cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic analysis reveals dynamic evolution of the poly(A)-binding protein gene family in plants

The poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) binds the poly(A) tail of eukaryotic mRNAs and functions to maintain the integrity of the mRNA while promoting protein synthesis through its interaction with eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 4G and eIF4B. PABP is encoded by a single gene in yeast and marine algae but during plant evolution the PABP gene family expanded substantially, underwent sequence divergence into three subclasses, and acquired tissue-specificity in gene family member expression. Although such changes suggest functional specialization, the size of the family and its sequence divergence have complicated an understanding of which gene family members may be foundational and which may represent more recent expansions of the family to meet the specific needs of speciation. Here, we examine the evolution of the plant PABP gene family to provide insight into these aspects of the family that may yield clues into the function of individual family members. The PABP gene family had expanded to two members by the appearance of fresh water algae and four members in non-vascular plants. In lycophytes, the first sequence divergence yielding a specific class member occurs. The earliest members of the gene family share greatest similarity to those modern members whose expression is confined to reproductive tissues, suggesting that supporting reproductive-associated gene expression is the most conserved function of this family. A family member sharing similarity to modern vegetative-associated members first appears in gymnosperms. Further elaboration of the reproductive-associated and vegetative-associated members occurred during the evolution of flowering plants. Expansion of the plant PABP gene family began prior to the colonization of land. By the evolution of lycophytes, the first class member whose expression is confined to reproductive tissues in higher plants had appeared. A second class member whose expression is vegetative-associated appeared in gymnosperms and all three modern classes had fully evolved by the appearance of the first known basal angiosperm. The size of each PABP class underwent further expansion during subsequent evolution, especially in the Brassicaceae, suggesting that the family is undergoing dynamic evolution.
Left ventricle volume measurements in cardiac micro-CT: the impact of radiation dose and contrast agent.

Micro-CT based cardiac function estimation in small animals requires measurement of left ventricle (LV) volume at multiple time points during the cardiac cycle. Measurement accuracy depends on the image resolution, its signal and noise properties, and the analysis procedure. This work compares the accuracy of the Otsu thresholding and a region sampled binary mixture approach, for live mouse LV volume measurement using 100 micron resolution datasets. We evaluate both analysis methods after varying the volume of injected contrast agent and the number of projections used for CT reconstruction with a goal of permitting reduced levels of both x-ray and contrast agent doses.
Official and unofficial data

Abstract Unofficial data are empirical findings that guide our research but are generally not reported. This article delineates four forms of unofficial data: casual observation of ourselves and others, unsystematic naturalistic observation, uncodable forms of clinical and phenomenological data, and accidental and nonquantifiable incidents and findings arising during pilot testing and data analysis. The article argues for a broadened conception of empiricism that recognizes unofficial data as data, explores the different contexts of the scientific process in which official and unofficial data are useful, and suggests the implications of the existence and utility of unofficial data for research and publication practices.
High-accuracy finite-element methods for positive symmetric systems

Abstract A nonstandard-type “least'squares” finite-element method is proposed for the solution of first-order positive symmetric systems. This method gives optimal accuracy in a norm similar to the H1 norm. When a regularity condition holds it is optimal in L2 as well. Otherwise, it gives errors suboptimal by only h 1 2 (where h is the mesh diameter). Thus, it has greater accuracy than usual finite-element, finite-difference or least-squares methods for such problems. In addition, the spectral condition number of the associated linear system is only O(h−1) vs. O(h−2) for the usual least-squares methods. Thus, the method promises to be an efficient, high-accuracy method for hyperbolic systems such as Maxwell's equations. It is also equally promising for mixed-type equations that have a formulation as a positive symmetric system.
Numerical simulation of Rayleigh–Bénard convection in shallow tanks

The FLOW3D [Numerical Methods for Fluid Mechanics II, edited by K. W. Morton and M. J. Baines (Clarendon, Oxford, 1986), p. 499] code, originally designed to simulate industrial heat flow problems, is found to be suitable for studying Rayleigh–Benard convection in carefully controlled laboratory experiments. The structures of both rolls and defects in fully developed, laminar convection in shallow tanks are described in detail. Simulations at parameters near the threshold for the onset of turbulence in water show a transition between two time‐dependent patterns, one roll‐like and the other cellular, in which short wavelength instabilities of known type (skew varicose) are implicated. Evidence for spatiotemporal intermittency is seen, although the turbulence is clearly not fully developed.
Colloquium: Nonlinear energy localization and its manipulation in micromechanical oscillator arrays

It has been known for some time that nonlinearity and discreteness play important roles in many branches of condensed-matter physics as evidenced by the appearance of domain walls, kinks, and solitons. A recent discovery is that localized dynamical energy in a perfect nonlinear lattice can be stabilized by the lattice discreteness. Intrinsic localized modes (ILMs) are the resulting signature. Their energy profiles resemble those of localized modes at defects in a harmonic lattice but, like solitons, they can move. ILMs have been observed in macroscopic arrays as diverse as coupled Josephson junctions, optical waveguides, two-dimensional nonlinear photonic crystals, and micromechanical cantilevers. Such dynamically driven localized modes are providing a new window into the underlying simplicity of nonequilibrium dynamics. This Colloquium surveys the studies of ILMs in micromechanical cantilever arrays. Because of the ease of sample fabrication with silicon technology and the intuitive optical visualization techniques, these experiments are able to demonstrate the general nature and properties of dynamical energy localization while at the same time providing new information on ILM generation, locking, pinning, and interaction with impurities.
Competition between seminal and exogenous proteinase inhibitors for sites on murine epididymal sperm

Abstract Sixteen proteinase inhibitors were tested for their ability to compete with the natural seminal inhibitor for binding to the surface of murine epididymal sperm. The most effective competitors, 4-methylumbelliferyl-p-quanidinobenzoate (MUGB) and p-nitrophenyl p-guanidinobenzoate (NPGB), are also effective inhibitors of both murine acrosin and in vitro fertilization of mouse gametes. The data support the suggestion that the inhibition of fertilization by these inhibitors may be effected by their action on the sperm surface rather than binding to enzymes located within the acrosome. Since the surface acceptor molecule recognizes a number of inhibitor types, as well as substrates for such enzymes as trypsin and acrosin, the acceptor's binding site may be similar to the active site on the enzyme.
Weak strategy proofness: The case of nonbinary social choice functions

It is now well known that under some eminently acceptable behavioral rule in comparing various power sets every nonimposed, binary, multivalued social choice mechanism is strategy-proof or oligarchic. Various attempts have been made to resolve the paradox either by relaxing binariness or by weakening the notion of strategy-proofness. By relaxing both binariness and the notion of strategy-proofness this paper shows that the trade-off between weak strategy-proofness and various unacceptable power structures, such as oligarchy or dictatorship, would remain intact.
In vitro generation of dopaminergic neurons from adult subventricular zone neural progenitor cells.

The adult subventricular zone (SVZ) supports a population of cells that display the hallmarks of stem cells: they are self-renewing and multipotent—capable of generating neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. In vivo, these adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) are fated primarily for a γ-amino butyric acid (GABA)-ergic lineage of olfactory bulb interneurons, a small subpopulation of which is dopaminergic. Here, we investigate the plasticity of aNSCs in vitro, in particular, their ability to generate a specific neuronal lineage, midbrain dopamine neurons. Previous work using mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells showed that introduction of early developmental inductive cues, sonic hedgehog (SHH) and fibroblast growth factor-8 (FGF-8), directed ES cell-derived neuroepithelial cells to generate midbrain dopaminergic neurons, those lost in Parkinson's disease. Placing aNSCs under similar culture conditions, immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR analysis revealed early dopaminergic neuron specification. However, aNSC-derive...
New Media and the ‘Anchor Baby’ Boom

The term ‘anchor baby’ refers to children born in the U.S. to undocumented migrant parents who are thought to have been conceived in order to improve their parents' chances of attaining citizenship. Though the term is considered racist and dehumanizing by many, it has recently entered into common usage. This study investigates the process by which this has occurred. We test hypotheses derived from theories of mass and new media using multiple data sources and methods of analysis, and find that the main sources of the anchor baby boom are partisan news websites. The findings suggest that new media may be influencing mass media by creating unique and unprecedented opportunities for medium-sized partisan news organizations.
Wisconsin Desmids. III. Desmid community, composition and distribution in relation to lake type and water chemistry

This investigation summarizes quantitative data on the generic composition of the euplankton and aufwuchs desmid communities of 61 Wisconsin lakes, and analyzes the information with respect to 1) the role of the various genera in terms of frequency, density, and relative importance, 2) the suitability of various lake types for harboring desmid communities, and 3) the relationships between chemical parameters and desmid distribution. The generaStaurastrum, Cosmarium, andClosterium are of wide occurrence, appear to play major roles in the communities of all lake types, and are the most tolerant of varying chemical conditions. Most euplankton genera are of importance only in acid bogs, but aufwuchs genera generally are more widely distributed. Both the euplankton and the aufwuchs communities appear to be composed of 1–4 desmid assemblages, each with a differing range of importance values. Based on biological criteria, acid bogs appear to be the most suitable lake type for harboring desmid communities and calcareous spring ponds the least suitable type. High generic diversity of desmids appears to be correlated with low conductivity, calcium and alkalinity levels, pH values of 5.1–7.0, and the presence of free CO2. The evidence attending various hypotheses concerning water chemistry and desmid distribution appears contradictory, and further studies are needed to help clarify the situation.
Steiner triple systems with an involution

Let π be a permutation of the set {1, 2,..., υ} having f l υ fixed points and (υ — f )/2 disjoint transpositions. We investigate the existence of Steiner triple systems admitting π as an auto-morphism. When f = 1 such a system is known as a reverse Steiner triple system and it is known that reverse Steiner triple systems exist if and only if υ ≡ 1, 3, 9 or 19 (mod 24). In this paper we show that a Steiner triple system admitting π as an automorphism, and f g 1 exists if and only if υ ≡ 1 or 3(mod 6), f ≡ 1 or 3(mod 6), and either (υ — f ≡ 0(mod 4), and υ ⩾ 2 f + 1) or (υ — f ≡ 2 (mod 4), and υ ⩾ 3 f ).
Molecular dynamics simulation reveals sequence-intrinsic and protein-induced geometrical features of the OL1 DNA operator

We have carried out molecular dynamics simulation of the lambda OL1 DNA operator on the free and the protein-bound forms. Our results lead us to conclude that the binding of the repressor actually makes the N-7 atom of Gua8' more solvent exposed, thereby enhancing its reactivity to chemical methylation. This increase in solvent accessibility surface area occurs simultaneously with the formation of hydrogen bonds between Lys-4 of the nonconsensus flexible N-terminal arm and Gua6' of the nonconsensus half-site operator DNA. Calculations of protein--DNA interaction energies reveal that among the residues of the arm, Lys-4 contributes the most favorably to the interaction energies. This result is consistent with mutagenesis studies that established that lysine at position 4 is absolutely required for tight binding. We find that the nonconsensus arm and the nonconsensus monomer interacts less favorably with DNA than do their respective counterparts of the consensus monomer. Moreover, the six-residue flexible arm accounts for at least half the total protein--DNA interactions energy. These results are in agreement with previous experimental studies. In accord with the diffuse electron density map observed in crystallographic studies of the nonconsensus flexible arm, we find that our model built for this region is more flexible and exhibits more conformations than its consensus counterpart. The simulation also reveals that DNA bending observed near the outer edge of the operator site is an intrinsic sequence-dependent property. By contrast, the DNA-bending features observed toward the center of the operator are induced by the protein. On the whole, stepwise protein-induced bending is more pronounced in the consensus half-site operator. We also find that the unusually large helical twist (49 degrees ) observed in the protein-bound form near the center of the operator results from the binding of the protein at a base step with some propensity for high twists.
The Second Viscosity of Liquids

The second coefficient of viscosity is concerned with the viscous forces generated by compression (or dilatation). In the absence of knowledge of its magnitude in liquids it has been customary in hydrodynamics to assume that the coefficient of dilatational viscosity, ${n}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, could be approximated by the ideal gas value ${n}^{\ensuremath{'}}=\ensuremath{-}\frac{2n}{3}$, where $n$ is the coefficient of shear viscosity. A method has been developed for obtaining values for the dilatational viscosity which is based on Eckart's theory of acoustical streaming; the non-periodic motion of the fluid in the vicinity of a sound source is dependent on the two coefficients of viscosity. Values for the coefficient of dilatational viscosity for a variety of organic liquids and for water are given in the table. The coefficient of dilatational viscosity was found to be positive in sign and greater in magnitude than the shear viscosity. For example, the dilatational viscosity of water was found to be 2.4 centipoise and that for carbon disulfide greater than 200 centipoise. There is no correlation between the magnitude of the shear and dilatational viscosities for the liquids studied. Temperature variation measurements on water show that the temperature dependence of dilatational and shear viscosity in this substance is identical. Introduction of values for the dilatational viscosity into acoustical calculations eliminates the well-known discrepancy between theory and observation of sound absorption in liquids at very high frequencies.
Carbon black immobilized in electrospun chitosan membranes

Abstract Cross-linked, non-woven fibrous membranes were successfully electrospun from carbon black–chitosan solutions. Morphology changes with increasing amounts of carbon black were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Chemical structure, conductance, and crystallinity of the fibrous membranes were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), AC impedance spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. We hypothesize that even at 62.5 wt% loading of carbon black the particles are chelated and immobilized within the fibers by the natural polymer, chitosan. After cross-linking using glutaraldehyde vapor, all carbon black–chitosan membranes exhibited chemical stability in aqueous, acidic, and basic solutions for at least 20 days.
Safety and feasibility of using low-dose perioperative intravenous steroids in inflammatory bowel disease patients undergoing major colorectal surgery: A pilot study

Background High-dose perioperative corticosteroids are the standard of care for steroid-treated patients undergoing surgery. There is little evidence, however, to support this practice. We investigated the safety of perioperative low-dose steroids in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergoing major colorectal surgery. Methods Steroid-treated IBD patients undergoing major colorectal surgery were treated with the intravenous equivalent of their preoperative steroid dose in the perioperative period. Patients who were not taking steroids at the time of operation but who were treated with steroids within 1 year of surgery received no perioperative corticosteroids. Perioperative vital signs were analyzed. Hemodynamic instability was defined as heart rate >120 beats per minute, heart rate Results Thirty-two procedures were performed on 10 patients on steroids at the time of operation and 22 patients had who stopped steroids within 1 year of surgery. Five patients (16%) developed tachycardia and 8 patients (25%) had bradycardia. Hypotension occurred in 5 (16%) patients. All cases of hemodynamic instability resolved with no intervention, fluid boluses, or blood transfusion. No patients required vasopressors or high-dose corticosteroids for adrenal insufficiency. Conclusion In steroid-treated IBD patients undergoing major colorectal surgery, the use of low-dose perioperative corticosteroids seems safe. A prospective study assessing perioperative corticosteroid dosing is in progress.
Design of multi-order diffractive THz lenses

Quadratic, multi-order diffractive lenses have been designed, fabricated, and demonstrated for the MMW-THz region, with the capability of focusing harmonic wavelengths on to a common focal point. Design wavelength and harmonic spacing can be chosen as design parameters, allowing great flexibility in lens design. Simulations were carried out to determine lens parameters and performance. These lenses reduce both spherical and chromatic aberrations at harmonic wavelengths, and are thinner and lighter than traditional refractive elements. This lens type is potentially useful to sensor fusion architectures.
Internal Audit: A New Lens for Cost Management

The authors of this article see internal audit as a within-firm tool that provides a new lens for cost management. Today, the role that the internal audit function plays in improving firm performance is being redefined. In part, this is because in today's fast-paced economy, decisions are made quickly, and businesses need to draw on all of their resources to achieve competitive advantage. And, say the authors, the internal audit function is a natural fit for assisting in this newfound role—more than any other function in the organization. Internal audit will prove to be very useful as cost management takes an increasingly central role in strategy development. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parking lots and police Undocumented Latinos’ tactics for finding day labor jobs

■ Lacking access to legal residency and to regular employment, undocumented Latinos in the USA often find work as day laborers. Some suburban towns have tried to force Latinos out by enacting statutes to restrict their movement and their search for jobs. How do day laborers, who are conspicuous because of their racial-ethnic and language differences, find work by meeting employers in public spaces despite legal restrictions against their presence there? This comparative ethnography of day laborers in Freehold, New Jersey, and Manassas, Virginia, shows that workers engage such tactics as avoiding police and showing deference to white residents while battling for leverage when negotiating wages.
Human MDM2 Isoforms Translated Differentially on Constitutive versus p53-Regulated Transcripts Have Distinct Functions in the p53/MDM2 and TSG101/MDM2 Feedback Control Loops

Proteins encoded by the mdm2 gene, which has a pivotal role in the regulation of growth and differentiation, exist principally in human and murine cells as two isoforms that migrate in gels as 75-kDa and 90-kDa proteins. There is limited understanding of the respective biological roles of these isoforms, their molecular nature, and their mechanism of formation. We report here that human p75(MDM2) is an N-terminally truncated mixture of protein isoforms produced by the initiation of translation at two distinct internal AUG codons. The p75(MDM2) doublets and p90(MDM2), which is the full-length MDM2 protein, are expressed in approximately equal amounts from transcripts initiated at the constitutive P1 promoter of mdm2. Unlike murine transcripts initiated at the p53-activated P2 promoter, human cell transcripts initiated at the P2 promoter preferentially produce p90(MDM2). The ubiquitin enzyme variant protein TSG101, which interacts functionally with MDM2 in an autoregulatory loop that parallels the p53/MDM2 feedback control loop, interferes with degradation of both isoforms; however, only p90(MDM2) promotes proteolysis of TSG101 and p53. Our results reveal the mechanism of formation of the principal MDM2 isoforms, the differential effects of p53 on the production of these isoforms, and the differential abilities of human MDM2 isoforms as regulators of the MDM2/TSG101 and p53/MDM2 feedback control loops.
Highly efficient peptide formation from N-acetylaminoacyl-AMP anhydride and free amino acid

The kinetics of formation of the N-blocked dipeptide, N-acetylglycylglycine, from N-acetylglycyl adenylate anhydride and glycine in aqueous solution at 25 C, and at various PH's are reported. The reaction is of interest in that over a physiologically relevant pH range (6-8), peptide synthesis proceeds more rapidly than hydrolysis, even at those pH's at which this compound becomes increasingly susceptible to base-catalyzed hydrolysis. Under similar conditions, the corresponding unblocked aminoacyl adenylate anhydrides are considerably more unstable, and undergo appreciable hydrlysis in the presence of free amino acid. Because N-blocked aminoacyl adenylate anhydrides serve as model compounds of peptidyl adenylate anhydrides, these results suggest that primitive amino acid polymerization systems may have operated by cyclic reactivation of the peptidyl carboxyl group, rather than that of the incoming amino acid.
A New High Precision Low Offset Dynamic Comparator for High Resolution High Speed ADCs

A new low offset dynamic comparator for high resolution high speed analog-to-digital application has been designed. Inputs are reconfigured from the typical differential pair comparator such that near equal current distribution in the input transistors can be achieved for a meta-stable point of the comparator. Restricted signal swing clock for the tail current is also used to ensure constant currents in the differential pairs. Simulation based sensitivity analysis is performed to demonstrate the robustness of the new comparator with respect to stray capacitances, common mode voltage errors and timing errors in a TSMC 0.18? process. Less than l0mV offset can be easily achieved with the proposed structure making it favorable for flash and pipeline data conversion applications.
Biophysical mechanisms for large-effect mutations in the evolution of steroid hormone receptors

The genetic and biophysical mechanisms by which new protein functions evolve is a central question in evolutionary biology, biochemistry, and biophysics. Of particular interest is whether major shifts in protein function are caused by a few mutations of large effect and, if they are, the mechanisms that mediate these changes. Here we combine ancestral protein reconstruction with genetic manipulation and explicit studies of protein structure and dynamics to dissect an ancient and discrete shift in ligand specificity in the steroid receptors, a family of biologically essential hormone-controlled transcription factors. We previously found that the ancestor of the entire steroid receptor family was highly specific for estrogens, but its immediate phylogenetic descendant was sensitive only to androgens, progestogens, and corticosteroids. Here we show that this shift in function was driven primarily by two historical amino acid changes, which caused a ∼70,000-fold change in the ancestral protein’s specificity. These replacements subtly changed the chemistry of two amino acids, but they dramatically reduced estrogen sensitivity by introducing an excess of interaction partners into the receptor/estrogen complex, inducing a frustrated ensemble of suboptimal hydrogen bond networks unique to estrogens. This work shows how the protein’s architecture and dynamics shaped its evolution, amplifying a few biochemically subtle mutations into major shifts in the energetics and function of the protein.
Outcome Of Perinatal Hepatitis B Virus Exposure Is Dependent On Maternal Virus Load

To evaluate the role of maternal hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels in perinatal infection, two nested case-control studies were done within a cohort of 773 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive Taiwanese women and their infants. As serum HBV DNA levels increased from or = 1.4 ng/mL among the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive mothers, the odds ratio (OR) for having a persistently infected infant increased from 1.0 to 147.0 (P for trend < .001). Among HBeAg-negative mothers, the OR for having a persistently infected infant was 19.2 (95% confidence interval, 2.3-176.6) in mothers with high versus low levels of serum HBV DNA. A logistic regression analysis identified maternal HBV DNA to be a stronger independent predictor of persistent infection than HBeAg status. Thus, perinatal exposure to high levels of maternal HBV DNA is the most important determinant of infection outcome in the infant.
Paradise lost: An introduction to the geography of water pollution in Puerto Rico

Rapid industrialization has transformed the agricultural economy of Puerto Rico, creating employment opportunities and raising standards of living. Success, however, is marred by widespread pollution that outstrips the infrastructural capacity necessary for the preservation of environmental quality and of human health. The result today is a landfill crisis, a heritage of toxic dumps, and an advancing tide of pollution. Rivers and reservoirs are nearly ubiquitously affected and groundwaters, long thought to be naturally protected, show evidence of increasing contamination. Limestone aquifers are at particular risk. Public awareness and inter-sectoral political leadership are urgently needed to reverse the trend towards environmental deterioration.
Bed-form dynamics: Does the tail wag the dog?

Bed-form patterns reflect the dynamics of the defects in the pattern. From this new hypothesis, the differential migration of defects within a field of bed forms determines how crest-line orientation responds to changing transport conditions. Predictions from a model for defect dynamics compare well to field measurements and computer simulations of bed-form orientation. This model permits quantification of the time for bed-form reorientation across a broad range of scales, from hours in the rapidly changing nearshore environment to thousands of years for linear dune fields.
Interventions to Improve Adherence to Psychotropic Medication in Clients of Asian Descent: A Systematic Review

Fewer than half of Asian Americans prescribed psychotropic medication actually adhere to their medications. Poor psychotropic medication adherence among Asian Americans might be influenced by cultural beliefs about medication, mental illness, and stigma surrounding mental disorders, but the data are limited. Studies in Asian populations, whose belief systems are shared by many Asian American groups, may help broaden our understanding of medication adherence in Asian Americans. The purpose of this article is to synthesize existing research on interventions that might contribute to improved adherence to psychotropic medication among psychiatric patients of Asian descent. Searches of PubMed and PsycINFO for relevant articles published between 1960 and October 2010 yielded 1,520 potentially relevant studies. Nine intervention studies met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Most successful interventions used variations on psychoeducation that included both patients and family caregivers. Even in the absence of significant changes to adherence, patients often showed clinical improvement. Improvements in knowledge and attitude among patients and family caregivers coincided with clinical improvement. Findings highlight the effects of caregiver and patient causal beliefs on adherence outcome. Implications for adherence to psychotropic medication interventions among Asian Americans are discussed.
Effect of simulated Earth reentry exposure on mechanical properties of several oxide dispersion strengthened and superalloy sheet materials

The effects of simulated multiple reentry into the earth's atmosphere on the mechanical properties of several high temperature metallic sheet materials were evaluated. The materials included five tin-gage (nominally 0.025- or 0.037-cm) oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys and two thin-gage (nominally 0.037-cm) superalloys. Multiple reentry conditions were simulated through cyclic Plasma Arc Tunnel (PAT) exposure. PAT exposure generally consisted of 100 cycles of 600 second duration at 1255, 1366, or 1477 K in a Mach 4.6 airstream with an impact pressure of nominally 800 N/m2. PAT exposure generally produced a uniform oxide scale, oxide pits or intergranular oxidation, Kirkendall porosity, and alloy depletion zones except for the aluminum-containing ODS alloys. Only a uniform oxide scale was formed on the aluminum-containing ODS alloys. PAT exposure did not significantly affect the mechanical properties of the thin-gage (nominally 0.025- or 0.037-cm) alloys evaluated. Thus it appears that the microstructural changes produced by Plasma Arc Tunnel exposure has little influence on mechanical properties.
Water distributions of hydrated biological specimens by valence electron energy loss spectroscopy

Abstract A technique has been developed for measuring the water distribution in thin frozen hydrated biological specimens by means of electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The method depends on the quantification of subtle changes in the valence electron excitation spectrum as a function of composition. It involves determining the single-scattering intensities, calculating oscillator strengths and applying a multiple-least-squares fitting procedure to reference spectra for water and the organic constituents. The direct EELS approach has an important advantage over other indirect methods that are based on X-ray generation or elastic scattering measurements since these are applied to freeze-dried specimens where differential shrinkage between compartments may produce errors. Precision and accuracy of the EELS method have been tested on cryosectioned solutions of bovine serum albumin; data have also been obtained from cryosections of rapidly frozen erythrocytes. Results suggest that a precision of better than ±5% (s.d.) is attainable from a single measurement and the accuracy may be as high as ±2% if repeated measurements are made. The lateral spatial resolution of the water determinations is limited by radiation damage to approximately 100 nm which is of the same order as the specimen thickness.
Isospin breaking in the pion-nucleon coupling from QCD sum rules

We use QCD sum rules for the three-point function of a pseudoscalar and two nucleonic currents in order to estimate the charge dependence of the pion-nucleon coupling constant ${g}_{\mathrm{NN}\ensuremath{\pi}}$ coming from isospin violation in the strong interaction. The effect can be attributed primarily to the difference of the quark condensates $〈\ifmmode \bar{u}\else \={u}\fi{}u〉$ and $〈\mathrm{d\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}}d〉$. For the splitting ${(g}_{\mathrm{pp}{\ensuremath{\pi}}_{0}}\ensuremath{-}{g}_{\mathrm{nn}{\ensuremath{\pi}}_{0}}{)/g}_{\mathrm{NN}\ensuremath{\pi}}$ we obtain an interval of $1.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ to $3.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$, the uncertainties coming mainly from the input parameters. The charged pion nucleon coupling is found to be the average of ${g}_{\mathrm{pp}{\ensuremath{\pi}}_{0}}$ and ${g}_{\mathrm{nn}{\ensuremath{\pi}}_{0}}$. Electromagnetic effects are not included.
David Pearce and the economic valuation of biodiversity

David Pearce was a pioneer in the economic valuation of biodiversity. His work powerfully influenced both later economists who worked in the field and natural scientists and practitioners who gained and appreciation of the importance of economics to their efforts. Pearce often applied the paradigm of demonstration followed by appropriation: the values of biodiversity must first be demonstrated to those who make decisions concerning its survival, and then appropriated by them. The later step will be possible when market and policy failures are rectified so as to allow the realization of conservation values. While Pearce wrote extensively on these themes, he was also acutely aware of the limitations of the paradigm. Rosy projections of values that could not be realized and appropriated would be of little practical use, and Pearce often cautioned against excesses of optimism. Yet he also clearly believed that there are compelling, if not always easily demonstrated, reasons for conservation. I argue in this paper that Pearce’s seminal work on the valuation of biodiversity cannot be understood without some appreciation of his philosophical perspective. Pearce would have described himself as a pragmatist. However, his pragmatism was grounded in the belief that it is both expedient and ethical to recognize that communities in some of the poorest corners of the world will only conserve biodiversity if they are justly compensated for the sacrifices they must make to do so.
Animal and In Vitro Models for Studying Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction

Is there or will there ever be a best model in which to study HPV? Probably, not. The use of reductionist approaches to identify mechanisms underlying pulmonary vasomotor tone has been something of a double-edged sword. Studies of isolated vessels or cultured cells have elucidated cellular mechanisms controlling synthesis or inhibition of potentially important modulators and mediators. On the other hand, many of these appear to play little role in vivo. Discordant responses to hypoxia between more and less reductionist preparations suggest that deconstructing the lung may interrupt signaling, metabolic, and mechanical pathways critical to integrated in vivo hypoxic responses. Development of reductionist preparations that retain mechanisms underlying in vivo responses is imperative for complete understanding of HPV and the ultimate application of findings to the clinical situation. Ultimately, however, whatever model is studied, the knowledge derived from it will further our understanding of HPV, and also fundamental mechanisms inherent to the entire vasculature.
Surface subsidence of natural gas underground storage cavern in bedded salt

To study the rule of surface subsidence of natural gas underground storage cavern in bedded salt under the change of internal pressure and the effect of overlying strata,the predictive method of surface subsidence based on the numerical simulation method was proposed.The surface subsidence rule of one natural gas underground storage cavern in bedded salt during operation was analyzed with the predictive method.The analysis results show that the surface subsidence is expressed as a typical funnel shape curve in each storing stage with the subsidence mainly concentrated on the very top of the storage.The surface subsidence increases with time.The subsidence rate is relatively large in the early stage and tends to be stable gradually after a time of operation.The surface subsidence rate varies in each storing operation stage.The rate is relatively smaller in the early stage,larger in the active stage and then turns to be smaller gradually in the decline stage.In the actual project,numerical method can be used to predict the surface subsidence first and the subsidence monitoring of pre-existing buildings should be strengthened.
Role of Direct and Indirect Violence Exposure on Externalizing Behavior in Children.

The objective of this study was to examine the association between externalizing behaviors and indirect violence exposure, assessed both within the household and at the community level, as well as the interaction effect of indirect and direct violence exposure. A sample of parents of children ages 4–15 who have not been referred or enrolled in child welfare (n = 82) were recruited from the greater New Orleans community. Externalizing behavior was assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The child’s indirect exposure to violence included witnessing community violence, witnessing physical assault, and witnessing fighting or domestic violence at home. Direct exposure to violence included the child experiencing physical aggression from a caregiver. All assessments were based on caregiver reports. To decrease potential for confounding, children were matched for analysis based on age, Hurricane Katrina exposure, and their propensity to be exposed to high indirect violence. Cumulative indirect exposure to violence was significantly positively correlated with CBCL scores. After controlling for key covariates, CBCL externalizing T score increased significantly by approximately 1.25 points for each level increase in indirect violence exposure (β = 1.25, SE = 0.57, p = 0.027). There also was a significant interaction between indirect and direct exposure to violence in the association with CBCL score (β = −0.08, SE = 0.03, p = 0.002). These findings extend previous research by demonstrating that exposure to both direct and cross-contextual indirect violence influences externalizing behaviors in children. Additionally, the findings suggest that community and household social environments are both important targets for interventions designed to decrease externalizing behaviors and improve long-term outcomes for youth at risk of exposure to violence.
Genetic Markers of Alcohol Use Disorder

Various genetic markers can be measured to determine the possibility of alcohol dependence in an individual. These markers include polymorphism of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1B*2, ADH1B*3, etc.), aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes responsible for alcohol metabolism, acetylcholine, glutamate, neuropeptide Y, and ACN9, as well as dopamine, GABA, and opioid receptors. These markers are discussed in this chapter, with an emphasis on the methods currently available for their measurement in a clinical laboratory.
3D Printing Biocompatible Polyurethane/Poly(lactic acid)/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites: Anisotropic Properties

Blending thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a proven method to achieve a much more mechanically robust material, whereas the addition of graphene oxide (GO) is increasingly applied in polymer nanocomposites to tailor further their properties. On the other hand, additive manufacturing has high flexibility of structure design which can significantly expand the application of materials in many fields. This study demonstrates the fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing of TPU/PLA/GO nanocomposites and its potential application as biocompatible materials. Nanocomposites are prepared by solvent-based mixing process and extruded into filaments for FDM printing. The addition of GO largely enhanced the mechanical property and thermal stability of the nanocomposites. Interestingly, we found that the mechanical response is highly dependent on printing orientation. Furthermore, the 3D printed nanocomposites exhibit good biocompatibility with NIH3T3 cells, indicating promise as biomat...
Role of the Respiratory Therapist in the NICU

As respiratory therapists spend 24 h per day with critically ill newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit, respiratory care is essential to the eventual recovery and discharge of these fragile patients with cardiopulmonary manifestations.
Vacuum Gap Microstrip Microwave Resonators for 2.5-D Integration in Quantum Computing

Vacuum gap λ/2 microwave resonators are demonstrated as a route toward higher integration in superconducting qubit circuits. The resonators are fabricated from pieces on two silicon chips bonded together with an In-Sb bond. Measurements of the devices yield resonant frequencies in good agreement with simulations. Creating low loss circuits in this geometry is also discussed.
Sunn hemp intercrop and mulch increases papaya growth and reduces wind speed and virus damage

Abstract Papaya ( Carica papaya L.) production in south Florida is limited by trade winds, storm wind damage, and papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) infection. This study was implemented to test a system intercropping sunn hemp ( Crotalaria juncea L.) with papaya during papaya establishment, then mowing the intercrop and using it as a mulch on papaya beds. The study was performed in 2014 and repeated in 2015. Treatments included no sunn hemp (No-SH), sunn hemp mown early (SH-ME) 65 days after transplanting (DAT), and sunn hemp mown late (SH-ML) at 100 DAT. Wind speeds, sunn hemp growth and biomass contribution, papaya above ground growth, yield, flowering date, weeding time, and gas exchange variables, including net CO 2 assimilation ( A ) and stomatal conductance ( g s ) of H 2 O were measured. In 2015, additional measurements included PRSV infection rates and root growth via minirhizotron imaging. Results indicated a positive establishment environment as a result of the sunn hemp intercrop-mulching system. The system reduced weed pressure, reduced wind speed within papaya rows, and increased papaya growth after mowing and mulching. In 2015, standing sunn hemp reduced PRSV infection rates and hastened flowering. Mulching increased root growth in 2015, and A and g s for 2 months after mulching. The SH-ML treatment led to elongation and reduced growth due to excessive shading. With the appropriate timing of mowing, this system promises improved production efficiency and reduced risks for south Florida papaya producers.
Abstract 109: Preliminary Structural Into the Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein (SREBP) Interaction With SREBP Cleavage-Activating Protein (SCAP)

Maintenance of cholesterol and fatty acid homeostasis is critical for membrane architecture, protein localization, and protein trafficking. Dysregulation can lead to severe health concerns including obesity, diabetes, heart attack and stroke. Vital to the management of lipid molecules are the sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) family of transcription factors, which transcribe more than 30 genes controlling lipid homeostasis. The activation of SREBP is tightly regulated through association with SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP). When sterol levels are high, SCAP maintains SREBP in the endoplasmic reticulum. As sterol concentrations are reduced, SCAP escorts SREBP to the Golgi apparatus where it is activated. Liver-specific knockout of SCAP results in a 70-80% decrease in lipid biosynthesis and germline knockout is hypothesized to be embryonic lethal. Nonetheless, how SCAP recognizes and restricts the location of SREBP is relatively unknown. Structural insight to this protein-protein interface may yield future drug targets; however, their large molecular mass makes them challenging. We hypothesize both CTDs can be functionally produced in vitro to investigate the complex affinity, stoichiometry, and architecture. So far, we have recombinantly produced milligram quantities of both proteins. Circular dichroism and 1D NMR spectroscopy support in vitro SCAP refolding into a β-propeller fold. In contrast to previously published suggestions of a seven-bladed propeller motif, our sequence analysis and homology modeling support an eight-bladed architecture. Both X-ray crystallography and NMR are currently being pursued to elucidate the SCAP structure. In conclusion, recombinant expression of SCAP and SREBP is feasible and future research will use a combined biochemical and cell-based approach to determine the complex affinity, dynamics, and binding interface.