cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CHO-induced blunting of cortisol response to weightlifting exercise in resistance-trained older men

With weightlifting exercise, the attenuation of the cortisol response is a major factor by which an increase in muscle mass occurs. A reduction in the exercise-induced cortisol response has been observed in younger but not older men, suggesting that under normal circumstances older men may lack the mechanism(s) to down-regulate cortisol activity. The purpose of this study was to determine if CHO consumption during a weightlifting exercise bout could modify the cortisol response to exercise. Five resistance-trained older men (62.8 ± 1.5 y) completed (on 2 occasions) a 9-station weightlifting protocol (3 sets, 10 repetitions, 75% of 1RM). One session included the ingestion of a placebo beverage, and the other, a CHO solution. Blood samples were collected prior to, during, and after the exercise bout. With the placebo, plasma glucose levels remained unchanged, while plasma cortisol levels were significantly elevated (from 284 ± 49.7 nmol/L to 474 ± 130 nmol/L). In contrast, CHO consumption resulted in signif...
Reconciling the WTO Effects on Trade at the Extensive and Intensive Margins

AbstractEmpirical studies examining the impact of World Trade Organization (WTO) membership have produced disparate results. These studies, however, have focused on total aggregate trade flows. In this paper, we utilize disaggregated product level data to examine the impact of WTO membership on the product level extensive and intensive margin of imports. Utilizing the Poisson Pseudo-Maximum Likelihood (PPML) estimation that allows for heteroskedasticity in trade data and accounting for several estimation issues, we do not find a positive impact on either margins between WTO member country-pairs. Once we examine asymmetries in trade flows across countries based on their level of development, we find that developing WTO members experience an increase in the extensive margin from industrial member countries. Additionally, the industrial WTO members also experience an increase in the extensive margin from developing WTO members. Results suggest that WTO facilitates the North–South trade relationship, which ha...
Research on I/O Space Reduction of Large-Scale Software Systems

Testing is of great significance for the safe and reliable running of a large-scale software system. Starting from analysis on the weakness of Combinatorial Testing techniques when they are applied to large-scale software testing, a test model is given which is more in line with the actual characteristics, and some theorems about software input-output space reduction are also proven based on the model. It is proved that the input-output space of a large-scale software can be significantly reduced by proper decomposition according to the relationships between different software modules and the correlations between input factors and output factors. The results of this paper lay a theoretical foundation to simplify the testing of large-scale software systems.
Steroidal sapogenins—LXII. 12-Methyl hemiketals derived from 12-keto-16-dehydropregnenes

Large-scale degradation of the sidechains of the 12-ketosapogenins, hecogenin and gentrogenin, gave respectively 3β-acetoxy-5α,16-pregnene-12,20-dione and 3β-acetoxy-5,16-pregnadiene-12,20-dione. Methanol crystallization of the crude enones gave in small yield the crystalline hemiketals, 3β-acetoxy-12β-hydroxy-12α-methoxy-5α,16-pregnen-20-one and 3β-acetoxy-12β-hydroxy-12α-methoxy-5,16-pregnadien-20-one. The hemiketals exist largely in a hydrogen-bonded state. Their structure proof and infrared and ultraviolet spectra are discussed in detail.
DsRed as a highly sensitive, selective, and reversible fluorescence-based biosensor for both Cu+ and Cu2+ ions

Abstract The wild type form of Red fluorescent protein (DsRed), an intrinsically fluorescent protein found in tropical corals, is found to be highly selective, reversible and sensitive for both Cu + and Cu 2+ , with a nanomolar detection limit. The selectivity towards these ions is retained even in the presence of other heavy metal ions. The K d values for monovalent and divalent copper, based on single binding isotherms, are 450 and 540 nM, respectively. The wild type DsRed sensitivity to Cu 2+ (below 1 ppb) is seven orders of magnitude better than that of the related wild type Green Fluorescent protein (GFP), and it is even 40 times more sensitive than engineered mutants of GFP. Potential binding sites have been proposed, based on amino acid sequences for copper binding and the distance from the chromophore, with the aid of computer modeling.
Scientific Research–Who Should Govern?

I argue that the title question needs to be taken seriously because there are important questions about how the scientific agenda should be set. Natural answers to the question – declarations of the proper autonomy of science or expressions of faith in market forces – are found inadequate. Instead, I propose a form of democracy with respect to scientific research that will avoid the obvious dangers of a tyranny of ignorance. I conclude with some modest proposals about how the ideal of a democratic science might be implemented and with a response to common objections.
The ethics of death-hastening or death-causing palliative analgesic administration to the terminally Ill

Double-effect reasoning is a nonconsequentialist analysis of a hard ethical case. In a hard ethical case, one can achieve some good end only if one also causes harm. Sometimes palliative analgesic administration to a terminally ill patient is a hard ethical case, for by it one relieves pain or distress while unavoidably hastening or causing the patient's death. Is it ethically in the clear to administer an analgesic to relieve pain or distress knowing that one will hasten or cause the patient's death? Using double-effect reasoning, the author argues that death-hastening or death-causing palliative analgesic administration to a terminally ill patient is sometimes ethically in the clear and, at times, even obligatory.
THEORY OF THE INSULATING STATE

In this paper a new and more comprehensive characterization of the insulating state of matter is developed. This characterization includes the conventional insulators with energy gap as well as systems discussed by Mott which, in band theory, would be metals. The essential property is this: Every low-lying wave function $\ensuremath{\Phi}$ of an insulating ring breaks up into a sum of functions, $\ensuremath{\Phi}={{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\infty}}}^{\ensuremath{\infty}}{\ensuremath{\Phi}}_{M}$, which are localized in disconnected regions of the many-particle configuration space and have essentially vanishing overlap. This property is the analog of localization for a single particle and leads directly to the electrical properties characteristic of insulators. An Appendix deals with a soluble model exhibiting a transition between an insulating and a conducting state.
Childhood acinic cell carcinoma of the accessory parotid gland: A rare combination

Summary Tumors of the accessory parotid gland are rare, extremely so in the pediatric population. This is only the second reported case of an acinic cell carcinoma of the accessory parotid gland in a child. His clinical presentation, physical examination, unusual radiographic features, and confirmatory histopathologic findings are described. The preferred treatment is complete surgical excision with adjuvant radiotherapy in certain “at risk” patients.
Modeling a Limited Region of the Ocean

Many of the difficulties that arise from the specification of open boundary conditions when modeling a limited region of the ocean with theprimitive equationscan be overcome by using a nonhydrostatic set of equations that is well posed in open domains even without the viscous term. We simulate the mesoscale flow in a region of the open ocean using the flow fields from a global circulation model to provide initial and boundary data. Information flow across lateral boundaries is specified using the method of characteristics. By modeling the region at higher resolutions than the fields providing boundary conditions, we are able to resolve more structure and processes in the flow than were detectable from the initial and boundary data. This is of value for studying a region of the ocean in detail at moderate computational cost, if initial and boundary data is available. Shortcomings of the characteristics-based formulation of the boundary conditions and limitations in using such a model to selectively refine a region within a coarser model are also examined.
The hobo transposable element excises and has related elements in tephritid species.

Function of the Drosophila melanogaster hobo transposon in tephritid species was tested in transient embryonic excision assays. Wild-type and mutant strains of Anastrepha suspensa, Bactrocera dorsalis, B. cucurbitae, Ceratitis capitata , and Toxotrypana curvicauda all supported hobo excision or deletion both in the presence and absence of co-injected hobo transposase, indicating a permissive state for hobo mobility and the existence of endogenous systems capable of mobilizing hobo . In several strains hobo helper reduced excision. Excision depended on hobo sequences in the indicator plasmid, though almost all excisions were imprecise and the mobilizing systems appear mechanistically different from hobo . hobe -related sequences were identified in all species except T. curvicauda . Parsimony analysis yielded a subgroup including the B. cucurbitae and C. capitata sequences along with hobo and Hermes , and a separate, more divergent subgroup including the A. suspensa and B. dorsalis sequences. All of the sequences exist as multiple genomic elements, and a deleted form of the B. cucurbitae element exists in B. dorsalis . The hobo -related sequences are probably members of the hAT transposon family with some evolving from distant ancestor elements, while others may have originated from more recent horizontal transfers.
Forces on bins: The effect of random friction

The $q$ model of Coppersmith et al. [Phys. Rev. E 53, 4673 (1996)] has renewed interest in understanding the forces generated along the walls and at the bottom of a silo filled with a granular material. Fluctuations in the mean stress have been characterized for the $q$ model, and related to experimental work on stress chains. The classical engineering approach to bin loads follows from Janssen's analysis [Z. Ver. Dtsch. Ing. 39, 1045 (1895)], predicting a saturation of stress, as a function of depth, in a tall silo. In this paper we reexamine the Janssen theory, introducing randomness into the important parameters in the theory. The Janssen analysis relies on assumptions not met in practice. For this reason, we numerically solve the partial differential equations governing the equilibrium of forces in a bin, again including randomness in parameters. We show that the most important of these parameters is a coefficient of friction at the wall of the bin. This random friction model combines some features of fluctuations as seen in experiments, with a classical continuum mechanics approach to describing granular materials.
Children's drawings about dentistry

Drawings about the dentist at work were solicited from 1,101 children in grades 2, 4, 6 and 8 in an urban school district. A system to classify the contents of these drawings was developed. The frequency of various items occurring in the children's drawings was determined. The "typical" or most frequent child's drawing of the dentist at work was described. This drawing contained a normal dental chair, dentist, a patient in the chair and dental cabinetry or furniture. The picture was a very matter-of-fact representation. Abnormal or bizarre pictures occurred infrequently. A few children drew pictures that did not relate to dentistry.
ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF RIVETED CONNECTIONS

IN DESIGNING FLOOR-BEAMS FOR STEEL-FRAME STRUCTURES IT IS CUSTOMARY TO NEGLECT THE RESTRAINING EFFECT OF END CONNECTIONS, AND TO ASSUME THAT THE BEAMS ARE HINGED AT THE ENDS. IT IS CUSTOMARY TO TREAT CONNECTIONS AS COMPLETELY FIXED OR RIGID IN MANY OTHER PROBLEMS OF STRESS ANALYSIS IN STEEL FRAMES. IT IS RECOGNIZED THAT THE END CONNECTIONS DO PROVIDE SOME DEGREE OF RESTRAINT ALTHOUGH THERE HAS BEEN NO MEANS OF ALLOWING FOR IT. IT HAS NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED, NUMERICALLY, HOW MUCH RESTRAINT THERE IS. TESTS OF 18 END CONNECTIONS OF THE THREE MOST COMMON TYPES OF STEEL BEAMS FORM THE BASIS OF THIS PAPER. THE AUTHOR SHOWS HOW THIS TEST INFORMATION MAY BE APPLIED TO DESIGN NOT ONLY FOR SINGLE BEAMS, BUT ALSO IN THE INVESTIGATION OF THE STRESSES IN RIVETED FRAMES. TO DATE, LITTLE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED ON THIS SUBJECT AND ONLY A FEW ISOLATED TESTS HAVE BEEN MADE ON RIVETED CONNECTIONS FOR MEASURING THEIR CAPACITY TO RESIST MOMENT. THIS PAPER CONSISTS OF TWO PARTS. THE FIRST PART IS A REPORT ON A SERIES OF TESTS TO DETERMINE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE ANGULAR CHANGE IN RIVETED BEAM CONNECTIONS AND THE MOMENT INDUCING THESE CHANGES. THE SECOND PART SHOWS THE NECESSARY CHANGES THAT MUST BE MADE IN THE FORMULAS USED IN THE SEVERAL CURRENT METHODS OF ANALYSIS IN ORDER TO ALLOW FOR THE ELASTICITY OF THE RIVETED CONNECTIONS. /ASCE/
Structured LDPC codes over GF(2/sup m/) and companion matrix based decoding

It is well known that random-like low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes over the extension fields GF(2/sup m/) of GF(2), for m>1, tend to outperform their binary counterparts of comparable length and rate. At the same time, structured LDPC codes offer the advantage of reduced implementation and storage complexity, so that it is of interest to investigate mathematical design methods for codes on graphs over fields of large order. We propose a new class of combinatorially developed codes obtained by properly combining Reed-Solomon (RS) type parity-check matrices and sparse parity-check matrices based on permutation matrices. The proposed codes have large girth and minimum distance. In order to further reduce the decoding complexity of the proposed scheme, we introduce a new decoding algorithm based on matrix representations of the underlying field, which trades performance for complexity. The particular field representation described in this abstract is based on a power basis generated by a companion matrix of a primitive polynomial of the field GF(2/sup m/). It is observed that the choice of the primitive polynomial influences the cycle distribution of the code graph.
Characterization of the cDNA and Gene Coding for the Biotin Synthase of Arabidopsis thaliana

Biotin, an essential cofactor, is synthesized de novo only by plants and some microbes. An Arabidopsis thaliana expressed sequence tag that shows sequence similarity to the carboxyl end of biotin synthase from Escherichia coli was used to isolate a near-full-length cDNA. This cDNA was shown to code for the Arabidopsis biotin synthase by its ability to complement a bioB mutant of E. coli. Site-specific mutagenesis indicates that residue threonine-173, which is highly conserved in biotin synthases, is important for catalytic competence of the enzyme. The primary sequence of the Arabidopsis biotin synthase is most similar to biotin synthases from E. coli, Serratia marcescens, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (about 50% sequence identity) and more distantly related to the Bacillus sphaericus enzyme (33% sequence identity). The primary sequence of the amino terminus of the Arabidopsis biotin synthase may represent an organelle-targeting transit peptide. The single Arabidopsis gene coding for biotin synthase, BIO2, was isolated and sequenced. The biotin synthase coding sequence is interrupted by five introns. The gene sequence upstream of the translation start site has several unusual features, including imperfect palindromes and polypyrimidine sequences, which may function in the transcriptional regulation of the BIO2 gene.
Stream channels in peatlands: The role of biological processes in controlling channel form

While some aspects of peatlands are well studied, understanding of the hydrology and geomorphology of the associated surface drainage networks is quite limited. This paper attempts to describe some of the basic attributes of stream channels in peatlands, and asks whether the form and the mechanisms behind development represent a significant departure from self-forming alluvial streams. We use three approaches to better understand these poorly studied systems: an examination of the geomorphology of Allequash Creek, Wisconsin; a survey of aerial photographs of similar peatland–stream complexes in northern Wisconsin; and a review of the existing literature on peat-influenced and wetland channels. Distinct features of Allequash Creek and other Wisconsin streams in peatlands include absence of mineral substrates, low width/depth ratio, presence of lateral pool-like structures along the channel margin, long straight reaches, and acute-angle bends. Further, the lateral location of the thalweg was apparently independent of planform or cross-sectional form, and no-flow zones often occurred along both edges of channel cross-sections. Collectively, these features represent a distinct departure from characteristic forms of alluvial channels. Deep peat samples from Allequash Creek and aerial photographs from other sites indicate that these streams represent remnant lake systems whose basins filled with peat. Thus, we suggest that the processes responsible for channel form in these low energy peatland systems are largely governed by groundwater hydrology and the biology of peat accumulation and decomposition. In this manner, biological forces — not just physical drivers such as channel discharge and sediment supply — are central to the understanding of stream geomorphology in peatlands.
Purification and partial characterization of the H immobilization antigens of Tetrahymena thermophila.

. The H immobilization antigens specified by the SerH locus of Tetrahymena thermophila have been purified by a procedure utilizing acid fractionation, ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration, and ion exchange chromatography. Purified antigen migrates as a single band on SDS-PAGE and IEF. Molecular weights of the four allelic H antigens range from 44,000 to 52,000, and isoelectric points range from 4.1 to 4.5. No carbohydrate was detected.
Taking a Better History for Behavioral Issues Pre‐ and Post‐Deep Brain Stimulation: Issues Missed by Standardized Scales

Objectives: To screen for potentially underreported behavioral changes in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) pre- and post-deep brain stimulation (DBS), a retrospective data base review was performed. Methods: In total, 113 patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral DBS at the University of Florida in either subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus internus for PD were screened for behavioral issues by asking about the presence or absence of seven neuropsychiatric symptoms (panic, fear, paranoia, anger, suicidal flashes, crying, and laughing). Results: There was a high prevalence of fear (16.3%), panic (14.0%), and anger (11.6%) at baseline in this cohort. In the first six months following DBS implantation, anger (32.6%), fear (26.7%), and uncontrollable crying (26.7%) were the most frequent symptoms reported. Those symptoms also were present following six months of DBS surgery (30.2%, 29.1%, and 19.8%, respectively). New uncontrollable crying occurred more in the acute postoperative stage (less than or equal to six months) (p= 0.033), while new anger occurred more in the chronic postoperative stage (greater than six months) (p= 0.017). The frequency of uncontrollable laughing significantly increased with bilateral DBS (p= 0.033). Conclusions: Many of the neuropsychiatric issues were identified at preoperative baseline and their overall occurrence was more than expected. There was a potential for worsening of these issues post-DBS. There were subtle differences in time course, and in unilateral vs. bilateral implantations. Clinicians should be aware of these potential behavioral issues that may emerge following DBS therapy, and should consider including screening questions in preoperative and postoperative interviews. Standardized scales may miss the presence or absence of these clinically relevant issues.
A retrospective multi-period sampling approach

A number of applications, including claims made under Federal social welfare programs, audits conducted to verify corporate financial conditions, and audit inspections of critical medical products, require retrospective sampling over multiple time periods. A key characteristic of such samples may be that population members will appear in multiple time periods. When this occurs, and when the marginal cost of obtaining multiperiod information is minimum for a member appearing in the sample of the period being actually sampled, then a method which is herein called progressive random sampling (PRS) may be applied. Such a method, which uses information from early samples to reduce the sampling variability of later samples, thereby either improving sampling estimates for a given sample size or allowing effective reductions in sample sizes, is developed in this paper. As an illustration, an example application is included to demonstrate the PRS method.
Exploring the potential of mixed-source brachytherapy for the treatment of cervical cancer using high–dose rate 192Ir and/or 50 kV electronic sources

Abstract Purpose In this study, computer modeling was used to compare the relative doses with the bladder, rectum, and bowel when two different brachytherapy modalities were used to treat cervical cancer with a tandem and ovoid applicator. A standard high–dose rate (HDR) 192 Ir treatment plan was compared with a “mixed-source” brachytherapy (MSB) treatment plan in which a 50 kV electronic brachytherapy X-ray source was substituted for 192 Ir as the tandem source. Methods and Materials A total of 15 three-dimensional CT data sets from cervical cancer patients previously treated with tandem and ovoid applicator were evaluated for the study. Bladder, rectum, bowel, and target volumes were contoured and separate treatment plans were created for MSB and HDR 192 Ir applications. Dose–volume histograms were analyzed for each organ at risk. Results The mean % V 25 for the bladder was 43% vs. 70% for MSB and HDR 192 Ir methods, respectively. Similarly, for the rectum mean % V 25 was 34% vs. 48% for MSB and HDR 192 Ir. For the bowel, the mean % V 25 was 28% vs. 43% for the MSB and HDR 192 Ir methods, respectively. In 16 of 45 organs at risk, % D 2cc values were higher for MSB than HDR 192 Ir. Conclusions MSB is capable of providing target coverage to the cervix, uterus, and paracervical regions equivalent to that provided by HDR 192 Ir, while significantly reducing the overall dose to the bladder, rectum, and bowel. This reduction is associated with small regions of increased dose in a significant proportion of patients.
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Phospholipid Content and Cholesterol Efflux Capacity Are Reduced in Patients With Very High HDL Cholesterol and Coronary Disease

Objective— Plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are strongly inversely associated with coronary artery disease (CAD), and high HDL-C is generally associated with reduced risk of CAD. Extremely high HDL-C with CAD is an unusual phenotype, and we hypothesized that the HDL in such individuals may have an altered composition and reduced function when compared with controls with similarly high HDL-C and no CAD. Approach and Results— Fifty-five subjects with very high HDL-C (mean, 86 mg/dL) and onset of CAD at the age of ≈60 years with no known risk factors for CAD (cases) were identified through systematic recruitment. A total of 120 control subjects without CAD, matched for race, sex, and HDL-C level (controls), were identified. In all subjects, HDL composition was analyzed and HDL cholesterol efflux capacity was assessed. HDL phospholipid composition was significantly lower in cases (92±37 mg/dL) than in controls (109±43 mg/dL; P =0.0095). HDL cholesterol efflux capacity was significantly lower in cases (1.96±0.39) than in controls (2.11±0.43; P =0.04). Conclusions— In people with very high HDL-C, reduced HDL phospholipid content and cholesterol efflux capacity are associated with the paradoxical development of CAD. # Significance {#article-title-29}
CT-guided transvenous or transcaval needle biopsy of pancreatic and peripancreatic lesions.

PURPOSE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of direct computed tomography (CT)–guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of pancreatic and peripancreatic masses via a posterior approach that traverses the inferior vena cava (IVC) or renal vein. MATERIALS AND METHODS From January 2000 to July 2003, 55 patients underwent 58 biopsies of masses located within the pancreas ( n = 28) or in a peripancreatic location ( n = 30) with use of a posterior approach that crossed the IVC or renal vein. Biopsies were performed with needles ranging in size from 18 to 22. Cytology reports and medical records of all patients were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate diagnostic accuracy and complication rates. RESULTS Masses were safely accessed with a direct (noncoaxial) pathway traversing the IVC ( n = 54), renal vein ( n = 4), or both ( n = 3). Overall diagnostic accuracy was 86% (50 of 58). Cytologic examination was positive for malignancy in 39 of 58 biopsies (67%). Benign lesions were demonstrated in 12 of 58 biopsies. In seven cases (12%), the sample was deemed nondiagnostic. Of those, four were diagnosed later by endoscopy ( n = 1), surgical biopsy ( n = 2), or repeat FNAB ( n = 1). A false-negative result was noted in one case, which was later diagnosed by repeat biopsy. A total of four inadvertent passes through the right renal artery were recorded. CT evidence of perilesional blood was seen in eight of 55 patients (eight of 58 cases). Three of these occurred after a passage via the right renal artery. All patients remained asymptomatic, and no transfusion or change in management was necessary. No other complications occurred. CONCLUSION CT-guided noncoaxial FNAB with an approach that traverses the IVC or renal vein is safe and effective in obtaining diagnostic specimens from pancreatic and peripancreatic masses.
Issues in accelerometer methodology: the role of epoch length on estimates of physical activity and relationships with health outcomes in overweight, post-menopausal women

Current accelerometer technology allows for data collection using brief time sampling intervals (i.e., epochs). The study aims were to examine the role of epoch length on physical activity estimates and subsequent relationships with clinically-meaningful health outcomes in post-menopausal women. Data was obtained from the Woman On the Move through Activity and Nutrition Study (n = 102). Differences in activity estimates presented as 60s and 10s epochs were evaluated using paired t-tests. Relationships with health outcomes were examined using correlational and regression analyses to evaluate differences by epoch length. Inactivity, moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity (MVPA) were significantly higher and light-intensity activity was significantly lower (all P < 0.001) when presented as 10s epochs. The correlation between inactivity and self-reported physical activity was stronger with 10s estimates (P < 0.03); however, the regression slopes were not significantly different. Conversely, relationships between MVPA and body weight, BMI, whole body and trunk lean and fat mass, and femoral neck bone mineral density was stronger with 60s estimates (all P < 0.05); however, regression slopes were similar. These findings suggest that although the use of a shorter time sampling interval may suggestively reduce misclassification error of physical activity estimates, associations with health outcomes did not yield strikingly different results. Additional studies are needed to further our understanding of the ways in which epoch length contributes to the ascertainment of physical activity in research studies. Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT00023543
Sucrose‐phosphate synthase activity in mature rice leaves following changes in growth CO2 is unrelated to sucrose pool size

Summary • Photosynthetic acclimation of C3 plants to elevated atmospheric [CO2] is often attributed to soluble carbohydrate accumulation. We report the effects of modifying the carbohydrate source–sink balance on carbohydrate metabolism in mature leaves and partitioning in vegetative tissues of rice (Oryza sativa). • Plants were grown under ambient atmospheric [CO2] in outdoor, sunlit, environment-controlled chambers. During late vegetative development treatments were changed to high or low [CO2]. • Within 1 d of changing to low [CO2], sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS) activation was significantly reduced in mature leaves, while soluble invertase activity decreased. Plants switched to high [CO2] showed increases in SPS substrate-saturated and substrate-limited activities and a decline in invertase activity. The changes in SPS activity did not correlate with leaf sucrose pool size. By 9 d after the change from ambient to high [CO2], nonstructural carbohydrates in stems and leaf sheaths increased significantly; > 70% of this increase was due to sucrose accumulation, indicating that excess assimilate was being rapidly exported to vegetative sinks. • Results indicate that immediately following source–sink modification, regulatory adjustments in key enzymes controlling carbohydrate metabolism were linked to feedforward, rather than feedback, processes.
Metallization strategies for In 2 O 3 -based amorphous oxide semiconductor materials

Amorphous oxide semiconductors based on indium oxide [e.g., In–Zn–O (IZO) and In–Ga–Zn–O (IGZO)] are of interest for use in thin-film transistor (TFT) applications. We report that the stability of amorphous In–Zn–O (a-IZO) used in TFT applications depends, in part, on the metallization materials used to form the source and drain contacts. A thermodynamics-based approach to the selection of IZO metallization materials is presented along with a study of the microstructural stability of a-IZO metallized with Mo and Ti. In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy studies are presented that show that the crystallization temperature of a-IZO metallized with Ti is sharply reduced (to ≅200 °C), while a-IZO metallized with Mo remains amorphous. The effects of the unstable Ti/IZO interface are shown to include: vacancy injection, enhanced amorphous-to-crystal transformation kinetics, interfacial oxide formation, and the lateral growth on adjacent IZO of rutile TiO2 needles.
Low Glucokinase Activity and High Rates of Gluconeogenesis Contribute to Hyperglycemia in Barn Owls (Tyto alba) after a Glucose Challenge

Barn owls (Tyto alba) and leghorn chickens were fed a low protein high glucose (33.44% protein, 23.67% glucose) or a high protein low glucose (55.35% protein, 1.5% glucose) diet. After an intravenous glucose infusion, the peak in plasma glucose was not affected by diet in either species and was 22.6 and 39.4 mmol/L in chickens and barn owls, respectively. Glucose levels returned to normal within 30 min in chickens, but remained elevated for 3.5 h in barn owls. An oral glucose challenge also resulted in greater and longer hyperglycemia in barn owls than in chickens. The activities of hepatic glucokinase, malic enzyme and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase of barn owls were 16, 35, and 333% of the levels in chickens. Malic enzyme (P = 0.024) was less affected by dietary glucose level in barn owls than in chickens. Cultured hepatocytes from chickens produced 43% more glucose from lactate than hepatocytes from barn owls and, conversely, barn owl hepatocytes produced 87% more glucose from threonine than chickens (P = 0.001). Gluconeogenesis from lactate was greatly suppressed by high media glucose in chicken hepatocytes but not in those of barn owls (P = 0.0001 for species by glucose level interaction). When threonine was the substrate, gluconeogenesis was suppressed by increased glucose in both species but to a greater relative extent in chickens (P = 0.007 for species by glucose level interaction). Owls were glucose intolerant at least in part because of low hepatic glucokinase activity and an inadequate suppression of gluconeogenesis in the presence of exogenous glucose, apparently because they evolved with large excesses of amino acids and limited glucose in their normal diet.
Image Acquisition for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Applications

Medical imaging hardware can provide detailed images of the cardiac and pulmonary anatomy. High-speed imaging can be used to acquire time sequences showing tissue dynamics or can capture a snapshot of the changing anatomy at an instant in time. Some imaging modalities can also provide functional information, such as perfusion, ventilation, and metabolic activity, or mechanical information, such as tissue deformation and strain. With the appropriate acquisition protocol, some of these imaging devices can acquire 3D (volumetric) and even 4D (volume data plus time) data with excellent anatomic detail. This image data can be visualized using computer graphics techniques to show geometric information, and the data can be processed to provide realistic anatomic models for subsequent computer simulations that explore physiologic function. This chapter describes the most commonly used imaging modalities for cardiovascular and pulmonary applications and describes some of the advantages and disadvantages of the different modalities. New, emerging modalities that may be important imaging tools in the future are introduced.
The Debate Over Net Neutrality in the United States

In 2006, a major telecommunications bill failed because it did not include guarantees for something called “net neutrality.” Republicans strongly opposed including these guarantees, while Democrats strongly favored them. The debate over net neutrality continued during the long campaign leading up to the 2008 presidential election. When the Obama Administration took office in 2009, the new chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Julius Genachowski revived the idea of codifying net neutrality rules. In April 2010, the U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia Circuit ruled against the FCC’s attempt to prevent Comcast from restricting certain types of file sharing applications on its network. The FCC adopted a new strategy because of the Court’s action. It opted not to undertake a major revision of the Telecommunication Act of 1996, but instead to attempt to regulate Internet service provision under modified “common carriage” rules just as basic telephone services had been previously. An attempt will be made here to explain these choices.
A comparison of ground vehicle mobility analysis based on soil moisture time series datasets from WindSat, LIS, and in situ sensors

Abstract Soil moisture is a key terrain variable in ground vehicle off-road mobility. Historically, models of the land water balance have been used to estimate soil moisture. Recently, satellites have provided another source of soil moisture estimates that can be used to estimate soil-limited vehicle mobility. In this study, we compared the off-road vehicle mobility estimates based on three soil moisture sources: WindSat (a satellite source), LIS (a computer model source), and in situ ground sensors (to represent ground truth). Mobility of six vehicles, each with different ranges of sensitivity to soil moisture, was examined in three test sites. The results demonstrated that the effect of the soil moisture error on mobility predictions is complex and may produce very significant errors in off-road mobility analysis for certain combinations of vehicles, seasons, and climates. This is because soil moisture biases vary in both direction and magnitude with season and location. Furthermore, vehicles are sensitive to different ranges of soil moistures. Modeled vehicle speeds in the dry time periods were limited by the interaction between soil traction and the vehicles’ powertrain characteristics. In the wet season, differences in soil strength resulted in more significant differences in mobility predictions.
Combining genetic and distributional approaches to sourcing introduced species: a case study on the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) in Florida

Three separate breeding populations of the Nile monitor ( Varanus niloticus ) have been identified in Florida, USA, located in Cape Coral, West Palm Beach and Homestead Air Reserve Base. This large, predatory lizard could have negative effects on Florida9s native wildlife. Here, we infer the source of the introduced populations using genetic and statistical approaches, as well as estimate the potential non-native distribution of V. niloticus in North America. We collected genetic data from 25 Florida individuals as well as utilized genetic datasets from reference individuals spanning the full native distribution throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Using occurrence data from the inferred source population and the full species range, we built ecological niche models (ENMs) and projected them onto North America to determine regions with suitable climate. Our results indicated that the introduced populations resulted from three separate introduction events, and all originated from the southern coastal region of West Africa. The ENM built from the West African source population predicted only the southernmost portions of North America to be suitable. Conversely, the model derived from the full species’ range predicted suitable climates across a large portion of the United States. This information can be used to focus management and eradication efforts.
An efficient code audit method to detect source code security vulnerability

The code security audit and white box security testing is widely used to analyze source code and detect security vulnerabilities. In this paper,a more efficient code audit method based on security feature reference tree is described,in which security features are extracted from all operable contents in the source code. This method only checks the security in the source code. It can greatly reduce the error code behavior and provide an effective solution for automate security audit.
Transferrin and gonadal dysfunction in man.

Transferrin concentrations were quantitated in the seminal fluid of normal, Oligozoospermic, and azoospermic patients and related to other known parameters of testicular function. Transferrin concentration in the semen of patients 2 months after vasectomy (13.2±1.8 μ g/ml) was significantly less than that obtained from pregnancy-proven donors (65.6±10.1 μ g/ml). This indicates that approximately 80% of the seminal fluid transferrin is derived from the testes. The concentration of transferrin in semen from patients with azoospermia (14.4±1.8 μ g/ml), severe oligozoospermia (17.5±1.7 μ g/ml), and moderate oligozoospermia (21.8±4.3 μ g/ml) was significantly lower than normospermic groups. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was measured in a group of infertile patients; those having an elevated FSH had a significantly lower concentration of semen transferrin, 14.1±1.6 μ glml, compared with patients who had FSH levels within the normal range (33.7±5.3 μ g/ml). It is possible that the underlying cause in decreased spermatogenesis associated with both an elevated FSH and a decreased transferrin concentration is impaired Sertoli cell function.
Radiography Capabilities for Matter-Radiation Interactions in Extremes

The Matter-Radiation Interactions in Extremes (MaRIE) experimental facility will be used to discover and design the advanced materials needed to meet 21st century national security and energy security challenges. This new facility will provide the new tools scientists need to develop next-generation materials that will perform predictably and on-demand for currently unattainable lifetimes in extreme environments. The MaRIE facility is based on upgrades to the existing LANSCE 800-MeV proton linac and a new 12-GeV electron linac and associated X-ray FEL to provide simultaneous multiple probe beams, and new experimental areas. In addition to the high-energy photon probe beam, both electron and proton radiography capabilities will be available at the MaRIE facility. Recently, detailed radiography system studies have been performed to develop conceptual layouts of high-magnification electron and proton radiography systems that can meet the experimental requirements for the expected first experiments to be performed at the facility. A description of the radiography systems, their performance requirements, and a proposed facility layout are presented.
Spontaneous viral clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) and HIV-positive men who have sex with men (HIV+ MSM): a systematic review and meta-analysis

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes significant morbidity and mortality among people who inject drugs (PWID) and HIV+ men who have sex with men (MSM). Characterizing spontaneous viral clearance of HCV infection among PWID and HIV+ MSM is important for assessing the burden of disease and treatment strategies in these populations. Electronic and other searches of medical literature were conducted. Reports were eligible if they presented original data from upper-middle- and high-income countries on laboratory-confirmed HCV infection and spontaneous viral clearance among PWID or HIV+ MSM. Pooled estimates of spontaneous viral clearance were generated using fixed-effect and random-effects models. Meta-regression examined potential predictors related to individual characteristics and research methodology. The meta-analysis estimated that spontaneous viral clearance occurs in 24.4 % of PWID and 15.4 % of HIV+ MSM. In univariate meta-regression among PWID, male sex and age were significantly associated with spontaneous viral clearance, and in multivariate analysis, male sex and HIV positivity were predictors of spontaneous viral clearance; among HIV+ MSM no variables were found to affect spontaneous viral clearance. The variability in estimates of spontaneous viral clearance between HIV+ MSM and PWID suggests the impact of HIV co-infection and HCV re-infection. Due to limited data on additional factors that may affect the natural history of HCV, more research is needed to further understand spontaneous viral clearance in these risk groups. The protocols for the PWID and HIV+ MSM research were registered with PROSPERO (CRD42014008805; CRD42013006462).
Habermas Confronts the Deconstructionist Challenge

Jurgen Habermas, The Philosophical Discourse of Modernity . Translated by Frederick Lawrence . Cambridge, Massachusetts: TheMITPress, 1987.
Redox-Active Macrocycles for Organic Rechargeable Batteries

Organic rechargeable batteries, composed of redox-active molecules, are emerging as candidates for the next generation of energy storage materials because of their large specific capacities, cost effectiveness, and the abundance of organic precursors, when compared with conventional lithium-ion batteries. Although redox-active molecules often display multiple redox states, precise control of a molecule’s redox potential, leading to a single output voltage in a battery, remains a fundamental challenge in this popular field of research. By combining macrocyclic chemistry with density functional theory calculations (DFT), we have identified a structural motif that more effectively delocalizes electrons during lithiation events in battery operations—namely, through-space electron delocalization in triangular macrocyclic molecules that exhibit a single well-defined voltage profile—compared to the discrete multiple voltage plateaus observed for a homologous macrocyclic dimer and an acyclic derivative of pyromel...
Deep Low-rank Sparse Collective Factorization for Cross-Domain Recommendation

In cross-domain recommendation, data sparsity becomes more and more serious when the ratings are expressed numerically, e.g., 5-star grades. In this work, we focus on borrowing the knowledge from other domains in the form of binary ratings, such as likes and dislikes for certain items. Most existing works conventionally assume that multiple domains share some common latent information across users and items. In practice, however, the related domains not only share the common latent feature of users and items, but also share some knowledge of rating patterns. Furthermore, conventional methods did not consider the hierarchical structures (i.e., genre, sub genre, detailed-category) in real-world recommendation system. In this paper, we propose a novel Deep Low-rank Sparse Collective Factorization (DLSCF) to facilitate the cross-domain recommendation. Specifically, the low-rank sparse decomposition is adopted to capture the most shared rating patterns with low-rank constraint while integrating the domain-specific patterns with group-sparse scheme. Furthermore, we factorize the rating pattern matrix in multiple layers to obtain the user/item latent category affiliation matrices, which could indicate the affiliation relation between latent categories and latent sub-categories. Experimental results on MoviePilot and Netfilx datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm at various sparsity levels, by comparing it with several state-of-the-art approaches.
El Salvador in Transition

Baloyra argues that the deepening American involvement in what is basically a domestic conflict between Salvadorans has failed to eliminate the obstructionism and violence of the
Discovery and characterization of natural products that act as pheromones in fish.

Covering: up to 2018 Fish use a diverse collection of molecules to communicate with conspecifics. Since Karlson and Luscher termed these molecules 'pheromones', chemists and biologists have joined efforts to characterize their structures and functions. In particular, the understanding of insect pheromones developed at a rapid pace, set, in part, by the use of bioassay-guided fractionation and natural product chemistry. Research on vertebrate pheromones, however, has progressed more slowly. Initially, biologists characterized fish pheromones by screening commercially available compounds suspected to act as pheromones based upon their physiological function. Such biology-driven screening has proven a productive approach to studying pheromones in fish. However, the many functions of fish pheromones and diverse metabolites that fish release make predicting pheromone identity difficult and necessitate approaches led by chemistry. Indeed, the few cases in which pheromone identification was led by natural product chemistry indicated novel or otherwise unpredicted compounds act as pheromones. Here, we provide a brief review of the approaches to identifying pheromones, placing particular emphasis on the promise of using natural product chemistry together with assays of biological activity. Several case studies illustrate bioassay-guided fractionation as an approach to pheromone identification in fish and the unexpected diversity of pheromone structures discovered by natural product chemistry. With recent advances in natural product chemistry, bioassay-guided fractionation is likely to unveil an even broader collection of pheromone structures and enable research that spans across disciplines.
Mechanical thrombectomy devices for the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusions.

The changing landscape of thrombolytic drugs used for treating peripheral occlusive disease has spurred increasing use of mechanical thrombectomy devices (MTDs). These devices comprise a variety of tools intended to remove, fragment, or disperse thrombus in veins, arteries, or bypass grafts. Although most devices are U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved for use in occluded hemodialysis access grafts, only one, the AngioJet device, is currently approved for use in peripheral arterial applications. Nevertheless, most devices have been used for this off-label application, and clinical centers have published their results. This article reviews the distinguishing features of current mechanical thrombectomy devices, as well as the currently available literature reporting on their use in peripheral arterial occlusions.