cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Field measurements of longshore sediment transport during storms

Abstract This paper presents an analysis of longshore sediment transport (LST) rates based on an accumulation of data obtained during five storms. Direct measurements of velocities and suspended sediment concentration were conducted at a minimum of nine positions across a barred profile in waves up to H m0 =3.5 m to provide a measure of the cross-shore distribution and total suspended-load sediment transport rates. The study was conducted at the US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station's Field Research Facility, located in Duck, NC. Measurements were made using the Sensor Insertion System (SIS) which provides an economical means to collect the required information. The largest LST rate computed from the measurements was 1780 m 3 h −1 . Although the cross-shore distribution of the LST varied, it most often had two peaks associated with wave shoaling and breaking at the bar and near the beach. Comparisons of measurement results with predictions using the `CERC' LST formula show the predicted rates were sometimes higher and other times lower; suggesting that additional terms may be required for short term predictions during storms. Comparisons to a `Bagnold' type formulation, which included a velocity term that could account for wind and other effects on LST, show better agreement for at least one of the storms. These results are intended to help fill a void of information documenting the cross-shore distribution and LST rates, particularly during storms.
Image processing in stereotactic planning: volume visualization and image registration

Abstract Radiation treatment planning (RTP), historically an image-intensive discipline and one of the first areas in which three-dimensional (3D) information from imaging was clinically applied, has become ever more critically dependent on accurate 3D identification of target and non-target organs with the advent of conformal radiation therapy, stereotactic radiotherapy, and radiosurgery. In addition to the interactive display of wireframe or shaded surface models of anatomical objects, proposed radiation beams, and calculated dose distributions, use may also be made of direct visualization of relevant anatomy from image data. Although anatomical analysis of dose distributions is an essential component of radiation treatment design which requires geometric definition (i.e., segmentation) of all volumes of interest, geometric targeting with optimization based on 3D anatomical information is frequently performed as a separate step independent of dose calculations. For this early step in the planning process, and certainly for diagnostic purposes, visualization without explicit segmentation may be a useful additional capability. Additionally, we suggest that direct visualization of high contrast targets such as arteriovenous malformations (AVM) from computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) angiography may serve as a tool for target volume delineation. Frequently, information from multiple modalities or multiple scans of the same modality is important in planning a given case. In such instances, image registration may prove useful to allow synthesis of information from multiple sources into a single consistent coordinate frame. Numerous image registration methods are available, each with characteristic strengths and weaknesses.
Hereditary multiple exostoses: report of a case presenting with proximal nail fold and nail swelling.

Report of a case with distinctive modular lesions of the nail beds and proximal part of the nail folds of several digits in a child with hereditary multiple exostoses. Although the nail fold swelling were the presenting symptom, subsequent investigation demonstrated significant skeletal abnormalities
Distinct isoforms of the Drosophila Brd4 homologue are present at enhancers, promoters and insulator sites

Brd4 is a double bromodomain protein that has been shown to interact with acetylated histones to regulate transcription by recruiting Positive Transcription Elongation Factor b to the promoter region. Brd4 is also involved in gene bookmarking during mitosis and is a therapeutic target for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. The Drosophila melanogaster Brd4 homologue is called Fs(1)h and, like its vertebrate counterpart, encodes different isoforms. We have used ChIP-seq to examine the genome-wide distribution of Fs(1)h isoforms. We are able to distinguish the Fs(1)h-L and Fs(1)h-S binding profiles and discriminate between the genomic locations of the two isoforms. Fs(1)h-S is present at enhancers and promoters and its amount parallels transcription levels. Correlations between the distribution of Fs(1)h-S and various forms of acetylated histones H3 and H4 suggest a preference for binding to H3K9acS10ph. Surprisingly, Fs(1)h-L is located at sites in the genome where multiple insulator proteins are also present. The results suggest that Fs(1)h-S may be responsible for the classical role assigned to this protein, whereas Fs(1)h-L may have a new and unexpected role in chromatin architecture by working in conjunction with insulator proteins to mediate intra- or inter-chromosome interactions.
Transcriptional analysis of the Caulobacter 4.5 S RNA ffs gene and the physiological basis of an ffs mutant with a Ts phenotype.

A temperature-sensitive (ts) mutation in the ffs gene, encoding 4.5 S RNA, gives rise to cell division and DNA replication defects in Caulobacter crescentus. The ffs gene is transcribed throughout the cell-cycle and is transcribed at similar rates in mutant (ffs 36) and wild-type strains, but in the mutant the 4.5 S RNA is unstable leading to lower 4.5 S RNA levels. The ffs36 phenotype results from a single base change in one of the non-conserved stems of the mature RNA, and is completely rescued by a compensating mutation in the opposite strand, providing confirmation of the predicted secondary structure of the 4.5 S RNA. The Caulobacter ffs gene was shown to be functionally comparable to the Escherichia coli ffs gene by complementation. Comparison of the ffs36 strain to a ts secA strain of Caulobacter, also having cell-cycle and DNA replication phenotypes, showed that both exhibit a permanent induction of a heat shock response at the restrictive temperature. To explain the phenotype of both the secA and ffs36 strains, we propose that a cell-cycle checkpoint prevents further progression through the cell-cycle in response to increased intracellular levels of heat shock and misfolded proteins.
Three-Dimensional Chips Can Be Cool: Thermal Study of VeSFET-Based 3-D Chips

Thermal management becomes a huge challenge for modern IC designers, especially when chips go 3-D. Vertical slit field-effect transistor (VeSFET) technology provides an alternative thermal-friendly design choice. VeSFET-based chips not only have a much lower power density but also a better vertical thermal conductivity than their CMOS counterparts. For a VeSFET chip with ten stacked dies, the temperature increase is only 30% of that for CMOS-based chip. Assuming the same scaling trend for CMOS and VeSFET, VeSFET 3-D chips can postpone the appearance of dark silicon by three technology nodes compared with CMOS implementations. For VeSFET-based designs, different topologies of transistor arrays may result in different thermal behaviors. We perform thermal characterization of two-transistor array topologies.
Episodic deposition and preservation of eolian sands: A late Paleozoic example from southeastern Utah

The Upper Pennsylvanian and Lower Permian stratigraphic sequence in Canyonlands National Park contains about 40 flat-topped eolian sand bodies. Rhizoliths, burrows, and traces of former evaporites abound at the tops of these tabular genetic units. Upper surfaces of units were created by eolian deflation to the level of the groundwater table. Analysis of cross-stratification reveals that sands accumulated via migration and climb of relatively small dunes. Brief episodes of sand accumulation were triggered by regression and were terminated when upwind sand supplies were depleted. Upper surfaces of genetic units are diastems and represent much more geologic time than the rocks themselves.
A Simple Monochromatorless Atomic Fluorescence Flame Spectrometer

A novel design for a monochromatorless atomic fluorescence spectrometer is presented. The instrument was used to measure the atomic fluorescence of Cd, Hg, and Zn. Analytical curves obtained agreed with theoretical predictions. Limits of detection and scatter experiments demonstrated the sensitivity and selectivity of the instrument.
Restoration potential of the aquatic ecosystems of the Colorado River Delta, Mexico: Introduction to special issue on Wetlands of the Colorado River Delta

Abstract The delta of the Colorado River in Mexico supports about a million hectares of riparian, marsh and estuarine habitats of international importance. Some of these habitats depend on flows of fresh and brackish water from the U.S. and Mexico. Up to now, these flows were the incidental result of water management actions taken to provide water for agriculture and municipal use, protect against flooding, and dispose of saline agricultural return flows. This paper briefly describes the wetlands and documents recent bi-national efforts to provide environmental flows to the delta, codified in Minutes 306, 316 and 319 of the water treaty between the U.S. and Mexico for the utilization of Colorado River water. Providing water for environmental uses in this watershed will be a daunting task given the many competing uses for water and expected diminished flows due to climate change. The paper serves as an introduction to a special issue of Ecological Engineering, Wetlands of the Colorado River Delta, which contributes 17 new research articles to the science based on these diverse aquatic habitats. We hope these studies will be useful to those developing management strategies to preserve and enhance these habitats for the future.
Role of the mar-sox-rob Regulon in Regulating Outer Membrane Porin Expression

Multiple factors control the expression of the outer membrane porins OmpF and OmpC in Escherichia coli. In this work, we investigated the role of the mar-sox-rob regulon in regulating outer membrane porin expression in response to salicylate. We provide both genetic and physiological evidence that MarA and Rob can independently activate micF transcription in response to salicylate, leading to reduced OmpF expression. MarA was also found to repress OmpF expression through a MicF-independent pathway. In the case of OmpC, we found that its transcription was moderately increased in response to salicylate. However, this increase was independent of MarA and Rob. Finally, we found that the reduction in OmpF expression in a tolC mutant is due primarily to Rob. Collectively, this work further clarifies the coordinated role of MarA and Rob in regulating the expression of the outer membrane porins.
Weed biocontrol insects reduce native plant recruitment through second-order apparent competition

Small-mammal seed predation is an important force structuring native-plant communities that may also influence exotic-plant invasions. In the intermountain West, deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are prominent predators of native-plant seeds, but they avoid consuming seeds of certain widespread invasives like spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa). These mice also consume the biological-control insects Urophora spp. introduced to control C. maculosa, and this food resource substantially increases deer mouse populations. Thus, mice may play an important role in the invasion and management of C. maculosa through food-web interactions. We examined deer mouse seed predation and its effects on seedling emergence and establishment of a dominant native grass, Pseudoroegneria spicata, and forb, Balsamorhiza sagittata, in C. maculosa-invaded grasslands that were treated with herbicide to suppress C. maculosa or left untreated as controls. Deer mice readily took seeds of both native plants but removed 2-20 times more of the larger B. sagittata seeds than the smaller P. spicata seeds. Seed predation reduced emergence and establishment of both species but had greater impacts on B. sagittata. The intensity of seed predation corresponded with annual and seasonal changes in deer mouse abundance, suggesting that abundance largely determined mouse impacts on native-plant seeds. Accordingly, herbicide treatments that reduced mouse abundance by suppressing C. maculosa and its associated biocontrol food subsidies to mice also reduced seed predation and decreased the impact of deer mice on B. sagittata establishment. These results provide evidence that Urophora biocontrol agents may exacerbate the negative effects of C. maculosa on native plants through a form of second-order apparent competition-a biocontrol indirect effect that has not been previously documented. Herbicide suppressed C. maculosa and Urophora, reducing mouse populations and moderating seed predation on native plants, but the herbicide's direct negative effects on native forb seedlings overwhelmed the indirect positive effect of reducing deer mouse seed predation. By manipulating this four-level food chain, we illustrate that host-specific biological control agents may impact nontarget plant species through food-web interactions, and herbicides may influence management outcomes through indirect trophic interactions in addition to their direct effects on plants.
The influence of midwater hypoxia on nekton vertical migration

Parker-Stetter, S. L., Horne, J. K., and Langness, M. M. 2009. The influence of midwater hypoxia on nekton vertical migration. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1296-1302.Hypoxia affects pelagic nekton, fish and large zooplankton, distributions in marine and fresh-water ecosystems. Bottom hypoxia is common, but midwater oxygen minimum layers (OMLs) may also affect nekton that undergo diel vertical migration (DVM). This study examined the response of pelagic nekton to an OML in a temperate fjord (Hood Canal, WA, USA). A 2006 study suggested that the OML created a prey refuge for zooplankton. Using acoustics (38 and 120 kHz), the 2007 night DVM patterns of nekton were quantified before (June, August) and during (September) an OML. All months had similar precrepuscular distributions (>50-m depth) of fish and invertebrates. During the September evening crepuscular period, a zooplankton layer migrated upwards (>1.5 m min −1 ), but the layer's rate of ascent slowed to 1.0 m min −1 . As in June and August, fish in September followed the upward migration of the zooplankton layer to the surface, crossing through the OML. Our results suggest that the 2007 OML did not affect zooplankton or fish vertical distributions.
Dietary Energy Density Is Associated With Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome in U.S. Adults

OBJECTIVE —Rising obesity rates have been linked to the consumption of energy-dense diets. We examined whether dietary energy density was associated with obesity and related disorders including insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —We conducted a cross-sectional study using nationally representative data of U.S. adults ≥20 years of age from the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( n = 9,688). Dietary energy density was calculated based on foods only. We used a series of multivariate linear regression models to determine the independent association between dietary energy density, obesity measures (BMI [in kilograms per meters squared] and waist circumference [in centimeters]), glycemia, or insulinemia. We used multivariate Poisson regression models to determine the independent association between dietary energy density and the metabolic syndrome as defined by the National Cholesterol and Education Program (Adult Treatment Panel III). RESULTS —Dietary energy density was independently and significantly associated with higher BMI in women (β = 0.44 [95% CI 0.14–0.73]) and trended toward a significant association in men (β = 0.37 [−0.007 to 0.74], P = 0.054). Dietary energy density was associated with higher waist circumference in women (β = 1.11 [0.42–1.80]) and men (β = 1.33 [0.46–2.19]). Dietary energy density was also independently associated with elevated fasting insulin (β = 0.65 [0.18–1.12]) and the metabolic syndrome (prevalence ratio = 1.10 [95% CI 1.03–1.17]). CONCLUSIONS —Dietary energy density is an independent predictor of obesity, elevated fasting insulin levels, and the metabolic syndrome in U.S. adults. Intervention studies to reduce dietary energy density are warranted.
On-Line Student Modeling for Coached Problem Solving Using Bayesian Networks

This paper describes the student modeling component of ANDES, an Intelligent Tutoring System for Newtonian physics. ANDES' student model uses a Bayesian network to do long-term knowledge assessment, plan recognition and prediction of students' actions during problem solving. The network is updated in real time, using an approximate anytime algorithm based on stochastic sampling, as a student solves problems with ANDES. The information in the student model is used by ANDES' Help system to tailor its support when the student reaches impasses in the problem solving process. In this paper, we describe the knowledge structures represented in the student model and discuss the implementation of the Bayesian network assessor. We also present a preliminary evaluation of the time performance of stochastic sampling algorithms to update the network.
The Profiler's Question and the Treacherous Traveler: Narratives of Belonging in Commercial Aviation.

Although criticized as potentially invasive, profiling has recently been promoted as a means for finding potential terrorists, and particularly airplane hijackers. Based upon sophisticated data-mining technologies, new forms of profiling have seemed, whatever the privacy issues that they raise, to offer more objective alternatives to earlier airline profiling systems, which appear to have been based on nothing more than a sense that certain groups of people are not proper passengers, that they are out of place on an airplane. But in fact, the example of geodemographic systems suggests that an inevitable element of profiling is the appeal to sets of simple narratives. Indeed, far from being merely expository devices, such narratives are central to the profile's analytical structure; as a consequence, while their promoters laud the profiling systems as neutral analytical devices, embedded within them is a sorting system that might more accurately be described as encoding an unstable world of Foucauldian similitudes.
Using random walks to identify cancer-associated modules in expression data

Background The etiology of cancer involves a complex series of genetic and environmental conditions. To better represent and study the intricate genetics of cancer onset and progression, we construct a network of biological interactions to search for groups of genes that compose cancer-related modules. Three cancer expression datasets are investigated to prioritize genes and interactions associated with cancer outcomes. Using a graph-based approach to search for communities of phenotype-related genes in microarray data, we find modules of genes associated with cancer phenotypes in a weighted interaction network.
Flexible Chip-Scale Package and Interconnect for Implantable MEMS Movable Microelectrodes for the Brain

We report here a novel approach called microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microflex interconnect (MMFI) technology for packaging a new generation of bioMEMS devices that involve movable microelectrodes implanted in brain tissue. MMFI addresses the need for the following: (1) operating space for movable parts and (2) flexible interconnects for mechanical isolation. We fabricated a thin polyimide substrate with embedded bond pads, vias, and conducting traces for the interconnect with a backside dry etch, so that the flexible substrate can act as a thin-film cap for the MEMS package. A double-gold-stud-bump rivet-bonding mechanism was used to form electrical connections to the chip and also to provide a spacing of approximately 15-20 mum for the movable parts. The MMFI approach achieved a chip-scale package that is lightweight and biocompatible and has flexible interconnects and no underfill. Reliability tests demonstrated minimal increases of 0.35, 0.23, and 0.15 mOmega in mean contact resistances under high humidity, thermal cycling, and thermal shock conditions, respectively. High-temperature tests resulted in increases of > 90 and ~ 4.2 mOmega in resistance when aluminum and gold bond pads were used, respectively. The mean time to failure was estimated to be at least one year under physiological conditions. We conclude that MMFI technology is a feasible and reliable approach for packaging and interconnecting bioMEMS devices.
Radiation degradation of methyl α‐chloroacrylate–methacrylonitrile copolymers

The radiation degradation behavior of methyl ..cap alpha..-chloroacrylate (MCA) and methacrylonitrile (MCN) copolymers has been investigated as part of a program to develop high-sensitivity polymeric resists for integrated circuit manufacture. High-molecular-weight copolymers were prepared by emulsion techniques. Several different copolymer compositions were prepared varying from 19 to 68 mol % MCA. These copolymers were fractionated and then subjected to ..gamma.. irradiation from a /sup 60/Co source. The G/sub s/ - G/sub x/, G/sub s/ - 4G/sub x/ values were determined from anti M/sub n//sup -1/ and anti M/sub w//sup -1/ versus dose plots, and the G/sub s/ and G/sub x/ values were then calculated. Molecular weights of both unirradiated and irradiated polymers were analyzed by membrane osmometry and gel permeation chromatography. All copolymers exhibited higher degradation susceptibilities than that of poly(methyl methacrylate), which has G/sub s/ = 1.3. The individual G/sub s/ and G/sub x/ values of the copolymers were found to fall between those of the two homopolymers, poly(methyl ..cap alpha..-chloracrylate) (G/sub s/ = 6.0) and polymethacrylonitrile (G/sub s/ = 3.1). The dependence of G/sub s/ and G/sub x/ values on molecular weight was minor. The crosslinking susceptibility of the poly(methyl ..cap alpha..-chloroacrylate) (G/sub x/ = 0.8) was greatlymore » decreased by copolymerization with MCN. Relatively small amounts of MCN caused alarge drop in G/sub x/, i.e., G/sub x/ = 0.15 at 32% MCN and G/sub x/ = 0.03 at 51% MCN. The observation could be attributed to the decreasing probability that crosslinking sites, in the MCA monomer units on adjacent chains, would lie in close proximity. 3 figures, 8 tables.« less
The Budget Enforcement Act of 1990: The Path to No Fault Budgeting

The Budget Enforcement Act of 1990, included in the controversial and comprehensive budget legislation passed by Congress in October, makes a number of significant changes in federal budgeting. It shifts the focus of the budget process from deficit reduction to spending control, provides five-year spending totals and mini-sequesters for defense, international and domestic appropriations, and puts entitlements and revenue expenditures on a pay-as-you-go basis. The Gramm-Rudman-Hollings deficit targets have been raised substantially, Social Security surpluses taken out of the deficit calculation and allowance made for further adjustments for inflation, Operation Desert Shield, and other emergency spending, minimizing the prospect for general sequestration. OMB has been given important new estimating authority and the roles of the congressional committees involved in budgeting have been altered.
Controlled delivery of platelet-rich plasma-derived growth factors for bone formation

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) represents an autolo- gous source of growth factors essential for bone regenera- tion. The clinical efficacy of PRP is, however, unpredictable, and this is likely due to the inefficient and inconsistent delivery of PRP-derived growth factors. Previous investiga- tions have shown that current methods of PRP preparation result in a premature release of the relevant bone stimula- tory factors. As successful bone regeneration requires mul- tiple factors presented in a physiologic temporal and spa- tial cascade, the objective of this study is to control the bio- availability of PRP-derived growth factors using a hydrogel carrier system. Specifically, the release of platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor beta-1, and insulin- like growth factor from two types of alginate carriers was compared over time. The effects of the released factors on the growth and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of human osteoblast-like cells were also evaluated. It was found that factor release profiles varied as function of car- rier type, and binding of growth factors to the alginate ma- trix also modulated their release. The bioactivity of released factors was maintained in vitro and they promoted cell proliferation and ALP activity. These results demonstrate the potential of this autologous multifactor delivery system for controlling the bioavailability of PRP-derived factors. Future studies will focus on optimizing this system to in- crease the clinical efficacy of PRP by matching the distribu- tion and temporal sequencing of PRP-derived factors to the bone healing cascade. 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 86A: 1128-1136, 2008
Recurrent, Robust and Scalable Patterns Underlie Human Approach and Avoidance

Background: Approach and avoidance behavior provide a means for assessing the rewarding or aversive value of stimuli, and can be quantified by a keypress procedure whereby subjects work to increase (approach), decrease (avoid), or do nothing about time of exposure to a rewarding/aversive stimulus. To investigate whether approach/avoidance behavior might be governed by quantitative principles that meet engineering criteria for lawfulness and that encode known features of reward/aversion function, we evaluated whether keypress responses toward pictures with potential motivational value produced any regular patterns, such as a trade-off between approach and avoidance, or recurrent lawful patterns as observed with prospect theory. Methodology/Principal Findings: Three sets of experiments employed this task with beautiful face images, a standardized set of affective photographs, and pictures of food during controlled states of hunger and satiety. An iterative modeling approach to data identified multiple law-like patterns, based on variables grounded in the individual. These patterns were consistent across stimulus types, robust to noise, describable by a simple power law, and scalable between individuals and groups. Patterns included: (i) a preference trade-off counterbalancing approach and avoidance, (ii) a value function linking preference intensity to uncertainty about preference, and (iii) a saturation function linking preference intensity to its standard deviation, thereby setting limits to both. Conclusions/Significance: These law-like patterns were compatible with critical features of prospect theory, the matching law, and alliesthesia. Furthermore, they appeared consistent with both mean-variance and expected utility approaches to the assessment of risk. Ordering of responses across categories of stimuli demonstrated three properties thought to be relevant for preference-based choice, suggesting these patterns might be grouped together as a relative preference theory. Since variables in these patterns have been associated with reward circuitry structure and function, they may provide a method for quantitative phenotyping of normative and pathological function (e.g., psychiatric illness).
On Nonblocking Folded-Clos Networks in Computer Communication Environments

Folded-Clos networks, also referred to as fat-trees, have been widely used as interconnects in large scale high performance computing clusters. The switching capability of such interconnects in computer communication environments, however, is not well understood. In particular, the concept of nonblocking interconnects, which is often used by system vendors, has only been studied in the telephone communication environment with the assumption of a centralized controller. Such "nonblocking'' networks do not support nonblocking communications in computer communication environments where the network control is distributed. This paper theoretically analyzes the conditions for folded-Clos networks to achieve nonblocking communications in computer communication environments with various routing schemes including deterministic routing and adaptive routing, and establishes nonblocking conditions.
Speed and Throttle Position Forecasting on a Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle

Included in this paper is the forecasting of the speed and throttle position on a thru-the-road parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). This thru-the-road parallel hybrid design is implemented in a 2002 model year Ford Explorer XLT, which is also the Michigan Tech Future Truck. Data Dependent Systems (DDS) forecasting is used in a feedforward control algorithm to improve the fuel economy and to improve the drivability. It provides a one step ahead forecast, thereby allowing the control algorithm to always be a step ahead, utilizing the engine and electric motor in their most efficient ranges. This control algorithm is simulated in PSAT, a hybrid vehicle simulation package, which can estimate the fuel economy and certain performance characteristics of the vehicle. In this paper a fuel economy savings of 2.2% is shown through simulation. Charge sustainability was achieved along with drivability being improved as indicated by the reduction in number of deviations from the speed profile in the driving cycle.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Dietary Soybean Protein Decreases Plasma Taurine in Cats

Commercial dry and canned diets fed to cats cause ~two- and fourfold increase in the taurine requirement, respectively, as compared with that ob served for purified diets. In two experiments, the effect of source and level of protein and fiber in the diet on the concentration of taurine in plasma and whole blood of cats was studied. All diets contained 1 g taurine/kg dry matter. When a casein-based diet containing either 25% or 50% protein was given to cats for 6 wk, no difference in plasma taurine concentration was ob served; however, substituting soybean protein for ca sein resulted in a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in plasma taurine concentration of cats in the 50% soy bean protein group, but not in the 25% soybean protein group. In Experiment 2, the food intake of cats was limited (26 g dry matter/(kg body weight â€¢ d)|, and the protein was 30 or 60% of the diet. Cats fed 60% soybean protein or casein diets had significantly lower plasma taurine concentrations than cats fed a 30% casein diet, with the 60% soybean protein diet causing the greater decrease. There was no effect of either 2 or 4% soybean fiberon plasma taurine concentration as compared with the same diet without the added fiber. The taurine con centration in plasma was higher (P < 0.05) in male cats than in female cats. Protein source, amount in the diet and gender did not affect the whole blood taurine concentration. Cats given diets containing 60% casein or soybean protein diets excreted a greater amount of fecal total bile acid and total taurine than cats given a 30% casein diet. Cats with higher plasma concentra tions of taurine excreted a greater amount of free taurine in urine, and a lesser amount of taurine and bile acids in feces. These results show that although protein source (soybean protein) and the quantity in the diet have a significant effect on the excretion pattern of tau rine by cats, these effects are not sufficient to account for the marked increase in the taurine requirement found when canned heat-processed diets are fed. J. Nutr. 125: 2831-2837, 1995.
Osteochondrosis of the lateral cuneiform: another cause of a limp in a child. A case report.

Osteochondrosis of the medial or intermediate cuneiform bone is an extremely rare entity that may cause a painful limp in a chil who is between four and six years old. This report concerns a young boy who had a painful foot associated with a limp. The etiology of the painful limp was an osteochondrosis of the lateral (third) cuneiform
Privacy, Public Goods, and the Tragedy of the Trust Commons: A Response to Professors Fairfield and Engel

User trust is an essential resource for the information economy. Without it, people will share less of their personal information and the digital economy will falter.Companies that use personal information do not protect this resource sufficiently. Instead, many take advantage of it for short-term gain. They act in ways that, over time, will damage user trust. In so doing, they harm individuals and undermine their own long-term interests.Companies behave this way because they face a tragedy of the commons. When they abuse user trust they reap the full benefits of their action but share the costs with the other firms that rely on this resource. Each company, acting rationally, has an incentive to appropriate as much of the trust resource as it can. That is one reason why digital businesses show so little restraint in collecting, analyzing and monetizing personal information.This behavior poses a longer term risk. User trust, like a fishery, is a partially rivalrous resource. It can withstand a certain level of exploitation and still renew itself. But too much exploitation can cause it to collapse. This Article explores commons-management theory for potential solutions to this impending tragedy of the trust commons.
Thermal Conductivity Measurements on Polysilicon Microbridges Using the 3-Omega Technique

The thermal properties of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices are governed by the structure and composition of the constituent materials as well as the geometrical design. With the continued reduction of the characteristic sizes of these devices, experimental determination of the thermal properties becomes more difficult. In this study, the thermal conductivity of polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) microbridges are measured with the transient 3ω technique and compared to measurements on the same structures using a steady state joule heating technique. The microbridges with lengths from 200 microns to 500 microns were designed and fabricated using the Sandia National Laboratories SUMMiT™ V surface micromachining process. The differences between the two measurements, which arise from the geometry of the test structures, are explained by bond pad heating and thermal boundary resistance effects.© 2008 ASME
Structural basis for regulation of RNA-binding proteins by phosphorylation.

Ribonucleoprotein complexes involved in pre-mRNA splicing and mRNA decay are often regulated by phosphorylation of RNA-binding proteins. Cells use phosphorylation-dependent signaling pathways to turn on and off gene expression. Not much is known about how phosphorylation-dependent signals transmitted by exogenous factors or cell cycle checkpoints regulate RNA-mediated gene expression at the atomic level. Several human diseases are linked to an altered phosphorylation state of an RNA binding protein. Understanding the structural response to the phosphorylation “signal” and its effect on ribonucleoprotein assembly provides mechanistic understanding, as well as new information for the design of novel drugs. In this review, I highlight recent structural studies that reveal the mechanisms by which phosphorylation can regulate protein–protein and protein–RNA interactions in ribonucleoprotein complexes.
Discovery and preclinical evaluation of a novel class of cytotoxic propynoic acid carbamoyl methyl amides (PACMAs).

Herein, we discovered a series of propynoic acid carbamoyl methyl-amides (PACMAs) with potent cytotoxicity against a panel of cancer cell lines. These compounds interrupted cell cycle progression at low micromolar concentrations and induced early and late stage apoptosis. A representative compound suppressed tumor growth without apparent toxicity in an MDA-MB-435 mouse xenograft model. We used a Kinexus 628-antibody microarray and the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) bioinformatics tools to better understand their mechanisms. The IPA analysis revealed the initiation of Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress through modulating the expression of SOD1 and STIP1 by compound 1. The involvement of the oxidative stress pathway was further validated by measuring the levels of the PACMA-induced mitochondrial superoxide species. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the discovery and biological evaluations of PACMAs as anticancer agents. Their broad-spectrum in vitro cytotoxicity, possibly through an oxidative stre...
Normal tori in ♯n(S2×S1)

Abstract The fundamental group of M = ♯ n ( S 2 × S 1 ) is F n , the free group with n generators. There is a 1–1 correspondence between the equivalence classes of Z -splittings of F n and homotopy classes of imbedded essential tori in M. We define and prove a local notion of minimal intersection of a torus with respect to a maximal sphere system in M, which is inspired by Hatcherʼs work (Hatcher, 1995 [7] ) on 2-spheres in the same manifold.
Entanglement Density Tunes Microscale Nonlinear Response of Entangled Actin

We optically drive a microsphere at constant speed through entangled actin networks of 0.2–1.4 mg/mL at rates faster than the critical rate controlling the onset of nonlinear response. By measuring the resistive force exerted on the microsphere during and following strain, we reveal a critical concentration cc ≃ 0.4 mg/mL for nonlinear features to emerge. For c > cc , entangled actin stiffens at short times with the degree of stiffening S and corresponding time scale tstiff scaling with the entanglement tube density, i.e., S ∼ tstiff ∼ dt–1 ∼ c3/5. The network subsequently yields to a viscous regime with the yield distance dy scaling linearly with yield force fy and inversely with the entanglement length (fy ∼ dy ∼ le–1 ∼ c2/5). Stiffening and yielding dynamics are consistent with recent theoretical predictions for nonlinear cohesive breakdown of entanglements. We further show that above cc force relaxation proceeds via slow filament disengagement from dilated tubes coupled with ∼10× faster lateral hoppin...
Preliminary Study on Vertical Spatial Niche of Small Mammals in Shangrila County of Yunnan Province

Small mammals were trapped in altitude range of 2 500-4 500 m in Shangrila from June to July 2011 to analyzed the spatial niche breadth of each species and niche overlap between species.A total of 19 species of 275 small mammal specimen was captured,among them Niviventer confucianus,Apodemus draco,A.latronum,A.chevrieri,Ochotona thibetana,Eothenomys custos,and Rattus nitidus were species that distribute most widely at altitude range,therefore they were dominant species in the small mammal community at local area.The spatial niche overlap between the 19 small mammals varied greatly.The spatial niche of E.miletus,Crocidura attenuata and C.russula vorax completely overlapped,while the special niche of R.nitidus,A.chevrieri,Vernany fulva,Microtus clarkei,Tamiops swinhoei,Dremomys pernyi,Petaurista xanthotis and Soriculus leucops were not overlapped.
Cavernous hemangioma of striated muscle. Review of the literature and report of one case.

Abstract A case of hemangioma of striated muscle is reported bringing the total reported to 399. This tumor exhibited the more rare characteristics such as pulsation, bruit and multiple muscle involvement. Cure was effected by wide excision and partial scapulectomy. A brief review of the pertinent data concerning these tumors is presented.
Inferring trimming activity of solid-state drives based on energy consumption

Solid-state drives (SSDs) have become pervasive in modern computing and are replacing hard disk drives in many applications. However, the mechanism by which SSDs store and modify data is intrinsically different from hard disk drives. For example, a memory location on a SSD must be erased prior to being written. The main contribution of this paper is a set of measurement and analysis techniques for inferring the behavior of a SSD by observing its power consumption. This paper measures and analyzes the energy consumption of the TRIM command for three separate SSDs. Energy and time models are derived for all three SSDs and it is shown that these models are approximately linear as a function of the size of the file being trimmed. Additionally, empirically obtained signatures are presented to identify when a TRIM command is issued to the SSD based on the observed waveform. Our findings support the hypothesis that energy and time models, as well as power signatures, differ among drive manufacturers.
Jung for the Future

Thus Jung should be admitted into the ongoing dialogues of psychological and feminist criticisms, as one whose work proceeds along congruent lines. However, his case is significant for other reasons too, because it raises the larger question about the relation that the marginalized voice should have to the dominant discourse that created the definitions of ‘central’ and ‘marginal’ in the first place. This has also been a crucial question for those interested in more general issues of cultural studies, although here the question is usually phrased in terms of race, ethnicity or gender. Should the marginalized follow a separatist route? Or should they push to be included in the larger dialogue, reintegrated into a discourse that is thus reformed and reformed?
Tissue Origin of Igh/Myc Chromosomal Translocations in An Accelerated Pristane-Induced Plasma Cell Tumor Model using BALB/C-Bcl-Xl Transgenic Mice and the Inhibitory Effects of Defective Genes Governing Class Switch recombination in Ung and Aicda Knockout Mice.

Abstract Plasma cell tumors (PCT) can be induced by the intraperitoneal injection of BALB/cAn (B/c) mice with a poorly metabolized minearal oil such as pristane. Pristane causes the formation of a robust chronic inflammatory tissue resulting in oil granulomas (OG) in which the PCTs develop. The emerging transplantable PCTs usually can be diagnosed in Wright-Giemsa stained cytofuge preparations beginning around 120 days and continuing over the next 8–10 months. Induction is greatly accelerated in BALB/c-BclxL (B/cXL) transgenic (Tg) mice with PCTs first appearing around day 40 and >80% of the mice developing PCTs by day 100. About 80% of pristane-induced PCTs in both B/c and B/cXL mice have T(12;15) translocations that deregulate Myc expression, which appears to be the dominant and possibly the initiating step in PCT development. We have been studying the early stages of PCT development and have found an intriguing new precursor step in the form of aggregates of B220+ lymphocytes. By day 7 post pristane, OG on the mesenteries of the small intestine can have from 10–30 of these aggregates, each containing from 50 to 1000 B lymphocytes. 40–70% of these aggregates in the OG are associated with plasma cells (PC) ranging from 30 to 200 in number. Mitotic figures were not seen in lymphocytes, although 2–8% of them are Ki-67+ or incorporate BrdU, suggesting they are becoming activated for cycling. In contrast, a much higher proportion of the associated PCs (~29%) are Ki-67+ and some of these have mitotic figures. These PC have a mature appearance and include varying proportions of Mott cells. Electron microscopic studies have revealed transitions from lymphocytes to PC in these extramedullary plasmacytopoietic sites. We have previously described focal proliferations of atypical PCs in the OG that appear to be a direct precursor of the PCT. These atypical PCs resemble those in most primary transplantable PCTs. We have studied precursor stages of plasmacytomagenesis for the evidence of Igh/C-Myc T(12;15). Most atypical foci and a few plasma cells associated with lymphoid aggregates as early as day 14 after pristane injection were positive for T(12;15) by FISH. Genetic defects in critical elements of class switch recombination (CSR), AID and UNG, can interfere with PCT development by reducing switch region-dependent translocations. Both deficiencies result in the absence of classical IgH switch regionc-Myc translocations detectable by PCR (Ramiro, Nature 440, 105–109, 2006 and our observations). Aicda−/− B/cXL Tg+ are defective in CSR but only partially resistant to PCT induction. They can develop T(12;15) without switch region participation. In contrast, Ung-defective mice undergo reduced CSR by the alternative Msh2 pathway but Ung−/− Bcl-xL Tg+ mice are highly resistant to PCT induction by pristane.
The contextualist function: US newspaper journalists value social responsibility

A survey (N = 1318) evaluated US newspaper journalists’ attitudes toward contextual reporting – stories that go beyond the immediacy of the news and contribute to societal well-being. Results indic...
A Leader–Follower Controlled Markov Stopping Game for Delay Tolerant and Opportunistic Resource Sharing Networks

In various resource sharing networks, opportunistic resources with dynamic quality are often present for the users to exploit. As many user tasks are delay-tolerant, this favorably allows the network users to wait for and access the opportunistic resource at the time of its best quality. For such delay-tolerant and opportunistic resource sharing networks, the resource accessing strategies developed in the literature suffer from three limitations. First, they mainly focused on single-user scenarios, whereas the competition from other users is ignored. Second, the influence from the resource seller who may take actions to manipulate the resource sharing procedure is not considered. Third, the impact of the actions from both the network users and the resource seller on the resource quality dynamics is not considered either. To overcome these limitations, a leader–follower controlled Markov stopping game (LF-C-MSG) is developed in this paper. The derived Stackelberg equilibrium strategy of the LF-C-MSG can be used to guide the behaviors of both the network users and the resource seller for better performance and resource utilization efficiency. Two exemplary applications of the proposed LF-C-MSG are presented, along with corresponding numerical results to verify the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Evaluation of properties and performance of rubber-modified concrete for recycling of waste scrap tire

Using rubber particles as concrete aggregates can reduce the environmental impacts caused by the large accumulation of scrap tires. However, the added rubber particles can decrease concrete strength due to their low stiffness and surface bonding with cement paste. This study aims to improve the rubber concrete performance by employing different surface treatment and coating methods. Particularly, two surface treatment methods (NaOH, and Silane Coupling Agent) and three coating techniques (coated with normal cement, blended cement with silica fume, and blended cement plus sodium silicate) were used to improve rubber-cement bonding. Totally, ten groups of rubber concrete samples were prepared by using difference treatment or rubber replacement ratio. In addition, the control concrete samples without rubber particles or with as-received rubber particles were prepared for the comparison. The compressive strength tests demonstrated the NaOH-solution treatment can significantly improve the rubber concrete strength by comparing with normal and as-received rubber concrete. Further tests indicated that the samples with 25% replacement can still fulfil the strength requirements for rigid pavement construction. The measured electrical resistivity of rubber concrete were higher than the normal concrete, which indicates lower permeability and better durability. The decreased thermal conductivity and sound transmission attenuation can increase building energy efficiency and reduce noise, respectively. Overall, this study demonstrated NaOH-treated methods can improve the mechanical performance of rubber concrete and enhance its long-term durability. This modified rubber concrete can be potentially applied to the pavement and structure construction applications.