cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinship in the seventies: A decade review of research and theory.

The quantity of research on kinship in the past decade has decreased somewhat from previous periods, but the diversity of this research has certainly increased. While research in the sixties was dominated by the "isolated nuclear family" hypothesis, that of the seventies is much more varied and oriented more toward explanatory than descriptive generalizations. This review concentrates on the knowledge which has been generated regarding antecedents of interaction with kin and, to a lesser extent, the exchange of mutual aid between kin. Research in the past decade has supported many generalizations from earlier work, but it has also cast doubt upon many previously accepted conclusions.
IIAGlc Inhibition of Glycerol Kinase: A Communications Network Tunes Protein Motions at the Allosteric Site†

Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy methods applied to an extrinsic fluorophore that is conjugated to non-native cysteine residues demonstrate that amino acids in an allosteric communication network within a protein subunit tune protein backbone motions at a distal site to enable allosteric binding and inhibition. The unphosphorylated form of the phosphocarrier protein IIAGlc is an allosteric inhibitor of Escherichia coli glycerol kinase, binding more than 25 A from the kinase active site. Crystal structures that showed a ligand-dependent conformational change and large temperature factors for the IIAGlc-binding site on E. coli glycerol kinase suggest that motions of the allosteric site have an important role in the inhibition. Three E. coli glycerol kinase amino acids that are located at least 15 A from the active site and the allosteric site were shown previously to be necessary for transplanting IIAGlc inhibition into the nonallosteric glycerol kinase from Haemophilus influenzae. The...
The NGC 7129 Young Stellar Cluster: A Combined Spitzer, MMT, and Two Micron All Sky Survey Census of Disks, Protostars, and Outflows

We present the analysis of seven-band (1.2 to 8 μm) ground- and space-based imaging of the NGC 7129 young stellar cluster from FLAMINGOS on MMT, Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS), and the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) on Spitzer. An analysis of the H-[4.5] versus J-H colors reveals 84 objects with circumstellar disks. Of these, 42 are located within the cluster core, a 0.5 pc (100'') radius region of enhanced stellar surface density. From a luminosity- and extinction-limited sample of the stars within the cluster core boundary we have determined that 54% ± 14% have circumstellar disks. Finally, we report the detection of several resolved outflows in the IRAC 4.5 μm mosaic.
Tissue survey of mammalian modulator-dependent protein kinases

The levels of modulator-dependent protein kinases and protamine-dependent protein kinase(s) in various tissues of adult mice were compared. Cerebellum contained the highest levels of both modulator-dependent protein kinases and protamine-dependent protein kinase(s), whereas skeletal muscle contained no detectable enzymes. The lung and the ileum were also rich in modulator-dependent protein kinases, while other tissues were poor sources of these enzymes.
Combined effect of nose bluntness and angle of attack on slender bodies in viscous hypersonic flows

Hypersonic flows over cones and straight biconic configurations are calculated for a wide range of free stream conditions in which the gas behind the shock is treated as perfect. Effect of angle of attack and nose bluntness on these slender cones in air is studied extensively. The numerical procedures are based on the solution of complete Navier-Stokes equations at the nose section and parabolized Navier-Stokes equations further downstream. The flow field variables and surface quantities show significant differences when the angle of attack and nose bluntness are varied. The complete flow field is thoroughly analyzed with respect to velocity, temperature, pressure, and entropy profiles. The post shock flow field is studied in detail from the contour plots of Mach number, density, pressure, and temperature. The effect of nose bluntness for slender cones persists as far as 200 nose radii downstream.
SPECTRAL PROPERTIES OF PHYCOBILISOMES AND PHYCOBILIPROTEINS FROM THE BLUE-GREEN ALGA-NOSTOC SP.*

— An improved method for phycobilisome isolation from a blue-green alga Nostoc sp. was developed using 1% Triton X-100. The phycobilisome preparations showed little fragmentation and had structures similar in size to those observed in thin sections of the organism. Phycobiliproteins isolated from phycobilisomes and examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, had subunits with the following molecular weights: phycoerythrin (PE), 20,000 and 16,900; phycocyanin (PC), 14,700 and 16,300; and allophycocyanin (APC), 14,000. Isoelectric focusing of each phycobiliprotein resulted in major bands isoelectric at the following pH values: PE, 4.43, 4.45; PC 4.32; APC, 4.38. Absorption spectra at -196°c showed maxima at 551 and 566 nm for PE; 598 and 631 nm for PC; and 590, 600, 629 and 650 nm for APC. Concentrated vs dilute difference spectra of phycobiliproteins showed increased absorption at 574 nm (PE), 630 nm (PC) and 651 nm (APC) suggesting that spectral changes resulted from aggregation. Fluorescence analysis of each phycobiliprotein and of intact phycobilisome preparations showed that energy absorbed by phycoerythrin is transferred to allophycocyanin, possibly by a resonance transfer mechanism. These observations support a model where allophycocyanin forms the base of the phycobilisome which is attached to the photosynthetic membrane. The next layer is assumed to be phycocyanin, which in turn is followed by a phycoerythrin layer that is the outermost layer (on the stroma side) of the phycobilisome.
Rejoinder: Discussing culture and childhood

This comment agrees with Prof. Zuckerman that careful inquiry about the effects of culture, in terms of actual parental behaviors and some disparate subcultures, is warranted. It argues, however, that parental anxieties, based on a sense of children's vulnerability, affects even many remiss parents and explains widespread behaviors and areas of excessive supervision; the anxieties also may help account for an indifference to concerns about children in general as opposed to one's own offspring. The helicopter parent is a real and somewhat troubling phenomenon in the United States.
Detecting Dynamic Objects with Multi-view Background Subtraction

The confluence of robust algorithms for structure from motion along with high-coverage mapping and imaging of the world around us suggests that it will soon be feasible to accurately estimate camera pose for a large class photographs taken in outdoor, urban environments. In this paper, we investigate how such information can be used to improve the detection of dynamic objects such as pedestrians and cars. First, we show that when rough camera location is known, we can utilize detectors that have been trained with a scene-specific background model in order to improve detection accuracy. Second, when precise camera pose is available, dense matching to a database of existing images using multi-view stereo provides a way to eliminate static backgrounds such as building facades, akin to background-subtraction often used in video analysis. We evaluate these ideas using a dataset of tourist photos with estimated camera pose. For template-based pedestrian detection, we achieve a 50 percent boost in average precision over baseline.
Ultrasonic data compression via parameter estimation

Ultrasonic imaging in medical arid industrial applications often requires a large amount of data collection. Consequently, it is desirable to use data compression techniques to reduce data and to facilitate the analysis and remote access of ultrasonic information. The precise data representation is paramount to the accurate analysis of the shape, size, and orientation of ultrasonic reflectors, as well as to the determination of the properties of the propagation path. In this study, a successive parameter estimation algorithm based on a modified version of the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to compress and denoise ultrasonic signals is presented. It has been shown analytically that the CWT (i.e., time/spl times/frequency representation) yields an exact solution for the time-of-arrival and a biased solution for the center frequency. Consequently, a modified CWT (MCWT) based on the Gabor-Helstrom transform is introduced as a means to exactly estimate both time-of-arrival and center frequency of ultrasonic echoes. Furthermore, the MCWT also has been used to generate a phase/spl times/bandwidth representation of the ultrasonic echo. This representation allows the exact estimation of the phase and the bandwidth. The performance of this algorithm for data compression and signal analysis is studied using simulated arid experimental ultrasonic signals. The successive parameter estimation algorithm achieves a data compression ratio of (1 5N/J), where J is the number of samples and N is the number of echoes in the signal. For a signal with 10 echoes and 2048 samples, a compression ratio of 96% is achieved with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement above 20 dB. Furthermore, this algorithm performs robustly, yields accurate echo estimation, and results in SNR enhancements ranging from 10 to 60 dB for composite signals having SNR as low as -10 dB.
Factors Predicting Child Maltreatment Fatalities: A Competing Risk Model

This study examined different types of child maltreatment fatalities and factors associated with child death in Florida. The study design consisted of a two-group comparison: children who died as a result of abuse and those who died as a result of neglect. Predictors for abuse- versus neglect-related death were analyzed using competing-risks survival analysis. Findings revealed a unique trend associated with maltreatment fatalities: While child's enrollment in daycare or school served as a protective factor, being seen by a child protection agency at the time of the incident predicted the earlier fatal outcome. Implications of the findings were discussed.
Long-term patch recordings from adult spinal neurons herald new era of opportunity

Recently, Andreas Husch, Nathan Cramer, and Ronald M. Harris-Warrick achieved a remarkable breakthrough in patch-clamp recordings of ventral horn neurons in the adult spinal cord slice preparation. This landmark study that breaks the “age barrier” is titled “Long-duration perforated patch recordings from spinal interneurons of adult mice” (Husch et al., in press). In it, the authors demonstrate the unprecedented ability to undertake day-long (up to 12 h), and utterly stable perforated patch recordings. A description of the methodology is detailed in their paper. Here, I give a brief overview before providing context to this extraordinary achievement.
High-resolution fMRI mapping of ocular dominance layers in cat lateral geniculate nucleus

In this work, we exploited the superior capability of high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for functional mapping of ocular dominance layer (ODL) in the cat lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). The stimulus-evoked neuronal activities in the LGN ODLs associated with contralateral- and ipsilateral-eye visual inputs were successfully differentiated and mapped using both blood-oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD)-weighted and cerebral blood volume (CBV)-weighted fMRI methods. The morphology of mapped LGN ODLs was in remarkable consistency with histology findings in terms of ODL shape, orientation, thickness and eye-dominance. Compared with the BOLD signal, the CBV signal provides higher reproducibility and better spatial resolvability for function mapping of LGN because of improved contrast-to-noise ratio and point-spread function. The capability of fMRI for non-invasively imaging the functional sub-units of ODL in a small LGN overcomes the limitation of conventional neural-recording approach, and it opens a new opportunity for studying critical roles of LGN in brain function and dysfunction at the fine scale of ocular dominance layer.
Research on Interpersonal Problem-Solving Training A Review

This review assessed the efficacy of interpersonal problem-solving training in educational settings with children and youth with learning and behavior problems. Only studies with a clear metacognitive component were included. For each of the nine studies meeting selection criteria, descriptive summaries of the training were given. Findings indicate that although researchers were successful in demonstrating cognitive gains as a result of interpersonal problem-solving training, they were much less successful in demonstrating that cognitive gains were (a) subsequently applied to actual behavior or (b) generalized to other social behavior. Such findings call into question the basic premise of this literature—that interpersonal problem-solving training mediates social behavior and generalizes to other behaviors and settings. Based on the literature to date, recommendations for researchers and practitioners are offered.
Bihemispheric Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Occurring with an Azygos Anterior Cerebral Artery: Case Study

Variations in intracranial vasculature are well known. We report a rare anatomic variation in a patient who underwent cerebral angiography for suspected intracranial aneurysm. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a bihemispheric posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) and an azygous anterior cerebral artery (ACA). There was no evidence of any aneurysm or vascular abnormality. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient with a common PICA supplying both the cerebellar hemispheres and a common ACA supplying ACA territory bilaterally. It is important for the physician to be aware of these anatomical variations in order to differentiate a normal variant from a pathological condition.
A Novel Faster-Than-at-Speed Transition-Delay Test Method Considering IR-Drop Effects

Interconnect defects such as weak resistive opens, shorts, and bridges increase the path delay affected by a pattern during manufacturing test but are not significant enough to cause a failure at functional frequency. In this paper, a new faster-than-at-speed method is presented for delay test pattern application to screen small delay defects. Given a test pattern set, the technique groups the patterns into multiple subsets with close path delay distribution and determines an optimal test frequency considering both positive slack and performance degradation due to IR-drop effects. Since, the technique does not increase the test frequency to an extent that any paths exercised at the rated functional frequency may fail, it avoids any scan flip-flop masking. As most semiconductor companies currently deploy compression technologies to reduce test costs, scan-cell masking is highly undesirable for pattern modification as it would imply pattern count increase and might result in pattern regeneration. Therefore, our solution is more practical as the test engineer can run the same pattern set without any changes to the test flow other than the at-speed test frequency.
Idempotent-Separating Extensions Of Inverse Semigroups

Extensions of semigroups have been studied from two points of view; ideal extensions and Schreier extension. In this paper another type of extension is considered for the class of inverse semigroups. The main result (Theorem 2) is stated in the form of the classical treatment of Schreier extensions (see e.g.[7]). The motivation for the definition of idempotentseparating extension comes primarily from G. B. Preston's concept of a normal set of subsets of a semigroup [6]. The characterization of such extensions is applied to give another description of bisimple inverse ω-semigroups, which were first described by N. R. Reilly [8]. The main tool used in the proof of Theorem 2 is Preston's characterization of congruences on an inverse semigroup [5]. For the standard terminology used, the reader is referred to [1].
Microarray phenotyping in Dictyostelium reveals a regulon of chemotaxis genes

Motivation: Coordinate regulation of gene expression can provide information on gene function. To begin a large-scale analysis of Dictyostelium gene function, we clustered genes based on their expression in wild-type and mutant strains and analyzed their functions. Results: We found 17 modes of wild-type gene expression and refined them into 57 submodes considering mutant data. Annotation analyses revealed correlations between co-expression and function and an unexpected correlation between expression and function of genes involved in various aspects of chemotaxis. Co-regulation of chemotaxis genes was also found in published data from neutrophils. To test the predictive power of the analysis, we examined the phenotypes of mutations in seven co-regulated genes that had no published role in chemotaxis. Six mutants exhibited chemotaxis defects, supporting the idea that function can be inferred from co-expression. The clustering and annotation analyses provide a public resource for Dictyostelium functional genomics. Supplementary information: http://dictygenome.org/supplement/gadi/okyay_2005/ Contact: gadi@bcm.tmc.edu
On the analysis of single- and multiple-step discontinuities for a shielded three-layer coplanar waveguide

The mode matching procedure is employed to obtain the scattering (S) parameters of the discontinuities. The analysis is validated through a comparison of the calculated S-parameters of a single step discontinuity for a shielded single-layer CPW and those published previously. Calculated S-parameters for various single, double, and triple step discontinuities are presented. Effect of the modal orthogonality criterion on the discontinuity S-parameters is given. Extensive investigation of the numerical convergence of the S-parameters is also described. >
Low rates of bedrock outcrop erosion in the central Appalachian Mountains inferred from in situ 10Be

Bedrock outcrops are common on central Appalachian Mountain ridgelines. Because these ridgelines define watersheds, the rate at which they erode influences the pace of landscape evolution. To estimate ridgeline erosion rates, we sampled 72 quartz-bearing outcrops from the Potomac and Susquehanna River Basins and measured in situ–produced 10 Be. Ridgeline erosion rates average 9 ± 1 m m.y. −1 (median = 6 m m.y. −1 ), similar to 10 Be-derived rates previously reported for the region. The range of erosion rates we calculated reflects the wide distribution of samples we collected and the likely inclusion of outcrops affected by episodic loss of thick slabs and periglacial activity. Outcrops on main ridgelines erode slower than those on mountainside spur ridges because ridgelines are less likely to be covered by soil, which reduces the production rate of 10 Be and increases the erosion rate of rock. Ridgeline outcrops erode slower than drainage basins in the Susquehanna and Potomac River watersheds, suggesting a landscape in disequilibrium. Erosion rates are more similar for outcrops meters to tens of meters apart than those at greater distances, yet semivariogram analysis suggests that outcrop erosion rates in the same physiographic province are similar even though they are hundreds of kilometers apart. This similarity may reflect underlying lithological and/or structural properties common to each physiographic province. Average 10 Be-derived outcrop erosion rates are similar to denudation rates determined by other means (sediment flux, fission-track thermochronology, [U-Th]/He dating), indicating that the pace of landscape evolution in the central Appalachian Mountains is slow, and has been since post-Triassic rifting events.
Formation and Persistence of DNA, RNA, and Protein Adducts in Mouse Skin Exposed to Pure Optical Enantiomers of 7β,8α-Dihydroxy-9α,10α-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene in Vivo

The covalent binding of (+)-anti-benzo(a)pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide [(+)-anti-BPDE], the carcinogenic metabolite of benzo(a)pyrene, and its noncarcinogenic (-) enantiomer to macromolecules was investigated in mouse skin in vivo. Levels of the adducts were measured in DNA samples isolated from the epidermis of adult Sencar mice exposed topically to (+)- and (-)-anti-BPDE for 3, 24, and 72 hr. The amount of (+)-anti-BPDE bound to epidermal DNA was approximately 3 times higher than that of the (-) enantiomer at all time points studied, with the highest level of adducts observed after 3 hr exposure. A similar time course of binding was observed in DNA purified from epidermal basal cells which were isolated from mice treated with the two enantiomers. As with the results for isolated DNA samples from whole epidermis, we also observed a 3:1 ratio of binding with (+)- and (-)-anti-BPDE in basal cell DNA. Interestingly, no significant difference in total binding between the (+) and (-) enantiomers could be detected at any time point in RNA and protein isolated from the basal cells. The formation of individual DNA adducts derived from topically applied (+)- or (-)-anti-BPDE was monitored at 3, 24, and 72 hr using high-pressure liquid chromatography. The major DNA adduct (64% of total) formed from (+)-anti-BPDE cochromatographed with marker adducts of N2-[10S-[7R,8S,9R-trihydroxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene]yl] deoxyguanosine, while other minor adducts also were observed. With the (-)-anti-BPDE, a greater variety of DNA adducts was formed, with only 20 to 30% of the radioactivity present in high-pressure liquid chromatography chromatograms corresponding to the N2-deoxyguanosine adduct. The rate of formation and disappearance of individual adducts derived from both isomers of anti-BPDE was similar over the 72-hr time course. The results suggest that, although differences exist in total binding to DNA between the two enantiomers, they do not appear to be of sufficient magnitude to explain the marked difference in biological activity of (+)- and (-)-anti-BPDE in mouse skin.
Diffuse optical tomography guided quantitative fluorescence molecular tomography.

We describe a method that combines fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) with diffuse optical tomography (DOT), which allows us to study the impact of heterogeneous optical property distribution on FMT, an issue that has not been systemically studied. Both numerical simulations and phantom experiments were performed based on our finite-element reconstruction algorithms. The experiments were conducted using a noncontact optical fiber free, multiangle transmission system. In both the simulations and experiments, a fluorescent target was embedded in an optically heterogeneous background medium. The simulation results clearly suggest the necessity of considering the absorption coefficient (μa) and reduced scattering coefficient (μ's) distributions for quantitatively accurate FMT, especially in terms of the accuracy of reconstructed fluorophore absorption coefficient (μax-->m). Subsequent phantom experiments with an indocyanine green (ICG)-containing target confirm the simulation findings. In addition, we performed a series of phantom experiments with low ICG concentration (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 1.0 μM) in the target to systematically evaluate the quantitative accuracy of our FMT approach. The results indicate that, with the knowledge of optical property distribution, the accuracy of the recovered fluorophore concentration is improved significantly over that without such a priori information. In particular absolute value of μax-->m from our DOT guided FMT are quantitatively consistent with that obtained using spectroscopic methods.
A region of adenylyl cyclase 2 critical for regulation by G protein beta gamma subunits

Receptor-mediated activation of heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) results in the dissociation of alpha from beta gamma subunits, thereby allowing both to regulate effectors. Little is known about the regions of effectors required for recognition of G beta gamma. A peptide encoding residues 956 to 982 of adenylyl cyclase 2 specifically blocked G beta gamma stimulation of adenylyl cyclase 2, phospholipase C-beta 3, potassium channels, and beta-adrenergic receptor kinase as well as inhibition of calmodulin-stimulated adenylyl cyclases, but had no effect on interactions between G beta gamma and G alpha o. Substitutions in this peptide identified a functionally important motif, Gln-X-X-Glu-Arg, that is also conserved in regions of potassium channels and beta-adrenergic receptor kinases that participate in G beta gamma interactions. Thus, the region defined by residues 956 to 982 of adenylyl cyclase 2 may contain determinants important for receiving signals from G beta gamma.
Utility of functional status for classifying community versus institutional discharges after inpatient rehabilitation for stroke.

Abstract Reistetter TA, Graham JE, Deutsch A, Granger CV, Markello S, Ottenbacher KJ . Utility of functional status for classifying community versus institutional discharges after inpatient rehabilitation for stroke. Objective To evaluate the ability of patient functional status to differentiate between community and institutional discharges after rehabilitation for stroke. Design Retrospective cross-sectional design. Setting Inpatient rehabilitation facilities contributing to the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation. Participants Patients (N=157,066) receiving inpatient rehabilitation for stroke from 2006 and 2007. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure Discharge FIM rating and discharge setting (community vs institutional). Results Approximately 71% of the sample was discharged to the community. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that FIM total performed as well as or better than FIM motor and FIM cognition subscales in differentiating discharge settings. Area under the curve for FIM total was .85, indicating very good ability to identify persons discharged to the community. A FIM total rating of 78 was identified as the optimal cut point for distinguishing between positive (community) and negative (institution) tests. This cut point yielded balanced sensitivity and specificity (both=.77). Conclusions Discharge planning is complex, involving many factors. Identifying a functional threshold for classifying discharge settings can provide important information to assist in this process. Additional research is needed to determine if the risks and benefits of classification errors justify shifting the cut point to weight either sensitivity or specificity of FIM ratings.
Analysis of Factors Which Can Affect the Preferences of Older Individuals for Hand Pruners

Selection of appropriate hand tools is an influential factor in the success of many leisure and vocational activities among older individuals. Four pruners representing different blade types and cutting mechanisms were tested in this study of tool preferences of an active population over 50 years of age. Statistical differences were found in the choice of pruners and in perceptions of Ule pruners, especially between sexes. Tool characteristics, such as weight and handle diameter, and human factors, such as hand length and grip strength, were reflected in these choices.
Pigments in aging: an overview.

Although during the normal aging process there are numerous pigmentary changes, the best recognized are those of melanin and lipofuscin. Melanin may increase (e.g., age spots, senile lentigo, or melanosis coli) or decrease (e.g., graying of hair or ocular melanin) with age, while lipofuscin (also called age pigment) always increases with age. In fact, the time-dependent accumulation of lipofuscin in lysosomes of postmitotic cells and some stable cells is the most consistent and phylogenetically constant morphologic change of aging. This pigment displays a typical autofluorescence (Ex: approximately 440; Em: approximately 600 nm), sudanophilia, argyrophilia, PAS positiveness, and acid fastness. Advances on its biogenesis, composition, evolution, and lysosomal degradation have been hampered by the persistent confusion between lipofuscin and the large family of ceroid pigments found in a variety of pathological conditions, as evidenced by the frequent use of the hybrid term lipofuscin/ceroid by investigators mainly working with in vitro systems of disputable relevance to in vivo lipofuscinogenesis. While lipofuscin and ceroid pigments may share some of their physicochemical properties at one moment or another in their evolutions, these pigments have different tissue distribution, rates of accumulation, origin of their precursors, and lectin binding affinities. Although it is widely believed that lipofuscin is a marker of oxidative stress, and that it can be, therefore, modified by antioxidants and prooxidants, these assumptions are mainly based on in vitro experiments and are not generally supported by in vivo studies. Another common misconception is the belief that lipofuscin can be extracted from tissues by lipid solvents and measured spectrofluorometrically. These and other disturbing problems are reviewed and discussed in this presentation.
Are therapeutic communities therapeutic for women

This paper addresses the growing phenomena of therapeutic community (TC) treatment approaches for women in correctional settings. Although rapidly increasing in number across the country, there is very little empirical research to support the effectiveness of TC treatment for women. Therefore, the literature on the efficacy and effectiveness of TC treatment for women is reviewed in relation to the literature on women's treatment issues. The literature review highlights the gaps where TC treatment ignores or exacerbates issues that are common to addicted women, or uses methods that may be contradictory to women's recovery.
Effects of phytase supplementation on reproductive performance, apparent total tract digestibility of Ca and P and bone characteristics in gestating and lactating sows

Summary Background: phytase supplementation to sow diets may improve digestibility of P and Ca and bone integrity of suckling piglets. Objective: two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of phytase supplementation to gestation and lactation diets on reproductive performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of P, Ca, and N in sows and bone characteristics in sows and piglets. Methods: in Experiment 1, a multistate study involving 204 sows was conducted at 3 cooperating research stations. Sows were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments at breeding: 1) negative control [low Ca and available P (aP) diet], 2) Treatment 1 plus 300 FTU of supplemental phytase/kg of diet, 3) Treatment 1 plus 600 FTU of supplemental phytase/kg of diet, and 4) positive control (normal Ca and aP diet). In Experiment 2, a total of 16 sows (Yorkshire × Landrace; average parity, 2.3) were randomly allotted to 1 of 3 treatments based on body weight (BW) and parity at d 34 ¤ To cite this article: Jang YD, Lindemann MD, van Heugten E, Jones RD, Kim BG, Maxwell CV, Radcliffe JS. Effects of phytase supplementation on reproductive performance, apparent total tract digestibility of Ca and P and bone characteristics in gestating and lactating sows. Rev Colomb Cienc Pecu 2014; 27:178-193.
MEMS applications for reconfigurable antennas for wireless data sensing

In this paper, number of reconfigurable antennas is designed to support multi-band and wideband wireless applications in the different frequency bands in the range between 1 GHz and 6 GHz. The proposed antennas consist of two unequal dipoles. By controlling the lengths of the dipoles using MEMs we are able to change the antenna operating frequency as well as the operation mode.
The NIMA kinase is required to execute stage-specific mitotic functions after initiation of mitosis.

The G2-M transition in Aspergillus nidulans requires the NIMA kinase, the founding member of the Nek kinase family. Inactivation of NIMA results in a late G2arrest, while overexpression of NIMA is sufficient to promote mitotic events independently of cell cycle phase. Endogenously tagged NIMA-GFP has dynamic mitotic localizations appearingfirst at the spindle pole body and then at nuclear pore complexes before transitioning to within nuclei and the mitotic spindle and back at the spindle pole bodies at mitotic exit, suggesting that it functions sequentially at these locations. Since NIMA is indispensable for mitotic entry, it has been difficult to determine the requirement of NIMA for subaspects of mitosis. We show here that when NIMA is partially inactivated, although mitosis can be initiated, a proportion of cells fail to successfully generate two daughter nuclei. We further define the mitotic defects to show that normal NIMA function is required for the formation of a bipolar spindle, nuclear pore complex disassembly, completion of chromatin segregation, and the normal structural rearrangements of the nuclear envelope required to generate two nuclei from one. In the remaining population of cells that enter mitosis with inadequate NIMA, two daughter nuclei are generated in a manner dependent on the spindle assembly checkpoint, indicating highly penetrant defects in mitotic progression without sufficient NIMA activity. This study shows that NIMA is required not only for mitotic entry but also sequentially for successful completion of stage-specific mitotic events.
Effect of human granulosa cell co-culture using standard culture media on the maturation and fertilization potential of immature human oocytes

Objective To determine whether culture of immature human oocytes with and without autologous cumulus cells (CC) in standard culture medium would provide additional oocytes for use in IVF procedures. Design Prospective study. Setting Hospital-based IVF practice. Patient(s) Sixty-one women undergoing 62 IVF–embryo transfer procedures between August 2004 and June 2005. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Oocyte maturation after culture with and without CC, oocyte fertilization, and zygote cleavage. Result(s) Culture with CC did not alter the maturation rate for metaphase I (M I) oocytes to the metaphase II (M II) stage. Germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes cultured with CC matured at a significantly higher rate than did GV oocytes cultured without CC. Although acceptable fertilization rates were obtained (62.1%), "usable" embryo yield was very low (13.0%). Conclusion(s) This study demonstrated good maturation of M I oocytes but poor maturation of GV oocytes in standard culture medium. Of the immature oocytes that did mature, were fertilized, and cleaved to embryos, only a very small number were actually suitable for patient use. Therefore, these extended culturing techniques were inefficient in maturing and providing additional oocytes/embryos for patient use. The use of specialized in vitro maturation medium may improve the utility of this process.
Photogeneration of Silver Particles in PVA Fibers and Films

Fibers and films prepared from blends of poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(acrylic acid) were found to be suitable matrices for the solid-state photoreduction of silver ions in the presence of air. Fast generation of nanometer-sized silver crystallites was observed when fibers of polymer blends crosslinked with dimethyl sulfoxide were irradiated with 350 nm light. Optical determinations of the formation kinetics were carried out using thin films of noncrosslinked as well as lightly and heavily crosslinked polymer blends. Small Ag clusters were detected initially, which were stable in the dark but transformed into larger metal particles upon further illumination. Both formation processes occurred only under high light intensity illumination and the kinetic data were inconsistent with monophotonic mechanisms.
Buffer Standards for the Physiological pH of the Zwitterionic Compound, ACES, from 5 to 55 °C

The values of the second dissociation constant, pK2, and related thermodynamic quantities of [N-(2-acetamido)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid] (ACES) have already been reported over the temperature range 5 to 55 °C including 37 °C. This paper reports the paH values of four chloride ion free buffer solutions and eight buffer solutions with I=0.16 mol⋅kg−1, matching closely that of the physiological sample. Conventional paH values for all twelve buffer solutions from 5 to 55 °C are reported. The residual liquid-junction potential correction for two widely used temperatures, 25 and 37 °C, has been made. The flowing-junction calomel cell method has been utilized to measure Ej, the liquid-junction potential. The operational pH values for four buffer solutions at 25 and 37 °C are calculated using the physiological phosphate buffer standard based on the NBS/NIST convention. These solutions are recommended as pH standards in the pH range of 6.8 to 7.2 for physiological fluids.
Randomized study of the duration of treatment with interferon alfa-2B in patients with hairy cell leukemia

Several previous studies have demonstrated that both partially purified and recombinant alpha-interferons (alpha-IFNs) have high response rates in advanced hairy cell leukemia. However, the optimal dose and duration of therapy have not yet been defined. In this study, 90 patients were randomized after 12 months of IFN alfa-2b therapy with a standard dose of 2 X 10(6) U/m2 sc three times weekly to either no further therapy or an additional 6 months of therapy (18 mo total). There was no significant difference in the peripheral blood cell counts between the two groups (when analyzed) dating from the end of IFN therapy rather than from the time of randomization. Eighteen evaluable patients relapsed and were re-treated with IFN: 11 in the no-further-therapy group and 7 in the treated group. No patient was resistant to re-treatment with IFN. There was a significantly greater incidence of fatigue in the treated group (44% vs. 21%; P = .02) during the first 6 postrandomization months. We conclude that the duration of IFN therapy does not influence the clinical course after therapy is discontinued, but responses are maintained while patients receive therapy. However, because of a high incidence of fatigue with prolonged therapy and the ability to reinduce a second response, we recommend that IFN therapy be discontinued after 12 months in asymptomatic patients.
Field and laboratory evaluation of fracture resistance of Illinois hot-mix asphalt overlay mixtures

A major study of reflective cracking of asphalt overlays that are used in conjunction with interlayer systems for reflective-crack control was recently completed. In this cooperative study at the Illinois Center for Transportation, three field projects in central Illinois were selected and extensive coring was performed. Six fundamentally different types of hotmix asphalt overlay mixtures, which were expected to demonstrate significantly different levels of fracture resistance, were obtained from coring. To evaluate the fracture resistance of these mixtures in the field and the laboratory, visual field crack surveys and a series of advanced laboratory tests were conducted. This paper presents field performance evaluation results for the performance-benefit ratio and laboratory performance evaluation results for creep stiffness (St), complex modulus (E*), and diskshaped compact tension fracture energy (Gf). Field performance of pavement sections with premium overlay mixtures was found to be superior to tho...
Atomistic explanation of shear-induced amorphous band formation in boron carbide.

Boron carbide (B_4C) is very hard, but its applications are hindered by stress-induced amorphous band formation. To explain this behavior, we used density function theory (Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof flavor) to examine the response to shear along 11 plausible slip systems. We found that the (011 ¯ 1 ¯ )/⟨1 ¯ 101⟩ slip system has the lowest shear strength (consistent with previous experimental studies) and that this slip leads to a unique plastic deformation before failure in which a boron-carbon bond between neighboring icosahedral clusters breaks to form a carbon lone pair (Lewis base) on the C within the icosahedron. Further shear then leads this Lewis base C to form a new bond with the Lewis acidic B in the middle of a CBC chain. This then initiates destruction of this icosahedron. The result is the amorphous structure observed experimentally. We suggest how this insight could be used to strengthen B_4C.
Endurance training increases fatty acid turnover, but not fat oxidation, in young men

We examined the effects of exercise intensity and a 10-wk cycle ergometer training program [5 days/wk, 1 h, 75% peak oxygen consumption (V˙o 2 peak)] on plasma free fatty acid (FFA) flux, total fat...
Clostridium perfringens Gastroenteritis

Clostridium perfringens is a leading cause of foodborne illness, though cases are widely under-reported because of the mild nature of the gastrointestinal illness, which consists of diarrhea and abdominal cramps. These appear 8–24 hours following ingestion of large numbers of vegetative cells in temperature-abused protein foods, typically meat and poultry. Cells sporulate in the small intestine, producing an enterotoxin. The ability of C. perfringens to grow at elevated temperatures, produce spores, and reproduce rapidly contributes to its role as an important cause of foodborne illness.
Successful Treatment of Severe Asthma Exacerbation with Sevoflurane Inhalation in the Intensive Care Unit

Inhaled anesthetics have known bronchodilator effects. Herein we report the case of a patient with a life threatening asthma exacerbation requiring prolonged intubation. His asthma was resistant to conventional measures, but eventually responded to sevoflurane inhalation. The mechanism of inhaled anesthetic bronchodilation and its potential role in therapy are discussed.
Fabrication and Optical Transmission Properties of ZnO Nanowire Waveguide Arrays

We demonstrate the fabrication of ZnO nanowire arrays of controlled diameter and spacing and show that strong resonant transmission of visible light through ZnO nanowaveguide arrays in a silver film can be achieved.
Finding small holes: a brief foray into computational topology

Numerous applications call for the detection of small topological features in various spaces; examples include simplification of surfaces reconstructed from point clouds, efficient algorithms for graphs embedded on surfaces, coverage analysis for ad-hoc/sensor networks, and topological analysis of high-dimensional data. This talk is a survey algorithms for one of the simplest problems of this type: finding the shortest cycle in a given topological space that cannot be continuously contracted to a point. Spaces of interest include polygons with holes, combinatorial surfaces, piecewise-linear 2-manifolds, Rips-Vietoris complexes, and general simplicial complexes. Almost no optimal algorithms are known, even in settings where the problem has a straightforward polynomial-time solution; consequently, the talk will include several open problems. No prior knowledge of topology will be assumed.
Bone marrow transplantation in hematologic malignancies

Marrow toxicity from chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be overcome by reconstituting the patient's hematopoietic capacity. In practice, allogeneic marrow transplantation has largely been limited to the leukemias. The article reviews clinical experience, emphasizing results with grafts, as well as major problems—relapse, GVHD, infection, and donor matching and availability.
How We Use and Are Used by Social Media in Education.

In this article, Nicholas C. Burbules explores the effects of various social media on the ways people communicate, and the implications of these effects for the use of social media in educational contexts. Facebook, Twitter, and a host of other applications are being used in increasing numbers, especially by young people. It is where they live, share, and learn, so it is to be expected that educators would want to find ways to use these technologies to engage them. At the same time, however, these new media come with a host of issues and dangers as well as possibilities. Creative educators need to be aware of these in weighing the advantages and disadvantages of social media for educational purposes.
Selective N-terminal functionalization of native peptides and proteins.

We report an efficient, highly selective modification on the N-terminal amines of peptides and proteins using aldehyde derivatives via reductive alkylation. After modification of a library of unprotected peptides XYSKEASAL (X varies over 20 natural amino acids) by benzaldehyde at room temperature, pH 6.1 resulted in excellent N-terminal selectivity (α-amino/e-amino: >99 : 1) and high reaction conversion for 19 out of the 20 peptides. Under similar conditions, highly selective N-terminal modifications were achieved with a variety of aldehydes. Furthermore, N-termini of native peptides and proteins could be selectively modified under the same conditions to introduce bioorthogonal functional groups. Using human insulin as an example, we further demonstrated that preserving the positive charge in the N-terminus using reductive alkylation instead of acylation leads to a 5-fold increase in bioactivity. In summary, our reported method provides a universal strategy for site-selective N-terminal functionalization in native peptides and proteins.
Managing the Complex Issues of Pediatric Nonaccidental Trauma: A Simulation-Based Case of a Critically Injured Child.

Introduction Trainees generally have insufficient training in managing critically ill and injured pediatric patients due to limited exposure to such patients. Patient simulation experiences allow t...
Ensemble Kalman Filter Data Assimilation for the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS)

AbstractA global atmospheric analysis and forecast system is constructed based on the atmospheric component of the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS-A) and the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) ensemble Kalman filter. The system is constructed using the unstructured MPAS-A Voronoi (nominally hexagonal) mesh and thus facilitates multiscale analysis and forecasting without the need for developing new covariance models at different scales. Cycling experiments with the assimilation of real observations show that the global ensemble system is robust and reliable throughout a one-month period for both quasi-uniform and variable-resolution meshes. The variable-mesh assimilation system consistently provides higher-quality analyses than those from the coarse uniform mesh, in addition to the benefits of the higher-resolution forecasts, which leads to substantial improvements in 5-day forecasts. Using the fractions skill score, the spatial scale for skillful precipitation forecasts is evaluated over t...
The Pediatric Anesthesiology Workforce: Projecting Supply and Trends 2015-2035.

BACKGROUND:A workforce analysis was conducted to predict whether the projected future supply of pediatric anesthesiologists is balanced with the requirements of the inpatient pediatric population. The specific aims of our analysis were to (1) project the number of pediatric anesthesiologists in the