cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationships among Udder Characteristics, Milk Yield, and Nonyield Traits

Abstract A total of 1604 udder measurements of the area bounded by the four teats was collected on 147 cows to determine relationships among udder area, indices of udder collapsibility, milk yield, rates of milk flow, California Mastitis Test scores, persistency of lactation, and visual appraisal of udder conformation. Direct measurements of the udder were highly repeatable both within and among lactations. Indices of udder collapsibility were not as repeatable. Correlations among udder measurements were large and positive. Milk yield on the day of measure was highly and positively correlated with udder measurements, but correlations with mature equivalent milk yield were lower. Correlations among udder measurements, rates of milk flow, persistency of lactation, and many traits of udder conformation were small. Larger udders were associated generally with higher mastitis test scores, with deeper udders that were more bulgy in front and looser in rear and with flatter udder floors. Indices of udder collapsibility were unrelated to visual appraisal of udder quality.
The spatial distributions of randomly coiling polynucleotides

Statistical mechanical averages of vectors and tensors characterizing the allowed configurations of randomly coiling polynucleotides have been calculated for chains of 20–210 repeating units. Specifically, the persistence vector p = 〈r〉 has been obtained as a function of chain length. Configurational averages of the Cartesian tensors formed from the displacement vector ρ = r–p have been computed up to and including the tensor of seventh rank. From these tensors the three-dimensional spatial distributions of end-to-end vectors have been constructed to provide comprehensive pictures of the directional tendencies of the randomly coiling polynucleotide. The elements of the third and fourth moment tensors, however, give sufficient information to represent accurately the qualitative features of the spatial distributions. For long chains, more than 26 (64) repeating units, the spatial distributions assume spherically symmetric shapes that can be adequately characterized by one-dimensional radial distribution functions. These radial distribution functions agree well with the radial distributions calculated from Monte Carlo samples containing more than 5000 chains. The constraints of fixed bond lengths, fixed bond angles, and hindered internal rotations severely distort the spatial distributions of short polynucleotide chains to mushroom-shaped volumes. These skewed distributions provide information useful to the analysis of small, single-stranded loops, bulges, and circles. The formation of these structures requires the termini of the polynucleotides to lie within specifically delineated volumes with respect to coordinate systems affixed to the first bonds of the chains. The extent to which these loop closure volumes overlap the three-dimensional spatial distributions provides estimates of loop formation that are much more reliable than earlier studies based upon the radial distribution function.
ATP-sensitive K+ channels: paradigm lost, paradigm regained.

In an update of a previous Perspective [L. H. Philipson and D. F. Steiner, Science 268 , 372 (1995)], Philipson discusses the molecular basis for Ksubscript ATP, a potassium current that mediates glucose regulation of insulin secretion. A prediction in the previous Perspective is borne out by a paper in this issue of Science (Inagaki et al. , p. 1166), which reports the cloning of a new inward rectifier potassium channel and shows that Ksubscript ATP is formed when this channel combines with the sulfonylurea receptor.
Convergent Validity of Attribute-Based, Choice Questions in Stated-Preference Studies

The application of attribute-based choice questions is well established in the marketing literature, but there are unique aspects of the design that warrant investigation to assess their validity for economic welfare estimation. Three design issues are investigated in this paper: (1) the placement of the monetary stimulus (policy cost to respondents) in the sequence of attributes, (2) the number of policy alternatives respondents are asked to consider in choice questions (two versus three), and (3) the inclusion, versus exclusion, of a status-quo alternative in choice questions. The data used to implement these investigations are from a survey designed to estimate the value Maine residents place on a farmland conservation easement program. Tests of convergent validity indicate that the placement of the monetary stimulus, first versus last in the list of attributes, did not affect estimates of preference parameters, significant differences between questions with three versus two alternatives did occur, and the inclusion/exclusion of a status-quo alternative did not affect preference parameters.
Reliability of Medium-Voltage Vacuum Power Circuit-Breakers

A medium-voltage vacuum power circuit-breaker is used as an example of how a manufacturer can reduce the failure rate by 75% and reduce the maintenance costs by at least 73%. This required the expenditure of significant additional money and resources by the manufacturer. Questions are posed to users of circuit breakers to determine if this is what they wish to motivate a manufacturer to do; and if so, how this can be implemented in the market place.
Multiple Overt Incest as Family Defense Against Loss

A case report of father-daughter incest is presented that illustrates the way in which overt incest can function as a multi-determined familial defense against separation and loss. The case is further distinguished by: (a) multiple incest and (b) family therapy--an approach infrequently described in the literature on this problem. The authors have adopted the psychodynamic view that incest expresses the collective psychopathology of all the family members as well as their common adaptational capacities. Specifically, we have attempted to demonstrate that separation anxiety was a shared dread in this family and that incest defended against this painful prospect.
Orthogeriatric care models and outcomes in hip fracture patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives Hip fractures are common, morbid, and costly health events that threaten the independence and function of older patients. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine if ortho-geriatric collaboration models improve outcomes.
Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) protects rat cochlear hair cells in organotypical culture from aminoglycoside injury.

Given the evidence that basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) can protect neural and retinal cells from degeneration, we evaluated the potential of this growth factor to protect sensory cells in the inner ear. When sensory cells of the organ of Corti are exposed to aminoglycoside antibiotics such as neomycin either in vivo or in vitro, significant ototoxicity is observed. The in vitro cytotoxic effects of neomycin are dose and time dependent. In neonatal rat organ of Corti cultures, complete inner and outer hair cell destruction is observed at high (mM) concentrations of neomycin while inner hair cell survival and severely damaged outer hair cells are noted at moderate (μM) concentrations, with a maximal effect observed after 2 days of culture. Approximately 50% of cochlear outer hair cells are lost at a dose of 35 μM neomycin, and most surviving cells show disorganized stereocilia. Inner hair cells show primarily disorganization of their stereocilia. A significant protective effect is observed when the organ of Corti is pre-treated with FGF-2 (500 ng/ml) for 48 hours, and then FGF-2 is included with neomycin in the culture medium. A greater extent of outer hair cell survival and a significant decrease in stereociliary damage are noted with FGF-2. However, disorganization of inner hair cell stereocilia is unaffected by FGF-2. The protective effect of FGF-2 is specific, since interleukin-1B, nerve growth factor, tumor necrosis factor, and epidermal growth factor are ineffective, while retinoic acid and transforming growth factor alpha show only a moderate protective effect. These results confirm the potential of molecules like FGF-2 for preventing cell death due to a variety of causes. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
THE MORPHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF PROTEIN SYNTHESIS INHIBITION IN MARSILEA

A B S TR A C T Marsilea vestita and M. drummondii were grown in sterile cultures to which concentrations of the protein synthesis inhibitors, 2-thiouracil (10 mg/liter) and 5-fluorouracil (1 mg/liter) had been added. When young sporelings are grown in a solution of thiouracil at optimum concentration, there is an inhibition of the rate of leaf formation, a retardation of the leaf heteroblastic series, and all leaves develop as land forms. When thiouracil is added to plants which are already producing typical adult, quadrifid leaves, the effects depend on whether the treated plants are water or land forms. Plants which are typically water forms convert to land forms. After treatment successive leaves develop typical sunken stomata on both leaf surfaces. The tissues of the rhizome, root and petiole are more compact and, in general, the cells of the plant have thicker walls. Vascular patterns are not changed, though the size of the rhizome, root and petiole may be reduced. Plants which are typically land forms are less affected than the water forms, but they show a small reduction in apex volume and an apparent reversion of the leaflet number from the typical quadrifid leaf to a trifid, bifid, or single lamina condition. In both land and water forms apical dominance may be broken by treatment with 10 mg/liter thiouracil or 1 mg/liter fluorouracil and numerous lateral branches develop. Higher concentrations (15-25 mg/liter of thiouracil) may result in abnormal development of lateral axillary buds, petiole bases and leaflets. The meristems of the plant are differentially sensitive to thiouracil; leaflet meristen s are most sensitive, the root meristems are the least sensitive. It appears that a true reversion to juvenile leaf development need not occur even though protein synthesis and the volume of the apex are reduced. The development of the land or water form in Marsilea appears to depend on rate of growth. Hence inhibition of the growth of typical water forms, through inhibition of protein synthesis, causes a shift in development toward the morphology typical of land forms.
Multi-model weighted predictions for CH4 and H2S solubilities in freshwater and saline formation waters relevant to unconventional oil and gas extraction

Abstract Technological advancements in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing make extraction of natural gas from shale formations economically feasible. However, those activities may induce environmental risks associated with regional water quality due to migration of gases like CH4 and H2S through fractures and accidental spills. Thus, predicting the solubilities of these gases in different aqueous media and conditions, including those relevant to sub-surface environments, is important. Nine models, including equations of state and empirical models, for predicting CH4 solubility in aqueous phases and six models for H2S are considered and evaluated. The goal of this study was to develop multi-model weighted prediction (MMoWP) for each of these gases for a range of ionic strengths varying from freshwater to saline water and brine, over a temperature range of 298–483 K and a pressure range of 1–350 bar. The predictive accuracy of each model varies with different aqueous conditions. A variance-based weighted model is developed to predict the solubilities of the two gases under different surface and sub-surface conditions (i.e., temperature, pressure and salt concentration (T–P–X)), and the performance of the weighted model is compared to the best fitting individual model in each case. Predicted and observed values are compared using a 5-fold cross validation. Cases for which the weighted model outperforms the best predictive model for each of the two gases are identified and discussed. The modeling approach followed by this study increases the predictive accuracy of CH4 and H2S solubilities across the sub-surface T–P–X conditions likely to be encountered at shale gas extraction sites.
Seasonal variation of kinetic energy in the atmosphere

In an attempt to broaden the observational basis of the seasonal variation of the large-scale atmospheric circulation, Fourier analysis was applied to time series of important kinetic energy variables which were computed for a 5-year period over the North American Continent. The variance spectra of the direct Fourier analysis are also presented. The year-to-year fluctuation of the seasonal variation of the energy variables is apparent. After filtering out the year-to-year irregularity, clear basic features of the seasonal evolution were obtained. The kinetic energy level can be described essentially by the one-year cycle. However, the energy generation, outflow, and dissipation show an important half-year cycle in addition to the prominent one-year cycle.
On the ethics of technical change: The case of bST1

Abstract Bovine Somatotropin (bST) is a nonsteroidal hormone, produced in the pituitary glands of cows, which regulates growth and affects the production of milk. Administering bST to dairy cattle can increase milk yields, and since bST can now be produced through biotechnology methods it is a potential commercial technology for agriculture. Scientists expect more milk output from fewer cows, thereby increasing profits for farmers and decreasing costs for consumers. However, bST has not been approved for commercial use by the United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and has been banned from use in several countries. In the political arena, animal welfare advocates, family farm advocates, science-for-the-people advocates, and consumer activist groups have come forth with political, economic, and ethical objections to bST. This paper examines the ethical dimensions of individual and group decisions about bST, as a case study in the ethics of technical changes more generally. It is argued that the most significant aspect of this case is the underlying philosophy or ethos of technology that influences choices about bST at each level of decision making, from farmer to research administrator. It is a challenge to this philosophy that underlies the ethical criticisms of bST, and other new technology as well.
Cardiac Injury Due to Accidental Discharge of Nail Gun

BACKGROUND: Since 1991, the incidence of injuries associated with pneumatic and explosive powered nail guns has steadily been rising due to increasing use of these devices by the untrained consumer. The vast majority of injuries involve the extremities, but injuries have been reported to occur in virtually every area of the body. OBJECTIVE: Discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of penetrating cardiac nail gun injuries. CASE REPORT: A 33-year-old man sustained a penetrating cardiac injury from accidental discharge of a nail gun. The patient had successful repair of a laceration to his right ventricle. CONCLUSIONS: Penetrating cardiac injuries from pneumatic nail guns are rare and have mortality similar to stab wounds. Improved safety mechanisms and training are the keys to prevention. Consideration also should be given to implementing legislation restricting the sale of nail guns. Language: en
Of cats and Haruspices*: genetic intervention in the Florida panther. Response to Pimm et al. (2006)

The claim that the Florida panther Puma concolor coryi has been genetically rescued by the introduction of Texas cougars P. c. stanleyana is based on the questionable development and interpretation of a maximum likelihood model, data dredging and a misleading presentation of historical data. In addition, the claim that Florida panther ‘hybrids are expanding the known range of habitats panthers occupy and use’ is offered in the absence of data or supporting analyses. By (1) ignoring regional differences in habitat quality, (2) ignoring the earlier extinction of the hybrid Everglades population, (3) ignoring the influence of social structure on the relative success of Texas cougars and their offspring, (4) using cursory spatial analyses of panthers before and after intervention and (5) choosing a second-best model, a misleading scenario was presented. Undoubtedly hybrid animals have increased in abundance and distribution on the south Florida landscape, but it is quite possible that current patterns of abundance and distribution would be similar if purebred Florida panthers had been introduced instead of Texas cougars in 1995. This is because all the demographic events that have occurred since genetic intervention in 1995 can be more reasonably explained by factors relating to panther social structure and habitat variability. We are hopeful that the current genetic management effort will contribute to the recovery of this endangered population; however, it is too early to claim that this intervention has succeeded or failed. We suggest a number of ways in which more reliable insight on this issue might be obtained.
American Fashions for American Women: Early Twentieth Century Efforts to Develop an American Fashion Identity

(2007). American Fashions for American Women: Early Twentieth Century Efforts to Develop an American Fashion Identity. Dress: Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 79-95.
Nonlinear systems analysis with non-Gaussian white stimuli; General basis functionals and kernels (Corresp.)

The Wiener-Lee-Schetzen scheme of using Gaussian white noise to test a nonlinear dynamical system is extended in two ways. 1) An arbitrary non-Ganssian white noise stationary signal can be used as the test stimulus. 2) An arbitrary function of this stimulus can then be used as the analyzing function for cross correlating with the response to obtain the kernels characterizing the system. Closed form expressions are given for the generalized orthogonal basis functions. The generalized kernels are expanded in terms of Volterra kernels and Wiener kernels. The expansion coefficients are closely related to the cumulants of the stimulus probability distribution. These results are applied to the special case of a Gaussian stimulus and a three-level analysis function. For this case a detailed analysis is Lade of the magnitude of the deviation of the kernels obtained with the ternary truncation as compared to the Wiener kernels obtained by cross correlating with the same Gaussian as was used for the stimulus. The deviations are found to be quite small.
Abstract 3402: Knockdown of TWIST1 increases chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma cells

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Knock-down of TWIST1 increases chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma cells Texas Children's Cancer Center; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 TWIST1, a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, has previously been reported to be involved in cancer metastasis, invasion, drug response, and osteoblast differentiation induced by bone morphogenic protein. Based on expression profiling, we have previously identified a chemoresistance signature in osteosarcoma that could predict at the time of diagnosis the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. One of the 45 genes in the chemoresistance signature is TWIST1 whose expression level was significantly higher in osteosarcomas that were subsequently found to be more chemoresistant. To investigate the involvement of TWIST1 in chemoresistance of osteosarcoma at the cellular level, we first demonstrated that the IC50 of doxorubicin but not cisplatin treatment in eight osteosarcoma cell lines correlated with the endogenous TWIST1 expression level. We then tested the hypothesis that down-regulation of TWIST1 expression through RNAi in osteosarcoma cell lines with high TWIST1 expression could restore the chemosensitivity in these cells. Using two independent shRNAs to knock-down TWIST1 in HOS, SJSA-1 or 143B cells, we were able to show that the transduced cells became more sensitive to doxorubicin treatment as compared with the parental cells or control cells that were transduced with shRNAs with scrambled sequences. The results of the cytotoxicity assay were confirmed by the clonogenic assay using single colonies of stable transfectants with HOS cells. Based on these results, we concluded that TWIST1 is involved in chemoresistance of osteosarcoma cell lines and that down-regulation of its expression through RNAi would sensitize osteosarcoma cells to doxorubicin. However, we did not observe increased chemoresistance with overexpression of TWIST1 in osteosarcoma cell lines that have low levels of TWIST1 expression, suggesting that TWIST1 alone is not sufficient to cause chemoresistance in osteosarcoma cells. Identification of downstream targets of TWIST1 that could mediate chemoresistance by comparing expression profiles of TWIST1-knockdown clones with parental and scrambled controls is ongoing. In summary, these results validate our previous finding that TWIST1 can be used as a potential marker for predicting chemoresistance in osteosarcoma and suggest that modulating TWIST1 or its downstream targets could be considered as a novel strategy to overcome chemoresistance in osteosarcoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3402.
Surface roughness of PbZrxTi1-xO3 thin films produced by pulsed laser ablation-deposition

Abstract The surface roughness of PbZr x Ti 1− x O 3 (PZT) produced by pulsed laser ablation-deposition (PLAD) was evaluated as a function of the deposition temperature, oxygen pressure, laser energy density and target-to-substrate distance. Quantitative and qualitative results were obtained by scanning the surface of PZT with an atomic force microscope. The normalized root-mean-square roughness decreases as the magnitudes of the four process variables are increased. The improvement in the surface roughness with an increase in all the process parameters, except the laser energy density, can be explained qualitatively in terms of the particle energetics required for surface activation to occur. The decrease in roughness with increasing laser energy density implies that partially dissociated ejecta are completely vaporized as the laser energy density is increased.
Molecular genetics of coronary artery disease

Purpose of review Coronary artery disease, including its most severe complication myocardial infarction, is the leading cause of death; however, its genetic studies lag behind other diseases. Many advances have recently been made, however, and these are reviewed here.
A Closed-Form Solution for the Production-Break Retrograde Method

This article explores and discusses concepts surrounding the multi-step retrograde analysis process for learning curve production breaks that was popularized by George Anderlohr, in his 1969 Industrial Engineering article “What Production Breaks Cost.” Mr. Anderlohr based much of his analysis using the cumulative average curve method, but the basic principles have been widely accepted and used to calculate the equivalent calculation using the unit theory learning curves. Because Mr. Anderlohr's method is considered the standard for such calculations and because the method is relatively simple to perform, not much has been written to either simplify the process or to explain what appear to be anomalies in his methodology and other designated official sources such as that published by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The article will briefly explore and answer the more vexing of the anomaly issues and then introduce a single closed-form equation to bypass the multi-step method which can save the ...
The Latent Structure of Psychopathy in Youth: A Taxometric Investigation

Using taxometric procedures, the latent structure of psychopathy was investigated in two studies of children and adolescents. Prior studies have identified a taxon (i.e., a natural category) associated with antisocial behavior in adults as well as children and adolescents. However, features of this taxon suggest that it is not psychopathy but rather a broader class consistent with the construct of life course persistent antisocial behavior. Because the only prior study of youth used a non-clinical sample, the base rate of psychopathy may have been too low to reveal a psychopathy taxon, especially against the background of a broader and more prevalent antisocial behavior taxon. Therefore, this investigation sought to increase the likelihood of finding a psychopathy taxon (should one exist) by increasing its expected base rate through inclusion of clinical cases in the samples studied. Results produced evidence for both a broad antisocial behavior problem taxon consistent with past research and a much lower base rate taxon consistent with prevalence expectations for psychopathy. These findings support the existence of latent taxa for both psychopathy and a broader class of antisocial behavior problems. Further taxometric research appears to be warranted, which should use a broader array of indicators, with greater specificity to psychopathy.
Enhancement of methylbenzylnitrosamine-induced esophageal carcinogenesis in zinc-deficient rats: effects on incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA of esophageal epithelium and liver

[3H]Thymidine incorporation was measured in esophageal epithelium and liver DNA of rats fed a control diet ad libitum, a zinc-deficient diet or a control diet, pair fed to the food intake of zinc-deficient rats. Additional groups of rats on each diet were dosed i.g. (2.5 mg/kg body wt) one or six times with the esophageal carcinogen methylbenzylnitrosamine (MBN). The zinc-deficient diet significantly increased [3H]thymidine incorporation into esophageal epithelium DNA at 14 days and reached a maximum at 28 days which was approximately three times that of the control ad libitum diet rats. Pair feeding significantly decreased incorporation into the esophageal epithelium DNA relative to the control ad libitum diet, by approximately 60% after 14 days. None of the diets affected [3H]thymidine incorporation in liver DNA. [3H]Thymidine incorporation was significantly inhibited for 48-72 h in the esophageal epithelium and liver DNA of all dietary groups after a single i.g. dose of MBN before returning to predosing levels. The period of inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation was lengthened in all groups after six doses of MBN; the greatest increase (10 days) being noted in the esophageal epithelium DNA of the zinc-deficient rats. This inhibition was followed by a significant increase above predosing levels in the esophageal epithelium but not in the liver. The maximum increase occurred 7 days after the completion of MBN dosing in the control ad libitum group, at 14 days in the control pair-fed group and at 36 days in the zinc-deficient group. These findings suggest that the enhancement of MBN-induced esophageal tumors by zinc deficiency is due in part to the increased proliferation of the target cells with a concomitant greater accessibility of the cellular DNA to the carcinogen.
Isolation and characterization of new proteins produced by the infusion of colchicine in goat mammary gland

Three new proteins have now been isolated from goat milk obtained after colchicine is infused into the mammary gland. Two of the proteins are proline-rich, and a third is a very acidic phosphoprotein. One of the proline-rich proteins is related compositionally to a sheep colostrum proline-rich protein, which has been shown to have a regulatory effect on the immune response (Janusz, M., Stavoscik, K., Zimecki, M., Wieczorek, Z., and Lisowski, J. (1981) Biochem. J. 199, 9-15). Other aspects of colchicine-treated milks are described.
Further exploration of the flight from discretion: The role of risk/need instruments in probation supervision decisions

Abstract Quantitative decision models increasingly are replacing human judgment and discretion in criminal justice decision making. Some view this change positively, as they believe discretion is arbitrary and introduces race, class, gender, and other forms of bias into decisions. Others equate the spread of quantitative decision models with the “scientification” of administration and contend that it detracts from professionalism, democracy, and participatory administration. This study examines the implementation process and the role of risk/need assessment instruments for decisions about the proper level of supervision in parole and probation situations. The findings indicate a generally negative or, at best, neutral view toward the instruments, although they were seen as having some value for management and legitimation purposes. Paradoxically, the respondents found it hard to envision a system without them, and a slight majority believed the system was better off with the instruments than with discretionary decisions. One of the intriguing findings is that those who had more confidence in the value of the instruments also were more likely to believe they were personally effective in reducing recidivism, rehabilitating offenders, and reducing the crime rate. In this sense, the scientific status of the risk/need instruments lends perceptual rationality and legitimation to the work of the probation officers.
On the structure of linear semigroups

Abstract Green's Lemma [1, Lemma 2.2] is one of the most important theorems in the theory of semigroups. The main purpose of this note is to establish a generalized Green's Lemma and a generalized Clifford and Miller's Theorem [1, p. 59] in linear semigroups. A generalized Green's Lemma describes the behavior of certain mappings between two distinct D -classes.
Ricin Crosses Polarized Human Intestinal Cells and Intestines of Ricin-Gavaged Mice without Evident Damage and Then Disseminates to Mouse Kidneys

Ricin is a potent toxin found in the beans of Ricinus communis and is often lethal for animals and humans when aerosolized or injected and causes significant morbidity and occasional death when ingested. Ricin has been proposed as a bioweapon because of its lethal properties, environmental stability, and accessibility. In oral intoxication, the process by which the toxin transits across intestinal mucosa is not completely understood. To address this question, we assessed the impact of ricin on the gastrointestinal tract and organs of mice after dissemination of toxin from the gut. We first showed that ricin adhered in a specific pattern to human small bowel intestinal sections, the site within the mouse gut in which a variable degree of damage has been reported by others. We then monitored the movement of ricin across polarized human HCT-8 intestinal monolayers grown in transwell inserts and in HCT-8 cell organoids. We observed that, in both systems, ricin trafficked through the cells without apparent damage until 24 hours post intoxication. We delivered a lethal dose of purified fluorescently-labeled ricin to mice by oral gavage and followed transit of the toxin from the gastrointestinal tracts to the internal organs by in vivo imaging of whole animals over time and ex vivo imaging of organs at various time points. In addition, we harvested organs from unlabeled ricin-gavaged mice and assessed them for the presence of ricin and for histological damage. Finally, we compared serum chemistry values from buffer-treated versus ricin-intoxicated animals. We conclude that ricin transverses human intestinal cells and mouse intestinal cells in situ prior to any indication of enterocyte damage and that ricin rapidly reaches the kidneys of intoxicated mice. We also propose that mice intoxicated orally with ricin likely die from distributive shock.
Active Tethered Pelvic Assist Device (A-TPAD) to study force adaptation in human walking

An active Tethered Pelvic Assist Device (A-TPAD) has been presented in this paper. TPAD is a cable robot for studying force adaptation in human walking by applying external forces and moments on the human pelvis. A two stage control strategy was implemented to apply the desired force-moment profile. The controller includes (i) a quadratic programming based optimization scheme, (ii) a real-time human motion monitoring system and (iii) a PID feedback loop to plan and implement the required cable tensions. The control strategy was validated first by testing it on a dummy pelvis setup. A pilot experiment was then conducted with a human walking on a treadmill with A-TPAD. The goal was to apply a vertical downward force vector equivalent to 10% of subject’s body weight (BW ) at the pelvis. Results showed that the applied vertical force was acting downwards over the full gait cycle and was between 8-13% of the BW . Other force-moment components were maintained within a specified range during the experiment. Increased foot pressure was reported in the presence of vertical force. In summary, A-TPAD provides the capability of applying and controlling a desired force-moment profile on the human pelvis over a gait cycle.
Incorporation of germanium into the framework of nanocrystalline faujasite

Abstract Due to their large surface area and accessible pore network, research on nanocrystalline zeolites is a rapidly developing area. Incorporation of tetravalent elements into the zeolite framework beyond the traditional silicon and aluminum is one facet of this research and development. Another important facet of nanocrystalline zeolite research is minimizing waste and improving product yield towards greener chemistry synthesis. The study reported here incorporates both of these facets as germanium containing FAU type zeolites with Si/Al ratios below 1.5 were synthesized with recycling methods in order to increase zeolite yield. Sub 40 nm nanocrystalline FAU type zeolites with germanium incorporated into the framework were synthesized from clear reaction mixtures with systematically varied synthesis conditions. The zeolite products were characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for crystal size and morphology, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for elemental ratios, powder XRD for crystallinity and framework type, nitrogen adsorption for BET surface area, and both 29Si and 27Al NMR to study framework coordination.
Liver RNA polymerase activity in genetically obese and lean rats fed cholesterol

Abstract Hepatic nuclear RNA polymerase activity (C 14 -ATP incorporated into RNA) as well as microsomal protein synthesis (C 14 -leucine incorporated into protein) was studied in vitro in groups of genetically obese female rats of the Zucker strain before and after the introduction of a diet containing cholesterol. A similar study was carried out in normal lean rats of the same strain. The obese homozygotes were found to demonstrate a higher level of protein synthesis as well as nuclear RNA polymerase activity than did the lean homozygotes. Following the feeding of the hypercholesteremic diet for either 7 or 28 days, protein synthesis and RNA polymerase activity were shown to be lower in both groups of females. However, these changes in protein synthesis induced by this diet were relatively greater among the obese rats, whereas the concomitant changes in polymerase activity were of the same order of magnitude between genotypes. These findings have been discussed in terms of the suggested “allosteric” nature of the RNA polymerase. Furthermore, the possibility of more than one specific RNA polymerase existing in the rat liver has been speculated to explain certain of the above differences.
The log-volume of optimal constant-composition codes for memoryless channels, within O(1) bits

This paper derives a tight asymptotic upper bound on the maximum volume M∗ cc (n, ∊) of length-n constant-composition codes subject to an average decoding error probability ∊: M bb (n, ∊) = exp{nC − √nV Φ− (1 − ∊) + 1/2 log n + A n, ∊ + o(1)} where Φ is the cdf of the standard normal distribution, and A n, ∊ is a bounded sequence that can be explicitly identified and reduces to a constant in the nonlattice case. A lower bound is presented, differing from the upper bound by an easily computable multiplying constant. These expressions hold under certain regularity assumptions on the channel.
1/N expansion for two-dimensional quantum ferromagnets

The magnetization of a two-dimensional ferromagnetic Heisenberg model, which represents a quantum Hall system at filling factor $\ensuremath{\nu}=1,$ is calculated employing a large $N$ Schwinger boson approach. Corrections of order $1/N$ to the mean-field $(N=\ensuremath{\infty})$ results for both the $\mathrm{SU}(N)$ and the $\mathrm{O}(N)$ generalization of the bosonized model are presented. The calculations are discussed in detail and the results are compared with quantum Monte Carlo simulations as well as with recent experiments. The $\mathrm{SU}(N)$ model describes both Monte Carlo and experimental data well at low temperatures, whereas the $\mathrm{O}(N)$ model is much better at moderate and high temperatures.
Tropopause Undulations and the Development of Extratropical Cyclones. Part I. Overview and Observations from a Cyclone Event

Abstract The hypothesis that the development of extratropical cyclones is influenced by the evolution of tropopause undulations is described and examined. These undulations exhibit large temperature and potential vorticity anomalies, and are often observed prior to and during surface cyclogenesis. Typically, an undulation has a half wavelength of approximately 2000 km and a vertical amplitude of over 200 mb. Warm and cold temperature anomalies which lie respectively over the low and under the high portions of the undulation, are often embedded within strong upper-level flow, so that large temperature advections are found upstream and over developing cyclones. A case analysis of a cyclone event indicates that the distributions of tropospheric height change and vorticity change can be strongly sensitive to the undulation-related temperature changes in the lower stratosphere, especially near 200 mb.
Composition of oil in fish bones: possible function in neutral buoyancy.

Abstract 1. 1. Three marine fish, Schedophilus medusophagus, Peprilus simillimus and Anoplopoma fimbria , had oil-filled bones, with the skull of P. simillimus and A. fimbria containing 68 and 60 per cent lipid (per cent dry weight) respectively. 2. 2. Triglyceride was the primary component of this lipid, and ranged from 64 to 97 per cent of the bone oil. The major triglyceride fatty acids were 18:1, 16:0 and 16:1. 3. 3. The bones of two fish with fat-filled swimbladders, Coryphaenoides acrolepis and Antimora rostrata , contained only 0·2 per cent lipid (per cent dry weight). The role of bone lipid in neutral buoyancy is discussed.
Les arrels biològiques dels conflictes humans

Les arrels biologiques dels conflictes humans venen de lluny en la seva evolucio i son, per tant, profundes. Per sort, algunes de les nostres tendencies humanes mes destructives poden ser mitigades o eliminades mitjancant l’evolucio cultural. Pero ates que la cultura es per a la biologia el mateix que el programari es per al maquinari, cal entendre correctament la naturalesa biologica dels conflictes per a poder proporcionar solucions, a mes de bastir unes cultures de pau duradores. Aquest article se centra en les arrels biologiques dels conflictes humans. Una continuacio seva giraria al voltant de la resolucio de conflictes mitjancant l’evolucio cultural.
Fast Distance Relay Scheme for Detecting Symmetrical Fault During Power Swing

The power swing caused by various disturbances will affect distance relay behavior and may result in relay misoperation. This paper provides a fast detection scheme for symmetrical fault during power swing for distance relay, which is based on extracting the high-frequency component energy of forward and backward traveling waves induced by faults. The multiresolution analysis based on wavelet transform has the ability to decompose the analyzed signals into different frequency bands. The selection of mother wavelet and the number of levels of wavelet transform are carefully studied. The fault can be identified by feature extracting from the d1 component of Daubechies-8 (Db8) wavelet transform. The proposed approach is verified by using the IEEE reference model implemented by using the Alternate Transients Program and the test results have been presented in this paper. This proposed method can be used for distance relay operation blocking or monitoring.
Susceptibility of Propionibacterium acnes Clinical Isolates to 22 Antimicrobial Agents

Susceptibilities of 104 Propionibacterium acnes isolates to each of 22 antimicrobial agents was evaluated by broth microdilution. These isolates were susceptible to all of the test agents except metronidazole. N -Formimidoyl thienamycin, a penem coded Sch 29482, and penicillin ranked first, second, and third, respectively, in activity and were significantly more active than other penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, clindamycin, or chloramphenicol.
Transdermal oxybutynin in the treatment of overactive bladder.

Overactive bladder is a dreadful syndrome that affects a considerable number of patients. Antimuscarinics are the mainstay of pharmacotherapy for this condition. Transdermal (TD) oxybutynin (OXY) bypasses the first-pass metabolism and reduces the formation of N-desethyloxybutynin, a compound believed to be associated with anticholinergic side effects. The 3.9 mg matrix TD system is applied twice weekly and transports OXY directly into the systemic circulation. The patch can be applied to abdomen, buttock, and hip, and provides continuous OXY delivery that minimizes peak and trough fluctuations in plasma levels. In clinical trials, TD and oral OXY produced a significant reduction in incontinence episodes, with no difference between oral and TD treatments. In addition, TDOXY was similar to tolterodine, and it produced a significant improvement in the number of urinary incontinence episodes, complete continence, and urodynamic and quality of life parameters compared with placebo. The incidence of anticholinergic adverse events with TDOXY was similar to placebo. Most common adverse events were mild–moderate skin reactions. Treatment satisfaction survey suggested patients’ preference to use the TD system in the future. Counseling on healthy skin care and appropriate product use can enhance patients’ knowledge about TDOXY for overactive bladder treatment.
High Risk Behaviors in Adolescence and Their Relationship to Death Anxiety and Death Personifications

This study examines adolescent perceptions of death with a sample of 220 high school students. Variables examined were personifications of death, death anxiety, locus of control, self-esteem, and l...
A NEW CRITERION FOR CLOSE-TO-CONVEXITY OF PARTIAL SUMS OF CERTAIN HYPERGEOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

We consider the partial sums of certain hypergeometric functions and establish conditions imposed on the locations of zeros of those polynomials in order to be close-to-convex in the open unit disk.
Participation in Boys & Girls Clubs, vulnerability, and problem behaviors

Abstract Using a risk and resilience approach, this study examined the impact of participation in Boys & Girls Clubs on reducing vulnerability and problem behaviors among 297 youths aged 9 to 16 years of age. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to examine the relationships among the observed indicators of Club participation and poor self-concept and the latent constructs of vulnerability and problem behaviors. Results indicate that participation in Boys & Girls Clubs had a small, but significant relationship with a decrease in poor self-concept. Poor self-concept was in turn directly related to increased vulnerability; and increased vulnerability was related to increased problem behaviors. These findings point to the importance of Boys & Girls Clubs and other youth development organizations in promoting positive self-concepts to help decrease vulnerability and problem behaviors among program participants.
Synthesis and Characterization of α,β-Unsaturated Hydroximoyl Chlorides and Hydroximates

New α,β-unsaturated hydroximoyl chlorides (PhC(Cl)=CHC(Cl)=NOCH3) and hydroximates (PhC(OCH3)=CHC(OCH3)=NOCH3) were prepared. The ZZ-isomer of PhC(Cl)=CHC(Cl)=NOCH3 was prepared in four steps from ethyl benzoylacetate. Ultraviolet irradiation of the ZZ-isomer gives a mixture of all four possible isomers. Sodium methoxide was reacted with these isomers to determine the configuration about the carbon–carbon double bond for each. The Z-isomers reacted with sodium methoxide to give the corresponding alkyne by elimination whereas the E-isomers gave the substitution product. The configuration about the carbon–nitrogen double bond was determined from the 1H NMR chemical shift of the NOCH3 group.
Quickdraw: the impact of mobility and on-body placement on device access time

We investigate the effect of placement and user mobility on the time required to access an on-body interface. In our study, a wrist-mounted system was significantly faster to access than a device stored in the pocket or mounted on the hip. In the latter two conditions, 78% of the time it took to access the device was spent retrieving the device from its holder. As mobile devices are beginning to include peripherals (for example, Bluetooth headsets and watches connected to a mobile phone stored in the pocket), these results may help guide interface designers with respect to distributing functions across the body between peripherals.
Curved Waveguide Array Diode Lasers for High-Brightness Applications

We have developed a novel structure for achieving high-brightness output from a semiconductor laser array using coherent spatial beam combination. The structure consists of an array of curved ridge waveguides with in-phase, coherent output. Interference of the multiple outputs leads to a narrow, bright, on-axis, far-field beam shape. Experimental results demonstrate a diffraction limited output beam width, ideal for high-brightness applications.
Microbial ecology and acidic pollution of impoundments

Many impoundments are becoming acidified by acid precipitaion (AP) and acid mine drainage (AMD). Because of its more dilute constitution, AP is not expected to significantly affect microbial processes in mesotrophic or eutrophic impoundments, although some reduction in heterotrophic activity might be expected in oligotrophic situations. AMD can cause extensive alteration of the microbial community and associated functions. The input of sulfate in the pollution tends to enhance bacterial sulfate reduction in the anaerobic waters and sediments of the impoundment. Sulfate reduction generates carbonate alkalinity which can effectively neutralize the acid pollution if the alkalinity is not consumed by CO2 fixation during reoxidation of the reduced sulfur species. Presence of reduced iron precipitates the sulfides preventing diffusion into the oxic zones. Bacterial sulfate reduction represents an important homeostatic mechanism in acidified impoundments, and should be explored as a possible management tool for impoundments acidified by AP or AMD.
Schema driven assignment and implementation of life science identifiers (LSIDs)

Life science identifier (LSID) is a global unique identifier standard intended to help rationalize the unique archival requirements of biological data. We describe LSID implementation architecture such that data managed by a relational database management system may be integrated with the LSID protocol as an add-on layer. The approach requires a database administrator (DBA) to specify an export schema detailing the content and structure of the archived data, and a mapping of the existing database to that schema. This specification can be expressed using SQL view syntax. In effect, we define a SQL-like language for implementing LSIDs. We describe the mapping of the view definition to an implementation as a set of databases triggers and a fixed runtime library. Thus a compiler for a domain-specific language could be written that would reduce the implementation of LSIDs to the task of writing SQL view-like definitions.