers.
Advanced multiphysics coupling for LWR fuel performance analysis

Abstract Even the most basic nuclear fuel analysis is a multiphysics undertaking, as a credible simulation must consider at a minimum coupled heat conduction and mechanical deformation. The need for more realistic fuel modeling under a variety of conditions invariably leads to a desire to include coupling between a more complete set of the physical phenomena influencing fuel behavior, including neutronics, thermal hydraulics, and mechanisms occurring at lower length scales. This paper covers current efforts toward coupled multiphysics LWR fuel modeling in three main areas. The first area covered in this paper concerns thermomechanical coupling. The interaction of these two physics, particularly related to the feedback effect associated with heat transfer and mechanical contact at the fuel/clad gap, provides numerous computational challenges. An outline is provided of an effective approach used to manage the nonlinearities associated with an evolving gap in BISON, a nuclear fuel performance application. A second type of multiphysics coupling described here is that of coupling neutronics with thermomechanical LWR fuel performance. DeCART, a high-fidelity core analysis program based on the method of characteristics, has been coupled to BISON. DeCART provides sub-pin level resolution of the multigroup neutron flux, with resonance treatment, during a depletion or a fast transient simulation. Two-way coupling between these codes was achieved by mapping fission rate density and fast neutron flux fields from DeCART to BISON and the temperature field from BISON to DeCART while employing a Picard iterative algorithm. Finally, the need for multiscale coupling is considered. Fission gas production and evolution significantly impact fuel performance by causing swelling, a reduction in the thermal conductivity, and fission gas release. The mechanisms involved occur at the atomistic and grain scale and are therefore not the domain of a fuel performance code. However, it is possible to use lower length scale models such as those used in the mesoscale MARMOT code to compute average properties, e.g. swelling or thermal conductivity. These may then be used by an engineering-scale model. Examples of this type of multiscale, multiphysics modeling are shown.
Cryptocumulate tholeiite as evidence for magma mixing at an intermediate-rate spreading axis

There is increased interest in possible controls of spreading rate on the geometry and longevity of ocean-ridge magma supply systems1,2, and also speculation as to how fractionation processes within these systems may obscure the expression of upper mantle chemistry and isotopic composition in erupted ocean-ridge magmas3,4. I report here evidence for reheating and subsequent mixing of plagioclase–cumulitic magma as a result of the influx of primitive picritic magma, at the (‘intermediate’-rate) Gulf of California spreading axis, and outline a hypothesis for steady-state fractionation during finite periods of ∼0.35 Myr. Steady-state systems are expected to become simpler and more long-lived with increasing rates of spreading, thus increasing possibilities for the fractionation of incompatible (‘low-KD’) element ratios.
COST OF SOFTWARE QUALITY: A MEANS OF PROMOTING SOFTWARE PROCESS IMPROVEMENT

Cost of quality (COQ) is well understood conceptually and quantitatively in manufacturing and service industries. In software production, however, this concept has only recently been applied. This article explores COQ as applied to software and as publi..
Valuation effects from implementing shareholder-friendly poison pill provisions

Poison pill adoptions may have varying effects on firm value. Shareholder-friendly pills have been adopted by firms in recent years, but have not been thoroughly examined in the financial literature. We find that the adoption of shareholder-friendly pills results in favourable valuation effects. The adoption of poison pills classified as unfriendly does not elicit a significant market response. Valuation effects are conditioned on the type of pills within the friendly or unfriendly category. Sunset and TIDE provisions elicit more favourable market responses than other friendly pills, while dead hand provisions elicit a less favourable market response than other unfriendly pills.
Identification of tryptophan 55 as the primary site of [3H]nicotine photoincorporation in the γ-subunit of the Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

[3H]nicotine has been used as a photoaffinity agonist to identify amino acids within the Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) γ-subunit that contributes to the structure of the agonist binding site. UV irradiation (254 nm) of nAChR-rich membranes equilibrated with [3H]nicotine results in covalent incorporation into α- and γ-subunits that is inhibitable by agonists and competitive antagonists, but not by non-competitive antagonists (Middleton, R.E. and Cohen, J.B. (1991) Biochemistry 30, 6887–6897). To identify sites of specific incorporation, SDS-PAGE and reversed-phase HPLC were used to isolate proteolytic fragments of [3H]nicotine-labeled γ-subunit. Amino-terminal sequence analysis identified γTrp-55 as the major site of [3H]nicotine photoincorporation in γ-subunit. Thus γTrp-55 is the first amino acid within a non-α-subunit to be identified by affinity labeling in direct contact with a bound agonist.
Profiling environmentally responsible consumer-citizens

This paper examines differences between proven environmentally responsible individuals and the general public on six variables. An experimental choice situation of environmentally responsible decisions was combined with self report measures to test the hypotheses. The generalized social responsibility correlates of internal-external control and social class were proven to be significant univariate as well as multivariate predictors of environmental responsibility. The most significant implication for marketers is that environmentally responsible target markets may be substantial enough to warrant the use of environmentally oriented marketing programs.
Inland transport of aerosolized Florida red tide toxins

Florida red tides, an annual event off the west coast of Florida, are caused by the toxic dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis. K. brevis produces a suite of potent neurotoxins, brevetoxins, which kill fish, sea birds, and marine mammals, as well as sickening humans who consume contaminated shellfish. These toxins become part of the marine aerosol, and can also be inhaled by humans and other animals. Recent studies have demonstrated a significant increase in symptoms and decrease lung function in asthmatics after only one hour of beach exposure during an onshore Florida red tide bloom. This study constructed a transect line placing high volume air samplers to measure brevetoxins at sites beginning at the beach, moving approximately 6.4 km inland. One non-exposure and 2 exposure studies, each of 5 days duration, were conducted. No toxins were measured in the air during the non-exposure period. During the 2 exposure periods, the amount of brevetoxins varied considerably by site and by date. Nevertheless, brevetoxins were measured at least 4.2 kilometers from the beach and/or 1.6 km from the coastal shoreline. Therefore, populations sensitive to brevetoxins (such as asthmatics) need to know that leaving the beach may not discontinue their environmental exposure to brevetoxin aerosols.
Road-Based Surveys for Estimating Wild Turkey Density in the Texas Rolling Plains

Abstract Line-transect–based distance sampling has been used to estimate density of several wild bird species including wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). We used inflatable turkey decoys during autumn (Aug–Nov) and winter (Dec–Mar) 2003–2005 at 3 study sites in the Texas Rolling Plains, USA, to simulate Rio Grande wild turkey (M. g. intermedia) flocks. We evaluated detectability of flocks using logistic regression models. Our modeling effort suggested that distance to a flock and flock size played important roles in flock detectability. We also conducted surveys from roads for wild turkeys during November 2004–January 2006. The detection probability of decoy flocks was similar to wild turkey flocks during winter (decoy flock, 69.3 ± 6.2% [x ± 95% CI]; wild turkey flock, 62.2 ± 18.3%) and autumn (decoy flock, 44.1 ± 5.1%; wild turkey flock, 44.7 ± 25.6%), which suggested that using decoys was appropriate for evaluating detectability of wild turkey flocks from roads. We conducted computer simulations to ...
Candidates and Attitudes: Revisiting the Question of Causality

This research explores the question of how people rationalize their choice of a candidate by changing other attitudes. Too often we use opinions to predict candidate choice. Many attitudes are created or changed to be consistent with a candidate. This paper takes a comprehensive look at the reciprocal effects on a wide range of opinions. Results indicate that, with the exception of party ID, the attitudes which influence choice are also the most likely consequences of choice. The key to determining the direction of causality is locating the most salient among all the attitudes and choices. A salient attitude or choice will be strong enough to influence many of the others. In this research a choice (or rejection) of Carter is actually a cause of other attitudes, not an effect. On the other hand, a choice of Reagan is best conceived of as a product, not a determinant, of other attitudes. In studying election attitudes we need to discover the focal points (salient attitudes) that change and create other opin...